Whatcha Thinking now, Keitaro?

by lucesw

[Completed]Kaolla Su builds a machine to read people’s minds and tests it out on Keitaro. It works at first, but then malfunctions. What effect will this have on Keitaro’s relationship with Naru? Please R&R! Wow, it's done!

8. Decision! Go, Keitaro, go!

Whatcha' thinking now, Keitaro?

Disclaimer: I do not own anything Love Hina or Love Hina-ish or any related characters.

A/N: Ara...yeah, the story seems to me like it's going nowhere...nowhere! But as I live, I will finish the story! (I hate it when people just leave stories undone) If you disagree...thank goodness for people like you! You make me sooo happy as the reviews still come in! Woo hoo hoo! So pairings (by the way, I sort of forgot about Kanako...bleah, I will never write a Keitaro/Kanako fic...incest...bad...nasty...yuck) will finally (I been saying that for a while) be chosen. Expect the worst, or best! I also want to thank the German reviewer who reviewed! Bravo, I don't mind if your English is not the best (I sure as heck don't know any German. Only a couple words, like erdbeer is strawberry or something), but if you can read my story, you're pretty darn good! Please R&R!

"..." Denotes speech (or shouting :)

Italics denotes thinking

Chapter 8: Decision! Go, Keitaro, go!

That night...

"Ugh," Keitaro groaned, limping into the dining area. "That was painful." He rifled through the cabinets until he found some Tylenol. He quickly swigged it down. "Note to self: never do anything like this again."

"Hi, sempai!" Shinobu cried, coming in to the room. "Um...I have to make dinner."

"Don't worry, I'll be gone soon," Keitaro answered. All of the girls were acting like the morning had never happened. Well, actually for Narusegawa and Motoko the morning had not happened; they really had not confessed. Shinobu had tried to forget it; she was very ashamed that she had tricked sempai. He may never forgive me... she thought, but even though Su had pointed out that Keitaro had kissed her twice, and one was after he knew what had happened. Still, Shinobu was wary and tried to ignore the matter.

"Sempai? Are you okay?" Shinobu asked. Aw, so sweet she's concerned...um Keitaro thought. Shinobu inwardly smiled upon hearing Keitaro's thoughts. Maybe he doesn't hate me after all, she thought.

"Well, um..." Keitaro said, coming back to reality and realizing what he had thought. "I guess you heard that. Oh well, um...can't be helped," he muttered as he left the room.

"Sempai..." Shinobu whispered to herself. Su popped her head in to the kitchen.

"Hiya Shinobu! What are you thinking about?" Su asked.

"Eh? Nothing! Nothing! I'm just cooking dinner, that's it!" Shinobu said.

"I bet you were thinking of Keitaro again, weren't you?"

"Of course not!"

"Haha! Your face is red, Shinobu!" Su cried out.

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"Hi Keitaro!" Naru called out as she returned from her job. She had forgotten the mood of the morning.

"Greetings Urashima," Motoko said, also having forgotten the mood.

"Um...hi," Keitaro mumbled, not having forgotten what "Naru" and "Motoko" had said to him that morning. He quickly left, mumbling about something to repair.

"What's up with him?" Naru asked Motoko.

"I do not know. Perhaps something...bad happened? Maybe we should ask Shinobu," Motoko answered.

"Good idea. We can also check what's for dinner," Naru said.

"Hello, Narusegawa-sempai," Shinobu said. Naru and Motoko waved a hello.

"Is that pork fried rice?" Motoko asked. "Urashima's favorite food?" (A/N I do not know what Keitaro's favorite food is, but from reading others, I have gathered it is this dish. If I am wrong, a simple review check to tell me is helpful!)

"Um..." Shinobu stuttered. "Well, I thought he needed his favorite food from working so hard!"

"Right..." Naru said. "Anyways, he seems to be acting weird. Do you know what happened?"

"Um...don't you remember, Narusegawa-sempai?" Shinobu asked. Eh? What is Shinobu talking about? Naru thought. "And you to, Motoko-sempai?"

"Shinobu, just what are you talking about?" Motoko asked.

"Um...maybe you should just ask Sempai himself..." Shinobu said, and left them standing to cook dinner.

"Um..." Naru said.

"She is right. Let us go ask Urashima," Motoko said, and she and Naru went upstairs to Keitaro's room. They slid open the door to see Keitaro talking to himself.

"Eh? Motoko, Naru?!" Keitaro said in surprise. "Um, I kind of want to be by myself right now..."

"Why are you avoiding me?" Naru asked directly. Keitaro flustered for a bit.

"Um...um..."

"Urashima? Please tell us," Motoko said. "If we are causing you pain..." What the? What the heck am I saying? Aren't I always causing him pain? Arrghh, the feeling from this morning is coming back! Motoko thought.

"Don't you remember?" Keitaro asked slowly.

"Remember what?" Naru asked. "We weren't home the whole day, idiot."

"WHAT?!" Keitaro said, mouth hanging open. "But...but...I could have sworn...err..."

"What, Urashima?"

"Yeah, tell us what's up."

"Well..." Keitaro stuttered. He really didn't want to tell them. If I say what I saw, they'll kill me, he thought. Eep!

"All right, what did you see?" Naru said. Keitaro backed away.

"Urashima..." Motoko said. "You do not have to worry. I will promise upon my honor that no matter what you say, me nor Narusegawa-sempai will hurt you." She smiled. Uhhhhh, Keitaro thought, upon seeing Motoko smile.

"What?! You can't make that promise for me!" Naru complained. "What if he did something really perverted?"

"Was it perverted, Urashima?" Motoko asked.

"NO! Of course not!" Keitaro shouted quickly in reply. Why is Motoko defending this idiot? Naru asked herself.

"Speak, Keitaro," Naru said. "Obviously then you have nothing to fear."

"Well...okay, but I don't know why you two don't remember anything. It was about this morning, after," Keitaro blushed a deep red, "Mutsumi-chan confessed. Anyways, you two came up and told me you wanted to tell me something."

"Go on, Urashima," Motoko said.

"Well, I thought it might be about some money business or something like that, but it wasn't. It was, ah something else."

"What was it? Hurry up and get to the point, Keitaro," Naru said.

"Well, it was you two confessing also and demanding that I give you both an answer by tomorrow."

DOOO-OONG!

Motoko and Naru were shocked beyond belief. How could this have happened? They were not even at the Hinata-sou for the entire day and they definitely knew that they had not confessed.

"Um...um...um..." they both stuttered, mouths open. "We did...what?!"

"Heh, well, um...you both confessed your love and demanded I choose a girl by tomorrow," Keitaro nervously said again. This is bad! Bad! I did no such thing! Naru thought. Urashima...I have confessed? But, but, when? Motoko thought.

"Keitaro, you must be making this up! I have never said anything like this ever!" Naru shouted.

"I swear! I-I'm not lying! Why would I make this up? Do you think I want to make a decision by tomorrow?" Keitaro shouted back.

"Liar! We know that your perverted mind is jumping for joy at having so many girls confess! Admit it!" Naru retaliated.

"Well, I can't say I'm not surprised, but it's not like I wanted to make a decision this way!" Keitaro continued in a loud voice.

"Lies!" Naru shouted bringing her fist back, ready to punch. But before Keitaro had a chance to show off his immortality, Motoko had grabbed Naru's fist and was holding her back.

"Motoko?! Let me hit him!" Naru cried, struggling.

"We promised, Narusegawa-sempai, that we would not hurt him if he did see anything perverted. Apparently this is just a mystery on which why two people dressed up like us would," here Motoko blushed red, "confess our feelings to Urashima."

"What feelings? I have no feelings for this idiot!" Naru shouted.

"Y-you don't?" Keitaro asked, saddened in his heart.

"Of course not!" Naru said defiantly. Why would like a perverted idiot like him? She thought, but another side of her brain was fighting back.

But look at how nice he is, how gentlemanly he is! It pointed out.

What? He's just one big pervert! She thought.

Come on, you know all of those were accidents!

What about that time he tried to kiss me while I was sleeping?

He said you were just too cute to resist. Is that so bad?

But...he's stupid! It took him three whole years to get in to Todai!

But he's also dedicated. Don't you realize that he pushed for three whole years? That's some major dedication.

Still, it's not like I have feelings for him.

Yeah, so whenever Mutsumi-chan kisses him, you don't care.

Well, I can't let him take advantage of Mutsumi-chan, can I?

That made lots of sense. Mutsumi-chan kissing Keitaro is Keitaro taking advantage of Mutsumi-chan.

Well...

Admit it, you like him. Somewhere deep down inside. You do.

All right, so I might feel something! Will you shut up?

Nope. As your conscience, it is my job to continue until you say what is right.

And what is right oh so haughty one?

You should confess right now that even though you didn't say I love you, you still love him.

But...but...

Then I'll shut up.

"Narusegawa-sempai?" Motoko said, suddenly causing Naru to snap back to reality.

"What? Huh?" she said.

"Urashima and I have decided to search and inquire for our impersonators. Would you like to help us?" Do it! It will be a good chance to confess! The conscience said.

"Uh, sure!" Naru said.

"I have a pretty good idea who it is," Keitaro said. "Su earlier had a device that turns people into other people. But I don't think she would use it like it was used. Thus it must be Kitsune. She is that type of person."

"But didn't you say that me and Motoko, ?" Naru asked hesitantly.

"Your right! Maybe Kanako?" Keitaro said.

"Perhaps. Her attraction for her onii-san still has not disappeared," Motoko commented.

"Eh? Attraction?" Keitaro said.

"You really don't know?" Naru said. "That Kanako wants to marry you?"

"But...but...she's my sister!" Keitaro said. "It's impossible."

"But you guys aren't blood related," Naru said. "So she sees it as possible."

"No, no I just refuse to believe it! Even if she does, I will never ever! A sister is a sister! It's simply impossible," Keitaro declared.

"Whatever," Naru flippantly replied. They walked to the tea house in silence.

"She really has feelings for me?" Keitaro asked again.

"Yes you dummy!" Naru said, smacking Keitaro though only playfully.

"I too have feelings, Urashima," Motoko suddenly said.

"Eh?" Naru said, sweat-dropping.

"R-really?" Keitaro said.

"Yes. In a way I am grateful for the circumstances. I wish to say that...that I love you!" Motoko cried, and while blushing a deep shade of red she hugged Keitaro.

"I...uh..." Keitaro stuttered. "Well, um, heh heh." Naru just stared, surprised. The level of amazement was off the charts, and Naru's eyes bulged many centimeters from her head.

"Urashima..." Motoko trailed off, and released him from her arms. "I know that you have conflict, it is written on your face. But when you make your decision sometime...please do not count me out." Motoko was very serious and while her face was red, it was the same tone of voice in which she talked to Keitaro (sometimes) about her training. She was dead serious. Naru's mouth dropped open. Motoko confessed? N-no way! She thought. Her conscience told her You'll be left out of the game if you don't confess soon!

Shut up!

You haven't confessed yet! They reached the tea house with no more events and opened the door.

"Welcome, Keitaro-kun, Naru-chan, and Motoko-chan!" Mutsumi cried. "Want a snack?"

"Mutsumi, I already told you we're closed," Haruka said from within.

"But it's Keitaro-kun!" Mutsumi said.

"He can come in, but no food."

"Um...actually we're just looking for Kanako and Kitsune," Keitaro said.

"Oh! They're just getting ready to go up to the Hinata-sou. They're in Kanako's room."

"Thanks Mutsumi-chan!" Keitaro said, heading for the stairs. Of course, Mutsumi followed them, quite unnoticed. Keitaro went to Kanako's room and knocked on the door.

"Hello? Anyone here?" he called out.

"Onii-san?"

"Keitaro?" The door slid open and Kanako appeared.

"What is it, onii-san?"

"Kanako, did you use your disguises today?" Keitaro bluntly asked.

"W-what?" Kanako stuttered.

"Did you dress up as Naru and Motoko and trick me this morning?"

"I-I..." Kanako looked down, and Keitaro knew she had.

"And you, Kitsune?" Keitaro asked. Shock plastered itself upon Kitsune's face.

"Eh?! Um...um..." Kitsune stuttered. "Yes..." she mumbled.

"What did you say?" Naru asked Kitsune.

"Yes! I admit it! I dressed up as Naru and confessed to Keitaro!" Kitsune suddenly blurted, tears in her eyes.

"Kitsune?" Keitaro asked, concerned.

"But it's only because my best friend was taking so long to confess her true feelings! I wanted the man I love to be happy, and he loved my best friend!" Kitsune shouted. She ran away, crying, tears spilling from her eyes.

"Ah...um..." Naru said, shocked, but Keitaro sprang into action, immediately following Kitsune.

"Kitsune! Come back!" Keitaro shouted, running after her.

"Ah..." Mutsumi started.

"Mutsumi-chan?! When did you get here?" Naru asked in surprise.

"Shouldn't you follow your best friend, Naru-chan?" Mutsumi said. "She was crying."

"You're right, of course," Motoko said. "Let us go catch up to Urashima." With that, Motoko started after Keitaro with Kanako tagging behind.

"Naru-chan? Don't you wish to follow Keitaro-kun and Kitsune-chan?" Mutsumi said.

"Um...sort of..." Naru mumbled.

"Ah I see what's the matter! ♥" Mutsumi suddenly cried, clasping her hands together. Naru sweat-dropped.

"What is it?" she asked.

"You love Keitaro-kun and Kitsune-chan! So you don't want to hurt either! Also, you're afraid that Kitsune just said what you really feel, so you're afraid to face Keitaro!"

"What?!" Naru said. Hahaha! Her conscience said. It's true! Go and confess! You'll definitely be his choice!

Shut up! I don't want to be Keitaro's girlfriend! He's too stupid and perverted!

We already had this conversation.

Arrrgh!

"Naru-chan..." Mutsumi said. "Let's go! ♥" And Mutsumi grabbed Naru hands and dragged her to the entrance of the tea house, where everyone else was. Kitsune had stopped crying, but her eyes were still red and she had her head facing the ground.

"Keitaro?" she said.

"Yes? Are you okay now? I'm very sorry, Kitsune-chan!" Keitaro said, bowing profusely.

"No, I should be the one apologizing. I...just want you to know...that..." Kitsune started, but she couldn't finish. Aha! Naru's conscience suddenly sprung up again. She's going to confess!

Kitsune? She would never! Naru thought defiantly.

"Keitaro I love you!" Kitsune cried, hugging Keitaro.

"Eh?!" Keitaro exclaimed, being hugged passionately for the second time today and in his life. Ah...so this is what it's like to be loved...uulp! Keitaro thought. Yet Kitsune just said,

"Don't forget!" and Kitsune let go of Keitaro.

"Forget what?" Keitaro asked.

"You have to decide soon! You can't go on with everyone loving you and not choosing!"

"Eh heh heh...um...about that..." Keitaro stuttered.

"Keitaro..." Naru whispered to herself. Confess now! Naru's conscience shouted.

"Don't worry, but you don't have to decide by tomorrow, but by sometime!" And Kitsune smiled her fox smile and left Keitaro mouth-open.

"Onii-san!" Kanako suddenly shouted. "I have for a long time admired you too!"

"No, you're my sister!"

"But not by blood! I want you to consider me also!" Kanako demanded.

"I can't! It's not right!" Keitaro said.

"Onii-san!" Kanako complained. They argued like this while Mutsumi whispered into Naru's ear.

"Naru-chan, you should go confess now! ♥" she giggled. "Or else you will be left out of the running!" Mutsumi pushed Naru closer.

"Onii-san!" Kanako shouted again, grabbing Keitaro.

"Ack! I can't breathe!" Keitaro chocked.

"Keitaro!" Naru screamed, and she separated Kanako from Keitaro.

"Kanako...I love you but only as a brother loves a sister. It'll have to keep that way," Keitaro said, patting Kanako on the head.

"Onii-san..." Kanako whispered.

"Okay?"

"Yes, onii-san!" Kanako said.

"Ah, Narusegawa-sempai," Motoko said. "Greetings."

"Oh...um...hi!" Naru said. "I just came here to...um..."

"To what, Narusegawa?" Keitaro said.

"Say hi! Hi! That's it, goodbye!" Naru said, and she ran outside. Darn it, why can't I say it?! She thought furiously while running towards the Hinata-sou. I will never be able to say it!

Not true, her conscience said.

Not you again!

Yup! So...how about after dinner?

Shut up!

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They all made it back to the Hinata-sou alive. Most of the girls were blushing, and Keitaro was just in conflict, his mind reeling. But he tried desperately not to think about it – due to the fact the girls would hear every word. So he made useless small talk until they came into the dining room.

"WOAH!" Keitaro cried. "Is this pork fried rice?!"

"Uh...yes, sempai!" Shinobu said. "I hope you like it!" Keitaro and all the girls sat down.

"Yum!" Keitaro said, tears streaming from joy. "It looks so good!" They all sat down and cried, "ITKADAKISU!" (A/N: I have no clue how to spell this word. What does it mean, anyways?) Keitaro gobbled up the food like he had been starving for a year. Everyone else ate normally, except for Shinobu who just sat in her chair and smiled.

"Eh?" Su said, mouth full. "Shinobu, how come you're not eating?" But Shinobu either didn't hear her or ignored Su. She just kept on smiling watching Keitaro eat. "Shinobu!" Su shouted in her ear.

"What?! What happened?!" Shinobu said worriedly, looking around quickly. Everyone stopped eating and stared at Shinobu. "Ah...never mind!" Everyone except Su went back to eating.

"What were you thinking of, Shinobu? Keitaro again?" Su said.

"Eh? No! Of course not!" Shinobu said desperately.

"Hahaha! You're lying, cause your face is all red!" Su laughed.

"Um...excuse me..." Shinobu mumbled and she got up to leave.

"Eh?" Keitaro said, noticing that Shinobu was getting up. "Why are you leaving? You haven't tasted your own good food yet!"

"I'm not that hungry. I ate before cooking," Shinobu lied.

"When? I'm not letting you out before you eat some of this delicious pork fried rice!" Keitaro declared, blocking the door.

"Sempai! I'm really okay!" Shinobu said.

"Idiot, let her go if she wants to," Naru said.

"But, she made such good food..." Keitaro pointed out. "No!" he cried, as Shinobu made a movement towards the door, and he blocked the doorway.

"Sempai!" Shinobu cried. Keitaro blocked the doorway and held out his bowl of pork rice.

"I shouldn't eat all of it anyways," Keitaro said. "C'mon, I know you are still hungry!" Shinobu took the bowl and ate some rice. It was quite good, as Shinobu already knew, since she tasted everything before serving it. "Alright, now eat some more!" SLAP! Haruka had entered and slapped Keitaro on the head.

"Are you forcing a girl to eat? If she's not hungry don't make her," Haruka said.

"Aunt Haruka!" Keitaro cried. SLAP!

"You know, for a Todai student you're really stupid," Haruka said.

"Sorry Haruka-san!" Keitaro apologized.

"Yeah. Look, I'm just here to check up on you and you're work, so don't mind me. I'll be back to report." Haruka left the room. Keitaro rubbed his head.

"Sorry, Shinobu. I guess I don't think about others enough..." Keitaro apologized.

"Oh, you don't have to apologize! You were just trying to help!" Shinobu said.

"Look, I'm really sorry. How bout I make it up to you? Tomorrow, I'll cook!" Keitaro said.

"You don't have too!" Shinobu said.

"No, I must! What's you're favorite dish?" Keitaro asked.

"Um...anything made by sempai is good!" Shinobu said.

"Okay, then tomorrow I'll cook!" Keitaro stated, and he let Shinobu through. "Okay, you can leave now." Shinobu hesitated. "What's wrong?" Keitaro asked.

"Um...I forgot what I had to do!" Shinobu said, and Keitaro and Shinobu laughed.

"Okay, it looks good so far," Haruka said, re-entering.

"Ah, Aunt–" SLAP! "I mean, Haruka-san!" Keitaro corrected hastily, rubbing his head.

"By the way," Haruka said, "Is everything okay around here?"

"What are you talking about, Haruka-san?" Naru asked.

"Well, how about it Keitaro? Any bad thoughts lately?" Haruka asked.

"Well, I've sort of stopped thinking all together," Keitaro explained.

"If he could ever think in the first place!" Su snickered.

"And thus I've solved my problem!" Keitaro said.

"Wow, it sounds like a big improvement. Well, I'm off," Haruka said, but she suddenly stopped. "So, did, ah, you make a decision yet?"

"Decision about what?" Keitaro asked. Wait, could she mean the confession decision? His brain automatically thought.

"Confession? Who confessed?" Haruka asked. Oh darn it all! Keitaro thought. SLAP! "Haven't I told you not to swear in your head with kids around? Now what confession? And I'll know if you lie."

"Everyone always knows when I lie, it seems. Well, um...how bout you ask them?" Keitaro said, and pointed to Naru.

"Hmm? Naru, you finally confessed? Took you long enough," Haruka said.

"What?! I didn't!" Naru denied.

"Well who did? How about you raise your hands?" Haruka said. Slowly, Shinobu, Motoko, and Kitsune raised their hands. "Woah! And Naru hasn't yet?" Haruka said out loud.

"Haruka-san! I've already said I don't have any feelings for this idiot!" Naru complained.

"Hmm...right. Just like Keitaro doesn't have any feelings for you," Haruka said. That's not true...I really like Narusegawa, Keitaro mused to himself. "See? He just proved my point," Haruka said.

"Wait...did I just say that out...loud?"

"Yup!" Su said. "Don't worry, everyone knew that already!" Keitaro had shock written on his face.

"Fu, fu fu fu..." he stuttered. Narusegawa... her conscience started. Look, he already confessed too! If you confess, then you'll definitely be his choice!

But I just...can't! Naru thought.

"Well, Naru, what do you think of that?" Haruka asked.

"Haruka-san!" Keitaro whined. "You can't ask that!"

"I-I...might like Keitaro..." Naru said.

"What?! What does that mean?!" Keitaro asked.

"Yes, Narusegawa, what does that mean?" Motoko asked.

"Narusegawa-sempai...please tell us the truth," Shinobu asked.

"I, uh, um..." Naru stuttered.

"Naru, tell us all, please," Motoko asked.

"Yeah, do you want to be in the pool to?!" Su exclaimed.

"Su! It's not like that at all!" Keitaro complained.

"You're right! 'Cause if Naru says she likes you the pool will evaporate and Naru will be the winner! Hee hee hee! ♥" Su giggled.

"What are you saying Su!!!" Naru shouted.

"It's simple. Let me draw a diagram," Su said, and she took out a white board from nowhere. "First we have Keitaro," Su said matter-of-factly, drawing a picture of Keitaro's head.

"I don't look like that at all!" Keitaro complained.

"Next we have Motoko, Shinobu, Kanako, Kitsune, etc. etc. etc." Su continued, drawing more heads. "It's quite obvious that everyone has basically fallen in love with Keitaro," Su explained, drawing lines to represent love. "And these people have confessed," Su said, pointing one at a time to Motoko, Kitsune, Mutsumi, Shinobu, and Kanako. "Keitaro has already rejected his sister, and will probably choose someone tomorrow of these people who have confessed," Su continued to lecture. "But if Naru confesses then everyone else is out of the picture, and Keitaro will choose Naru!" Su finished with a flourish of scribbling over the pictures of everyone else and circling Naru's picture while in huge letters writing "Naru!" Everyone was staring with their mouths hanging open. Keitaro was the first one to speak.

"It's not like that at all!" he shouted. "And who says that I'm going to choose by tomorrow?!"

"Well...you did promise," Haruka commented.

"Surely you aren't going to hold me to that?!" Keitaro exclaimed.

"Don't ask me, I didn't confess any love to you," Haruka said, causing Keitaro to sweat-drop.

"Don't joke like that, Haruka-san," Keitaro mumbled.

"Well you should ask the people you promised," Haruka said.

"Everyone? You're not going to hold me to that, right?" Keitaro asked.

"Once a man promises something, they must keep it upon their honor," Motoko started.

"WHAT?!" Keitaro shouted.

"But since the method of making you promised was by deception, I will not hold you to it."

"Thanks, Motoko!" Keitaro said, bowing.

"Yeah, that's not really fair, I guess..." Kitsune said softly.

"Sempai, you can take as long as you want!" Shinobu cried.

"Well, then it's settled," Keitaro said.

"Not quite, you haven't asked Mutsumi," Haruka said. "Plus Naru hasn't confessed."

"Haruka-san!" Naru complained. Just then Mutsumi entered.

"Well, speak of the devil," Haruka said.

"Ara, what devil?" Mutsumi inquired.

"Never mind. Keitaro?" Haruka prompted.

"Um...Mutsumi-chan?" Keitaro asked.

"Yes, Keitaro-kun? ♥" Mutsumi answered.

"Do I have to make the decision by tomorrow?" Keitaro asked.

"Of course! I going to take a bath now! ♥" Mutsumi giggled, and walked away.

"Ga, ga ga ga..." Keitaro stuttered.

"Well, now you'd better decide," Haruka said. "And keep up the good work of repairing, too." Haruka left the room. All the girls slowly filed out, except Naru who was having another mental battle with her conscience.

Look! Everyone's leaving! You can confess in safety now!

I don't WANT TO!

Didn't you hear what Su said? He will choose you!

But what if he doesn't? I don't know if I could stand being rejected by that...loser.

Don't ask questions, just do it! At least you tried!

But...

If you don't, he'll definitely not choose you. Think about it this way. One way you have a very good chance, and the other you have no chance!

Okay...I'll try. But what if I am rejected?

Rejection builds character.

I have plenty of character without having to be rejected by Keitaro!

True.

Ha! I win!

Great. Now, are you gonna confess or what?

Err...maybe.

"Narusegawa?" Keitaro asked, snapping Naru out of her tirade against her own brain. "Are you okay? You seem kind of troubled."

"Well...I'm kinda worried," Naru admitted. That you won't get him! Her conscience said. Shut up!

"About what?"

"About you."

"Me?" Keitaro asked. Oh yes! He cried, tears streaming down his face. She actually cares...uh oh, Keitaro thought as he realized he thought again. He looked towards Narusegawa, thinking she might be angry.

"Keitaro," Naru said. "I'm not angry at you."

"Really, Narusegawa?" Keitaro asked.

"Well, I'm angry, just not at you," Naru repeated.

"Then who?"

"At myself."

"Huh?" Keitaro asked. "Why are you angry at yourself?"

"Stop talking and just listen!" Naru said. Keitaro immediately shut up. "I just...want to tell you that you should choose well tomorrow."

"Eh?"

"Didn't I say to shut up?" Naru asked sadly.

"Sorry, Narusegawa," Keitaro said softly.

"I-um...just wanted to ask you if..." Naru trailed off. She just couldn't say it, the three words "I love you." It seemed so simple in theory, three little words that conveyed a huge meaning. Nobody seemed to understand how hard it was until they tried it. Friends often complain. "If you love him, just say it!" Kitsune had told Narusegawa many times. "I'm sick of waiting!" It truly seemed that Kitsune had been sick of waiting as she had also confessed. Why couldn't she say it? I must say it, but I just can't! she thought furiously. The past events swirled in her head, Kitsune, Motoko, Mutsumi...they had all confessed, and even Shinobu it had seemed had confessed! How could Shinobu do it and Naru herself was not able? Why?! WHY? WHY? WHY? She thought.

"Narusegawa? What do you want to say?" Keitaro asked. If only he'd recognize it so I wouldn't have to say it, Naru thought wistfully.

"Keitaro...I wish that..." Naru started again, but she couldn't say it. She was so distressed that she started crying.

"Narusegawa, are you alright? Don't cry!" Keitaro exclaimed, taking out a handkerchief and wiping the tears away from Naru's face. "There, what's wrong?"

"Idiot!" Naru exclaimed. "Idiot!" Naru just could not say it. I must leave before I make a fool of myself! She thought. "Go away! Don't you know to leave a crying girl alone?!"

"I..." Keitaro started, but Naru turned away.

"Keitaro, please go away," Naru said, thought she secretly didn't want him to leave.

"I can't just leave you in distress!" Keitaro said. "I won't leave until you're better!" Don't you realize that you're the problem? Naru thought.

No, you're the problem, her conscience said. You're the one who can't admit you love him.

I know! I'm just a horrible failure...Keitaro would never like a spineless girl like me.

Not true! If you confess, then he'll accept you. Suddenly Keitaro kissed Naru on the head, causing Naru to blush in shock and embarrassment.

"Narusegawa, there is no problem we cannot solve together! I got into Todai with your help, after all!" Keitaro declared. "Tell me what's wrong!"

"Idiot..." Naru said, smiling. "It's you."

"What's me?" Keitaro asked. Naru kept smiling through her tears that had stopped flowing.

"The problem is that...I really like you and didn't know how to say it." An awkward, but happy silence ensued. Good job! Naru's conscience said. I'll shut up for now. Keitaro just stood there shocked. Naru got up, and gazed at Keitaro. "Keitaro? Have a good night," she said, and left. Fu fu fu fu fu...Narusegawa actually likes me? What am I going to do now? I actually need to make a decision? Keitaro walked slowly to his room moping. I really loved Narusegawa the best and my heart says choose her...but I would feel like I'm letting everyone else down, Kitsune, Mutsumi-chan, Motoko, and Shinobu...why does this happen to me? He reached his room and plopped down on the futon. He released a long sigh. I want everyone to be happy, he thought. But what can I do that won't disappoint everyone else? He changed into his sleeping clothes and turned off the light to his room. Narusegawa... he thought as he got into the futon. Maybe sleeping on it will help...Keitaro thought. He was really tired and quickly fell asleep.

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"Did you know, that when two lovers go to Todai, they'll live happily ever after?"

"No, I didn't!" KISS!♥

"When we grow up, let's go to Todai together!"

"Yes! Let's!"

"Kei-kun? Do you promise?"

"Of course, Na-chan!"

"GAAAH!" Keitaro shouted, waking up from this memory. It was still night. Hmm...only slept for half an hour. Darn it, why did I wake up? Keitaro groggily thought. And why did I dream of the girl of my promise? In fact, I forgot all about that! Is Mutsumi-chan the girl? Or Narusegawa? Now it makes it even more confusing! Sleep...must go back to sleep. Keitaro tried to fall asleep, but only tossed and turned uncomfortably. Arrgh! I can't fall asleep. Suddenly, his door opened, and Keitaro stiffened. He used a head clearing technique he had tried to develop, though it only worked with marginal success. The intruder looked to see Keitaro sleeping, then closed the door. Keitaro kept on trying to think of nothing, but eventually he thought, Who is it? The intruder froze.

"A-are you awake, Urashima? You're not dreaming, are you?" Motoko whispered. Keitaro thought that if he didn't say anything, Motoko might think he was asleep. "Urashima...I can hear what you just thought. I just have to talk to you for a bit. I know you're awake, and even if you don't say anything you have to hear what I have to say." Keitaro felt Motoko kneel down by his head. "I-I know I confessed that I love you..." Motoko slowly said, blushing in the dark and also causing Keitaro to blush too. "But I must tell you that there is no choice. You should choose Narusegawa-sempai and f-for-forget about me..." Motoko stopped suddenly, choking back a tear.

"Motoko-chan, I could never forget you," Keitaro blurted out without thinking.

"Urashima...I thank you," Motoko said, thought Keitaro felt the tears flowing from her that were dropping onto his face. "But it is really best if you choose Narusegawa-sempai. I came here tonight for one thing." Keitaro felt Motoko getting closer. "Keitaro?" Motoko whispered right in front of his face.

"Yes?"

"C-can I k-kiss you?" Motoko asked. While Keitaro knew something of the sort was coming, he was still surprised. "I understand if you say no..." But Keitaro just felt really sad for Motoko; she loved him, yet Keitaro was going to choose Narusegawa. He just had to say yes.

"S-sure, Motoko-umph!" Keitaro cried, as Motoko kissed him. Though it lasted only 30 seconds at most, Keitaro felt like it lasted a lifetime. Finally, Motoko got up.

"Th-thank you...Keitaro," Motoko said, getting up and leaving the room. Motoko...you're too kind, Keitaro thought. Motoko heard that thought outside of Keitaro's room. She knew, though, the best thing would be to let Narusegawa-sempai get Keitaro. She knew she had no chance if she had confessed, which Motoko firmly believed had happened, and so she had acted accordingly. It's for the best, she thought, and left for her room. Keitaro, meanwhile, was still floundering in his room. Motoko-chan wants me to choose Narusegawa...but it doesn't help me at all! Now I'm even more muddled up! His door suddenly opened again.

"Motoko-chan?" Keitaro asked.

"No, it's Kitsune," Kitsune said.

"Ah...um...what's up?" Keitaro asked.

"Well...it's about this confessing business..." Her too? Keitaro thought.

"Who else came?" Kitsune asked suddenly. "Is she still here?"

"No...there's no one here," Keitaro answered.

"Well, I just wanted to tell you that you should ignore an old fox like me. I was just caught up in the heat of the moment...so...what I'm trying to say is that you should choose Narusegawa. I would hate for her to get hurt."

"Err..." Keitaro stuttered.

"Just you'd had better not forget me!" Kitsune said, winking in the dark. The moon illuminated her face, and Keitaro saw that Kitsune was back to herself. "Plus, it's fun to watch you two!" Kitsune added, and she left. Well, it seems that my decision is being chosen for me, Keitaro thought. Suddenly the third intruder for the night burst in.

"Sempai!" Shinobu cried out.

"Eh?!" Keitaro exclaimed.

"Sempai, I have a request!"

"What, Shinobu?"

"I want you to choose Narusegawa-sempai!" Shinobu said.

"Eh?"

"I can't bear to make Sempai unhappy by causing him strife and grief!" Shinobu cried, but she tripped and landed on top of Keitaro. "Oof!" Shinobu muttered.

"Ah...um...your underwear's showing..." Keitaro sheepishly said, pointing at Shinobu's skirt that had landed in a very bad position.

"Ahh!" Shinobu cried, and got up quickly. Ahh! How can I say anything after rushing in so brashly? Au! "Sempai?"

"What?" Keitaro asked, still blushing red.

"I'd really like you to choose Narusegawa-sempai..." Shinobu said.

'WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!" Naru shouted, suddenly turning on the light and blinding Keitaro and Shinobu.

"GAAH!" They both cried.

"Just WHAT were you doing?!" Naru asked. Shinobu whispered into Keitaro's ear.

"Um..." Keitaro stuttered. "It's not what it looks like! I promise!"

"I said have a good night, but I take it back!" Naru shouted, winding up.

"Narusegawa-sempai! Wait!" Shinobu cried.

"What?" Naru asked, pausing for a moment. Suddenly Keitaro grabbed Naru's hand.

"I was just choosing you!" Keitaro shouted, shocking Narusegawa into silence.

"Yo-you chose me?" Naru asked in disbelief. "Really? Keitaro...I don't know what to say." Silently, Shinobu left smiling.

"Narusegawa...I love you the most! Please accept my love!" Keitaro asked, bowing. Naru began to tear up. The idiot actually chose me... Naru thought.

"Keitaro! I accept!" Naru said, hugging Keitaro. Keitaro was shocked, but extremely happy. This is what having a girlfriend is like! He thought. Naru hugged him for a while, having an out of body experience while doing it. Woah, how did it come to this? I can't believe I'm standing there hugging Keitaro! But...it feels sort of good...

A/N: Okay, so there are probably some out of character moments. Right...but what to do about it? When people are in love, they act out of character. How about you pretend that it's not out of character? Imagine the anime expression as you read...yeah, you see how it's perfectly in character! (haha!) Okay, but I admit my original plans failed and the story is a Keitaro/Narusegawa fic. Hope you don't get extremely angry and stop reading! Please R&R!