Disclaimer: I don't own Love Hina.
There can't be many people who've had as many "dry runs" for Tokyo U as I have. Sure, there are other third year ronins, but at least their actual entrance exams weren't just a preparation for a future test. I've taken the actual test twice before, not expecting to pass and not wanting to either, even though I know I have the aptitude for it.
I know what you're thinking, that I must be addicted to the ronin lifestyle, but it's not that at all. I think I could get addicted to the university lifestyle, but being a ronin - well, it doesn't impress anybody, and it's hard work. I'm just glad that my family understands. I don't know what I'd do without my mother's support in particular.
But now the test is coming up again, and I have to ask myself, is it for real this time? I wish I knew. I'll study hard in any case, because I have to know that when the time does come I'll be up to the task; but I've seen the same sort of questions, so many times, that sometimes I think I could do the exams in my sleep... no, I mustn't get complacent! I did that during the practice tests, and only got fifty percent. It's a good thing, perhaps, that those exams don't actually count. If this really is the year, then I must't fare like that in the exams that do count. That wouldn't do at all!
This is the first year when it could actually be for real, but is it? I'm sure my protectress knows, but she hasn't told me, and I don't want to press. I've presumed too much on her goodness already, and she has saved me more times than I could count. But she only steps in when she's really, really needed, which is as it should be, and I haven't got to that stage yet. Dying to know isn't quite the same thing as dying. She does tell me, though, that I'll know when the time comes, and I'll satisfy myself with that.
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And now it actually is the big day, when I face the first of the exams, and still I don't know if this is the time when I have to go all out to win. I have a part of the answer, though. Kei-kun bumped into me - literally. I'm pretty sure it was him, though I only saw him for a second or so before I blacked out from the shock, and from the force of the collision. I felt dizzy afterwards, and I was a few minutes late for the start of the exam, but I don't blame him for that. He was in a hurry, and with good reason.
I'm fairly sure he didn't recognise me; well, it has been fifteen years after all, and there's no reason why he should. It's not like I have an unforgettable appearance. More importantly, at least he hasn't forgotten his promise. I took a seat in the exam hall, fortunately quite close to kei-kun. All the seats reserved for latecomers were close together, so really I was bound to be close to him. I sneaked a glance at him, yes, it really was my Kei-kun, no mistake. Suddenly I felt so much better. It even felt good that I had collided with him earlier - though a kiss would have been nicer, at least it was contact, after so many years of being apart. And perhaps I'd be able to reintroduce myself to him at the end of the exam, and we'd be able to go somewhere and chat about childhood, and promises ...
But what about Na-chan? somehow I'd had the impression that Kei-Kun and Na-chan would be together, but when he bumped into me he'd been on his own. Still, if he was slightly late, maybe she was too. Maybe she was one of the people sat very close to me; but I hadn't seen her since she was three. Would I recognise her?
Glancing around, I soon spotted her. Well, I was fairly sure it was her. She was so pretty, and Kei-Kun was so cute too. What a marvellous trio we'd make when we did all finally pass together! I saw nervous glances passing between the two of them, and I knew that I was right. In fact they were both very nervous-looking indeed. I wanted to give them both a hug to calm them down, but I know you don't do that sort of thing in the middle of an exam.
Well, we were all together now, so there was nothing left to do except give it my best shot, and hope for the best. So, I got down to work. Most of the questions weren't too hard, and for those that were - well, my patented secret study weapon has never failed me yet. But then there was a disturbance. Kei-Kun got up - he was actually leaving, giving up! I was suddenly distraught. I felt I had to get up myself, and remind him about the promise, but then Na-chan got up and did it for me, taking the words right out of my mouth. "You promised me, didn't you! Are you just gonna give up, after coming this far! You promised me, didn't you, that we would pass together!"
Yes, Kei-Kun, you promised us that we would all three pass together. I almost shouted it out myself, but something held me back.
Kei looked stunned. He choked out a few words about Naru being the girl of his promise, about how she was always there for him, keeping the promise; but he said it quietly, so that I only just caught part of what he said. Then he picked up some resolve, and shouted for the entire hall to hear, about how he would keep his promise, and get into Tokyo U with her, and how they'd both live happily ever after.
Well, I've never seen a scene like that in an exam hall, though I'm told I have been the cause of quite a scene myself in the past. But the examiners fortunately allowed Kei to return to his seat and continue the exam, after he promised there'd be no more outbursts. They allowed the exam to go on for about two minutes longer than it should have done, to make up for the commotion. I think I did OK, but I'm not sure. I was surprised to find that I needed those two extra minutes.
Do I need to pass anyway? I still don't know for sure if this is the year. They both sounded so confident, but they looked so nervous! We're half way through the exams, and I still don't know! Ara!
So now the first exam is over, and I can collect my thoughts together about what just happened. Now this I do know: Kei-Kun and Na-Chan both know about the promises. They seem to remember in some detail. Perhaps they both remember me, and the part I played. I hope so. Perhaps they talk about me and my promises, while they are studying together. But I can't bring myself to introduce myself to them just now. I know there's still another day of testing to go, and I don't want to disturb them before that all-important second day. Besides, I have to know how Na-Chan and Kei-Kun feel about each other. If Na-Chan is still deeply in love with Kei-Kun and vice-versa - well, I will have to keep my promise to her. It'll be hard, but their happiness is what matters most. But if they are just study-buddies, with no aim but to get to university together like they promised, then maybe there will be more in this for me than the renewal of an old friendship, and happy student days at Tokyo U. I have to know, but I can't just step up to them and confront them. Not now, anyway. Maybe after the last exam, or maybe when the results are published. Soon, anyway.