Chapter III: Worries.
For the next few weeks, Botan was busy getting ready for college. She had finished all of her paper work and that was left to do was finding a place to leave. She and her friends had decided to rent an apartment house around the school campus. They had spent a week looking at different apartment houses. So far the ones they had seen were either too big or too small.
Today, they were supposed to visit another apartment house. They each took they own car and met at the university. They met the agent that was supposed to show them around. The apartment was huge. It has twelve bedrooms and each room has its own bathroom. There was a laundry and stock room. It contained a humongous kitchen and an also big living room.
"This is perfect." Yusuke declared. "What do you guys think?"
"It's great." Kurama said.
They all agreed that this house was great. They all made the arrangement and took care of everything. Well their parents took care of everything.
*****************
Botan saw Kurama almost every day after that. Trying to avoid him was inevitable because everywhere Yusuke and Keiko went; they wanted Botan and Kurama to accompany them. Botan didn't like it because she was afraid to be alone with him, which was ridiculous because most of the time, he was distant and preoccupied. She wondered if he would be like that once they moved into the apartment house which was in three days. But today was different. Keiko had come over to help her pack her stuff. As usual their conversation resolved around the guys.
"Don't you, guys want to be alone with each other?" Botan asked
"What do you mean?" Said Keiko.
"I mean don't you want to be alone with Yusuke without me and Kurama in your way."
"We don't mind you, guys being there."
"I mind. I want you to have fun with Yusuke. I am sure me and Kurama could find something to occupy our time."
"DO you guys want to be alone?"
"Of course not. We love hanging out with you guys."
They changed the subject. They talked about what they thought their life would be like hen they moved. After packing, Keiko left and Botan went out for a walk. Botan was walking in the woods when she ran into Kurama.
"Hi Botan." He said.
"Hey Kurama, what's up"
"Oh! Not much. What about you."
"Nothing much either."
"What are you doing in the woods so early?"
"It's a nice day out so I thought I'll take a walk."
"Can I ask you something?" He said unexpectedly
"Sure."
"Did you notice how our friends are trying to set us up?"
"So you notice."
"Yeah! I couldn't help it. I mean I like hanging out with them but I want them to have fun without having us as chaperones."
"I know what you mean."
"Do you have any idea how to make them stop?"
"I don't know. I try to talk to Keiko but she was playing dumb. She said that they don't mind us being there."
They fell into a long silent.
"Do you have a boyfriend: asked Kurama suddenly?"
She was so taking aback by his question that she was speechless for a good minute.
"Well do you?" He said again.
"Uhhh....no." she said.
"Well I thought you have someone to take you out."
"Do you think I would have spent all my time with you guys if I had a boyfriend?"
"It just seems strange that someone like you wouldn't have a boy friend."
"What do you mean? Someone like me."
"Well you are a nice person and you are pretty. So, I just assume that you would be taken or at least have an admirer."
"So you think I am pretty."
"Yeah! Don't you think you are pretty?"
"To be honest, I don't think about it that much. I mean I know I am not ugly but I am no gorgeous either."
"Well you are pretty." he said laughingly.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
"So do have any idea how we going to make them stop."
"Well. We can always refuse going out with them all the time."
"Good plan. Now Keiko would think I am trying to avoid you."
"Really? That's what Yusuke said when I told him what I think."
"Oh!"
"Well, we need to do something or they'll never leave us alone."
Botan tried to ponder the question for a while when Kurama suddenly said."
"Why don't we pretend that we are seeing other people?"
"Run that by me again."
"I mean every time they want us to go some where with them. We can tell them we have a date with someone else."
"But that would be lying not to mention that I can't keep any secret from Keiko. If I was dating anybody, she'll be the first to know it."
"Yeah! I guess you right. Yusuke would know that I am lying, too. Some friends we have."
"Tell me about it. Some times, I think Keiko knows me better than I know myself."
"I know what you mean."
"Well, there's nothing we can do. We can't run away from it, we may as well endure it.
"Maybe not."
"What are you getting at now, Kurama?"
"Oh! Nothing just a stupid idea I had."
"Why do I have the feeling that I won't like it?"
"I don't know."
"Come on, Kurama. Tell me, please."
"Okay. But don't get mad. I think that we should pretend that we're dating each other."
"What? Are you crazy?"
"I was just kidding."
She let out the breath she's been holding inside. It was stupid enough that she already has a crush on Kurama but this was outrageous. There was no way she could do something as foolish as pretending that Kurama was her boyfriend, not that she was considering it. Even if she wanted to agree to it, it wouldn't be pretending on her part. It would be real because she knows how much he had come to mean to her.
"So, are ready to move out?" he asked.
"To be honest, I'm not ready."
"Well, don't stress out about it. It will be okay."
"Yeah, I guess you're right."
"Well, I better get going. See you later, Botan."
"Okay."
After Botan parted way with Kurama, she headed home. As every Saturday, her parents were home. They were sitting on the patio. Her mother was reading a book and Her dad was working on her laptop.
"Hi mom. Hi dad."
"Hey, honey. How are you?" Asked her dad.
"Fine, dad."
"How was your walk dear?" asked her mother
"Great, mom. I met with Kurama. You guys, remember him?"
"Of course, dear: said her mom. He's such a nice boy. Don't you think so, honey?"
"Sure." replied her father. "It's so nice to see young people with good manners. Whish I could say the same for your friend Yusuke, though."
"Dad?"
"Don't worry, B. he's just kidding." Her mother said.
Her father laughed.
"Oh! By the way, Botan, Keiko called. She wants you to call her back."
"Thanks, mom. I'll go and call her right away."
"Sure, honey."
Botan went upstairs to her room and dialed her friend's phone number. It was Keiko who answered.
"Hey Keiko, it's me. Mom said you wanted me to call you."
"Yeah, I wanted to talk to you."
"What about?"
"Yusuke called me after I left your house and he said that he thinks he and I have been forcing you and Kurama on each other and I think he's right. We really didn't mean to be annoying. We just thought that the two of you would look cute together. I was wrong. I am sorry.
"That's okay. I know you didn't mean any harm. It's just that you guys didn't have to do all this. If Kurama and I are meant to be together, I am sure that we'll find a way to be with each other."
"I understand. So, do you still want to go the movies with us?"
"Sure."
"I'll catch you later."
Botan hang up the phone and went downstairs to get something to eat. Her mother was in the kitchen.
"Did you call Keiko, dear."
"Yes mom."
"Did you guys make any plans for later?"
"Yeah! You're planning to go the movies later on the day."
"That's great, honey. So, did you want something to eat?"
"Sure."
Botan helped her mom made lunch. They prepared sandwiches and made lemonade. They brought everything to the patio where her father was still working.
"Mom, where are Yukina and Hiei?"
"Your sister is at her friend's but I have no idea where your brother is."
After eating her lunch, Botan went back to her room to wash her hair. Her hair was due for its monthly treatment. It takes about twenty minutes to wash it and put treatment it and another twenty minutes to styles it. She was very pleased with the results. Her hair was now a mass of shiny blue curls. Left with nothing else to do, she turned on the TV. There was nothing good on so she turns it back off. She leans back against the pillow and let her mind wander a bit. It was no surprise that Kurama was the first thing that came up. She's been thinking about him a lot lately. She couldn't understand why Kurama had been occupying her mind a lot, than she wanted to admit. She has been obsessed with him since the first day they met. It wasn't anything that he did that made him so intriguing to her but she couldn't help but be fascinated by him. The way he talked, walked or did anything for that matter.
In other word, she was fallen in love with Kurama.
Botan suddenly jerked upward when she realized what she just admitted to herself.
'I am in love with him?'
Oh! God, how can this happen. How can I be in love with him? I mean the guy does even know I am alive. He barely paid attention to me except on a friendly basis.
Botan didn't want to think about that anymore. She didn't want to probe her feeling too close. It was easier to close her eyes and let sleep take over her body. Twenty minutes later she was awaken by a loud noise. Then she heard her sister yelling.
"Hiei, get the hell out of my room."
"Fine be a witch." Hiei replied.
Two seconds passed before her brother stick his head through her door.
"Hey, B."
"What do you want?"
"Want to lend me twenty bucks?"
"Heck, no."
"Please, I'll pay you back."
"That's what you said the last five time I lend money. What do you think I am?"
"My baby sister."
He gave the puppy look face and she succumbed.
"You better pay me back."
She handed him twenty bucks and he hugged her.
"You're the best."
"Yeah, yeah, now get out."
Five minutes later, her sister came in.
"Hey, Botan."
"Hey, Kicky."
"Don't call me that. It made look immature."
"Did you want something?"
"Yeah, I was wondering if I could borrow your purple tube shirt."
"That's a first. You usually you just came in here and took out whatever you want."
"Well, that's when you're not here. So how about it?"
"Sure. You know where it is."
Her sister opened her closet and pulled out the shirt. On her way out, she turned to face Botan.
"By the way, how Kurama."
"He's okay." "So, are you guys seeing each other or something?"
"No, we're just friends."
"Pity, he's so hot. Maybe, I should ask him out."
"Like hell you won't."
"What? You have a thing for him?"
"Shut up."
"Touchy, aren't we?"
"Get out."
Her sister laughed then left. Botan and Yukina get along pretty well but sometimes she gets on her nerves. She didn't want to think about her sister right now. She rather thinks about what her life would be like once she moved out.
She couldn't believe she was moving out soon. True, she only has been living in this house for six months but she had never been away from her parents before. This is sure going to feel weird. Living on her home even though her brother and sister is going to live in the same house but still there would be no parents. She could do whatever she wants without worrying about her parents yelling at her.
"What's wrong, honey?"
It was her dad. He was standing in the threshold of her room.
"Nothing, I was just thinking."
"About moving out?"
"Yeah."
"Don't worry, everything will be okay."
"How can you be so sure? We've never been on our own before. What id we made a mistake?"
"Honey, people makes mistakes. That's part of life."
"But...?"
"Listen, moving away to college is part of growing up and you, your sister and brother are growing up. Now you have to move out to college. Your mother and I would only be a phone away if you guys need us."
"It just feels kinda weird being on our own without you and mom."
"You'll get use to it."
"Yeah!"
"Honey, don't worry. College is going to be fun. Think about, no parents; Party all night; and besides, all your friends are going to be there."
"You're right."
Author's note: If you have any questions, please let me. I would really appreciate your opinion. Please review. @_@
For the next few weeks, Botan was busy getting ready for college. She had finished all of her paper work and that was left to do was finding a place to leave. She and her friends had decided to rent an apartment house around the school campus. They had spent a week looking at different apartment houses. So far the ones they had seen were either too big or too small.
Today, they were supposed to visit another apartment house. They each took they own car and met at the university. They met the agent that was supposed to show them around. The apartment was huge. It has twelve bedrooms and each room has its own bathroom. There was a laundry and stock room. It contained a humongous kitchen and an also big living room.
"This is perfect." Yusuke declared. "What do you guys think?"
"It's great." Kurama said.
They all agreed that this house was great. They all made the arrangement and took care of everything. Well their parents took care of everything.
*****************
Botan saw Kurama almost every day after that. Trying to avoid him was inevitable because everywhere Yusuke and Keiko went; they wanted Botan and Kurama to accompany them. Botan didn't like it because she was afraid to be alone with him, which was ridiculous because most of the time, he was distant and preoccupied. She wondered if he would be like that once they moved into the apartment house which was in three days. But today was different. Keiko had come over to help her pack her stuff. As usual their conversation resolved around the guys.
"Don't you, guys want to be alone with each other?" Botan asked
"What do you mean?" Said Keiko.
"I mean don't you want to be alone with Yusuke without me and Kurama in your way."
"We don't mind you, guys being there."
"I mind. I want you to have fun with Yusuke. I am sure me and Kurama could find something to occupy our time."
"DO you guys want to be alone?"
"Of course not. We love hanging out with you guys."
They changed the subject. They talked about what they thought their life would be like hen they moved. After packing, Keiko left and Botan went out for a walk. Botan was walking in the woods when she ran into Kurama.
"Hi Botan." He said.
"Hey Kurama, what's up"
"Oh! Not much. What about you."
"Nothing much either."
"What are you doing in the woods so early?"
"It's a nice day out so I thought I'll take a walk."
"Can I ask you something?" He said unexpectedly
"Sure."
"Did you notice how our friends are trying to set us up?"
"So you notice."
"Yeah! I couldn't help it. I mean I like hanging out with them but I want them to have fun without having us as chaperones."
"I know what you mean."
"Do you have any idea how to make them stop?"
"I don't know. I try to talk to Keiko but she was playing dumb. She said that they don't mind us being there."
They fell into a long silent.
"Do you have a boyfriend: asked Kurama suddenly?"
She was so taking aback by his question that she was speechless for a good minute.
"Well do you?" He said again.
"Uhhh....no." she said.
"Well I thought you have someone to take you out."
"Do you think I would have spent all my time with you guys if I had a boyfriend?"
"It just seems strange that someone like you wouldn't have a boy friend."
"What do you mean? Someone like me."
"Well you are a nice person and you are pretty. So, I just assume that you would be taken or at least have an admirer."
"So you think I am pretty."
"Yeah! Don't you think you are pretty?"
"To be honest, I don't think about it that much. I mean I know I am not ugly but I am no gorgeous either."
"Well you are pretty." he said laughingly.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
"So do have any idea how we going to make them stop."
"Well. We can always refuse going out with them all the time."
"Good plan. Now Keiko would think I am trying to avoid you."
"Really? That's what Yusuke said when I told him what I think."
"Oh!"
"Well, we need to do something or they'll never leave us alone."
Botan tried to ponder the question for a while when Kurama suddenly said."
"Why don't we pretend that we are seeing other people?"
"Run that by me again."
"I mean every time they want us to go some where with them. We can tell them we have a date with someone else."
"But that would be lying not to mention that I can't keep any secret from Keiko. If I was dating anybody, she'll be the first to know it."
"Yeah! I guess you right. Yusuke would know that I am lying, too. Some friends we have."
"Tell me about it. Some times, I think Keiko knows me better than I know myself."
"I know what you mean."
"Well, there's nothing we can do. We can't run away from it, we may as well endure it.
"Maybe not."
"What are you getting at now, Kurama?"
"Oh! Nothing just a stupid idea I had."
"Why do I have the feeling that I won't like it?"
"I don't know."
"Come on, Kurama. Tell me, please."
"Okay. But don't get mad. I think that we should pretend that we're dating each other."
"What? Are you crazy?"
"I was just kidding."
She let out the breath she's been holding inside. It was stupid enough that she already has a crush on Kurama but this was outrageous. There was no way she could do something as foolish as pretending that Kurama was her boyfriend, not that she was considering it. Even if she wanted to agree to it, it wouldn't be pretending on her part. It would be real because she knows how much he had come to mean to her.
"So, are ready to move out?" he asked.
"To be honest, I'm not ready."
"Well, don't stress out about it. It will be okay."
"Yeah, I guess you're right."
"Well, I better get going. See you later, Botan."
"Okay."
After Botan parted way with Kurama, she headed home. As every Saturday, her parents were home. They were sitting on the patio. Her mother was reading a book and Her dad was working on her laptop.
"Hi mom. Hi dad."
"Hey, honey. How are you?" Asked her dad.
"Fine, dad."
"How was your walk dear?" asked her mother
"Great, mom. I met with Kurama. You guys, remember him?"
"Of course, dear: said her mom. He's such a nice boy. Don't you think so, honey?"
"Sure." replied her father. "It's so nice to see young people with good manners. Whish I could say the same for your friend Yusuke, though."
"Dad?"
"Don't worry, B. he's just kidding." Her mother said.
Her father laughed.
"Oh! By the way, Botan, Keiko called. She wants you to call her back."
"Thanks, mom. I'll go and call her right away."
"Sure, honey."
Botan went upstairs to her room and dialed her friend's phone number. It was Keiko who answered.
"Hey Keiko, it's me. Mom said you wanted me to call you."
"Yeah, I wanted to talk to you."
"What about?"
"Yusuke called me after I left your house and he said that he thinks he and I have been forcing you and Kurama on each other and I think he's right. We really didn't mean to be annoying. We just thought that the two of you would look cute together. I was wrong. I am sorry.
"That's okay. I know you didn't mean any harm. It's just that you guys didn't have to do all this. If Kurama and I are meant to be together, I am sure that we'll find a way to be with each other."
"I understand. So, do you still want to go the movies with us?"
"Sure."
"I'll catch you later."
Botan hang up the phone and went downstairs to get something to eat. Her mother was in the kitchen.
"Did you call Keiko, dear."
"Yes mom."
"Did you guys make any plans for later?"
"Yeah! You're planning to go the movies later on the day."
"That's great, honey. So, did you want something to eat?"
"Sure."
Botan helped her mom made lunch. They prepared sandwiches and made lemonade. They brought everything to the patio where her father was still working.
"Mom, where are Yukina and Hiei?"
"Your sister is at her friend's but I have no idea where your brother is."
After eating her lunch, Botan went back to her room to wash her hair. Her hair was due for its monthly treatment. It takes about twenty minutes to wash it and put treatment it and another twenty minutes to styles it. She was very pleased with the results. Her hair was now a mass of shiny blue curls. Left with nothing else to do, she turned on the TV. There was nothing good on so she turns it back off. She leans back against the pillow and let her mind wander a bit. It was no surprise that Kurama was the first thing that came up. She's been thinking about him a lot lately. She couldn't understand why Kurama had been occupying her mind a lot, than she wanted to admit. She has been obsessed with him since the first day they met. It wasn't anything that he did that made him so intriguing to her but she couldn't help but be fascinated by him. The way he talked, walked or did anything for that matter.
In other word, she was fallen in love with Kurama.
Botan suddenly jerked upward when she realized what she just admitted to herself.
'I am in love with him?'
Oh! God, how can this happen. How can I be in love with him? I mean the guy does even know I am alive. He barely paid attention to me except on a friendly basis.
Botan didn't want to think about that anymore. She didn't want to probe her feeling too close. It was easier to close her eyes and let sleep take over her body. Twenty minutes later she was awaken by a loud noise. Then she heard her sister yelling.
"Hiei, get the hell out of my room."
"Fine be a witch." Hiei replied.
Two seconds passed before her brother stick his head through her door.
"Hey, B."
"What do you want?"
"Want to lend me twenty bucks?"
"Heck, no."
"Please, I'll pay you back."
"That's what you said the last five time I lend money. What do you think I am?"
"My baby sister."
He gave the puppy look face and she succumbed.
"You better pay me back."
She handed him twenty bucks and he hugged her.
"You're the best."
"Yeah, yeah, now get out."
Five minutes later, her sister came in.
"Hey, Botan."
"Hey, Kicky."
"Don't call me that. It made look immature."
"Did you want something?"
"Yeah, I was wondering if I could borrow your purple tube shirt."
"That's a first. You usually you just came in here and took out whatever you want."
"Well, that's when you're not here. So how about it?"
"Sure. You know where it is."
Her sister opened her closet and pulled out the shirt. On her way out, she turned to face Botan.
"By the way, how Kurama."
"He's okay." "So, are you guys seeing each other or something?"
"No, we're just friends."
"Pity, he's so hot. Maybe, I should ask him out."
"Like hell you won't."
"What? You have a thing for him?"
"Shut up."
"Touchy, aren't we?"
"Get out."
Her sister laughed then left. Botan and Yukina get along pretty well but sometimes she gets on her nerves. She didn't want to think about her sister right now. She rather thinks about what her life would be like once she moved out.
She couldn't believe she was moving out soon. True, she only has been living in this house for six months but she had never been away from her parents before. This is sure going to feel weird. Living on her home even though her brother and sister is going to live in the same house but still there would be no parents. She could do whatever she wants without worrying about her parents yelling at her.
"What's wrong, honey?"
It was her dad. He was standing in the threshold of her room.
"Nothing, I was just thinking."
"About moving out?"
"Yeah."
"Don't worry, everything will be okay."
"How can you be so sure? We've never been on our own before. What id we made a mistake?"
"Honey, people makes mistakes. That's part of life."
"But...?"
"Listen, moving away to college is part of growing up and you, your sister and brother are growing up. Now you have to move out to college. Your mother and I would only be a phone away if you guys need us."
"It just feels kinda weird being on our own without you and mom."
"You'll get use to it."
"Yeah!"
"Honey, don't worry. College is going to be fun. Think about, no parents; Party all night; and besides, all your friends are going to be there."
"You're right."
Author's note: If you have any questions, please let me. I would really appreciate your opinion. Please review. @_@