Shoko Komi's Ultimate Challenge

by Ulquiorra9000

Communication 25: what a star

Shoko Komi was helping her mother chop some vegetables for dinner when the front door finally swung open, and Shoko heard her brother shuffle into the house.

"He's a bit late," Shuko commented as she added some diced spring onions to the pot of boiling water. Then she half-turned and called out, "Shosuke, is everything all right? Can I help?"

A surly silence wafted in from the living room, and Shoko tried not to giggle. Her poor brother wasn't in serious trouble; he was just tired of, well, everyday life!

"I'll talk to him," Shoko quietly told her mother, and then she stepped into the living room, where Shosuke was slouched wearily on the couch in his school uniform. He didn't even turn on the TV; he just wanted to chill out.

Shoko sat next to Shosuke, hands folded on her lap, giving him a curious look. "Did something hold you up?" she asked.

Shosuke glanced over at his sister and made a tiny nod.

"Was it someone?"

Nod.

"More than one someones?"

Nod.

"Girls?"

Nod.

Shoko made a small smile. "You seem more popular every year, Shosuke. Random people keep trying to talk to you when we go on errands, after all. And at my school's festival, the girls were all over you in the mad cafe."

Shosuke's pained expression clearly said Trust me, I remember! Ugh!

"So, your admirers held you up this afternoon, and that's why you're late?"

Nod.

Shoko nodded back, then got up and reported to her mother. "Shosuke's getting pestered by girls," she said, and the softly-spoken words barely left her mouth when Shuko gasped, dropped everything, and ran into the living room to pester her son.

"Shosuke! Are they girls from your class? Do you like any of them back? Gasp! Don't tell me you've already got a girlfriend but didn't tell anyone? If you do, you'd better chase all those other girls off! Oh, my! Can I meet your girlfriend sometime? How about tomorrow? I'll make everyone a nice dinner! Eeeeeeek!" She clapped her hands to her face.

Alarmed, Shoko hurried into the room and gently dragged her mother back, shaking her head the entire time. At this rate, Shuko would send invitations to Shosuke and the imaginary girlfriend's wedding next week!

"But... but I want to meet her...!" Shuko moaned until Shoko escorted her back to the stove so they could keep the pot from boiling over.

"I don't think he has a girlfriend," Shoko whispered into her mother's ear.

Shuko hung her head. "But why not? He's so popular! Masayoshi and I raised a good boy. Surely he could find a partner if he wanted to."

Well, Shuko was half-right about that. Shosuke was popular, and compared to most boys his age, he could easily convince a girl to date him. But the thing is, he simply didn't want to! Shosuke's heart was locked inside a fortress with unscalable walls, an impossible challenge for Shosuke's many admirers at school and beyond.

Challenge...?

Shoko gasped and put a hand to her mouth. How exciting! It had never occurred to her to get involved with Shosuke's love life before! Based on what Najimi had once explained, lots of boys liked to have a wingman to back them up, but a wingwoman would be just as good, if not better. Especially if that wingwoman was the boy in question's sister, who would know him better than anyone!

"Did you get an idea, Shoko?" Shuko asked with an amused smile.

Shoko eagerly nodded and gestured at her brother, who was starting to melt into the cushions from sheer fatigue. Shuko made a knowing smile and wished both of her kids good luck.

"Shosuke." Shoko stood over her brother, hands in her hips, her imaginary cat ears perked up on her head. "I'll help you with your girl problems."

Shosuke, who had nearly fallen onto the floor by now, suddenly sat up straight and looked up into his sister's eyes. You'll make them go away? his hopeful expression said.

"I'm saying I'll help you resolve the situation."

Shosuke caught on at once, and he now looked wary. What are you planning? his face wondered.

Shoko knelt slightly and patted a hand onto Shosuke's head. I'll show you tomorrow.

*o*o*o*o*

As Shoko had planned, Shuko asked her son and daughter to visit the local grocery store to pick up more ingredients and stuff, and there was no denying a Shuko Komi request. Right as school let out, Shoko eagerly raced through the halls to her shoe lockers, determined to watch this challenge unfold. She was entering totally uncharted waters here!

"Whoa! Where are you going so fast?" Makeru Yadano demanded smugly, arms folded as she got in Shoko's way. "If you're gonna run, run against me to see who's fastest! That, or badminton. I'm up for either challenge. Now let's do this!"

Shoko didn't have time for this. She got creative and hastily wrote I think that boy likes you! and showed it to Makeru, pointing right over Makeru's shoulder.

Makeru went as pink as her hair. "Wh-wh-what? Who?!" She whirled around and started questioning the four boys who happened to be standing there, demanding to know who her secret admirer was. Shoko didn't like tricking people, honestly, but she was in a hurry! If she was late, her impatient brother would blow off the errand and sneak home. And Shoko's challenge would be over before it began.

Shoko made it to her shoe locker and barely got her outdoor shoes on when Makoto Katai arrived, towering over her with his bear-like frame. "M-m-master," he said shyly with an intimidating grin. "I-if it's not too much trouble, perhaps you could show me how to counter a judo throw? My sister keeps kicking my butt at the dojo."

Shoko squeaked in alarm and suggested that Makoto speak to Shinobino about this, the master of escaping things. Makoto thanked her and lumbered off, so Shoko took this chance to run to the front doors, hoping her brother would meet her at the appointed street corner near the shopping district.

"Heeeeeeeeeey, girlfriend! What's happening?" Rumiko Manbagi asked brightly. She appeared out of thin air and threw up a peace sign with her free hand, the other holding her school bag. "Come on, let's hit up the arcade's photo booths! Just us besties!"

Shoko didn't want to disappoint her lovely friend. But time was no on her side! She quickly wrote I'm sorry, I'm in a rush, how about Saturday? and ran off once again. Challenge... in peril...!

She didn't stop sprinting until she reached the desired street corner and found her brother with his arms folded, tapping a foot, staring into the distance. She tapped him on the shoulder, making Shosuke jump about a foot into the air.

There you are, Shosuke's expression said once he calmed down. Let's get this over with. I wanna play that new Steam game ASAP.

Shoko made a playful smile and leaned in to whisper in Shosuke's ear. "I have a multiplayer game in mind," she told him.

Shosuke looked bewildered, but he didn't object when his unusually enthusiastic sister pushed him along so they could go shopping. Now it was like fishing on dry land, and the Komis soon got a bite.

"Look at that guy," a girl whispered happily to her friend as the Komis slowly roamed around in the grocery store. "The one with the dark-haired girl!"

"I see him," the friend whispered back. "Should we...?"

"Do you think that's his girlfriend?"

"Gross! She's obviously his sister! See the eyes?"

"Good point. Okay, let's do this."

As Komi hoped, the two girls marched right over to Shosuke and made their move.

"U-um... hi! My name's Junko," one of the girls, who had blonde pigtails and bright brown eyes, said as she bowed. She wore a junior high school uniform Shoko didn't recognize. "I just wanted to... meet you. What's your name...?" She blushed and shyly looked away as her friend egged her on.

Shosuke gave his sister a look: Make them go away!

At least say hi! Shoko sternly told him.

Shosuke pursed his lips, then made a quick bow in return but didn't say anything.

"A-and my friend... she... this is Ena," the blonde Junko said, gesturing to her friend with a trembling hand. "We're glad to meet you!"

Ena bowed too, and the ball was in Shosuke's court. Then he dropped that ball when he tried to leave.

Not so fast! Shoko reached out and grabbed her brother's hand. At least introduce yourself! They seem like nice girls. What's the harm?

Shosuke hesitated, then glanced away. "I'm... Shosuke Komi."

"Ooooooooh! Shosuke? Such a cool name!" Junko and Ena cheered, giving each other a high-five. "We like guys whose name ends in -suke! Sosuke, Josuke, Sasuke, Momonosuke, Chiyosuke -"

"That last one doesn't count," Ena reminded her friend. Junko winced.

What the heck is going on? Shosuke's face asked his sister in alarm. I'm amazed you're not running away, big sis.

Shoko wanted to maintain the immersion and keep her challenge a secret for this scene, so she played her part instead. She wrote down a message for Junko and Ena: My brother is shy. He's not trying to be rude, I promise. Be gentle with him.

Ena and Junko leaned forward to read the message, then shared a smile and kept up the pressure. "What school do you go to, Shosuke?" Ena asked warmly.

"One near here," Shosuke mumbled.

"How old are you?" Junko inquired.

"Almost 15, if it makes any difference."

"What are your hobbies?"

"Computer games and guitar."

"Do you have a girlfriend?"

"Nope."

"Do you wanna hang out with us? Please?"

Shosuke realized his sister was actually on the girls' side, so he finally mustered the courage (and manners) to make his move. He cleared his throat. "I'm sorry, Ena, Junko, but I'm busy. My big sis and I have to shop for our mom and there's a Steam game I wanna play after that. It's nice to meet you, but I must decline your offer. Good-bye." He turned on his heel and walked off, leaving the three girls behind. Shoko braced herself for the worst, but instead -

"He's so cool! EEEEEEEK!" Ena and Junko clasped both hands together and jumped up and down a few times in excitement. "Like, how he's so aloof and minds his own business!"

Shoko held up a message: You're not disappointed?

"No way," Junko said. "We like hard-to-get boys like your brother. It's no big deal if he brushes us off! That's just part of the fun." She and Ena broke out in giggles.

Shoko didn't expect that, but all was well. She finished the conversation with a bow, then ran off and caught up with Shosuke, who was picking out some eggplants and bell peppers at the produce section (and he had found a shopping basket, too).

What was that all about? Shoko's face clearly said. This isn't like you, big sis.

Shoko gently patted Shosuke's back. I'm just trying something new, Shosuke. I'm feeling adventurous this year.

True enough. Like that mall visit, and going fishing with dad, and that sleepover too...

Shoko gently placed another bell pepper into Shosuke's basket and motioned for him to follow her to the fruit section. I'm helping you get along better with girls. It's an important skill, Shoko's facial expression said.

Shosuke looked over a plastic container of strawberries and added it to his basket. I dunno, big sis. That kind of thing wears me out. You saw me yesterday.

Yes, but I'm pushing myself to be more social this year, Shoko told him. If you get used to talking with girls, you can handle your admirers better. Be nice to them, and they'll be nice to you.

Okay, maybe not literally all of them. But this was a good starting point, and sure enough -

Fine. Whatever, Shosuke's exhausted expression said. Let's keep going.

The Komis picked up a few more ingredients, and as Shoko hoped, another girl around Shosuke's age noticed them and tentatively wandered over.

"H... hi," the girl said, blushing bright red, hands clasped under her chin. She had bright brown hair in twin ponytails and frameless glasses. It was an innocent and cute look, Shoko thought. Surely this girl and Shosuke could hit it off?

Shosuke merely gave the girl a curious look.

"I... I couldn't help but notice you. I-I'm Saiko Fujiwara. Nice to meet you!" She made a bow, her ponytails flopping around.

"S... sure," Shosuke muttered. "Cool."

Say hi to her, Shoko's expression said.

Shosuke gave her a bewildered look.

Please? She seems nice. Mom taught us to be polite.

"You owe me," Shosuke mumbled back. Then she squared his shoulders and addressed Saiko. "What's up. I'm Shosuke Komi. Just shopping with my big sister here."

"Oh! It's nice to meet you too," Saiko added to Shoko, bowing again. "Forgive me for taking the time for this! But I was so curious to meet you both..."

Shoko bowed back, then scribbled a message and showed it to Saiko. The other girl's eyes widened as she got the message.

Saiko cleared her throat and adopted a more casual pose and facial expression. "Cool to meet you, Shosuke. So, you got any hobbies? It's okay if you don't. Like, whatever."

Shosuke perked up. "I play computer games and soccer," he explained. "And my sister and I are practicing the guitar."

"Sure. Works for me," Saiko said off-handedly, following Shoko's secret advice. "I've got a few guys friends like you. They're kinda chill, I guess. You seem all right, too."

Shosuke nodded. "You're cool too, I guess."

"I'm just pickin' up some stuff for my mom," Saiko added coolly. "Sorry, gotta go. Nice to meet you, Shosuke." She gave him a short bow and strutted off. What a fine performance!

Shosuke gave his sister a look. "She was kinda cool," he said. That was a good sign; he was speaking out loud now! "The girls at my school are so loud and annoying, and the other guys are total jocks tryin' to show off all the time. That Saiko isn't so bad, though."

Shoko made a sly smile and decided to start talking, too. She was feeling brave enough for it by now. "Is she your type, Shosuke?"

"Huh? Naw. I'm just sayin'..." Shosuke shrugged. "If only the other girls in my grade were like that. Just staying cool and minding their own business."

Shoko took hold of her brother's shoulders. "See, Shosuke? There's more to people than you'd think. Just talk to them, and you'll see a new side to them."

"I guess. But it's a lot of work, big sis. And how come you're making me talk so much today? It's wearing me out." Shosuke wiped his brow and sighed.

"It's... nothing. Let's keep going."

Shoko was also getting worn out with all this talking, but it was worth it! She encouraged Shosuke to give a friendly wave to three girls who waved at him further in the store, and he even exchanged hellos with another girl after that. And once the Komis left the store and walked home, the miracle happened. At last!

"H... hello!" a lovely girl around Shoko's age said, approaching the Komis on the street and making a quick bow. "I couldn't help but notice you, and I just hoped to... well..."

"I'm Shosuke Komi. Nice to meet you." Shosuke made a proper bow. "What's your name?"

The girl hastily bowed, going red in the face. "I-I-I'm Sachi Kurokawa. Nice to meet you, Shosuke!"

"So uh, what do you do for fun?"

"I play soccer with my friends every weekend. Oh, and I like poetry books and looking at antique maps."

"Right. I play the guitar and computer games."

"That's wonderful!"

Back and forth they went, acting totally natural, until Sachi finally said, "Okay, um... I gotta go. Have a good evening, Shosuke!" She ran off, squealing with joy the whole way.

Shosuke flinched when he saw his sister's radiant expression. "What are you smiling about, big sis?"

"Nothing," Shoko said happily. "Let's go home." So they did, and later that evening after dinner, there was a knock at Shoko's door. She opened it to find a weary-looking Shosuke.

"Seriously," he said quietly. He yawned. "You were so weird this afternoon. What's going on, big sis?"

Shoko made a modest smile and patted Shosuke's head. "I wanted to help you talk to girls. And it worked."

"I can talk to anyone, big sis. I just usually don't want to."

"Yes, but it used to exhaust you, Shosuke. Now you've completed your training. I'm proud."

"Why would I need training?"

"I understand if you're not looking for a girlfriend, Shosuke. But this way, you can gracefully have a quick conversation with anyone, and your admirers will be satisfied that you talked to them. It's good for you and them."

"Uh... sure." Shosuke rubbed his eyes. "I've never talked this much in one day before, big sis. I think I used up all my talking energy for the next decade."

Shoko made a sympathetic noise. "I'm sure you'll feel better tomorrow. Good night, Shosuke."

Shosuke merely nodded and left, so Shoko closed the door, sighed gently, then flopped onto her bed and hugged one of her favorite stuffed animals. Whew! Maybe she had also used up her speech energy for the next ten years, too! But it was worth it, and today's challenge had been fascinating: to help Shosuke the star talk to his admirers more easily and not just ignore them. Success! Perhaps the next challenge could be a much quieter one to make up for all the talking today. Hmmmmmmmm...