Corpse Party: Destination

by BashfulShade

"You don't know what you have, until... it's gone."

1. Let's Start Over

Would I go back and do everything all over again? Absolutely. Just...why wouldn't I? When I get to experience it all over again with the one and only person who'll...always remember me. This person being... the girl...of my dreams. The girl who never gets old no matter how many times I blink. The girl who makes my insides swell fuzziness every time she speaks. A desirable girl who just completes me. BUT this time...I know there's a chance to get this right!

"I promise you Seiko. You and I... we'll get married."

Oh Naomi...

"And it'll be the best thing we'll ever have together."

Yes, oh yes...

"We'll buy that home. We'll have that wonderful family. It'll be everything we ever wanted."

Oh, I know...

But in reality, we are far from that point. Rather, I was only being reminded about... everything. But even when there are many outcomes like that one, I know... I just know... that perfectly wonderful happy ending will always exist. And by the sound of her lovely voice only keeps me strong. Reminding me why fate keeps bringing us together. As she tried waking me up to that beautiful future. Reflected back to my sleepy yet wondering eyes.

"Shinohara! Hey? You awake?"

Blinking and blinking, and there she still was! My dear precious world! Beaming before me!

(Naomi): "Class has ended."

(Seiko): "*Yaaaawn* Hmmm? Oh?"

(Naomi): "Heh. Let's go eat. It's lunch time."

(Seiko): "Mmm..."

Just like how I remembered!

As usual! Our classmates were either chattering, digging into their bento boxes, or off to buy their own lunches at the shop! But of course! Like always! Naomi chooses to help me before anything. Closing up my spiral and putting it into my bag for me. Oh, so precious!

(Naomi): "Ah. You dork! You can't be expecting me to do this every time."

(Seiko): "Mmm, my apologies! Paying extra attention to today's lesson really had me thinking outside the box!"

(Naomi): "*Snork* More like, keeping your head down and snoozing."

(Seiko): "It's the thought that counts!"

(Naomi): "When you close your eyes counting sheep in your head? I guess you're right in a way."

(Seiko): "*Giggle*"

(Naomi): "Heh."

I wasn't mentally there just YET! While not being all UP THERE, that's also when my face burned up. Somehow! I could never get used to her being this close! How could I?! Everything this girl did had made my soul burned. Mmm, burn so good...

(Naomi): "Haha! We sure do. But hey, let's get going. Do you need to wash up or anything?"

It was too soon! I couldn't let her see me this way! So, I rubbed my face IMMEDIATELY! Showing her, it was just the rubbing that caused that pesky exposing color!

(Seiko): "O-Oh no, I'm good! I can hold up just fine!"

(Naomi): "I hope so."

I got up and brought the bag onto my desk, buttoning it up! Though! Naomi put herself by my side, being a sweetheart like every other time!

D'awwww!

(Naomi): "Are you sure?"

Keep it cool!

(Seiko): "Hmm, if you're standing this close, I might FALL for you."

A risky remark but this only made her smile more. Oh! And that cute blush! Inviting me to go even further with these unused tactics this time around!

(Naomi): "Heh, well now... let's leave the classroom before you do that."

Oh! But then! I SUDDENLY stumbled all over Naomi! Totaaaally not on purpose! Actually! I take that back! Totally on purpose! Even half of our class dropped what they were doing and looked over at us all with confused eyes! Some quick to realize that it was only our colorful upbringing.

(Naomi): "Hey, hey! Careful there...!"

(Seiko): "Ohhhh how clumsy of me! You're a good catch, you know that?"

I playfully stuck out my tongue. This bringing more life outta that beautiful soul.

(Naomi): "*Snork* Oh you."

Ahhhh! Those cute sounds! That smile! They are ALL worth dying for!

Soon enough, we went to go try out the new bento box meals! First time seeing if the food was up to par what I could normally put together! As we found ourselves at a spot outside of the school. Trying NEW things!

(Naomi): "This food is good! *Munching*"

(Seiko): "Ehhh, this isn't quite bad! *Munching* But once you take a bite what I can put together, you WON'T ever wanna eat from those AGAIN!"

(Naomi): "Heh! You have said that before."

(Seiko): "And I'll say it again! My food will leave you with a GREAT and UNFORGETTABLE taste! You'll want seconds! How much more you'll want after will blow your mind! AND maybe! Even your stomach!"

(Naomi): "My stomach? That doesn't sound like good cooking."

(Seiko): "Hehe! One of these days you'll EAT those words too!"

We giggled, finished up, disposed our bento boxes and began taking a small walk around the outside of campus before we officially called it back in. A little romantic walk! Just the two of us! But Naomi! Always looking a way to comfort me!

(Naomi): "So, how are you liking the school so far?"

(Seiko): "SPECTACULAR! The Kisaragi Academy experience is more than I dreamed of! If only I had attended here sooner, you and I would've had many more wonderful memories!"

(Naomi): "Heh."

Saying this out loud and proudly only made Naomi pinch herself. Trailing her eyes off as she kindaaaa stumbled to the other direction! My words were undoubtedly affecting her! My love could be felt taking over that precious heart of hers! Even her voice got so low and dreamier! How more precious can she be?!

(Naomi): "...You really like it here that much?"

(Seiko): "Mostly because I get to have amazing friends like you!"

To me, though... we're so, so, so much more~!

But not just me! You'll think the same too once we're there...!

(Naomi): "*Snork* Yeah, friends who you love annoying to death."

She lightly bumped my arm! In old-fashioned teasing manner!

(Seiko): "It's okay to like something you don't understand, Nakashima."

(Naomi): "You're right. Two weeks of your shenanigans and I still have no clue what makes you this crazy."

(Seiko): "*Giggle* Two weeks! And you're still loving this every second!"

(Naomi): "I guess you got me there."

(Seiko): "Heehee!"

(Naomi): "Heh."

Already, we were around the back of Kisaragi Academy. Passing by the huge track field by the gymnasium building! Seeing ourselves plenty of our classmates playing soccer. Some traveling in packs and others who stood around underneath the shade of the tall trees, with chit chatting filling the air! But what caught most of my attention was this unfamiliar path that led to this maple forest! Tucked behind stone and metal barriers! Massive, but not that massive compared to the trees on the other end as those were as high as radio towers! Countless treetops interconnected and branched out across the skies that we could only see skyscrapers of the city life at the far sides of the barriers. But beyond those barriers, EXPLORATION! How could we pass up this new route?

(Seiko): "My, my, my! An adventure waits for us!"

(Naomi): "You want us to take a detour?"

(Seiko): "Into the MYSTICAL woodlands? YOU BET!"

Saying this to Naomi just made her even more hesitant! From her heel digging into the dirt, her arms crossing up to her BADONKERS and her sparkly eyes darting ever so constantly! Oh! The girl was digging up for any excuse!

(Naomi): "I don't think we are even allowed to go there. And even if we do decide to go...it's not like we have enough time to explore and come straight back to class without being late, and that's only if we don't run."

(Seiko): "Do you know they have a name for what you're describing?"

(Naomi): "Umm? No? What?"

I whispered into her lovely ear.

(Seiko): "...Chicken! Baaaaawk! Bawk! Bawk! Bawk!"

(Naomi): "Pfft!"

Reluctantly, she pushed me away! Back to her usual self!

(Naomi): "Ha-Ha, funny! But I'm still not going!"

(Seiko): "Awww! C'mon, Nakashima! Where's your sense of adventure at?!"

(Naomi): "Between where we are standing and back at homeroom..."

(Seiko): "Wow! I guess you really are that afraid! Huh?"

The teasing only brought out that adorable puffy pokable face! Arms crossed as she stared at me with that tenacious passion! Again! Doing things to make a girl like myself CRAVE for her...

(Naomi): "I am NOT afraid."

(Seiko): "You sound afraid!"

(Naomi): "Am not!"

(Seiko): "Hmmm. I guess you got no problem proving me wrong then!"

(Naomi): "I don't need to prove myself of...anything."

Soooo adorable! I just wanna grab her puffy cheeks!

(Naomi): "Hey! Stop giving me that smirk. I'm telling you! I'm not afraid."

(Seiko): "*Giggle* Oh yeah?"

(Naomi): "Y-Yeah! I mean, it's just..."

For a brief moment, Naomi turned her attention back at the school, then returned her attention back to the gates. Not only she had tension in her eyes, but the deep worry could also be heard in her voice.

(Naomi): "It's not going to end well for us when we get caught going in and out of there."

I walked up to her side. Wondering.

(Seiko): "Why though?"

(Naomi): "*Sigh* Last time someone who explored the woods...never came back."

(Seiko): "Whaaaaa?! Really?!"

(Naomi): "Well, that's just what I heard... I mean, true or not, it's not worth the risk!"

But then I patted her back. This confusing her so much.

(Naomi): "...?"

(Seiko): "Good thing we got our cellphones charged!"

And the sudden broken disbelief in her face just had me unbelievably excited! My heart just ached so good to the sight of how more adorable she looked! But oh! The way she uttered my name made my heart swell up even more!

(Naomi): "Shinohara..."

(Seiko): "Don't you worry! We'll stay on the right path."

Peeking my head over, I pointed. Trying to reassure her!

(Seiko): "See? As long as we stay on THAT path right there, everything will turn out just fine!"

(Naomi): "Shinohara... I really don't like this idea..."

What did I do then? Well! I placed my hand over Naomi's.

(Naomi): "...!"

At first, her eyes lit up in awe. But confusion took over her as she just stood still, looking down at our fingers slowly intertwining. Even then, she wasn't pulling away from me. She was accepting this! And that's when I saw that faint glow of embarrassment! Barely traced on her face as I felt those same burns spread across mine! Ahhh!

(Seiko): "...Better?"

(Naomi): "*Snork* We're holding hands now...?"

(Seiko): "So we don't lose each other along the way! Unless... you're also afraid of being touched by another girl?"

(Naomi): "Pfft!"

I calmly spoke! Gently squeezing her soft lovely hand, as I could feel her trying to adjust to my grip!

(Seiko): "Nothing will happen to us. Okay?"

(Naomi): "..."

Naomi became quiet, but I kept staring into her SOUL! Using my powerful stare of PERSUASION! But not the puppy eyed one because I'm saving that one for LATER!

(Naomi): "..."

(Seiko): "..."

Staaaare...

(Naomi): "..."

(Seiko): "..."

STAAAAAARE!

(Naomi): "...Stop looking at me like that."

(Seiko): "Staaaaaaare..."

(Naomi): "*Snork*"

(Seiko): "Staaaaaaare..."

(Naomi): "Haha! Okay, okay. You win."

I hugged her side without any hesitation!

(Seiko): "Yaaaay!"

We slowly started walking as Naomi just sounded totally defeated!

(Naomi): "Let's not explore too far. I'd hate to miss our class."

(Seiko): "Don't worry! We'll be back before we know it!"

(Naomi): "Pfft. That's the opposite of reassuring, dork."

(Seiko): "Nyheheh!"

And that's what we did with our time! As we then slid between through the exposed gaps of the gates. Walking along on the battered path! Surrounded by thousands of tall trees, constant leaves ruffling by the breezing wind matched to the cute birdies chirping every now and then! Every step forward, closer to an even more unforgettable day! Clearly, Naomi hasn't explored these parts! But today! I will show her how lovely nature could be! And maybe show her...what's been hiding inside of me...!

(Seiko): "Now! Ain't this wonderful? Two friends! Walking! In the woods! Aloooooone?"

We were still holding hands! Even then, Naomi just allowed me to be so close to her side! While my body felt all the wondrous jolts in every tenderly friction she did. Any second, I could just hug the life out of her!

(Naomi): "I mean, you're not wrong... It's very nice out here! But then again, that all that can quickly change whenever you're around."

Ohhhh! She's picking up!

(Seiko): "My! You seem to have a lot of distrust in your friends, Nakashima! That's a very sad and inconvenient way to live life!"

(Naomi): "It doesn't help when you're constantly the one behind all of it. I mean! The other day, you literally just... *Sigh* I don't even wanna say it."

(Seiko): "Can't be blamed when you always give me the cutest reactions!"

(Naomi): "Quiet you..."

So FUCKING adorable!

Just looooooove how her voice gets!

Adorable and... ahhhh! Soooo sexy...!

The more we walked, the quieter she got! I guess the poor thing has been overthinking herself again! And that just never fails to excite me! Knowing all the ways I can snap her out of that! But of course! I couldn't be too rough! So! Seeing the pile of leaves, how could I refuse such a fun opportunity?

(Seiko): "Ohhh Nakashimaaaaa!"

(Naomi): "Huh?"

With her hand still in mine, I pulled us towards the pile. This time, falling in while Naomi tried pulling me up!

(Naomi): "H-Hey! What are you doing!?"

(Seiko): "Nyeheh!"

But I just kept tugging and pulling on her sleeves until I managed to SUCCESSFULLY get her down! Which ended her up on top of me!

(Naomi): "Shinohara!"

(Seiko): "Ah-ha! Got you!"

Oh my God, yes! Pease don't get off...!

(Naomi): "Okay! That does it!"

(Seiko): "...!"

Turns out Naomi had some fighter strength! Wrestling me into the pile even better than I could handle all my brothers and sister at once!

(Seiko): "Nakashima! Ohhhh!"

In an instant, PURE tickling had been felt in every part of my body! Unlike anything I've ever experienced! From top to bottom! Endless leaves rustling below us while this amazing girl didn't hesitate on giving me EVERYTHING I've ever dreamed of!

(Naomi): "Take this you dork!"

She tried keeping my arms pinned, but with enough maneuvering, I found myself nuzzling my way to her neck! Overpowering her!

(Naomi): "H-Hey! Cut it out!"

I didn't stop there! I even puckered my lips and blew hot air into her luscious white skin! Completely taking over her WITHOUT much resistance!

(Naomi): "What are you-"

(Seiko): "*Blows*"

(Naomi): "G-Gaaah! Shinohara! Not there!"

But I didn't stop there! I kept her locked down with my hands in every place I could grab! Grinding myself into her as she started flailing with laughter!

(Seiko): "Coochy coochy coooo!"

(Naomi): "Hahaha! Ahhh! Shinohara! Stop it! Stop it!"

(Seiko): "Coochy coochy coochy coooo!"

(Naomi): "Geeh! Haaah! Hahahaha!"

(Seiko): "Coochy coochy coochy coochy coooo!"

(Naomi): "Stop! Please, stop! Haha! Hahahahaha! Shinoharaaaa...!"

But I just couldn't stop! She was just... ahhh... she was too soft and too vulnerable for me to stop! Every waking second of this was just making me wanna dive into her and kiss her! Though! That's when I realized how close Naomi pulled me near to her face. Inches away from... changing everything! As she had the look of being... awfully seduced.

(Seiko): "...!"

Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!

Is she doing what I think she's doing?!

Is this-?!

No more than a second, a SATISFYING burn could be felt spreading across my face!

*Smack*

Ohhhhh!

A LETHAL slap! Well! Actually! Not as hard one would expect but just enough to show me how emotionally frustrated yet confused she is!

(Naomi): "You... *Pant* are... *Pant* unbelievable...!"

(Seiko): "Nope! My name's still Shinohara!"

(Naomi): "Quiet..."

(Seiko): "Ahaha!"

Naomi just wiggled her way out of my clutches as I kept rubbing that same cheek, enjoying this burn more than I should! But hey! This is another blissful gift "handed" by Naomi! How could I NOT enjoy this?! Hee-Hee! Although! Speaking of her! Naomi just continued distancing herself, examining our surroundings. From confusion to complete horror, as she suddenly developed a massive fear like no other!

(Naomi): "Uhhhhh! Hey...? Where's the path leading back to the school...?!"

(Seiko): "Hmm?"

(Naomi): "Oh no! Oh no! Oh no! This can't actually be happening!"

More seconds went by, Naomi started running off to the grassy areas at her side, back and forth, panicking as she started shaking her fists up to her chest.

(Naomi): "No way... No way! No way! No way! Oh my God! We are lost! Shinohara! Holy crap! Oh crap! Oh crap! We are FUCKING lost!"

(Seiko): "*Giggle*"

(Naomi): "Why are you laughing?!"

(Seiko): "Heheh! It's just... you've never panicked or swore like that before!"

(Naomi): "Oh my fucking God... What are we supposed to do now?! Damn it! This is all your fault! You know?!"

(Seiko): "Huuuuuh? My fault?"

I playfully said! But poor Naomi was sincerely freaking out!

(Naomi): "STOP goofing off and take this seriously!"

(Seiko): "Ohhhh? You want me to be seeeerious now? Is this SERIOUS enough?"

(Naomi): "What is wrong with you?! How are you NOT at least a little afraid for our lives?!"

In response to her adorable panic, I just silently walked past the trees behind me and signaled her over. Each of her gentle steps rustling those fallen leaves until she saw what I saw. Sooooooon enough, all the fear that was once on Naomi's face had left! Leaving behind PURE shuddering shame!

(Naomi): "..."

(Seiko): "Seeeee? Everything's fine. Hahaha!"

(Naomi): "...Why didn't you say anything sooner?"

(Seiko): "Hmm. Well! I have trust in my friends. So! I figured you've had a GOOD EYE on things!"

Naomi shook in frustration! And that was simply arousing me!

(Naomi): "Ughhhh. Unbelievable! That's it. This little camping trip idea of yours is over. I'm going now."

(Seiko): "Aw. Okie dokie!"

From that point on, the both of us walked our way back to school. Naomi still struggling to remove those left-over prickly dry leaves that had been hiding in her gorgeous hair! But oh! She was not happy!

(Naomi): "I swear! Every day, there's always some new annoying damn thing you do to me."

(Seiko): "Whaaaa? Really? You didn't have fun, like... at ALL?"

(Naomi): "No! Getting leaves in my hair and getting them lost underneath my uniform is not how I want to spend the rest of my lunch break! Thank you very much!"

(Seiko): "Wow! I'm totally shocked by this revelation. You could've had me fooled going by all the laughing you did just a moment ago!"

(Naomi): "..."

(Seiko): "Hahaha!"

Naomi slowly shook her head side-to-side. Knowingly, she wanted to say A LOT just by how she wiggled her lips! But I guess she realized how much wasted effort it would've been to try denying the goodness of our WHOLESOME activity! But oh! I was proven wrong in an instant! When I heard her muffled tone buttering my heart!

(Naomi): "Every time..."

(Seiko): "Hmmmmmm?"

(Naomi): "Every damn time, I can't even get my point across without you twisting my words in such an annoying ass way...!"

(Seiko): "Ohhhh my! Language."

Naomi shook her fists.

(Naomi): "Well! If I need to, I'll say it in EVERY language until you get the damn point."

(Seiko): "*Giggle*"

I love her so much!

But that FEISTY energy of her didn't last very long!

(Naomi): "*Sigh* So annoying."

(Seiko): "If I really bother you thaaaaaat much! Why don't we have ourselves... turn over a new leaf?"

Even though Naomi had been feeling frustrated, she stopped on her tracks as I done the same. Finding that beautiful awe in her eyes once she realized what I picked out of her hair. Then instantly greeted by an uncontainable smile! Beautifully displayed on that kissable face!

(Naomi): "*Snork* God, that's so corny."

(Seiko): "Here! Let me get the rest of them out for you."

(Naomi): "..."

And so, she allowed me! One by one, I pulled out all the leaves I could find!

(Seiko): "Good as new!"

(Naomi): "Thanks. Um... what about you?"

(Seiko): "Oh, please. Go right ahead!"

No more than a second, Naomi's fingers were already in my hair. Softly picking out the leaves as I pushed myself towards to her. Embracing every second of this moment!

That's soooooo nice!

(Naomi): "...You really don't need to get yourself any closer."

(Seiko): "But oh! Nakashima! What if you miss one?"

I swayed my hips, rocking towards her as it got out another joyous laugh.

(Naomi): "*Snork* Next time, don't drag us into a pile of leaves."

(Seiko): "But you gottaaaaa admit! That was fun!"

There was some HESITATION, but that voice of hers couldn't hide the sneaky joy!

(Naomi): "Yeah... you're right. It kinda was...!"

(Seiko): "Heh-Heh!"

(Naomi): "Man, I still can't believe you put us through that nonsense..."

(Seiko): "And I still cannot fathom how hard you smacked me."

(Naomi): "...?"

(Seiko): "Ohhhh! My poor fragile face!"

I rubbed that same spot, smiling as the panic could be seen in Naomi's body.

(Naomi): "*Gasp* Oh my God! I did do that...!"

But oh! She reached in and rubbed me constantly! Not that I was really in any pain! But her simply rubbing my cheek the way she did just eased all those lingering itchy craves!

Oh my!

(Naomi): "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to smack you that hard..."

(Seiko): "Mmm! Heheh! It's all fine! I'm not in any serious pain. Buuuuuut!"

I held my hands together, tilted my head to the side and battered my eyelashes towards her!

(Seiko): "A little sweet smooch on the cheek would help me recover faster."

Naomi didn't seem at all shocked or bothered, but more so relieved and happy. Not once pulling her hand away. Rubbing and rubbing me so tenderly as she seemed lost into me... mmm.

(Naomi): "Heh! You're such an oddball."

(Seiko): "Heh-Heh!"

But those lovely rubs didn't last for very long either! Ugh! HEARTBREAKING! Once she realized how long she had been rubbing... this making her pull away quickly without trying to make eye contact! Oh! The poor nervous girl! She definitely liked what she had been doing... it was too obvious for her to even play it cool!

(Naomi): "A-Anyway! I guess we better get going! Class might be starting at any second!"

(Seiko): "Heheh! Right behind you."

After cleaning ourselves up, we then continued moving on the battered path in a quicker manner! Eventually, reappearing back to the school yard. Before our eyes, witnessing some of our classmates walking into the school building!

(Naomi): "Oh! Great! There's still some time left."

(Seiko): "Ooooooo! That still LEAVES you enough time to see your favorite man!"

What I said made Naomi staggered quuuuuuite a bit! Tension growing in every step! She even completely disregarded my cute little pun!

(Naomi): "I have no idea what you're talking about..."

(Seiko): "C'mon now, Nakashima! There's no need for you to LIE! Y'know I can tell when you do."

Panic is the perfect word to describe her, as she just started floundering in the one of the cutest ways!

(Naomi): "I-I'm not lying! I'm being totally serious!"

(Seiko): "Yeah! Seriously being a total LIAAAAAAR!"

(Naomi): "...Okay. What makes you even think that I got some crush over this imaginary guy...?"

(Seiko): "Oh I dunno. Maybe it's the fact that you've been having SUPER SECRET tactical little chit chats whenever I'm not looking!"

(Naomi): "But with who exactly...?"

(Seiko): "MOCHIDA of course! Who else?!"

Naomi had no clue what to say! She was totally not expecting me to have this incredible FORESIGHT!

(Naomi): "H-How do you know him-?"

(Seiko): "What? You seriously believe our classmates can keep SECRETS?"

Naomi shuddered with some tension! Lowering her voice as she tried to not get heard by the nearest crowd of students!

(Naomi): "Not when you're the loudest one in the room..."

(Seiko): "Me? LOOOUUUUD?!"

Going through the doors, Naomi tried to lower her voice even more as she pinched my uniform. Nearly whispering into my ear!

(Naomi): "...I'm not sure where you've heard that, but... please, Shinohara. I want no funny business from you...involving HIM."

(Seiko): "Ah-ha! Admission of guilt! That's all I needed!"

(Naomi): "Yeah, yeah whatever... just... please don't go out of your way saying crazy stuff to him. Okay? Okay."

(Seiko): "Ohhhh don't you worry, Nakashima! I wouldn't dream of making it weirder for you!"

While saying that! Naomi just lowered her head! Out with a sigh!

(Naomi): "*Sigh*"

Of course, she knew how tempted I was! Her quietness told me everything! Though! The universal chatter within the halls slightly grew louder, and students alike were appearing more and more! Half of them moving to their homerooms while the others were still chatting up in the halls! Everyday chatter as the usual!

(Seiko): "Aren't you excited? We're gonna make it back to homeroom just on time!"

(Naomi): "*Snork* That's a first coming from you."

(Seiko): "Oh Nakashima. Nothing beats spending our class time together!"

(Naomi): "Yeah? Like... when you sleep and drool through half of them, and then afterwards, getting me to give you a copy of our lesson notes?"

(Seiko): "And you will because you're a really good friend."

I winked playfully!

(Naomi): "Dork."

(Seiko): "Nyeheh!"

ALONG the way! Two boys showed up and they had their eyes all over Naomi!

Heeeeeeey, I recognize these two!

In this case, Naomi seemed to know only Mochida! The second tallest boy, undoubtedly KISHINUMA! Just as usual, wearing his school jacket, seemed surprised as he examined Naomi. Smiling to himself. Naomi however! She looked back at me to make sure I wasn't planning anything SINISTER! Which I simply gave her a good enough innocent smile! Threw in a wink in there too to give her some confidence!

(Naomi): "Hey Satoshi!"

Yup! Still has the hots for him!

(Satoshi): "Hi Naomi!"

AND he has the hots for her too! Like always!

Even then! I can never help myself! Jealousy has always lingered through my poor aching heart! But seeing Naomi happy was what really truly mattered!

(Naomi): "Who's your new friend?"

(Satoshi): "Oh that's right! You two never met! Huh?"

The bad boy moved up and introduced himself!

(Yoshiki): "Yoshiki Kishinuma. Gotta say. This guy over here, has shared me some interesting stories about you."

(Naomi): "Oh? Has he?"

(Satoshi): "Hey! Why are you saying it like that?"

(Yoshiki): "Yeaaaaah. Some preeeeeetty wild stuff."

(Satoshi): "Why are you ignoring me?!"

I couldn't help but just admire the silly scene! Seeing Naomi giving her lover boy the eye was too adorable!

(Naomi): "Well Satoshi, seems like we need to have a talk later!"

(Satoshi): "Kishinuma...!"

(Yoshiki): "Nah I'm just messing around. He's only told me SOME good things about you, Nakashima."

(Satoshi): "Really man?"

(Yoshiki): "Hahaha!"

(Seiko): "Nyeheh!"

(Naomi): "Heh, well... I am Nakashima. Naomi Nakashima. It's nice meeting you, Kishinuma."

(Yoshiki): "Same."

But then it was my turn! As Naomi's prized gift came towards me with his naive welcoming eyes! Unaware what could be happening in the next few seconds!

(Satoshi): "Hello! I'm Satoshi Mochida, and you must be...?"

When the others went silent that's when I knew I had to make this moment MEMORABLE! And what better way is there to get people talking?!

Let's see how much I can get away with it this time!

(Naomi): "...?"

I moved up closer to Naomi. Brought her arm around me and just voiced my dream without much shame!

(Shinohara): "Oh me? I'm just... Naomi's GIRLFRIEND!"

That's the moment where all blood shot up and the pain and stretching were being done not just my cheeks... EVERYWHERE! I even began tapping the floor to find some balance! The guys themselves had their jaws dropped while Naomi just quivered and radiated that bright adorable beauty! But it wasn't just that! Our other classmates overheard me! Which caused almost everyone in the hallway to stop and tune in!

Oh my god, I can't believe I'm ACTUALLY doing this...!

Sorry Naomi! Hahaha!

I knew it couldn't just stop there so I had to improvise. I had to continue the act just a little bit longer!

(Naomi): "N-No! Wait!"

Within the moment that's when Naomi yanked herself away while I, kept playing along with the entire scene. I hugged her from the side, holding her very tightly.

(Seiko): "Hey, what's wrong sweetie? Did I accidentally hurt your foot?"

I mean... what could she even say? She wasn't fighting it... YET!

(Satoshi): "You both are really...? Uh! That's wonderful!"

(Yoshiki): "Huh. Not what I expected, but hey, uh-"

(Naomi): "N-No!"

Immediately that's where she broke free once again but this time, she attempted to set things STRAIGHT.

No pun intended!

(Naomi): "She's not being serious-"

(Seiko): "Why thank you guys! We appreciate all your support!"

(Naomi): "N-No! Don't listen to her! We are-"

(Seiko): "AND we are happy to say it's going ALL ACCORDING TO PLAN! She loves me! Her family loves me! Our future is set and stone!"

(Naomi): "Oh my God... We're just friends!"

Then the public chatter from the groups that surrounded the halls were beginning to be heard.

"So cute! I wish he did that for me...!"

"Where's the camera? Is this scripted?", "I have no idea man."

"Is this a prank?", "Wow, c'mon now! It's legit! Why would they not be together?"

"Awww! Shinohara is into girls? Damn, that hurts my heart...", "Sucks to be you."

"They totally look like a fanfic pairing!"

(Yoshiki): "You two do look like a pairing from a fanfiction."

(Naomi): "W-What does that even mean?!"

I knew this needed to stop, so quickly I moved forward and raised my hands up.

(Seiko): "I hate to disappoint you guys! BUT! it's all simply an ACT! For an upcoming play Suzumoto is currently writing up! Yup! This is not REAL! Not REAL at all! It's purely from script! Thank you for understanding!"

"Oh? Wow really?" "Interesting..." "What?! I'm still confused!"

"Noooooo! Ships are meant to be made! Not destroyed!"

(Naomi): "..."

The crowd, including Mochida and Kishinuma, had faces of PURE disbelief! Some others looked at one another, then a few vocally expressed their confused thoughts as they walked off.

"Damn! Suzumoto really needs to work on that script..." "Yeah, true! The writing seems really off coming from her!"

"What an extreme troll!" "Dude! I seriously thought she was being legit!"

"Something ain't right... there's no way those two are just friends!" "Hey, it's like what Shinohara said! She was only rehearsing her lines for an upcoming play, I'm guessing?" "But she isn't a part of the drama club." "Wait, are you being for real?"

Uh-Oh!

Some were scratching their heads, a few were laughing, then some others were just there, still confused. Though! Once the remaining classmates started fleeing out the hallway, I then faced back towards our sloppy rhombus, while the two boys returned their eyes on us. Mochida looked confused, as for Kishinuma himself seemed... UPSET! About something! But that Kishinuma fella immediately gazed at Naomi, and then set his dagger-like eyes on me!

(Yoshiki): "You know, I like screwing around with my classmates too, but really? Is that really what friends do to each other nowadays?"

(Naomi): "...?"

(Satoshi): "Kishinuma! Hey! No need to be rude...!"

(Yoshiki): "Me? Rude? Seriously? Are you really going to dismiss what just happened to Nakashima?"

Oh, he's not wrong at all!

(Naomi): "I-I'm fine! Really, it's not a big deal to me! I mean, she does this a lot! It's just her way of joking around!"

(Yoshiki): "Yeaaaaah... totally a joke."

(Seiko): "Nyeheh!"

(Yoshiki): "Anyway, I'm leaving now. Satoshi, you know where to find me. Laters."

Then just like that Kishinuma walked away. Mochida on the other hand didn't look sure on what to do during the transition.

(Satoshi): "Sorry about that. He's been having a hard day! But uh... Let's catch up another time. See ya!"

So, Mochida followed his friend. While it became just me and Naomi. Alone in the hall. Left with such an awkward atmosphere. And oh boy, things couldn't have gone any better!

(Seiko): "Um! Hmmmm! Sooooo...!"

One look at the other direction and Naomi was seen walking the other way. The route that didn't lead to homeroom.

(Seiko): "Hey Naomi-"

Crap!

(Seiko): "Uhhh! Nakashima! Wh-Where are you going...?! Class is on the other side!"

Ignored. Naomi just kept carrying on up the stairs while I chased after her trail. One floor apart.

Oh crap... I really overdid it this time!

But where is she heading off to?!

(Seiko): "Nakashima! H-Hey! Wait up! Why are you running from me?!"

(Naomi): "Leave me alone!"

(Seiko): "Nakashima! Wait!"

(Naomi): "Leave me alone! Leave me alone! Just leave me alone!"

No, no... I can't lose you now... not like this!

This isn't how things are supposed to turn out!

However, once I saw Naomi at the very end of the staircase, ambiguity turned into complete horror. Crushing my windpipe and squeezing my heart as I slipped against the staircase rails.

(Seiko): "*Pant* Pant*"

Crap!

Even when I was freaked out of my mind, the heavy metal door being pried open put all my focus back onto Naomi.

(Seiko): "...!"

Oh my God, is she going to...?!

No! What am I thinking?! Don't be silly Seiko!

She would NEVER do that! She would never...!

That's what I wanted to believe, but then I heard those dreadful words.

(Naomi): "...Goodbye Shinohara."

(Seiko): "Hey?! No! What are you going to do?!"

(Naomi): "*Sigh*"

(Seiko): "Nakashima! No! STOP! No! Please stop!"

But she slipped right through those bulky doors. And I was unable to keep up as they slammed right before me. Keeping me in the school as I struggled to get them to open. Struggled so badly that I fumbled around.

NO!

No! No! No! No!

(Seiko): "Hnnngh!"

After regaining my balance, I pushed hard until I found myself through. Being greeted by the crystal blue skies and the puffy clouds floating across above the endless horizons. Even when I was being mesmerized by the spectacular view, it wasn't enough for me to stop as I frantically searched every direction. With no sign of Naomi anywhere. I couldn't see her. And I couldn't hear her.

No...

(Seiko): "Nakashima! Nakashimaaaa!? Where are you...?!"

And still, Naomi was nowhere to be seen. And it didn't matter how loud I shouted or how much I did of the shouting. She just didn't appear at all. With every second of the deafening silence making the entire school building shake more. But in reality, I was simply losing my grip. Being pulled down by the legs as I started to see and hear those nightmares replay once again. Years younger when I first cried out for "her".

"Mommy? I can't find you! Where... where did you go?!"

No... This isn't...

"Mommy! Please! Come out already! I don't want to play this game anymore!"

No...

"*Sniffles* M-Mommy... please... say something! Anything!"

(Seiko): "*Shuddering*"

"*Sob* *Sob* Mommy! Please! *Sniffles* Come out already! Come out! Please! Please! Please!"

But it wasn't only related to my mom. I even started experiencing "that" again. This time, hearing "her" repeat those hurtful phrases.

"I don't know how it is for you and your family, but... normal people don't work that way."

And then I heard her say that. From another time.

"Just... leave me alone! Do you know how scared I was?!"

And from another...

"What's the point if we're all just gonna wind up dead at the end?! There's no way we'll survive!"

And then she said that.

"Don't you understand? It's all meaningless! When it'll always...be the same...!"

And that...

"Just let me die already...!"

(Seiko): "No...! N-Naomi...!"

"...?"

(Seiko): "...!"

Turning around, and there she was. Sitting behind the wall of the stairway building. Curled up, hugging her knees while she looked at me all confused. Even then, I rushed over to her without question. Stumbling along the way before we were on the same level.

(Seiko): "O-Oh thank God. You're alright!"

However, Naomi didn't bother keeping her head up anymore. That I just moved up and tried grabbing for her attention.

(Seiko): "You really...really had me all worried!"

(Naomi): "...What did you think I was going to do?"

(Seiko): "..."

There's no way I could share her those dark thoughts. Leading me to abruptly change the subject.

(Seiko): "So, um... Hey! Class is about to start! If we don't hurry our way back inside, our homeroom teach is gonna be on our case once she finds out! Annnnd we wouldn't want that again! Now, do we?"

(Naomi): "I don't care."

(Seiko): "Huh...?"

(Naomi): "I don't care about class. Just... leave me alone already."

(Seiko): "..."

The pain in Naomi's voice was more real than I last remembered. So much so, my body couldn't stop shaking, like if at any second, we could just collapse through the school. But then, I began remembering all of our struggles, remembering our sacrifices, remembering...our yearnings for that perfect happy ending. Remembering, remembering and remembering... as I knew, I could never allow myself to lose her. That all I had to do was just work my way deeper into her heart. Right then and there.

C'mon Seiko. Think. Think of something that'll cheer her up.

It's not impossible.

And so, I thought up the best possible ways to get Naomi to laugh again. One pun at a time.

(Seiko): "Y'know! I don't trust those stairs. Since they're always...UP to something!"

(Naomi): "...?"

(Seiko): "That! Or... they always just bring you DOWN! To a whooooole nother level!"

(Naomi): "*Snork*"

Wait! That actually worked?! Oh my God! I need to keep going!

But of course, this girl turned away and had to continue carrying the title of being the most stubborn cutie that's ever existed. Speaking up in that frustrated yet embarrassed tone of hers.

(Naomi): "Please stop with the goofy puns."

(Seiko): "Ohhhh! What's thaaaat am I hearing? Nakashima doesn't like to show off her cute wittle smile?! Oh, no-no-no! That won't doooo!"

Next second, I approached Naomi and started DIGGING my fingers into her sides!

(Naomi): "H-Hey!? Ah! Stop!"

(Seiko): "Nyeheheh!"

Naomi fumbled around until I locked her in for a hug. Hugging her from behind that she quickly surrendered herself! All mine for the taking!

(Seiko): "My, my! Already giving up?"

(Naomi): "Not like I can do much here..."

(Seiko): "Smart girl!"

(Naomi): "Quiet..."

(Seiko): "Hee-Hee!"

Rather than being shoved aside, Naomi did the unexpected as she held my hands in hers, holding me while giving me one of the most adorable voices I've ever heard from her.

(Naomi): "You really pushed your luck today..."

So low, yet so adorable that I just wanted to kiss her ear! It was sooooo tempting! And she just kept talking!

(Naomi): "It wasn't nice at all what you did."

(Seiko): "Oh? Is that so? I guess I'll haaaave to make it up to you! And I so happen to know just the right way to do that!"

(Naomi): "Huh?"

That really got Naomi's attention! The innocence in her just had me all gushy and excited!

(Seiko): "But oh. I won't spoil the surprise! It's something you'll have to see for yourself!"

For Naomi, she went from gleefully naive to despair ridden in seconds. Imagining probably the worst to come. Aw! The poor thing was so skeptical!

(Naomi): "Great. More surprises..."

(Seiko): "*Chuckles* Trust me! It'll be so much fun! Can't wait to see all the cute faces you'll make!"

(Naomi): "*Sigh* What am I going to do with you, Seiko?"

(Seiko): "...!"

I couldn't believe it at first, but the way Naomi just turned back at me and given me that confused stare, a second before her face burned into the same color, it became perfectly clear that this is what Naomi's heart had been wanting. Buried deep inside her, as if it finally remembered.

(Naomi): "O-Oh... Did I... Did I use the wrong name? Sorry, I dunno why I did that! Ahh...! Why did I do that...?"

The opportunity was right there. Begging for me to take action. And so, I pushed myself into Naomi and took her hand in mine. Mustering up the toughest font I could ever pull off.

(Naomi): "...?"

(Seiko): "Hey! Why don't we start calling each other by our first names? After all! Besties like us shouldn't hold back on their truest feelings for one another! Don't you agree, Naomi?"

The next second, Naomi's indecisiveness had been replaced by that lovely adoring shy smile.

(Naomi): "Yeah, I mean... I would like that a lot, Seiko."

(Seiko): "Ohhhh Naomi!"

(Naomi): "Heh..."

And then we hugged. Holding each other so tightly that I could feel all the love and happiness intertwining inside Naomi's beating heart.

(Naomi): "You're still a dork..."

(Seiko): "But I'm your dork!"

(Naomi): "Heh!

(Seiko): "..."

One day, I will tell you everything, Naomi.

And then, we'll finally have our happy ending.