Morning
In case you're wondering why Kushieda was at the front of the class with a bag in her hands. Well after she suggested that Kawashima and Taiga settle there differences with sports, there was a drawing that's happening right now where a bunch of students wrote different sports on a piece of paper to which Minori will pick one from the bag.
She put her hand in the bag and made a drum roll noise, she stop and triumphantly pull out the winning paper.
"Now I'll announce the the winning entry! The event for the athletic event will be Kawashima's suggestion: The 50m freestyle race!" Kushieda said while our class erupts in cheers.
"Tee hee! Lucky me!" Ami said in her fake cutesy tone.
"So what was your entry Taiga" I asked her but I got no response.
I looked up to see Haruta pull a piece of paper from the bag, to which it read "vale tudo" which translates to "anything goes" a hybrid combat martial arts. My guess that it was Taiga's entry so if that got picked, pretty sure there would be a redraw or Kawashima would be in a hospital bed, hooked to life support for roughly a long time.
"If I win, I'm setting up a screening of your impressions for the whole the whole student body!" Taiga said to Kawashima with gritted teeth.
"And if I win, Takasu and Ren will be spending there summer vacation with me at my beach house!" she replied as they shook hands firmly and look each other dead in the eyes
"You're gonna be all by your lonesome all summer long." Ami added with a smirking angering the palmtop tiger a little more
At The Pool
So here we are, me and Ryuuji are getting Taiga ready by teaching her how to swim if wants any chance at beating Kawashima in this race.
Ryuuji was keeping her afloat as she took a deep breath and tried to put her head under but she didn't want to go through with it.
Don't be scared, Taiga. This is just like washing your face in the sink! C'mon, you can do this!
That's easy for you to say. she retorted back as we heard several male students making rude remarks about Taiga's inability to swim she tried to ignore them but she had enough.
"Like I-" she was going to go off on them but froze when she saw Kitamura right next to her.
"Sorry, you were about to say something?" he asked
"K-Kitamura!" she stuttered
"It's great to see you practicing. You three make a good team! Keep it up." he complimented us as he walked away
"What? Who's a team?" she asked realized she holding Ryuuji's hand let's and started sinking, as I facepalmed and sigh.
"We're doomed" I muttered
Night
I was back in my apartment getting ready for bed and suddenly I heard a knock on the door, I heard a knock on the door, it was Taiga.
"Hey can we talk?" she said as I nodded and let her in and she sat on my couch and I sat next to her.
"So what did want to-" I was about to ask but she interrupt.
"Your the son of Sumi Saikawa aren't you? I've had my doubts but I want to know for and don't lie to me" she said as my eyes widened, I guess it can't be helped now, If I lie to her it'll cause more problems.
"Yeah, i am " I simply said, not any excitement, no emotion whatsoever.
"Anyone else knows, does "she" knows?" she asked
"Only Noto knows, but I'm sure Kawashima doesn't recognize me since we only never talked since we were kids" I replied before she could say something I interrupt her this time.
"Before you say anything, no I'm not going say anything or reveal anything to the entire unlike Ami I don't want the attention that comes with being famous, I hate when things get handed to me! I never asked to be famous!!! I... just want my life that want to be earned not given and..."
I stopped for a moment to breathe since I poured my heart out, Taiga on the other hand, took in what I said and waited for me to finish and so I did.
"... That's why I moved back here, to the place where I born were everything was normal, before my mom was famous so I can finish high school and make friends that actually meant everything to me...you, Ryuuji, Kushieda and Kitamura are my best friends and that means something to me." I finished and I realized tears were flowing from my eyes and Taiga was hugging my waist.
"Your really weird Ren, but your my wolf and a friend and maybe a brother, so... thanks for sticking with me through everything, I mean it." she said as I smiled though the tears she accepted my friendship without thinking of me any less which I very much appreciate.
After everything, she went back to her apartment and I went to bed with a smile, the best sleep I had in months"
The Next Morning
We were in class as it was pouring outside so we couldn't have swim class which means Taiga couldn't practice.
"After all that time I spent learning how to put my face underwater! Why can't we use the pool, huh?!" Taiga yelled, clearly angry.
"Taiga stop yelling, it's raining so we can't, don't waste your breath" I said as Ryuuji nodded in agreement. Out of nowhere I see three passes were in my face and I took them.
"Pool passes" I questioned until I realized it was Kitamura who gave me the passes.
"Yeah, take 'em. I got my bet on Aisaka. I put it down in that note the other day. I mean, you're so sure she's gonna win, so I figured, "What the heck? Count me in!" he said with enthusiasm as Taiga was fumbling her words trying to say something
Y-you bet onme? she asked
"Yep!" Kitamura answered
B-but I can't even swim! Why would you do that?" she shot back
"I did it 'cause I know in a pinch, you'll always come out on top! Besides, no one knows who's gonna win." he said giving his full support, while Ryuuji takes the passes from my hands
"Thanks, but maybe you guys should go there together." he said giving them to Kitamura and Taiga, this caused her to blush and snatched the passes from Ryuuji.
"What are you doing?" he shouted
"What are you doing?"Shut up!" Taiga responded embarrassingly
"See ya! And good luck with practice." with that Kitamura left, as we watch him go Ryuuji sighed.
"Way to go, You idiot." he said placing his fist on her cheek, realizing that she messed up her chance for spending time with Kitamura, she had a dissapointed look on her face.
"There, there..." I said patting her shoulder
Timeskip
School was almost over, so I decided to get some water from the vending machine I get my water only to see Kawashima sitting between the two vending machines.
"What are doing down there, didn't take for the antisocial type" I said to trying to make a joke
"No, but sitting down here is kinda soothing." she said as I sat on the floor opposite of her and let out a sigh.
"Wow, are we low on energy today!" she said giggling
"Well, handling Taiga is never going to be easy" I shot back
"She's jealous. I think it's pretty cute" she responded
"Jealousy is not the issue, for your information, she kinda hates you. That's all, so please stop assuming" I retorted
"What are you an idiot" she asked which angered me a little bit
"Are you? just stop provoking her and all this nonsense about me and Ryuuji going to your beach house you can stop you wouldn't really invite us... especially me..." I stopped my rant with a deep breath
"I want you to come, Ryuuji was just a throw in he doesn't have to come. I'm serious about winning this, and about spending the summer with you. In fact, I've already planned our whole vacation together! We're gonna have the best time!" she proclaimed which kinda left me shocked no hint of lies in her voice.
"Anyway moving on, you shouldn't spend so much time making fun of people." I said as the blue haired girl gave a mock salute.
"Yes sir! Thanks for sharing your wisdom, sir!" she said, I stood up and walk away,
After School
I stood in front of the school door looking at the rain and I was getting ready to open my umbrella.
"I know what you did?" out of nowhere Kushieda was behind me holding a umbrella of her own I jumped a little bit
"What the? What are you talking about?" I asked her confused
"I know who put the fake boobs in Taiga's swimsuit. It was you and Takasu, wasn't it?" she said sorta interrogating me
"How'd you find out?" I said defeated, couldn't lie my way out of this one.
"Tsk tsk tsk. It's elementary, my dear Watson. So you might as well confess. After considering all the possibilities, I remembered something Taiga told me. That you and Takasu are always helping her out. Y'know, cleaning, sewing buttons on, the ironing" she deducted
"Well... that's all Ryuuji and sometimes me, I'm just there for emotional support, it's no big deal..." I said looking down on the ground
"But it's those "no big deal" things that matter the most." she said, I stood there I looked up to the pink haired girl who hold her fist out at me
"You're a good person Ren, your like a brother to Taiga and I trust you. So on this one, I'm handing my Taiga-helping duties over to you and Takasu! Since I'm reffing this event, I can't really help you out but still, I'm with you all the way." she finished and having her support made me feel warm, she radiates warmth and that makes me happy.
"You can count on me" I replied with a smile and fist bumped Kushieda, we said our goodbyes, I was walking home all I can think about is tomorrow and a thought crossed my mind.
"I really hope it doesn't rain tomorrow"
Next Day
I guess my hope worked out cause it was nice and sunny out, perfect time to use those public pool passes and get Taiga ready for the 50 meter swim race against Ami. Me and Ryuuji was lounging in the pool while Taiga was drifting past us humming.
"I really hope this nice weather hold up" I said to Ryuuji while he nodded
"Look Guys, It's like I'm swimming, only I'm really not!" Taiga said who was at the the shallow end of the pool where the little kids was playing at, one of the kids dump water on her head using a plastic watering can causing her and the kids to laugh, I have to admit it was adorable, however Ryuuji was no amused.
After that we were running out of options so Ryuuji thought of putting a swimming ring around the palmtop tiger's waist, the two practiced (while I was at the end of the pool) and he said to kick her legs we were in for a surprise, she blast her way to the end meeting up with me, to say we were shocked was an understatement.
"That was amazing, Taiga! Your kicks were like dynamite times a hundred-thousand! You might actually win this thing after all!." the blue haired boy said with excitement
"Seriously? You think so? I wasn't really doing anything special-" Taiga replied
"The important thing is right now we've have the advantage!" I said to Taiga with the same excitement
"Yeah, you're right! Maybe I can win. Maybe…On second thought, no maybe's. I'm gonna win!" she said filled with determination.
"There you go! That's the spirit!" he replied but the enthusiasm and determination went out the window with the three feeling a few drops of rain but turned into a downpour as we took refuge at a table with a umbrella as we sat in chairs eating for the rain to stop.
"This rain isn't letting up. And you were finally motivated to practice. So what now, head home?" Ryuuji's asked Taiga shook her head no
"Wanna keep going?" he asked and this time she gave a quick nod
"Good for you. It kinda makes sense, too. I mean, you wouldn't want to waste the tickets Kitamura gave us, would you?" he continued causing Taiga to raise her head to look at Ryuuji
"No, that's not why, I-I mean, I'm only doing it because-" she was going to reply annoyed but went back to sulking in her seat
"Yeah, yeah. I know what you're gonna say. You're only doing it 'cause you wanna stick it to Kawashima, right?" he answered for her, to which she didn't like.
"Forget it. It doesn't matter." she said burying her head in her knees
"Huh? Now what's wrong? Wait. You doing this 'cause of me?" I can see that. If I'm gone on vacation, you'll probably starve to death." he replied causing her go upright in her seat.
"Yeah, but you shouldn't push yourself 'cause of that. I mean, think about it. Even if you do lose, Me an Ren will be the only ones who's gonna have to go to Kawashima's beach house. I could just ask her to leave Kitamura and probably Ren out of the deal so he can stay with you. I'll make you some food before I go, and stick it in the freezer. You don't have to worry about going hungry, just focus on the-" he continued but he didn't finish because Taiga abruptly stood up from her seat.
"And there it is! You've finally shown your true colours! "You've been wanting to go to Ami's beach house this whole time, haven't you?For your information, Mr. Horndog, I don't give a damn about when, where, or whoyou wanna drool over, so go right on ahead!" she said angrily walking into the rain
"Wh-what's with you? God, I'm just trying to be helpful here!" he shouted angrily himself.
"Yeah? Well, I didn't ask for your help and sure is hell I didn't ask for Ren's !" she shouted, Ryuuji and Ren was taken back by her verbal attack as if it was physical, for me it broke my heart with what she was saying I teared up but you wouldn't see it because of the rain.
"You've been acting really weird lately. Ever since Kawashima came and when you saw Ren with Kawashima you-" Ryuuji was saying something but got interrupted by Taiga.
"You're still going on about that?" said annoyed
"Okay then, why don'tyoutell me what your problem is?!" he responded by shouting at Taiga, she responded by kicked the table with the umbrella sending it flying, me and Ryuuji were stunned.
"What's my problem? My problem is I can't stand it when someone acts like an expert on the stuff that's going on inside me! I hate it! It pisses me off! You getthat, genius?!" she replied with conviction
"I don't get it! Do you want me to understand where you're coming from or not?" Ryuuji ask
"I don't know! I don't expect anyone's ever gonna understand how I really feel. Not really. After all… I don't even understand." Taiga said with her voice breaking and tears running down her facing.
Huh? Wait. What did you just say? Ryuuji asked but was ignored by Taiga who was wiping her eyes and walked away and said.
"Whatever, I don't care. I'm done with this whole thing." she yelled Ryuuji looked at the soaking wet towel Taiga had was on the ground.
"... I'll go talk to her" I said looking down with tears in my eyes as well, Ryuuji put a hand on my shoulder.
"Are you sure?" he asked with concern, I wiped my eyes and looked at him with a weak closed eyed smile.
"Yeah, a friend passed her Taiga helping duties to me and I intended to not let her down. I got this, head home dry up and cool off." I said while holding my fist, Ryuuji smiled and we fist bumped and we went home.
Night
I finished drying off, ate dinner, fed maple. Now the moment of truth. Time to talk to Taiga...
Wish me luck
"I headed to Taiga's apartment, took out a spare key unlocked the door."
"Taiga I'm coming in" I said as I entered and walked to her bedroom which was locked.
"Taiga I know you're in there, the light in there please ...I want to help but I can't if you going to shut me out" I said I heard the door unlocked and Taiga opened the door.
"What do you want? Didn't I tell you I don't need to you or that mutt" she said with slight malice but I know she doesn't mean it (I hope...)
"Back at the pool, You haven't said anything when it started raining, you were thinking about going at her beach house too?, you know for someone who said that there going to help me, your pretty useless, really what have you done to help me than take stupid pictures." she said with more malice and it was the final straw
"Taiga I've been called many horrible things but useless is not one of them, I'd watch what you say next, I hate the fact you think your above misunderstandings but you get blinded by it because Ryuuji mentioned the stupid beach house!!!" I said with tears forming in my eyes
" I don't care about the stupid beach house I just want you, me and Ryuuji to be friends again and stop this fight" Taiga was stunned by my words with tears forming in her eyes
"You say you don't understand how you really feel, but you try to but not alone and I'm not going anywhere" I finished with Taiga the tears were flowing from her face
"Why, why do you two care so much about me, especially you, why?" she cried while hitting my chest, all I did was hug her, she slowly stopped and accepted it.
"Because no matter what happens you'll always be a sister to me and I'll always be there to help you, try to reconcile with Ryuuji ok?" I said as we stood there she nodded and said
"Thank You, Big Brother..."
Morning
The next day me and Taiga were walking to school we had our umbrellas on since rain didn't stop. We stopped to see Ryuuji was in front of us with is own umbrella holding a bento for Taiga
"Bet you haven't had any breakfast, huh? I was hoping the weather was gonna clear up today, and I guess I was also hoping you were gonna change your mind about the race. And… anyway. What I'm saying is, I don't care about what happened yesterday, I just want you to win, and…" he said but didn't finish as he froze, Taiga walked up to him and took the bento.
"I'll take this lunch 'cause I don't want it to go to waste. But…" she was going to finish her sentence but the rain finally cleared up and it was sunny once again.
Timeskip
So we finally made it to big swim race, a big crowd of students gathered at the pool for this, Ami was the first to appear as the crowd cheered as she was wearing a black two piece swimsuit, claiming her school one didn't dry in time (which I think is load of crap, just an excuse to wear something revealing). Taiga has not yet showed up and the crowd was getting restless. Ryuuji was looking dejectedly at the floor, for me I was hoping that Taiga can do this and end this.
Ami was talking to Kushieda about potentially not doing this because of the heat, but out of nowhere Taiga came out in her swimsuit with numerous swimming ring and beach ball on each arms causing mutters from the crowd.
"Let's do this, fair and square. You dumbass bikini-wearing chihuahua." she said to a dumbfounded Kawashima with a determined look.
A few minutes later now Taiga and Kawashima were lined up ready to start. and Kushieda was getting ready to start the count holding the whistle.
"Okay, everyone! Time to start the 50m freestyle race! On your marks… Get set…" Kushieda said as Taiga told Kawashima something that slightly distracted her, which was exactly what Taiga wanted.
"SUCK IT!" Taiga said as she threw all of the pool stuff she had at Kawashima as the former model flew into the pool, Taiga went after her with a swimming board, there was a struggle but after short time the tiger surfaced up holding her prize, it the top piece of Kawashima's bikini.
"IN YOUR FACE!" she said still holding it as the crowd cheered, Kawashima however was a blushing mess, tightly covering her chest as best she could and said.
"Unbelievable! This so freakingunbelievable!"
Taiga through the top to the side and started using the board and trucking along the water with her powerful kicks. Ryuuji ran to the other end to keep up with the Tiger. Ami recovered her top and put it back on and started to swim.
Taiga got the end first and turns around so she can finish the race but when she pushed off one of her legd cramped up. Recognizing something is wrong, Ryuuji went into the pool to help her out, to keep her afloat and I ran to the end of the pool to check on her and Ryuuji.
"It's okay, I got you! Is it a leg cramp?" Ryuuji asked, but the palmtop tiger begins to struggle
"Let me go! I can still-" she said as she winces in pain
"You gotta stop, your hurt." I said, but Taiga got more frustrated.
"God, are you happy now?! Can't you see your master's pushing herself through the pain for you two? You stupid mutts!" she said as we realized this as we see Kawashima take the lead
"Okay then. Get going! We'll even wag our tails for ya!" Ryuuji said as he gave Taiga a push, she started to pick up speed.
"Go Taiga!" I cheered, but now I look to see a few guys who were following the race trip and fall in the pool, one of them hit Ryuuji hard and before I knew it he was deep underwater.
"Ryuuji!" I screamed and went into the pool after him, to try and save him
Minori, Maya, Kitamura, Haruta and Noto took there attention away from the race and so did Taiga she went after him to and we managed to get him to the surface Ryuuji was still breathing which was a relief, the coach said we should take him to the nurses office but...
(Toradora OST- Lost My Pieces)
"DON'T TOUCH HIM!!" Taiga shouted to the heavens straddling Ryuuji with her hands on his chest.
"You're all a bunch ofidiots!You didn't even notice he was in trouble! You could've helpedbut you didn't!You were all staring at that dumb bikini… you didn't even see him…Ren was the was the only one that saw him..." she said as tears rolled down her face.
"RYUJI IS MINE!! KEEP YOUR DAMN HANDS OFF HIM!!" she shouted as I saw Ryuuji smile as he closed his eyes, guess he heard everything. Ryuuji was able to recover from the ordeal.
After School
So after that ordeal, Me, Ryuuji, Taiga, Kushieda, Kitamura and Kawashima were at a booth at Sudohbucks to talk about summer vacation.
So. About that beach house of yours. I'll be coming along too. I lost the race to you, That means Ryuji and Ren are going, but that also means he won't be around to take care of me. So that means I have to go too. she explained to which made Kawashima confused
"Hold on a second. You got me totally confused with your all-over-the-place line of reasoning" she said as Kitamura chimed in
'I don't see the problem. I mean, the more the merrier, right?" he said and got a "your not helping" from the blue haired girl.
"Oh, I think I get it now! It's called separation anxiety! You're upset Takasu and Saikawa are gonna be gone for so long, especially Takasu! Youwerescreaming about him being yours, remember?" Ami proclaimed as Ryuuji choked on his drink
"Yeah, you're right. I did say that.But just to be clear. What I meant was… basically…Hehappens to be my dog and Ren is my wolf andas their owner, it ismyobligation to make sure they don't misbehave while vacationing at someone else's house." she said, the blue haired boy breathed a sigh of relief and a smile
"What are you "huh-ing" about? Were you expecting something else?" she asked Ryuuji
"No way. Not at all. I wouldn't dare." he replied keeping his smile. Taiga had a small smirk on her face, the she then faced me.
"What about you wolf, were you expecting something else?" Taiga asked me the same question.
"No objections here, were friends and as your wolf I'm here to help" I said proudly with a smile and Taiga kept her smirk
'Weirdo" she muttered playfully
"Okay then. Let's plan our schedule!" Kitamura said with a smile
"Oh, let me see! I gotta work on this day and that day and that day…" Kushieda said with a lot of excitement and listing the day that she's working. I looked at everyone with smile, I felt a tap on my shoulder and it was Kawashima who's pretty close to me.
"Guess we don't have the place to ourselves. I'm sure we'll find some time to be alone, though." she said to me in a seductive tone, I didn't respond but mind can't get out of how hectic yet fun this summer vacation will be my thoughts we're clear
This is going to be the best summer vacation.
A/N: Phew, another chapter done this one took long, but I did it. So we finally made to the beach episodes and let me tell you, from Chapter 9 onwards that's when we really have some real fun we're the bulk of my ideas for this story come to fruition so look forward to that. So for noe I'm taking a nap. Thanks for reading Chapter 8. Leave a Like, Follow and Review, Share with your friends. Thanks to Johnhouse125, HyperPanda101 and NightSlayer04 for the reviews and good vibes. I'll see y'all soon in Chapter 9. Stay Safe and Peace!!!!