"Friendship is the breathing rose, with sweets in every fold."
"So what kind of girl is Kirisaki-san?"
The question brought me out of my reverie. I wasn't the daydreaming type, but walking home with the girl of your dreams could do that to you. Especially since she was in fact, the girl of your dreams. As in, she didn't exist in your life until this morning.
I'd just confessed to Kosaki Onodera… our past. I confessed our past. In doing so, I dispelled a good amount of the uh, shall we say "tension" that had plagued her and I for the past three years. I'd essentially taken the rather precarious castle of cards that was their middle-school crushes... and blew the whole thing down. Starting over as friends lay foundation for the kind of relationship they'd both wanted for so long.
See, in the original story, Kosaki never had a chance. Straight up. Idolizing someone is nice, but it's a self-imposed barrier between you both. Raku never knew her, and he always put her on too high a pedestal to ever really get the chance. Always too nervous for close proximity, always doubting that someone like her would look at someone like him… they were little things, but they added up. Kosaki and Raku both admired each other far too much for their relationship to be anything but touch-and-go. By the time the two had become friends, Raku's friendship with a certain someone had gone so far and above that.
Chitoge Kirisaki had something with Raku Ichijou that he and Kosaki didn't, and that was a fresh start. The two criminal heirs had been honest and frank about each other from day one— hell, they were together from day one. Each and every day. No matter how much you hate somebody, being in their presence for so long… it starts to become second-nature. You don't even realize, but it starts to feel comforting. Like home. If they were gone, you'd know, and you'd miss them. If they were there, you'd know, and you'd hold them close. And if you saw them with someone else, your heart and stomach would tumble and twist and you'd think "What's wrong with me?".
And then you'd realize: oh.
I've fallen in love, haven't I?
That was the long and short of it. Raku and Chitoge may have started off hating each other… but that hate turned to tolerance, which turned into reluctant friendship, which turned into best friends, which turned into… something more. Time will do that to you.
It was time by their lover's side. Raku and Kosaki never had that. It was honesty and truthful words that flowed freely because they were comfortable, and relaxed. Raku and Tsugumi never had that. It was part of sharing a secret— an intimate secret— that the would make the world around them crumble if they knew. Raku and Marika never had that. It was the past, connecting them in ways that went beyond infatuation. Raku and Haru never had that. It was the present that brought the two together, and never pulled them apart. Raku and Yui never had that. It was the promise of the future, and the love they'd share. No one had that with Raku Ichijou. No one.
It was Chitoge. It was always Chitoge.
Becoming friends with Kosaki Onodera was the first step, for her... and for myself. A clean slate. While those feelings from three years ago— those feelings from ten years ago still existed, they took a backseat to good, old-fashioned friendship. Such was the basis of any relationship. Friendship was something the two initially didn't have, and didn't have until it was far too late to save. A bond that went beyond a "crush" was all they needed. So simple. So simple.
I also… kinda' confessed to her that I wasn't Raku Ichijou. That is, I told her I'd changed. That I was different from the boy she knew. And it was true! More true than she could ever know.
I idly wondered if I could tell her I was from another world... Maybe. But if time stopped, the scene faded to gray, Otama's hand came out of the darkness, wrapped around my heart, and I have to hear that god damn EEH EHH EEEEEEEHHHH chant one more time, I'm nope-ing outta' there real quick.
Esoteric anime references aside, I was giving Kosaki a chance. A fair chance. A fighting chance. One she always deserved.
…
Hey, didn't I say her question brought me out of my reverie? Why am I having another reverie?
I looked at the girl with a sheepish grin, "Sorry, I spaced out a bit. What were you saying?"
The girl flushed a bit. "Oh! I was just asking about Kirisaki-san," she said, tilting her head a bit, "You said she was coming tomorrow, right?"
That's right. Chitoge was transferring in tomorrow. I should talk to my father about that.
"Well, first of all…" I started, looking up at passing clouds as we walked, "It's honestly a bit strange to hear you call her anything but 'Chitoge-chan'. I guess I'm just too used to it." It was a fair point. Even if it was a decade ago to them.
"Chitoge… she's something else. She's athletic beyond belief, grades are through the roof, and she's a foreigner, so she's got that going for her. She'd be very popular…" I sighed, "...if not for her background. Her gangster family scared off anyone who tried to make friends with her, so… she's usually by herself."
Kosaki frowned at that. Imagining Chitoge alone, huddled in dark corners as her classmates went about in the light… it felt so odd. So out of place. Like if the sun were relegated to the night sky.
"It's left her socially stunted. She responds to conflict like a child would. She'll either throw a tantrum about it, hate it outright, or just… cry," I conceded, "But none of that's her fault. She has a good heart. She cares for the few friends she has more than anything—she's the kind of person who'd do anything and everything for them. And she's the kind of person they'd do anything and everything for."
"She has her insecurities," I mused, "Little fears, like the dark, or ghost stories… but she has real fears too. Like letting her down her loved ones, or losing what she cares about."
"She also hates lazy people without a spine," I huffed, rubbing a phantom pain in my forehead.
"She's bright like a star. Warm like the sun. Energetic like… well, a big hot ball of gas," I admitted, getting a giggle out of Kosaki, "She's the type who eats a meal in two bites, who climbs trees for fun, who hates to be alone… who treasures the gifts her friends give, and who does her best at everything, no matter how many times she fails. That's Chitoge Kirisaki."
Amber eyes stared at me in awe. "Wow…" she let out a breath, "You really know her well, don't you?"
I scratched my cheek, embarrassed. "I-It's nothing special really. It's the least I can do to tell you about your old best friend." I twirled the pendant around my neck back and forth. "I can tell you about anyone else from back then, if you'd like?"
"What about me?"
I blinked. "Huh?"
The girl at my side flushed again, her mind catching up to what her mouth had let slip. "Y-You said you could describe anyone from that time like you did with Chitoge, right?" she poked her index fingers together, shyly, "Do you think you could… do that with me?"
She waved her hands frantically, "W-What am I saying! It's fine, you don't have to!"
I smiled.
"Kosaki Onodera. Loves candied sweet-potatoes, hates konjac. Her family runs a sweets store…" I glanced over at the girl, looking back at me, "...but she's not sure if that's what she wants to do. Her mother and sister are very outgoing, and those strong presences have left her a bit less talkative… because she chooses her words really carefully. She puts so much care and effort into everything she does, and even if her grades aren't the highest ever, she has a great attention to detail. She's a natural at decoration, and it calms her down when she's worried."
"She tends to overthink…" I looked at the path ahead, "...and she doesn't see much in herself. But I have to tell her she's wrong."
I didn't have to look at her to know her reaction.
"She's so kind… and caring. She's the type who carries bandages because she hates seeing people hurt. She loves helping people, in any way she can." I found it hard to stop the words from pouring out, "She tries so hard at everything she does, and the way she smiles when she succeeds is beautiful... Animals love her, 'cause they can sense her gentle nature. Her peers love her because they feel the same. Little does she know, everyone treasures her…"
It was gonna' get into flirty territory from there, so I pulled back.
"She's one of the best people I know," I sighed, "And it's good to know that hasn't changed."
She was blushing really hard now, and I didn't need a mirror to know that I wasn't any different.
"R-Raku, I…" she stuttered, "I had no idea you thought so highly of me…"
I had the decency to look sheepish, "Well, you asked for an honest opinion. Sorry if I made it awkward."
"No, no! I'm flattered."
The conversation drawled to a close there, as we walked along the sakura-covered path. It was spring, and while the winds weren't cold enough to warrant a scarf or anything, it was still a bit chilly. Noticing my partner's breathing change as the breeze went by, she found my uniform jacket around her shoulders.
"You need it more than me," I said to her surprised look, "Those uniforms are way too thin, if you ask me. It was better in middle school when we all had the blazer."
She smiled a bit. "That's true. I like the new one a bit more though." She did a little twirl, her skirt fanning out a bit from the motion, "I feel more comfortable in this. It's closer to what I wear at home, or when I'm not in uniform."
It was true. Her clothes were always really feminine.
"Speaking of uniforms, how's working at the shop?" I asked, "Any interesting stories?"
"Mm, not really…" she shook her head, "It mostly more of the same every day. Mom had me work the counter since I was young so I could get better at talking to people… It's really helped me. Most of our customers are regulars, so it's the same familiar faces…"
"...You were right though," she admitted, "I don't know what I want to do just yet, but I'm not sure working at the shop is for me. Haru-chan is better suited to take it over… All I can do is decorate."
"Hey, don't sell yourself short," I cut in, seeing the shop in the distance, "Decoration is half the process. Some would even call it the most important part. The sweets wouldn't turn out the way they do without your help. There's an individuality we all have, and every bit of art we create has that— imbued in it."
"Most of your customers are regulars, right?" I pointed out, "That's because they're hooked. You make the sweets so enticing that they can't help coming back for more. That's what I think anyway."
The girl's cheeks dusted a light pink, but not nearly as dark as last time.
"Thank you Raku…" a small smile, "That makes me really happy."
We walked a little longer. The shop was getting closer and closer now.
"So… how're you holding up?" I asked gently, "With what I told you, I mean."
The boy you crushed on for the past three years was your love from ten years ago. While I'm not sure where her heart lay at the moment— such was a fickle thing— I knew this kind of revelation could be shattering, to say the least. She seemed to be taking everything rather well though, walking and talking with me no problem... Or maybe she was just too excited to feel anything else? Again, fickle thing.
"It's… a lot to take in," she said softly, "...but it makes sense. I've always felt attracted to you. Like there was something pulling me in. I'm glad I know why."
That was… pretty cathartic. Kosaki would've never said something so bold at this point in the original. Good progress, right out the gate.
"There's so much to think about…" her voice carried, "But I'm glad that we're where we are now. We became friends again… and now Chitoge-chan is coming! We can make up for lost time!"
I grinned. "Yeah. That sounds good."
I stopped. This was her house. 'Japanese Confections: Onodera'. She must've been really excited about seeing Chitoge again, because she almost walked right into me. After a swift apology, a 'don't worry about it', and what followed...
"Would you like to come in?" Kosaki held her schoolbag with both hands, "It's been a while since you were last here."
"Sure," I nodded, "I wonder if your mom remembers me? Not from last year, but from ten years ago."
The girl tilted her head in thought. It was a valid question.
We walked through the door together.
"Welco—!" a pause, "Oh, hi sis!"
I almost dropped my own bag in surprise. That was a voice I didn't expect to hear for a while.
Low side ponytail with a lavender scrunchie, chocolate brown hair, pink hairclip, and a rather wild lock of hair that framed the side of her face opposite her sister's hairstyle, this was Haru Onodera. She should be in middle school right now, but… what was she doing here?
"Hi Haru!" Kosaki greeted cheerfully, "Is mom around?"
"Yeah, she's in the back…" she seemed to notice my presence, "W-Wait, whoa! Nee-chan, you brought a boy home!?"
She took off in a blur, almost tripping through the curtains of the kitchen. "MOOOOOM!" she called, "NEE-CHAN BROUGHT A BOY HOME!"
"WHAT!? A BOY!?"
Hurried footsteps were heard. I sweatdropped. "Doesn't your sister go to a boarding school?"
"She does!" Kosaki said, apparently unaware of what was going on, "An all-girl's school. Her first semester doesn't start until next week."
Ah. Fuu was still around too then.
Suzu Ayakaji, or Fuu-chan as she liked to be called, was Haru's best friend. A penchant for photography and her support for Haru's love brought a certain glasses-wearing friend to mind… with one key difference. After all, Suzu was in love wi—
"Hi there! I'm Kosaki's mom!"
A frantic single mother greeted me, hair a bit messy from the mad dash over. It was a forced smile... but it was more because she was out of breath than anything else. This was Nanako Onodera, owner of the shop, and my mother's best friend. She was spunky, and definitely passed more than a few of her traits on to her youngest daughter.
Not waiting for me to reply, Nanako and Haru pulled Kosaki over behind the counter. The interrogation began.
"Kosakiii~ My little girl's growing up!"
"Nee-chan, who is he? Is he from your school?"
"His looks are average at best, but I'll take it. What's his name?"
"How do you know him? How old is he? Oooh, is he an upperclassman!?"
"Are you wearing his jacket? It's not even that cold out! He must like you a lot, Kosakiii~"
"That is his jacket! How prince-like of him!"
Kosaki looked back and forth between the good cop and the bad cop every time they opened their mouth. She looked about ready to burst from embarrassment.
"U-Um…" I called, reminding them that I was in the room, "Sorry, can I buy something?"
It was a little direct, but it served its purpose. Nanako went back behind the counter to take my order. Kosaki smiled gratefully, knowing I got her mother off her back.
"And he's interested in Japanese sweets too?" the older woman teased, "Such mature tastes for his age. So classy~"
"Moooom…"
Okay, so maybe not.
I put in an order for a couple daifuku and waited patiently as she bagged them. As soon as my money left my hands and tucked neatly away in the register, she was back to grilling her daughter. Kosaki began to panic again, and sent a pleading look my way.
I sighed and took a breath.
"Ohh, I love these!" I said loudly to no one in particular, "They're better than the strawberry ones they sell at Suzumiya!"
Of course, I was pretty much talking out of my ass. I've had Japanese sweets once before, and Raku probably hadn't been to Suzumiya at this point in the timeline.
"Wow, thanks! That's a high compliment!" Haru chimed in, taking her attention away from her sister, "I've been trying to emulate their style lately, the subtle kind of sweet without being too overbearing?"
"I'd say you've got that down," I nodded enthusiastically, "And this texture too! So smooth!"
That drew Nanako's interest back to me. "You know about Wagashi, kid?"
"I've dabbled," I admitted, silently hoping Raku had, "I'm nowhere near good, but I'm doing my best to learn! It's really interesting!"
"Ohh?" a challenging smile formed on the woman's face, "I'll tell you what. Let's take this to the kitchen. If you can make something that'll impress me, I'll let you date my daughter."
"What?"
"What?"
"M-Mom!"
I blushed, but didn't avert my gaze. "We're not like that, Miss Onodera. Kosaki and I are just friends."
"Ara~?" she smirked, "And yet you're close enough to call her by her first name?"
I looked away. She's got a point.
"A-Anyway…" I changed the subject, "I'll... I'll make something. Cooking in an actual sweets shop kitchen sounds like a dream come true! Ahaha... ha..."
I followed her behind the curtain and into the kitchen, the sisters trailing behind me.
"I-I've finished."
I laid out a small plate of dorayaki. Apparently Raku had made wagashi before.
Kosaki, Haru, and Nanako shared a glance, before they each took a small bite.
A long pause.
…
…
…
"Alright," Nanako gave a charming smile, "Marry into this family, would you?"
True to Nisekoi, I nearly did a spit take.
"What's with this dough?!" Haru exclaimed, revering the bun as if it were a holy object, "So fluffy and light! And the adzukian! The paste is commanding, but subtle in its execution, and the castella complements it perfectly! How did you make this!?"
Kosaki smiled. "I've told you about Raku before," she mentioned, "He's the one who cooks meals for his entire family."
"Oh! The one you recommended for part-time, right?" Haru put a light fist to her open palm in an 'aha!' motion. "So he's the guy, huh?"
"Y-Yes, but you didn't have to mention that…"
I sighed in relief. Looks like I pulled it off… I can't help but feel a little guilty though. It was almost unfair how easy it was, with auto-pilot and all. I vowed to learn more on my own, from here on out. Without Raku's help... or Otama's. Auto-pilot is such a cop-out.
"Are you sure you don't want to date my Kosaki?" her mother said, completely honest, "Because I would approve. In a heartbeat."
"Mooom!" Kosaki exclaimed, red-faced, "We're not like that!"
Haru just laughed at her sister's position.
"Oh! Maybe you're into younger girls…" Nanako thought aloud, "Haru's single too, if she's more your type."
"M O M!" Haru looked mortified.
I just sighed. Never change, Nanako.
The woman laughed, and smiled at me. "In all seriousness, you're very talented for a boy your age. My shop has an opening for part-time on Sundays. Would you be interested?"
I blinked. If I wanted wagashi practice, that was actually a great place to start.
"Y-Yeah, that sounds great," I agreed, "I'll uh… send you my resume?"
She waved me off, telling me there was no reason for something like that. After all, I'd impressed her first hand. Kosaki seemed excited to work with me, and Haru too, to a lesser degree. Apparently that was impressive, Nanako noted, since Haru typically didn't want anything to do with men.
"Besides, he's not really my type," I heard Haru say, "My ideal boyfriend has red hair. He'd probably wear it long too, in a low ponytail. Or maybe a braid..."
I… refrained from pointing out the obvious. Knowing her future, she might have some... things to figure out.
"Oh! It's already dark!" Nanako noticed, "Would you like to stay for dinner, Ichijou-kun?"
Kosaki perked up.
"Ah, that sounds lovely, but I can't," I admitted, "I have to get home and cook dinner for my folks. Thank you though."
Kosaki deflated.
"It's no trouble at all," the woman smiled, "You're always welcome in our home."
That got all the teenagers in the room to blush.
"Thank you for walking me back!" Kosaki bowed slightly, "Sorry it was out of your way."
"No worries," I assured, fixing the sleeves of my jacket. It had her scent on it now. Nice. "Call me later, if you have any more questions about Chitoge."
"O-Oh! You have my number?"
Huh. I guess I didn't.
A quick infrared-transmission later, and our phones were connected. Kosaki smiled again, happy to have another friend's contact.
Ahh… that smile. I've seen it so much today. I feel a little spoiled.
"I'll see you tomorrow okay?" I smiled back, "We're gonna' see Chitoge again!"
"Ah... Raku?"
Hm?
Tepid steps closed the distance between us, and her arms found their way around me again. I let go of my surprise quickly, and returned the hug. She rested her cheek against the warmth of my chest, as she melted into the embrace... The light of the store cast our shadows upon the dim street, two friends reunited after years apart.
"Thank you…" she spoke in hushed tones, barely above a whisper, "...for telling me… for trusting me… ...for remembering me..."
"Thank you, Raku."
I smiled into her hair. "Thank you, Kosaki. For keeping me in your heart."
It was a nice one as far as hugs went, but eventually she had to let me go. A blush, and a promise that we'd see each other the next morning set her mind at ease.
I walked down the dimly lit road, satisfied. The first day of my new life… I'm looking forward to tomorrow.
Behind me, I heard the ring of the shop's bell, as the door opened, letting Kosaki inside.
"Sooo, that was a long 'hug'~! Did you use tongue?"
"M-MOM!"
