"It's thicker than water, after all."
"What!? How do you have it, Raku-chan?!"
So, baking cakes. That had gone well.
Everything kind of fell into place, the same way they did in the manga. Chitoge was an absolute terror who shouldn't be allowed in the kitchen, and wound up making a mess for everyone… I was able to get her back on track though. With my help, she was able to make something. It looked a little gruesome, but it was actually pretty good. Kind of the opposite of Kosaki's food.
Oh man… Raku Ichijou's reactions are not exaggerated. Kosaki had decided to give her cake to her mother, but she "had some leftover batter" and made a smaller one for me! I'd never tasted her food before (though I'd heard the legends), but it looked fine. I figured it couldn't be that bad.
oh how wrong i was.
Where do I even begin? It was undercooked, there was still some liquid batter inside. Yet, it was overcooked? I could definitely taste that charred flavor. It was incredibly salty, and not at all sweet, as if she'd followed in Chitoge's wayward footsteps and mistaken salt for sugar. I actually hurt my tongue eating it; I think there was a piece of eggshell left in the thing… There was even a… "fishy" kinda' taste? I don't even wanna' know where that came from.
All in all, the whole her-food-looks-delicious-but-will-totally-kill-you thing is absolutely true, and Kosaki Onodera is a culinary assassin.
It was the next morning now, and I'd just woken up with a queasy feeling, a terribly upset stomach, and an appointment with the nearest toilet bowl. Once that was taken care of, I finally got the chance to call my former-sister/future-teacher, Yui Kanakura.
See, two nights ago, I'd told Otama that there was a broken key stuck in my pendant and asked her to fix it… I should've been more clear on what to fix. Otama removed the fragment and repaired the key instead. In doing so, she'd taken the other piece— the one around Yui's neck, in China— and put the two back together again. That was all well and good, but now I have the thing, and I'm pretty sure Yui was freaking out.
"It's… a long story…" I spoke into the phone, "I'm sorry I couldn't call sooner. Dad couldn't figure out where he put your number…"
"I'm so relieved…" she sighed in… well, relief. "I nearly turned the whole base upside down! If I ever lost it, I would never forgive myself…"
"R-Right…" I scratched my cheek awkwardly, "Anyway, I'll stop by the post office later and mail it to you. What's your address?"
"Oh! Um…" her voice faded, like she was talking to someone else in the room, "我今天有什么事吗?"
I blinked. Cantonese?
"Sorry… what was that again?" I asked.
"It's nothing!" she laughed, "Don't worry about sending it, Raku-chan. You can hold onto it until I see you again."
"...R-Really? Me?" I mumbled. She wouldn't be in Japan for another year at least. "I'm not sure about this..."
"I trust you!" she said happily, "Keep it safe until then, 'kay?"
"...Alright. I will." I nodded, "Just… don't take too long, sis. I miss you."
"Aww, Raku-chan~!" she teased, "Nee-chan misses you too."
I smiled. Ahh, Yui.
Yui Kanakura was the last of the main Nisekoi heroines to be introduced… and the first to have her arc conclude. At the time, I was really upset. The last to arrive and the first to go. It was like a flame that burned far too bright, far too quickly.
That's a pretty good comparison, actually. Yui's appearance is really what sets all the final pieces into place, and all the players in motion. A girl who remembers the promise… one who knows what the pendant holds… and to top it off, she lives with Raku Ichijou, the next room over? If that didn't get the others riled up, nothing would.
In any case, the more time went by, the more I came to terms with it. Yui may have had the shortest time in the spotlight, but she damn did she shine. Her chapters were few, but they were practically bursting with development for her character, and her growing relationship with those around her. Her past, her present, her future, all became clear. The conclusion of her character arc used to really bother me, and yet... as my own time passed, I grew more and more… at peace.
But her ending… to see her in that last chapter, knowing the truth…
There was a bitter taste in my mouth that wouldn't disappear, no matter how long I waited.
Marika's last moments made me smile. Tsugumi's too. Chitoge's, perhaps most of all. Kosaki pulled at my heart, one last time, but… I knew they'd all be okay.
Yui though…
Yui…
…
"Well, I have to get going." her voice brought me out of my thoughts, "Don't hesitate to call! I love hearing from you, Raku-chan."
"O-Oh! Of course. S-Same here…" I scratched my cheek, "It was nice talking to you."
"Then…" a breath, "Bye for now, Raku-chan! I'll see you later~!"
The call ended.
…
I put the phone down, and relaxed, letting my head rest against the wall. The morning sun had yet to show its face over the mountaintops, and the delicate scent of morning filled the room.
"...Mm…"
My eyes drifted to the sleeping little Kitsune spirit, curled up in my futon. I laid one out for her before we went to bed… I guess she just wanted to leech off my body heat. Geez… if she was cold, she could've told me. I would've closed the window.
Slowly, I stood up. Wednesday, huh? My turn to cook breakfast then.
Wednesday, April 25th.
...
Three years.
That's a little over a thousand days… maybe less, if you subtract the ones I've already lived. My math wasn't too great, but I think that's about right.
I have three years to change everyone's fate. Two, I guess, since everything goes down at the start of their senior year. Yui's suitor, Marika's wedding, Haru's prince, Tsugumi's revelation, and Chitoge's departure…
I have three years.
Three years...
In one hand, I held Yui's key, in its completed form. In the other, I held my pendant.
With the fragment removed, it was ready to be opened. Opened by her…
I ran a thumb over the rose-like engraving of the key… and the other along the engraving upon the locket.
...They're the same.
The same engraving...
I wonder what that means?
"Have you made your decision yet?"
Kosaki looked up at her friend, from her position on the railing. School had just ended. The swim team hadn't scheduled anything that day, and neither had student council… so the chocolate-haired duo decided to spend the afternoon on the school roof. It was a nice day, a nice view… of one Raku Ichijou.
The boy was on animal/garden caretaker duty— doubly so, after what he pulled last Monday. That said, while the girls were quite willing to help their friend with his penance, said penance meant he had to do it alone.
Well, he had Chitoge with him.
"Oops!"
"...Did you spill the feed again?"
"M-Maybe…?"
Then again, Chitoge as a partner often meant… whatever's the opposite of progress. Regress? Retrogress?
We digress. Kosaki leaned over the railing, gazing down at her new friends with a heavy sigh. Ruri sits a foot or two away, draining a juice box. One looks wistful. The other, serious.
"...I haven't yet." The eldest Onodera sister breathes. "It's been almost a month since Raku-kun asked me to be his friend…"
"...And you still don't know how you feel." Ruri finished the sentence. "Just take some time to sit down and figure it out. I'm not trying to rush you, but I'm just saying."
A breath of air drifts between the two, gently touching upon the rooftop.
"So much has been happening, I haven't had the chance to…" Kosaki sighed again, taking the seat next to Ruri's, "We spend a lot of time together, but we're never really alone… Even at work, there's Haru, and my mom…"
Miyamoto's eyes glinted.
"If it's an opportunity you're looking for…"
"R-Ruri-chan!" Kosaki waved her hands in a panic, "Don't do anything crazy!"
"I won't…" the girl sighed in that monotone, "I can't say I don't understand the hesitation, but I will say that it ticks me off. Just a bit."
The taller girl deflated. "You're so blunt…"
"Sorry... I can't help it. The way you're dancing around this…" the swimmer tossed her empty juice in a nearby trash can, "How is it any different than a month ago? Before you knew who he was? If anything, I'd think your feelings would be even stronger now."
"I-It's not like that…"
Ruri just stared, unconvinced, as her best friend twiddled her thumbs.
"I'm just saying… it feels like you're overthinking this." she adjusted her glasses, "Why not just ask him out? There's nothing stopping you."
…
There was something stopping her. Someone. They both knew it.
And that "someone" was sweeping bird feed, three stories below.
Chitoge Kirisaki and Raku Ichijou got along. They got along well. Very well. So well, that a few rumors popped up.
Rumors that the two were totes dating.
Of course, that wasn't true. Everyone in their little friend group knew otherwise. If it ever reached their ears, Chitoge'd probably be the first person to deny it, Raku a close, vehement second. The two were friends. Close friends. Best friends, and nothing more.
...Right?
It was that little doubt that kept Kosaki's lips shut, and as far from Ichijou's as possible. Chitoge was one of her best friends… and so was Raku. If dating made them happy, she'd pull the two together in a hug, their heads resting over each of her little shoulders.
At least that way, they wouldn't see the tears fall.
...
"I… can't." Kosaki closed her eyes. "Not until I'm sure."
Ruri glanced over her shoulder, at the two below.
"He treats her like he treats any other friend…" the girl murmured, "And that's exactly the problem."
Kosaki frowned.
"You don't think a boy and a girl can be friends?"
"I didn't say that…" Ruri sighed again, "I just can't help but feel as if… there's something. They might not know it, but something's starting between those two."
The ponytailed sidekick looked to her heroine.
"...The same way I can tell Ichijou has a thing for you."
"..."
It was nothing new. Ruri had voiced her suspicions time and time again, and Kosaki had always denied it, waving it off as impossible every time.
...And yet…
There was that little hitch of breath. That jump in her stomach. The skip of her heart. If Raku Ichijou did have feelings for her…
But no. That could never be.
...or could it?
A looong heavy sigh. Kosaki Onodera closed her eyes and laid down upon the bench, her head resting in her friend's lap. A hand began to stroke her hair, softly.
…
"...Ruri-chan?" she spoke in hushed tones, "Have you ever fallen in love?"
The young woman regarded her friend with a gentle smile.
"...I haven't…" she breathed, "Not yet."
A slim digit lightly poked her friend's cheek.
"...I've been a little preoccupied with a certain somebody's love life."
A breath of laughter.
"I'm sorry…" Kosaki murmured, "...I've been nothing but trouble, haven't I?"
"Don't say that…" the girl's hand guided locks of hair out of her friend's face. A clear view of the resting angel. "It's never too much trouble. You are not a burden. And I will always be there for you, Kosaki."
The girls simply basked in the silence. The sun shining softly above, the clouds drifting along, even the breeze caressing the two brought nothing but comfort.
"...Besides, it's not your fault." Ruri smiled again, "I… never put much thought into love. It was so foreign a concept, something so alien.. Something I couldn't research, something I couldn't find in a textbook. It's something you feel… and helping you, I… I think I felt it. Just a little bit. Somehow."
She turned her gaze to the sky.
"I don't know." a muted laugh, "Just saying that is so liberating. Something I don't know…"
She took in her friend's peaceful smile.
"I'm sure I'll find it someday. The right guy will come along…" Ruri laughed again, "...or maybe the right girl. You never know these days."
Amber eyes fluttered open.
"Girl?" Kosaki looked up at her friend, "Are you...?"
Ruri shook her head.
"No… I don't think so." she looked on, "But who knows? Like I said, I'd never thought about that stuff before…"
Kosaki smiled… and reached up. She pulled off her friend's glasses, slowly.
"...You have very pretty eyes," she took her hand, "...You could have anyone you wanted. I'm sure of it."
"...Speak for yourself," Ruri smiled lightly, "It's not like I turn heads when I walk by. I just fade into the background."
"That's not true…" Kosaki squeezed her hand gently, "There are some people who are always looking at you. I can think of at least three or four."
Ruri stared down at her friend, surprised. "Really? Who?"
Kosaki smiled.
"Chitoge-chan, Raku-kun, Maiko-kun… and me."
...Ruri smiled back.
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
And such was their peaceful afternoon.
"You know…" Kosaki tapped her chin in thought, "I see Maiko-kun looking your way a lot. Why not ask him out? You two would look good together!"
Her eye twitched.
"Never say that again. Even if you're joking." Ruri tapped her friend on the forehead, "Besides, I'm not taking boy advice from you of all people."
Kosaki opened her mouth to argue… but swiftly closed it. The girl was right, and she knew it. Instead she closed her eyes again, the loving touch of the breeze drifting her away like a lullaby.
Miyamoto smiled down at her friend, and mumbled to the wind.
"Me and Shuu Maiko? Yeah, right."
"Heya, Raku!"
It was another spring day. One of sakura petals, refreshing air, and… spilled birdseed, apparently. As part of my punishment for missing class last Monday, I was on animal duty again this week. I had Chitoge to help me, but… Hey, at least she means well. In any case, since I was "showing her the ropes", I wasn't allowed any outside help.
That said, why was Shuu here?
"Hey there," I greeted the boy, "Not to presume, but if you're here to pitch in, you shouldn't be."
He waved me off, "Nah, I'm not here for that. Kyoko-sensei's word is final, after all! Besides, it looks like you two are almost done." Shuu grinned. "Anyway, since we got that math test this Friday, I figured, 'Hey, why not hold a study group with the lovely ladies?'. And thus, here I am~!"
I breathed a laugh. "Yeah? Well, good luck with that. You here to invite Chitoge?"
"Well, I was kiiinda' hoping we could do it at your house!" he gave me one of those signature catlike grins. "My room is a little small for… one, two, three…" he counted off his fingers, "...five people, so… I figured, 'Hey, Raku's place is huge!'. And thus, here I am~!"
It's less charming when you say it twice, you know.
"Normally, I'd turn you down…" I admitted, "But a study group actually sounds kinda' fun. I could use a little brushing up on my Pre-Calculus too."
Math was never my best subject, and it'd been years since I'd tackled any kind of math in this focus. Erm, what I mean to say is: I've completed higher levels of math, and while they use Pre-Calculus as fundamentals, the ins and outs of the level have been lost to me.
In short, math was still my archenemy.
"...Wait," I turned to him, "Your grades are way higher than mine. So are Chitoge's, and Miyamoto's. Why are you…?"
The boy shrugged, "What's so wrong about wanting to hang out once in a while?" His glasses glinted in the sun. "You still have that old game console, right? I'm thirstin' for some action. And hey, it's not every day you get to be with such lovely ladies~!"
Again, less charming the second time.
"Well, whatever…" I sighed, "I'm up for it. We're almost done here, so I'll leave Kosaki and Miyamoto to you. Inviting them, I mean."
"Already on it~!" his phone was already flipped open, fingers flying across the keys, "Aaaand sent! Meet us at the school gate when you're done!"
"Alright. Sounds good."
And with that, he was off, humming a little tune. I watched him leave with a little smile on my face.
The smile soon faded.
...Wasn't Ruri supposed to propose the study group? For Kosaki's sake? That's how it was in the anime… Damn. I haven't strayed that far from canon, have I?
…
Well, whatever. It looks like certain events will happen no matter what. That's equal parts reassuring and unnerving.
If that was true, I might not be able to change fate after all.
…
Well, it's not gonna' stop me from trying.
"Rakuuu~!" Chitoge called, "I finished sweeping the feed! Are we done for today?"
"Yeah, that's it." I nodded, "Good work today. You're... getting better."
"Aww, thanks." she scratched the back of her head at the (somewhat forced) praise, "But it's not over yet! I still have a long way to go."
...Well, so long as she knows it.
"It's huge!"
It was huge. Wait, didn't we do this gag already?
The Shuei-gumi yakuza syndicate was… well, it was big. As large as an estate. Nothing like Ruri's grandfather's, mind you— it was a reasonable size. Reasonable because an entire yakuza clan lived there… and when you live with a family of a hundred or so, an estate was warranted.
Although, it was an old compound. Older than the clan, in fact. The Ichijou line goes way back, into the feuding eras of Japan. While the original wood framework of the place was swapped out for a more modern structure, a lot of the base was, for the most part, left intact. Artifacts from centuries ago… and at first glance, you could never tell. The boys keep the place spotless, after all. It's just unfortunate that some of the decor sticks out like a sore thumb.
Chitoge, Kosaki, Ruri, Shuu, and I were standing at the enormous ornate doors. You know, the ones with the giant golden lion heads? Yeah, talk about extravagant. Or just plain old, makin'-a-statement.
"Your house is bigger than mine…" I glanced at Chitoge, who'd looked so surprised, "And why're you so shocked? You've been here before."
Some heads turned my way.
"Oho~! Kirisaki-san, you've been to Raku's house, have you~?"
Shuu nudged my side playfully, that 83 grin on his face.
"Yeah!" she chirped, oblivious, "Papa had business with his dad, so…"
Behind me, the two brown-haired girls seemed relieved. Huh. Wonder what that's about?
We began making our way inside. Ryuunosuke and some of the boys were there to greet us, standing in a line on either side of the hallway. They held a giant banner that said "Welcome!" in big letters. When'd they have the time to make that? I only called about the study group twenty minutes ago.
"Welcome home, Young Master!" Ryuu bellowed, "I hear you're studyin' with some friends today!"
"Yeah, that's right…" I scratched my cheek, "If you could bring us some tea, I'd really appreciate it."
"Roger that, Bocchan!"
The man saluted and took off, running down the hall. Yeah, subtlety wasn't really his strong suit.
Ryuunosuke Sasaki was Issei Ichijou's right hand man, and the second-in-command of the Shuuei-gumi Yakuza. It wasn't like Claude at all though; while the pink-suited man had attained his position with tact, diplomacy, and pure skill, Ryuu had clawed his way to the top with raw power. The man was a beast on the battlefield… or so I hear. He may be rough around the edges at times, but when he's on base, he's a complete softie. Ryuu cooks meals, takes care of my garden, tends to the animals…
You'd think he's just being nice to me 'cause I'm the son of the boss, but no. He's nice to everyone. The other guys call him Anigo and stuff! ...Oh, that's the yakuza way of saying "brother". I figured it'd be 'Aniki', but…
Well, what do I know. Point is Ryuu's a good man. Cares for his "family", and would do anything to protect 'em. Loyalty, and dedication like that, Issei respects. And I think the whole Shuuei group would agree.
"So, Raku!" Shuu chimed in, "Ya' change your room at all?"
"Not since the last time you were here…" I raised an eyebrow. Where'd that come from? "What? You don't like it?"
"Juuust makin' small talk~"
And so we started walking.
...You know, come to think of it, I hadn't touched my room at all. Not literally, of course; I had to sleep somewhere. But I hadn't changed anything. I haven't added anything, taken down anything… I haven't moved my futon from the moment I woke up in this crazy world. 'Cept to wash it, of course. The futon, I mean.
I blinked.
...Futon, huh? I feel like I'm forgetting something important…
"Uhh, Raku? What's up?"
I looked up from my thoughts. Shuu and the others were standing at a door.
"This is your room, right?" he pointed, "Unless you moved or somethin'...?"
I shook my head, "No, no, you're right…" I walked over, embarrassed. "Sorry. I was thinking about something else."
"Are you feeling alright, Raku-kun?" Kosaki frowned, "We can do this another ti— Eep!"
Ruri elbowed her in the ribs.
"It's okay! I'm fine…" I assured, "I was just thinking about…" My brain juggled a few ideas. "...my sister. Yeah, my sister. We got to talk this morning before I left for school, so it's been on my mind."
Shuu's face lit up.
"Oh! You did?" his eyes were sparkling, "How's she been?"
"She's doing great!" I grinned back, "We couldn't talk long, 'cause it was pretty early, and she was busy…" I trailed off, realizing our position. "Oh, sorry guys. We should probably start studying."
Everyone seemed to straighten up at that, as if they'd forgotten why we'd come here in the first place. Idly, I wondered how many of us were actually going to get work done today.
I opened the door to my bedroom.
"Welcome home, Raku-sa—"
…
…
I knew I was forgetting something.
"Uwaaa!?"
"S-So cute!" Chitoge squealed, practically tackling the little spirit, "Raku, is this your sister?"
Kosaki and Ruri blinked in pleasant surprise, the taller of the two a few seconds away from joining her blonde friend. Shuu just kinda stood there, stunned.
"...Yes." I said with false, gilded confidence, "Yes, she is. This is Otama, and she's my little sister."
I spoke with intent, through clenched teeth and widened eyes. Honestly, it sounded more like I was trying to convince myself... Hopefully, the little Kitsune got the message, right?
"Wh-Wha?" Otama looked around the room confused, "Who's what? Who's going on? What are you all?"
Ah, on second thought, I shouldn't expect an isolated-from-civilization-for-three-centuries deity to pick up on social cues. And hey, I think you have your questions mixed up.
Silently, I clapped twice, opening the mental link between us.
"Hey, sorry for the short notice…" I gave her an apologetic look, "But can you pretend to be my little sister for a bit? Just until they leave is fine."
She gasped. Physically and mentally.
'Y-You want us to be siblings?' she thought back, 'Raku-san, I… I'm so honored!'
I blinked.
"I… guess you don't have to reverse it then, if you don't want to," I laughed, "We already share a blood bond, come to think of it. If it makes you happy, I'd be happy too."
Her smile was a Radiance of its own.
'As you wish!'
A warm sensation, an orange glow, and a flash of light…
…
"Raku-nii!" Otama pouted, "You didn't tell me you had friends coming today!"
Wow.
It was a spur of the moment decision, and a shot-in-the-dark wish, but wow. Otama plays the little sister role very well.
She looked like a normal girl. Her fox tails and ears had disappeared, leaving her in the orange kimono. The magatama necklace was nowhere to be found, and her 'makeup' had vanished as well… was that a part of her spirit lineage? I guess it doesn't matter now. I'm not gonna' look a gift horse in the face... or something like that.
"...What a lucky coincidence for you," I heard another voice in the back of my head. "You better treat her well."
I blanched.
'Of course! Who do you think I am?' I frowned, 'I'd never do anything to hurt her! Or anyone!'
"Good." a breath of finality, "Not that I expected any kind of mistreatment from you, ya' Goody Two-Shoes. You barely call on her for wishes, and that's her literal purpose in life!"
'I told you before, up on the rooftop.' I sighed, 'There isn't really anything I need. The only reason I make wishes is because she wants me to.'
"You're such a strange human." Megumi muttered, "I'm sure you have desires! Everyone does!"
'I do.' I admitted, 'But it's much more satisfying to achieve those things with your own hands, isn't it?'
I want Kosaki to succeed. I want Chitoge to smile. I want Ruri to live her life, for Tsugumi to embrace new experiences... for Marika to break free of her prison, for Yui to find her home… I want Haru to open up, I want Paula to open up to Haru... I want Fuu to be herself, and I want Shuu to… well, keep being Shuu, I guess.
'I want them all to be happy. You and Otama too.' I breathed, 'I won't deprive them of happiness by just giving it to them. They'll never find peace that way.'
Peace comes from within. Self-reflection, self-discovery. I want everyone to find that. To put the past to rest, and look to a new tomorrow with a smile on their faces.
'Otama wanted someone to care for.' I knew this. 'For her to care for, and to care for her. If that's within my power, I'll do it. With all my might.'
"You and your hero complex." she grumbled, "You can't make everyone happy, you know."
'...Then I'll die trying.'
What's so wrong with a happy ending?
"Sorry, sis…" I scratched the back of my head, "It all just kinda' happened. We were planning on doing a little study group in here…"
"Oh! 'Kay~!" she chirped, "I'll go to my room then!"
Your room?
Actually, never mind. Just roll with it.
"Aww, why not hang out with us, Otama-chan?" Chitoge rubbed her cheek against hers, "We can all play games and stuff!"
…
A little pause…
...before Otama's smile brightened the whole room.
"O-Okay!"
Chitoge grinned, before reaching for the TV remote. Shuu got to work plugging in the console into all the proper ports, and Ruri started going through the different games I had. Kosaki sat next to her friend, pointing out the ones she and Haru had played before, as Otama practically bounced up and down in excitement.
Aww…
For someone who'd gone three hundred years without another living soul, I'm glad to see her so… happy. So unabashedly, unbelievably happy.
Back then, she might've been putting on a brave face… or maybe she truly believed it. Believed that humans would come back for her. That her centuries in solitude had purpose. That it would all pay off in the end. Whatever the case was, for her to be with others again… finally, after all this time...
It takes someone with nothing to appreciate something, after all. And now, Otama had what she always wanted.
Maybe I've got a bit of a wish-granting power myself.
...
...Wait a sec.
"Uh, you guys…" I started, "Don't we have work to do?"
"Huh? What do you mean?" Shuu asked, not looking up from the cables, "We finished our homework before we left."
I blinked. "You what?"
"Yeah... 'study group'? It's just an excuse to hang out." he said simply, booting up the system, "Come on Raku, we've done this kinda' thing for years."
I blinked. Again.
"Y-You're…" I looked around the room, "All of you are done with homework?"
"It wasn't very long, Ichijou-kun…" Ruri drawled, reading the back of one of the boxes, "It's just more review."
"Wh-What about you?" I turned to Chitoge. "You're not done, are you?"
My response was a silent reveal of all three worksheets. Completed.
"You were with me in the menagerie the entire time!" I pointed, incredulously, "When the heck'd you get the time to finish it!?"
"During class…" she said slowly, "Kyoko-sensei gives us way too much time between practice problems."
All I could do was gawk and sputter.
"I-I'm too busy working out the practice problem to do anything else!" I cried, "No way! I can't be the only one who hasn't finished! Kosaki?"
The girl averted her eyes.
"I… did it with Ruri-chan earlier…"
"Oh, come on!"
"For the record, I'm done with homework too!"
You stay out of this!
I ran a hand down my face… Seriously? Three worksheets, front and back, Pre-calculus, and you're all done!? For real!?
"While you were making up for your absences, Kosaki and I were working on it after class," Ruri said, having chosen a game, "Next time, don't skip school."
"I-I wasn't!"
I let my shoulders droop in defeat. Kosaki gave me an apologetic look.
"...I could help you? If you'd like…?" she smiled lightly, "I'm not very good at this game, so..."
…
I sighed.
"Thanks… but, I'll pass." I grinned, sheepishly. "They're right, it's my own fault. So have fun! I'll just have to finish quickly, so I can join you guys."
"Actually," Ruri called, cutting me off, "The game we're playing only takes four players. Kosaki, go help him."
"H-Huh?"
The four had already started playing. Mariokart, actually.
I felt the anime tears stream down my face.
'Maybe I should just wish my homework done...'
"Oh?" a teasing voice,"You're not gonna 'achieve it with your own two hands'?"
…
I hate you.
"Love you too."
