"May our flames never die."
"Then you just substitute for alpha, and…"
"W-Wow! Raku-kun, you're amazing!"
I couldn't help a swell of pride as the words left her lips. Walking her through the problem was simple enough; after a bit of review, I was able to regain my bearings and start the homework. Math was like a muscle— if you don't use it, you lose it. But, even if you do lose it, you still have the… uh, something like the "muscle memory"? Like riding a bike, I guess. It's familiar enough that you can reach your old skill level rather quickly.
That said, I definitely wasn't the greatest. I'm in no shape for a test. Sloughing through the problems as I did took me a lot longer than it should have… Then again, that's probably why I couldn't help feeling proud of myself.
I breathed a laugh. "I don't really know about that. If anything, you're the incredible one. You already finished, after all."
I… couldn't help but notice her tense when I said that.
"Uh… Kosaki?" I frowned, "Something wrong?"
"N-No… it's just…" she deflated, "I was having trouble, so Ruri-chan tried to help me… and when I didn't understand she just got frustrated… and let me copy hers."
I shrugged, "Everyone copies from time to time... Just don't make a habit of it. It's easy to fall behind in a subject like this."
"I know..." she assured, "I-It's just… when she gets angry, Ruri-chan is—"
"WHOEVER JUST THREW THAT BLUE SHELL, YOUR DAYS ARE NUMBERED."
"...scary."
Kosaki shivered, as we both looked over our shoulders at the four across the room.
The others were playing a… rather heated game of MarioKart. Chitoge was doing pretty well, sitting comfortably in fourth. Otama, bless her heart, was in twelfth, still learning how to steer. Shuu had just hit Ruri with a blue shell, taking her first place position, and the girl looked like she could slit his throat at any moment.
Meanwhile, on the opposite end, Kosaki and I sat at the kotatsu. She was supposed to be helping me with my homework… but somehow I ended up tutoring her instead. I wasn't complaining though. Friends help each other, after all.
"Catch me if you can, Ruri-chan~!"
"DO NOT TEST ME MAIKO, I KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE."
...Looks like they're having fun.
The "study group" was going… poorly. As study groups go, that is. Shuu just wanted to play video games, and the others just wanted to hang out… I wish they'd have just told me though. Totally hung me out to dry…
"I get it…" I admitted, "The only way to improve is with practice… but with the test so soon, there really isn't time…"
Defeated, Kosaki sank forward into the table, resting her head on her arms. She let out a muffled sigh.
"I'll try my best… but I'll probably fail again..." she mumbled into the desk, "...It's like Fukuda-sensei was looking right at me when he explained the make-up assignment..."
"...The… what?" I gulped, "When did he say that?"
"The day you were absent," Ruri called from across the room, "If you score below a 75%, he's giving you a workbook to finish over Gol— MAIKO DID YOU PUT A BANANA UNDER THE ITEM BOX YOU SON OF A—!"
Ignoring the threat upon Shuu's life, Kosaki splayed herself out over the table.
"And I was so excited too…" she sighed again, "There goes my vacation…"
I blinked. "Vacation?"
The girl turned her head to look up at me.
"Did you forget, Raku-kun?" she laughed, "Next week is Golden Week!"
...I'd completely forgotten.
From the 29th of April to the 5th of May was Golden Week, a series of holidays that most Japanese schools and workplaces recognized. Among those holidays were things like Children's Day or Showa Day… It was often the first vacation of the school year, since it happened so early. Point is, it was a week off, and that was awesome.
Sheesh… I missed a lot. Come to think of it, all the important announcements and stuff happen on Mondays. The one day I happened to miss.
"I… guess I did forget," I admitted, glancing at Otama across the room, "Things have been so crazy lately… I guess I just lost track of time."
Kosaki smiled.
"Mom's taking us to the countryside," she slowly pushed herself up, "My aunt runs a hot-springs resort there. Haru-chan's semester starts next month, so we're taking her and some of her friends on a trip before they go back to boarding school."
"Nice… Boarding school, huh?" a thought struck me, "I've been wondering, why does Haru go to a boarding school? Why didn't she go to Bonyari Junior High with us?"
It was an honest question. One I felt I knew the answer to, but an honest question nonetheless.
"Oh! Um…" she tapped her chin, "Haru doesn't really get along with boys. She says she feels more comfortable around girls, so mom enrolled her there."
That made sense. I wonder if Nanako knew about—
"She met Fuu-chan on her first day, and the two have been close ever since!" Kosaki smiled happily, "They're such good friends. When mom told her about the trip, she was so excited they were going together that she almost passed out!"
With a nosebleed, I'm assuming…
Well, with Nanako's penchant for shipping her daughters with various potential love interests, I'm not terribly surprised. In fact, I'm pretty sure she planned this from the start…
"What about you, Raku-kun?" Kosaki asked, "Are you doing anything next week? Going anywhere? Visiting anyone?"
...
A certain girl crossed my mind.
"...A visit, huh?"
Kosaki only tilted her head in confusion.
We studied until our brains couldn't take anymore… so it only took about twenty minutes. Thankfully, Ryuu brought over some tea to ease the coming headache. After a short break, I was back to tutoring her, and after a few problems, I could see she was starting to get it.
"Alright…" I looked over our papers, filled top to bottom with practice problems, "That's probably enough for today. If we keep working like this, I think we might actually stand a chance."
"You really think so?" Kosaki sighed in relief, "Friday can't get here fast enough…"
I grinned, before leaning back to stretch. The test would be in our sixth class that day, so we'd have a bit of time to review at lunch…
…
My gaze wandered across the room, to the four still playi—… actually, the two still playing video games. Chitoge and Otama were chatting about something. Chitoge seemed really enthusiastic— you know, that tone of voice you take when you talk to kids or pets? Yeah, that. Otama either didn't notice or didn't care, because she was drinking up her every word.
On the other hand... the game had turned into some personal vendetta for Ruri. The girl furiously hammered away at the buttons, angrily navigating the menu as she set up her duel with the— currently undefeated— champion, Shuu Maiko. I wasn't sure what the exact win-loss record was, but it must've broken the double digits by now.
I guess the race started. Ruri leaned into every turn, twisting and contorting her body as her character drifted… and she wasn't even using motion controls. Meanwhile, Shuu was laughing his ass off, maintaining his first place position all the while. Of course, the ease with which he did so, only made her more angry and unfocused. The race ended with her in second, Shuu in first, and a controller about to be thrown through the TV.
"...Someone's competitive, huh?"
"She's always been this way…" Kosaki smiled, "Ruri-chan hates to lose… although, she's never been this upset before…"
"Ah…" I reached for a cup and took a sip of tea, "Probably 'cause of who she's losing to."
"Maybe… O-Oh!" she perked up, "Raku-kun, that's my—"
I raised an eyebrow, as I took another sip. "Huh? What is it?"
"...It's nothing. Never mind…"
I put the cup down silently. That was weird.
"Again!" Ruri demanded, "One more!"
"While it's my duty as a gentleman, giving a lady what she wants…" Shuu laughed as he dodged a fist to the face, "I'm kinda' hungry. Besides, it's getting pretty late. We should head out."
I glanced at the clock. About 6:30, huh?
"Ah, well…" I stood, offering Kosaki a hand up, "This was fun. We should do it again sometime."
"Maybe when I get back from my trip?" she took my hand, "We can do our make-up work together!"
"Hey, hey…" I laughed nervously, "Don't give up so cheerfully. We've got this!"
"Yeah, Kosaki-chan!" Chitoge had popped up from behind us and threw an arm around each of our shoulders, "With Raku-senpai teachin' ya', you've got nothin' to worry about!"
The girl smiled gratefully.
"Thank you Chitoge-chan. And thank you, Raku-kun." she pumped her fists, "I'll do my best!"
I glanced at the blonde, whose face was awfully close.
"Senpai, huh?"
"Only when it comes to stuff like this," she flashed a peace sign over Kosaki's shoulder, "You're a really good teacher! I'm getting better at animal duty every day!"
...She was. Although, considering who we're talking about, she had nowhere to go but up.
With one last squeeze, Chitoge let us go, smiling all the while. Being the victor of their little match, Shuu had left Ruri to put away the game console— a task she begrudgingly took. She still refused to meet his gaze, steaming over her losses.
"Oh… everyone's leaving?"
Otama stared up at us with innocent eyes. It was taking quite a bit of willpower not to rush over there and hug her with all my might.
Apparently, I didn't have to. Chitoge swept the girl up in her arms.
"Don't worry Otama-chan!" the blonde rubbed her cheek against hers, "We'll come and visit you soon!"
Kosaki soon joined the impromptu group hug, an act that Otama embraced completely. And literally. Ruri's animosity all but melted away at the sight, as she simply smiled from afar.
Wait. Where was—
A hand descended upon my shoulder, pulling me to a corner of the room.
"Hey, Raku…" Shuu's tone was rather serious, "Who is that girl? And why have I never seen her before?"
Ah.
Looks like that wish I made didn't alter his memories at all… Although, that's probably for the best. The last thing I want to do is manipulate a friend.
Lying to someone will always end poorly.
"She's… an adoptive little sister," I sighed, "It's a long story, and I don't know if you'll believe me."
The boy crossed his arms. "I got time."
...A serious Shuu was somewhat intimidating.
"Otama… she's an orphan," I scratched my cheek, "I found her out in the woods. She hasn't seen her family in years… but she took a shine to me, so I took her in."
The blond blinked.
"It's completely true," I glanced at the girls, chatting about something or other, "I know it sounds farfetched, but—"
"I believe you."
My eyes shot to him. "R-Really?"
He gave me that grin of his. I could see the trust in that smile.
"Taking in a lost child is absolutely something you'd do," Shuu squeezed my shoulder, "No matter how inconvenient, no matter how tough, and no matter how much it'll hurt, you're always rushing in to help people. It's what makes you you."
I… looked away, with a slight blush. Damn it. How am I supposed to respond to that?
"But, man! What a surprise!" he put his hands on his hips, "Who'da thunk you'd adopt a kid!? When you mentioned a sister, I figured you were talkin' about Yui-nee!"
"Oh. Well…" he turned his gaze to me as I started, "Truth is, I was. Yui-nee and I were on the phone for a while this morning."
His smile brightened.
"Wow! Heckuva coincidence, huh?" he spoke happily, but not loud enough for the girls to hear, "Two sisters… Raku, you sure got it made."
I gave him a wary look. "And… what's that supposed to mean?"
"Eeeexactly what you think, good sir~!" he joked, "You're living the dream, my friend!"
"That so?" I sighed.
Chitoge, Kosaki, and Ruri fawned over the little girl with nothing less than fascination, as Otama simply basked in the joy of every moment. Friends. Family. People to look at her. Care for her. Love her. The young deity was a bundle of smiles.
"Yeah…" I grinned, "I am pretty lucky."
Shuu smiled at the scene.
"The day Raku Ichijou passes up an old woman crossing the street… is the day hell freezes over," the boy stated it like a fact, "Would I be a bad friend if I said that kindness could be the death of you?"
"You wouldn't be," I shook my head, "But even if you did say it, I doubt I'd listen. I'm a stubborn bastard like that."
The boy laughed. "That's for sure."
I looked upon my friends, my family with a smile.
You might be onto something, Megumi...
With the cuddling session officially over, the six of us stepped out into the hallway of the syndica—
…
Things looked busy.
Yakuza rushed through in suits and ties and attire far more sophisticated than they had any business wearing. Some men carrying boxes went by, their pace quickened by Ryu barking orders at 'em from a few rooms away. They seemed to be in a damn hurry too, the way they practically tripped over themselves.
"R-Raku-nii?" Otama clung to my pant leg, "What's going on?"
"You're not under attack are you?" Chitoge adopted a fighting stance. Despite the school uniform, rather intimidating. "If it's Claude again, I swear…"
"It… doesn't seem that way." I observed, "Hang on, let me ask."
As a group, we approached Ryuu who upon noticing us, jumped down from his position on the stage. Huh. Since when did we have a stage?
"Young Master!" he bowed slightly, "What can I do for ya'?"
"Hey Ryuu," I greeted, "We were just wonderin' what was happening. Looks pretty hectic."
"Oh! Truth is, we got a surprise visitor!" the man scratched the back of his head, "Head of a big mafia group. Dropped in on us outta' nowhere too! We just got the call, so we're settin' up fast as we can before the limo gets here."
I whistled. "How long are they staying?"
"Didn't say," Ryu shrugged, "But I hear the trip was last minute, so she won't stay too long, I think."
"Oh, I see…"
…
I whipped my head up, "Wait, 'she'? As in, a woman?"
"That's right!" he affirmed, "Boss of the Char Siu Mafia's a chick! Could barely believe it myself! The whole group was fallin' apart I tell ya', next thing you know, this girl comes outta' nowhere and gets the whole thing up an' runnin' again! Scares me to think about it!"
The man shivered. Ignoring the inadvertent sexism, I turned to my friends with a sigh.
"So, it looks my big sister's on the way. Would you like to stay for dinner?"
"Raku-chan! It's been so long!"
The leader of the Chinese mafia practically crushed me in a hug, twirling me around with surprisingly strong arms. I returned the embrace as best I could, but it was rather difficult with both legs in the air.
"You know, when you said 'see you later'? I didn't think you meant later today…" I said, once I regained my footing, "...It's good to see you."
Yes, here she was. Long, violet locks flowed to her back, a braid brushing each of her hips. A flower headband kept it back, framing a charming oval face, eyes sparkling a brilliant amethyst. Petal earrings, rosy cheeks, and a bright smile.
Yui Kanakura was in the building.
"It's good to see you too! Wow, you've grown so tall and handsome! And strong!" Didn't you just spin me like a ragdoll? "I've missed you so much!"
"I missed you too…" I smiled, as she released me from her arms, "Speaking of 'missed you'..."
"Yui-nee!"
Shuu bounded up on all fours, like a dog. "Yui-nee, remember me? It's Shuu! Shuu Maiko!"
"Shuu-chan!" the woman pet him on the head, ruffling his hair, "You haven't changed a bit!"
The boy only grinned stupidly, proverbial tail wagging back and forth. She made him roll over, play dead, and a couple other tricks (that he performed with surprising dexterity) as we looked on in slight confusion. Ruri made a fist, unconsciously.
I should probably step in.
"It's not just him," I tapped Yui on the shoulder, turning her gaze toward the others, "I'm sure you remember—"
A gasp.
"Chitoge-chan! Kosaki-chan!"
This time, she tackled two people in a hug, and spun both of them around. Kosaki flailed her legs cutely, surprised by the girl's strength, while Chitoge kind of leaned into the motion with a silly grin, like she was having the time of her life. Yui's smile was infectious, and the three were starting to laugh along.
Next to me, Otama tilted her head, confused, while Ruri merely quirked an eyebrow. Shuu was on the floor moping, having been robbed of his master's affection.
"You're both so pretty!" Yui squealed, finally letting them down, "Oh my gosh, I can't believe it! Everyone's so grown up now!"
She turned her gaze to the two girls at my side.
"Oh! Where are my manners…" the woman bowed politely, "I'm Yui Kanakura. Raku-chan's older sister."
"It's nice to meet you," Ruri bowed as well, "My name is Ruri Miyamoto. I'm one of Ichijou-kun's classmates."
"I'm Otama!" the spirit chirped, "And I'm Raku-nii's sister too!"
Yui smiled. "Well, it's nice to meet you, Ruri-chan! Otama-chan! I hope we get along~!"
Seemingly unfazed that I had a younger sister, the woman turned to the rest of us and spoke.
"You're still together, after all these years…" she smiled, before her expression changed. "Oh! We're missing a few…"
"Ah…" I rubbed the back of my neck, "Tsugumi's out on a mission right now, and Haru-chan's at home. Marika's…"
…
I let the sentence trail off. I'm sure she knew where the girl was.
"Well," she clapped her hands together, "We have a lot of catching up to do."
"That's for sure…" I grinned, "Let's head back to my room. I'll show you where you'll be staying."
Taking her luggage, the seven of us made our way through the hall, chatting as we went.
Seven.
Can you believe there's seven of us? It's like a dream.
Chitoge, Kosaki, Ruri, Shuu, Yui, Otama, and myself. I can't remember the last time I've been surrounded by this many friends.
"Sure, just forget about me. That's cool~" a voice in my head chided playfully, "But seriously though, it's eight. Don't forget it."
Right. Eight it was.
The eight of us sat around the kotatsu, as Yui animatedly told some stories from our childhood. The woman was more than happy to refresh our dusty memories with colorful tales of tag, baths, and hide & seek. Although one of those things was more embarrassing than the others.
As it was now, Yui sat between Shuu and Chitoge, the lady of the two blonds having the wall to lean on. Next to Shuu was Ruri, who sat next to Kosaki, who sat next to me. With Kosaki on my right, Megumi sat on my left as a mental projection, unseen to anyone else. She looked upon her younger self, sitting in my lap.
"Wow… Raku-nii, you really fought a wolf for Chitoge-nee?" the little spirit looked up at me in awe, "You're so brave!"
"I-It wasn't really anything special…" I looked away, "Besides, it wasn't a fight. I didn't wanna' hurt it."
"You were always so kind to animals…" Yui gazed at me fondly, "No matter how much it hurt. When we found you, there was blood running down your face... You were really pale, Raku-chan."
My eyes wandered upward.
"I was so scared…" she clutched her hands to her chest, "There was no way you could walk, so Chitoge-chan carried you to the hospital on her back."
"Ohh~" I swooned, "My hero~!"
"All in a day's work!" Chitoge declared, confidence oozing, "Anything for a damsel in distress!"
...
The two of us shared a look, before we broke out into smiles.
We talked for a while, just reminiscing over the old days. Well, Yui and I did. Everyone else listened intently, whether they'd forgotten, or hadn't been there in the first place. Ruri looked at me in a new light, and Shuu nodded along, the blanks in my story filling in for him. Raku'd only told him bits and pieces of his past, so this must've been pretty satisfying to hear.
"Oh, before I forget…" I reached into my pocket, "Here."
I placed the unbroken key into Yui's hand. She gasped.
"R-Raku-chan…" she murmured, "How…"
"I took the piece in the locket and put them together again," I scratched my cheek, "It's hard to explain, but…"
She shook her head.
"No," she smiled, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't question it. It doesn't matter."
The woman clutched the key like a lifeline.
"I got to see you after all."
I smiled back… but a bubble of guilt rose through my conscience.
…
"What's wrong?"
Megumi posed the question, unheard to the others.
"...I feel bad." I shook my head, as their conversations went on without me, "No, I feel… disturbed. By myself. Lying shouldn't be this easy."
"What? You're not lying!" she objected, "You are literally not lying. At all. Even if you were vague about the truth, you've never lied!"
I stifled a sigh, hoping no one would catch it.
"...Fine. I'm not lying…" I conceded, "But I still feel like I'm lying. I'm deceiving them. Tricking them. Someway, somehow."
It was her turn to sigh. Hers aloud.
"...Well, I can't do anything about that…" Megumi's ears twitched, "I know you. No matter what I say, you're gonna' keep feeling guilty."
That was true.
"But I will say this."
Oh?
I turned my gaze to the goddess.
"Whatever choices you make? Whatever victories you have? Every loss you endure? Whatever you do from now on?" she scooted closer with every word, "That's on you. It's not Raku Ichijou's life anymore. It's yours. Anything 'Raku Ichijou' does, is you. It's all you."
I frowned. What does that have to do with anything?
"I'm saying it because…" she was sitting up against me now, staring straight into my eyes, "Youare Raku Ichijou. So what, Maiko doesn't know where Otama came from? Who cares, Kanakura doesn't know how her key got fixed? Otama is here. The key is fixed. Your actions themselves might lack a little grace, but there's nothing but good intentions behind them. You hold nothing but goodwill for Otama, and repairing the key clearly means a lot to her. To both of them. Hell, that's right! Otama exists for literally one reason, and you won't even let her grant your wishes because you don't believe you've earned it, or some crap. You feel guilty for a half-truth? Please."
Whatever her point was, it had been lost in a rant of sorts.
"Oh. Sorry 'bout that. Got a little carried away," she smiled cheekily, "My point is, you have good intentions. And that's enough."
My brow furrowed.
"But... what if it's not? What if I… go too far? I could hurt someone."
"Trust me kid, I doubt that," Megumi laughed, "You're the kinda' person who couldn't hurt a fly on purpose, let alone on accident."
I half-scowled. What's that supposed to mean?
"And besides…" she averted her gaze, "If that ever happens, I'll be the first to stop you."
…
"I see." I nodded, imperceptibly, "Thank you, Megumi. I hope it never comes."
"Probably won't!" she chirped, mood back to normal, "But all that aside, my point is this."
Her eyes met mine again.
"You are Raku Ichijou," she stated firmly, "Your actions are his. You need to take responsibility for those actions. Half-truth, whole-truth, whatever. And no matter the action you take, no matter the consequences, it will stick with you. It will be yours. There's no escaping it, because you are Raku Ichijou."
She poked my chest with the declaration. Her form was intangible, but I felt the impact with every word.
"This is your life now. You have to live it." her tone grew solemn,"However that may be, you must."
…
"Thanks," I smiled genuinely, "That… really did help. Thank you."
"Really? I just spouted whatever came to mind."
The deity flushed lightly, trying to brush it off. Like the thought of her helping someone was embarrassing. As a former wish-granting entity, that was…
"I-In any case!" she sputtered, "You should get back to your friends, before they notice you're spacing out!"
I did just that, but…
"There's eight of us, you know?"
I left her something to think about.
"Oh!" Yui exclaimed, noticing the clock, "It's gotten so late already!"
"Time flies when you're havin' fun," I remarked, rolling my shoulder to get the stiffness out. Otama in my lap, imitated the action. "You guys want to stay for dinner? I'm sure the guys have some big feast planned."
I pointed the question to my school friends. The four of them exchanged glances.
"Sounds good to me!" Chitoge grinned, "I should text Papa though."
"Ah!" Kosaki pulled out her phone too, "I'll ask my mom!"
Shuu shrugged, "My parents are out of town for the week. I'm good to go."
I glanced at Ruri, who merely nodded in reply. Never one to turn down a free meal, huh? The girl ate as much as Chitoge sometimes. Though, her height made it all the more surprising.
"U-Uh, actually…" the door slid open to reveal Ryuu, "Don Kanakura's visit was so sudden that we weren't able to throw anything together…"
I blinked. That was surprising. Usually, the boys would throw life and limb into making sure their guests were accommodated.
"Well… that's fine," I let Otama off me and stood up, "I can just make something then."
"Ooh! Raku's home-cooking!" Shuu grinned, "You ladies are in for a treat!"
Ruri quirked an eyebrow.
"I take it you're speaking from experience?"
"You know it!" the boy pumped a fist, "When he was learning as a kid, I was with him all the time! I know his cooking journey start to finish!"
He finished with a girlish little twirl. Ruri grew a tic mark on her forehead.
"As a kid…" Yui murmured, before a thought struck her, "Wait, Raku-chan! Do you remember what we used to do on summer nights?"
I blinked. Then skimmed through Rak—… my childhood memories. Finding my answer there, I stood up.
"Yeah, I do. It's still in the same place," I declared happily, "Here, I'll go grab it."
And so I shuffled behind Kosaki into the closet—
"What is it?" Chitoge called.
—and returned with an old pot.
"It could use a wash…" I looked it over, "...and a new gas canister, but we should be good to go."
I glanced up to Chitoge, Ruri, and Otama, eyes wide in excitement, stomachs growling in anticipation, and mouths practically watering.
"...I take it you girls know what hot pot is?"
Only enthusiastic nods in reply. I guess they had hot pot in the spirit world, too.
