Chapter 8: Ripple

Before reading, yuri content is present in this chapter; not for the weak-willed.

Kagami felt like reading a light novel for a change of pace. Somehow, the light novel might serve as an inspiration or a source of ideas for her to choose what to wear for tomorrow. Aside from combining two clothes together to create a perfect match, she had nothing left to do. There weren't much homework to do in the past few weeks. Even if there were, she already had done it from top to bottom. She also studied yesterday's lectures and lessons so she would not fall victim of the dreaded pop quiz where the teachers always seemed to have the upper hand, trapping its victims in an endless void of certain failure and contempt. There was only half-a-day left before the big day tomorrow. What has her worried was not what to wear but what to answer in the million-dollar question. Either way, the advantages and consequences would inflict considerable changes in her life. It's like standing between two roads: one of them leading to a dead end. With no signpost nearby or map in hand, she has to rely on her instincts to figure out the correct path—the path dictated by her heart. It is to be pondered, however, that instincts are not very accurate in solving problems. Only with the right knowledge can instincts be considered valid. She had to think of this very seriously otherwise she might shamefully take the wrong road.

The effect would be like a ripple in the water. It starts off at a certain point and expands as time goes along. Pain would start from the heart and eventually spread throughout the body, affecting not only body systems and functions but as well as the will to live which could lead to suicide. That still depended on the person though. It was even too late to turn back now; not after what her close friends had already accomplished during the past twelve hours. Retreating now would be a waste for everything she had worked hard and hoped for. In this purpose driven life, there will come a time when the inevitable has to be faced. There is always a time when a person's will is put to the test. Tomorrow, Kagami will be facing her toughest opponent: herself.

Meanwhile at Kuroi-sensei's place, her visitor turned out to be Konata's dad. Judging by what he was holding a while ago, his intentions were crystal clear.

"I've thought about this for months." He said. "But now I've made up my mind."

"You sure you want to go through with this?" Kuroi-sensei solemnly asked him.

"It just feels incomplete without Kanata by my side. Plus I can't keep this on forever; taking care of Konata all by myself."

"Did you get her consent about this?"

"Well…"

"Konata, I'm thinking about remarrying. I know you're against it but deep down Kanata will always be your mother."

"She agreed somehow. She even asked me what her new mother will be like." He explained.

"That's Izumi for you; a positivist. I'm going to ask you once more. Are you sure that you want to go through with this?"

"Yes, I want to. I simply can't support the welfare of my daughter as a man on a solo mission."

"I appreciate your desire but how will she react if I become her new mother?"

"Well…"

"What will my new mother be like?"

"She was very enthusiastic to know such a thing." Souijiro explained further.

"I've been thinking about it as well. I've never been as lucky as you in love. I thought that this could be the time for my wish to come true."

"You'll have to excuse Konata. She's pretty eccentric considering a very tiny body."

"So when will we do this?"

"First thing in the morning…I want to surprise her."

"I see…anytime you change your mind, you can just tell me."

Nobody had expected this; for Kuroi-sensei to agree to Souijiro's proposal, for Souijiro to fall in love with Kuroi-sensei, and for both of them to have the same outlook about being single in their lives. The existing difference between them is Kuroi-sensei being single to begin with and Souijiro being single after losing Kanata in a struggle for survival. He thought that he could take on life all alone. He knew that Konata was already a big girl, thus she could take care of herself. But his insecurities told him to remarry someone not only for his only daughter's sake but for his happiness as well. He thought that if Kanata hadn't died, he would be very happy not as a man but as a father of the only daughter he and his wife had. Both of them swore everlasting happiness as husband and wife. They swore that they would never leave one's side unprotected from threats and criticisms. Eventually, Kanata succumbed to an illness and died smiling; however she still continued to watch her beloved husband and daughter from the distant heavens—away from physical contact but not from spiritual guidance.

Meanwhile, Konata arrives at the Hiiragi home for a visit despite of the looming bad weather. She could've stayed and played games for three days straight. Instead, she put her friends' welfare on top of her priorities list. She wanted to check for herself how Kagami was doing in her preparation for tomorrow morning.

"Hey Kagamin, how're you doing?" Konata greeted at the doorstep.

"You're pretty energetic; coming here despite the bad weather." Kagami said.

"Like what Tsukasa said last night: even if it rains fireballs."

"Huh?"

"Never mind…how are the preparations coming along?"

"Still no luck at the clothing category…"

"Ho, ho, ho; take note Kagamin, clothes play an important role in triggering a flag."

"Hey, who says anything about triggering a flag?"

"Isn't that what dates are all about, Kagamin?"

"It's not a date! I'm just going to discuss some things with him."

"Yeah, like family planning—"

"Shut up!"

Kagami led Konata into her room where clothes were scattered throughout her bed. Some of them were paired up but the results were unsatisfactory for her. The kind of clothing was also to be considered. Obviously, she wouldn't wear a formal dress for a casual occasion and vice versa. It doesn't need to be flashy; just appropriate for the event without sacrificing the skin-deep and deep-down beauty. What is the proper attire that isn't too flashy but doesn't compromise the looks? It was getting more and more repetitive in her mind the more she thought about it.

"Sorry for the mess." Kagami apologized. "It's too hard to decide."

"Don't worry…" Konata replied sarcastically. "It's usual for you to have a messy room anyway."

"I wonder…are you trying to make a scene here?"

Kagami decided to choose randomly even if she couldn't be as flashy as an attractive girl out on a date. Konata helped her clean up the mess in her room. When every piece of apparel was back in the closet, they were left alone with a clean room.

"By the way, it's odd that you didn't choose to play your games today." Kagami said.

"My friends online have work and Kuroi-sensei's supposed to be meeting somebody today so I'm all alone boo hoo." Konata replied.

"Wait, not all are out today. What about the young ones who're playing your online game?"

"They're beginners and they suck big time. I don't want to play with them."

"What are you talking about? They need the experts' help."

"They can be annoying sometimes. Besides, it's not worth playing if you can't do it by yourself."

"You're pretty extreme for a hardcore gamer. At least show some pity on them."

"Well, I discard old and worthless items. Then they'll salvage what I've thrown away. After all, one man's trash is another man's treasure."

"(Konata, that's pretty absurd of you)."

All of a sudden, Konata headed for the remote controlling the room's lights just on top of the study desk.

"Konata, what are you going to do with that?" Kagami curiously asked.

"Good question, Kagamin." Konata pressed the off button in the remote. The entire room was now enveloped in complete darkness.

"Ah! Konata—"

Before Kagami could even speak, Konata pinned her down right on top of the bed. Her hands were completely locked down by Konata's hands; so were her feet—locked down by Konata's own feet. It happened too quickly and Kagami didn't have enough time to react to what was seemed to be something beyond the ordinary.

"Konata, what do you think are you doing?!" Kagami struggled.

"Giving you one important lesson…" Konata's expression drastically changed from a happy-go-lucky girl to a serious personality.

"What are you talking about? What's gotten into you? Konata!"

"Listen to me; you're going out with a boy this time. Don't take any chances. Like I said: even the slightest meetings can turn into really big things…"

"But he's a sincere man! He wouldn't do such a thing!"

"What if he does?"

Kagami felt the pain spread like a ripple throughout her body. Konata tightened her grip to prevent her from moving; especially in her arms. Kagami had no idea what has gotten into her friend. At first she was humorously conversing with her. In fact, Konata would do no such thing; and what did her friend meant by one important lesson?

"If you let your guard down, you'll be one of the unlucky stars. Be aware of the strange things happening around you."

"K-Konata…ah…!" Kagami felt a stinging pain all over her.

"You're the first one among the four of us to actually go on a date. Make the day last and don't engage in funny stuff."

"Konata, it hurts!"

"It hurts, right? That's only a fraction of a boy's strength in pinning you down. Unless you don't want your life to fall apart, be alert."

"Don't you think I know that?!"

"This is one important lesson that you should never forget in the future. You'll probably thank me after this."

"Can't you just explain it elaborately?"

"Actions speak louder than words, Kagamin."

Unconditionally, Konata lets go of Kagami but she still lay frozen in bed.

"Well Kagamin, I'm off. Have fun tomorrow at Tokyo Tower." Konata smiled and went out of her room. Along the way, she met up with Tsukasa who just finished taking a hot bath. "Ah Tsukasa, don't go inside Kagami's room for a moment. She's tired from all that choosing of clothes."

"Well okay." Tsukasa agreed without being informed of the real reason.

TO BE CONTINUED

Author's Note: I solemnly apologize for any mistake concerning this chapter especially the yuri part. I don't really have an exact thought of a yuri pairing. It's my first time making something like this.