A/N: I do not own anything at all whatsoever about Love Hina. However, the characters and the story itself belong to me.
This is a very very long chapter and I hope you really enjoy it.
Chapter 3: She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not
Naru was stunned at that moment. She had opened her mouth and got ready to speak. She tried to say anything, but nothing would come out. She was so overwhelmed at this point that she couldn't think straight. She quickly closed her mouth and thought of what to say.
There was a sudden silence between the two lovebirds. Keitaro, feeling uneasy about the situation, said, "Naru, are you all right?" She replied, "I'm okay. Just give me a minute to think." The uneasy boyfriend replied, "Okay…"
Naru suddenly had a flashback to the night before.
Walking into the manager's room with a request to clean up the onsen, she knocked onto the door of the one she loves so much. She knocks on the door and says, "Keitaro are you there? There is a problem with the onsen, and I want the girls and I want you to repair it. Honey, are you there?" Not receiving an answer to the calls, a concerned girlfriend opened the door, and saw that he was taking a nap.
Moved by her curiosity, the young woman decided to look around the room of her love. She could smell the cheap collogue that enveloped her boyfriend when they went out on dates. She looked up and saw the hole on the ceiling, which was the tunnel to each other's hearts. She looked around for a few minutes, knowing that Keitaro would not mind. After looking around, a sudden shine caught her eye. It was placed on his desk. A small golden ribbon was wrapped around the small box. Her curiosity drove her to look at what was inside the box. Slowly removing the ribbon, her heart started to beat faster. Wondering at what could be inside; a variety of things went through her mind. 'Is this a present for me? Who is it for? Did someone else give it to him? Is Keitaro seeing another girl?' thought the impatient woman.
After removing the ribbon, she opened the box, made of black leather, and engraved with the letter "N" on top of it. Shocked at what she saw, all she could do was close the box quickly and stand there in awe. She found the engagement ring that Keitaro bought earlier today. She opened the box again, and saw the gleaming diamond on top of the diamond encrusted white gold. Engraved on the ring stated, "I will love you forever." The ring gleamed a bright light. Naru, excited about the thought of being married to Keitaro, quickly placed the ring on her delicate little finger. She stared at her ring and stood in awe at what question she will have to face. She quickly returned the ring back into its case and placed the golden ribbon back. When she turned around to walk out of the room, she saw the face, which she loved so much, sleeping on his futon. She started to imagine her life with Keitaro, and how they would spend the rest of their lives together as husband and wife. She began to think that she was not ready for marriage, and that she was too young. She started to believe that she wasn't the one for Keitaro. She started to doubt and panic that she wasn't good enough for him, and that she was not going to be the one he proposes to. She quickly ran out of the room in fear and doubt. As she ran to her room, she made up her mind, and thought to herself, 'I am not the one for Keitaro. I cannot accept his proposal.'
As reality started to return, Keitaro asked again, "Naru are you there? Is everything all right?"
Naru replied, "I'm fine, it's nothing. I don't think I can join you tonight for dinner, I have some studying to do for classes on Monday, and my weekend is already hectic. I'm sorry but I'm pretty sure I can't join you." Though she had said this, deep down she really wanted to join him for dinner and him proposing to her.
Keitaro, disappointed and crushed, said, "Okay. If your day opens up, the offer will still be available."
They parted and went their own ways. She said to herself, 'It's probably for the better if we part our ways. I know you will find someone else better in your travels.'
Naru walked to her room and stretched out on her bed. She made up her mind and knew that she could not stay with Keitaro, but at the same time, she wanted to be with Keitaro forever. She tried to go to sleep, to take things off her mind, but she was so torn with what she had just said that she couldn't sleep at all. She began to seek advice from the person whom she knows could help solve the problem. She began to walk towards the Tea Shop, hoping that her best friend could shed some light on her confusion.
As Naru entered the Tea Shop, a familiar voice came from the back.
"Hey there! What's on your mind?" asked the foxy girl.
"Something has been bothering me lately Kitsune. I found out that Keitaro has an engagement ring. He asked me out tonight and I think he will propose to me tonight, which I'm almost certain that he will do. But I'm not sure if I will be a good enough wife for him. Maybe he is seeing someone else, and maybe he is going to break up with me tonight," said the scared and confused woman. "Kitsune, what should I do? I'm so scared and confused." Naru broke down and started to cry. She hugged her best friend and started to cry on her shoulder. Shocked at the revelation, Kitsune said, "Let's talk about this over a cup of tea." Sniffling, Naru replied, "Okay."
They got a cup of tea and resumed their conversation. "So let me get this straight," said the foxy woman, "you saw an engagement ring in Keitaro's room, and you think he will propose to you tonight?" Naru, still sniffling, said in reply, "Yes. The thing is... I don't know if I'll be good enough for him. I should get my masters first, I should have more experience, I should be older, I should…" The foxy girl interrupted her and said, "Whoa, whoa. Calm down Naru. All I can tell you is to listen to your heart, and follow what it says. It is the best advice I can give you. Give it some serious thought. This is something that will change your entire life, think it over and come back after you decide on what to do."
Naru got up, gave her friend a hug, and said, "I guess I'll go home and think it over. Oh and by the way, don't tell anyone else about Keitaro and the ring." Kitsune put up her famous grin, crossed her fingers behind her, and said, "I promise." They said their good byes and Naru left for the train station.
Kitsune had other plans in mind. She quickly closed the shop, and decided to gather everyone to tell them the big news. She quickly went around the house telling the residents, except Keitaro, to meet in the hot springs.
When everyone had reached the hot springs, they all started to question Kitsune.
"Why did you bring all of us here?" asked Su.
"Yeah, what's going on?" said a curious Shinobu.
"Does this really concern me?" replied an annoyed Motoko.
"Okay, okay, I'll get to the news in a minute," replied Kitsune. "Naru went home since she has a few things on her mind. Keitaro has an engagement ring in his room, according to Naru. Naru thinks Keitaro will be proposing to her, but she isn't sure if Keitaro is proposing to her. It could be anyone of us. Naru went home to think things over, since she is going through a tough time."
"Sempai is getting married with Naru-san!" replied Shinobu. "That's so sweet! I want to be Naru-san!"
"Aw, I wanted to marry Keitaro," replied Su as she ate a banana.
"Well now, I guess Keitaro has gotten more responsible, and Su why are you eating bananas here in the springs? They get soggy you know," replied Motoko.
"I know, but I still love bananas," replied Su as she ate another banana.
"Well all I can say is that Naru is distraught and confused on what she should do. This is our chance to claim Keitaro, before he proposes to Naru," exclaimed Kitsune. "This is what we shall do." They all huddle together and start scheming on a plan to get Keitaro to like one of them once and for all.
Keitaro is walking through the inn, and no one is to be found anywhere. His stomach grumbles, which echoes throughout the entire hallway. 'I guess I had better get a snack before I do my daily chores,' thought Keitaro. As he walked downstairs to the kitchen, he sees Shinobu dressed in a very tight outfit. "I baked some cookies for you sempai! I hope you like them," said Shinobu while she winked at him. "Shinobu what are you doing! Why are you dressed like that?" replied the concerned manager. Dropping the cookie tray, Shinobu fell to the floor and said, "Well now that Naru-san is gone, I was hoping that you would like me." Keitaro replied with a simple smile, "Shinobu I will always like you. Naru is just... someone I can't forget. She means so much to me." "I understand. I hope you two find happiness together," replied Shinobu as she cried. "Where are the others?" asked the manager. "I think they left," replied the young woman.
Keitaro walked outside; still shocked that Shinobu would do something like that. Suddenly, in the distance he could hear Motoko launching an attack at Keitaro. Keitaro quickly dodged the attack, and regained his stance. "If you defeat me Urashima, then you truly love Naru-san, however, if you fail to do so, then your love for her isn't pure," exclaimed the swordswoman. "Let's begin!" Motoko quickly slashed her way towards Keitaro. "I don't even have a sword!" yelled Keitaro, as he jumped into the air to evade her attack. Quickly, Keitaro spots Motoko's kendo stick. Grabbing it, he goes on the offensive. The battle raged on for a few minutes, not one would give up. Keitaro, already exhausted from the night before took the defensive. Motoko decided to charge towards Keitaro when suddenly, she slips on a banana peel that Su left on the ground the night before. She trips and fall toward Keitaro, dropping her sword in the process. She fell into Keitaro's arms and she said, "Well I guess you have won this time. You deserve to have Naru-san. I expect you to treat her well," said an exhausted Motoko. "Thank you Motoko," replied Keitaro. "I must get going now though."
It was already 2 in the afternoon, and Kitsune and Su haven't appeared yet. Keitaro decided to clean out the spring. It has been about a week since he cleaned it out. He walked into the spring and he finds Kitsune all alone in the spring, naked. "Hey there big boy, come take a dip with me," responded Kitsune as she put on her fatal grin. "I shouldn't be in here, I'm so sorry. Please excuse me," exclaimed Keitaro. As Keitaro started to walk out of the spring, Kitsune quickly grabbed his hand and placed it on her breast. Keitaro nose started to bleed profusely. "Keitaro I can't help myself. I have fallen in love with you. I know that you want me as well. Naru may be smart and prettier than me, but I am about your age and have a bigger chest than her. Just admit that you want me ok honey," replied Kitsune as she gave him a kiss in the cheek. "Kitsune, I'm sorry but I have to do something. I have to find Naru, wherever she went. She means everything to me and if I lose her, I don't know what I would do with myself." Keitaro got out of the spring and got out. Suddenly he saw Naru walk by, and he ran after her.
"Naru, Naru, wait up! I have to talk to you," Keitaro said. Naru pretended as if she didn't hear a thing. "Hey Naru, can you wait up?" Keitaro quickly ran up to her. He caught up to her in front of his room. "I have to talk to you," Keitaro said. "Let's talk in my room." With that said, Naru suddenly pushed him into the room, and quickly closed the door behind them. "No more talking now. Just be quiet. Shhhh, just relax," Naru said. Naru started to remove her cloths and was getting ready to reveal her guarded treasure to her boyfriend. "Are you find Na…" Before he could complete his sentence, Naru was already on top of him kissing him. Keitaro noticed a strange symbol on Naru's back that looked very odd, but he kept it to himself.
The real Naru on the other hand was on the train going to Mejiro Station, the place where her parents live. The train ride was a long one and she fell asleep on the train ride. Naru suddenly woke up in front of the Hinata Sou. She could hear a baby's laughter in the inn. Her curiosity drove her to discover who that baby was. She walked up the stairs and to her shock; she saw older self holding the baby. Shocked, she couldn't do anything but stand there in awe at what she saw. The baby started to cry and suddenly the older version of Keitaro walked in, held the baby, and said, "It's ok Sakura, don't cry, we are both here. Look daddy has this toy for you!" With that, Sakura grabbed the toy and her mood returned to normal. Naru said to herself, 'Is this how my life will be if I get married to Keitaro. I look so happy here. Maybe I will find true happiness with Keitaro. The scene started to fade away and the scene turned completely white. She suddenly woke up in front of the Mejiro Station. The intercom said, "Last stop at the Mejiro Station." Naru started to head to the door, and suddenly her dream replayed itself in her head. 'I can't go. I love him so much; I have to stop running away. I LOVE YOU KEITARO," she said to herself. The doors closed, and the train made the loop back to the Tokyo Station.
The fake Naru on the other hand was on top of Keitaro. Keitaro was surprised that Naru would do such a thing to him. She started to undress Keitaro slowly, ready to give him the time of his life. Keitaro suddenly feeling Naru's hands crawl up his legs, got up suddenly and said, "Naru there is something wrong with you. You need some rest." "Nonsense, I feel fine," said the mecha. "Let me please you Keitaro."
Su was in her room controlling the Mecha-Naru. She was testing him on whether his love for Naru is pure. If he fell for the Mecha-Naru 3000, then Keitaro did not deserve Naru. 'Keitaro… I really want you. I have no chance though,' thought the foreigner. 'This will put you to the test and maybe I might have a chance if you fall for my Mecha.'
Mecha-Naru gave Keitaro a kiss, and at that moment, a feeling of clarity came to Keitaro. Keitaro finally realized that this wasn't Naru. With the symbol on her back, and the strange way she was acting, he figured that it was a mecha. The young man slowly got up from the bed, and said, "Thank you Su. I know you are just trying to make me feel good with Naru gone. I must find her. I have something important to tell her. If you please excuse me, but I have to go find her." With that said, he walked out of the room.
"I'm going to find Naru. Don't wait up for me," the concerned boyfriend said. Keitaro grabbed the ring from his desk, and walked out.
"Well, I guess we all failed," sighed Motoko. "We should really stop doing things like this," replied Shinobu. "Why? That was fun to tease Keitaro like that," exclaimed Su. Kitsune remained silent as she saw what was showing on the TV.
Warning, there is going to be a massive storm system coming towards Tokyo. All residents are advised to stay at home until the storm blows over.
Everyone was worried on what would happen to Keitaro and Naru. They stood there silent hoping that they would be ok.
Keitaro started running towards the town, hoping that he could find her somewhere there. Suddenly the sky turn black and it started to rain heavily. Naru just got out of the train, and started to run home, since she didn't have her coat with her. Keitaro was calling out for Naru. "Naru, Naru, where are you!" shouted Keitaro. The storm turned worse, and it rained so hard that no one could see a few feet in front of them. The couple started running towards each with them knowing. The drone of the rain droplets hitting the ground drowned the voice of Keitaro as he was yelling Naru's name. Eventually they ran into each other. Both of them fell onto the ground. When they saw each other, they confessed their love for each other.
"I can't think of a moment in my life without you. I love you Keitaro!" exclaimed Naru.
"Naru I have one question for you. Will you marr…" before he could finish Naru started yelling with tears in her eyes, "Yes, yes, I will marry you!" After she had said that he embraced him and began to kiss him. At that moment, the rain suddenly stopped. They began to walk towards the inn hoping to tell everyone the good news.
"Keitaro," said the new fiancé. "Yeah, what is it Naru," replied Keitaro. "Nothing, it's nothing." She started to think about her dream on the train, and blushed at that thought. The sun suddenly shone through the dark sky, as the new engaged couple made their way back to the inn.
A/N: Well chapter 3 is done. I hope you people really enjoy it since I enjoyed writing it. Thank you Danny for giving me ideas.
Please leave some ideas on what I should do for the next chapter. I think I might have a few ideas.
-Ms Naru
