YOUR
ORDERS
Chapter 8: Hinata-sou Social Club
PV: MUTSUMI
Man, the lunch was pretty good! Shinobu is an awesome master cook; the man who marries her will be so lucky. Like last Saturday, today will be a day for great decisions. The girls need to decide what'll be the future's inn. After all, the current financial situation needs some alternative attitude, or the Hinata-sou will face serious problems. But I have a very good idea and, if girls agree to it, I believe it'll be a total success.
Little by little, girls were getting together in the inn's main saloon. Haruka was invited, since she's a member of Urashima family, and also because I requested. Also, it was requested that Kei-kun join us, because he's the inn's adjunct manager and any decision will implicate him. When everyone finally was in the meeting place, Kanako decided to speak out.
"Very well, it's open another meeting between tenants and the management from Hinata-sou…", Kanako said, "As everyone knows, the inn's financial situation isn't good at all. If a drastic measure isn't taken as soon as possible, I believe the female inn will be closed and the Urashima family will recast the Hinata-sou. Does someone want to state a standpoint?".
"The situation is... so bad at all?", Motoko asked, showing preoccupation.
"Of course it is, I'm afraid of not being able to manage the basic accounts, like water, light and phone bills. If taxes were considered, the budget's leak will increase even more.", Kanako enlightened us.
"But the monthly incomes wouldn't be enough to cover the costs?", Naru asked.
"Of course it would, but the problem is that lots of wastage happened in the past. I checked accounts, and I realized that many wastes occurred; the inn's extra savings was used to pay parties and travels. And there's the fact that someone was able to sack money from the savings account appurtenant to Hinata-sou, which can be called stealing…", Kanako explained; when she spoke the last phrase about money deviation, she faced seriously Kitsune-san.
"Well, it's-it's-it's that...", Kitsune hawed, somewhat constrained with the indirect accusation. But it doesn't take so long for the foxy girl go to the attack: "Wait a moment, Kanako, you don't have any proof of…".
"Listen, it's not possible to fix what happened before, so I hope all of you give suggestions about what we can do from now on…", Keitaro unburdened. I hadn't headr Keitaro's voice so long, I felt so happy inside my body when he evinced a sign of sociability.
"Well, I don't have the means to raise my payments, so I believe that increasing monthly incomes will be very complicated, and I believe I'm speaking in the name of other girls", Motoko stated.
"Well, you already noticed I'm taxing the laundry, the thermal waters and the party saloon singly. It was the only measure I was able to take for the moment, but I don't know how much time I can keep the monthly incomes at current prices", Kanako commented, "I believe that new tenants' entrance will better the situation, but all prior attempts for attracting clientele were failed…".
It's true, the band episode and the transformation from a female inn to a hotel were facts that almost destroyed the inn. I remember it as something happening right now, when me and Naru had to help Kanako at taking the inn away from the other girls. Hinata-sou turned into a war camp. Everything because Keitaro wasn't here, he was helping Seta-san in United States.
"Well, so we must plan something to attract more clients! It must be something funny! How about adorning the inn with lots of my mechas…", Kaolla commented.
"No way at all!", Naru screamed together Kanako and Motoko, interrupting the Kaolla's speech.
"Yes, we need ideas that don't threat the tenants' life… Moreover, Mutsumi-san, you said at last weekend you had something to speak, I think it's the opportune moment…", Keitaro completed, looking at my direction. Wow, how I really got happy, Kei-kun was talking to me again, even if it was a brief instant. I got joyful and somewhat flattered by the fact he still remember what I said that day.
"Certainly, Kei-kun... I wanted to tell it last week, but I forgot...", I affirmed. I stood up and cleared my throat, because I wanted to speak well. "Well, friends from Hinata-sou… Last week, I had an idea after an incident that occurred when I went out with Kanako-chan and Kei-kun… I think both of you remember that bar, that one where the orders were delivered with some delay…".
"Yes, I remember, Mutsumi-san. I was very nervous, because an event like that never happened to me before. I'm a habitual customer from that bar, and I always liked the service done over there. At that day, however, it was lamentable. I even commented that girls from here were more helpful than their waiters…", Kanako said, obviously denying some mockeries she uttered about our resident girls.
"Then… I think the previous strategies didn't have any charm, not even a bit of sex appeal…", I commented.
"Sex what? Do you think I look like a whore?", Motoko inquired, clearly indignant.
"Is Sex appeal tasty?", Kaolla asked, showing the very kinky side she had.
"What's the deal, Motoko-chan... All tenants from here are attractive and intelligent women, there's nothing to be ashamed… Every woman has sex appeal, it's enough to know how to use it appropriately…", I tried to explain her.
"What Mutsumi-san is trying to say, Motoko-chan, is that we can use our bodily and intellectual attributes to attract people, but it don't means that we need to depreciate ourselves… Sex appeal is nothing more than the attraction power inherent to every individual… Some people are very seductive, other ones are little…", Kanako explained, by the fact, better than me.
"I agree with Mutsumi-san: we need to use our seductive power in a proper way, but how? How can we use sex appeal without getting into despicable behaviours?", Kitsune debated.
"So that's the point where my idea works, but I need help from Haruka for execution!", I affirmed.
"If the idea is good, it'll have my full support. The Tea House and Hinata-sou are parts from a whole thing, from the Urashima family's estate. What's good for the inn, it'll be good to the Tea House…", Haruka said.
"So, Mutsumi-san, speak out what's your great idea, all of us are waiting!", Kanako said.
"My great idea is as it follows: we'll turn Tea House into a thematic bar during weekends. Let's use all girls as waitress, each one with a costume that expresses her personality, ideals each one has. What all of you think about it?", I said, waiting for the comments. There was a deep silence into the room. It seemed my idea caused some commotion in tenants. After a couple of minutes, Kitsune decided to break the ice.
"Mutsumi-san, your idea is so crazy that it's able to work out…", Kitsune commented, rubbing her chin with right thumb and index.
"My family will disinherit me...", Motoko unburdened, hiding her face between her legs.
"I... I... I'm very shy in public, I don't know if the thing will work out…", Shinobu commented.
"How nice! I never worked as waitress… It must be very funny!", Kaolla commented, smiling a lot.
"The problem is not using provoking costumes... The problem is having such a kinky guy as Keitaro around us… Who knows what he can do…", Naru protested, making a long face. I became sad, because I was trying to bring Kei-kun closer to the girls and Naru always ruins things… When will she learn not to try to deceive the heart?
"If that's the point, it's ok. You can plan what you want… I think my permanence over here is not necessary at all… I'll agree with any decision you settle, excuse me...", Keitaro said, standing up calmly and leaving the place.
"No, Keitaro, wait...", Kanako begged, without results. Keitaro didn't look back, he just left the main saloon, going straight to the Tea House. Kanako was furious and faced Naru-san angrily. Kami-sama, I have never seen so mortal looking like that.
"So, are you satisfied? Is it acting like that you intend to make a re-approaching to Keitaro?", Haruka-san commented, always keeping a serene looking in the face. Naru was mute, facing the floor for some instants. It didn't take so long until she stood up and walked to her dormitory, in the second floor at the inn.
"Damn, without Naru's support, a final solution about Mutsumi-san's idea is null…", Sarah said.
"There's no problem, the decision is established by the absolute majority. So, who is against this idea, raise an arm right now!", Kanako commanded. Nobody demonstrate any signal. "With this result, I state as approved the Mutsumi-san's idea. The girls that live currently at Hinata-sou will organize a thematic bar every weekend, for which the main attraction will be the tenants' prettiness. Each girl shall decide what suit to wear, Shinobu-chan will design the models and we'll arrange how any costume will be sewed. Anything else?".
Nobody added a single word for the meeting. With this, Kanako stated the meeting as closed. What a grace, my idea was accepted! It's good, I'll return to work with my little friends, that'll be amazing. The only thing that messed up the meeting was the unhappy statement that Naru made. I'll have a chat with her right now, she needs to fix all the mess done until now. If things will run through like that, she really won't have any chance to reconquer Kei-kun's heart.
PV: NARU
Me and my great mouth! Why don't I get quiet? Why must I always attack Keitaro? Ok, he's a clumsy guy and all, but I know he has a good heart… Why am I afraid of loving, why? I started to cry, sinking my face at my pillow. I don't know how much time passed, but I stopped crying after someone suddenly knocking on my door. I opened and saw it was Mutsumi-san, facing me smiling.
"Sorry, Mutsumi-san, I think I won't be a nice chat...", I whispered.
"Ara, ara! I believe the subject I want to discuss with you cannot wait anymore. May I come in?", Mutsumi asked me kindly.
I nodded affirmatively and stretched my right arm, indicating allowed entrance. Mutsumi came in and sit down in my futon. She started to caress it and faced me smiling.
"Man, it seems that I know this futon as I know the palm of my hand… It seems we became good friends, don't you think Naru-san?", Mutsumi said, keeping an ample smile. Sometimes, I wish I was as kind as Mutsumi is.
"Yes, so do I… After all, you always are trying to help me…", I agreed, sitting at her side in the futon.
"I can seem a little impolite, but what I wanna say is as it follows: if you don't want Keitaro, I'll fight for his love…", Mutsumi unburdened, with a more serious aspect.
"B-b-b-but how? Would you make something like that with me?", I retorted, very surprised with what I freshly listened. Mutsumi never was so direct on me about conquering Keitaro.
"I will contest Keitaro's love so, because you don't show any interest at staying with him… Is there something wrong about that?", Mutsumi asked, getting her own hads together.
"Yes... Because... Because... Because I love him!", I shouted with all air contained at my lungs.
"So why do you treat Kei-kun at that way? It's something very contradictory. If you love him, why do you mistreat him so much? If you wanna act at this way, I'll fight for him. And I'm sure that Motoko-chan also will do the same, sooner or later.", Mutsumi affirmed, in a very determined way. It was difficult to believe that sweet Mutsumi-san was speaking those words.
"So, I believe there's nothing else to discuss. You wanna contest Keitaro's love in a frank way, I admire you honesty. I think we are frankly declared as rivals from now on.", I affirmed, don't facing the turtle girl.
"Look at me...", Mutsumi asked. I didn't wanna look, because I was angry on her. I was sure she was a frank favorite in the contest for Keitaro's love. She placed her hand under my chin and raised my head softly. She looked into my eyes, giving a light smile, e said: "Listen, the fact we are rivals for the Keitaro's heart won't make you quit being my friend, will it? You always will be my friend, Naru-san…".
"I'm sorry, but I can't...", I unburdened, with some tears in my eyes. She increased her own smile, caressing my cheeks.
"Naru-san, how can someone have so many spite and violence pent up at own inward? I'm just competing for attention from a man, I'm not competing for who is the best woman on the world. I don't accept you get away from me just because we want the same man. If you push everything to the limits, you'll end up without friends, and I'm here to fight against that destiny. I don't wanna leave you alone, I don't even will you stay alone in this so perverse world.", Mutsumi said in a very loving accent. That thing shook my inward; it was the most pure truth. If I don't know how to separate things, I'll end up as very resentful old woman. That thing touched me in the depth of my heart and I started to cry.
"Mutsumi-san, forgive me! Help me to be happy, please! I don't wanna end up all alone!", I unburdened, sinking my face in Mutsumi's left shoulder. Now I'd understand why people like her; she just can't resent anyone. It's incredible how Mutsumi-san overcome all pains of the world.
And I understood she always respected Keitaro's decision to conquer me. She's more pretty than me… Look at her body, what wonderful breasts she has… Beyond charisma and that clumsy way of life, she hides deep inside her an observant girl and she knows as nobody else the bitternesses from a hurt heart. She never took advantage from her own skills to steal Keitaro from me… But now I might realize Keitaro didn't have a crush on anybody and all the girls were free to proceed.
Man, I'm as much a clod as Keitaro is... I always knew everything about this, but I insisted in not accepting all these things. Evertyhing came to the surface when that incident occurred on last week, but I still resisted about showing what I felt and I kept the old defects. That's enough, I might get another attitude, and that's a serious thing… If I insist with this cheap flutter, I'll lose all the people I esteem.
"Mutsumi-san, thank you...", I thanked.
"Ara, ara... Why are you thanking me, Naru-san?", Mutsumi inquired me.
"For being sincere. I know we are good friends and also are rivals about love. That's fine… I believe I must learn how to separate things… And everything you do is like an example for me… That's why I'm thanking you…", I explained.
"I knew that someday I'd put some sense into your head, Naru-san. Despite the reverses that life imposes on us, I don't wanna lose your friendship, ever…", Mutsumi cherished me.
"But now, I need to plan how to conquer Keitaro before you do it!", I said smiling, with a false menacing accent.
"Will you join the thematic bar? You left the meeting before the finish, and we decided we'll do it…", Mutsumi warned me.
"Hum... I'll have to make the uniform... I know how!", I exclaimed.
"What's the deal, Naru-san?", Mutsumi asked.
"Of course! I'll design a very sexy uniform... The point is the sex appeal, isn't it? Very well, I'll plan a very sexy uniforme, in order for Keitaro to see very well my attributes… Let's see if I don't conquer him again…", I explained.
"Ok, but you keep hostile attitudes, I don't believe that just some flashy neckline will reconquer him.", Mutsumi cautioned me.
"Don't worry, my friend! I already have everything on my mind, I just thought a 1960's looking, but with some modern touches… Well, the rest is confidential, this'll be released at the proper time!", I said, with a great smile stamped at my face.
"That's way I like it, Naru-san. Determined and happy. I think my mission here is over. See you later, my friend.", Mutsumi said, hugging me.
"See you later, my friend!", I said to her as farewell. After Mutsumi-san left my dormitory, I was with my heart lighter. A new phase is launched: I might transform my life, in order to join my life to Kei-kun's life… Hum, Kei-kun is the way Mutsumi calls Keitaro… Do you know it's tasty to call him like this? Very well, I'm back to the match! And I described everything in my dear diary, the only one that never scorned me.
Yes, I felt myself renewed… I'm ready to love… I want you, Kei-kun!
Chapter written between Dec-27-2004 and Dec-28-2004, and translated between Jun-06-2006 and Jun-07-2006. I thank all of you for the reviews. It's delightful to have people who always give comments back to the author. Whence, I ask for reviews, because they serve as thermometer that indicates how good or bad is the saga.
If you want to communicate directly with me (if you think that way simpler), you can send a message for my e-mail, ok? Warning: the relevant comments will be published in the reviews or discussed in the footnotes I put when I finish a story.
Well, sorry for the delaying at translations. Min'na arigato gosai masu!