Disclaimers on the characters of Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya. I don't own them, so don't sue.

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"Let's get off here and walk," Hatsuharu suddenly proposed as the train pulled into the station. Kisa's eyebrows furrowed in confusion but allowed him to pull her through the crowded car and out of the doors before they closed.

As they watched the train pull away, only then did he ask her, "You don't mind do you?"

Kisa held back a giggle and shook her head. The next train won't be for a while, so it didn't really matter if she minded. Furthermore, the weather today wasn't too bad—it was hot as usual but fortunately there was a brief reprieve from the humidity after last night's storm. It was about an hour's walk to Tokyo Tower from the station they were currently at, so it was a nice time to stretch her legs and be away from the highly packed trains.

They exited the station and flowed into the bustling crowds of the early afternoon.

With their hands swinging between them, they slowly made their way in the direction of Tokyo Tower. It was a nice weekend, so Hatsuharu thought that it was a good way to spend it by visiting Tokyo and going on a date.

"So, what should we do after we visit the Tower?" Hatsuharu asked her as they turned a corner.

She reviewed the different recreational activities that the area surrounding Tokyo Tower had to offer. A few ideas came to mind, but she wasn't sure if he was interested in things such as praying at a shrine for good grades or perusing through art museums for the latest bouts of creativity.

"Kisa?" His glove covered hand squeezed hers momentarily in askance.

With some hesitance, she voiced her suggestion. "I'd like to go pray at one of the shrines."

"A shrine, huh? What do you want to pray for?" His interested was piqued, she could tell from his voice.

Kisa tilted her head with a thoughtful look. "You know, the things girls usually wish for—good grades, more allowance, and good-looking boyfriends."

Normally, that was something she would never say out loud without being extremely embarrassed, especially around Hatsuharu. But for some reason or another, it just slipped out without her noticing. It must definitely be the good weather, she thought to herself. She could feel her ears turning red as he stared at her with an unusual gleam in his eyes.

"I certainly hope you won't be praying for any other 'good-looking boyfriends', Kisa," Hatsuharu said to her with his usual straight-faced expression.

Now she was really embarrassed. She covered her face with her free hand and mumbled, "No, of course not, Hatsuharu-kun."

"Good, then I don't have to pray for those 'good-looking boyfriends' to stay away from you," he replied good-naturedly.

Kisa sighed inwardly with relief that he wasn't upset at her words. Then again, things rarely fazed him now. Blinking in realization, she gaped at him. There was a show-tell sign of a grin on his lips. He was teasing her! Then again, she got herself in that situation.

"Let's walk a little faster, or we won't have enough time to visit the shrine," he reminded as he urged her to walk a beat quicker.

As they stopped at the corner of a street and waited for the crosswalk signal to change, Kisa smiled as she watched a group of young children lined up next to them. Their teacher was telling them to hold onto their crosswalk buddy's hand before they crossed. Some of them were staring with wide eyes at Hatsuharu. The little girls were clearly in awe while the little boys were mumbling about all his accessories. One of the little girls noticed her, so Kisa couldn't help but give her a smile followed by a short wave. The child smiled back shyly.

"Ah, that onee-chan must be that onii-chan's girlfriend!" One of the girls whispered excitedly after seeing Kisa. "That onii-chan is so kakkoi!"

The former tiger suppressed a laugh at that declaration. It was definitely true though. Ever since her elementary school years, she noticed just how cool and handsome Hatsuharu was. His appearance was further enhanced by the jewelry he wore. But there were times when the accessories—such as the studded wristbands and earrings—made others view him as something more nefarious.

"I think he looks kind of scary, though," A boy whispered to his friend. "Like a gangster or something."

Hatsuharu overheard the comment and looked down at the boy who said it. He did not change his impassive expression when he said, "It's rude to talk about other people."

"Geh!" The boy took a step back in fright at being caught.

"Kodomo-tachi, let's hold hands tightly and cross together! Remember, don't let go of each other's hands!" the teacher warned.

Kisa laughed lightly as the children followed their teacher's instructions. She and Hatsuharu walked behind them and turned to the right while they turned to the left after crossing. She turned to him. "I think you scared that little boy, Hatsuharu-kun."

He shrugged and scratched the bridge of his nose. "He's a boy, he can handle it."

"Hmm." She then thought back to what one of the children said. She couldn't help but tease, "Did you know that one of the girls said that you were cool? I think you have a few more fans now."

"Oh?" Hatsuharu looked down at her with a smirk. He tugged her closer by their joint hands so that she was practically glued to his side now. "I think I just need one fan though."

Kisa blushed at his words but she titled her head up and pressed a quick kiss on his lips. When she pulled back and they continued to walk, she couldn't help but say, "And I always will be."

AN: Second chapter. More fun to come after this.