Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing, Amagami SS or any of its characters. I wrote this fanfic for my own pleasure and purely entertainment.
Chapter 5 - Passing Destinies
Every Sunday night, it was a common sight to see Haruka lounging on the sofa inside her room. She was lying on her stomach, cordless phone placed above the right ear while being held by her right hand. The raven haired beauty has been on the line with her closest friend for the past half hour. As she dangled her long legs lazily, her mind keeps drifting back to the young man who was starting to occupy her thoughts more and more each passing day. Unbeknownst to the campus idol, Hibiki had already noticed her being distracted and restless since they went shopping earlier that day. They bought several pieces of clothing before capping the day out with a trip to their favorite cake house for some sweets. It was quite unusual since Haruka was always upbeat in giving her comments about the things that they acquired or the food they have eaten. The swim team captain decided that this would be the best opportunity to ask the campus idol regarding the young boy whom she had noticed to have a strong effect on Haruka.
"Haruka... You've been quite different these past few weeks. You mind sharing?"
"Eh... I've stopped peeking at your team members during swimming club's practice."
"I'm not referring to that. Frankly, I'm glad you've stopped that habit of yours." Hibiki sighed, remembering Haruka's antics with the swim team.
There were occasions that Haruka would peek at the swim team members, often commenting that 'girls while wearing swimsuits are awfully cute' or had attempted to swim at the pool using a borrowed team member's swimsuit which was not allowed to non-members. It was amongst some of Haruka's quirks which had only served to endear her more to the swimming club much to Hibiki's chagrin.
"Haruka, you've been inattentive since we went shopping earlier, even now that we're talking through the phone."
"Heh? I was?" Haruka asked in return, surprised with Hibiki's observation.
"Yes you are. And I think the reason causing all of this is the Second Year transferee who you've never failed to mention in all of our conversations except the one we are having right now."
"No Hibiki, it's not about Heero-kun." Haruka quipped, while searching for an excuse to avert the topic Hibiki has just opened.
"Uh-hum... And now you call him, Heero-kun. Haruka, something obviously happened. Come on, tell me." Hibiki concluded, her voice sounded quite motherly, encouraging the raven haired girl.
"There's really nothing, Hibiki. Ohhh... It's just..."
"He confessed to you?"
"No! Yuy-kun is not like that. We're only friends. He's never shown any interest of that matter to me." Haruka answered, every word carefully measured before spoken through her lips.
"I see. So that's why you sound disappointed."
"Huh? No! It's... It's just..."
"Haruka, something's bothering you, please don't hesitate to tell me." Hibiki said in a concerned tone.
"Alright... You see, yesterday, I almost fell on top of a ladder inside the library, good thing though… Yuy-kun was there to save me. He cradled me in his arms when he caught me. And... Uhmm..." Haruka trailed unable to finish her story.
"And you're embarrassed at what happened?" Hibiki completed, understanding her friend's situation.
"Yes."
"Haruka, you like him, don't you?" The swim team captain inquired from the other line, a soft smile now traceable on her lips.
"Hibiki, we're really not like that. I... enjoy his company because he's not like the other boys. He's OK... I could be myself when I'm with him."
"Fine. I understand… you're just worried you might give him the wrong impression with what happened, right?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Then there's nothing for you to think about. You've told me before how mature Yuy-kun is. He won't misinterpret what happened inside the library."
Haruka was slightly disappointed upon hearing Hibiki's response, but she still played along with their conversation.
"Thanks, Hibiki."
"Oh, no worries. What are friends for?" Hibiki assured her from the other line.
"You're a true friend. Really, thanks."
"Don't mention it."
"Oh, I just remembered, I need to do something... See you tomorrow, ok?"
"Ok. Same place, same time. Good night."
"Good night, Hibiki." Haruka closed, before dropping off the call.
'Haruka, you have to be more honest with yourself.' The swim team captain mused as the call ended.
Haruka sighed deeply as she placed the handset back to the telephone's base. The story she told Hibiki was true, Heero's timely arrival had saved her from an accident the day before while inside the library. However, the raven haired beauty deliberately left out the much larger picture by withholding most of the details. Haruka was already touched when she woke up and realized that Heero had covered her with his coat to keep her warm. She had also impulsively kissed him above his brows as Heero averted her request for him to smile more openly. Those events had only compounded the emotions she had already felt when Heero cradled her in his arms to ensure her safety.
'You're really interesting Yuy-kun. Now I don't understand what's happening anymore.'
Ultracompact Fusion Reactor charge level: 36%
For the past 3 weeks, Heero had tediously monitored the charge levels of his mobile suit's reactor. His initial analysis had been consistent as it had not deviated from the recharge rate of 1% per day. It was already 2:45am early in the morning, a few hours ago, he had flown and managed to store Wing Gundam inside Sakura-Yamato Private Airport's third hangar. The Gundam Pilot waited past midnight before making the short trip to the closed down private airfield. The brown haired boy had already secured the hangar doors and was currently reading the notes he had taken during his encounter with Haruka last Saturday inside the library. He was seated from one of the chairs he found inside the hangar, a kerosene lamp placed above the table was the only source of light within the area. Heero had also repaired the mini-generator that he discovered in the fourth hangar from the parts he bought yesterday. He had checked the power generator and was pleased to learn that it was working just fine after the repairs he conducted.
As he flipped through his notes, his mind kept wandering back to that incident with Haruka just two days ago inside the library. The beautiful campus idol had caught him off guard and planted a soft kiss above the area where his brows met. His fingers absent mindedly traced the spot Haruka's lips kissed, unaware of the subtle smile that had formed from his own.
'She never fails to surprise me.'
Heero sometimes wondered if his current situation had contributed to the way he was now. Since the conclusion of the Mariemeia Rebellion nearly a year ago in his own time, he had struggled to fit with the normal standards of society. He attributed it to the training and conditioning he went through prior to the war. The mobile suit pilot also considered the number of battles and missions he participated during and after the war had ended, might have caused him to be always alert and on guard despite the peace between Earth and the Colonies. Even on that day he went on the trial run for the Fold Generator, everything was pretty much the same for him. He was still the Perfect Soldier, the one man army, the crème of the crop amongst all specialists. He had only managed to shed the cold blooded killer persona after that fateful evening within the collapsed ruins of the underground Presidential Bunker in Brussels.
The Gundam Pilot knew that this period of time and his current location was relatively peaceful compared to where he came from. But Heero never expected that he would 'adapt' instead of just 'blend' with the situation which was what he originally planned. The young man also admitted to himself that he had never met a person so lively and energetic like Haruka. She was vibrant, unrestricted and funny, though the campus idol was not yet aware, she had managed to get Heero chuckle on two separate occasions already with her antics. He was never this relaxed and at peace, sadly the Perfect Soldier knew that it could never be possible in his own time. But he was fully surprised that he was feeling such emotions despite being misplaced from his era. Instead of struggling to fit and be stressed out with his current environment, Heero found himself comfortable with his recent circumstances revolving around: school, work and life.
'It all changed because of her.'
He felt the outline of a smile starting to appear from his lips, however, it disappeared and instead turned into a frown. The brown haired boy was reminded of that information he had read again and again, though his notes were only based on a fiction book, there was every ounce of truth that weighed heavily from each of the bullet points he had written.
'Snowball Effect and Ripple Theories... I could only hope that what I'm affecting would neither fall under these categories.'
"Congratulations Heero-kun, you got the highest mark on the quiz last Monday." Ms. Takahashi said as she handed him the test paper.
"Thanks, Takahashi sensei." Heero simply answered, bowing respectfully to the teacher.
"You're really doing well. I see that you're not having any problems adjusting to your current environment."
"My classmates... have been quite supportive." The brown haired boy responded to his homeroom teacher's observation.
"That's good to hear. Keep it up, ok?"
Heero nodded in acknowledgment, before going back to his seat.
"Alright class, please make sure to review pages 120 - 145. Don't forget to submit the assignment I gave earlier, three days from now." Maya reminded her homeroom class just as the bell sounded notifying everyone that classes for the day had ended.
"Stand. Bow..." Tsukasa said as she led the class for dismissal, everyone stood and bowed at the exact time she mentioned the words.
"Thank you for your efforts!" All students cried in unison before going on their way out of the classroom.
Heero was already placing the textbooks inside his bag when Masayoshi and Junichi approached him. The two boys had become good acquaintances with the Gundam Pilot since meeting him. It came to the point that sometimes Masayoshi would even invite Heero to visit his family's sushi bar. The brown haired boy had already agreed on one occasion and went with Junichi to Masayoshi's place. Heero was pleasantly surprised to learn that the spiky haired boy was a good cook himself while he tasted the dishes Masayoshi prepared. As he looked at them both, the Perfect Soldier noticed the gleam in Masayoshi's eyes while approaching him.
"Heero, thanks a lot for the help on the last quiz. The way you explained it helped us passed the test." Masayoshi beamed, grateful for his assistance.
"Yeah, thank you also Heero, don't know if I could've passed without your guidance." Junichi said, while scratching the back of his head.
"Glad to be of help." The Gundam Pilot replied, nodding to them both.
"Hey Heero, I just noticed this but lately... No one's been asking you to go home with them." Junichi started while looking around the room as the other students made their way out.
"Isn't it obvious? Our man here, is already owned! You've seen it last basketball game!" Masayoshi exclaimed as he elbowed Junichi.
"Hmm... Oh, right! Well, considering 'that person', I could now understand the girls in our class for keeping their distance from Heero." Junichi answered, after thinking for a while, before realizing Masayoshi's point.
"Considering the competition, who could match up to her?" Masayoshi mused, before turning to Heero with a smug smile on his face.
"Huh? What do you guys mean?" Heero wondered, looking at them both questioningly.
"Come on Heero, isn't obvious? It's as bright as the sun! It's as plain as the day!" Masayoshi responded, with a look of disbelief on Heero.
"I still don't get it."
"Heero, Masayoshi is referring to Morishima sempai." Junichi explained, as he smiled along with Masayoshi.
"What's Morishima sempai have to do with this?" Heero asked, curiosity now reflected on his Prussian eyes.
"Arrgghh... I can't believe this guy!" Masayoshi blurted, before continuing, "She likes you man! Didn't you see the way she's rooting for you in that basketball game? No wonder all the girls in Second Year now hardly approach you, let alone talk to you."
It was true. Ever since the basketball game with Class 3-B, not only his classmates, but the whole female population of both Second & Third years had bear witness to Haruka's unwavering show of support, despite him being on the opposing side. And since then, the number of female admirers asking the Gundam Pilot to walk home with them had dwindled slowly till no one was left.
"We're not like that. Morishima sempai is just a good friend." Heero calmly replied.
"Yeah? Well just so you know Heero, she doesn't get THAT close to anybody. For sure you've heard the number of admirers she turned down already since she enrolled here right?"
The Gundam Pilot nodded, before Masayoshi continued.
"Morishima sempai also became well known for joining and trying all the clubs we have in school. However, she becomes tired of them after a few days and eventual quits the club. Thanks to her charisma, no one's harbored ill feelings for her even if she resigned from those clubs."
"Your point is?" Heero queried, his brows all furrowed.
"It's been weeks since you arrived here, but she's not letting up on you. I mean, though you don't see or talk to her always, it still feels like there's a 'hands off, Heero's mine' note pinned on you."
"Masayoshi, you're exaggerating and not the least bit convincing me."
"Heero, you're the only guy known that has walked home with Morishima sempai repeatedly. The only other person she goes home with is Tsukahara sempai."
Junichi nodded in agreement with Masayoshi before adding, "She's the prettiest girl in the campus. It's no wonder why the rest of the girls are avoiding you now. Since they believe you're going out with Morishima sempai."
"That's incorrect. I still talk with Ayatsuji and Tanamachi." Heero defended himself.
"Well... Tsukasa doesn't count since she's the class representative. She basically talks to everybody." Masayoshi thoughtfully said while looking at Heero.
"And the Warhead of Kibitou, barely counts as well. Wait... Is Kaoru even considered a girl?" Junichi wondered out loud before feeling a soft tap on his shoulder.
"What did you say?" A soft female voice asked the boy with bowl shaped haircut.
"Oh, I'm talking about Kaoru, the Warhead of Kibi-" Junichi trailed as he turned his head and to his horror realized that the person asking was none other than Kaoru herself.
"Junichi!" The wavy black haired girl growled, before lunging at the terrified boy.
"Hmpft, that would teach him a lesson who he's messing with." Kaoru muttered under her breathe as they walked on their way outside the campus.
Heero did not say anything, instead he continued with his pace as the wavy haired girl matched his strides. The two of them decided to leave the school together and were en route to their own part-time jobs. The trip would take them around 20 minutes to the commercial district where Kaoru's place of work was located. From there it would only be another 10 minute stride to the construction site where Heero was currently assigned. Once or twice a week, the Gundam Pilot would accompany Kaoru along the way. Normally during such instances the fiery young woman would always engage the Perfect Soldier on topics that would range about anything under the sun. Of course, Heero would only respond with concise statements if a question is directed to him or if his opinion was asked. Kaoru was already familiar and used to the Perfect Soldier's gentle grunt or subtle nod whenever he agrees on her point of view.
Currently, both of them were silent as they reached the main intersection. It was understandable, earlier, Kaoru had decked Junichi upon overhearing the bad joke directed to her. The blow was so hard that the young man was still unconscious when he was taken to the clinic by Masayoshi. Heero only shook his head in exasperation and went on his way out of the classroom with Kaoru trailing closely behind. The tomboyish young lady had wanted to talk to the mobile suit pilot about a personal request. And with the two of them alone right now, Kaoru believes it would be the best chance to approach the Gundam Pilot and ask for his help.
"Say... Uhmm, Heero? Can I ask you something?" Kaoru started as both of them waited for the traffic signal to change before crossing the pedestrian lane.
The Gundam Pilot turned his head to look at the fiery young woman beside him before nodding his head.
"Uhmm, it's really more of a favor, is it ok?"
"Go on." Heero prodded, as he noticed the feisty Kaoru fidgeting slightly while twiddling with her fingers.
"Masayoshi told me earlier he was able to pass the exam with your help. And..."
"You want me to help you?" The Perfect soldier completed for her, to which the wavy haired girl shyly nodded.
"Could you please tutor me Heero? I'm really bad when it comes down with numbers." Kaoru admitted, with cheeks flushed from embarrassment.
"I don't want to be on make-up classes during the break." The young lady added, with a look of fierce determination reflected in her eyes.
"It's ok Kaoru. I'll help you." Heero answered, satisfied with Kaoru's resolve.
"And if you're ready, we'll start with the assignment Takahashi sensei had given us once classes are dismissed tomorrow." He added as Kaoru's eyes lit up in appreciation.
"Sure! Thanks a lot Heero! I appreciate it." Kaoru smiled at him as they continued walking along the pedestrian lane.
"Don't mention it." The Gundam Pilot replied after they finished crossing to the other side.
Both of them were silent after the exchange and within a few more minutes have reached the back entrance of Kaoru's workplace. Heero nodded slightly to the feisty young woman and turned to leave when she suddenly called out to him.
"Uhmm, Heero. Am I not really considered a girl?" Kaoru asked, with the look of frustration clearly seen from her.
The Gundam Pilot took a moment to weigh his answer before spilling out his response.
"Well, physically and biologically you are a girl. The way you handle yourself sometimes might have been the reason the other boys tend to look at you on a different perspective."
A timid smile crept on Kaoru's face at Heero's answer. One thing she liked about the Gundam Pilot was his honesty and ability to tell the truth without any hesitation.
"Thank you Heero. Now that you've mentioned it, when you say physically... Can I be at least considered... Uhmm..." Kaoru trailed unable to finish while feeling her cheeks flush with embarrassment at her unfinished question.
"Attractive?" Heero supplied, his brows furrowed as he took a glance at the young woman.
The tomboyish Kaoru could only nod before lowering her face and slightly shifting her gaze.
Kaoru Tanamachi stood at a height near identical to Haruka Morishima, the difference might be less than an inch. She also had long smooth legs that could take the attention of anyone from the opposite gender. The young woman's wavy black hair fell a few inches above her shoulders, a physical trait Kaoru had mentioned that she inherited from her mother. Kaoru's obsidian eyes always had a wild glint that meshed well with the impish smile painted on her lips. Her chest was of respectable size, not as massive and promising like Sae Nakata but a couple of notches below Haruka's own plump ones. As the Gundam Pilot made the mental comparison he was astonished upon realizing that his basis was no other than the beautiful campus idol who had been a good friend to him. He berated himself silently, ashamed of his own thoughts, as he washed out the picture of the kind and pretty sempai out of his mind.
"Yes. I think you are." Heero replied, his cobalt blue orbs looking at Kaoru without any pretense.
The feisty girl flushed more after hearing the Perfect Soldier's answer, unable to conceal a shy smile from her lips.
"Thank you, Heero. I-I'll see you tomorrow then. Bye!"
Without waiting for his response, Kaoru dashed inside the employee entrance leaving the Gundam Pilot outside. He shook his head slightly before going on to the construction site.
The trip to GDT Towers from the construction site was considerably short. Heero was informed by the foreman that he needs to report first to Mr. Takeda before starting his work duty. A month had already passed since he began working with the company. Initially, he was given very light and simple tasks such as safety and traffic management. However, the engineer and foreman were impressed with his attitude when they learned that he would offer assistance with the heavier workload which required more manual labor. The Gundam Pilot carried bags of cement, shoveled gravel and sand, did not hesitate to rivet screws on the top floors of the high rise building they were constructing. They were all the more surprised to learn that he was also capable of operating heavy machinery like the bulldozer, forklift, excavator, concrete mixer truck, various loaders and the gigantic retractable crane.
Heero had hitched a ride from one of the company vehicles while on its way back to the main office. As he got off the pickup truck, the brown haired boy noticed a motorcycle parked in the corner within view from the elevators at the 2nd sub-basement level. It was shrouded with a black cloth and seems to have been left undisturbed as dust had already settled on its tarp. He paused for a moment, unsure if he'll check the bike's specifications before deciding against it and proceeded to the elevator.
The Gundam Pilot was ushered into Minoru Takeda's office without any delay, the moment Ms. Hotaru saw him. As the two black doors closed behind Heero, he noticed that the elderly man was reading the contents of a folder at his desk. The big man of GDT Builders turned to him as the Prussian eyed boy made his way in front of the table. He was then motioned to take a seat but not before noting the smile which hung brightly upon Mr. Takeda's face.
"I am nothing short of impressed with the way you've been working with us, Heero." Mr. Takeda beamed at him as the elder man closed the folder he was reading.
"Thank you Mr. Takeda." The Gundam Pilot politely responded before the man continued.
"I already received your 1st month evaluation from Engr. Murasai and Arch. Sinanju. I have to say, you've received nothing but high marks and recommendations for full-time status."
"Thanks Takeda-san, I do not want to disappoint you from the trust and opportunity you've extended to me."
"There's nothing to it, young lad. Now you can sign this paper, if you're interested on working under probation. Regardless of your decision, we'll increase your pay to 3 levels higher from your current post." Mr. Takeda said as he handed a new contract and appraisal sheet to Heero.
"I have to say, you've really surprised us from day one. Who would have ever thought you'd be more than capable on driving and operating the heavy equipment in the construction site. Let alone your obvious familiarity with the other menial labor tasks."
"I am truly grateful, Takeda-san." Heero replied, bowing respectfully to the older man.
The Gundam Pilot completed signing both sheets and handed the papers back to Mr. Takeda. Heero was about to take his leave when he remembered the motorcycle he found at one of the sub-basement floors.
"Mr. Takeda, I need to ask you a favor."
"By all means young man, what can I help you with?"
"Do you know the owner of the motorbike parked at the corner of the sub-basement level 2? I'd like to borrow it for a couple of times."
"The one covered with black tarp?" Mr. Takeda asked in return to which the brown haired boy nodded.
"Well, you're talking to the owner of that bike. And yes you may borrow it. By the way, don't forget to process your driving license, since we're moving you to work solely on the heavy machinery." The big man from GDT Builders answered while reminding Heero about the requirements of his new job description.
"Will do, Mr. Takeda and thanks for allowing me to use that bike."
"There's nothing to it Heero. Considering what you've done for us. And I'm no longer using that bike as well... My wife won't allow me after the last accident." The elder man chuckled while shaking his head.
"I'll take good care of it each time I use it."
"Ask Ms. Hotaru for the keys on that motorbike, I'll also inform her to give out a memo and vehicle pass for security allowing usage of the bike and parking at the sub-basement level under your name."
"I appreciate it, Takeda-san."
"Now get back to the site, I think the next service vehicle leaves in ten minutes. You'll probably get the keys and memo on Friday, your next shift." Mr. Takeda smiled widely at Gundam Pilot, which Heero understood as his queue that it was time to go back to work.
The Prussian eyed young man bowed politely and left Minoru Takeda's office fully satisfied with the recent events.
Heero had gone ahead inside the library to finish his other school work before the tutorial session he had promised with Kaoru. The tomboyish girl had informed him earlier that she'll arrive after an hour due to a scheduled homeroom cleaning duty. Right now he had already completed answering all the test problems on their assignment. As the mobile suit pilot waited, he briefly took a glance at the library's wall clock and noted that it was only a quarter left before four in the afternoon.
'15 minutes to go and Kaoru will be here.'
The brown haired boy had closed the workbook on hand, when he was reminded of the library incident with Haruka a week ago. He smirked slightly upon recalling the accident which caused the pretty campus idol to fall from the ladder where she was standing, before being caught right on time into his waiting arms. His eyes softened a bit as he remembered the moment Haruka planted a kiss on the area between his brows. The Gundam Pilot shook his head sideways as he brushed off the thoughts on his conversation with Masayoshi and Junichi a couple of days ago about his relationship with the raven haired beauty. Heero was shaken from his reverie when he heard a familiar voice calling his name.
"Yuy-kun!"
Haruka waved her hand at him, smiling brightly as she proceeded towards his table.
"It's good to see you again, Morishima sempai." Heero greeted as he stood from his seat while Haruka took the chair directly in front of him.
"Same here! How have you been Yuy-kun?" Haruka inquired after both of them got seated.
"I'm fine. I haven't seen you lately, Morishima sempai." The Gundam Pilot noted as his cobalt orbs met with Haruka's blue cornflower eyes.
"I'm OK. I haven't seen you too as well." Haruka replied while meeting Heero's gaze.
Both of them smiled, Haruka with her soft sweet one while Heero with the usual subtle curl of his lips. No more words were spoken between them, as they were simply content at seeing one another. The tranquility brought by silence served only to fuel their eyes to lock each other in a warm embrace. Heero's intense Prussian blue orbs were somehow tamed and calmed by the soft and tender gaze emanating from Haruka's blue cornflower eyes. The Gundam Pilot would never admit to himself that he had longed to stare once more at the raven haired beauty's kind and gentle eyes. Determine the mysteries hidden beneath and understand the brightness reflected from them. However, Heero wavered and faltered more, each moment he dared venture further into the depths of those eyes.
'Damn, why do I feel lost whenever I look into her eyes?'
Haruka felt herself captive to the piercing intensity of Heero's cobalt orbs. She sighed deeply but never broke eye contact with the Gundam Pilot. A strangely new yet somewhat familiar feeling was being drawn out from the raven haired beauty. Something which she remembered slightly similar when the brown haired boy was unconscious on top of her during the first time they met. It was calling out to Haruka, drowning her thoughts and composure. Whatever it was, the campus idol knew it would overwhelm her. And once it did, she would be powerless to stop it.
But right now, using the last ounce of her sanity, she tried to keep it at bay. As Haruka closed her eyes, she felt it subside while her emotions began to settle.
'Heero...'
Both were silent for a while, before Heero spoke, calming down the invisible air of tension around them.
"What brings you to the library, Morishima sempai?"
"Oh, I just returned the picture books we borrowed last time."
"Last time? Hnn, right..." Heero said, as the image of Haruka kissing his forehead flashed in his head.
Apparently, Haruka caught on the Gundam Pilot's reaction as a naughty smile appeared from her lips.
"You were thinking about that... Eh... Yuy-kun?" The raven haired beauty teased, the hint of mischief could be seen reflected from her eyes.
"Morishima sem..." The brown haired boy was unable to finish as he was cut in mid-sentence by another person.
"Sorry I'm late, Heero! I ran all the way here from the homeroom."
Both of them turned to look at the newly arrived person, it was Kaoru, she was breathing hard while one hand is placed above her chest.
"It's alright. Morishima sempai was here to keep me company."
"What? This is embarrassing... I-I'm sorry if I'm intruding, sempai!" Kaoru exclaimed as she shifted her gaze to Haruka and bowed respectfully to the upperclassman.
"Oh no worries, I just found Yuy-kun sitting here and talked to him for a bit."
"Uhm... Heero... We can do this some other time. I don't want to disturb your time with sempai."
"Huh? What do you mean?" Heero inquired, his brows slightly furrowed.
"Well... It's uhhmm... Quite... Yeah, kinda awkward."
"No it's not. The reason we decided to meet here was so I could help you with our school work." Heero explained to her before turning his attention to Haruka.
"Please excuse my manners for not introducing her immediately, Morishima sempai. This is my classmate, Kaoru Tanamachi. She had requested me to tutor her on our lessons."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Morishima sempai. I'm Kaoru. Kaoru Tanamachi." The wavy haired girl bowed once more to Haruka.
Haruka smiled softly at Heero and indicated that it was fine with her before she bowed in return to Kaoru.
"The pleasure is mine as well, Tanamachi-san. I'm Haruka Morishima, but you seem to know my name already."
"Oh... Who wouldn't know you sempai... you're pretty well known all throughout the campus." Kaoru said to the raven haired beauty.
"Really? Why, thank you. And don't worry I was about to leave anyway." Haruka replied before looking back at Heero.
"You don't have to go Morishima sempai." Heero urged, while a comforting look could be seen in his eyes, encouraging her to stay.
Haruka was about to decline and take her leave when she noticed that Kaoru had taken the seat next to Heero. For reasons unknown to Haruka, she felt her body disobey her- her legs were unable to stand up, her feet unwilling to move. The raven haired beauty remained seated as her body refused to follow her. As her mind protested, a sharp stab of pain tinged suddenly in her chest at the realization that Heero would be alone with another girl when she leaves. Haruka knew then that she could not leave.
Her body would not allow it.
Her soul was opposed to it.
Her mind rejected the thought of it.
And her heart- her heart was all against it.
'Why, why do I feel this way for you, Heero-kun?'
Haruka decided to accept his request, helpless as she was to the scene that had unfolded in front of her eyes.
"Ok... I'll stay for a bit longer." She answered, willing herself to smile at Heero.
The mobile suit pilot smiled subtly in return and nodded at her response, before he turned back his attention to Kaoru and began the tutorial.
It was too much for Haruka. Upon regaining her bearing and composure, she stood up and politely excused herself from Heero and Kaoru. The Gundam Pilot had a questioning look in his eyes as the raven haired beauty explained that she had to go ahead due to an errand she needed to fulfill. Heero understood, he nodded slightly and conveyed his appreciation for the time she had spent with them. Kaoru again bowed deeply to her, apologizing for interfering with them earlier to which Haruka assured was of no problem.
The pretty campus idol walked briskly away from the library, her feet led her to the one place she had always found soothing and comforting. Haruka frequently went there as she liked the calming effect the flowing water gave her. And now that place held a special spot within her, it was where she first met him. And that place was none other than the school fountain. As she sat by its ledge her eyes drifted to the steady flowing water, however her mind keeps replaying the earlier scene.
"Ok, I think I got it. Here, please take a look at my solution." Kaoru said, as she showed him the sheet of paper that contained her answer.
Heero leaned over as Kaoru handed her answer sheet to him, the Gundam pilot's brows were creased together while his eyes scrolled down at the solution.
"Remember, this would only be possible if you differentiate the variables from this one and that one." Heero explained, while he pointed to each of the figures from the test problem.
Kaoru moved closer to Heero, as the brown haired boy made his analysis of her answer. The wavy dark haired girl did not noticed that as she inched herself next to the Perfect Soldier, her chest was in direct contact with the tip of his elbow that rested on the table. This however, caught the attention of Haruka who was already watching them with a raised eyebrow while the other one was scrunched downward seriously.
Heero did not seem to mind this as he continued on the lecture with Kaoru who nodded back in response. However, the tomboyish young woman seemed to have trouble understanding one of the steps as she moved even more closely to the brown haired boy. It effectively caused her ample chest to thoroughly nudge at Heero's back when Kaoru pointed to the item using her right hand. Haruka pursed her lips at such a display and was already past her limits when she noticed that Kaoru's position with Heero now made it seem that the two were hugging each other...
"STOP!" Haruka shouted, getting the attention of not only Heero and Kaoru but also from everyone else inside the whole library.
Even if it was not intended by Heero and there was no clear malice on Kaoru's part, the pretty campus idol had lost grip on her pent up emotions. She only realized the result of her action when the brown haired boy turned his head and noticed that the people within the library were looking at their table.
"Are you alright, Morishima sempai?" Heero calmly asked.
"Err... Ahh... Yuy-kun, I-I need to go, I just remembered an errand I have to attend to." Haruka stammered, blushing red with embarrassment as every eye in the library was staring at her.
Haruka sighed deeply as the memories cleared out. She stood up then carried her bag before leaving the fountain.
The sun was beginning to set, with its last rays shading the surroundings on mix hues of golden brown and red orange. It was late afternoon and most of the students had left the campus. The raven haired beauty walked silently in deep thought, all the while unaware that she had ignored some students that attempted to greet her while on their way home. Haruka continued to drag her feet listlessly as she neared the main intersection, if someone happened to look at the raven haired beauty, they will notice that her eyes lacked its usual sparkle and were devoid of any emotion. Her sky blue orbs seemed lost only reflecting confusion undeniably caused by unanswered questions.
'Why... am I... like this?'
The emotions stirred up from her were entirely new, she was unsure on how to react, she was unable to think clearly and she was unprepared with her feelings. As Haruka approached the main intersection, she felt a cool breeze embrace her whole being. The soft blowing wind brought down a rain of leaves that gently fell down from the trees. The young woman's lips twitched and formed into a small smile as Haruka was reminded of the time she spent with Heero burning dried leaves by the school furnace. She had reached the other side of the intersection and was glad that somehow her spirits were raised a bit by the falling leaves, enough to put her mind at ease. The cornflower blue eyed girl stopped and held out one hand, feeling the leaves gently touching her palm. She continued to marvel at the leaves when a strong gust forced Haruka to turn her head the opposite way. Her hand shielded part of her face to prevent a few locks of curly tipped hair from lashing at her eyes.
It was then that she saw them.
On the way to the commercial district, a familiar young man and woman were walking side by side with each other. Though they were separated by a small distance, Haruka could not help but feel her chest slightly constrict. She could feel the heaviness swelling from within. The pretty campus idol held her breath as a lump formed invisibly in her throat. Her smile faded only to be replaced by a sad frown, as her eyes looked desperately at the pair.
Though it pained Haruka so much for unknown reasons, her eyes still watched them as the wind gently swayed her hair.
'Why is it hard for me to see him with another girl?' she sadly mused, as Heero and Kaoru slowly disappeared from her field of vision.
Author's Notes:
Story Arcs / Episodes - I'm pleased to inform everyone that we're now already on the 2nd arc of the story. The first would be the "Arrival/Introduction" arc followed by the current one which I'll name out once it gets concluded.
Amagami SS (Haruka's Story) / Haruka Personality - For those who've watched the anime and familiar with our female lead, her personality across all four episodes will be reflected on this story. I know you'll be expecting the next changes to appear on the succeeding chapters.
I'd like to convey my sincere appreciation and thanks to a very good friend - operation meteor for his in depth review per chapter. For Chapter 5 - to ayazaka93, giving me a good confirmation that more character interaction with Heero would indeed add that 'spice' to the story. Of course to the unwavering support of drake202 and insights of RyuujinHaou. I am really thankful.
To everyone that has read and is closely monitoring this story, I am deeply grateful. For those who do not have any accounts here or do not have alerts for this story, you may check for chapter updates on my profile.
Please do not hesitate to review, or leave a message, reaction or insight. It's really helpful and motivating for the author (well, at least I could say that on my part). (^_^)
See you next chapter!