Chapter 19: Your Trust
It was just so in the morning. The sun had just peered its bright orange head over the horizon, the air chill enough to make his skin tingle. The roads were clear of any vehicles, it would have been a peaceful drive if it weren't for the obnoxiously loud birds tweeting. Shikikan's mind was still a bit drowsy but still hanging barely conscious as drive with the several emergency drills he always experienced, but that didn't fully stop him from almost falling asleep at the wheel.
"When I asked Takao if she wanted to do something today, I didn't expect her to utilize all the time in a single day," Shikikan yawned, his eyelids feeling it could collapse at any minute.
Parking his car, he sluggishly made his way towards the entrance. There waited patiently as the cruiser dressed up in a white sports top and black track shorts warmed up at the door.
Takao was the first to notice his arrival, greeted him. "Morning, Shikikan."
"Morning… Takao." Shikikan yawned between his words. "What are we doing that requires us to be so early?"
"Is it not obvious?" The cruiser started with a stiff yet easy tone, stretching her right arm. "We are doing some morning training. Staying in your office all day has made your body stiff. Not to mention that you haven't been showing up to do some training with me. After all, all of that stress has to be relieved in some way. Also, where is your jogging outfit that I told you to bring?"
"I'm sorry Takao, but I didn't get the memo. You should know that it is my duty as your and the entire Azur Lane organization's commander— my schedule has been unusually tight and will only get tighter when we keep making discoveries. Not to mention the number of exercises and test records I have to go over every time I'm summoned into the lab for kansen building. Besides, I feel fine," Shikikan lectured.
"Yes, I already understand your duties," Takao stated bluntly. "I'm not going to doubt your body and mind's abilities, but constant stress will only make you feel more and more sluggish. Let's start with a light jog around the hotel. I'm certain you can keep up."
Shikikan wanted to further lecture the swordswoman, but the atmosphere combined with his lack of sleep has caused him to give in to her requests. As she finished up her stretches, she immediately left to start her lap with Shikikan lagging behind her. She started slow to let Shikikan keep up with herself but soon gradually began to speed up the more distance they covered. Shikikan was just barely able to keep up with the woman but as they turned the first corner, he was beginning to feel the tolls of fatigue affecting his body as he began breathing heavily, his legs buckling under his weight, and his lungs starting to cramp. As they jogged, the morning sprinkler system went off at an inconvenient time. Takao must have known that they would go off at that moment since all of the sprinklers had gone off behind her, lightly spraying Shikikan's clothing as he struggled to keep up with Takao showing no signs of slowing down for her student.
Takao of course was the first to finish her lap but Shikikan was nowhere to be seen behind the cruiser. Instead, she began to make preparations for the next vigorous exercise, pulling out two shinais and a bottle from her bag that was safely guarded in the hotel lobby by the doorman as he gave a welcoming smile as opened the doors. As she exited the doors, less than a minute later, Shikikan was seen by the Sakura woman looking like a sorry sight as he looked to be out of steam but his face screamed of relief when he saw Takao exit— this made him speed up his pace, arriving with a sudden stop, panting desperately and his throat making shaky raspy breathing as he looked up in the air triumphantly.
"You did a little better than I expected," Takao complimented, handing him the bottle in which he eagerly took and quickly chugged it all down.
When there was no more water left, he continued his heavy breathing as his eyes were now focused on the cruiser. "Thanks… This kinda reminds me… Back when I had to go… through boot camp…"
"Mmhm, we aren't done yet," Takao told him, handing him the bamboo sword. "One hundred swings of the shinai."
"What?!" He stammered weakly as he reluctantly took the sword, as his face dropped knowing that his training wasn't over.
"Aku!" they both roared as they steadied their weapon forward, drawing it back slowly just over their heads. "Soku!"
"Zen!" They both plunged the sword down.
"Your posture isn't half bad. Chin up and straighten your body a little. Keep it up," Takao encouraged. "Now, again!"
They resumed their practice swings, although the swinging of the sword was significantly easier than the pace jogging, both his arms and chest began to burn up and felt as if his arms would fall off the next swing for the next couple of minutes.
"Aku! Soku! Zen!" They roared, swinging their last one.
Upon finishing, Shikikan's arms collapsed, his fingers gave up on holding on to the shinai with a cracking clack noise as it hit the ground, Shikikan followed after as his knees also gave in.
"Shikikan, stop being so dramatic. You still have more training left to do," the cruiser said, picking up his shinai.
"I don't think I will be able to feel my arms until tomorrow and then some," breathed Shikikan, stumbling as he struggled to pick himself back up.
"We still have around two more hours left before it starts to get warmer. Next exercise."
For the next moments, they both continued with their strenuous training, doing sit-ups, back muscles squats, push-ups, and hill runs. For Takao, it was just an average training day, but an unfortunate day for Shikikan's body as it had reached its limitations before they started the third exercise.
The sun was high in the sky, marking the end of their training. Shikikan, who was now drenched in sweat and can hardly move, plopped himself on the nearest bench hanging his arms lazily with his head propped up. Takao soon joined sitting next to him, dropping him a towel.
"You should have gone at your own pace. I wasn't forcing you to keep up, Shikikan," the cruiser stated.
"I was going at my own pace," He breathed, shifting his attention towards the swordswoman. "I think I'm going to need a massage or some acupuncture to reduce the stiffness tomorrow. I also need a change of clothes."
"I told you so."
He grunted at her comment, muttering an insult to himself before proceeding to stand himself, his legs wobbling slightly when he did.
"Is there a place for me to shower?" The commander ran the towel across his forehead, picking up the several beads of sweat that trickled down his face.
The cruiser thought for a good minute, pondering to herself while lightly scratching her chin. "I don't think there is a place that opens this early here. The only place that I can think of is the pool's showers, but I doubt they will be handing out towels at this time. Other than that, it's just our hotel room that you can use."
"That can work," he huffed, wiping the remaining sweat off of his skin. "I also need a new set of clothes. I don't want to walk around with these damp ones."
"Perhaps I can buy you some while you shower?" Takao proposed, standing herself apart from him.
"That would be nice of you, but I don't want to burden you with such an errand. Especially by yourself, Takao," Shikikan advised.
"Don't fret, Shikikan, "Takao assured him. "I'll be back with a pair of clothing by the time you are done."
"Is that a promise?" He extended an open palm.
"That's a promise, Shikikan," she willingly took his hand, giving her commander a firm handshake. "From master to pupil."
"And since when did I become your student?" He snorted, his lips unintentionally curving slightly into a smile.
"Ever since you decided to dedicate some time to training with me," she flashed him a warm smile, earning a soft chuckle from him which she heard. "What's so funny?"
"It's nothing. You just… look better when you smile… Sensei," he paused between his words, trying not to become flustered with himself.
Her face immediately grew warm, her cheeks now dusted with a light pink, her eyes widened ever so slightly at his surprise compliment. "I look better when I smile…? Thank you, I suppose…"
The swordswoman dug one of her hands into one of her side pockets, pulling out a navy blue and black keycard and handing it over to Shikikan. "Here, our room is on the fifth floor, two rooms to the left of the hall. If you still can't find it, don't hesitate to ask me."
"Alright," He took the card.
"I'll be right back with your clothes," she immediately took off running.
Although he was about to guide her to the nearest clothes shop, she was already long gone by the time he tried to stop her. "She's going in the wrong direction. Oh well… she'll figure it out eventually."
Shikikan, now focusing on the hotel, approached the entrance where he was greeted by the same doorman as he greeted him with a warm smile. "Welcome, sir."
"Hey uh… sorry about the other day where… I wasn't in a good mood," he apologized.
"Everyone has their days." the man smiled. "I see that you have made up with your friends ever since you came back."
"Yeah… They are… good people," he added, pushing past him.
A brief elevator ride later, he arrived at the fifth level. Stepping out was an antique decorated waiting room with several concept paintings and dim lighting in the windowless hallways. Having to count the number of rooms, Shikikan arrived at the specified room the cruiser stated. Pulling out the card, he tapped it upon the scanner, flashing a tiny green light as the locking mechanic unlocked itself.
"Pardon my intrusion," Shikikan stepped in, expecting a greeting from the eagle carrier.
Instead, the room was dark, the curtains were still closed but were still letting just enough light for the room to be visible. He stepped a bit further into the room only to stop, spotting Enterprise who was still sound asleep. Her face looked so peaceful. He wouldn't have forgiven himself if he woke her up right now, even though it was around nine in the morning. Although walking on his toes made him feel like a creep, all he cared about was not waking her, sneakily making his way towards the bathroom. When he did he began to undress, taking a hot shower to ease the soreness a bit.
Both comforting and relieving for ten minutes having to finish up, a sudden realization hit him as he stepped out. "There aren't any towels here."
Just when he was about to resort to other measures, he briefly remembered that there were freshly folded towels just outside of the bathroom. Carefully, he opened up the door and peered his head just out without exposing himself. The carrier was still asleep. Swiveling his head, he caught a small glimpse of the towels just on the other side of the dresser not too far away. Silently, he dashed the towels, grabbing one and wrapping it around his waist.
Looking over his shoulders, the Enterprise has not been disturbed in the slightest. "Thank god she didn't see me."
Right when Shikikan thought he was in the clear, hard, loud rapping can be heard at the door. With a startling snort and a yawn, Enterprise woke up from her slumber.
"Mnnn… who's there?" Enterprise is still groggy from her sudden wake-up.
"Uhh…" Shikikan froze in panic.
"Wait? Who are you?!" She summoned her bow, nocking an arrow as she proceeded to pull back the bowstring.
"Wait, don't shoot!" He exclaimed.
"So… that was… a nightmare," Enterprise smiled wryly, walking alongside Takao and Shikikan.
"You think? You nearly killed me," Shikikan sighed softly. "Also what is this outfit you procured for me, Takao? This looks ridiculous."
"Sorry, I just grabbed whatever I saw without a second thought," Takao apologized. "You don't look too bad at least right…?"
Shikikan blinked at her slightly, Takao became silent when he did. "Well, at least I know what I'm doing today. You guys do whatever today. I'm sure you two wouldn't be interested in men's clothing."
"Perhaps… maybe we can give our opinions," proposed Enterprise. "Not to say that your sense of style looks odd."
"Maybe…" he muttered. "But, that's all up to the both of you to vote on. I can't risk one of you by yourself in case you get into trouble if we decide to split up."
"The doctor sent us for a reason. Rest assured, we will be ready for anything," Takao tried smiling to persuade her commander, it was a good attempt but not as good as the genuine one in the morning. "Other than that, I'm also looking for a new change of attire to better suit the occasion."
"If you both say so," Shikikan shrugged, promptly entering a luscious-looking building. "Ah… I haven't been here for years. Still got that vibrant atmosphere and good clothing."
"This place looks… really pricey," stated Enterprise. "You aren't spending the doctor's money out of spite of her are you?"
"Oh no, I'm just going to buy a set or two… maybe three," Shikikan joshed, running his finger through the cloth racks. "A suit would be too formal. This jacket looks cool…"
"Would you like us to pick something out for you, Shikikan?" Questioned Enterprise.
"It might be… fun…" Shikikan agreed. "It can be interesting to see what you two can get me when some thought is put into it."
"Must you have to shame me, Shikikan?" Takao pouted at him.
A smile inevitably found itself on Shikikan. "That wasn't my intention, but you can redeem yourself, Takao. Heck, I'm willing to do a favor back at base if I buy it."
Without a word two of them quickly dispersed, browsing throughout the lavish store leaving Shikikan shaking his head slightly with a smirk. "Hasn't failed me since."
Shikikan then turned and his eyes focused on the vast selection, darting from clothing to clothing, unable to settle on a single piece. Instead, he pulled every shirt and pair of pants off their racks and started holding them over himself as he carefully examined each and alternated between each shirt.
That attracted some attention from one of the employees as an old woman clad in a leather apron and flowery garb with rectangular glasses happily greeted him. "Good afternoon! Oh? Is that… oh it is. Look at you! You have grown so much since the last time I saw you."
"That voice…" he mumbled silently, hesitantly turning his back. "Mrs. Long? You still work here?"
"Well of course. Come give this old pile of bones a hug," her voice bubbly and warm, her arms waiting.
"I think I'm good for now, Long," he rejected respectfully.
Her face dropped along with her arms as she looked down at the floor disheartened.
"Ah don't look at me like that," his voice was unremorseful. "It might have been a while, but I still know who you were."
"Hehehe… neither have I young Dove," a cheeky grin quickly replaced her depressed expression. "So… What brings you here? You aren't here for kevlar, are you? Or are you looking for something with more fire?"
"Don't tease me like that, Long. I left that life well behind me and so did you."
"It was worth a try," she scratched her chin lightly. "Oh well. Starting now you can call me O Bachan. Long is the name I buried and I can guess you buried your name as well."
"Yeah… People call me Shikikan."
"Shikikan? So it was you on the TV," O Bachan chuckled softly. "Whoever gave you that name was unoriginal."
"It was given to me before I got my position," Shikikan clarified.
"Either way, it's unoriginal. Now then, what is your real business here? My only guess is you are here to ask for a better look," O Bachan promptly pointed at his chest. "You look like a buffoon walking around like that. Follow me, I'll get you something that will suit you better."
"Thank you… O Bachan…" Shikikan stuttered with her name. "I don't think I will get used to calling you that."
O Bachan turned her back with Shikikan swiftly following ahead of her as scooted her way towards the back. "You youngsters used to be so kind to your elders. Disrespectful boy."
"What? Do you want me to carry you or grab a wheelchair and roll you there?" Shikikan mockingly proposed, pausing for her to catch up.
"What has become of you?" O Bachan questioned, slightly surprised at his attitude. "You used to be so polite and proper and now you are just a rude man."
"War and a dance with death on several occasions change a man," Shikikan replied.
"Hmph! Men think they have seen it all when they come back from war. They have seen nothing close to what people have to go through every day just to survive."
"O— Bachan?"
"It's personal, boy," O Bachan bumped past him. "In here, I have something that I've been meaning to give you. I think it will fit you even after all these years."
The woman scurried into the back room. There the room interspersed with the thumping of several sewing machines, workers communicating and shears clinking together. The room was dull, the atmosphere no better, but that didn't discourage the workers from having their moods ruined. They all smiled and had ongoing conversations with each other which O Bachan quickly shut down when she barked at them all to get back to work. Pushing through the tight crowd all while not trying to disturb the focus, they made it to the finished products, all of the clothing stored away in either plastic bags or waterproof hangers. Shikikan waited patiently as O Bachan cautiously dug through the drawers and racks in search of the set.
"I swear I put it — Ah ha! Here it is!" She cried gleefully, pulling out decorated cardboard containing the set of clothes. "I've always wanted to see you in such attire."
"What am I? Your son?"
"Just try this for me. Okay?" She begged, forcing the package on him with such force, shifting him slightly.
Shikikan rolled his eyes, leaving the scene for the nearest unoccupied changing room. A light sigh escaped his lips, opening the lid was an unsurprisingly nice-looking gray blazer with a detachable hoodie, a white undershirt along with black slacks. This was most likely made for his old inconspicuous job. In a flash, he was now clad in discreet attire, examining himself in the mirror, spinning around for a quick check. The material felt stiff for a polyester — probably had some sort of shock or bulletproof material for some protection but still comfortable to walk around in.
Stepping out of the changing stall, he was quickly greeted by the old woman. "You look like a fine young man!"
Shikikan smiled at her compliment. "Thanks, I guess… How much is it?"
"Oh, it's already paid for. I just forgot to deliver it."
"I see… Well, this will do for my clothing today. Good d—" Shikikan's words were interrupted by the duo, having to return from their clothing run.
"Shikikan," Enterprise interjected, prompting Shikikan to focus on the kansens. "Uh… we got the clothing that you have requested."
Takao was the first to notice O Bachan, greeting her. "Hello, are you acquainted with Shikikan?"
"We are… I've known Shikikan here for quite a while. You two are…"
"Excuse my impoliteness, my name is Takao," the Sakura woman said valiantly.
"I'm Enterprise. How long have you two known each other?" Enterprise questioned.
"We've known each other for around two years. Uhh… Know each other because of…" Shikikan stuttered slightly, struggling to make up a story. "She is my friend's friend's grandmother. Yeah, she helps with my tailoring and stuff like that."
"Yes, yes and what are you two to Mr. Shikikan? Are you his friends? Perhaps one of you is his girlfriend?" O Bachan teased.
"Pshhh, like that is true. Right now, long-term relationships aren't on my agenda," Shikikan explained dully, at this point it was a routine to explain to people about him and kansens. "O Bachan, just don't pry into my private life. I already have enough crap thrown at me."
"If you say so," she said stiffly. "Now then, how can little old me service you three?"
"Uh… We are just here to get Shikikan a new fit of clothing," Enterprise passed on the clothing into Shikikan's arms, followed by Takao dropping her set.
"You two don't want to try on some outfits?" O Bachan inquired. "I have quite the designer's eye. I can already see it. Casual, business, swimming, and… fashionable!"
"Umm…" The two stared at each other, then to Shikikan, their eyes alternating between each other as if the answer was written somewhere.
Enterprise was the one to resolve the silence. "I guess it can't hurt to try a few outfits."
"I suppose. It might be nice to add something new to my wardrobe," added Takao.
A slight joyous squeal seeped out of O Bachan's lips, briskly covering with a brief cough. "You don't know how much I've wanted to help such beautiful customers with picking outfits. Follow me, girls. Shikikan, you can try out the clothing by yourself." Her last few, although calm and demanding, found it both outright disheartening and slightly suspicious that one of his old associates wanted to be alone with them, but he wasn't too paranoid of what would happen next.
He trusted her, she seemed genuine with her words and even if the old hag were to pull any tricks, Takao and Enterprise are more than likely to defend themselves without issues. He shortly threw on the two sets the girls had brought him, examining himself once again. Enterprise had procured a maroon two-piece suit with a red and black striped tie. The set was stylish and flamboyant, no doubt a woman would second look at him in such attire, but it gave off a bad omen to Shikikan, shuddering at his image. Quickly he redressed into Takao's set, her's was distinctive in its own right, a navy blue trench coat over a black v neck and blue jeans. Shikikan had mixed feelings about her sense of style, on one hand, he felt like some outlaw or some lone wanderer in some cheesy American movie, and on the other it made him feel protected, like a warm blast-proof home. Shikikan was torn by the two options the two had presented him, wanting to buy both of them but also not wanting to fulfill a loose promise that they oh so hoped that they wished for.
Before Shikikan was able to make his decision, a voice reach out to him within his stall. "Shikikan, the girls would like to hear your opinion."
"Right now?"
"Right now," answered O Bachan.
Shikikan hurried up and got back into O Bachan's attire, taking both of the sets under his arms as he was guided by O Bachan. Upon turning a corner he was greeted by Enterprise who was clad in a tight black top with a buckle hugging her waist, black shirt along with a white trench overcoat that complimented her overall appearance. Takao looked to be a combination of carefree and spring attire, dawning a blue blouse and white skirt with gold trimmings.
"Well?" Enterprise interjected with Shikikan's focused attention.
"You both look… What's the word? Astonishing." Shikikan was completely mesmerized by their attire.
"I still got it," O Bachan chuckled. "How about a few more outfits? I'm sure Shikikan would be more than willing to give his opinion."
"I would, but we have other things to do," Shikikan opposed, but deep down a small part of him wanted to see a bit more.
"Shikikan, I don't understand why you are in such a rush. We didn't have anything planned and I'm kind of enjoying myself as of right now," Enterprise countered.
"Uh…" Shikikan stuttered, his eyes darting over to Takao. "Are you… comfortable with this, Takao?"
The cruiser turned, her expression being neutral. "I have no preferences. This is a bit fun, but if you have somewhere else you would like to be. I will not be opposed to your opinion."
"Alright… we can stay for maybe a few more," Shikikan agreed, his tone similar to that of a father having to stay another hour at his child's play.
"Splendid!" O Bachan cried out. "Okay, I have a large assortment of clothing that I would love to see you try!"
At that moment the two were tasked with having to please O Bachan as Shikikan stood aside slightly amused as he watched patiently as the kansens changed in and out of several outfits. Some of the dresses undoubtedly caught his attention when they dressed up in something he was familiar with like a schoolgirl uniform (for god knows why the old woman had a pair) or traditional kimonos. As they went on O Bachan was either beginning to be a bit mischievous with her choices or it was unintentional. Shikikan was being more on the intentional side with the fact he intimately noticed the dresses gradually increased in exposure.
It didn't take long for his cool to start to have noticeable cracks the further they went down. "Alright, I think that's enough trying outs for today, O Bachan."
"Come on," O Bachan whined. "There are still so many more that I would like to see them try out."
"As much as I would like you to act as a mother to the two. I'm starting to get hungry."
"Then go get something to eat," she stated.
Shikikan's patience noticeably began to draw thin, walking up to her with his face uncomfortably close to hers. "If I leave, they follow me. I can't fully trust you just yet after I had to leave those people. So we are leaving."
"Fine boy," O Bachan sighed in disappointment. "Let me have them put on one more. It's a special one that even you might like."
Shikikan deliberated her decision before decisively responding with his curiosity getting the best of him. "Fine! This is the last one but we are leaving after this. Understand?"
She smiled at his answer. "Good to hear."
O Bachan left him, calling the girls out back in the stalls to emerge and follow her back into the storage, shortly after leaving with a bag of clothes and reentering for the last change of the day.
Shikikan wasn't happy but flustered with this decision, yeah he was hungry but what even made him decide on such an act of near indecency. His thought was quickly put on hold when his stomach began to set off a nigh-audible growl, limping over and crunching his stomach and cursing himself for letting that hag dress them up another time.
Keeping to himself, he leaned back against the wall opposite of the stalls with both hands in his pockets, grumbling petulantly. "Why are women so invested in their looks… Why didn't I bring something to eat."
"Shikikan…" Enterprise's voice echoed over the stall. "Ummm… can you help me out with this outfit? I can't seem to get the zipper to go up."
"Yeah sure, just make sure you are covered," Shikikan requested.
The stall door with an audible click and the creaking of the hinges, Enterprise revealed herself clad within thigh-high boots, a white cap with sunglasses, and finally a shiny dark blue, one-piece race queen outfit that complements her feminine features with her arms covering her bosom.
Her cheeks grew warm at his lingering eyes which Shikikan quickly took note of and instead looked her in the eyes and asked. "How did she…? Never mind, where do you need help?"
Enterprise's checks ignite into a rosy blush upon his words, slowly removing her arms to reveal the zipper halfway up just beneath her chest on her outfit. "If you don't mind if you can just…"
Shikikan's checks began to warm up as well, but he quickly shook off the painful temptation of his instincts to peer over. "Alright, I'll see what I can do so bear with me, okay?"
Placing his fingers on the zipper, he attempted to yank the zipper upwards which got him nowhere. Without a thought, he tried pulling down. Which a loud shriek fled out of Enterprise's throat. He apologized deeply for his rashness, of course, fiddling around with the zipper before pulling it up but got stuck again.
"Okay, can you do me a solid?" He asked of her which without hesitation nodded, her face glowing red from the little incident. "Pull your top closer together, I need to be able to connect the chain without any resistance."
She nodded in response, pulling together her top as close as she could. Wasting no time, he managed to successfully pull the slider all the way up with little to no resistance.
"There… done. That old woman needs to check the size before giving them to you. Also what on earth did you agree to wear?!" Shikikan demanded.
"Well…" She hesitated with her words slightly, taking in a breath she told him the truth. "She said that men become honest whenever women wear these kinds of clothing…"
Shikikan was slightly perplexed by her response. "I don't understand. What kind of confession do you want me to say?"
"Sh...Shikikan," Takao interjected, her tone sheepish.
Quickly he turned to face her, his eyes grew wide upon laying his eyes on her. She too had been dressed up in a black and white race queen. Although her's was quite conservative, most of her skin could still be seen through her translucent black pantyhose and top piece and white gloves that reached up to her elbows.
"You too?" At this point he wasn't surprised anymore, that manipulative woman can convince anyone with her sweet words.
"You don't seem to be enjoying yourself, Shikikan…" O Bachan commented.
"You! Quit guilt-tripping them into putting these on!"
"It wasn't my decision," O Bachan pleaded. "It was entirely their choice. I just gave them something to think of, that's all. Perhaps you would like to take a picture of the two to put in your photo gallery?"
"Ugh…" he bleated. "Honestly, I don't even care anymore. Takao, Enterprise… let's not come here again if you two decide to come to visit."
"Shikikan," Enterprise said.
"What?" Shikikan sighed.
"What… Do you think of us?"
"You look good, okay? Now can we go?"
"Shikikan… If you don't have confidence, how do you expect to do anything?" O Bachan said.
"Fine…" he complained, his cheeks coloring a slight red blush. "You both look very alluring."
All three's cheeks turned red hot looking, all of them looking like steam could shoot steam from their ears. O Bachan broke into laughter it all off as if this were some sort of joke for the three of them.
"Well, that was the most fun I had in years," O Bachan laughed, wiping a tiny drop off her eye. "You three can put whatever you want on the counter. I'll be sure to give you guys a discount. You have certainly changed more than I had expected, Shikikan."
"I hate you," retorted Shikikan.
"Oh I hate you too," O Bachan said sarcastically.
Hey... So it has been a while since I had uploaded. The past month has been rough, I had a month-long depression with tears and bad thoughts. But now, I'm better or at least I think. Anyways, what are your thoughts? Are the characters acting too out of their characters because making this chapter was difficult to make with the constant mood swings I had along with school work. Anyways, I was thinking that the next two chapters will be the last of the vacation with each of them being with Shikikan on their own. Or perhaps some old wounds should be reopened? Idk, that's up for you to decide. I will try to post the next chapter by the end of this year, that isn't a promise but a goal. Until the next chapter. Also, I think my writing has grown, is there a difference?