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Chapter 24

Cherry Blossoms

Fuutarou finally decided to do something he wouldn't do for seven years straight. He went to visit his mother's grave for the first time since her death.

He had refused to come to this place. At her funeral he had made himself shut his eyes, cover his ears, and shake his head in denial whenever someone tried to speak to him. In the days following he wouldn't even eat. At least not until Raiha started making him the meals Mom used to make just for him. He just couldn't accept the fact that his mom was gone and that he would never see her again.

But now that he had decided that he had to change for the better this was the first place he needed to come to. The first place he needed to be. It was the first step he needed to take in order to begin a new life.

He looked down at her grave, staring at it for several minutes before picking up the water bucked to pour water over the headstone. He tried to figure out what to say as he did. After he was finished he knelt down and looked at the grave again, allowing several more minutes to pass before he finally spoke.

"Hey, Mom," he said first, "I'm finally here. Took me long enough, didn't it? I'm sure you're probably really upset with me. Well, I don't blame you. I would be too."

He paused for a long while, trying to remember her as best he could while he also tried to figure out what to say next.

"I just didn't want to accept it. I didn't want to accept the fact that you were gone. For a long time I convinced myself that you abandoned me because I wasn't good enough as a son and that I needed to do better," he snorted at himself, "That's why I devoted myself to my studies over everything else. I thought that if I got a good job, made my way up, and became wealthy I wouldn't have anything to worry about. But that's not how it works. Money doesn't bring happiness. Love and devotion does. All I would've been doing was hiding from reality."

Fuutarou found that the more he talked the easier the words came. With every word he felt a great weight being slowly lifted off his shoulders.

"I tried to fight it, Mom," he sighed, "I didn't want to get close to anyone ever again. I didn't want to go through the pain of losing someone important to me, but what I was really afraid of was being alone. I didn't want to let you go because I thought I would be all alone if I did, but that was just me acting stupid. Dad, Raiha, even the Quints, they were there for me, and I did nothing but push them away. The only person I wanted to be with... was you. I foolishly believed that if I studied hard you would somehow come back to me one day and I would be happy once again."

He laughed at himself, unable to believe how foolish he had been.

"I realize now that I can't go on like this anymore. I can't keep living in denial. I mean, look where it's gotten me. I have no friends, no dreams, not even a goal in life. Just what did I accomplished? What do I have to be proud of? Nothing. Six years of hard studying have amounted to nothing. Everyone I know has just about given up on me at this point. I'm virtually one step away from being a complete loner."

Alone and forgotten. He shivered at the thought.

"I don't want to end up all alone, Mom. I want to live again. I want to feel alive again. I don't want to end up all by myself with no one to turn to. I've got to start living my own life now and not be haunted by the past. I've got to make up for all my mistakes and repair the relationships I have with my family and friends. After that... I'm not so sure, but I'll figure something out. Perhaps I'll discover some secret passion I didn't know I had along the way."

He paused when he started to feel tears form in his eyes.

"However... I don't want to do this alone. I mean, I could if I had to, but I don't want to. I want to interact with people again. I want to be around those who are close to me. I don't want to drive them any further away from me. I want to hang out with Dad, spend more time with Raiha, and most of all... be with the Quints again."

He suddenly started laughing as he remembered the last two years with them.

"I wish you could've met them, Mom. I think you really would've liked them. They're all unique in their own way. They were my friends, the only ones I really had. I guess you could also include Takeda and... what was his name? Oh, yeah. Maeda. Yeah, him as well, although I never really considered them as friends. But the Quints, they're the first real friends I've ever had. The only ones I've ever had since you were alive," he swallowed, "One of them though is who I've come to really care about. Her name is Nino. She's the second of the Quints, and the one I feel so connected to."

He laughed again, remembering all those times he had with Nino.

"You probably wouldn't have approved of her if you knew of the things she did to me in the beginning. Like Raiha you probably would've preferred Itstuki, the youngest, but I think Nino would've grown on you once you got to know her like I have. She's..." Fuutarou lips lifted, "a wonderful person. More than I ever thought she could be. She brought out the part of me that I thought I buried long ago. She made me feel human again. She made me feel alive again. She made me rediscover why it's like to love again. She did all that, without even trying. She really is an amazing person... and I hurt her because I was a coward."

He looked at her grave and put his hand on it.

"I'm sorry, Mom. I've been a real idiot all this time. Your death... really made a mess out of me. I know this wasn't what any of us wanted, but it happened. My whole life was centered around you and it fell apart after you died. It's gotten me nowhere and I have no excuses. But... I've learned a huge lesson out of all of this. I now know that it's time for me to put the past behind me," he looked into the distance, "If I hadn't met those quints, if I hadn't met Yotsuba, I might not be here today. Talking to you. I owe them that much. I also met an old friend of yours and Dad. She told me things I didn't know and things I needed to hear. I didn't know how much you had sacrificed to be with Dad. You really loved him, along with Raiha and me. You were taken away from us far too soon, but I'm grateful. I'm very proud to be your son. It's why I was able to come here today."

He looked at her grave again and ran his hand over his mother's name inscribed there.

"I guess what I'm really trying to say..." he swallowed, "is that I've come to say goodbye, Mom. It's time for me to move on and to start living my own life. I don't know what the future will bring, and I'll admit that I would be lying if I wasn't the least bit scared, but I'm not going to let those fears rule my life anymore. From this point on I'm going to move forward, take life for what it is, and remain optimistic no matter how bad things get. There's also a girl out there who loves me, and she needs my help. I don't quite know how I feel about her yet, but she does mean a great deal to me. If it's not too much to ask, keep an eye on her. I want her to be happy, and I know you want the same for me."

It's going to be alright, Son. Don't worry about me. All I want is for you to live and be happy.

That's what she had said to him days before she died. He smiled as the tears finally came. The weight on his shoulders was finally gone.

"I love you and I miss you. Every single day. I wish more than anything that you were here, but I'm going to be okay, Mom. Things..." he chuckled, "honestly can't get any worse for me. I frankly have nothing to lose. All I can do from here is move forward and not worry about anything else. That's what I'm going to do, and I know you'll be up there watching me. I promise, I won't disappoint you again. From this point on I'm going to live to life to the fullest regardless of what the future brings."

He said it with sincere determination and got to his feet, brushing off his knees.

"Well, I better get going. I'm going on a date today with Nino! Yeah, I know it's a school day and I know I've been skipping school lately, but it's important and with Nino..." he grinned, "well, she's worth it. I'm going to take her to a very special place. Dad, Raiha, my boss, and her sisters have all pitched in to help. I think she's going to have the time of her life. Perhaps I will too. We'll see," he smiled at his mother's headstone one last time, "I promise to come by and visit more often. I'll be sure to come with Dad and Raiha well. Take care, Mom. I'll see you later."

Fuutarou left the cemetery as a person reborn. He left with his head held high, his posture straight, and ready to take on whatever challengers came his way.

It had been a long time since Fuutarou had been this excited. When he saw the manager's cruise bike for the first time he was instantly visited by the urge to ride. Yesterday Toshiyuki taught him how to ride this kind of motorcycle and he had spent a good hour riding around the block in order to get used to handling it while the the four quints had gone home to prepare for Nino's big date.

He really did feel like a badass when he rode this bike and he was eager to get going. Nino was definitely in for a surprise.

"Did you bring it?" he asked his sister as he straddled the bike, its engine running.

"Yep!" Raiha handed it over, "Here it is! I hope she likes it! I added one last touch to it this morning while I was on my way here."

Fuutarou saw what it was and smiled.

"It very beautiful, Raiha," he rubbed her little head in appreciation, "I'm sure she'll like it. Thanks a lot."

"Anytime, Big Brother!"

His sister was much happier now than she had ever been, and he was glad to see it. Fuutarou placed the object in his jacket pocket and took a deep breath.

"Nervous?" his dad asked.

"I'd be lying if I wasn't," his heart was pounding like crazy though, "I just don't want to screw it up again."

"Don't think about it," Toshiyuki handed Fuutarou his helmet, "Just do it."

"Remember why you're doing this," Isanari reminded, "Keep your entire focus on Nino and nothing else."

"And most importantly, go out and have fun."

"Just relax and let loose. Tell her what you need to tell her," Isanari winked, "Trust me, it'll all work out in the end."

"Yeah," Fuutarou bobbed his head, "I got it."

He strapped on the helmet and revved the engine a little.

"Thanks for all your help, Boss," he shook Toshiyuki's hand.

"Anytime, and tell Nino that I like to have her back in the kitchen ASAP."

Fuutarou laughed, "Will do."

Isanari patted his son's shoulder, "Go knock 'em dead kid."

"Good luck, Big Brother!" Raiha cheered.

Fuutarou gave them one last salute and rode away. Isanari watched his son go, feeling very proud for the first time.

"Think he'll do alright?" asked Toshiyuki.

He grinned, remembering his first date with Fuutarou's mother, "I think he'll do just fine."

A moment passed before Toshiyuki clapped a hand on Isanari's shoulder, "How about I buy you a drink? Along with a free lunch for you and your daughter?"

Isanari laughed, "That'll do just fine!"

Ten minutes later Fuutarou arrived.

After rounding the corner he saw all five quints standing there at the sidewalk waiting for him. He rolled up right before and cut off the engine. He could feel Nino's gaze on him as he removed his helmet. He then turned to look at her.

He was immediately caught off guard by the vision he saw. He remembered the last time he had seen her in that outfit and he found that he really liked it. The wide brimmed hat she was wearing was also a nice touch.

She looked absolutely stunning. Her sisters had done a magnificent job on getting her ready for her date.

He saw the confused look on her face and he grinned, feeling his confidence grow. He removed his sunglasses and he almost laughed when her jaw dropped.

"Fuu-Fuu-kun?" was the first thing she said to him.

He gave her a cocky smile, the same kind of smile he used to have when he had been a delinquent. Suddenly feeling very full of himself he leaned on the bike's handlebars and grinned at Nino.

"Hey, there, pretty girl," he said in equally socky voice and jerked his thumb to the backseat, "Would you like to go for a ride?"

When Ichika told them about Nino's silly dream they decided exactly to play it out exactly the way she had imagined it, from him arriving on the motorcycle to him saying that very line. Now they held their breath and waited for her reaction. This was the critical moment.

When she suddenly burst out laughing Fuutarou blinked and looked at the other quints, wondering if Nino had suddenly gone insane. They were actually all smiling. Both in joy and in relief.

Nino kept on laughing, hands clutching her stomach. She wasn't laughing in humor. She was laughing because she was truly, genuinely, taken by surprise.

Fuutarou caught Ichika's gaze and she gave him both a wink and a thumbs up. Their plan had worked. Better than they expected. He grinned back and turned his attention back to Nino, waiting for her to calm down.

After a while she finally got a hold of herself and straightened her body.

"What..." she gasped for breath, "What are you doing, Fuu-kun?"

"Making your dreams come true," he smoothly replied.

"My... my dreams? What are you..." she gasped and looked at Ichika, who stood there looking very smug, "You told him about that?!"

The other quints giggled while Fuutarou chuckled. In less than a minute Nino had reverted back to her old self, exactly what they hoped for.

"Well, he wanted to take you by surprise," Ichika simply pointed out, "It's your own fault for telling me about that silly dream of yours."

Nino opened her mouth to protest, but then shut it when she realized she had nothing to argue with. Instead she looked at the others. Obviously she hadn't expected this. Her sisters had all pitched in to help bring her out of her depression. Now Fuutarou was here, her dream had literally come to life. They had done this all for her.

"I... I don't understand. Why would you do all this... for me? Why would you go this far for my sake?"

"Well, Nino," Miku clasped her hands, "We wanted to thank you."

"To thank me?"

"You've always been there for us whenever we needed it," Itsuki sighed sadly, "but we've never been there for you whenever you needed it."

"Whenever I..." Nino felt something tug in her heart.

"We should've stepped in to help back in Kurobara," said Ichika, "We know that you wanted to handle it by yourself, but we should've stepped in anyway when it got really bad. We got so used to you doing things by yourself we didn't realize that we had been treating you as the black sheep of the family."

"So we wanted to make it up to you by doing something special," said Itsuki.

"And in case you're wondering whose idea this was," Miku gestured to the quint beside, "It was Yotsuba's."

Nino looked at her stunned.

"You deserve a chance at happiness, Nino, even if it's just for one day," Yotsuba smiled at her, "I meant what I said in my letter. If I had known what had happened to you before I wouldn't have done all those things. I would've gladly supported you, even at the expense of my own feelings. I think I speak for all of us when I say, let us help you in return for all those times you've helped us, Nino."

Nino felt her eyes start to burn as it finally hit her, "Guys... I..."

"Hey!" Ichika pointed a warning finger at her, "Don't you dare start crying! Especially after all the hard work I did putting your makeup on."

"Y-Yeah," Nino blinked back her tears, so overjoyed to see how her sisters cared about her, "I just... I don't know what to say."

"You can thank us later," said Yotsuba.

Nino looked at her again, "But what about-"

The fourth quint waved her hand, "Fuutarou and I will sort things out later. Right now I want you to go out and enjoy yourself with the guy you love. Think of this as me letting you borrow him for today."

She was grinned broadly and Nino couldn't help but laugh.

"Alright, if you say so," she said and the other cheered.

"Well, Nino..." she turned to see a grinning Fuutarou holding a helmet out to her, "You ready to go?"

A big smile came to her lips, "Hell yeah!"

Everyone cheered again as she took the helmet. Ichika took both Nino's hat and the picnic basket and placed them inside the metal box. Nino swung her leg over the backseat behind Fuutarou when someone started singing a tune. Everyone looked over to see Yotsuba moving her hands as if she was playing a guitar, then Fuutarou laughed as he recognized it as the opening chords of the famous George Thorogood song "Bad To The Bone". Chucking and shaking his head, Fuutarou switched on the motor and felt Nino jump behind him as it came to life.

"Nothing like the other one, huh?" he grinned over his shoulder.

"Y-Yeah," Nino looked a little nervous as she fixed the strap of her helmet.

"Relax, this bike is actually much safer than the other one."

"Alright, you're all set!" Ichika came to their side and clapped a hand on his shoulder.

"Thanks for all your help, everyone," he said.

"You're very welcome, Fuutarou-kun," Ichika winked at them both, "Be sure to have her home by eight. Or else..."

"Yeah, yeah, I know," Fuutarou put his sunglasses back on before glancing over his shoulder again, "You ready, Nino?"

"Yep!" Nino wrapped her arms around him and grinned at her sisters, "See you later, guys! Bye-bye!"

"Bye-bye!" The remaining quints waved as the couple sped away.

"Well, they're off," Miku said after they were out of sight.

"Yep," smiled Yotsuba.

"I think everything's going to be fine from now on," said Itsuki.

"Hm-hmm," Yotsuba agreed.

"You okay, Yotsuba?" Ichika wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she grinned, "I actually feel a lot better now that Nino's back to her old self."

"Yeah," the rest agreed.

"You can move back in with us any time you wish," Ichika said suddenly.

Yotsuba looked at her, stunned, "You sure?"

She nodded, "You said you were going to find a way to make things right. Well, you've done that."

"But that was just one thing."

"It's more than enough in my book, and even if it isn't for you, you've gotten off to a good start so far. I say you've earned it."

Yotsuba looked at her for moment she turned to Miku and Itsuki, both of whom nodded in agreement.

Tears came to her eyes.

"Thanks, everyone," she sniffed and wiped away a tear, "I promise, I'll never hurt you guys ever again."

Ichika squeezed her shoulder, "You've done really well so far, Yotuba. I mean that. Well then! How we get changed and go into town to celebrate?"

"That's an excellent idea!" Miku agreed.

"I'll tell Ebata-san to bring my stuff over while we're away," said Yotsuba

As they went inside Itsuki took out her phone and texted someone.

They're on the way. Let us know how it goes.

"Where did you get this bike?"

Nino spoke into Fuutarou's ear after they came to a stoplight.

"I bought it!" he flashed his eyebrows at her.

"Yeah, right," Nino rolled her eyes, trying not to laugh, "There's no way in hell you could've bought something like this."

"Okay, I lied," he chuckled, "I borrowed it from the Boss."

"The Boss? You mean our boss?"

He nodded, "He had it in storage. He offered to help so when we came up with this plan he let me borrow it."

"Oh," Nino was surprised, not once did she think that there other people who were also worried about her.

"He also said to give him a call when you get a chance. The restaurant hasn't been the same without you in the kitchen."

"Yeah," Nino laughed nervously, "I certainly."

The light turned green and they continued down the city streets.

As they did Fuutarou started singing, "On the day I was born, the nurses gathered 'round, and they gazed in wide wonder, at the joy they had found, the head nurse spoke up, and she said, 'Leave this one alone', she could right away, that I was bad to bone."

Nino burst out laughing, "You actually know that song?"

"My Dad used to be in the Army," he explained when they came to another stoplight, "He made a lot of friends with the US Marines when he was stationed nearby. They introduced him to American rock music. When I was little my Dad would play that song every chanch he got, saying that it was my theme song. Mom would get so irritated when he did."

Nino was quiet as they rode along. Fuutarou was nothing like the person she knew last week. He had completely changed, just as her sisters said. She had never seen this happy before, and he was smiling in a way she had never seen. In fact, this was the first time she had seen him smile.

What happened to him? she wondered.

"Where are we going by the way?" she asked when they reached the highway.

"You'll see," he replied, "Just sit back and enjoy the ride."

Her heart started to beat rapidly and she tightened her arms around him. Then she pressed her cheek against his back and closed her eyes.

"I already am," she happily whispered.

"Here we are," he said a short time later.

Opening her eyes, Nino looked up and saw...

"Cherry blossoms?"

They were slowly rolling down a street where a great number of sakura trees were in full bloom. Nino lifted a hand and a soft pink petal fell right onto her palm. The bike rolled to a stop and she looked ahead to see that they had gotten in line behind a bunch of other vehicles waiting for their turn to go into the parking zone. There was music playing and she could hear crowds of people laughing and cheering. The large open area indicated they were in some big outdoor park.

"What is this?" she asked.

"A cherry blossom festival. Your sisters said that you really like cherry blossoms and the boss suggested that I take you here."

"Oh," Nino smiled happily, "Yeah, I do like cherry blossoms. Thank you."

"You're welcome," Fuutarou turned to smile at her, "Itsuki said some of our classmates might be here, maybe some of your friends too. Be sure to say Hi to them. I'm sure they've been worried about you."

Nino solemnly nodded. Since her breakdown she hadn't communicated with anyone despite all the calls and texts she received. She felt guilty that she hadn't kept in touch.

Their turn finally came and the guide directed them to a different part of the parking zone that was reserved for motorcycles. As Fuutarou pulled in to an unoccupied spot they could see numerous canopies and food stands. Their were crowds everywhere and in the center of the park was a big makeshift stage consisting both of a music band and a DJ.

"Wow," Fuutarou switched off the engine and put the kickstand down, "There really are a lot of people here."

"It usually is for these kind of events," Nino swung off the bike and undid the strap of her helmet.

"Yo!" came a voice, "Nice bike you got there!"

Nino turned around and saw a guy approach with a girl on his arm. She recognized him as Maeda, the guy who once had a crush on Ichika until he met the love of his life back during the winter camping trip. Ami was her name if she remembered right. She had seen the couple off and on and as usual Maeda was always dressed in his outlandish street clothes while Ane was always dressed very nicely.

Fuutarou laughed and said, "Thanks Maeda! It's not actually mine though."

Maeda frowned, "I'm sorry. Do I know you? You sound familiar."

Chuckling, Fuutarou took off his helmet and lifted his cap.

Meada squinted for a moment before his eyes went wide, "Uesugi? Holy crap! It is you! I didn't recognize you in that outfit. What's with the getup? You've taken up cosplay or something?"

Fuutarou laughed again, "Nope. I just had a change of style."

"Oh, okay," Meada looked over Fuutarou's shoulder, "Who's the girl behind you?"

Grinning, Nino took off her own helmet and shook out her hair.

"Nino-chan!" Ami gasped in surprised, "I thought you were at home sick."

She shrugged, "I got better."

"Are your sisters here?" Ami looked around, searching for them.

"It's just us today," Nino answered, "I decided that I needed to get out of the house."

"Her sisters suggested that I bring her here so she could let loose and have fun," Fuutarou explained.

"Oh, I see," Ami smiled, "Well, good to see up and about, Nino-chan. I really like your outfit."

"Thank you," Nino drew her hat from the box and placed it on her head.

"We ran into your friends earlier, Nino-chan" Ami pointed to the festival, "They should be around somewhere. They'll be very happy to see you."

"We'll see you around," Maeda waved as he led his girlfriend away," Have fun!"

"You too!" Fuutarou and Nino waved back.

Fuutarou took the keys out of the ignition and slipped them into his jacket pocket. Then he took the picnic basket from Nino's hands and placed it over his left arm before offering his right.

"Ready?" he smiled at her.

Her heart stuttered but she smiled and took his arm. It was funny that he was acting like a gentleman, but she wasn't complaining. Together they walked into the park.

"There really is a lot of people here," Fuutarou commented.

"There usually is in gatherings like these," Nino replied.

"Hey, Nino!" someone suddenly yelled.

Nino looked up and beamed when she saw her two good friends, Yamada and Otori, running up to her.

"Hey, guys!" she joyfully embraced them both.

"I can't believe you're here!" Yamada looked Nino over, "You look like a princess!"

"How are you feeling?" asked Otori, "We haven't heard from you for so long we got worried."

"I know. I'm sorry I didn't keep in touch with you guys," Nino apologized, "I just wasn't feeling too well and I had a lot going on, but I feel much better now!"

"Are your sisters here with you?"

"Nope," she gestured to Fuutarou, "It's just me and Fuu-kun today."

"Fuu-kun?" her friends look at him.

Fuutarou grinned and lifted his cap again. Both of her friends were speechless.

"Oh! Uesugi-san!"

"I didn't recognize you."

He chuckled, "It seems like no one does these days."

Nino giggled, "Well, you never were the social type."

She quickly explained the whole thing to her friends.

"Oh, I see," Yamada grinned, "Well, if that's the case we'll let you two be."

"Give us a call in case we don't see you again," reminded Otori.

"I will," Nino promised and waved as her friends departed.

"It's good that you have friends like that," mentioned Fuutarou.

"Hm-hmm," Nino agreed, "I'm very happy to have them."

Placing her arm around his again they walked onto the grass lawn. They were able to find a more secluded spot underneath the shade of a cherry blossom. After spreading out the blanket they sat down and took in the scene.

"Perfect spot," Fuutarou pointed out, "We're not in the middle of the crowd and we can see the everything that's going in front of us."

"Yes, we can," Nino lifted her knees and started taking off her boots. When Fuutarou took off his cap she stared in surprise, "Whoa... you got a haircut."

"Yeah," he ran hand through his shortened hair, "My dad cut it for me this time instead of my sister. What do you think?"

"It's..." she couldn't answer and instead gave a short laugh, "I don't know what to think. Everything about you is different! Did you hit your head or something?"

Fuutarou chuckled, "Nope. I spent a great deal of time thinking these past few. About my life and the direction it was going. I found that I didn't like it and it was time for me to change. Plus, I also got inspired. By you."

Nino blinked, "By me?"

"You remember what you said back when you decided to change? It sucks but it can't be that bad. Well, I realized that I had nothing to lose anymore so why not make the change to become a better person and not be stuck in the past?"

Nino gaped at him, then shook her head in disbelief, "Wow. My sisters weren't kidding after all. You really have changed."

"Are you shocked?"

"No," she giggled, "I'm just... really surprised. I mean, I'm so used to you being a serious person all the time and devoting yourself to your studies. I just never imagined that you would be doing something like this one day."

"Well, I also figured it was time for me to get out and have some fun instead of staying in my room all the time," he gestured to the festival, "This is a good place to start."

Nino watched in silence as Fuutarou started taking out the contents of the picnic basket. She wasn't sure what to think anymore. She wasn't sure if she really knew Fuu-kun anymore. Not knowing what else to do she finished removing her boots and took out her shoes to be used later.

She was straightening out her skirt when she noticed that Fuutarou had gone still. She looked up at him to see what had caught his attention and her breath caught when she saw that he was staring at her. Intently.

She felt her heartbeat quickened. Fuutarou had never looked at someone like that before. Not her, her sisters, or anyone else for that matter. Even when he had seen her in nothing but a bath towel, or when Yotsuba had accidentally walked out of the bathroom naked, Fuutarou hadn't even blinked. Him suddenly reacting to a beautiful girl in front of him was both a great shock and a major change in his personality.

"Fuu-kun..." she felt her cheeks warm, "Please don't stare at me like that. It's embarrassing."

He blinked several times and shook himself, as if he was coming out of a trance.

"Sorry," he looked away, color touching his cheek, "It's that just... I couldn't help but notice how pretty you looked."

She stared at him in surprise as his cheeks turned even redder.

Did Fuutarou just... compliment her without being asked? What else was going to happen today?

"You know..." he chuckled and turned back to look at her, "Thinking back, I kind of miss that old smug side of yours. It reminds of myself when I was like that as a kid. I even miss the time when your hair was longer."

She gaped at him, then started laughing.

"What's so funny?" he frowned.

"You're the second person today who's talked about my hair. First my sisters and now you."

"Oh? What did they say?"

"That I had the prettiest hair when it was longer," she shrugged, "I always thought it was Itsuki."

"Hmm, yeah. I actually agree with you there, but yours wasn't far behind. Have you ever thought about growing it back?"

Nino lifted a hand to her short hair. After cutting off her long tresses she had kept it trimmed since then.

"I guess I could," she answered, "although I don't think I'll ever grow it back to the length it used to be. Maybe halfway down?"

He nodded in approval.

"Fair enough," his stomach growled loudly and he laughed, "Well, I guess it's time for lunch. Shall we eat?"

"Sure," Nino smiled and took the sandwich he offered.

They ate mostly in silence, only commenting of whatever music that was playing or talking about pointless things. Nino herself impressed by how good the food was. It wasn't entirely up to her usual standards but she was hardly complaining. The sandwiches were obviously made by Miku. She still was unable to make a proper meal but Nino appreciated the effort. The real cooking was definitely done by Ebata. He had cooked for them when they were kids until she was old enough to do the job herself. She knew his cooking anywhere.

At some point Fuutarou removed his jacket. It was only then Nino saw something that immediately caught her eye.

"You're wearing the bracelet again."

He looked down at his wrist, "Oh, yeah."

He ran his finger across the charm, having gone completely silent, as though he was debating with himself. It was the first time she had ever seen him so uneasy.

"You know... I never did thank you for saving my life that night," he sighed, "I didn't even thank you for saving my job when I was on the verge of getting fired. In fact, I've never thanked you guys for all the things you did for me. Such as being my friends."

She watched as he leaned back on his hands, looking up at the sky through the pink tree petals.

"I don't know how else to say this but... I'm sorry. I'm really, truly sorry. For everything," he sighed again, "When I came to speak to you that night after the festival, I couldn't get the image of how defeated you looked out of my head. I couldn't understand why you reacted that way. Then when you completely broke down... it really affected me."

Nino shivered, remembering that very moment.

"I never imagined anyone could cry like that, and yet I still couldn't understand why," Fuutarou scoffed at himself, "The truth was that I didn't understand when it came to personal matters. It's just that I didn't care. For a long time I didn't care about people's feelings or even the very idea of love. I thought that they weren't important, that I didn't need them. Have you ever wondered why I became such a cold, emotionless person? Well, it all started when my Mom died."

From there he told Nino the story of what his life was like his mother was alive and how her death had affected his life. She listened to every word without interruption, forming a new understanding of him and discovering how wrong she had been to think of him as her prince. Fuutarou wasn't prince. He was a human being who had been suffering for a very long time. It had turned him into an awful person and now he was trying a better one. Knowing this made her respect for him grow.

Along with her love.

"You remember when Miku asked me who my type was?" he asked.

"I do," she nodded, "Someone who was always cheerful, could cook well, and loved him like a brother. You were basically talking about your sister."

"There was a lot more to it than that. What I really wanted was to be necessary to someone, because that's how my Mom made me feel. I chose Yotsuba because I wanted to be in control of everything. I chose her because she was the only one who never gave me any problems like the rest of you did. That was totally unfair and heartless," he pulled out a few blades of grass and threw them away, "When Ichika came to see me she told me about your previous relationships and how badly they went. She even told me about the guy who died in the bus accident. I'm very sorry about that."

Nino thought about him for the first time in three years, "I haven't thought of him since that day."

"When Ichika told me about your past I started to realize how similar you and I are. We both lost someone who was very important to us and it changed our lives forever. We both lost our mothers, but you guys had each other whereas I... didn't have anyone."

She frowned at him, "You had your Dad and your sister."

"Raiha was only five at the time and I was never that close to my Dad. My whole world was centered on my Mom. For years I convinced myself that she had abandoned me. Not once did I ever think about anything besides studying. I shut myself from the outside world entirely, even after I met you girls," he shook his head again, "I should've spoken to you girls individually that night after the festival. I might have been breaking the rules but I wouldn't have cared. Instead I just pushed all of you aside and went straight to Yotsuba. I couldn't even say that I loved her because it would've been a lie. Then I went and said all those things about you and your sisters."

Nino brought her knees up, remembering what he had said, "You weren't entirely wrong about us though."

"It wasn't an excuse. I had no right to speak of you that way."

There was a long pause between them before Nino said, "You know, to be perfectly honest, I really wasn't expecting you to choose me that night."

Fuutarou looked at her, "Why do you say that?"

She shrugged, "Why would a guy like you want to be with a girl like me? I've been nothing but trouble to you ever since the day we met."

"Well, I won't lie. There were times I really wanted to strangle you."

She laughed a little, "Yeah, I suppose I wouldn't blame you. Then, after I fell for you, I just threw myself at you every chance I got. Then, of course, there were the times when I drugged you. Twice."

"Well, I won't deny that the first time was uncalled for, but the second one I totally deserved. As for the other things," he shrugged, "That's just the way you are. If you had acted more... docile like Miku or more upbeat like Yotsuba I would've thought that either something was wrong with you or one of your sisters was pretending to be you."

She chuckled a little. She could see that happening.

Another moment of silence passed before she asked, "How come you never called me out on that? Of me drugging you?"

"Because I didn't see the point. Once you told me your side of the story I decided to let the whole thing go. You didn't do it purely out of malice. You were just overly protective of your sisters. Besides, it's not like you got me high, addicted, or even hospitalized. No harm came of it in the end so I'm not bothered by it anymore."

"I see," she smiled a little, "Well, I don't know if it would've made much difference anyway. You've said it yourself. I'm impulsive and emotional, too much to deal with. You, on the other hand, are the complete opposite. When I think about it I just don't think our relationship could have worked out, at least in the long run."

He didn't reply. He only sat there thinking.

"Perhaps," he sat up straight and took a more serious tone, "Nino, you know about Hatsuka and how I rejected her?"

When she nodded he told her about the rest of Hatsuka's tragic fate.

"She's killed herself?" her eyes were now wide pools of shock.

He slowly bobbed his head, "I may not have directly caused it to happen but I can't help but feel somewhat responsible. If I had just been nicer to her..."

"Fuu-kun," Nino touched, "It's not your fault. She made her own decisions. She killed herself because she couldn't live with herself anymore. You had nothing to do with it. Please, don't feel guilty over something you had no knowledge of. Don't carry the weight of her death on your shoulders."

Fuutarou gently removed her hand and patted it, "I know. I'm trying," he then looked into her eyes, "The reason why I'm telling you this is because I don't want the same thing to happen to you."

She stared at him, "To me?"

"If you had gone down that same path after what happened with me I never would've forgiven myself," he took a deep breath, "I don't want you to give up on your dreams, Nino. I don't want you to turn your back on finding true love. I made that same mistake when my Mom died and it's gotten me nowhere. It's caused nothing but pain and suffering. Not just for me, but for everyone around me. I don't want the same thing to happen to you and your sisters, for you need each other now more than ever."

He swallowed again as he gathered his next words.

"Meeting you has made me realize just how pathetic my life was. How pointless I had made it be. I don't want to live that way anymore, and I don't want to see you suffer anymore. You deserve better after everything you've been through," he hesitated for an instant, "I guess what I'm trying to say is that you should never feel ashamed of who you are, and don't ever think that you're alone. You have your friends, you have your sisters... and you have me."

He took one of her hands in his and squeezed it.

"Thank you for saving my life, and for my saving my job when you didn't have to. Thank you for... for trying to show me how to live a little and to not take everything so seriously. I also would like you to give me another chance, but if you don't want to have anything to do with me anymore I'll understand. I just want you to know that whatever you decide I'll respect it, but I'll always think of you as a friend. One that I cherish very much. All I want is for you to live and be happy. That's all I ask for."

Nino didn't answer. She sat there quietly, going over he said several times in her mind. She had no idea what to say, but she was deeply touched by how genuine his words were. She looked at all the activity going on before them and reached for her shoes.

Fuutarou watched as she slipped them on and stood, brushing off her skirt. He wasn't sure of what she was thinking, then she turned and his heart stopped when she presented him with the most beautiful smile he had ever seen.

She reached out with her hand and said, "Come on. Let's go and enjoy the festival. Together."

He heart beating rapidly he took her hand and allowed her to pull him up. Hand in hand, the pair went down to join the fun.