ちびまる子ちゃん / 大まる
Chibi Maruko - Chan / Maruko and Ono
by Momoko Sakura
For Tomorrow May Rain Ro-Kat
English Text
A Fanfiction
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INTRODUCTION
Preface Note:
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English is NOT my first language. Indonesia is. My apologies if I've made many mistakes in writing and translating this fanfic from the original one. I'll try my best.
Setting/Timeline: This is when Maruko and her friends were in 8th Grade or 2nd grade of Junior High School. Showa, April 1979 (the original settings of Chibi Maruko Chan was in the Showa era, 1974 until 1975 and that was when Maruko still in the 3rd Grade of Elementary School)
It will be VERY beneficial for readers who likes Chibi Maruko Chan to really know who the characters are insides it. Because–just like in canon, there will be a LOT of characters appearing in this fanfic. Therefore, if you want to know more about Maruko and her friends' characters, you can open and copy-paste these texts on Google and go to Wikipedia Japan: ちびまる子ちゃんの登場人物#レギュラー（クラスメイト) or you can visit to BiBi website、 Star Jp、 Chibi Maruko Chan Official Japan Website、 etc. I highly DO NOT recommend you to read from Chibi Maruko Chan Wiki-Fandom page because most of them contained with lots of fan speculations that can not be verified. Better to read from the Japanese Wikipedia page (not the Fandom one) or directly from the official website of Chibi Maruko Chan.
NO, this is NOT a HANAMARU fanfic, this is an ONOMARU fanfic. AKA, this story is centered on the relationship between Maruko and Ono. Not with Hanawa or her other male/female friends. With all due respect, if you're not interested in the Maruko x Ono pair, just don't read it, hehe.
Narrative writing for the character names is adjusted to how they're usually "called" in the Chibi Maruko Chan series. For example: Kimio Nagasawa. His surname is Nagasawa, his nickname is Kimio. However, readers and viewers of Chibi Maruko Chan are more familiar with the name 'Nagasawa' instead of 'Kimio'. Therefore, I will write his name in the narration as 'Nagasawa'.
Some scenes will be slightly adapted to the original source of material, or we can call it, semi-canon, and some additional information about the canon/non-canon of a scene will be included and stated at the end of each chapter (Author's Note).
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General Disclaimer:
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Chibi Maruko Chan is not mine, it is by Momoko Sakura (May her beautiful soul forever Rest in Peace). Here I am using a written imagination to entertain the readers and myself (mostly myself) as a form of nostalgia, hehe.
Non-AU, Semi-OOC. Especially for the characters Maruko and Ono because they are adjusted to the age of a teenager.
Rate-T. So this is going to be very cliche, slightly annoying, simple, and awkward (it even amuses me, sometimes lol) in addition, I'm actually not good at writing, so don't expect anything, please. LOL.
Some flashbacks scenes will start with /BEGIN FLASHBACK/ and end with /END OF FLASHBACK/
Italic text indicates what's inside the character's heart and mind, strong words, as well as foreign language writing.
Possibility of misspelling, typo, and mix of languages (English and Japanese)
This fanfic can also be found on Wattpad and Ao3, it is translated from Indonesia to English, and all of them will be uploaded/updated at the same time.
Cover Credit: The cover image of this fanfic is taken from Chibi Maruko Chan Official Twitter , ちびまる子ちゃん【公式】 tweet_maruko) Sakura Production / Nippon Animation, released on April 3, 2021 (image slightly edited to a portrait size)
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Who is Ono Kenichi?
For those who don't know or are unfamiliar with who Ono Kenichi is: Ono Kenichi, or as his friends call him "Ono-kun", is one of Maruko's classmates who is popular with both girls and boys. He is good friends with Satoshi Sugiyama and both are famous for their love of playing soccer. Ono, along with Sugiyama, is willing to fight against bullies to protect his friends. He has a strong sense of justice, a leader at heart, excellent at sport, a bright student, tough, and brave.
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Random Fun Fact about Ono Kenichi:
Popularity Character Poll held by Official LINE account on April 15 to June 30, 2019, named Ono Kenichi as the 3rd popular character! (first and second are obtained by Maruko and Tamae)
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Last but not least, before we enter the first chapter,
I will try to keep writing even though no one is giving me any review. I realize that this fandom is very small and filled with a bunch of children, lol (Which is understandable, it is in fact a cartoon/anime for kids to begin with, so I don't mind), but I will try to keep writing as it is. However, if you happen to read this fic one day, whenever, wherever, especially if you're a teenager or an adult who understands enough what is going on in this fic (lol), please let me know what you think. I will gladly accept any input, criticism, and review. I totally live for it.
Please enjoy and happy reading!
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CHAPTER 1: "Like Dreamers Do"
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/BEGIN FLASHBACK/
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"Old friends are still friends."
That is what Maruko said to Ono, who had been silently listening to the sound of the gurgling water of the Kano river that flowed calmly right in front of him. Both of them talked, standing next to each other, accompanied by these dandelion flowers that were blown by the afternoon breeze. Just like dancing around them.
Ono did not immediately respond to Maruko's statement. He was silent. He was a little surprised. He clenched his fists and stared at Maruko's eyes with a look full of determination that he probably could not even describe what it means himself.
"Right?"
Maruko asked once again in such a gentle tone. Without expecting any answer or response from him. Because Maruko knew, Maruko just wanted to remind Ono that separation didn't mean that they have to fight and stop being friends, that separation is not a terrible thing. Separation is not something that should stop him and his friends from bonding.
Ono finally responded to Maruko with a soft nod. He smiled, looking at the dandelion flowers that were still beautifully flew around them. Who would have thought that this short trip to the dandelion field in this breezy afternoon gave Ono a warm feeling.
Ono will never forget the image of this special female friend. A girl who was able to make him forget his worries and anxiety for a moment. Ono will move to Tokyo in a few months, leaving the city of Shimizu where he was born until he was in the 3nd Grade of Elementary. Where he has to leave his best friend, Sugiyama. However, in that afternoon he just realized that it was not only Sugiyama that he has to say goodbye to, he also has to leave a girl who made a deep impression in his heart, and that girl is Maruko.
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/END OF FLASHBACK/
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5 years have passed. Now Kenichi Ono is in the 8th Grade of Junior High School. Not many changes had happened to Ono, except for his height that is taller than the average teen of his age. He also still has this jet black hair which is now a little thicker and messier. His body looks sturdy and firm, showing that he is still active in doing sports. He's always been a good-looking boy. The only big difference is in the expression on his face, which no longer often showed a peace of mind, but rather stunned, almost impassive.
7 days ago, April 1979, Ono and his family decided to return and live in the city of Shimizu, his childhood town. They live in a 3-storey upper-class apartment where he and his family used to live before they moved to Tokyo.
Ono folded the last cardboard box as a sign that he had finished helping his mother tidy up the house. Ono is a neat boy and he likes cleanliness. He is also not a boy who likes to procrastinate. Thanks to his help, within a week, his house is comfortable to live in because all the things, including the small ones like fridge magnets, or big ones like kitchen's utensils or his father's business books, were already in their respective places.
"Finally, it's done… Thank you for your help today, Ken-chan." Ono Kiriko, his mother, gave a relieved smile to his only child. Ono replied with a slow nod. "Okaa-san will prepare for dinner. Do you want to help me cook?"
"Of course," said Ono.
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Suddenly the sound of rumbling footsteps that sounded so loud came from the 3rd floor hallway, approaching the entrance of his apartment door.
"ONO!" Sugiyama Satoshi, with a soccer ball in his arms, shouted excitedly for his best friend, inviting himself to open the apartment door which happened to be unlocked.
"Sugiyama!" said Ono. The two of them jogged to greet each other. They stretched out their palms in the air and gave their high five, "I thought we'd meet in the under the bridge's field this late afternoon."
"It is late afternoon already! and–never mind that! I can't wait to meet you! That's why I immediately visit your apartment."
"Right, by the way, sorry that you had to wait a week for us to meet. Taking care of the house and dealing with the school registration requires a lot of high focus and attention." Ono bowed his head in apology.
"Why are you apologizing? Take it easy. I totally understand. Now the most important thing is how are you, Ono? There's no way you'd be taller than me, right?"
"I'm fine, and I think I AM taller than you, hehe." said Ono, chuckling smugly as he measured the height of his head with his palm.
"What!? No! We're exactly the same height!" exclaimed Sugiyama, who also didn't want to lose.
They never change.
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"Who is it Ken-chan?" Ono's mother asked from the kitchen, "Are there any guests visiting?"
"Yes, it's Sugiyama, Kaa-san." Ono replied, letting Sugiyama in. Sugiyama quickly took off his shoes and followed Ono walked to the kitchen.
"Good afternoon, Obaa-san. How are you?" Sugiyama greets Ono's mother kindly.
"Ahh… Sugiyama-kun, long time no see. I'm good! Actually just yesterday Baa-san met your mother at the supermarket."
"Yes! I've heard it from Mom too! Mom's so happy to finally see you again."
"Thank god, please say my hello to your mother," said Ono's mother, "Well come on, now you guys can play."
"How about the cooking?" asked Ono, who realized that earlier he had offered to help his mother to cook.
"Don't worry about it, Ken-chan. Think of your friend who's been waiting for a week just to see you. I can manage this myself. Now off you go, go play soccer." said his mother as she waved her hand slowly at him.
"Come on, Ono! I've got the ball ready!" Sugiyama showed off his soccer ball he had brought with him earlier.
"Alright," Ono smiled, "Thank you, Kaa-san."
"See you later, Baa-san." Sugiyama waved his hand to Ono's mother.
"See you later, Sugiyama-kun. Please visit here often. And Oh–Ken-chan, don't come home too late, Okay? The sky is a bit cloudy out there." said his mother, pointing out the window. Ono nodded his head, put on his shoes, and hurriedly walked out of his apartment.
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Ono and Sugiyama are playing soccer in this big grassy field under the bridge that is located not that far from both of their house. The field where they often spend their time playing soccer or any other sports since they were little.
"Ooh… so that's the reason why you chose to attend Shizuoka Gakuen private school?" asked Sugiyama as he passed his soccer ball towards Ono.
Ono nodded slowly in response to Sugiyama's questions, while kicked Sugiyama's ball with his right foot.
"... Then I'm grateful," said Sugiyama slowly. "I almost thought you'd changed, Ono."
Ono frowned uncomprehendingly, "Changed? What do you mean by changed?"
"Well… " Sugiyama caught Ono's ball-pass with his left foot. "When I first heard from my mom that you went to Shizuoka Gakuen, my first response was I thought you were being smug and arrogant, as you deliberately chose to attend an elite school rather than join your old friends to attend an ordinary public school. But after knowing that you chose that private school because your dad asked you to, I'm a little relieved, haha."
Ono fell silent again. Staring blankly at the soccer ball that is standing at Sugiyama's feet. He didn't give any response.
"Hey, hey, I heard from Hamaji that the PE teachers at your school were the former coaches of many famous soccer athletes, is that true?" asked Sugiyama, successfully breaking Ono's bubble of thought.
"Hm. Sort of." Ono doesn't want to sound like he's bragging.
"How lucky you are, Ono! I'm jealous." Sugiyama kicked the ball back to his interlocutor.
"Speaking of Hamaji, are you still friends with him?"
"Let alone still be friends with him, Hamaji and I are still in the same class."
"Oh? I thought that after Elementary graduation you all drifted apart."
"There are indeed some friends who moved schools and cities, but most of our Elementary school friends were still in the same Junior High School. Like the duo, Hamaji and Buutaro, for example. … as well as Nagasawa and Fujiki."
"Haha, how are Nagasawa and Fujiki doing?" Ono chuckled, remembering the unique friendship between the two friends he had just asked about.
"Oh, they're still pretty much the same as you last remembered, Ono. Still gloomy and sarcastic. But not as bad as when they were in Elementary."
"Really? Mind to explain?"
Sugiyama sighed calmly, "... Now they can be more direct in stating and expressing their opinion."
"Glad to hear. It is about time, isn't?" Ono nodded his head in admiration, "And then?"
"Then there is also Yamane–who unfortunately till this day still has a stomach disease."
"Is he still taking his medicine regularly?"
"Still. Most of our friends keep on reminding him daily."
Ono breathed a sigh of relief, "That's also good to hear."
"Then there's Misuzu Fuyuta-san–WOW!" Sugiyama suddenly exclaimed loudly, "Fuyuta-san must be very happy to know that you're back here in Shimizu, Ono!"
"... Is she still–impressed by me?" Ono asked quietly, showing a bit of frowning expression in his face.
"Impressed? Dude, she still has a huge crush on you!" Sugiyama grinned. "How could Fuyuta-san forget you so that easily!"
"Ha… ha… ha…" Ono couldn't help but laugh wryly. It's not that he doesn't respect Fuyuta's choice, but he had to admit that sometimes Fuyuta's presence annoys him a bit. He really hoped–since they are now in the 2nd grade of middle school–Fuyuta's admiration towards him wasn't as excessive as it used to be.
"Then of course, there's our 'favorite' class president, none other than–"
"Huh? Sueo Maruo is still the class president!?" Ono was so surprised by it he kicked the ball pretty hard.
"Of course, do you think he will just–changed? He now has this ambition to become the student council president, reading club president, library ambassador, flower arranging club president, and god knows what else." said Sugiyama while also receiving Ono's ball-kick.
Ono chuckled again. He just shook his head in disbelief.
"Then, can you guess who is the noisy one, the one who likes to laugh out loud wherever he is?"
"Shota Yamada?" Ono answered, slightly laughing in response to Sugiyama's questions.
"Correct, hahaha, and he definitely hasn't changed at all. Still as noisy and sometimes likes to throw his responsibilities as a class duty member to his other friends so that the others get into trouble."
"Haha, how troublesome." Ono shook his head again, "And then?"
"Then… who else… hmm…" Sugiyama suddenly rubbed his nose lightly, " Well, there's Kayo-chan."
Ono raised an eyebrow and tilted his head, "... Kayo-chan?"
"Yeah, and then–"
"Isn't she the one who–sorry–stubborn and used to have a crush on you back in Elementary?" Ono asked innocently, "I mean, obviously I don't mean to judge, I certainly don't know if she's still stubborn or not, but–"
"W–well, that was back then!" Sugiyama replied with a look full of panic in his face.
Ono was astounded with the response, "... Oh? Which one do you mean by 'back then'? The 'stubborn' one, or the 'used to have a crush on you' one?"
"Th–Both are unimportant! I don't know what you're talking about!"
"... Hmm." Ono mumbled, nodded his head slowly, chose to remain silent in about 5 seconds, and immediately gave his infamous grin, "... Why do you look so tense? Am I asking the wrong question?"
"No one is tense! You stupid!" Sugiyama's cheeks turned red like rotten tomatoes and he kicked the ball harder at Ono. Ono smiled mischievously, watching Sugiyama who looked like he was trying so hard to bring them back to the original topic, "T–then who else is in the same class…?" Sugiyama scratched his head, "Hmm… there's Honami-san, and oh of course, there's Sakura–"
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Ono's faint smile suddenly disappeared. He instantly gritted his teeth. The passing kick he was about to give Sugiyama slowed down. The soccer ball that should have reached Sugiyama's feet just stopped in the middle of the field. Meanwhile, Sugiyama was still busy continuing his conversation, remembering who his old classmates are in the same class as him today.
"-Ah that's right, of course there's still Hanako Migiwa-san. Remember her? Every day she cried sitting on the windowsill of the classroom missing his beloved Hanawa-kun. Oh, isn't Hanawa-kun also studying in the same school as you? Are you guys classmates? … Hm?" Sugiyama furrowed his brows in confusion, watching Ono who was just standing there, didn't make a move. "-Hey!"
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Ono is stunned.
His heart is beating fast.
And his cheek,
His cheeks are blushing.
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"Hey, Ono!" called Sugiyama again.
"... Hm?" Ono's bubble of thoughts suddenly burst.
"Are you alright?" Sugiyama asked in a surprised and confused tone.
"Hm? Oh, nothing." Ono answered quickly. "Ah right, the ball, huh?" He walked closer to the soccer ball that had stopped in the middle of the field and gave it to Sugiyama.
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Not far from the under the bridge's field where Ono and Sugiyama played soccer, from the top of the cliff, both of them suddenly heard the sound of bicycles and familiar voices approaching. It was the voice of the comedy duo, Norikata Hamazaki aka Hamaji, and Taro Tomita aka Buutaro, passing by.
"Eh?" Hamaji exclaimed, pointing at the field, "Isn't that–?"
"Ono!?" cried Buutaro who immediately got off his bike and ran down the cliff towards the field, "Is that really you, Ono? You're back!"
From the field, Ono excitedly waved his hand and greeted his two friends, "Hello Hamaji, Buutaro!"
"When did you come here?" Hamaji immediately put his arm around Ono's shoulder without hesitation.
"How many years have we not seen each other, buu?" asked Buutaro, complete with an exclamation of 'buu' at the end of his sentence. He hasn't changed at all.
"To be exact, why are you here, Ono? How's Tokyo?" Hamaji was no less quick to participate in asking questions.
"Hey, hey, you guys, calm down. Ask one question each, haha." said Sugiyama who is confused with this sudden crowd.
"I've been in Shimizu for a week. But yesterday I was busy taking care of the house, school and such. So today is actually the first day I can go out." Ono replied, with a smile.
"School?" asked Buutaro, "Do you go to school in Shimizu, buu?"
"Yes, from now on I will return to live and study in Shimizu." Ono answered, followed by happy responses from his two friends.
"Wow, great! Then my soccer team is finally complete!" Hamaji exclaimed, tightening his grip on Ono's shoulder. "You're going to join my soccer team, right Ono?"
"Are you joking, buu? My team!' cried Buutaro, scrambling.
"No! My team! I was the first to see Ono earlier!" Hamaji exclaimed excitedly and doesn't want to lose.
Meanwhile Ono and Sugiyama could only glance at each other and laugh.
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It was almost 5 PM, Ono, Sugiyama, Buutaro, and Hamaji visited their regular tiny grocery shop that is located just a few blocks from the under the bridge's field. As a child, many of them liked to visit this shop just to buy candies, popsicles, shaved ice, various kinds of snacks and children's toys. In addition, directly opposite of the grocery shop, lined these majestic cherry blossom trees that beautifully bloom every Spring. They used to love sitting on the bench in front of the shop and looking at these beautiful trees, and that's what these 5 teenage boys are currently doing, which is eating their popsicles while sitting and starred at the cherry blossom trees that unfortunately haven't bloomed their flowers til this day.
"Isn't Spring already? I hope soon we will be able to see these cherry blossom trees blooming." said Hamaji, pointing his finger to the line of cherry trees in front of him.
"Unfortunately it still rains pretty often here in Shimizu, buu. So the flowers are falling off." said Buutaro as he licked his popsicles.
"But soon it will definitely bloom even when it rains. That's just how it usually is." Sugiyama tried to convince them, and the other two friends nodded their heads.
Unlike the others, who agreed with Sugiyama's statement, Ono silently looked at the cherry blossom trees that were not blooming with a blank stare. His cheeks gave another red accent again, just like what happened back in the field.
Hamaji furrowed his brow when he saw Ono who remained silent and not giving any response to any of them. He gently nudged Ono's arm, just to bring him back to his senses.
"Ono, what are you doing? Are you having a fever? Your popsicles will melt if you keep blankly staring at those trees like that."
"He's been daydreaming a lot since we were in the field." said Sugiyama, "You're not sick are you?"
"Hm?" Ono shook his head quickly, "No, I'm okay."
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"Ono-kun?" cried a voice that was once again familiar to Ono's ears. The voice of a female friend with braids hair and glasses. She emerged from behind the grocery shop while carrying a shopping bag. It was Honami Tamae's voice.
"Honami-san?" replied Ono, as surprised as she is.
"Oh my, since when has Ono-kun been here? Are you on vacation?" asked Tamae.
Ono got up from his seat and walked over to Tamae, "No, haha. From today I will start living here again."
"Is that true? Are you going to be in the same school with all of us?" asked Tamae, who still had a look of disbelief.
"No, buu." Buutaro answered, "Ono goes to Shizuoka Gakuen private school, buu."
"Oh, is that so? Well, it's still pretty close to our school, it's still a one way road." Tamae exclaimed excitedly. "Wow, and to think we'd meet Ono-kun after almost-one, two, three–five years? It's good to see you again, Ono-kun"
"Five years!? That's how long we haven't seen each other?" said Hamaji, just realizing. "If our other friends knew you'd be here, I'm sure they'd be so happy to see you again, Ono."
Ono doesn't answer. He pursed his lips while looking at Tamae who was still kindly smiling in front of him.
"Ah! How about this?" she said, "How about tomorrow Ono-kun pays a visit to our school right after school? So that you can meet your other friends too." Tamae proudly brought up the idea with a little claps.
"Oh that's right, you can play soccer on our school field. How about that?" Hamaji bargained. The other four friends nodded in agreement, waiting for Ono's answer.
"Is that alright?" asked Ono, with a little hesitation.
"Of course it's alright." said Hamaji, "Don't forget to bring a change of clothes for tomorrow. We will definitely be sweating a lot."
"I cannot wait, buu!" cried Buutaro.
Ono nodded his head slowly, and smiled.
Tamae also smiled back and said, "I have to tell Maru-chan and friends tomorrow. They must be so happy to hear the news of you returning to Shimizu."
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And just like that, Ono's smile immediately faded after hearing this certain someone's name. He clenched his fist and his heart was beating fast again, again, and again. Meaning something that no one there knows. But Sugiyama realized that. He just furrowed his brow, looking at his best friend, without asking. This time he will undo his intention to ask even though his heart is telling him to be curious about what really happened to Ono and his strange behavior.
"I've got to go home. Mom is waiting." said Tamae while also looking at the setting sun, "See you tomorrow, Ono-kun and all!"
"I also have to go home, we'll meet again tomorrow at our school, okay? We'll be waiting." Hamaji got on his bicycle, as did Buutaro who were ready to follow him from behind, "You too, Sugiyama."
"Of course, we'll see you tomorrow, guys." said Sugiyama, waving his hand.
Ono also waved to his two friends who had started to disappear from his sight. He was still silent. Still standing, motionless.
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"... Ono?" Sugiyama asked quietly, this time with a worried tone, "Are you really okay? You've been acting weird."
"-Am I?" asked Ono, pretending to be fine. "Maybe I'm just not used to this new situation, that's all." he tried to give a reasoning answer, which Sugiyama certainly couldn't take that statement for granted.
"A new situation? What do you mean by that? It's an old situation, Ono. We're your old friends."
"And that is exactly it." Ono answered firmly.
Sugiyama furrowed his brows in confusion. He then took a deep breath.
"You must be thinking of something." he said, "What are you thinking of?"
"Nothing, I'm fine." Ono replied curtly, and still tried to give him the same firm tone, "-I just can't wait to meet up with our friends tomorrow." and he smiled. Sugiyama still feels that he doesn't receive the answer that he wants, while continuing to pay attention to the look on Ono's face that he doesn't even understand. But deep inside his heart, Sugiyama knew his friend was hiding something.
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At 17.30 PM in the afternoon, Ono had returned home to his apartment,
"Okaa-san, I'm home." he said as he took off his shoes and put them in the small drawer next to the entrance door. He immediately took a step towards the kitchen to meet his mother.
"Welcome home, Ken-chan." replied his mother kindly, "How was the soccer game?"
"Pleasant. I met–"
Ono gasped when he saw a figure of his father, Himura Ono, who was sitting next to the dining table reading a newspaper. He was quite surprised that his father came home earlier than usual to the point he couldn't even continue his speech.
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"Otou-san." he said flatly, "I'm home."
And Himura, his father, just gave him a little nod.
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"-Met with?" his mother asked again, asking him to continue his story.
"... Hamaji, Buutaro, and Honami." Ono answered slowly.
"Oh? All of Ken-chan's Elementary school friends, aren't they?"
Ono nodded his head slowly, "Yes, and… tomorrow I'm planning to visit their school and play soccer together right after school." he explained, "Is that okay?"
"Of course Kaa-san doesn't mind at all, it's nice to maintain friendship with old friends." her mother smiled, "But go ask Tou-san first."
"Is it okay… Otou-san?" asked Ono, quietly.
"Hm. That's fine." his father answered flatly while still reading the newspaper.
"Thank you, Tou-san." Ono couldn't hide a relieved smile, and he turned around to walk towards his bedroom.
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"But don't forget to take Jogasaki with you."
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Ono's mouth fell silent when he heard his father's words.
More than the time when he didn't flinch at the sound of someone's particular name.
His both eyes showed neither sadness nor silence.
But a glimmer of anger arose inside them.
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"Ah, that's right, Ken-chan. Don't forget to bring Himeko-chan too. She used to be in the same class with you and your friends as well, right?" his mother was trying to melt the tense atmosphere between the father and the son.
Ono doesn't immediately answer and respond to the question. He remained still, and his father this time decided to focused his attention to Ono's back, as if he's waiting for his son's answer.
"Very well." Ono answered slowly. "Tomorrow I'll try to ask Himeko. Good night, Okaa-san, Otou-san."
Ono said his final goodnight and continued walking towards his bedroom.
"Ken-chan, what about dinner?" His mother reminded him of the dinner she had prepared, but Ono immediately closed his bedroom's door.
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"... Himura, you're not being too hard on him, are you?" Ono's mother whispered to her husband as she put the rice bowl and side dishes onto the tray that she's planning to give to his son later.
"Of course not, it's for his own good." the father replied, indifferently.
"His own good?" Ono's mother narrowed her eyes, snorting in annoyance, "Or YOUR own good? And do you think this is still as relevant? He's still a child, Himura."
"He's a teenager, please don't start with this again." Ono's father placed his newspaper impatiently, "How many times have we discussed this? And yes, it is still relevant, Kiriko. It will always be relevant."
Ono's mother remained silent. She then lifted the tray that was already full with the dinner menu, walked to Ono's room and knocked on his door.
Behind his bedroom door, Ono could only lie on his bed feeling angry, excited, confused, and indecisive, all in one. No one knows and understands what's going on in his mind, even himself. He couldn't sleep. Thoughts always bring him back to the memories when he was in the 3rd Grade. Memories he wanted to remember, and memories that he didn't want to even remember. What is really going on inside his head?
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To be Continued.
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Author's Note:
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The names of Ono's mother and father, Kiriko and Himura, are NOT CANON. These aliases are names that I've created myself to make it easier for me to write the narrative. The names of Ono's parents are never mentioned in the Chibi Maruko Chan series. However, their faces are shown in few of the episodes, and you can also check them out at the Chibi Maruko Chan Official Website.
Maruko's conversation with Ono in the first segment that said, "Old friends are still friends." is CANON. You can check out the original manga (Volume 13 Chapter 99 "Let's Go to The Spring River."). The chapter tells about Maruko and Ono who went to accompany Nakayama (One of Maruko's classmates) and his sister to look for dandelion fields. At the end of the story, Maruko tries to make Ono aware of the meaning of true friendship after knowing that Ono is fighting with Sugiyama because Sugiyama is disappointed and sad that Ono will soon be moving to Tokyo.
Ono is canonly addressed as "Ken-chan" by the people at his home, especially his mother.
Okaa-san = Mother, Otou-san = Father, Obaa-san = Aunt.
Shoutout to Marine's (Marineblau12) and their fanfiction titled "Cerita Kenichi". Marine's story inspired me to write this fanfic! Please kindly check their work on FFN.
Kindly leave a review, critique, or input, whenever, wherever :)
Thank you so much for reading. See you on the next one!