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"Random Subject Prompts"
Chapter 039: Makoto Sunakawa
Anime: Ore Monogatari!
Prompt: Cream Puffs
Chapter Warning(s):
Author's Note: Takes place during Episode 4: "My Boyfriend"
KH*MS*KH*MS
Koizumi Girls' Academy
Rinko Yamato stared with wide eyes, cheeks flushed with embarrassment, as her best friend was confessed to. Currently, the first-year was hiding behind a tree while she witnessed such an intimate moment, hoping she wouldn't get caught by either party. It would be so embarrassing! But Rinko was curious. She'd never seen anything like this before. No one had ever confessed their feelings to her (Takeo didn't count since she'd confessed first – and only because Sunakawa tricked her).
But for her best friend… It was a pretty common occurrence.
Kagome Higurashi was a second-year high school student, and a member of the Archery Club. She had beautiful, silky raven colored tresses that fell down a slim back and ended at shapely hips. Her skin was smooth and pale, like moonlight, and her angelic features were centered around her mesmerizing amethyst eyes. With her long legs and toned, curvy physique, she was the Queen of Koizumi Girls' Academy – and the envy of most women.
"I've been in l-love," the unknown male high school student stuttered, "with y-you, Higurashi-san, since the moment I s-saw you." He abruptly bowed, his entire frame shaking with nerves, and his cheeks were stained tomato-red. "Pl-Please go out with me!"
Rinko inwardly squealed, wondering how Kagome would respond to such a sweet confession. Her heart was absolutely pounding in her chest, anticipating what would happen next.
Slowly, Kagome's pink lips parted, uttering only one sentence.
"Not interested."
With a careless flick of her hair, Kagome turned away from the devastated, still-as-a-statue young man that she had turned down. It was almost comical the way he stood there with a shell-shocked expression and anime-tears running down his face. If she hadn't found the emotional capacity so troublesome, she may have pulled her words back and said something kinder. But, alas, it felt like too much work.
A sweat-drop formed on Rinko's head. Sometimes I forget how brutal Kagome-nee-sama can be, she thought.
However, her inner musings turned seemingly incorrect when Kagome's eyes landed on the younger student. Her gaze softened, and her expression became more open and friendly.
"Ah, Rinko-chan. I didn't know you were waiting for me. Are you on your way home?"
Rinko startled at being caught red-handed. Laughing sheepishly, she rubbed the back of her head as she took a few steps away from her hiding spot. "Kagome-nee-sama," she greeted. "I, uh, I was actually looking for you."
Kagome tilted her head to the side, like a curious puppy, completely and effectively ignoring the male she had – harshly – dumped. "Looking for me? Why?" she questioned.
Smile timid and nervous, she said, "Tomorrow, some of my friends and I are getting together for a mixer. Would you be interested in going?"
"Sorry," the raven haired beauty immediately rejected. "I'm working at my part-time job after school."
Rinko frowned, disappointed. "But I really wanted you to come, Kagome-nee-sama. I'm introducing everyone to my boyfriend, and I wanted you to meet him." Kagome and Takeo Gouda were her two most important people. She'd been looking forward to them meeting and getting to know each other.
As the younger girl's expression continued to darken, becoming more and more depressed, Kagome couldn't help sighing. Rinko was one of the very few people she would do anything for. "I can't get out of work, but why don't you and everyone else come by the restaurant?" she compromised.
"Really?" Rinko instantly squealed, hands clapping together in happiness. Her mood did a complete one-eighty as she jumped up and down from excitement.
Kagome softly laughed, a rare smile blooming on her angelic features. "Sure. I'll even make you guys some cream puffs. Okay?"
The younger girl practically threw herself against the raven haired beauty. "You're the best, Kagome-nee-sama," she exclaimed.
"Not really. I didn't do much." It was, after all, her job to make the mentioned dessert. It wasn't a big deal, to her way of thinking.
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The Next Day
Takeo could tell that his girlfriend was infinitely excited about their gathering, and it made him happy that she was so happy. Miss Yamato positively glowed as she introduced her friends to his group of guys. And the way she shined when introducing him as her boyfriend had pride swelling within his chest and butterflies taking flight in his stomach. He really did love Rinko Yamato.
Once they were seated and had ordered drinks, the two groups started chatting and getting to know each other. It was obvious that the girls were aiming for Makoto Sunakawa, but the ever-so-stoic male kept his cool and did as he swore he would: not talk to anyone. His silence seemed to backfire however as the girls swooned over how mysterious he was being, so he resorted to Plan B: Ignore them.
Rinko glanced all over the restaurant, obviously looking for a specific something or someone. It gained Takeo's attention, and he asked, "What's wrong? Are you looking for something?" Did she need to use the bathroom but was too shy to say it?
The petite young woman softly frowned, a slightly worried gleam entering her eyes. "She's not here," she answered, mostly speaking to herself. "Where is she? I thought she would be here by now…"
Takeo blinked. "Who are you talking about?"
By this point, their friends had switched seats to make it even pairings, though Sunakawa stayed in the safe zone by choosing the seat next to Takeo. He held his drink in one hand, tipping the glass back and forth out of boredom. The couple's words, however, caught his attention.
"Is something the matter?" he asked in a monotonous voice.
"Remember that friend I was talking about?" Rinko eagerly replied, brows furrowed in determination. "The one I wanted to set you up with as thanks for helping Takeo and I? She works here."
Sunakawa felt his brow twitch. His flight or fight senses were beginning to tingle with alarm. "What… was that?" Dread was starting to cloud his features. He knew he shouldn't have allowed Takeo to drag him into this outing.
Rinko continued speaking, oblivious to his inner turmoil. "She's supposed to stop by our table to – Oh! There she is. Kagome-nee-sama!" Waving her hands in the air, her entire face lit up with happiness and excitement. "Kagome-nee-sama! We're over here!"
"I'm pretty sure she knows that," Sunakawa muttered under his breath, his shoulders tensing. He wished there was still time to either run or hide, but it seemed like a lot of work and he normally liked to face challenges head-on. It made things easier and less troublesome. What was turning down one more girl?
An oddly cool but purely feminine voice caught his attention before he could turn to see the newcomer. "Ah, Rinko-chan, sorry to make you guys wait so long. There seems to be a strange increase in customers again."
"If they're male customers, they must have followed you here," one of Rinko's friends, Nanako, teased.
"Don't say that before it becomes true," Kagome replied, unruffled but distinctly opposed to the idea. "Anyway, I brought everyone cream puffs – on the house. Enjoy."
At that moment, Sunakawa felt like everything happened in slow motion. The first thing he saw was an arm and dainty hand setting down a tray of delicious-looking cream puffs. As he turned to get his first look at Rinko's friend, his eyes widened the slightest bit at the raven haired beauty. She was definitely the most beautiful young woman he had ever seen, and when their gazes connected… He felt a spark.
This… can't be happening, he thought, dazed. But what else could explain it? For his entire life, all he had ever felt for the opposite sex was indifference (and sometimes annoyance, especially for the girls who spoke badly about Takeo behind his back). But now… But now… Crap…
Rinko cut into his thoughts, yanking him away from his inner musings. "Kagome-nee-sama, I want you to meet my boyfriend." With a sunny smile and grand hand motions, she introduced, "This is Takeo Gouda. Takeo, this is my best friend, Kagome Higurashi."
Clumsy as always, Takeo stood so fast that he rocked the table. While everyone tried to save their drinks and food from falling, the massive first-year awkwardly bowed as sweat streamed down his forehead. "N-Nice to meet you!" he yelled, eyes tightly closed.
Kagome's eyes narrowed as she slowly scanned Rinko's boyfriend, seemingly searching for something. Takeo gulped, nervous, while Rinko fiddled with the hem of her skirt. Sunakawa, meanwhile, watched her closely, waiting for her to render judgment. Would she be like everyone else? Baffled and disapproving of the relationship? He almost wished she would be then he wouldn't have to keep thinking about her.
Of course, looks weren't everything. Sunakawa knew that better than anyone. People could have good-looks but have rotten hearts. They could appear nice and kind on the outside while being bitter and cruel on the inside. It was merely human nature. He couldn't fault a person for that, but he could avoid them like the plague. What was the point in wasting his time with people like that?
Slowly, Kagome's pink lips parted, uttering only two words.
"I approve."
"What?" the other girls exclaimed, shocked, while Rinko's eyes filled with happy tears. Her hands came up to cover her mouth, though no one could miss the huge smile that curved her lips.
"Really?" she squeaked.
"Really?" Takeo also questioned, eyes wide.
In response, Kagome let one of her rare smiles appear. It was sweet and genuine, and made her entire face glow. "You chose a great guy to be your boyfriend, Rinko-chan. He's everything you said he was."
And all Sunakawa could do was stare, bangs covering his eyes. Seriously? She had the looks, manners, and personality. But she had the understanding too. She could see things that others could not, especially when it came to his bigger-than-average best friend. Other girls would cringe in fear. Other girls would never allow their best friends to date someone like Takeo. They would rather drag them away in the opposite direction.
But not her. Not Kagome.
A small smile curved his lips upward. "She's certainly entertaining." She definitely didn't act like the other girls he'd known. She was rather unpredictable. She seemed… like a nice girl. "Things won't be boring with her around."
"Huh? Did you say something, Suna?" Takeo asked, facing his best friend.
Sunakawa brought his drink up to take a sip. "No, I didn't say anything." But his small smile remained. "Those cream puffs look really good."
Takeo smiled. "Miss Yamato said that Higurashi-senpai made them. In fact, this restaurant is pretty famous for them," he said.
"We shouldn't waste them then." The moment he bit into the pastry, he could understand why people favored them. The outside was light and crisp, while the custard filling was sweet but not heavy. It gave the consumer a feeling of being able to eat over a dozen and not feel weight-conscience about it. The dessert was truly remarkable and deserving of its prestige.
"It's good! It's so good!" Takeo yelled in excitement as he continued to stuff his face with the cream puffs. "These are so good! I could eat hundreds of them!"
Sunakawa smiled again, though the expression was hidden. Yeah, me too, he silently agreed.
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As the fire continued raging, Sunakawa stared at the building with equally fiery trepidation. In the background, Rinko fought and cried against the barrier her friends put up to keep the young woman from recklessly running back inside to save Takeo and Kagome. He couldn't blame her; he wanted to do the same. The only thing keeping his feet planted to the cement was knowing that Takeo would be fine and would make sure Kagome was the same.
His heart had stopped the moment Kagome turned around to rescue the two missing girls from their group outing. His hand had reached out to grasp her wrist, but the raven haired beauty had been too fast. That moment would stick within his memory for a long time, if not the rest of his life, especially if anything bad happened to her. He wouldn't be able to forgive himself.
Suddenly, the sound of glass shattering had caught Sunakawa's and everyone else's attention. Their eyes locked onto the hulking figure flying from the burning building. However, Sunakawa kept his gaze on the significantly smaller form that leapt beside the larger human mass, and into the nearby tree.
And, when Takeo ungracefully fell from said tree, his big body singed and still on fire, Sunakawa knew the crisis had passed. His shoulders slumped the slightest bit from relief, and his heart beat a normal rhythm.
As everyone crowded Takeo, asking over and over if he was okay – while also putting out the fire still burning on his back – Sunakawa casually peered up the tree.
"Would you like some help down, Higurashi-senpai?"
From what he could see, Kagome wasn't worse for wear. Her clothes had been burned in several places, soot smudged one cheek, but she appeared okay. She definitely looked better than Takeo, whose broad back and butt were practically hanging out for everyone to see.
The raven haired beauty nodded with a small noise of agreement. She easily sat on the lowest branch, long legs dangling over the edge. He swallowed thickly at the sight, but ignored it in favor of helping her down.
His hands smoothly slid over her petite figure, arms circling her waist, as he lifted her as though she were light as a feather. For a single moment, everything froze as they stared into each other's eyes, bodies pressed against the other. No words were exchanged, but both teens could feel a significant change in their universe.
"Ah, sorry," Kagome abruptly spoke, breaking their connection. Sunakawa silently placed her back on her feet, though he didn't fully release his hold. "I'm getting your uniform dirty."
"It's fine." As if to prove his words, he took off his school's uniform jacket and placed it around Kagome's slim shoulders. The piece of clothing dwarfed her, and he almost smiled at how cute she appeared. "Besides, you need it more than I do." Her clothes were officially ruined, and there was no way he would allow her to walk home like that.
"Thank you. I'll wash it and return it to you as soon as I can."
He shook his head. "There's no rush."
"Kagome-nee-sama," Rinko's worried voice exclaimed. Mentioned raven haired beauty was nearly bowled over when the younger woman collided with her, words and questions spilling out like a waterfall. Kagome wasn't given a chance to respond before Rinko blasted her with another inquiry while checking to make sure the older girl was okay and uninjured.
Sunakawa watched the entire interaction, his gaze glued to Kagome. She was indeed impressive. Would it be so bad to get to know her a little better? She was the first woman he had ever responded to so strongly. It had to mean something. Perhaps he had been unknowingly waiting for her to appear in his life? It was definitely worth looking into.
After a few minutes of assurances and making sure everyone was okay, the two groups decided it was time to head their separate ways home. Rinko grabbed one of Kagome's hands, her large eyes watery and concerned.
"Will you be okay going home, Kagome-nee-sama?" she asked.
One of the other girls commented, "Yeah, you live in – like – the opposite direction from all of us. Will you be okay on your own?"
Before the raven haired beauty could respond, Sunakawa stepped forward. "I'll make sure Higurashi-senpai makes it home safely," he smoothly said.
Kagome peered at him from the corner of her eye. "Are you sure?" He had done a lot for her already. She would feel bad if she made him walk her home when he lived in the opposite direction, like the others. "I'll be fine."
"It's not a big deal."
Takeo seemed to understand his best friend's intentions. The way he grinned and suddenly seemed to sparkle said as much. He held a thumbs-up gesture, winking not-so-subtly. "Oh yeah, Suna is great! He's completely reliable," he boasted. "He will definitely make sure Higurashi-senpai gets home safely. He would sacrifice his life to protect her!"
Kagome felt a small sweat-drop form on the back of her head. "Well, I wouldn't expect – or want – him to go that far. It's only a few blocks."
Sunakawa interjected before Takeo could continue his impassioned speech. "Shall we go, Higurashi-senpai?" As much as he loved his best friend like a brother, there were times when he needed to be reined in. This was one of those times.
"Yes. Let's go." After saying their farewells, the two teens were on their way.
Rinko gave her boyfriend a curious look. "What was that about, Takeo?" she asked.
In response, he grinned widely. "I think Suna may have found his perfect match."
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The walk was peaceful. No words needed to be exchanged between the two. It was a silent understanding between two completely content souls that others could not comprehend. The quiet allowed either individual to be lost in their own respective thoughts, each coming to their own conclusions.
Once they reached the shrine, Kagome turned to face her escort and finally broke the silence. "Thank you for walking me home," she said with a small, genuine smile. "Though you didn't have to, I appreciate it."
"Like I said, it's not a big deal." He shrugged. There was a brief pause. He steeled his spine. "Hey… Could I have your number?"
Her amethyst eyes gazed at him, as if searching for something. It was the same look she gave Takeo when Rinko introduced them. Sunakawa didn't know what she was looking for, but both knew the meaning behind his request – and it wasn't just so that they could set up a day for his jacket to be returned.
Slowly, Kagome's pink lips parted to utter only one word.
"Okay." And she smiled brightly.
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~Bonus Scene~
Episode 6: "My Wish"
Knock, knock. Knock!
When the front door opened, Kagome was greeted warmly by the Sunakawa matriarch. "Kagome-chan, it's so nice to see you again. Come inside."
"Thank you. It's nice to see you again, too." The raven haired beauty held up a box that was elegantly wrapped. "I made some cream puffs. Please have some."
"Oh, dear, you didn't have to do that." But the dessert was taken with a wide, happy smile. "Makoto is in his room, if you want to head up there."
The younger woman nodded. "Thank you. Enjoy the cream puffs."
"I will, dear. Thank you so much for the treat."
"It's not a big deal." With that, Kagome easily navigated around the apartment, her feet carrying her towards her boyfriend's room. She was still surprised she had agreed to date the often-stoic young man so soon after meeting him, but she supposed it was fate with a generous dose of good timing.
Sunakawa was a true gentleman. He treated her like a princess. At first, it had left her off-balance, but she quickly adapted and now their relationship was something she cherished. He wasn't like the other guys who had confessed their feelings to her. With them, she could read their auras and knew they weren't asking because they were actually in love. Most wanted her out of pure lust and greed, some even out of pride and arrogance. She could count on one hand the number of guys who wanted to date her for her but she hadn't felt anything for them. There hadn't been a spark of interest. In those cases, it was better to turn them down hard and brutal. If she didn't, their unrequited feelings would linger and only hurt them further in the end. Who wanted to live like that? With false hope of something more?
But with Sunakawa… Kagome's eyes softened. They had more than sparks. They had fireworks.
Opening the bedroom door without knocking, the raven haired beauty froze at the scene she'd unknowingly interrupted. "What… are you two doing?" she hesitantly asked. Did she really want the answer, however?
Takeo had Sunakawa pinned to the wall, his huge form towering over the shorter male. Over Sunakawa's face was plastic wrap, his normally handsome features disfigured thanks to the immense pressure being applied. His arms were flailing and his distorted mouth was doing its best to verbally protest what his body couldn't physically fend off.
All in all, it was a very compromising scene.
Takeo exclaimed, "This isn't what it looks like!" His cheeks were stained rose-red, though his hands didn't drop from Sunakawa's struggling figure.
Kagome leaned against the doorframe. Her expression dropped to resemble a dead-fish. "Oh really?" she said. "It looks like you and Rinko finally had that talk, and now you're worried about your first kiss with her. And since you're worried about kissing, you're forcing Sunakawa to help you practice."
Takeo blinked in surprise. "Oh… Then I guess it is what it looks like."
Sighing, she entered the room and closed the door behind her. Taking a seat on the edge of the bed, she stared pointedly at the two younger males. "Very well. I'll teach you everything you need to know about kissing."
"Really?" the bigger-than-average teen asked.
"Really. Now, could you let Sunakawa go? I don't think he's breathing anymore…"
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Sunakawa bolted awake, abruptly sitting up in his bed, eyes wide and terrified. "Where is he? What happened?" Kami-sama, he needed to throw bleach on himself. His body shuddered as the last thing he remembered was Takeo's lips coming closer and closer to him. His expression paled with dread. No. No, he needed something stronger than bleach.
"Relax. I didn't let him defile you, if that's what you're worried about." Kagome's reassuring voice spoke up, catching his attention.
He turned to see that the raven haired beauty was seated at his desk, calm and composed as always. Just looking at her made his roiling emotions center, and he was able to breathe properly.
"What happened?" he asked.
The smile that curved her lips was small and teasing. "I walked in on you two 'practicing.' I didn't know you had that sort of relationship. Do you guys do that often?"
He frowned in disapproval. "I was scared for my life."
"Poor thing." Standing, she took the few steps it would take to reach his side. "Don't worry. He won't bother you again – at least, not for that reason."
"What do you mean?"
She answered, "I taught him everything he needs to know about kissing." When Sunakawa's mouth opened to, no doubt, ask what she meant, she continued, "I just gave him some advice. I'm sure everything will work itself out from there."
Sunakawa sighed, relieved. He was glad he wouldn't have to deal with Takeo and practicing kissing anymore, and he was glad his girlfriend and best friend hadn't practiced kissing themselves. Although his head knew the two would never cheat, his heart was another matter entirely. His relationship was still so new, he worried things wouldn't work out.
"Not that I'm unhappy about seeing you, but, what are you doing here, Kagome-chan?"
"I brought over some cream puffs, but your mother took them. I doubt there are any left, especially if your sister is still around too," she answered.
Sunakawa chuckled. "They really are the best."
She shrugged. "It's not a big deal to make. Since the restaurant I was working at is still under repair from the fire, I have a lot of free time after archery practice. I'll keep yours separated from now on."
"Thank you." One of his hands grasped hers gently. When their eyes connected, that familiar spark ignited. "And I appreciate you saving me from… earlier." If he had it his way, they would never speak of that incident ever again.
Kagome released a soft laugh. "No problem. The only one you should be kissing is me, right?"
"Preferably." Leaning forward, he pressed a feather-light kiss on her lips. Fireworks exploded at the small contact, as familiar as the sparks between them. He savored the sensation for a moment, just basking in her presence.
Then Kagome's voice pulled him back to reality. "Come on, Makoto-kun. Let's see if we'll get lucky and there are some cream puffs left."
He smiled, an expression that used to be rare but was somehow more natural since she came into his life. "Alright, Kagome-chan."
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Ryota Kise (Kuroko no Basuke)
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