Title: Moving On || Series: Boundless Kakera, Chapter 1
Fandom: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni
Synopsis: After escaping the endless cycle of Fate, Rika struggles on what to do with her life. Hanyuu offers a suggestion, one too ridiculous for Rika's liking.
Note: |Post-Matsuribayashi-hen|
Pairing: KeiRika (Keiichi/Rika, M/F)
Posted: April 20, 2019 [REVISED AUGUST 23, 2021]
Rika and Hanyuu had done it. After a whole century of nothing but excruciating torment, being subjected to constantly watching their loved ones turn against each other, and repeating the same blood-stained summer, they finally prevailed over the Endless June.
The Furude girls weren't sure how to comprehend it all. They once viewed the world around them as a twisted battlefield; a mass living grave that furiously fiddled their slipping sanity. Each and every time Rika and Hanyuu struggled against their horrific dilemma, they were often met with the same results that always ended in tragedy. Fate was a sick bane in their existence.
It was fortunate that they weren't alone in peril. They had friends who were willing to risk their own lives to assist them.
And their fierce endeavors paid off. With expertise on Hinamizawa's vast forest terrain, deceitful traps, and subterfuge in the form of psychological warfare, Rika and her friends were able to stride past through all the atrocities and misery that awaited them. Takano and the Yamainu stood no chance.
Last they heard from Takano, she was residing at the Irie Clinic receiving treatment for the very same illness that proved to be Hinamizawa's greatest threat, as well as also the cause of her ambition to commit massacre.
It had been four weeks since then. Rika and friends were living peacefully together, happy to bask in their own happiness. The dreaded month of June had passed on and in came the new beginnings of July. Everyone was quite content with their current lifestyles, though Rika Furude continued to struggle over a simple inquiry. One that lingered in the expanded regions of her mind.
"What can I do from here on out?" Rika muttered to herself.
Hanyuu gave a wry smile. "I don't suppose you could give up your tendency to drink."
Rika scoffed, gripping onto the egg-shaped glass resting in her palm. "Keep dreaming, Hanyuu. This vintage red wine is very valuable. It's what gets me going."
Both girls were resting at their home, quietly conversing with each other. They were in the second week of July, late in the starry night of Sunday.
Outside, the majestic moon shone, showering all of Hinamizawa's hissing trees and bushes with its crystalline moonlight. The dead of night shed life, its numerous supply of shimmering stars dispersed through the expansive reaches of the world.
Rika, indifferent with the beams of natural luminescence and invisible cool wind coating her light skin, sat perched on the edges of the opened window.
She shook her wine glass delicately. "Let's be serious about this. Our lives are no longer trapped in bondage, and we have freedom to do as we please. There's just so much out there for us, and I just can't figure out what to do."
"My sweet, sweet child," uttered Hanyuu, glancing at her descendant with a soft expression as she sat on her knees. "You mustn't be so impatient. Unlike all the other dead worlds we've ventured through for a hundred years, this one is willing to bring the future you desire into existence. You have all the time here to decide what you want in your life."
Rika brought the tip of her beverage glass to her mouth, its contents seeped into the crevices of her lips.
Gulping the remaining red wine, Rika gently placed her cup down on the floor beside her. She wiped her lips. "Well, shit. That's not helpful at all."
Hanyuu recoiled over the sudden expletive, displeased. "Rika!"
"Mmmm..." another voice stirred.
Both girls cringed as they glanced over to the side. They inspected the sleeping form of their other roommate, whose eyes were on the verge of snapping open.
Though their worries soon dissipated. Satoko gave up on breaking her strings of slumber, turning her back away from them. "...mmmhhh..."
Rika glared at Hanyuu. "Way to be subtle, Hanyuu. You almost woke Satoko up. Do you not remember that you're in a visible body right now?"
"Au au au," Hanyuu whimpered. "I apologize. I'm still not used to being out of my spirit form yet."
Rika sighed in relent, "Just... be more mindful."
Hanyuu frowned. "Honestly, I don't really see why we need to talk about this so soon. Just take your time; really think to yourself about what you want, then go from there."
Rika returned the expression. "Hanyuu-"
But her relative was quick to intercept, "I'll give you credit, Rika, you are judicious. But you shouldn't be so fixated on this. You have plenty of time. Enjoy what life offers to the fullest while you can, lest you forever remain an old bitter woman resting tragically by death's door."
"Thanks for that, Hanyuu," Rika deadpanned sardonically, "Though I'm already an old bitter woman as is. Why are you so laid-back about this? We only have one life. One life. We mustn't be so dismissive. This beautiful miracle of a world is a blessing, probably the only kind we'll ever get. If there was a single slip-up, then it's all over."
Silence smoldered the room. Rika glared Hanyuu down with stern orchid eyes, though Hanyuu wasn't fazed. Through the hundred years of staying by Rika's side, the deity was much too used to her descendant's gloomy self to be intimidated.
Suddenly, Hanyuu's face began to light up. She tilted her off to the side. Her lavender hair spilled down deeper and strands of her hair got tangled in twirling fingers. "You know what, Rika? Assuming you are still so insistent on worrying over your future, there is one idea I have in mind."
"Oh? Just what, pray tell, would that be?" Rika raised an eyebrow.
Hanyuu beamed, "Love."
The bluenette came close to choking on her breath. She stared disbelievingly at Hanyuu. "Love?! You can't be serious!"
"I'm very serious, my child," giggled Hanyuu. "What better way to ease your mind than to be intimate with another individual? This would also help your little problem in figuring out your next step towards the future. That's a win-win situation right there."
Regaining her composure, Rika retorted, "Hanyuu, that is easily the most stupid suggestion you have ever offered to me."
"Is it now?" Hanyuu grinned, irritating Rika even further. "I think it's the right idea for you."
"Don't be ridiculous! As if I would degrade myself to display such disgusting romantic affections. Humph!" Rika crossed her arms as she averted her gaze from Hanyuu with an indignant huff. "Besides, who on God's earth would fit best for me as a lover?"
Hanyuu stifled a laugh. "Oh, now that's easy. Who else, other than... Keiichi Maebara."
Almost immediately, Rika whipped her head back to her mischievous ancestor. Though her facial features expressed bloody murder, the lovely shade of bright red on her cheeks told a different tale. "What?!"
"He'd be perfect for you," Hanyuu winked. "Don't think for a second I wouldn't notice. During our time in Minagoroshi, you and Keiichi had a lot of interesting interactions together. Just when we were on the brink of giving up, he was there to support and bring you back on your feet."
Rika scoffed, "So he helps me a lot. Big deal."
"Rika, he taught you how fate could be overcome. He was the one who twisted many patterns in our cycle; he remembered his own sins and tried to redeem himself for it. He was the one who really saved you from the Endless June, through his astounding miracles and undying determination. He's the prince... to your princess, au au!" Hanyuu swooned.
"Hanyuu, you have a very sick imagination."
The lavender-haired girl simply giggled. "Me? This is all coming from you. Our senses are linked. What I say about Keiichi is really what you think of him. You see him as a great change; a fantastic addition to Hinamizawa. I distinctly recall you saying that the other worlds were depressing when he wasn't around."
"He wasn't there to make a difference. Things weren't good without my Keiichi," Rika mumbled to herself, and instantly regretted her words.
Hanyuu caught on to her descendant's statement. Her eyes gleamed with mischief. "Your Keiichi, huh? My, my, when did you grow to be so possessive? Could it be I'm right and you're in complete denial over the fact that you looove him?"
Rika remained silent.
"The deep blush on your cheeks serves as explicit evidence for that theory," Hanyuu pointed out.
"H-Huh?!" Rika placed a cupping hand to her left cheek, feeling the fiery heat sear the skin of her palm.
Cursing herself inwardly, she leaned off to the right looking at anything that wasn't Hanyuu. "Whatever. What does it matter anyway? Even if all the crap you're spilling out is true, what makes you think that Keiichi and I could ever get together? There's other girls who-"
"—who could steal him away?" finished Hanyuu. "That's to be expected. Competition is essential, and love is no exception."
Rika fidgeted slightly, her cheeks cooling down slowly.
Hanyuu's amused smile faltered. "Rika... you mustn't dawdle. Love does not assist the shy; it only rewards those who try. You truly do love him. All you need to do is express that, or your feelings turn out pointless. Think of it like knowledge; it's redundant to possess it if you never expose it."
Rika looked back to Hanyuu. This time, she looked more unsure. "What about the other girls?"
"You mean the other girls in the club?" Hanyuu laughed lowly. "My dear child, you need not worry about your rivals. While they are your competition, just like you, neither of them can muster up the courage to confess to Keiichi. Fortunately for you, I, master of matchmaking, am here to assist."
Rika snorted. "Don't flatter yourself, Oyashiro-sama."
Hanyuu shook her head. "That's not the point. Rika, you have a chance. No one else is willing to reach out to Keiichi. If you heed my words and tell the boy about your feelings, you could potentially get what you desire most in your heart."
"And you suppose that would be Keiichi?" inquired Rika.
Hanyuu nodded, placing her hands on her lap. "Without a doubt, au au. I've seen Keiichi; he truly cares about you. It's vague, but it's there. That boy was never really good when it came to grasping the complex concepts of love and women, which is why you should teach him. He loves you, you love him, and both of you are still developing in wisdom. This would be a great way for you two to be happy together."
Rika's attention departed from reality. Keiichi Maebara was definitely a mystifying individual, producing miracles that always seemed to throw her expectations out of the water. Even through one hundred years of anguish, Rika could never get tired of the boy.
There was something special about him. Maybe...
Then, quickly, her unyielding pride surfaced.
"This is a waste of my time. Love is for brainless idiots. I'm going to sleep."
"If that's the case, I guess you and Keiichi are the most idiotic of all," Hanyuu chirped.
"Quiet, you," hissed Rika. Getting off of the edge of the window, she landed on her feet softly and walked over to her futon. "I don't have to listen to your nonsense. Good night."
Hanyuu watched, her scanning pupils glued to her relatives.
The disgruntled Rika slipped in between the blanket and quilted mattress. She rested her head on top of the soft, cushy pillow that pulled her to deep sleep. Though she was fairly resilient to alcohol, the red wine's influence had just enough power to attack its drinker at her weakest.
Her strength gradually diminishing from the intoxication, Rika loosened her grip on consciousness and gave in to darkness.
Hanyuu blinked blankly at Rika before sighing exasperatedly with a disapproving shake of her head. "This won't suffice. Love is not something you can dismiss, Rika. There is definitely something going on between you and Keiichi. If you won't cast away your pride and accept it, then I'll have no choice but to take drastic measures."
Putting her declaration to rest, the divine goddess stood up and shuffled her feet over to her futon, which was placed neatly next to Rika's. Hanyuu slid inside before she, too, surrendered herself to sleep.
Damn you, Hanyuu. I should consider drowning you in a sea of wine and kimchi, Rika thought internally. Her eyes pointed down to her moving feet in great interest.
Disregarding the glaringly obvious contrast to its lunar counterpart, the sunrise struck a marvelous sight that rivaled its polar opposite in quality. Vibrant blue stretched its whole body across the atmosphere, decorated in scumbles of puffy white clouds. The strolling winds flowed with the clouds rhythmically to one direction.
Rika silently sighed to herself. Hanyuu just HAD to get to my head, didn't she?
She couldn't stop thinking about Keiichi.
The deity stopped at nothing to try and put Rika and Keiichi together, much to the bluenette's annoyance. It started with simple nudging that forced the two next to each other physically, whether they were deciding where to sit or when they were about to leave after a long school day. This usually left Rika blushing and Keiichi giving casual apologies to her.
But then came the comments.
Hanyuu would subtly—or not so subtly depending on awareness—tease Rika about being lonely and needing 'that special someone' in her life. It had been constant. She even tried shifting attention over to Keiichi to clarify the implications. Obviously, Rika knew and she was none too pleased about it, especially with how everyone reacted.
Shion understood very well and was much entertained by the suggestive comments (and sometimes willing to join in on the teasing). Mion would simply keep quiet and blush, quite shy when it came to romance. Rena let her imagination run wild and swooned. Satoko would give a tilt of her head and stare questioningly at Hanyuu, too young and innocent to understand the concepts of romantic love.
As for the boy in question? Much to Rika's bafflement, Keiichi was entirely oblivious to what was going on. He'd brush everything off with a hearty laugh, pointing out how funny Hanyuu could be when she joked around.
Rika felt torn with Keiichi's responses. While part of her was relieved she wouldn't have to deal with him discovering her true feelings, there was another side screeching for the truth to be exposed. She didn't know why, but it hurt her deeply to see him dismiss Hanyuu's suggestive remarks with his confusion.
It didn't help that the club activities they had together would throw her off balance. Rika was always distracted with her mixed thoughts of the boy, and it occasionally sent her on the breaking point of losing. She even lost a few games and suffered the penalty game for it.
What's happening to me? Why am I pestered continuously with that boy? Is he really that special... to me? I just don't understa—ack!
As if right on cue, a sharp throb assaulted the boundaries of her sacred mind, making Rika wince in pain. She clutched her head.
Flashes of images played in her head, and Rika became wide-eyed in shock. That was when she started to remember.
There was a time, a distinct memory she could now recall so vividly, where she wasn't the stoic woman trapped inside a child's body but an innocent little girl appropriate to her physical age.
Once, on a sunny day, Rika settled alone on a long bench, licking away the blueberry ice cream in hand without any care in the world. She happily laved in the warming sun, taking no heed to the murky puddles that stained the smooth but dirty grounds as a result of the rainy weather prior. Just when the blissful girl was close to finishing her delectable frozen treat, trouble arrived.
Another child around her age approached Rika with a cruel sneer. She smacked away the ice cream in Rika's hands.
The beaming expression Rika held before quickly contorted into a pain-stricken look as she watched the splattered remains of her ice cream dissolve into a pond, its wafer body cracked into millions of pieces that decorated the colorful mess. At first, Rika sniffed. Then, her eyes watered in hot tears, and lastly came her weep.
Rika struggled with wiping away the streaming tears, and she failed to prepare herself for her bully's next actions. They yanked Rika off her feet, before hurling her off face-flat to the decaying remnants of the blueberry ice cream. Rika's whole front was painted in her sweet dessert's blood, and she sobbed even louder.
The little rascal laughed and, satisfied, went on home, though not before forcing another speck of saliva over to her victim's temple. Rika whimpered lightly as she laid flat on her back, watching the skies carry on in their cheerful conduct with anguish written all over her appearance. Her chest puffed over and over and her breathing heaved rapidly.
Just when it seemed like Rika would once again burst into howls of distress, she picked up the sound of soft footsteps. She forced herself up on her bottom and looked off to her right, preparing herself for what other torment was to come. Her clear vision was met with a mysterious new figure.
The person was male, possessed short brown hair bundled as well as deep blue eyes that reminded Rika of the vast seas. He crouched to Rika's level and locked her in a warm embrace. Rika did nothing to resist and simply stared at the boy.
For once, Rika didn't feel like crying. She felt a sense of welcoming elation emit off her comforter's invisible aura, so unlike the usual hostile resentment or unneeded sympathy from the bully. Her small form loosened, assimilated in the solace of this young individual, who made her feel... loved. Rika felt her heart race and her face heat up a deep shade of red as she slowly surrendered to the hug.
That was when realization dawned on Rika. She knew this boy: a new, charismatic transfer student from Tokyo who acquainted himself quite well with the peaceful residents of Hinamizawa and Okinomiya.
"...Keiichi...?"
"Yeah, it's me," Keiichi grinned. An arm slung around her shoulders, he raised his other hand over to her head and ruffled it. "Y'know Rika-chan, it's illegal to cry around Keiichi Maebara. Besides, I think you'd look best with a smile."
"You... You think so?" questioned Rika.
His smile grew wider. "Of course!" he flashed a thumbs-up.
Rika's lips slowly widened into a big smile, a complete contrast to her usual frowns of misery.
"Yeah, THAT'S more like it, Rika-chan," Keiichi lifted Rika off gently, holding her bridal style. His red vest was smudged with blueberry ice cream, though that didn't deter the boy's focus on Rika. "Try to be extra, extra happy!"
"Meep..." Rika wiggled shyly, blushing. "I'll try."
Keiichi brought her closer to his chest. "That's all I ask. Now, let's go get you some new ice cream. I'll even buy one for myself, that way we can both have fun."
"N... nnii... nipah~!"
Breaking out of her trip down memory lane, Rika blinked blankly to herself before giving a light shake to her head. In hindsight, that moment seemed incredibly cliché, awfully similar to a child's fantasy.
Though Rika still cherished the moment in spite of the corny reminiscence. To her, it was one of the greatest memories she recollected out of that temporal hell.
Keiichi was there to help her. He didn't question her dejected behavior, nor did he pry into her business, and he certainly didn't react to her in hostility. No, he simply treated her with tender affection.
That boy was so important to her. He was her inspiration to push forward—to always stay positive and happy, and to never forget the loving companions she would always have by her side.
Rika, once again, traced her thoughts back to those earlier years.
Following that ice cream incident, she and Keiichi started to hang out more often. The longer Rika associated herself with him, the more open she was with those around her. Her constant crying ceased and in its place lied cheerfulness likened to Keiichi's, though more child-like and charming in terms of cuteness.
The denizens praised and swooned over her. While she was grateful to be blessed with their kindness, there was only one person she would ever respect the most.
Sadly, her eternal prison couldn't leave well enough alone. It wasn't long before the village was suddenly clouded in toxic gases. Rika and Keiichi miraculously escaped the disaster that slowly rotted their home and their loved ones, sprinting off into the woods only to run straight into Takano and the Yamainu. From there, Keiichi was shot to death and Rika was disemboweled at the front of the Furude Shrine.
Nothing else notable happened afterwards. All Rika did for most of her century was endure, passively taking on the adversities that dare struck her ruthlessly. Through it all, a solemn Hanyuu, who expressed nothing but pity for her descendant, stuck to Rika, using her divine powers to repeat the same month over and over, just for the sake of hopelessly waiting for a miracle.
And it would only be a hundred years later when hope in the form of Keiichi, as well as her other friends, resurfaced and inspired her to endeavor again, this time succeeding after assembling together as a group and planning out their survival accordingly.
It's sad how I could forget the special bond I once held with Keiichi in those times, mused Rika. Oh, well. It's reassuring that Keiichi was still willing to save me from my prison through his miracles and words of wisdom. The boy's undying will and compassion never ceases to amaze me. Not once has he given up on me. I feel... touched; truly touched... Perhaps Hanyuu was right. Maybe I am in love with Keiichi Maebara. He has always been there for me the most. As my hero, as my guardian, as my—
"Rika!"
Pulled out of her musings once more, Rika reacted in a violent jolt over the sharp address of her name. She wheeled her face over to her right, her clear vision taking in a slightly-agitated blonde.
Satoko narrowed her magenta orbs, revealing more of her irritation. "Haven't you been listening to a word I've said?"
"No," Rika acknowledged flatly.
Her friend huffed exasperatedly, "Oh, come on! You know how much I hate repeating myself, Rika! To think I tried so hard to explain to you the complexities and creativity of my newest creation, too," the little blonde crossed her arms in pouty fashion as she sunk her head lower to her shoulders. "Humph!"
Hanyuu gave a consoling smile at the sulking Satoko. "It's okay, Satoko. You can always show Rika your new trap."
"Yeah, I guess," Satoko cheered up slightly.
The three were close to reaching the branch school they attended daily. As they caught sight of the rural building, Rika squinted her eyes, focusing on the trail that led to the entrance of their school. A strange purple carpet laid in front, appearing completely out of place with the school structure's usual attire of mahogany and dull green colors.
Rika blinked blankly. "What's with the carpet?"
"Now you're curious," grinned Satoko, eyes gleaming in mischief. She covered her lips with one hand in a snobbish manner, "That right there is my masterpiece. Hidden under the carpet is a trap hole, deep enough for its victim to crawl out of, though not before being greeted to a... nasty surprise. Oho ho ho ho!"
Rika simply pointed out, "Hmmm... sorry, sir. But you've made better snares before. I don't see how this one is special."
Satoko scoffed, "I did tell you about the surprise inside the trap hole, but you had to go off and ignore this amazing Trap Master's elaborate explanation. For that, you will just have to see the surprise for yourself."
Rika gave a light smile. "...meep..."
"Okay, moving on," Satoko continued. "It took me the rest of the afternoon yesterday to set this all up. You have no idea how taxing it was to find what I needed to put in the hole, so you better be grateful for this, Rika. I've also made sure to inform everyone of my work ahead of time just so they don't trigger it by accident. Right now, they're taking the back window into the school. All our classmates know what to do. Well, except for a certain peasant who I'm positive will fall in."
Hanyuu applauded, "Yay! Au au au. I'm sure your trap will do great, Satoko."
The blonde bowed mockingly. "Thank you, thank you. But please, Hanyuu-san, save your applause for when my greatest work is sprung into action."
"Alright then," Hanyuu nodded in confirmation before glancing over to her relative, donning a supposedly innocent smile.
Rika returned a stern glare. Lately, Hanyuu had done nothing but tease her constantly. Not a shed of decency from her actions. Her ancestor was no doubt up to something mischievous. Whatever it was, Rika didn't like it one bit. "Okay, Hanyuu. I've played long enough. Stop your childish games. I don't know what kind of stunt you have in mind, but I suggest you put an end to this nonsense or I'll-"
"Hey, look!" Satoko interrupted, pointing a stretched finger out in the distance. "They're coming."
Hanyuu and Rika glanced at where Satoko directed. Hanyuu bobbed her head approvingly while her next of kin froze stiffly.
From afar, four figures—a male alongside three females, all teenagers—trekked their way up to the school.
Rika felt her heart skip a beat seeing the tallest of them all, the boy. 'K... Keiichi...'
"Man, this sucks," Keiichi grumbled, stomping the ground with slamming feet.
Rena looked at him sadly. "Haauu... it isn't like Keiichi-kun to be so moody. Usually, he looks forward to attending school. What's troubling him, I wonder, I wonder?"
"I'd rather not talk about it," responded Keiichi coolly.
Before Rena could press on, loud cackles stabbed the air. Keiichi and Rena glanced over to the side to meet Mion. "Kei-chan's rather salty today. Must be from all those penalty games."
"You and your rigged games," Keiichi glared.
Mion stuck her nose up and smiled smugly. "Keep feeding this old man your tears. It makes Uncle Mion happy."
Keiichi scowled back more intensely. For the past few weeks, he had been subjected to unbridled horrors as a result of losing almost all the club activities. There were times where he was given a break whenever Rika lost (and there was that one time where he actually won and gave the girls their overdue comeuppance), but even then, those occasions happened so scarcely and it was only a matter of time before he was sentenced back to his loser status.
Mion spared no expenses dishing out his punishments. She forced Keiichi to sport various girly outfits bought just for him, some of them more revealing and suggestive than others. Once, Keiichi had no choice but to wear a pink bikini.
Keiichi shuddered over the gruesome thought. Everyone in the club was brutal, especially Mion. Lately, the elder Sonozaki twin had been paying a lot of special attention to her favorite victim, much to his disdain.
Then, a new voice joined in on the conversation. "You have to admit, Kei-chan. Onee makes a valid point. You haven't exactly been doing a great job these past few weeks."
"I wonder why that is, Shion," Keiichi bristled before mumbling silently, "...filthy cheaters..."
Shion whipped her face left-to-right and flicked her hair. She simply winked back, not minding the dry sarcasm hurled at her.
The moping boy leered at his feet. Everyone purposely played unfair in the games—how they left distinctive marks on the cards to read off, how they all teamed up against him, or how they simply found other ways to deliberately make him lose. Being the type to never give into submission, he preserved. So far, his progress only lead to him winning a single, measly game, and that was only because Lady Luck was merciful.
Damn. These women love to torture me so much. How I would LOVE to put Mion and Shion in their places right now, Keiichi thought angrily. Satoko, too. That brat definitely needs her just-desserts. I know I shouldn't be getting so upset over this, but my patience is running thin.
Keiichi's anger slowly melted. The only people who don't ever mock me are Rena, Hanyuu-chan, and...Rika-chan.
His sulking came to a full halt. Rika... he couldn't figure out why, but there was just something special about that girl. She knew how to cheer him up, with an effortless pat to the head drenched in words of encouragement. She knew how to make him feel proud of himself, praising him for his commitment to never stop trying in the Gaming Club even if he barely achieved victory in a single game.
There was something else too. Rika seemed to know fully well who he was. He recalled their first initial meeting in the school, the time where she addressed him by his name before he even had a chance to introduce himself.
It was so strange, yet... uplifting? For whatever reason, Keiichi felt a sense of happiness blossom inside him, almost as if he wanted her to recognize him. Somehow, he also sensed the signs of familiarity that linked him and Rika together, as if he met her a long time ago. Keiichi couldn't place his finger on it. No doubt in his mind he somehow knew Rika from a distant time, though the frustrating lack of memories centered around that connection prevented him from pressing further.
Maybe I should go talk with Rika-chan later, sometime when school's over, Keiichi considered carefully. Hopefully she isn't absent.
"Meep!"
The next thing Keiichi knew, he was suddenly tackled by a barreling blur that nearly sent him down on the ground. He felt a small pair of arms wrap around his waist.
Looking down, he identified his assailant: a small petite figure with a curtain of blue hair falling down her delicate back, her violet orbs mixed between happiness and subtle concern.
"Rika-chan, hey! Great to see you!" he greeted.
Rika clung onto the boy. She buried her face into his stomach, nestling it affectionately. "It's good to see you too, sir."
Around them, the other girls eyed Keiichi and Rika with interest.
Rena swooned over how cute her two friends looked together and was on the verge of falling into her signature "take-it-home" mode. Mion blinked blankly. Shion cocked an eyebrow. Satoko and Hanyuu, who weren't too far from the group, also shared different reactions. The former tilted her head in confusion whereas the latter simply stared at Rika and Keiichi with an all-knowing smile.
Satoko diverted her attention away from Keiichi and Rika to glance at Shion. Her eyes sparkled. She rushed to Shion and embraced her. "Shion-san!"
Giggling, Shion reciprocated the affectionate gesture. "Hah, hah. Nice to see you too, Satoko-chan."
"Good of you to transfer over to our school after that whole fiasco with Takano-san." Satoko broke the hug, flashing a radiant smile.
"Yeah," Shion laughed. "You've been bugging me a lot to attend school with you around that time, and well, who was I to deny the request of my surrogate little sister?"
The blonde blushed in response.
"Mmmmm..." Rika hummed fondly, pulling her face off Keiichi's stomach. She gazed softly at the boy. "...something wrong, Keiichi?"
Keiichi blinked. "What?"
"You are upset about something. I can see it in your eyes clear as day," elaborated Rika. "I hope I'm not the source of your problem."
He waved his hands wildly in a surrender gesture, flinching over Rika's dejected appearance. "No, no, no! There aren't any issues I have with you, Rika-chan. It's just—" he frowned at Mion. "—dealing with a little trouble, let's just say."
Mion snorted.
Rika perked up. She hid her arms behind her back, her hands intertwining. "Hmmm... well, I know a friend who deals with this kind of difficulty daily. If I remember him well, I would imagine him to focus more on what makes him most happy."
Keiichi chuckled. "Hey, you're right. Being negative is a no-go. It is better for me to look more into the positive side. Can't believe I forgot all about that. Thanks for reminding me, Rika-chan."
"No, thank you. You were the first to teach me such a lesson a long time ago. It's the least I can do to repay you for that. What better way than to... take you away from said trouble?" Rika grinned innocently. "Nipah~!"
Everyone excluding Mion laughed wholeheartedly.
As for the club leader herself, her face reddened from the implications Rika made. Wanting to change the subject, Mion spluttered, "W-We should get going now! Off to class!"
The joyous howls ceased. Rena piped up, "Hauuu, definitely. It isn't good to be late to school."
"Race you all there!" Keiichi darted towards the entrance of the school, oblivious to the surprise awaiting him there. "And while you're at it, kiss my ass, Mion!"
Mion glared daggers at the scampering boy. "Why you...!"
"Oh my. Keiichi is wasting no time, it seems. Too bad. I wonder if he can prepare himself for what's about to happen next," Hanyuu feigned worry.
Her relative paled tremendously. The memory of Satoko's special surprise returned. Before she knew it, Rika was running after Keiichi, struggling to catch up. "Sir, wait! Don't go! Don't go!"
The rest of the girls stayed behind and simply watched Keiichi go. They were all well-informed of the snare hidden in front of the school, so wisely, neither of them followed the boy, not wanting to get caught in the trap. Though they were all somewhat surprised to see Rika pursue the boy, the other female club members shrugged off her actions, too engrossed with Keiichi and his potential failure to care.
Mion and Satoko sniggered together, excited to watch Keiichi fall in. Shion and Rena simply shook their heads, pitying the boy for his uncontrollable rashness. Hanyuu nodded approvingly at her descendant in haste.
"Keiichi, stop! No!" Rika called out frantically as she tried to reach him. Surprisingly, the child was making good progress. She had a lot of speed to go around by.
"Almost there. Oh, man. It's been so long since I've been this close to beating the other girls," Keiichi spotted a peculiar sight laying on the ground near the doors as he ran. "Huh. Nice carpet."
Satoko and Mion's cheeks puffed up.
Why isn't he listening to me?! That boy and his reckless behavior, I swear, cursed Rika internally. She raced faster, marginally closing the large gap between herself and Keiichi. "Sir! Sir!"
"Whew," Keiichi panted as he reached the school's entrance, this time advancing slowly. "I'm close to the doors, hue... No- hah- need to- huff- rush. Gonna... gonna win..."
Rika bolted towards Keiichi at lightning speed.
"And with this last step... marks the end of this race," he concluded happily. His right foot was just an inch above the carpet.
"Nooo!"
"Uhngh!"
Splash!
An enormous column of milky pink erupted from where the carpet once rested. Emerging as a strange and unidentifiable liquid, the rising pillar dispersed into showering rain, descending down on the motionless earth and school building in full glory.
One person was situated near the volcanic trap hole. They sat on the dirt ground with eyes as wide as dinner plates, their gaping mouths nearly reaching down to their neck in shock.
The others that stood away from the incident in yonder were wide-eyed as well. They rushed over to the scene, most of them crowding around the hole.
Only Rena tended to the astonished person. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah," they nodded as Rena helped them spring up to their feet. "I can't believe what transpired just now. Did it really...?"
Rena gave a gentle smile. "It did. I never saw it coming either. Who would have thought you wouldn't fall into one of Satoko-chan's traps for once, Keiichi-kun?"
"Understatement of the year," Keiichi admitted truthfully. He glanced over to the small crater in concern. "I hope Rika-chan's okay. That trap Satoko set up looked pretty intense."
Seconds later, a screech busted out from the deep opening. Everyone around winced. Keiichi rose on his feet posthaste and strode over to the pit-trap, with Rena accompanying him from his right.
Their noses were instantly clogged in a miasma of overwhelming aroma, leaving them to swallow the threatening urges to puke.
Inside was a seething Rika Furude. Her school clothes were drenched and her hair sullied. Rika pinched her nose tightly as she floated in the aberrant pond. "Hot sauce and rotten milk?! Bleh! Some of it got in my mouth!"
All the other club members scrunch their noses in disgust. Satoko fixed a look of remorse at her best friend. "Sorry, Rika. I didn't mean for this to happen to you."
"Egad!" a sickening shade of green eclipsed Rika's face. Firmly keeping one hand placed on her nose, she swung her other hand vigorously through the mixture of spicy condiment and decaying dairy towards Satoko.
Satoko squealed shrilly, flinching over the warm wet touch of concocted fluids that assaulted her green dress.
Keiichi reacted the quickest. He crouched down, bent over, and stretched an open hand out to the irate bluenette, who swam closer and accepted his help without hesitation. He levered Rika up and helped her out of the deep hole.
Rika let out a low hiss. She grabbed a handful of her hair and squeezed it in a tight braid to get the liquid out. Then she dug into her backpack and pulled out a water bottle which she used to guzzle down on, drowning out the grotesque stale tastes invading her mouth.
Placing the container back in her bag, Rika shifted her focus back to Keiichi, who had taken a few steps back away from her so as not to be caught in her circle of rage. Any residuals of lingering anger dissipated from Rika entirely, replaced with an appreciative look. "Thanks for helping me out, Keiichi. I knew I could count on you."
Keiichi sheepishly scratched the back of his head. "Ah ha ha. It was nothing."
At that precise moment, veins suddenly popped out near the sides of his head. Bothered tremendously by the dull aching, he clutched onto his head.
Everyone noticed his ordeal, scrutinizing him with worry in their eyes. Hanyuu asked in concern, "Au au, is everything okay, Keiichi?"
The boy withdrew his hand away from his head, no signs of pounding vessels nor a strained expression evident on his face. He smiled reassuringly. "Yeah, it's nothing."
"Alright then," Shion started as she tended to Satoko, who appeared discomfited over her stained dress. "We should probably go inside and help these little ones get cleaned up."
Rika shook her head over Shion's offer. "No thank you, sir. I'll clean myself later, but right now, I need to speak to KeiKei alone." [1]
Keiichi shot a bemused look at Rika. He couldn't help but wonder what she needed him alone for.
Mion stared at Rika in disapproval. "Afraid I can't allow you to do that, Rika-chan. Class is starting soon, and you shouldn't be wasting your time chatting with Kei-chan."
"I won't hold Keiichi for too long. We'll be joining the rest of you soon," reassured Rika.
Mion looked unconvinced. "Hmmm... nope. Sorry, but Uncle Mion doesn't endorse this."
"How unfortunate. But I'm still going to be stealing KeiKei away regardless," Rika stuck her tongue out playfully at Mion. "Nothing personal. Nipah~!"
Mion thickened her sour frown. She marched over towards Rika, ready to forcibly usher her inside the school.
Only for Rena to intervene. "Mi-chan, if Rika-chan wants alone time with Keiichi-kun, then you should leave her be," Flustered, she squirmed. "Hau! Alone time, Rika-chan and Keiichi-kun..."
"Yeah, okay," Mion tried to snake past her excited friend. "I'm just gonna stop Rika-chan now."
"No!" Mion felt her feet elevate off the ground promptly. She found herself laying on a shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Rena kept an arm fastened around her waist as she responded vehemently, "Rena will not allow Mi-chan to be mean. Everyone, let's go on inside and leave Rika-chan to do her own business."
Mion kicked her legs. "Argh! Rena!"
Rena strutted around to the back with her swinging schoolbag and Mion in safe hands, ignoring her captive's protests while casually avoiding the trap. The other girls, Rika not included, followed suit.
"That was amusing," chuckled Keiichi.
Hanyuu hauled herself closer to Satoko and Shion. She leaned into the blonde's ear and whispered, "Thanks for doing what I asked you to do. I knew Rika would take the bait."
"Don't mention it," Satoko flashed a toothy grin. "I'm more than glad to assist Rika. And Keiichi-san too. That guy's a great addition to have in our group," her cheeks flushed. "Just... don't tell Keiichi-san that. He'll never let me hear the end of it if word got out."
"Au au au," chirped Hanyuu. "Something tells me he already knows. But for your own sake, I'll heed to your request."
Satoko looked up thoughtfully. "Still, I kinda wish Keiichi-san actually fell in. It just isn't as fun when somebody other than him triggers my traps."
Shion decided to chime in, "You don't need to wish for that, Satoko-chan. I'm sure Kei-chan will fall in your pit-trap sooner or later."
"Yeah," Satoko grinned deviously at Shion. "He pretty much falls into my traps on a daily basis. Maybe I should use something less conspicuous than that carpet to lure him in though. How does a dead patch of grass sound?"
The trio laughed and carried on, catching up to their other two friends in front.
Meanwhile, Rika and Keiichi were situated together at the face of the school with no one else around to intrude. Rika was beaming ecstatically at Keiichi, much to his puzzlement. Her arms hid behind her back playfully, her heels hopped in excitement while her toes remained attached to the ground, and her eyes sparkled.
"So, uhh," Keiichi began awkwardly. "You want me alone, to talk."
"Yup!" Rika tweeted. "Are you embarrassed to have a cute girl pull you over in private, sir? It's okay if that's the case. But you mustn't be so timid. This kitty cat doesn't bite. Nipah~!"
Keiichi couldn't resist the bright grin slowly creeping on his features. "Yeah, I know better than to believe you would ever bite. I'm just very surprised, is all. So... what exactly did you want me for?"
Her vivacious smile stretched ear-to-ear. She swayed towards him, moving in such grace that could make hundreds swoon. Rika leaned in, inches away from his flushed face. "I want to thank you, Keiichi."
"Huh?" mumbled Keiichi. "Thank me for what? Why?"
Rika patted his head fondly. "For everything you've done for me when I needed help, and for always being the only one to really be there for me. I'm extremely grateful. I tried to repay you earlier by pushing you away from that surprise Satoko nearly pulled on you. Though, ermm... obviously, I ended up needing you to get me out of trouble again."
"Hey, that's okay," Keiichi eased kindly. "I am more than willing to assist you with anything in any way. There's no need to thank or repay me for it all."
"You're wrong," she shook her head. Her child-like voice deepened in tone. "For me, it is necessary. Believe me when I say you are a great significant part of my life. I would have never gotten this far in life without you. You're the best gift this world has ever given me."
Astonishment made its way up Keiichi's face. "R.. Rika-chan..."
She leaned in closer, gradually erasing the space between them.
Their cheeks flared crimson, Rika's more so. "Lately throughout the past weeks of this new July, I was stuck between a rock and a hard place wondering what you were to me. My first mistake was regarding you as a good friend, but now I start to see the truth clearly."
Keiichi gulped. His mind already started to see where the whole situation was heading, but ignorance insisted on playing its part. "What do you mean? What truth?"
"You silly boy," Rika felt her eyelids drape halfway as she puckered her lips slightly. "I'm saying I perceive you as someone who I can truly connect with. You are my hero, the one who brings me the light of hope. The one my beating heart is drawn to..." the bluenette halted her advances, her face an apple's stem away from Keiichi, and she enunciated her finishing statement, "...my partner."
Rika closed her eyes and pressed her lips against Keiichi's.
It was a kiss that had lasted no more than ten seconds at most. But that wasn't the case for the kindred spirits locked together in lip contact. For them, the display of affection stretched over to eternity.
Her eyes shot open when long arms coiled around her waist cordially all of a sudden. She was then taken aback by the unexpected pressure on her lips that shoved her head rearwards.
Keiichi... he's kissing back...
The duo welcomed the warmth together, happily partaking the magic hopping vigorously around them through exhilarating sparks. It was like fireworks.
Eventually, they split away, puffing for air with grins plastered on their searing hot faces.
Keiichi grinned. "Wow..."
"Amazing... once again, you brought your miracles to life," Rika complimented.
"No, Rika-chan," laughed Keiichi. "We brought this miracle to life. Together."
They both chortled.
"I feel like a lone spirit conjoined with another," her dainty hands rested on his shoulders. "You're the second half of my life. I don't ever want to depart from you."
Keiichi looked her dead in the eye. "You really love me that much, Rika-chan?"
"Yes," she whispered, averting her eyes. "I do."
It was then he noted a particular facet of Rika's outward appearance upon closer inspection. "Are you crying?"
Beads of fresh tears stung the corners of her eyes. Rika wiped them with a simple wave of a hand. "I suppose I am. But these are happy tears. This is the first time in so long since I've been able to indulge in genuine joy."
"Oh, now that's not an excuse, Rika-chan," Keiichi brought up bluntly. "You know better. You shouldn't be crying."
"Huh?" Rika stared at him with a look of confusion.
"You heard me. No crying, even if it's tears of joy. I will not stand for it," Keiichi placed his hands on his hips, frowning. "Do you know why?"
She simply shook her head, puzzled.
Keiichi's stern expression dissipated, replaced with a familiar grin that spoke of confidence and reassurance. "It's illegal to cry around Keiichi Maebara."
"Ehh?!" her jaw slacked. She couldn't believe what she just heard. Straight away her mind was bombarded with missiles of questions, but Rika composed herself before she got too crazy, only giving a simple query. "Do you...?"
"Do you know about me comforting you when you got bullied in Okinomiya?" Keiichi smirked as he gently closed her mouth. "Yeah, I do. I also recall everything else beyond that. What was it you called it, The Endless June? My, how much you changed. You're so precocious now!"
Events he went through in previous worlds are starting to reach back to him, exactly like that time when he recalled his sins of bludgeoning Mion and Rena to death, but...
Rika stammered, "But how is it that you can recollect our beginnings together? It's been one hundred years since then. There's no way you could retract memories from that far."
"Remember when I had that migraine earlier today?" Rika nodded. He tapped the side of his head lightly. "There was more to it than that. Flashes of images played in my mind, and almost immediately, I recognized it as lost memories that long since slipped away from my hands until recently. First, I saw you in that ice cream incident. Then, it was just the two of us sharing good quality time together. Later came Takano and her Yamainu."
So just like me, Keiichi experienced a headache that triggered locked away memories of our origins. This must be the aftermath of the eternal summer's end. Instead of recalling our sins, we start to remember the good in our previous lives, the cherished moments our temporal prison had kept away from us for so long... she grimaced.
Keiichi paused briefly to release a pained hiss. Subsequently, he went on, this time more hesitant and careful in his words.
"It... wasn't very good for you, I can tell," Keiichi slumped down in dejection. "I was only able to help you for a short extent during that time, and eventually you gave up on reaching me. You know, I don't blame you for that. Not much progress was being made. I was just slowing you down... I'm sorry."
She held his hands comfortingly. "No need to apologize. Never have I believed you were dragging me down. I only stopped getting you to help me because I didn't want you to go through the same pain I was going through. I thought it would have been best if you were kept in the dark. Irrationality blinded me from what I should have done before: to believe in my companions."
"Rika-chan, it wasn't—"
"No," Rika cut off tersely. She glanced down and grieved, "It was my fault. I was the one who cut all ties with you. Alienating myself off from the rest of the world when I should have trusted you and everyone else to help out."
Keiichi pulled Rika in for a hug. "It's perfectly normal to make mistakes at your age. You are very young, Rika-chan. Still to this day."
Rika didn't break off the warm solacing embrace, though she scoffed with a dry retort, "You're still young too."
Things went silent after that. The fresh air was polluted with unnerving tension. Rika and Keiichi, however, refused to submit to the pressure. They gazed into each other's eyes steely. Wind blew in a chilling wave, catching the flowing hairs of long blue and short brown along with it.
Then, Keiichi drew himself away from Rika. His grave countenance disappeared, replaced with an uplifting smile that made her sharp eyes soften.
He laughed sheepishly, "When you put it that way, you make a valid point. I have a lot more experience ahead of me before I can truly have wisdom. It's a similar case for you too, Rika-chan."
"Oh?" Rika cocked an eyebrow.
"We have made a myriad of mistakes, all from the same struggles in the same perils. You did nothing but witness our friends be stained in blood whereas I have stained blood upon those same people. It was very much through the distrust we hold. Because of this we force these afflictions to roost on our backs and prevent ourselves from advancing towards the future," Keiichi said, "And I've had enough."
He extended an open hand out to Rika and grinned. "Our burdens exist to serve as dead-weight. Let's leave them from whence they came and move on. Lurking in the past does nothing but hinder our progress as people. Striding to the future allows us to grow and seek happiness in our lives. So what do you say, Rika-chan? Would you like to walk with me and discover what life has to offer?"
Once again, Keiichi had serenaded her with his philosophical words, living up to his title as Magician of Words. Rika pondered deeply over the enthralling speech. Everything he said was true. She was deliberately trapping herself in the past, letting it run over her life; the gift she and her loved ones fought so hard for. It wasn't right - not for her, not for Keiichi - and she knew it. There was one thing Rika knew she had to do.
Straightening the pink bow donned on the collar of her white sleeveless shirt, Rika studied the proffering hand reached out to her. Her vacant features morphed into a look of acceptance.
Rika graciously accepted Keiichi's hand. "Of course, Keiichi Maebara. I tire of wallowing in self-pity. I want to move on. I want to view the whole world for its many thrilling surprises in store. No longer will I ever live in dreadful anticipation of my undoing, but rather in seeking of new revelations that could improve my life for the better."
"That's the spirit," Keiichi flashed a thumbs-up.
"I only ask for one thing in return," Rika withdrew her hand. Her cheeks burned in bright crimson as she rubbed her arm coyly. "That you'll always be there for me."
Keiichi chuckled before stroking Rika's hair, causing her cheeks to heat up even further. "Come on. I've been doing that for a whole century. I'm not going to stop now. You have my word."
"Good. Just what I needed to hear, KeiKei," Rika smiled abashedly. She closed her eyes and laid both her hands on top of his hand, cooing fondly. "Meeep..."
"So how will we start off our new life goal?" Keiichi looked up thoughtfully. Rika opened her mouth to make a suggestion, only for his face to lighten up as he yelped, "Oh, I know!"
He dug into one of his pant pockets, then whipped out two strips of paper.
Rika scrutinized the pieces of small paper. Her eyes widened when she noted the distinct logo of a familiar restaurant. "Angel Mort coupon? For all you can eat, one-time use?"
"Yes, your eyes don't deceive you. These are non-counterfeit vouchers for Angel Mort," Keiichi began to explain. "Do you recall when I miraculously won over Zombie Tag and when you lost the club games a third time on that same day? Surprisingly, Shion was kind enough to express her felicitations by handing me these. She also told me that I should use the coupons for a very special girl in my heart."
Shion was most likely talking about Mion... Rika brooded to herself, sorely recalling the club leader's subtle crush on Keiichi. Mion fell in love with him, but couldn't bring herself to confess.
Keiichi ignored the musing look on her face. "You were always the first to come to mind, Rika-chan."
"So then how come you didn't ask me about this before?" Rika tilted her head in confusion, slightly surprised yet dearly touched.
"I was conflicted," Keiichi answered flatly. "Part of me was a bit unsure whether you'd accept or not. I didn't think you would be thrilled over spending time with me alone. Not to mention that with the losing steak I have in Mion's games, I was pretty crabby, so it wasn't best for me to ask you when I was so moody."
Rika stayed quiet for a moment before shaking her head with a giggle. "Oh, sir, it is so like you to be troubled with girls. Your lack of comprehending women is almost humorous."
He deadpanned, "That statement makes me want to cry. Must you be so cruel?"
"Yes." smirked Rika.
Keiichi threw a playful glare at the devious bluenette, which made her snicker cheekily. "I never pegged you to be the type to verbally assault me so savagely. How on earth can you breathe with that little potty mouth of yours?"
"Years of practice. But for you, it will take a thousand years at most," she quipped.
"Ha ha ha!" Keiichi laughed. "Anyway, I was grumpy from constantly losing and I had a hard time deciding what to do with the vouchers. I planned on putting them on hold till I reached a decision, then after today, well, I figured it was appropriate to bring these coupons up," he jerked the coupons in her view, clumsily dangling them. "What better way to begin our goal of achieving new happiness than to attend the best restaurant around Okinomiya?"
She smirked. "Getting a little cocky, are we? I give you one kiss and you are already asking me out."
He rolled his eyes, but looked no less amused. "In all seriousness though, I really do want to take you to Angel Mort."
"Well, it'd be foolish of me to kiss you and then just reject your request off the bat, but when exactly do we go?"
Keiichi smiled. "Today. Once school ends."
Rika shot an incredulous look at Keiichi momentarily before shrugging. The arrangements were a bit too soon for her tastes but she could manage. Not like she had anything else to do on a normal Friday anyway. "You aren't wasting any time, Keiichi. But fine, I shall gladly accept regardless."
"Nice!" Keiichi fist-pumped.
"Do you want to get club activities done and over with, then go? Or is there another option in mind?" asked Rika.
Keiichi tapped his chin in thought, his eyes wandering curiously up towards the celestial beautiful blue skies beaming brightly. He then looked back down seconds later and grinned deviously. "Actually, there is. I say both of us just ditch the club for today."
Rika giggled. "This is the first time I'm hearing you reject participating in the club, Keiichi."
Keiichi snorted as he shoved the coupons back into his pocket and pulled Rika close to his chest. "I prefer you over anything else any day."
Snuggling against Keiichi's chest, Rika hummed contently. She succumbed to the presence of her guardian angel who made her feel safe and happy, whose words rendered her engrossed in its mystical magic, and the one who ensnared her through the impenetrable bonds of sincere affection.
"O-Oh!" Rika felt her feet being whisked off the dirt, the soles of her red Mary Jane shoes no longer planting the ground. She shivered in delight. "KeiKei!"
Keiichi smiled warmly, keeping Rika close in a bridal hold. His sleek chocolate hair fluttered. His lustrous ultramarine orbs washed over her. "Don't fret, Rika-chan. I got you."
Her amethysts twinkled divinely as her bubbly face glittered in sacred radiance from the sun. She submerged into the embracing hold of her guardian angel. "Yeah, I know."
Keiichi glanced at the school. "Now, what do you say we go off to class through the back? Once school ends, both of us will start our fun together."
"Sure, I see no reason to refuse. Our friends must be worried sick waiting for us," Rika closed her eyes in pure bliss. "Let's be on our way."
And so Keiichi sauntered around the school building as he carried Rika, joy visible on both their faces. The surface of the dirt soil reeked of an earthly scent but did nothing to hinder the heartwarming scene nonetheless.
The blazing sun hovered above the vaults of heaven, shedding radiance down to the terrestrial floors beneath it. Keiichi and Rika were cleansed in warmth, their forms treated to angelic luminescence. From afar, the lush green trees and bushes rustled as they flew with the wind, cheering on for the enchanted duo.
For the umpteenth time since the Endless June, before, during and after, the cicadas cried.
"Mou! What's taking them so long?!" Mion growled, her arms folded as her right foot tapped the floor impatiently.
Rena gazed worryingly at her best friend. "Calm down, Mi-chan. It's only been a couple minutes since Keiichi-kun and Rika-chan went off to the bathroom."
"Two minutes is too long," Mion countered. "Unless I say otherwise, club activities are a priority, especially on a school day. Rika-chan and Kei-chan know this well! There is absolutely no excuse for this!"
"Hehehe," Shion threw her two cents in, "You're acting awfully grouchy today, Onee. Why could that be?"
Mion glowered at her sister. "Shion. No."
That warning wasn't enough to stop Shion. "Is it that Rika-chan pulled him away to talk in private earlier?"
"Shiiiooon!" Mion's blood began to boil.
Her younger twin laughed. "Relax, Onee. I don't blame you for being paranoid. Rika-chan has been acting strange lately, and somehow, my intuition is telling me that it has something to do with Kei-chan. She has been more giddy than usual around him. Just today, she kept him all to herself before class. When they came back, both of them refused to reveal what they did alone together. Now that doesn't sound coincidental."
"Shush, you!" Mion spluttered, her rampant thoughts running wild over the suggestive comments whooshing through her ears. "Rika-chan is too young to seduce Kei-chan!"
Streaks of blood spurted out Rena's nose as the redhead fell flat on her back. She rolled frantically around the floor, blushing furiously. "Haauuu...!"
Shion raised her hands in a surrendering gesture, slightly alarmed. "Whoa, not the kind of idea I was suggesting," her Cheshire Cat grin returned. "but okay, sure. If you want to think that way."
"Y-You... humph!" Mion ceased her slurs and spun away with a scowl. "You should go back to Okinomiya."
"And you should probably go do something about our dear Kei-chan and Rika-chan," Shion smirked. "They have been in the bathroom for a while now... at the same time. Let that sink in."
Letting her sister's suggestive words settle in, the club leader gasped in horror.
Shion simply laughed at her gawking expression.
"Quiet!" a flustered Mion silenced her with a sharp order before stomping towards the door. "This old man is gonna put an end to this childish masquerade. For rebelling against their leader, they'll suffer severe penalties on the double."
Satoko's eyes widened. "Mion-san, wait! You'll activate-"
Klunk! "Ack!"
As soon as Mion grabbed onto the wooden door and roughly slid it aside, a large metal bowl was sent crashing down. The steel pot landed on top of Mion's head.
Thankfully for Mion, there wasn't any liquid inside the water container. But she still had to deal with the harsh repercussions of the collision. She collapsed onto her knees with a loud thud, before crumpling face-flat on the floor, a pink goose egg slowly forming on the top of her head. The basin slid off and landed with a clatter.
"...the basin trap..." Satoko winced. "...meant for Keiichi-san..."
It seemed like Shion was slowly dying from laughing so hard.
Mion, hissing faintly under her breath, shot a bitter glare at her younger relative.
"Hauuuuuuuuu~!" Rena rolled everywhere around the classroom, ricocheting from the walls, chairs, and desks like a rubber ball.
Hanyuu drew away from the other remaining girls in the room and advanced towards the window. Her lips curled into a smile.
Outside, the school yard was in post meridian. Tones of orange and red washed the skies. The vegetation bathed in warm colors shed from the sun.
Far away, two silhouettes were walking forward into the sunset. Their hands intertwined.
A/N:
And that's a wrap. Whew! This was very long to write out, and it for sure took an eternity for me to finish entirely.
I also apologize deeply if anyone in the Higurashi cast seemed out of character. It's pretty challenging to capture their personalities, ha ha! Looking back, I think I made Rika a bit too sentimental, though considering she's traversed through countless, agonizing timelines for a century, I think I can let that slide.
Well, anyway, thanks so much for reading! I hope you all enjoyed it. This is only the beginning of my writing, so expect more written works from me. See you next time!
[-x-]
[1] "KeiKei" is a nickname Rika has reserved for Keiichi. She refers to him as this in Episode 2 of Higurashi No Naku Koro ni Kira.