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AKB48 Fanfics => AKB48 Fanfics => Topic started by: jubethehare on February 01, 2016, 05:39:43 PM

Title: Jube's OS Collection [140218 - Remnants of Summer (NagiUha) ]
Post by: jubethehare on February 01, 2016, 05:39:43 PM
I just have to write this. One moment I was listening to SEKAI NO OWARI song called 'Fushichou' and suddenly *POP* the idea came out just like that. It has gone a lot more complex than I initially thought though... ha ha.

For starter, the setting of this fanfic is set in a post-apocalyptic world. And warning: THIS FANFIC WILL BE DARK. No, really. The amount of gore and heart-breaking moment will be higher in this one compared to my previous fanfics here. The first part is very light, but I guess I'll release my limiter for once and see what happen... *smirk*

Anyways, enjoy~






不死鳥
~Project: Fushichou - part one ~

__________________________________________________________



You're the perfect creation invented by humanity
And the only differences between us
Is that you are immortal

One day at the start of summer   
I think I've fallen in love with you



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


Kitagawa Ryouha could still remember that day.

The day when she first met her, and the day where she was enchanted by that wondrous sight.
 
Everything was still fresh in her memories; the pure white wall, the endless hallway, the soft fabric of the toy dog she tightly held in her arms and the sound of her own footsteps echoing within the empty room.

“…papa?” Her voice called out nervously. “Papa, where are you…?”

There was no answer; only a whirr of machinery echoed from somewhere behind the wall and the girl flinched, quickening her steps. She was around six years old back then, and she had remembered coming to her father’s workplace before getting lost in this maze-like corridor. Her father was a scientist, you see. A very smart yet so busy scientist it seemed. And this place was his laboratory.

Being a genius scientist her father was rarely at home, and it made the girl kinda frustrated to find that her father tend to spend more time with his experiment rather than herself. That, double with the fact that she only had her father as her family, brought her to the very situation she was currently in. To make it simple, the little girl was lonely. She was getting lonely at home so with all the silly reasoning her young mind could think of she decided to give her father a little surprise visit. But something of a problem happened.

“Papa… Ryouha is scared…”

The girl sobbed and hugged her doll tighter, her eyes darting around the room to find any familiar scenery. She had visited the lab a few times of course, so she assumed she had remembered the route all the way to his office, but she never remembered anything quite like this corridor. Did she take a wrong turn somewhere? Why are there no windows around? Why the walls are all metal and look the same? With each question that popped in her head she went more and more scared. The only thing she could do was keep walking and hoped that someone would notice her in one of the security cameras, if there’s any. She couldn’t find anything like that around unlike the other parts of the lab, but she tried to assure herself that they’re probably hidden somewhere.

As Ryouha continued her walk she was finally met with a dead end in a form of a thick steel wall. 


(http://s8.postimg.org/hr6xe1pyd/Fuschichou01_01.jpg)


The wall was dyed in white, much like the other walls. The only thing that made this wall looked special was the mysterious red marking on its surface and a blue orb around the size of her head that was planted in the middle. The orb resembled that of a camera lens and was making a constant beeping. Perhaps she could contact someone through this? The girl approached it carefully.

“H-hello?”
 
No response.

“I-is anybody…there?”


   --GREETINGS


“!!”

The mechanical voice startled the little girl and she took a few steps away, watching as the orb blinked just like a makeshift eye. The artificial eye focused its attention to her.

“U-umm…”


  --PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR IDENTIFICATION DATA


“Eh?“

A hatch opened on the nearby wall beside her, startling her once again.
 
“Uh, no. I was lost and—“


   --PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR IDENTIFICATION DATA


The machine flatly repeated and the girl fidgeted nervously. What should she do now? She turned her attention to the hatch, finding a mark that resembled an open palm. She knew that mark. Her father and the other scientists used it to open doors by putting their hand above it, but there’s no guarantee it would work the same way for her. Oh, Ryouha might still be a six years old back then but she wasn’t stupid. That mark was made as a security system, letting only the one with matching ‘identification data’ to enter a specific area. Her father had given her access to various parts of the lab though, so she could only hope that this one included. At least if this one didn’t match the alarm would activate and her father would realize.
   
Ryouha took a deep breath, gathering her courage. Here goes nothing… She tapped the cold metal with her finger once before putting her whole right hand over it. There was no response, and the blue orb only gave her another blink. She sighed. But then, another robotic voice came out.


   --ANALYZING START


A ring like contraption shot out as soon as the voice died out, locking itself tightly around her wrist.

“!?”


   --GATHERING THE NECESSARY DATA


The ring let out a whirr and started to move, pulling her hand with it. Something is wrong. The girl thought loudly in her head as she tried to shake her hand free. This was different from the usual procedure and it threw her into quite a panic. She pulled and pushed and kicked with all her might, but her attempt to free her hand was in vain; the grip was too strong and she could felt two more rings pressing against her skin to keep her arm in place. What is this? I’m scared… That was the only thing left in Ryouha’s mind as she heard a loud click, finding that her whole arm had been inserted into the mechanism.

PRICK

The girl yelped, feeling a quick sharp pain from somewhere around her wrist.


   --DNA IDENTIFICATION MATCHED

  --WELCOME PROFESSOR KITAGAWA



The machine let out another whirr, before opening wide and releasing her hand. She fell to her knees, sobbing and gripping her wrist that was throbbing in pain. A cut that resembled a needle mark was there and she was bleeding slightly. It hurts… What just happened? Papa, where are you? I’m scared. I’m scared. But Ryouha instantly closed her eyes, trying to push away that thought. There’s no point in crying, she assured herself, no point at all. She had known the hard way that crying never solved anything. The girl sobbed once more and lifted her head, trying to study her surrounding, and what she saw afterwards quickly erased the lingering fear inside her.

“What…is this?”

What she saw beyond the door was a place blanketed in colorful lush and green grass, with all the plants and trees she’d never seen before. She shakily stood, staring at the blue sky that stretched as far as her eyes could see, and stepped inside the area with eyes filled with awe. The air was light and easy to breath, and the sun was soft against her skin. A small smile tugged on her lips and she quickened her steps, hugging her discarded doll with both arms as she walked deeper into the vicinity.

The place looked just like the one she saw in one of her story books, so bright and so colorful unlike the dull concrete buildings and gray murky sky she saw her whole life. The said book was one of her favorite among the many books her father gave her, the one she always read whenever she was lonely waiting for his return. What was it again, the title of the book… The girl mulled for a while. Oh yeah.

[David and The Phoenix]

The story was rather simple. A little boy found a huge mountain by his new home and decided to climb it on a whim, and as soon as he reached the summit he was met by the wondrous phoenix. The phoenix was hurt from being chased by an evil scientist, so the boy decided to help it and they both went on an adventure together, running and hiding from the scientist all the while.

She giggled as she remembered the silly yet heart-warming story. It was a bit of an irony though, that the book she loved had a scientist as the villain while her own father was a scientist himself. She wondered if her father didn’t realize it when he bought it; maybe because he always bought a whole lot for her without thinking too much of the content. She shrugged off the thought and started walking again. After a few more walk she found a little stream by the ground and she crouched, her attention caught by the little creatures swimming inside the clear water. Oh, she knew these creatures; she had read about them in one of her books. If she’s not mistaken they’re called ‘fish’. So this is how the real ‘fish’ looked like, how cute. She let out a soft laugh.


     Oh, phoenix, please grant me immortality
     ~不死鳥よ僕に永遠を与えてください


The girl blinked as she heard a voice in the distance, turning her attention away from the fishes.


     I won't be scared of anything as long we're together
     ~僕と君なら何にも怖くないから


…a song? Where did it come from? She stood, trying to find the source of that peaceful melody.


     And if you aren't somewhere in that place called ‘heaven’
     ~天国なんて君がいないのならば


She pushed through the thick bushes, finding the voice grew clearer as she walked toward its direction.


     I’ll stay in this world and become immortal with you
     ~僕は君と永遠になるから



And it was then that Ryouha met her.


(http://s12.postimg.org/x9qo4yi4d/Fuschichou01_02.jpg)


Sitting there above a rock was a girl, her white sleeveless dress trailing behind her as she draw her knees against her chest. A white metallic collar circled around her neck, giving out a soft glow as it glistened under the sun. She looked as if she was in her late teen, her black wavy hair flowing just past her shoulder, her eyes closed as she hummed the tune quietly under her breath. The girl let out a soft sigh as she finished the last verse of the song, opening her eyes to reveal her jet black eyes that seemed to gaze blankly into nothingness. 

Time felt as if it has stopped back then, and Ryouha didn’t know how long she had been watching the mysterious girl in silence like that. She shook herself back to reality. Who is that girl? Ryouha never saw her before and she didn’t seem like one of the scientists. Curiosity got the better of her and she took a step closer, but as soon as she did that the mysterious girl flinched, snapping her head toward her. Ryouha froze, staring back into the emotionless yet gentle face.

“Unknown specimen detected.”

The girl stood, leaping down the rock and approaching her slowly. Her bare feet didn’t make any sound as she walked through the grass, as if she was weightless or was floating slightly above the ground.

“Please confirm your identity.”

Ryouha didn’t answer, her eyes wide and mouth slightly agape as she found that she couldn’t form any coherent words. Whether it was awe or fear or something else, Ryouha didn’t understand. It’s just that she was paralyzed, staring at the mysterious girl that was towering before her. The girl blinked and tilted her head; her emotionless face stayed the same but there’s seemed to be a bit of confusion in her eyes. Ryouha gulped. The girl was a lot taller than she imagined, but as soon as she thought of that the girl crouched down to match her height, her dark eyes locked on her as if searching for something. Without a warning the girl suddenly snatched her right hand, much to Ryouha’s surprise.


(http://s17.postimg.org/nog9i3b33/Fuschichou01_03.jpg)


“Blood.” The girl blinked again, raising the injured hand to her eye level to examine the cut, and Ryouha bit her lip, feeling the pain returning to her body.

“Open wound confirmed. Calculating the best possible action. Intiating procedure.”

The girl’s flat mechanical tone was so different from her previous singing, but Ryouha didn’t have time to think about it as she saw the girl biting down on her own forefinger, drawing out some blood. Ryouha was taken aback from the shocking action but the girl’s strong grip kept her in place, and she could only watch as the girl dropped her blood over the wound. Their blood mixed and dissolved into one, and suddenly Ryouha felt that the pain on her right wrist had completely disappeared. The girl released her hand and Ryouha stared at her healed wrist with renewed awe. The cut on the girl’s finger had also gone without a trace and she returned to her full height.

“Operation complete. Analyzing the next step of action.”

“U-umm…” The girl blinked, seemingly surprised to hear Ryouha talked.

“T-thank you.”

“…”

Ryouha was met by another blank stare, and the girl didn’t answer for a while, as if trying to find the right words to say.
 
“Unidentified error detected.”

“?”

“Warning. A matching response can’t be found— “Ryouha! Stay away from her!!”

Eh?


  SPLAT--


Warm. Something warm splattered onto Ryouha’s face and she reached her hand to touch it, but before she could see what it was someone pulled her into a strong hug.

“Close your eyes. Close your eyes and keep walking.”

It was her father. She wouldn’t mistake his voice and the strong smell of antiseptic of his lab coat anywhere. The little girl nodded and did as she was told, clenching her father’s coat as she felt his arm around her shoulder. She could hear another whirr of machinery, followed by some cold robotic voice.


   --EMERGENCY SHUT DOWN INITIATED. THE SUBJECT’S BODILY FUNCTIONED HAS COMPLETELY STOPPED.
   
  --CALCULATING TIME FOR REGENERATION.


Regeneration?


   --HEART FUNCTION RE-ACTIVATED. REGENERATING MISSING BRAIN IN 30 SECONDS.


Ryouha tried to peek through her father’s lab coat, finding the green grass had somehow turned into a deep shade of red. She had a speculation of what it was, if that redness was produced by the same warm liquid that currently covered her face, but she quickly dismissed the stray thought because it made her feel sick. She closed her eyes tightly once again, letting her father guide her steps until they had hit another metal floor. The grip around her shoulder disappeared.

“Release your doll.” 

She obeyed the order without a second thought and felt a wet towel against her face afterwards, cleaning her from the mysterious warm liquid. She heard her father speaking to someone with a difficult language she couldn’t understand, before the man finally sighed.

“Alright. You can open your eyes now.”

And Ryouha did. Slowly, very slowly. The first thing she noticed was that she had returned to the room with pure white wall, her father standing in front of her with his hands buried in his lab coat. His face twisted in a mix of shock, anger, and disappointment. The little girl looked away.

“Ryouha. What are you doing here?”

“I-I… I…”

Ryouha found her tongue had gone numb again, and she shrunk under his gaze. Her father let out another sigh.

“Very well, you don’t need to answer. It doesn’t matter anymore.”

“…”     

“Your arrival did help to identify a flaw in the security system. That alone is enough.”

In the end it’s like that again. He never cared as long as what she does didn’t interfere with his work. Ryouha clenched her skirt, raising her eyes from the ground to find her father typing on the monitor by the wall. His brown eyes that looked exactly like hers were stone cold as usual.

“Um, Papa…”

“Yes?” He answered quickly, his eyes didn’t even bother to leave the monitor. Ryouha gripped her skirt tighter, gathering her courage.

“That girl… who is she?

The man came into an abrupt stop, his fingers hovered slightly above the screen and his eyes widened. Ryouha felt another rush of panic as he glanced at her with an expression she couldn’t decipher, and she instinctively turned her gaze away.

“So you have been entranced by her as well.”

“…?”

“Follow me, Ryouha.”

Ryouha had expected the usual ‘classified’ answer, so hearing her father responded that way was a surprise to her. She gave a quick nod, switching into a little run to match her father’s long stride. They passed some more metallic doors on their way, which the little girl noticed was thicker than all of her thickest books combined, until they arrived in a room with a huge glass window on its one side. She saw her father planted his right hand on the glass surface, a strange look of longing in his eyes, and the girl followed suit, turning her own attention to the huge window.

It’s her.

A strange shiver struck her and Ryouha planted her both palms hard against the window, seeing the previous girl she met washing her face by the nearby stream. A patch of red was still left by her right cheek and the girl wiped it off casually with the back of her hand, before turning her attention somewhere else.


                                            Phoenix
   “Project: Fushichou.”



Ryouha glanced at her father as she heard that, a part of her was still slightly mesmerized.

"The undying bird. The artificial being that holds the key to immortality.”

She saw her father trembled and clenched his right hand into a fist.

“It is still far from stable and there hasn’t been any clue regarding its regenerative ability, but I can assure you this.” He turned to her with a smile, something that Ryouha hardly ever seen on his face.

That creature carries the hope of all human races. The thread that will connect us to the future.”







Project… Fushichou…


(http://s14.postimg.org/n92qnh9fl/Fuschichou01_04.jpg)


Ryouha turned her face toward the window again, watching as the girl shook her head to dry off her wet hair. The girl blinked and glanced at her direction. Their eyes unconsciously met.

Ryouha flinched, a strange feeling of nervousness downed her.

“Do not worry,” She heard her father said. “This is a one-way mirror so she wouldn’t be able to see us.”

The statement calmed her a little, but still, the girl’s jet black eyes kept themselves locked at her direction. As if she could truly saw her standing behind the window.

Ryouha clenched one hand above her chest, trying to calm her rapid heartbeat. She didn’t know the meaning of that complex emotion by then, but she could understand one thing; a desire that even a little girl like her would never mistake.


She didn’t care whether the girl was an artificial being or something that carried the hope of humanity.


She just wanted to meet her again, one more time...


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


Oh Phoenix, please grant me immortality
I won't be scared of anything
And as long as we can be together

I will become immortal with you in this hell



__________________________________________________________
Project: Fushichou // END OF PART ONE
Title: Re: (OS) 不死鳥 ~Project: Fushichou (NagiUha) [Part one]
Post by: kuro808 on February 01, 2016, 07:30:52 PM
I like the first part of the story and looking forward to the continuation :thumbsup
Title: Re: (OS) 不死鳥 ~Project: Fushichou (NagiUha) [Part one]
Post by: Ruka Kikuchi on February 01, 2016, 07:42:36 PM
OMG This looks so good!!! I can't wait for more!!! >w<
Title: Re: (OS) 不死鳥 ~Project: Fushichou (NagiUha) [Part one]
Post by: rosask45 on February 06, 2016, 12:15:31 AM
Yooo, this is good! Update soon, alright? :D :thumbup
Title: (OS) 不死鳥 ~Project: Fushichou (NagiUha) [Part Two]
Post by: jubethehare on February 09, 2016, 11:54:31 AM
Hello and thanks for reading part one. Here's part two everyone~
Enjoy~~

WARNING: INCOMING GORE
Don't say I didn't warn you...





不死鳥
~Project: Fushichou - part two ~

__________________________________________________________


In this universe invented by God it is said that
Every being given life will someday die
But since you're created by humanity

Does it mean we can't go to heaven together?
 


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


Half a century ago the earth had gone into a state of brink destruction.

Forests were cut down, water gone polluted with dangerous chemical, and the air was covered in smokes and residual gases from numerous machinery. This slow yet inevitable corruption reached the peak when humans started to set their sight in nuclear energy. A little leakage and slight carelessness led into a huge catastrophe, and now ninety-percent of the earth had turned into uninhabitable zone for all living creatures. In this devastating state humans thought of a new plan of survival. Borrowing the knowledge and technology they gained in price of this destruction they constructed an isolated area for them to live, shutting themselves behind steeled walls and suffocating domes that didn’t even let a puff of air from the outside to enter.

The world had fallen into a post-apocalyptic era.

And Kitagawa Ryouha was born in such world.

Having seen the artificial environment since her childhood she never knew about the destruction the earth had suffered. It was, until she accidentally found that secret facility deep inside her father’s laboratory. The hidden utopia where a certain creature resided.

Ever since that day Ryouha was haunted by the mesmerizing sight. She asked her father to tell her more about that place and about that girl she met back then, but her father would always avoid the subject. She kept asking and asking and asking, until one day her father did something she could never forget.

The man brought her to a part of the lab, showing her the place where they stowed away some specimens. You know, like those you saw in Biology class, where frogs or rats being preserved inside a jar with formalin, only bigger. And it wasn’t frog inside. Ryouha remembered the event very well, as well as the horror she felt back then. She remembered every word, every gesture.
 

“That place, you see, is something that civilians should never know about.

Wait, that’s a bit incorrect.


I was tasked to make sure that no civilians know about it.”




(http://s2.postimg.org/ho853qxk9/Fuschichou02_01.jpg)


The man tapped the jar and stared at her coldly, their brown eyes mirrored each other.


“You understand don’t you, Ryouha?”


It was warning, she knew. That if she didn’t keep quiet she’d be the one ended up inside that jar next. And somehow she knew that he wouldn’t even hesitate when the time come.

Since then Ryouha stopped asking her father about the girl, or maybe she had stopped speaking with him at all. But it didn’t mean she had given up. She decided to search about that girl herself. She searched far and wide, through news and rumors and even gossips, going as far as sneaking to her father’s study whenever she got the chance. The more she searched the more she realized that something was wrong. The history of the world prior to 50 years ago had vanished. Neither her friends nor the teachers at her school knew about it, or they hid it purposely for some reason, the girl didn’t know for sure. In the end she resorted to antique bookstores where she could sometimes find remnants of literatures from the old world, spending most of her times there.

As years passed she finally learned about the cruel reality; about the earth and the true devastating state humanity was in. But even then, she couldn’t find any trace about that girl. She had heard, of course, about the mystical bird called Phoenix and the many legends revolving around it, but as they said, it was nothing but a legend. In the end she concluded that the only way to find out was to return to that place again. So the girl started to study.

She studied hard, day-in and day-out, so that she could impress her father and finally joined his circle. She knew that her father valued knowledge and intellectual pursuit more than anything so she did just that. Bio-chemistry, Neurosciences, Mathematics; she studied them all without a day break, ignoring all the wicked stares she got from people around her. Granted, she was gifted with intelligence that might rival her father and with that she quickly rose to the top of her school.


And now, at the age of sixteen,
she was known as the next genius scientist that would carry out the legacy of her father.



“But alas, it was quite a surprise.” A man in the middle of his forties said as he packed his belongings.

“You used to be so absorbed in fairytales back in the days. To think that you would grow up to be a fine scientist—”

“People change, dad.” Ryouha plainly said as she helped her father stuffing his suitcase. “People change…”

“But not much on the inside.”
 
Ryouha narrowed her eyes, watching as her father tossed his loaded suitcase to his robotic assistant.

“Now I believe I have to catch my train by an hour. I’ll be leaving Japan for a month or so and I trust you can manage the regulation of the lab in my absence?”

“…is that a rhetorical question?”

“My, your tongue seems to have developed a pleasant deal of sharpness.”

Her father said that with his usual flat tone, but Ryouha could sense a huge deal of sarcasm behind his words. She couldn’t suppress her glare anymore and she crossed her arms, hinting that it’s almost time for the man to leave. He shrugged and started walking, stopping by the front door for a while to glance at his only daughter.


(http://s15.postimg.org/9xnyuymob/Fuschichou02_02.jpg)


“And you used to be so sad whenever I left...”

“You will miss your train, ‘professor’.”

She strongly put an emphasis at each syllable, and the man stared back at her with a hint of disappointment in his face.

“Well then,” He gave her a nod. “I’ll see you in a month.”

“…”

Ryouha huffed, feeling relieved that her father had left. So he finally showed fatherly affection, now that she’d proven to be useful to his research? Ha, what a bad joke. It made her want to puke. The girl shook her head, trying to push away the unproductive thought. She glanced at the clock by the wall.

10:45

The lab’s operating hour usually ended at 8 o’clock but it wouldn’t be a problem to her. Most of the lab was funded from her father’s research, and as the one to inherit his place she had gained almost the same level of authorization as him. The only project she couldn’t access was one.


“Project: Fushichou…”


She whispered the name quietly under her breath.

It was a hidden project led by her father, an experiment of highest priority only known to the higher-ups of the country. Nothing was known to the public; what kind of activities was conducted and for what reasons, the information remained confidential even among the scientists. But of course, it doesn’t mean she couldn’t find any trace of it.

She had found that the project actually started from a mere accident, when one of the subjects from Xenotransplantation Project showed something of an unexpected behavior. Xeno-project started around the same time when the Great Catastrophe happened. Back then a strange disease was spread among the humans, deteriorating their organs and brought death to a huge number of populations. The number of recipients greatly surpassed the number of donors available, and the scientists were forced to find another way of gaining healthy working organs. It was then that they thought of something.


What if there’s a being where we can harvest organs without a mean of rejection?

What if we create that being ourselves?



Those simple thoughts gave birth to everything.

Xeno-project was conducted under the process of creating artificial creature from humans’ stem cells, then transplanting their organs to human recipients. The subject was brain-dead and supposed to cease all functions once their organs are taken, thus complaints about human-rights whatsoever were rarely heard since they were not considered ‘alive’ in the first place. However there was a strange form of mutation in one of the subjects. That very subject showed a sign of heart activity where it shouldn’t have and soon regenerated its lost organs in a mean of seconds. The reason was not known and the fact that the subject slowly gained a sense of awareness truly baffled the scientists. Following that shocking discovery, the subject was moved into a new facility right away for further research. From there, Project: Fushichou started.

It was her father who gave name to the project, Ryouha discovered, and she was a bit puzzled when she first found out. Perhaps her father had really read that storybook he gave her and decided to name the project after it.

“Who is the one absorbed in fairytale now?”
   
Ryouha mumbled it quietly as she entered the password by the computer, opening the huge steel door of the lab. She had perfectly remembered the way around the lab now and she walked down the corridor to the underground maze where got lost back when she was still six. The place didn’t change at all, whether the white wall or the red marking or the blue orb, everything was still the same like she remembered them. A nostalgic robotic voice greeted her.

   --GREETINGS

  --PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR IDENTIFICATION DATA   


Everything felt just like a déjà vu as she put her hand over the hatch and the machine took her blood sample. Suddenly she felt like becoming a little girl all over, and the sensation of nervousness she felt long ago returned. She took a deep breath, stepping inside the area as soon as the door opened wide. From her observation the underground facility was probably around 1km in radius, and if she looked around it wouldn’t even take an hour until she found the girl, but as she walked deeper into the area, her nervousness slowly changed into something else. She noticed that the place wasn’t as beautiful as it used to; there were traces of broken trees and blood was splattered all over the place. Ryouha covered her mouth, trying to hold in the nauseating feeling. She’s used to seeing blood but this amount was just ridiculous.

“…that old man…what kind of sick experiment had he been conducting?”

She silently cursed, trying to ignore the blood as she continued her search, but then she noticed something in the distance. A human figure, dressed in white and a speck of red, its head lolling to one-side as if broken. The figure shook its head and swayed a bit, trying to regain a sense of balance, and then, it turned its jet black eyes toward the girl. Ryouha froze. She recognized that person; that blank stare and dark wavy hair.

It’s the Fushichou.

Ryouha lowered her hand from her mouth, trying to say a word, but before she could do anything a strange sensation hit her.

“Life-form detected.”

Eh? Ryouha gasped, feeling the air being cut out of her. She couldn’t breathe and there’s a sharp pain around her neck.

“!?”

“Initiating extermination procedure.”

The girl was strangling her and Ryouha shakily raised her hands, trying to pry her strong grip off her neck. She could feel her legs dangling slightly above the ground and she started to feel faint.

“S…stop…” No response. Only the girl’s emotionless eyes staring blankly into hers.

“I-it’s…me…”

“…”

The grip disappeared and Ryouha fell to the ground, coughing and gasping for air. What just happened? Was that the new defense mechanism her father devised? If it was, then why did she stop? Another emergency shutdown? Didn’t seem like it.

“You are…” The girl crouched, eyeing Ryouha intently as she spoke. She nodded.

“Identity confirmed.”

“…?”


(http://s14.postimg.org/84ualvxy9/Fuschichou02_03.jpg)



    “You are the unidentified specimen from ten years ago.”   



Ryouha blinked as she found the girl pointed at her calmly, her eyes didn’t show any doubt.

“You…remembered…?”

The girl only tilted her head, as if telling her that it was obvious, and Ryouha felt like chuckling. If her throat wasn’t in pain that is. Perhaps it was strange of her to say this in such situation but she couldn’t feel anything but happy right now. The stench of blood around her was unbearable and her neck hurt like hell, even then she was happy. It’s strange, isn’t it? But she didn’t care. If there’s one to blame she’d say that her father’s madness was probably genetic.

“Requesting medical report.”

“?”

“Was there any permanent damage?”

Ryouha did as she was asked, switching into a sitting position and letting out some random sound to test her vocal chords. There’s still some pain but it was functioning normally. The damage didn’t seem to reach her spinal cord nor her brain, too. She closed her eyes and shook her head.

“Understood. Calculating the next step—“


  --“Good evening, Fushichou.”


What? Ryouha flinched, darting her eyes around to find the source of the voice. She knew this voice. And that was the very reason she’d grown all alert.


  --“Today’s Hunting Session had ended quite well in my opinion.
   There is improvement in your physical performance and fight-or-flight judgment which I believe will satisfy the higher-ups.”



She could see a bit of static on the open space, before the image of her father flickered into existence. A hologram. Did he purposely leave it in his absence? Ryouha growled and waved her hand through the digital image, finding no response as it kept reading the result of the experiment. So it was one-way. That meant he wouldn’t be monitoring her each and every actions, but it was enough to prove that he didn’t trust her to run the lab on her own.


  --“As you can see I am currently not within the facility but no drastic changes will be made to the usual schedule.
   I had stored the necessary data in this holographic image and anything of physical situation will be handled by my daughter, Ryouha,
   who will be meeting with you tomorrow morning. Or perhaps she is already here?”



The two girls exchanged look, before Ryouha nudged her forehead in frustration. Tch, so that man had predicted my action… She glared at the hologram. Don’t get too cocky…


  --“Normally that session will be the end of today’s experiment, but…
   A new file was issued by the Japanese Ministry of Welfare regarding the new species found outside the dome.”



Another holographic image flickered beside them and Ryouha took a close look at it. The creature resembled what she believed to be a mix of armadillo and porcupine, with thick exterior shell that looked like spikes. It must be one of the mutated animals resulted from the Great Catastrophe, she thought.


  --“They need data regarding the poison it produces, whether it was lethal or not, and how human’s antibody will react to it.
   I believe it will also be necessary to test the speed of your regeneration against this new toxin.”



Ryouha narrowed her eyes as she heard that, and she quickly returned to her feet. She had a bad feeling about this.


  --“Now, let’s begin with the experiment.”


She could hear the familiar whirr of machinery from somewhere, followed by a robotic voice that started a 30-seconds countdown. The Fushichou stood.

“Intermission.”


  --“Oh?”


“An unnecessary specimen is detected and might cause a hindrance to the experiment. Requesting a five minutes delay.

Ryouha snapped her head toward the girl. A part of her felt annoyed for being called an ‘unnecessary specimen’ but her rational mind couldn’t help but agree with that statement. It might as well be the only possibility to reason with her father. She saw the hologram image froze, as if analyzing the request, before she heard something she could never imagine of hearing.

Her father laughed.


  --“A request? A request!? My, how much intelligence have you accumulated~~”


He laughed so hard, so loud that Ryouha afraid it would shake the whole facility by itself.


  --“That was amusing~ But of course, dear Fushichou, there’s one thing you have yet to learn.”


And back then, staring at his crazed eyes, only one thing remained in her head.


  --“An experimental subject has no right to speak.”


          Aah… This man is a monster…



SPLICH SPLAT



(http://s12.postimg.org/g2ssu6c99/Fuschichou02_04.jpg)



Ryouha covered her face as she felt the sudden gush of wind. She could hear two squishing sound, like the one she heard when squirting out a bottle of nearly empty tomato sauce, and she reopened her eyes. The Fushichou was there, one arm hung limply in front of her as two huge spikes pierced through it.


  --FIRST BATCH LAUNCHED. ANALYZING BODY RESPONSE. TIGHTENING OF MUSCLE AND LIGHT SEIZURE CONFIRMED.

  --“Hmm, a form of Neurotoxin is it?”



The girl pulled the spikes off her arm, and Ryouha watched as the bare flesh regenerated flawlessly.


   --REGENERATION DETECTED. RECOVERY TIME: 5.3 SECONDS. PREPARING THE NEXT BATCH.


Another whirr of machinery. Ryouha looked around her in reflexes, trying not to panic. She had to calm down and analyze the situation. There were hatches opening from the ground and somewhere behind the trees, and from there a gun-like mechanism shot out. The spikes came from that gun. If she could find the way to disable those guns—

“Attention!”

Eh? Ryouha glanced to her side, finding the Fushichou raising her voice.

“Target of shooting confirmed. Issuing command rules.” The seemingly older girl stared at her; her usually dulled eyes grew a bit sharp.

“One: Stay here; don’t move a single step.
Two: Do not interfere with the experiment.

Obeying these rules will ensure your safety.”


What? What is she…


   --SECOND BATCH READY. PREPARING TO LAUNCH IN 5 SECONDS.


The Fushichou ran out into the forest as the machine finished its monologue, and Ryouha could hear another countdown.


CRACK SNAP SPLAT

Another sickening sounds, and Ryouha closed her eyes.


   --SECOND BATCH LAUNCHED. ANALYZING BODY RESPONSE.


...

...

...

No.

This is wrong.


She had to stop this madness. NOW.


The girl pushed her shaky legs to run, ignoring the warning from the other girl as she reached for the nearest monitor and typing down on it rapidly. The mix of robotic voices and gurgling sounds entered her ears, over and over.


   --THIRD BATCH LAUNCHED. ANALYZING BODY RESPONSE.


Ryouha bit her lip, trying to get her mind to focus on her task. A huge ‘ACCESS DENIED’ flared on the monitor and she cursed. She had to hack through this.


   --FOURTH BATCH LAUNCHED. FIFTH BATCH LAUNCHED. SIXTH BATCH LAUNCHED.


The foul stench of blood entered her nose and she slammed her fist to the wall, trying to distract herself from the smell.


   --TENTH BATCH LAUNCHED. THE SUBJECT BODILY FUNCTION HAD COMPLETELY STOP. PREPARING THE NEXT BATCH.


She kept typing. Her brain spinning wildly that she couldn’t see anything else but numbers.


  --ANALYZING COMPLETE. TWENTIETH BATCH L-LA—UNC—


The robotic voice stammered and changed into a deafening static.

   
   --…

   
   --…

 
   --ACCESS GRANTED. SHUTTING DOWN ONGOING EXPERIMENT.



Ryouha fell to her knees feeling her legs had grown weak, her breath hitching. She tried to breathe normally through each gasps. This was the normal side-effects of adrenaline rush; there’s no need for her to panic and make matter worse. She tried to assure herself, wiping the cold sweat dripping down her forehead.

“…Fushichou…I need…to find her…”

She tried to ignore the dulling pain all over her body and started to walk, letting her legs guide her through the hellish sight. Her shoes made a muffled squelch every time they hit the ground, but she forced herself not to look down, because she knew her stomach wouldn’t be able to bear it. But something far more horrible was awaiting her.


(http://s13.postimg.org/ndha4t1vr/Fuschichou02_05.jpg)



“Uurgh…mmph—!!“

Ryouha couldn’t hold it anymore and she threw up, groveling on the ground. The girl’s body was in disarray; countless spikes pierced through her and her blood oozed out constantly like a faucet. It was worse than those animals she found by the butcher. It was torture.


“…what…about this…is humanity’s hope?” She clenched her hand tightly.


“…what kind of future…are you seeking from this!?”


The girl hit her fist hard against the red ground, tears streamed down her face. This place was no heaven. It was just a farce; a cruel bird-cage decorated with beautiful gold lining. It had been like that from the start. It was always like that. But she didn’t realize. Even the dome where she lived all this time, it was just a bigger cage made by humanity. And she could do nothing about it.

“…damn it…just…what is this…” She closed her eyes tightly.

“O..ver?”

“!?”

Ryouha gasped as she heard the voice. She lifted her head slowly.


“Experiment…over? Another…20 minutes…supposed to be…why?”

She saw the undying bird moved her hand groggily, pulling out a spike from her throat.

“Speak…better…huh...?" Suddenly her body jolted, and she vomited more blood through her mouth.

"...death…15 seconds…regeneration…take time…poison…slowing down…”

She pulled out another spike, this time from her left eye. The girl blinked her restored eye as it regenerated.

“Sight…secured. Next…”

SPLAT

Ryouha gritted her teeth, pulling out the huge spike from the girl’s chest. Warm blood drenched the front of her shirt but she didn’t care. She kept pulling spikes after spikes, crying, trying hard not to vomit from the grotesque sight in front of her. The Fushichou only stared at her blankly through it all.


(http://s29.postimg.org/noh3fej5z/Fuschichou02_06.jpg)



“You are interfering? Why?”


“…shut up…” She sniffed. “…or the wound will worsen.”


The injured girl tilted her head.


“I cannot die.”


Ryouha stared back at the girl’s emotionless face, glaring.


“I.DON'T.CARE…”


Her words put the Fushichou into silence, and Ryouha continued her treatment.




She’d get this girl out of this hellhole.


Even if the whole world was against her, even if that thing called humanity resented her.

Even if it takes her forever, she wouldn’t stop.


And if there’s really no place called ‘heaven’ out there, then—


...


..


.






__________________________________________________________
Project: Fushichou // END OF PART TWO
Title: Re: (OS) 不死鳥 ~Project: Fushichou (NagiUha) [Part Two]
Post by: Ruka Kikuchi on February 09, 2016, 04:57:49 PM
:OMG: :OMG: :OMG: :OMG: :OMG: :OMG:

RYOUHA, SAVE HER OMG!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: (OS) 不死鳥 ~Project: Fushichou (NagiUha) [Part Two]
Post by: kuro808 on February 09, 2016, 06:21:15 PM
Ryoha fears but something will being her back although I wonder what the being will do when it does.
Title: (OS) 不死鳥 ~Project: Fushichou (NagiUha) [Part Three]
Post by: jubethehare on February 27, 2016, 02:49:29 PM
Hello and thanks for reading up to part two. And here's part three for you all.  :D
A very light chapter if I must may, safe for some theory and all. And something about the blue feather that Ryouha mentioned is an excerpt from the original book "David and The Phoenix". In case you're confused, ha ha.
Oh, and this fanfic will end in five part by the way. So please sit tight until the ride is over~

Enjoy~





不死鳥
~Project: Fushichou - part three ~

__________________________________________________________


If this night filled with countless stars has never existed
Nobody will ever call the pure white world ‘day’
Likewise, I believe

There’s no such thing that has no end or beginning
 


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=

A bad dream. A very bad bad dream.

If Ryouha could choose one word to describe what she had seen last night, she would undoubtedly said ‘nightmare’. In fact, that’s all she wanted it to be. A bad dream and nothing more. But the dulling pain on her right wrist said the opposite.

“…”

The girl tossed on her bed, switching to her side to look at the small bandaid on her wrist. The sight reminded her of the horrific scenery and she closed her eyes tightly, grabbing the little wound as she curled into a ball. She couldn’t remember how she managed to get back to her room; she recalled disposing her bloody lab coat and uniform by the dust bin but that’s all. Did anyone spot her by the street last night? Did she just walk around the neighborhood looking like that? She wasn’t sure. Probably nobody did as her house wasn’t that far from the lab. But in all actuality she didn’t really care. What concerned Ryouha wasn’t the fact that she might be suspected for homicide; it was the cruel experiment she witnessed and the very creature trapped within it all. She gripped her wrist tighter as the memories of that night resurfaced and she quickly pushed herself into a sitting position.

“…I have to save her.”

Ryouha walked across her room toward the bathroom. She took a glance at the clock.

07:30

She had thirty minutes until today’s shift started. If she did everything quickly she could finish arranging the lab’s schedule and workload before nine. Knowing her father though, she might need to inform the other scientists herself about the change in lab’s protocol. And she didn’t like that much. Some of them seemed to look down on her because of her age, thinking that it was all because of her father that she managed to reach such high position, but to put it bluntly, she didn’t care. Not at all. She didn’t feel like speaking though, so she’d probably just send a message to their office.

“Right. I’ll just do that.”

Ryouha nodded to herself as she changed to her usual uniform and white lab coat, walking toward the living room to fetch her breakfast. The housekeeper robot greeted her like normal, a tray of toasts and milk on its mechanical hand. Ryouha took only the milk and left through the front door. She popped open the bottle, drinking it slowly as she walked, her mind already working on a way to execute her plan. What would she need to do to help that girl? First she needed to know everything about Project Fushichou until the tiniest bit. Fortunately with her father gone she could access any information to her heart content, but she couldn’t rest easy just yet. This project is one of the highest priorities so she couldn’t make any suspicious move. Any wrong step could easily lead to…

“…death.”

She quickly clamped her mouth as the words passed through her lips, her hands involuntarily shaking. This is crazy. She’s risking her limited life to save an immortal. How absurd. Pointlessly and callously irrational. The logical part of herself screamed in protest but she tried to ignore, typing the password to access her father’s office. The room lit up as she stepped inside, all the equipment turned on automatically for ready use. Ryouha sighed, putting away the empty bottle of milk on the nearby surface. There’s no reason to be afraid. She had made her whole life looking for her and she wouldn’t give up now. Besides, it’s all about irrationality in the first place. So why hesitate?

“But still…what makes me so drawn to her…?”

The girl mulled to herself as she started arranging the lab’s schedule by the computer. It’s a mystery indeed, the way her mind work. She had tried to deduce it once, and she concluded that the emotion derived from the loneliness she had when she was small. The ignorance from people around her made her yearn for a figure of comfort, so when the Fushichou showed a sign of concern to her she couldn’t help but feeling happy. Perhaps she had seen the Fushichou as some kind of savior. So she decided to save her in return. Logical enough? Not exactly. If she put everything on a scale it wouldn’t add up. The amount of struggle she gave was definitely bigger, but still, the drive inside would always outweighed her logic and brought her to the same conclusion. That’s why she believed the topic of emotion couldn’t be solved with logic. So she decided to just leave it at that.

Ryouha leaned back on her chair for a while, taking a little break. She had finished the schedule for one sector of the lab and reviewed the data of yesterday’s experiment. Come to think of it she almost forgot to inform the other scientists about her father absence. She better do it now. The girl sighed and tapped the envelope icon on the holographic monitor, finding a new message in the inbox. She blinked. The message just arrived by 8am this morning right at the start of the lab’s operating hour. It seemed to be generated automatically since the sender was of the same address as this office, which means… Ryouha narrowed her eyes, having a wild guess of what it would contain and from who. She just hoped she was wrong.

CLICK


   --"Good morning, Ryouha."



Ugh. Her face quickly turned into that of annoyance as the hologram of her father materialize beside the computer.


   --"I believe you have run through some of the schedule and is about to notify the other scientists by now. Rest assured; I have informed them regarding the current condition beforehand. You are not acquaintance with them, true?"


(http://s15.postimg.org/yjwcoz4sr/Fuschichou03_01.jpg)


The girl rested her chin on her palm, didn’t look amused at all.


   --"You have no need to concern such trivial matter. You are only needed to do what only you and no other scientist can do. Something concerning Project Fushichou."


His words caught her attention and her glare softened a bit.


   --"First of all, bring this new piece of clothing to the subject. Day to day experiment always tears them so you will be required to deliver a new one every day. It is funny when I think about it; why get proper clothing for a simple lab rat? Quite taxing and time consuming. I might issue about this matter to the higher-ups later, what do you think?"

“NO THANKS.”

Ryouha said the words sternly as she grabbed the clothing from the open hatch by the wall, glaring dagger at the hologram. She knew it was a pre-recorded message but she couldn’t help growling at it.


   --"The next procedure will be available as you finish the task one by one. I have left all the necessary data and you only need to follow suit. That will be all."


And with that the image vanished. Ryouha sighed, turning off the computer before standing up. She hadn’t finished with the schedule yet she didn’t feel like staying in the room any longer; maybe she’d just fetch a portable computing machine and continued it later. The girl decided that way as she took the said device and started walking. Ryouha hummed, her right hand fiddling with the small computer while her left one carried the white piece of clothing. As soon as she reached the door leading to Fushichou’s chamber, she put away the gadget into her pocket, taking a deep breath. Here I go…

The young scientist stepped inside, finding the facility had returned to its original colorful lush and green grass. No trace of blood or anything left. Ryouha knew better though, so she walked on cautiously, her eyes darting around to make sure that it was safe to proceed. She couldn’t hear the usual whirr of machineries and that holographic image of her damned father hadn’t said anything yet, so perhaps it’s alright to assume that today’s experiment hadn’t began. Ryouha let out another sigh, pushing through the thick bush.

“…Fushichou? Are you there?”

No answer. Perhaps the girl couldn’t hear her? She tried to speak louder.

“Fu—“

   THUD

Ryouha yelped, feeling a strong force knocking her from above and sending her to the ground. What just happened? She tried to push herself up but couldn’t, finding something on her back keeping her in place.


(http://s23.postimg.org/i5dg9ln6j/Fuschichou03_02.jpg)


“Greetings.”

Ryouha froze as she recognized the voice.

She felt the person moved away and she slowly turned into a sitting position, staring eye to eye with the Fushichou. She gulped.

“…good morning.”

The Fushichou blinked and tilted her head.

“Umm, I… Today…”

“Ryouha.”


“…?”

It was Ryouha’s turn to blink as she saw the Fushichou pointed at her with her finger.

“Specimen identified. You are ‘Ryouha’, correct?

“…yes. Yes, I am.”

The Fushichou lowered her hand and nodded, before staring at her intently. Ryouha suddenly grew nervous and turned her face away, trying to find the right words to say. Think, think. What is she coming here for? Oh yeah.

“Y-your spare clothes. Here…”

She peeked through her long strand of hair, seeing the immortal girl taking the clothes from her hand, but what the girl did after startled her so much that she nearly felt her heart burst.

“W-w-what do you think are you doing!?”



(http://s10.postimg.org/q5625z6g9/Fuschichou03_03.jpg)


The Fushichou paused from undressing herself, seeing Ryouha flailing her hands, trying to cover her flushed face. She blinked.

“I believe this activity is called ‘changing’.”
 
“I KNOW WHAT CHANGING IS.”

“Question. May I know the problem—“

“D-DO IT SOMEWHERE ELSE!”


The Fushichou gave her another blink.

“I will need to know the reason—“ “Just. Do it.”

“Understood.”

Ryouha could hear some shuffling sounds in the distance, but she kept her eyes locked to her black shoes, fiddling them with each other in an attempt to distract her thought. She bit her lip.

“…Fushichou?”

“Receiving command.” The voice sounded like a few meters away. “Is there anything you need?”

“No, it’s just… what were you doing up on the tree?”

There was a pause before the Fushichou answered.

“I was sleeping. To engage the activity without delaying the reconstruction of environment the tree will be the most effective choice.”

“W-what? Don’t you have…a proper bed or sleeping chamber?”

“Negative. No data about such facility ever present in the system.”

Ryouha clenched her hands, lifting her head to see the Fushichou walking back to her.

“I am nothing but an experimental subject. A ‘lab rat’ in Professor’s word. I have no need of such thing—“

“Don’t say that, ever again.”

“…”

“I will never let anyone call you a ‘lab rat’. Not even yourself…”

The sentence ended barely above a whisper, and even the Fushichou seemed to be able to pick up a hint of anger in her words. So the undying bird only nodded. Ryouha let out her breath, trying to calm herself. She could see the Fushichou sat beside her, eyeing her with a blank expression she couldn’t read. Right, she better start doing what she came here for.

Ryouha took out the little device from her pocket, putting it on the ground and turning it on. A holographic monitor appeared in the thin air, and she typed on the imaginary keyboard just below it. The Fushichou watched her whole movement in silence. She browsed through the many directories of the lab, trying to find the exact data she needed concerning Project Fushichou. No luck. Perhaps it was hidden? She typed in some lines of command.

     X:\> attrib –s –h “X:\DOME\Users\001\Project\2025\Fushichou”

   Path not found - X:\DOME\Users\001\Project\2025\Fushichou

   X:\>_


What? That’s weird…


   X:\> dir /a:hd X:\DOME\Users\001\Project\


Ryouha narrowed her eyes, scanning through the countless lists of hidden projects. No trace of Project Fushichou there. Great. Her father must have masked it with a different name. But what? It would take her all day to search through the list one by one and it’s too risky.

“Question. May I ask what are you engaging with?”

Ryouha didn’t answer. Her eyes closed, deep in thought. Think, think. If it was her father, what would he do? He was the one to name the project. The name was taken from the book he gave her long ago. The David and The Phoenix. Was there any clue in the story?

Knowledge. 500 years tradition.

Rebirth. Pyre and cinnamon. Fire.

What left after the ritual?

...


...


...


“…the Blue Feather.” She quickly typed it down.


   X:\> X:\DOME\Users\001\Project\2025\BlueFeather

   Password: _



Found it. Now for the password…

“245.”

“Eh?”

Ryouha snapped her head toward the Fushichou.

“I recalled that Professor is fond of wordplay.”

Wordplay? Well, she couldn’t deny that her father likes to speak in riddles but will it be that simple? Fu-shi-chou. 2-4-5. Maybe she could try.


   X:\> X:\DOME\Users\001\Project\2025\BlueFeather

   Password: 245_



Ryouha took a deep breath, before clicking the enter button. The screen turned black right afterwards, before the words ‘Project: Fushichou’ appeared. I win, old man…


  --"Good morning, you two."


Tch. Ryouha quickly closed her computer, turning to see the now so familiar hologram of her father. She saw the Fushichou did the same.


  --I believe that you have managed to finish the first task. Now it is time to start with the first batch of the experiment. You will proceed with the usual procedure, Fushichou. And as for you, Ryouha, you will be required to check the experiment report if there is any fluctuation or abnormality in the data. Now off you go.


The sickening sound of machineries struck Ryouha with pure horror. She could see a door opening on the nearby wall and the Fushichou stood. Ryouha sprung to her feet, reaching out to grab the girl’s hand. The undying bird stopped and turned, seemingly confused by her sudden action.

“Is there anything you need?”

“…”

“Do you need information regarding the experiment procedure?”

“No, I—“

“First batch of daily experiment. Calculating the body physical limit which include: muscular strength, endurance, and cardiovascular respiratory. The experiment will be conducted in a special chamber and for as long as necessary.”

“…until ‘the subject could no longer function’?”

She could see the Fushichou flinched a bit.

“That is correct.”

“…”

Ryouha turned her face to the ground, gripping the girl’s hand tighter.

“…is it impossible…for you to not go?”

It was a stupid question, she knew. Nothing but a baseless hope she had. And she could already guess the answer.

“That will be impossible.”

Of course. That answer didn’t surprise her at all, but still, something inside her felt hurt hearing that.

...

...

...

“Three weeks…”


(http://s30.postimg.org/rujnmzbpd/Fuschichou03_04.jpg)



She released the girl’s hand hesitantly. Her voice trembled.

“Give me three weeks…I’ll definitely find a way to save you…I promise…”

She didn’t know what kind of face the Fushichou made back then nor did she have the courage to look. She just kept her eyes to the ground, listening to a familiar robotic voice counting down to zero, until the door to the experiment chamber came into a close.

  --…

    --…

      --EXPERIMENT START


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


Bountiful forest enclosed within thick steel walls. That scenery started to feel familiar to Ryouha as she walked into the facility, a piece of clean clothing and some books on her hands. Several days had passed since she said her promise to the girl and since then she came to the place everyday, tending to her wounds despite her regenerative ability and bringing books of all kind to show her about the outside world. The next thing she did was memorizing all of the experiments schedule, and as soon as she did that she started working on cracking its system, doing everything she could in an attempt to stop the cruel experiments. It was not far off to say that her whole actions confused the Fushichou, a being that knew nothing but being an experimental subject all its life, and it wasn’t only once or twice that she asked what the girl’s intention was.

“…nothing much.” Ryouha would say, as she put down the books and handed the clothes to the Fushichou.

“I just…want to help you.”

The Fushichou couldn’t find the proper reply to that. She just silently walked behind the nearby tree, changing her tattered and bloody clothes with the new one she just acquired. This ‘Ryouha’ was a very strange specimen indeed, she thought. But what puzzled the Fushichou most would probably why she even cares about her. Ten years ago, why would helping that girl be the most accurate action?

“…Fushichou?”

 The undying bird blinked as she heard the voice.

“Have you finished changing yet?”

“Yes. I’ll be right with you in a second.”

Strange. Really really Strange. Every time she met Ryouha she felt like something inside her started to change bit by bit. Even her speaking pattern had changed, from that of a mechanical tone to a more fluid conversation. Maybe all the books she brought and they way she tried to speak with her played a role in that change. The Fushichou mulled to herself as she saw Ryouha so immersed in her computer, seemingly not noticing her presence. She blinked. Her face was as emotionless as ever, but somehow, she couldn’t deny that there’s a mischievous urge building up inside. Really strange indeed. The Fushichou approached the girl quietly.

“What kind of books are you bringing today?”

“!!”

Ryouha flinched, feeling cold air on her left ear as she heard the whisper. She nearly jumped, covering her ear with both hands and staring at the Fushichou with wide eyes. The creature only blinked in response. The girl always looked so flustered whenever she got close, and that reaction somehow amused the Fushichou. Amusement. Perhaps it’s one of those humans called emotion?

“Are you still working on breaking the server?”

“…yes. I almost got it, but…not yet…”

“I see.”

The undying bird sat beside her and Ryouha returned her attention to the monitor, trying hard to avoid the girl’s gaze. The two girls sat in silence; Ryouha relentlessly typing while the Fushichou hummed quietly as she browsed through the books. There were days where they would spend hours doing just that, with the Fushichou sometimes poking the young scientist just for the sake of annoying her and seeing her reaction. There was a great change in her behavior, Ryouha noticed recently. It was as if the artificial creature had started to develop a personality of her own. And quite a troublesome one it seemed.

“Oh.”

“?”

“You smiled.”

“…huh?”

Ryouha glanced at the Fushichou, finding the older girl poking her cheek playfully with her finger.

“That’s very rare.”

See? That kind of troublesome teasing personality. Ryouha pouted, puffing her cheek in a childish manner.

“I’m not.”

“You are.”

Ryouha sighed and rested her head on the girl’s shoulder, a small smile on her face.

“…I’ve worked on this for days… I haven’t broken through the system, yet… and I’m tired. How can I be smiling?”

“Alright, alright. You are just tired. I understand.”

She huffed, feeling the Fushichou played with her hair as she continued working with the lines of codes.

“Hey, Ryouha.”

“Hm?”

“The thing holding you down, is it this collar?”

“…”

The young scientist grew silent, before she finally answered.

“Yes… that collar always monitors your condition and sends data to the main server every minute… I have found a way to disable it for a few seconds, and if I use the small disturbance to alter its flow of information to a fake source I can make as if you’re still within the facility. But… “

“But?”

Ryouha stopped her endless typing, a hint of hesitation in her eyes.

“I still need…to get that collar off your neck…”

The Fushichou tilted her head as she heard that, and as if it was obvious, the girl spoke.

“That’s simple. You just need to cut off my head, right?

Ryouha clenched her fist.

“…no. No, I can’t do that. I-I don’t know how long the program can fool the system… I don’t even know if it would really work… What if there’s an error? What if they found out…and put you into a far more horrible experiment? What if…” She swallowed, trying to find her voice.

  “What if… I can’t see you anymore...?”

She clenched her hands tighter, her mind trying to find any other option to no avail.

No. That’s unthinkable. There’s no way she could do that. Think, think! There’s got to be another way—


“You’re very strange.”


(http://s21.postimg.org/6h4k7zhiv/Fuschichou03_05.jpg)


Ryouha yelped as she felt Fushichou's arm around her, pulling her closer.


“I am immortal, remember?


Ryouha didn’t answer. She let the Fushichou petted her head and comforted her, hearing the girl’s heartbeat beating a bit faster than normal.

“Hey, Ryouha. Why are you doing all this? Getting me out of here is the same as declaring war with all humanity.”

“…I know. And I don’t care.”

“You really are strange.”

Ryouha looked away.

“I… I just… want to be with you… And I can’t stand seeing them hurting you for their own sake…” 

“An empathy? Or is it pity?”

“No… it’s… I don’t know, but it’s not that.”

“…strange.”

“?”

“Because I’m starting to think the same way.”

Ryouha glanced at the Fushichou, seeing the creature smiled as she lifted her face to the artificial sky. It was the first time she ever saw the girl smile, but somehow it looked so natural as if she had seen it over and over before.

“That irrational drive, is that what they called emotion?”

“…I believe it is.”

“It’s very strange.”

“It is…” Ryouha chuckled. “Pointlessly and callously irrational…”

The Fushichou laughed with her, and for once she forgot all her previous worry.


That’s right. There’s no turning back.

She will do this. No. She’ll make sure that this plan will work.


She wouldn’t be afraid of anything.


For sure, if it’s with her,

Everything will be…



...


..


.


 
__________________________________________________________
Project: Fushichou // END OF PART THREE

Title: Re: (OS) 不死鳥 ~Project: Fushichou (NagiUha) [Part Three]
Post by: kuro808 on February 28, 2016, 10:01:55 PM
I think Ryoha will be the one to protect her but will end up destroying it just to protect her in the end :nervous
Title: Re: (OS) 不死鳥 ~Project: Fushichou (NagiUha) [Part Three]
Post by: fath107 on March 02, 2016, 02:54:03 PM
Whoa... is it really okay if ryouha get fushichou out from her father lab?  :O

Hmm... i smell something lovey-dovey in the next chapter~ (♡´艸`) and... something more dark too!!  :banghead: :bleed eyes:

Please update soon~ (*´▽`)ノノ
Title: (OS) チグハグ ~Patched-Up (NagiUha)
Post by: jubethehare on March 19, 2016, 04:44:20 PM
A quick short idea that popped out of nowhere. Hmm, what should I say... my head is making something dark again, ha ha.
Oh, Ryouha expressive emoji in her 755 are always so cute. And Nagisa almost ALWAYS ends her SNS comment with(笑)(lol)
That's all.

Enjoy~



Patched-Up

__________________________________________________________



Something broke

Something inside me just broke,
and it has gone beyond repair...



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“...police in Akihabara, Tokyo, are looking for the culprit of multiple slashing incident that occurred lately. The latest incident happened to a man who was slashed on the face as he was walking home on Friday night. According to police, the incident occured at around 10pm when the 25-years-old man, who was walking from a nearby pub suddenly attacked from behind by a kitchen knife. The man suffered cuts through his eyes and nose but is in a stable condition. The motive of this assault is still under investigation--”

BEEP--

I turned the TV off, hugging my knees close to my chest. The room was dark and I could barely see my own hand in front of me; I tossed the remote away, hearing the small 'thud' it made as it hit the floor and I fell to my side. The sofa I was sitting on was so soft that I almost felt drowning in it. I closed my eyes.

  “Once upon a time...”

I whispered quietly under my breath.

“There was a family of three living peacefully in Osaka.”

The room was so quiet that I could almost hear my voice echoed in the silence, and I continued.

“A mother and two daughters; they lived by their own on a small apartment. Even though life was hard they always stick together, and they were happy. Until something happened. Hmmm... Say, mr. Foxy, what was it named again?”

I opened my eyes and let my right hand fell to the floor, searching through the messy piles. My fingers brushed something soft and I grabbed on it, a quick squeaky sound entered my ears as I did.

“Ah right, 'stalker' was it?” I raised the stuffed toy above my face, staring at the dirty patched-up doll. I could barely made up the pointy fox ears in the darkness.

“This person called 'stalker', or was it 'father'? Eh, maybe both. Anyways, he came and snip-snap 'em all to pieces. The end. What do you think about this story, mr. Foxy?”

The toy didn't answer and I smiled.

“Sorry. You're already fed up with this story, huh? He heh, I know...”

I pinched its soft cheeks, making the little stitches around the fabric opened a bit and showing the fluffy cotton beneath it.

“...but mr. Foxy, what if one of them still alive?”

I smiled wider and gazed at my little friend silently, ignoring the loose string that barely kept its one buttoned eye attached to its face. I was waiting. Waiting...for what, is it? An answer? I didn't know for sure. But I just stayed there silently, watching the muted fox doll with a huge smile on my face.

  BZZZ--

    BZZZ--


A vibrating sound. And a small light shining in the dark room. I pushed myself up and reached my hand toward the light.

   --1 new message

I tapped the message icon on my phone.


   From: Kitagawa Ryouha
   Subject: Where are you?

   Hey, didn't I tell you that we're having a welcome party today? Mio and Meru just returned from a one year exchange to Okinawa
   so come here right away!! (・`ェ´・)つ



I blinked and stared at the message for a while, before typing the reply.


   From: Shibuya Nagisa
   Subject: Scary~ (lol)

   Uwaah, I'm sorry~~ I forgot to check my calendar.
   But I'm too lazy to come out now so maybe I'll pass (lol) (lol)


There was barely a minute when the next reply come.


   From: Kitagawa Ryouha
   Subject: I'm not scary

   So even your big appetite lose to your laziness? You're so hopeless. ┐(´(エ)`)┌
   Fine then, I'll take away the leftover for you.


I chuckled and typed another reply.


   From: Shibuya Nagisa
   Subject: You are scary, ms. Tiger Cub (lol)

   Eh, don't bother. You don't even know my house. (lol)


   From: Kitagawa Ryouha
   Subject: Stop calling me Tiger Cub!

   Then tell me already! Geez, you always disappear somewhere when school ends!! ( ಠ ಠ )


   From: Shibuya Nagisa
   Subject: See? You're scary (lol)

   Naaw, my place is just so messy it couldn't afford a visitor~~ Anyways, don't go home too late
   and stay safe on your way back. It's dangerous at night.


There was a long pause this time, before finally another '1 new message' appeared on my phone screen.


   From: Kitagawa Ryouha
   Subject: ...

   Are you worried about the 'slasher' incident? The police haven't caught the culprit yet, I heard.
   But from what I know he only attacked men around their thirties or so... 


I tapped the screen with my nail a few times, biting my lip.


   From: Shibuya Nagisa
   Subject: Why no cute emoji? (lol)

   Not 'slasher' but 'stalker'. Who knows how many of them lurking out there?
   Oh, but when you're glaring you're as scary as an old man in his thirty
   so maybe the slasher may mistaken you for one. (lol)


The reply came quickly this time and I snickered.


   From: Kitagawa Ryouha
   Subject: (╬•᷅д•᷄╬)

   Who are you calling old man!? ヾ(o`ェ´)ノ
   And if I end up glaring it's mostly because of YOU.


I giggled to myself at her cute reply, but before I could type anything another message came in.


   From: Kitagawa Ryouha
   Subject: Besides...

   If there really is someone stalking me...
   You would have known already. (¬з¬) 



A huge smile stretched on my face and I felt my fingers start typing on their own.


   From: Shibuya Nagisa
   Subject: Re: Besides...

   Of course. I'll definitely protect you.



Another long pause. I almost thought she stopped replying when suddenly the screen lit up once again.


   From: Kitagawa Ryouha
   Subject: Stop saying embarrassing things

   Anyways. Miki has started her long speech. Night.


   From: Shibuya Nagisa
   Subject: G'night

   Have fun~


 
I tossed the phone away, walking out of the sofa.

“Aah, Ryou-chan is being flustered again~ Ain't she just cute, mr. Foxy? Ha ha~”

I shared my old stuffed toy a little laugh as I grabbed a black hoodie from the floor and searched the wall for a light switch. Click. I could hear the sound briefly before the dim light crackled on.

“Now, where is it... I'm sure I left it here somewhere...”

I crouched and dug my hand carefully though the pile of clothes, books, and newspaper clippings sprawled on the floor. Something reflected light from beneath the messy heap and I smiled, reaching for that thing.

There you are~ I was looking all over for you, ha ha~”

I took the kitchen knife on my hand and stood, walking toward the front door.

“Come on, Ryou-chan might need us~ Oh, and I almost forgot. Mr. Foxy.”
 
I gave my broken fox doll another glance, staring at its patched up face with a huge happy smile.

I lied about the end of the story. One of the two daughters, you see, is still alive~”

The doll stared back at my laughing face without a word. It just stared on silently, until I closed the door behind me and left into the dark night.

...

...

...

“...ah, it's broken again.”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


It has broken,
that little gear inside me

But I'll be fine, right?

Yes, I'll be fine for sure
because you are there beside me


So please hurry and find my Patched-Up Heart

before it lose itself and crumble to dust...





__________________________________________________________
チグハグ ~Patched-Up// END
Title: Re: (OS) チグハグ ~Patched-Up (NagiUha)
Post by: fath107 on March 20, 2016, 01:21:09 PM
Oh my... you're such a scary person jubethehare-san :bleed eyes:

So.. in other words, nagi was protected ryouha from the stalker?  :? And the slasher was nagi?

Uuhh... i think i should re-read this -_- if i'm wrong~

Thanks for the os :D please moar nagiuha~~
Title: Re: (OS) チグハグ ~Patched-Up (NagiUha)
Post by: jubethehare on March 20, 2016, 05:57:14 PM
Thanks for reading~ Eh, am I that scary? Well~~

So.. in other words, nagi was protected ryouha from the stalker?  :? And the slasher was nagi?

Yep, you got that right~ But actually before she met Ryouha she had already 'broken' (if you carefully read her monologue) and got problems with stalkers. So that she wouldn't lose anyone again, she decided to, well... snip-snap
Title: Re: (OS) 不死鳥 ~Project: Fushichou (NagiUha) [Part Four]
Post by: jubethehare on April 09, 2016, 12:40:35 PM
Hello and long time no see, everyone. Here's part four for you~  :D

We're finally reaching the climax of the story.

WARNING: INCOMING ROLLER-COASTER RIDE
Please fasten your seatbelt and remain seated until the ride is over.

Well then, enjoy~





不死鳥
~Project: Fushichou - part four ~

__________________________________________________________


Hey, if my life does have an end
and I can spend that limited time with you

Can I call that a miracle?

 

=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“Umm, welcome... to my house...”

Ryouha quietly said as she walked through the automatic door, glancing at the hooded figure beside her. The figure stepped inside, lowering the white fabric that covered her head to reveal her long wavy hair. She blinked.

“A house. So this is a house?”

The girl skipped ahead, stopping by the nearby table to poke at the little lamp on its top, a hint of curiosity in her jet black eyes. Ryouha smiled as she saw that. She took her sight off the girl for a while, removing her shoes before stepping inside the living room herself, taking the time to scan the small optics by the ceiling. She had made sure to disable all the security cameras and load a different footage so that her father wouldn't know this.

That she had brought what was called humanity's hope out of its confinement and took the creature all for herself.



Hm.

Putting it that way made her sound like the bad guy.

Ryouha sighed, walking toward her room with hesitant steps. Why is it only now that she realized how big of a danger she'd got herself into? She managed to get the girl out of the lab, then what? She should've thought everything a lot more thoroughly. The young scientist let out another long sigh.

“Ryouha?”
 
She heard the Fushichou called and she turned her head toward the source of the voice, only to find the said girl poking her left cheek with her finger. Ryouha took a step back in surprise, covering her cheek in reflexes. She could feel it heating up a bit.

“W-what is it?”

The Fushichou gave her a blink.

“You seem to be spacing out. Is there anything wrong?”

Ryouha didn't answer, eyeing the oblivious girl silently as the guilt inside her melted away. This girl had suffered enough 'for the sake of humanity'. If there's anyone she could call 'the bad guy' it would be those people who forced this girl to partake in such cruel experiments. Sure she was artificially made but is it enough of a reason to torture her? Ryouha shook her head, giving the Fushichou a small smile.

“...it's nothing.” She pushed a button by the steel wall, making another door opening up beside her. “Come on in.”

The Fushichou paused for a while before following the girl inside. She let her eyes wandered around; a closet, a bed, a desk complete with its computer set and a chair, then a huge shelf with various kind of books inside. She glanced at Ryouha, seeing the girl putting away her lab coat on the nearby hanger, her eyes avoiding hers.

“...this is my room.”

Ryouha said that quietly, very quietly, and if it wasn't for her good hearing the Fushichou might've missed it.

“Your room. I see.”

The older girl walked toward the bookshelf, taking a random book and absentmindedly flipped through its pages. Ryouha took the chance to calm her racing heartbeat. She had never brought anyone to her house let alone her room, but she didn't think it would this...awkward. She let out another sigh. This is no time be so flustered! She shouted to herself. I have to come up with the next plan. Fast. The girl tried to shake herself back to reality as she walked over to her closet.

“Fushichou? Can you...come here for a while?”

“What is it?”

“!?”

Ryouha nearly screamed when she felt the cold air by her ear, finding the girl already standing beside her with her usual blank look. She didn't understand why the Fushichou never made any noise when she walked but it seemed like the undying bird had took that to her advantage lately, catching her off-guard and purposely startling her. Ryouha knew. Because there's one time when she shrieked and slapped her in reflexes, and she almost sure she saw the girl smirked. This girl... just where did she pick up such an annoying hobby...? That, she never knew.

“...stop sneaking up on me.”

“Did I?”

“...”

Forget it. Ryouha sighed and opened the closet, rummaging through the clothes. The Fushichou staring at her with curious gaze.

“What are you looking for, Ryouha?”

“...proper clothes. For you. But...” Ryouha glanced at the girl for a while. “I don't think any of my clothes will fit...”

“Is that so?”

Ryouha slowly nodded. Actually she had grown quite a lot in the last ten years and the gap between their height wasn't too far now, but still there are...places where she's sure they wouldn't fit. The Fushichou seemed to not understand the problem though, and the girl simply eyed her, up and down and up and down.

“W-what are you looking at?”

“I see.”

“?”

“I could see the problem from the size of our ch—

  SLAP


(http://s27.postimg.org/6flw6ruv7/Fuschichou04_01.jpg)



“Here.you.go.”


The Fushichou stopped mid-sentence as Ryouha threw a piece of jacket to her face, taking it with her hands afterwards. Ryouha crossed her arms.

“Don't worry, it's my mother's. So it WILL probably fit.”

“...understood.”

“Good. Then start changing while I'll find some shoes for you.”

Ryouha handed her a t-shirt and a pair of pants right after, pushing the oblivious girl to the bathroom and closing door. She huffed.

“Ryouha?”

She heard the Fushichou called from behind the door.


  “How do you put these things on?”


Ryouha froze. She got to be kidding me... The young scientist ran and fetched her portable computer in reflexes as she heard the door being pushed open.

  “Would you—“ "Take this.

'Push this button once you finish. It has all the procedure intact. Now g-go and get change!”

She handed the device to the girl and quickly pushed her inside, her eyes avoiding the exposed body all the while. Ryouha sighed, her back against the bathroom door as she slowly slid down to the floor. Seriously. All of these trivial matters suddenly made her felt so exhausted. She covered her face with both hands and quietly squirmed. The room fell silent for a good few minutes, with only some shuffling sounds of the Fushichou changing and the clock ticking by the wall. 


  “Hey, Ryouha.”


Ryouha lowered her hands as she heard the girl called.


  “Can I ask you a question?”

“...what is it? Is there something you don't understand?”

  “No. It doesn't concern the clothing procedure.”

“?”


The Fushichou paused, before she finally spoke.


   “That 'mother' person that you mentioned, who are they?”


Ryouha flinched as she heard that. Why did the Fushichou suddenly bring that up? Ah, could it be? That she realized the strange atmosphere and decided to switch the topic? That girl sure learned fast concerning human conversation. But still she didn't expect that question, so she stopped for a while, trying to find the right words to explain.


“My mother...is the person who gave birth to me...and she's a 'she' by the way.”

   “Is that so?”

“Yeah...”

   “Is it alright to lend her clothes to me?”


Ryouha blinked.


“It's fine... Father said that she disappeared when I was still a baby, so...”

   “My mistake. I shouldn't have bring that up.”

“It's fine, really...”


Ryouha stood and walked over to her closet, a soft smile on her face as she recalled the little memories she had of her mother. She could barely make up her face but she clearly remember her voice. It was a very beautiful voice. She always loved her mother's voice, especially when she sang that soothing lullaby—

Ryouha suddenly stopped.

“...Fushichou?”

   “Yes?”

“That song you always sing everytime...where did you learn it?”

How could she be so oblivious? Why that song sounded so familiar, why she always found the melody comforting; why did she only realize it now? There wasn't any lyrics back then, but if that melody was really the same with the one she heard when she was small, then...


  “I learned it from a certain woman. A woman with that lab coat and straight long hair that resembled yours.”


Ryouha clenched her hands, a feeling of sadness and joy mixing inside her as she heard those words. She swallowed her breath, trying to find her voice.


“...what did she look like?”

   “...”

“The woman you met back then...what did she look like?”

  “She's very kind. And a very strange woman, just like you.”


She could feel a soft grip around her shoulder and she closed her eyes, letting the warmth comforted her.


“She had your smile and silky long hair, but she barely glares as much as you.”

“...well, people always said that I have my father's eyes.”

“That solves the equation then. But she did have your timid way of speaking.”

Ryouha smiled as she heard that. She raised her face, staring eye to eye with the Fushichou.


(http://s21.postimg.org/ntaifio7b/Fuschichou04_02.jpg)


“...you're sneaking up on me again.”

“I just walked over normally. It was you that didn't realized my presence, Ryouha.”

She playfully puffed her cheek and the Fushichou did the same. The two girls laughed at each other.

“...so...my mother...is she...”

“I'm sorry. The last time I saw her was more than ten years ago, way before we met.”

“...”

She could feel the Fushichou hugged her tighter but Ryouha only smiled.

“...let's get your shoes and get going...”

The Fushichou release her grip on the girl, tilting her head.

“Where to?”

“...to get the information we need to escape the dome...or more precisely, an antique bookstore by the edge of this birdcage...”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


It's been a long time since Ryouha walked around the dome city and she never enjoyed it much. She barely knew anyone around the neighborhood, and she couldn't say she had any friends back in school. Not that she regretted it. If there's one thing she's concerned about right now was the fact that the Fushichou kept dragging her all over the place, asking this and that like a curious child. They should keep a low profile and yet there they were touring around as if there's no care in the world. Well, she had made sure that the girl put on her hood and tried to avoid as many security cameras as possible but it was proved to be difficult. If not at all impossible. Ryouha sighed, shaking her head as she heard the Fushichou called her for what seemed like the hundreds time that day.

“...Fushichou.” She nudged the girl and spoke quietly, barely above whisper.

“Would you...stop running ahead of me? We have to stay hidden...”

“Hidden? Why?”

Ryouha didn't answer. She simply pulled the girl away from another security camera, blending into the crowded street.

“But Ryouha.” She heard the girl spoke. “You said nobody but you and your father knew my face. And that there's barely anyone in this town who know you.”

“...that's true... but...”

I don't fancy meeting anyone who do know me right now. She wanted to say that but she decided otherwise, holding the girl's hand to make sure that she wouldn't run off again. Those who knew her wasn't necessarily like her. She could even say the opposite. Whether out of envy, or fear, or plain unease; they didn't like her company and so did she. So if possible she wanted to avoid any kind of confrontation with them.

“Do you hate this world, Ryouha?”

Eh? She glanced at the Fushichou, trying to read her blank expression. The girl had been asking everything out of the blue lately.

“I...not that I hate them...it's just...”

“If you hate them I can always eliminate the whole world for you. “DON'T.”

Ryouha flicked the girl over her nose, scolding her.

“I don't want you to get hurt or hurting anyone...”

“And if there's someone hurting you?”

“...I'll find a way myself.”

“You really are strange.”

The Fushichou pulled her closer and nuzzled her cheek.


(http://s28.postimg.org/oivf0buct/Fuschichou04_03.jpg)


“I won't let you though.”

“...”

Ryouha couldn't answer that. She only pushed the girl's face away, trying to hide her own flushed face. After a few more walks around the tall buildings and skyscrappers they finally reached the edge of the dome; the dark quiet slums where the remnants of the old world resided. There's barely any security cameras around, unlike in the main city; if there's any it would've already being scavenged and sold by the pawn shop. Anyways. Ryouha walked down the dirty road silently and she could feel the Fushichou tightened her grip on her hand, the girl's eyes sharpened in alert.

“...don't worry. We're just stopping by a bookstore on the next intersection.”

“Affirmative. Scanning the area for any imminent danger.”

Ryouha tried to stifle her laugh as she noticed the flat robotic tone. Who's being careful now? She shook her head and continued walking. They reached an old two-storey house after a while, and Ryouha pushed the wooden door open.

“Baachan?”

She called, her voice echoed inside the messy room filled with many bookshelves.

“I'm here to look for some books again.”

The girl stepped inside and urged the Fushichou to do the same, seeing the undying bird darted her eyes around carefully. Seems like she's still in alert mode... Ryouha closed the front door behind her.

“Baacha—“ “Yes, yes! Geez, lass, I can hear you just fine.”

There was some rumbling sound from the deeper end of the house followed by footsteps. The Fushichou flinched as she heard that, stepping in front of Ryouha and hiding the girl behind her.

“What's that? Yer' bringing a friend 'ere?”

“Unidentified specimen found.”

“Huh!? Yer' one rude brat, ain't cha?”

“Calculating the best possible action—“ “This.”

Ryouha pushed the Fushichou aside, addressing the old lady. “...is Yabushita-baachan. The owner of this bookstore.”

The Fushichou blinked.

“Data recorded. A strange pattern of speaking found.”

“Hmph, like yer' one to talk. If there's anything strange, lass, it'd be yer mechanical tone not my Kansai-ben.”

The old lady spat while the Fushichou deepened her glare. Ryouha wondered where their mutual hostility came from but whatever it is it wouldn't do them any good. She nudged the Fushichou by her arm.

“...she's been very kind to me, so be a good girl. Okay?”

“...if you insist.”

The Fushichou lowered her arm carefully, while Ryouha gave her a small smile.

“And Baachan, she's...umm, my friend. Her name is...Fushichou.”

The said girl bowed her head halfheartedly.

“Eh, what a strange name. Don't know about parents nowadays naming their child that way. And what with wearing a hood inside a room? 's that supposed to be cool lately?”

Ryouha sighed, stealing a glance at the Fushichou as the girl didn't seem to be pleased.

“...Baachan, can you be a bit...gentle to her? ...she has her own reason.”

The old lady only shrugged and walked away, leaving Ryouha with another sigh. She turned to the Fushichou.

“...would you stay here for a while? I need to talk to her.”

The Fushichou obediently nodded, busying herself with some of the books. Ryouha took that as a 'yes' and proceed to catch up with the bookstore owner.

“Baachan...”

“Yea?”

The old lady put down a kettle of water above the stove and turned the fire on. 

“I... I-I need your help...”

"Sure. Shoot up.”

“Do you know of a way...to escape the dome?”

The old lady froze as she heard that. She gave the girl a skeptical look, before sighing and motioning her to sit by the dining table on the middle of the room.

“I always thought it's strange for a bright lass like ya to come to this wretched place.”

She sat adjacent to the girl, folding her hands above the wooden surface.

“Ya finally got yerself into a crime or somethin'?”

Urgh. Ryouha switched her gaze away. Well, she couldn't really deny that.

“Ya gotta be kiddin' me...”

“...”

“Ryouha, lass.” The old lady leaned forward, trying to whisper to the girl. “What have ya got yerself into?”

“I kind of...” Ryouha tilted her head slightly to the Fushichou by the other room. “Sneak a certain specimen out of the lab...”

“A specimen? That brat?”

Ryouha nodded, and the old lady leaned back to her chair.

“Heh, what a joke. So those scientists still carry out their crazy experiment?”

Ryouha blinked as she heard that.

“Baachan...? You know...”

“Xenotransplant, was it? There's so many of 'em back in the day but not anymore. Thought they already done with it.”

“...are you one of a recipient too, Baachan?”

“Nah.” The old lady stood, turning off the stove as she heard a loud whistling from it. She took the kettle with her, telling Ryouha to get the cups and teabags.

“A friend of mine was. But once she knew the true nature of that project she declined the transplant.”

“...umm, then how is she...”

“Dead.” The old lady blantantly said as she poured some hot water into the cup.

“She's all dead with a happy smile on 'er face. As if sleepin'.”

“...”

“Eh, what with this gloomy talk. Call that friend of yours over and--“

CRASH CRACK THUD—

“Oi!!”

The grumpy store owner shouted as she heard the loud sound, finding one pile of her books crashing down onto the unsuspecting girl.

“Watch yer hands, those books are one of a kind!”

The said girl poked her head out of the mountain of books, her hood falling down to her shoulder to show her full appearance. She blinked and turned her head toward the old lady.

“I apologize, Yabushita-san. That was my mistake.”

“...you.”

“...”

“Baachan?” Ryouha narrowed her eyes in worry as she saw the old lady shivered.

“I-is something wrong?”

“...you...why are you...”

The old lady slowly walked over the fallen girl, reaching her wrinkled hands toward her. The Fushichou flinched a bit as the harsh skin touched her face, feeling uneasy from the sudden closeness.

“...fifty years...it's almost fifty years, damn it... and I couldn't even recognize yer voice anymore...”

The store owner fell to her knees, her body trembling as tears silently fell down her eyes. The Fushichou blinked and glanced at Ryouha, who seemed be as shocked as she was.

“I'm glad I can see ya one more time.” The old lady whispered under her breath.

“Nagisa...”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


...

...

...

“I see. Project Fushichou...huh.”

The old lady sipped her tea, her eyes closed as if lost in remembrance. Ryouha glanced at the said creature beside her, finding her sipping her own tea quietly.

Project Fushichou. A project that was born when one of the subject from Xenotransplantion suddenly showed a sign of mutation. The subjects were made from human stem cell, which means...

“Baachan... your friend, could it be that she...”

“Most likely.”

The old lady stood from her chair, walking toward the dusty chimney with some photos lining by its top. She took one of the rusty frame, wiping away the cobwebs covering it. She chuckled.

“Nah, I'm sure about it. I just can't mistake her stupid face.”

She returned to the table, showing the photo to the two girls. Ryouha's eyes widened as she recognized the person in that picture, and she switched her eyes to the Fushichou.


Shibuya Nagisa. You, dear Fushichou, were created from her stem cell.”


(http://s14.postimg.org/t9a7kqysh/Fuschichou04_04.jpg)


The Fushichou touched the faded picture silently, the exact copy of herself standing there behind the frame. The girl was smiling widely. And the way that girl smiled struck her somehow, leaving a strange little pain.

“This girl.” Fushichou softly whispered. “If I was never born, would she still be alive?”

Ryouha clenched her hand tightly.

“Fushichou... that's— “Tell me, Yabushita-san. Will she be alive?”

The old lady stared at the girl, before chuckling and shaking her head.

“Didn't I told 'cha? That kindhearted idiot refused the transplant by her own. She's dead and she wanted YOU to live on. Heck, seeing ya here might be enough to make her laughing in heaven now.”

The store owner laughed, walking to the nearby shelf to retrieve a small old book.

“Now, Ryouha my lass, to answer yer previous question.”

She put the book down on the table and Ryouha took it to her hand, flipping through the fragile pages carefully.

“Baachan...this is...”

“The blueprint of the dome. Don't ask how I got it but there's only one of this. Will it help?”

Ryouha smiled and put the book into her bag, hugging the old lady.

“Thank you very much, Baachan.”

“Hey now, since when yer being this touchy?”

The old lady chuckled and glanced at the Fushichou, giving the undying bird a smile.

“Fushichou.”

“...”

“Thank you for being born.”

“...yes.” The girl returned the smile, a soft smile of her own that came from her own heart. “Please thanks Shibuya-san too one day, for giving birth to me.”

"Heh, are ya telling me to die now? Silly brat."

The two girls bid goodbye to the store owner, walking down the empty road of the slum in silence. There were so many things swimming in their heads that they couldn't say any word; about their past and how everything will unfold from now. The Fushichou decided to break it first.

“I remember.” She quietly spoke.

“A voice telling me to live on. Is that why I could never die?”

Ryouha giggled as she heard that and she moved closer to the girl.

“If that really is the secret to your immortality...then I'm sure my father will flip out...”

“I'd like to see that.”

The two of them quietly laughed, holding each other close. The sight of steel white buildings and skyscrappers could be seen the distance and they walked slower. From here on they would return to the harsh reality, and they'd need to carefully think of a escape plan before the month ended. Two weeks left. Ryouha gulped. If she didn't managed to find the way to escape the dome in that time then...

“It's alright, Ryouha.” She felt the Fushichou squeezed her hand.

“Everything will be—“

  SPLAT--


(http://s18.postimg.org/5zr8goptl/Fuschichou04_05.jpg)


…eh?

Ryouha froze, feeling a strange wind beside her, the grip on her hand weakened. She glanced to her right.

“Fu...shichou...?”


   --TARGET ACQUIRED.


A metal cord. A strong metal cord attached to a huge harpoon pierced through the girl's chest.

“Ryouha...” The Fushichou released the girl, switching her grip to the sharp metal. “Run--!”


WHIRR--


The cord contracted, pulling the Fushichou off the ground and smashing her to the far away building. Ryouha gasped, her legs moving without a second thought and her eyes darting around to find the source of that attack. Her brain already spinning. A weapon that big must be shot from an automaton or a vehicle. If she could pinpoint the location and disable it from behind...

“I can't believe you have become such a naughty girl, Ryouha.”

That voice... No. It can't be.

  CLANK

“!!”

Ryouha gasped as another metal cord shot out and caged her left hand painfully.


   --SECOND TARGET ACQUIRED.


She gritted her teeth, glaring at the patrol robot coming out of the dark alley and the man standing beside it.

“You...”

Why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be away until the end of the month? Is that what you want to say, my dear Ryouha?”

It was not a hologram, Ryouha was sure. Her father was really there, staring and looking down on her with his usual cold expression.


  --THE FIRST TARGET HAD CEASED ALL FUNCTION. WAITING FOR THE NEXT COMMAND.


“Oh? Keep it within that condition until we transport it back to the lab.”


   --AFFIRMATIVE.


Ryouha froze as she heard that, staring at her father calm demeanor with disbelief. He raised a brow at her.

“My, my. I wonder what is the meaning of that expression you're making.”

“...you monster...”

“No, Ryouha. I am a human. I am doing all of this for the sake of humanity.”

Her father approached her slowly, and if it wasn't for the contraption on her left hand Ryouha would've tear him apart right then. The man seemed to realize the dangerous glare she was giving and stopped on his track.

“It is you who are the monster, child. Ignoring public concern and putting your own desire above it, what else should you be called?”

“...”

“I wonder who is it that had been tweaking with the lab's protocol? Hacking the system and letting the data being stolen by outside source?” 

“...why? Is it bad for your reputation now that your filthy experiments had been exposed?”

“That is enough.”

The girl flinched, feeling a small needle pricked her left wrist. She started to feel faint.

“Let us return. I shall see what kind of punishment befitting this treacherous behavior of yours...”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


Oh, Phoenix please grant me immortality
I won't be scared as long as we're together
and if you're nowhere in that place called 'heaven'

then I'll--



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


It's dark. It hurts.

Everything is painful.


How many days had passed? Ryouha didn't know.

Everything had been a constant relapse between pitch black room and constricting arm chair since her capture.

She didn't even know what came in and out of her body anymore, with the numerous syringe being injected to her and several torturing device cutting into her skin. Even then, she was alive. And she could only think of one thing.

What happened to the Fushichou? Where is she?

The girl silently thought as she crawled on the corner of the room, staring into the darkness.


  --”What a stubborn child you are.”


Her father's voice. Ryouha lifted her head to nowhere in particular, listening to the recording.


  --”I will ask you one more time, Ryouha.”


“...”


   --”What have you done to the Fushichou? What kind of virus had you injected to its system?”


Ryouha could feel a small smile tugged on her lips.


   --”Did you ever think the consequences of your action? The subject had been rejecting all of our experiments and is on the loose now! Do you even know how much delay your selfish action have caused to the project!?"


“...well.” Her voice was hoarse, and speaking even felt so painful.

“How about...you just give up on the experiment?”

   --”...”

“...”

   --”I have enough of your nonsense.”


She could hear a whirr of machineries, followed by cold steel grips around her wrist. The light turned painfully bright and Ryouha squinted her eyes, feeling two mechanical hands dragged her to the now so familiar arm chair.


   --“You and your mother. The two of you are just the same.”


Her ears pricked as she heard that, and she glared at the speaker.


“...you...what did you do to mother?”

   --”That woman always spouting that same nonsense as you. Stop with the experiment, she said? Ridiculous.”

“...”


She could hear the familiar sound of a steel door opening, showing the furious and crazed face of her father.

“The only thing valuable from the both of you were just your resourceful brain.”

“...then what? You will...cut out my brain and preserved just that...?”

“You really are a bright child, Ryouha. Yes I will. And I will watch it with my bare eyes, just like I did to your mother...”

Ryouha stared at the man silently, before switching her eyes slowly to her right and left.

“Searching for a way to escape? You should have known that it's impossible after your numerous failed attempts.”

She gazed at her father one more time, seeing the twisted grin he was wearing as he browsed through the surgery equipment.

“Let me tell you one thing, my dear child. The dome had fallen into a complete disarray thanks to your doing. You've been labeled the greatest enemy of mankind now. And if it wasn't for me you would have been executed on place by the government.”

“...I prefer dying...rather than being toyed around by a madman like you...”

“You have become quite a rude child.”

“And what makes you think...you have the right to call yourself a father?”

“Touche.”

The man took the knives one by one, arranging them by the mechanism in front of him.

“Once the other countries learned about Project Fushichou a great uproar was created. Each and one of them spouted their protest and accused the Japanese government for hiding a potentially dangerous weapon. Can you believe them? We were only researching for the perfect cure to all illness and the key to immortality. What else can humanity ask in this barely extinct earth?”

Ryouha couldn't contain her laugh anymore. She snickered, ignoring the pain on her throat and the perplexed look the man was giving her.

“...you..are just the same...”

“Pardon?”

“...hiding the Fushichou for yourself...for the benefit of your own 'country'...if it's really for humanity, then why don't you all just work together? ...fighting over it like children pulling each other's toy...”

“...”


“...all of us are the same, father...the same selfish humans...”


  “Enough is enough!!”


The man shouted on top of his lung. Her vision was blurry but Ryouha could still make up his furious face, and the man roughly took one of the surgical knives with him. He approached the helpless girl slowly.

“I will cut you apart myself girl, and I will make sure it will be as painful as possible...”

Ryouha smiled, staring back at the man silently.

...

...

...   

 “...I’m looking forward to it…”


BZZZ--


The room turned pitch black.


  --SUDDEN DROP IN POWER SUPPLY DETECTED.


“What?”


   --RESUMING OPERATION IN 5 SECONDS.


“What is going on—“

The man didn't manage to finish his sentence as he was knocked off the floor, cold iron grips around his both wrist as he felt his body being locked in place.


--SWITCHING THE POWER BACK ON.


Ryouha stood, looking down at the man by the arm chair with a cold gaze.

“…what did you say…about failed attempts again? …do you think I did that without purpose?”

“Ryouha, you ungrateful child! Release me this instant!!”

“...ungrateful?”

The girl coughed, taking the knife by the floor and putting it back to the previous mechanism.

“I don't know how this machine works...” She patted the robotic figure.

“...what did you type into its command system, I wonder...”

“Don't you dare...”

She pushed the power button, and soon the cold machinery whirred into life. The girl sighed and limply walked toward the door, giving her father one last glance.


(http://s27.postimg.org/en2a4pv5v/Fuschichou04_06.jpg)


“...goodbye, father.”

    “RYOUHA—“

SLID-- SLAM


Ryouha rested her back on the steel door, taking a good whiff of the air. Her muscles felt like screaming everytime she moved but she couldn't stop now. She leaned her weight to the wall and started walking. Third floor, east wing. Ryouha mentally noted her position as she looked around the familiar lab, finding some broken walls here and there and papers scattered all over the floor. Something had happened when she was confined in that room. Something big enough to leave the lab half-ruined. She bit her lip, gathering her courage to look out of the lab's broken window.

“...what...is this...?”

The scenery beyond that was nothing but destruction; buildings were razed, the street abandoned and fire danced all over the city. The gray murky sky she always saw all her life were covered in more smoke, a part of the dome's roof cracking and threatened to fall off. It was the same as that nightmare she saw back in the underground facility, only at a bigger scale. And all those people down there wasn't anywhere near immortal. They were only humans. A weak and fragile human being.

“...why..?”

Ryouha fell to her knees.

“...why...does it have to come down...to this...?”

Tears silently trailed down her cheek as she saw mountain corpses down the main street, as if nobody was even care enough to give them proper burial.

“..so it's true? ...it's true...” She chuckled between her sobs.

  “There's nothing called 'Heaven' in this world.”

It's over. There's really nothing else she could do now. She raised her face to the sky and laughed.

...hey, is it my sin to ask for 'happiness'?

There was nobody to answer her. Only the howling wind and the screaming sound of people in the distance. The only thing left in this world is hell. So, at least, if she really have to live through this hell, she wanted to spend it with her. That was her one and only wish. The last force that kept her legs moving. The girl pushed herself back to her feet, stepping down the almost deserted lab all the way to the ground floor.

   --”--quest--back up--”

Ryouha stopped on her track, hearing the broken voice coming from a speaker by the wall.

   --”--unable to stop—subject—regenerate--too quick--”

Eh?


   --”The Fushichou—east building—irst floor—now--”


She pushed her legs as quickly as she could, running toward the mentioned place. There was nothing else in her mind now. She just need to see her. That is all. Ryouha could hear some gunshots as she reached the east building but she couldn't care less. She stepped inside, trying to find that undying bird amidst the countless destruction.

“Fushichou...”

She could see the girl standing there, a dangerous glare on her face as she spit out a bullet from her mouth. She tried to find her voice and shouted.

“Fushichou!”

The undying bird flinched as she recognized the voice, and slowly, she turned her face toward the girl.

“Ryouha...?”


   --“Cease fire.”

   --”Is that a civillian? What are they doing here?”


The heavy infantry around the hall lowered their rifles, seemingly more than puzzled to see the girl's sudden appearance.


   --”Wait, that girl...could she be?”

   --”Commander. Waiting for order.”

   --”...”

   --”...”

   --”...”

   --”Take her down.”



(http://s9.postimg.org/426po44tr/Fuschichou04_07.jpg)


DRIP... DRIP...

...huh? What just...happened?

Ryouha felt as if the world was running in slow motion, the sense of gravity left her as she slowly felt herself fell to her side.

Cold. Cold. Cold. Red.

What...is this?


She could see some red liquid start pooling around her. She switched her gaze upward, finding the Fushichou rushing toward her.

Fushichou? What’s wrong? Are you...crying?

The only thing she could feel now was the girl's strong grip around her shoulder. The girl was shouting something, but even in such a close distance she couldn't hear anything.

Don't cry... 

Her voice wouldn't come out and her whole body felt numb.

We’ll be together from now on...   

She shakily hold the girl's hand in hers, smiling. The light around her started to fade.

In this scorching hell...

forever...


...

..

.


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


You are beautiful just like the Phoenix
I pray that one day death will come to you too
Because all things with shapes will one day break

So, until that time I'll be here
hugging your hand tightly...




__________________________________________________________
Project: Fushichou // END OF PART FOUR



Title: Re: (OS) 不死鳥 ~Project: Fushichou (NagiUha) [Part Four]
Post by: MaYukiIsLife on April 09, 2016, 01:00:05 PM
 :O :shocked :huhuh :?

Why did he...? Why his own daughter...?
Title: Re: (OS) 不死鳥 ~Project: Fushichou (NagiUha) [Part Four]
Post by: jubethehare on April 09, 2016, 01:40:24 PM
Thanks for reading~  :D

:O :shocked :huhuh :?

Why did he...? Why his own daughter...?

You can't really explain psychopathic tendencies, I guess. When that kind of person is absorbed in one thing they might ignore any morals and go sacrificing everything for their 'belief'. In this case her father only see her brain as the only value to his intellectual obsession. Well, actually if you think about Ryouha's actions she might inherited that tendency too as she was obsessed with...
Title: Re: (OS) 不死鳥 ~Project: Fushichou (NagiUha) [Part Four]
Post by: kuro808 on April 13, 2016, 06:33:42 AM
Ryoha now has to protect the experiment although it may kill her regardless not knowing the power although the father seemed to keep it sheltered rather than let it go.

Interesting the battles to be coming up with the adventures for them  :twothumbs
Title: Re: (OS) 不死鳥 ~Project: Fushichou (NagiUha) [Part Final]
Post by: jubethehare on April 26, 2016, 05:17:56 PM
Hello, everyone.
Welcome to the final part of this fic, though I must say this is more of an epilogue actually.
Oh, and here's a bonus >> link (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1gV2rUrAsu-UmIwdVhLVzc0LXc/view). I suggest you read the fic first before opening, or playing it while reading.

Well without further ado,
enjoy~




不死鳥
~Project: Fushichou - part final ~

__________________________________________________________


I’ve come to realize
that the most wonderful magic in this world
is a simple yet powerful magic called [Death]
so God, please cast the spell of death on me too

I don’t need immortality
I just want to love her until my life withers…


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


Day XX Month X
Year 22XX


The world is coming to an end.


That’s what they said,
as I heard the numerous screams and cries fluttering about in the air.


The rain of bullets that had boundlessly pierced my skin come into a halt,
the once so prideful soldiers casted away their weapons and abandoned their posts like there was no tomorrow.

   Or perhaps, because there would really be no tomorrow.

So, keeping that thought deep inside me,
I waited.

I waited and waited and waited


Through the immeasurable pain and sound of countless deaths around me.


I waited for [The End of The World] to come.


But after all that happened,
tomorrow still come to greet me.



And I alone stood there.

   Alive...




...




I didn’t remember how many more years passed since then.

I didn’t remember when was it, that I saw the end of humanity.

   I couldn’t even remember that day anymore,
   the day that I lost you in my arms.


Time had always been so eternal to me.

But now that eternity left me with nothing but an empty shell.




...




I guess I cried for nights.

I guess I screamed until my throat went dry.


But as the eternal loop repeated itself,
I guess I had finally lost all my senses.



Everything broken inside me always fixed itself
    on and on and on and on and on...

Until I don't even know the real me anymore.




...




One day I just started to walk.

Without any reason or destination,
I walked through this scorched land of what once called earth.


Reminiscing my little memories of you.


At one point I couldn’t even walk anymore.

The sun had grown too close, I guess,
Because I could feel my own blood boiling inside.

My body died and reborn over and over.

Without being able to do anything I simply closed my eyes,
feeling the ground against my back and the burning sun against my broken flesh.


I think I remembered something that time.

Something that I heard many many years before,
Something you said when you were still there by my side.


  That every being with shapes will someday come to an end.


So then, if my whole body had vanished and withered to the air,
would I finally be able to die and meet you once again?


I smiled and raised my hand to the sky, clinging to that little hope you gave me.
Waiting for my fateful end.

...


Aah, if we could really meet again after this,
I wish that I could spend the whole eternity with you.

Learning how to feel and knowing what you feel.

If only I could understand them sooner perhaps I could say it too in this world.

I grasped onto that little emotion, the one and only emotion I had left,
And whispered those words to the approaching darkness.


“Ryouha…










 …



   …




        ..




            .









          …I love you.”



(http://s32.postimg.org/beg6dc8zp/Fuschichou05.jpg)



__________________________________________________________
Project: Fushichou // END



Title: Re: (OS) 不死鳥 ~Project: Fushichou (NagiUha) [Part Final]
Post by: Ruka Kikuchi on April 26, 2016, 07:50:23 PM
;_;

Sad... T^T

Nagi... Uha... TT____TT

It is good, but so sad... *grabs tissue and blows nose*
Title: Re: (OS) 不死鳥 ~Project: Fushichou (NagiUha) [Part Final]
Post by: Yuki88 on April 26, 2016, 08:05:10 PM
Well...... Fushichou can die, theoretically, if she has nothing left of her body to regrow, right? Like, if blown into pieces or like, perhaps, drown in lava? Sorry, my sci-fi movie brain is taking over me XD

Nothing is eternal, except herself and Fushichou learned it the hard way. She will live to see the end of the world.
Title: Re: (OS) 不死鳥 ~Project: Fushichou (NagiUha) [Part Final]
Post by: jubethehare on April 27, 2016, 12:46:12 AM
;_;

Sad... T^T

Nagi... Uha... TT____TT

It is good, but so sad... *grabs tissue and blows nose*

@Ruka Kikuchi : There, there... *pats your back* Thanks for hangin on and reading till the end.

Well...... Fushichou can die, theoretically, if she has nothing left of her body to regrow, right?

@Yuki88 : Thanks for reading. About that... Well~~ it depends how you define 'death'. Even if her whole body is destroyed no one can be sure about her consciousness. And who knows~? Whether she could meet again with Ryouha; whether there really is that [Heaven] for them.


The fate of those of two after the end... I'll leave 'em to your imagination.  :)2
Title: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Afterwords]
Post by: jubethehare on April 29, 2016, 02:25:42 AM
Hello everyone. Nice to see you again~ And for those reading for the first time, nice to meet you~ 8)

Right, what's with the nonchalant greetings? Ha ha. Anyways, this fic is a little collab I have with Rena-chan Daisuki and this one will be weeelll... a bit different from my usual fic. It will be a very light story...I guess? Hmmm. But it's not like there won't be any conflict. Ah, well.


To put it simple: It's a love comedy.


There will be five part to this story, 2 kouhai side - 2 senpai side - 1 revelation, and each part will be told from a different perspective while the story keep progressing forward. 

Well then, let's get on with the first part. This one from the cute little kouhai, the yandere princess.
Enjoy~








Notice ME, Senpai !!
~ Kouhai Side: Goto Rara ~


(http://s32.postimg.org/uhajydhmd/notice_01.jpg)


__________________________________________________________




Nice to meet you everyone! 

My name is Goto Rara. Just call me Rara for short.


I am a first year student from Ryuugami High School for The Gifted, one of the best school in Tokyo where only a very few could enter. Well, I didn't intend to brag, but people around the town tend to call us the elites or some sort. It was only natural of course since most of Ryuugami students excelled not only in academic but also in other fields like music, or art, or sports. Among those many clubs, there was this one certain club which Ryuugami High most famous for.

That club was the Choir Club.

And I, you see, am a member of that club.

Our Choir Club was one of the best, winning many awards and competitions throughout the country. I could even say the best of the best! ...well, almost. The only other team that could match us was that Choir Club from Oodora Public High School, and thanks to our school's name the two clubs were nicknamed “The Dragon and The Tiger” of high school choirs. Even the seniors said that the two schools had been rivals for so long that they're not sure themselves when it started! It was a friendly kind of rivalry though, so it's not like the two side resented each other or anything, but for me, well... I just kinda had that feeling where I don't want to lose to those tiger-people. You know what I mean?

But hey anyways, enough about me. I wanted to introduce you to my beloved senior instead! A certain senior who I really admired and also the one who made entered this club in the first place. There she is! There, the one practicing on her own by the end of the clubroom. I sweetly smiled and approached her.


  “Ryouha-senpai.”


I called her name with a sing-song tone. Her soft singing voice came into a stop right after, her eyes that were fixated on the paper in her hand turned to meet mine.

“...hello, Rara.” She returned my smile with that small smile of hers.

“You are early today.”

“Not early as you, senpai. You're always the first to arrive at the clubroom so I just think I have to try as much.”

I pulled a chair over and put my school bag on it, pulling another one for myself. I stared at her, resting my chin above the headrest and she gave me a blink.

“Umm... is there something you need, Rara?”

“Oh, sorry. It's nothing, I just want to take a little breather. Do you mind if I listen to your practice for a while?”

“...i-it's okay.”

She returned her attention back to the paper, seemingly a bit embarrassed to have someone listening to her solo performance. I enjoyed every bit of it though, and I closed my eyes, immersing myself in her beautiful voice; the voice that mesmerized me and brought me here back when I was first came to this school. There was this unique quality in her voice, you see, a hint of calm fierceness that was still decorated with a pint of cuteness. Hmmm, it's hard to describe but that's just how it was. But it wasn't just her voice that made her so amazing. There were her cold exterior that contrasted her delicate interior, her timid way of speaking, her cute and kind personality, her beautiful brown eyes, and well many many more. In short, Ryouha-senpai is just so amazing!

   “Ooh? I wonder what you're grinning so much about, Rara-chan.”

Eh? I reopened my eyes, finding someone crouching just in front of me and staring straight back to my eyes.

“Waaaaaaah----!!!

I literally jumped out of my seat, nearly falling to the floor if not for that person holding my arm to stop my fall. I let out my breath, putting out a childish pout as I stared back at that person.

“Gosh, don't surprise me like that, Churi-senpai.”

“Sorry, sorry~ Don't kill yourself now.”

She returned back to her full height and I looked around the room to find the other club members had already arrived. She turned back to me with a smile, a piece of paper on her hand.

“We're starting the usual practice shortly so get your sheet ready, okay?”

“Right away, prez'!”

I gave her an energetic reply, taking my own vocal scores from my bag and walking to my position beside Ryouha-senpai.

“Let's give our best today too, senpai.” I flashed her a bright smile, and she patted my head.

“...okay. Let's go.”

Yes! I secretly cheered inside, feeling all charged. The two of us switched our focus to the musical scores right afterwards and, taking a long breath, our daily practice began. We started with the usual voice exercise, singing Solfege up and down the scale, before finally getting on the real song. It was a tiring exercise, but everyone was giving their all so it was actually pretty fun. I got Ryouha-senpai beside me too so I didn't even feel much tired at all, and before I realized the sun had almost set in the horizon.

“That's all for today, everyone.”

I heard Churi-senpai said, and everyone stopped their singing.     

“Thank you for today!”

“Thank you very much!”

Those words were exchanged one after another as we finally finished our practice, each of the many members tidied up their things or taking a sip of water for relief. I said my own share of 'thanks' and smiled, stretching my stiff arms to the air as I heard Ryouha-senpai let out a tired sigh beside me. Another good practice today! I happily thought as I saw her folded her paper and walked back to her bag. I skipped along behind her.

“Hey, everyone! Wanna grab a bite after this?”

I heard someone shouted, probably Tani Marika-senpai, and a light bulb popped in my head. I nudged Ryouha-senpai on her arm.

“Nee, Ryouha-senpai. Will you tag along?”

I saw her paused for a while, before she answered.

“I'm sorry, Rara. I...have something to do after this.”

“Eeh? Is that so?”

She nodded and patted my head, taking her bag with her as she walked toward the door.

“Umm, I'm leaving ahead, everyone. See you tomorrow...”

I saw her bowing slightly, listening to the other club members replying her goodbye, before she really left. I pouted, touching the place she just patted me before tidying my own things. Geez, she's always like that. Always coming right home and never tagged along with everyone else whenever we're planning on a little walk after practice. It kinda made me a bit downhearted. I sighed.

“What with the long face?”

Hm? I glanced to my right, finding Churi-senpai beside me.

“Oh, it's just you Churi-senpai.”

“Now what do you mean by that?”

I heard her chuckled but I just shrugged her off, returning my attention back to my bag.

“Say, Churi-senpai.”

“What is it, Rara-chan?”

“It's just... I'm just a bit curious. Why is it Ryouha-senpai never hang around after practice?”

“Oh. Now that I remember you're still new here so you haven't known. Well that, you see~”

I saw a mischevious smile stretched on her face and she drew closer, whispering to my ear.

   “It's because she is meeting up with her girlfriend.”

I see. Meeting up with her girl— girl... g-g-girl—girl—! WHAAAT!?!!


“HER GIRLF—mmph!?”


“Sshhh.”

She clamped her hand over my mouth, shushing me.

“That's a secret, okay? To put it more precisely, Ryouha is keeping it a secret but almost everyone know about it already. She's easy to read sometimes.”

I stared at her with wide eyes, still not believing my ears. Excume me!? Did she say that Ryouha-senpai... has a girlfriend!? No. No no no. That has to be a lie. But well, she's kind and popular and all but still... Kuuh, just thinking about her being so lovey-dovey with someone else made my blood boil. Who is it? Just who is the person!?

“Uh, are you okay Rara-chan?”

I shook my head, trying to clear my thought.

“Yes. I'm just, umm, kinda shocked. I just cannot imagine Ryouha-senpai, y'know...”

“I know, I know~”

I heard her giggled and she put a hand on my shoulder.

“If you're curious how about you see it for yourself? Hmm, I'm sure they'll be meeting on the train station like usual. Just make sure that Ryouha doesn't see you, okay?”

I nodded and she patted my head. I heaved my back to my shoulder and waved her goodbye, leaving the clubroom in quick steps. My eyes burning with fury. Oh, I'll do that. I clenched my hand, quickening my steps. My mind fixated on that one precious senior of mine.

Don't worry, Ryouha-senpai. I'll look so so closely. And if I find that girl is no good, oh just you see.

I let out a dark laugh deep inside.

I'll make her regret for life, for ever setting her eyes on you...


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“No sign of the girl, yet.”

I quietly said to myself as I lowered the magazine in my hand, peeking to see my beloved senior on the train platform just ahead, a white mask covering my nose and mouth for disguise. The small convenience store I was in was just right behind her, so I could see her back through the window. She was sitting on the bench and kept looking at her phone. She's waiting for someone. Definitely. I was more sure because at least two trains had passed and she just ignored them.

“Where are you ms.girlfriend? How dare you make Ryouha-senpai waiting for almost an hour!”

I growled. And I thought I almost crumpled the magazine in my hand. Argh, that's it. I put the magazine back to its shelf, about to approach my senior, but before I could step through the store's automatic door, I saw her suddenly standing. I stopped dead on my track, and, following her line of sight, I switched my gaze to my left.

There was a girl, with black wavy hair that flowed just past her shoulder, a big stupid smile on her face. She was waving, and even behind the store's glass window I could still hear her shouting 'Ryouhaaa~~' like there was nobody else around. I saw Ryouha-senpai flustered, grabbing and lowering the girl's hand, her face as red as tomato. The girl only chuckled and Ryouha-senpai puffed her cheek before smiling, showing her a sweet happy smile I never saw before. Right then, I knew who the girl was.

It's THE girlfriend.

I returned to my previous spot behind the book stack, snatching another magazine and hiding part of my face behind it. My eyes locked on the couple monitoring their every actions. Grrh, the two of them seemed to be enjoying themselves, talking to each other like that. At least scold her, Ryouha-senpai! She made you wait for hours, right? Well, not 'hours' but—huh, wait. That girl's uniform... I think I've seen it somewhere...





ah!

I nearly shouted, but good thing I managed to stop myself.

That girl is from Oodora High!

I hissed, deepening my glare. Having a girlfriend was one thing but someone from that good-for-nothing Oodora—oops, sorry. Did I say something? Uh-oh. I broke out of my self-talk when I heard a train announcement by the speaker, turning my head just in time to see both of them stepping inside.

Wait, I'm not done yet!

I discarded the magazine and rushed outside, getting just in time before the train door closing behind me. I let out a sigh. Now where are they? Ah, there! I pushed through the row of people, walking a bit closer to the two. The train was a bit crowded since a lot of students from many different schools were going home at the same time, so I couldn't get a good look at them. On the other hand, it'd be easier for me to blend it and disguised myself in this crowd so I guess it's even.


   “--sorry for making you wait, Ryouha.”


A voice. I narrowed my eyes. Is that the girlfriend? And what's with the thick Kansai-ben?


   “Club's running a bit late and all. Did cha wait for long?”

   “...it's fine, Nagi. It... wasn't that long, really.”


That was Ryouha-senpai. And she just said a name. What was it again? Nagi?


   “THAT long? Lemme guess, an hour or so?"

   “...”

   “I'm sorry. I'll make it up to ya, I promise.”

   “...when you promise something you end up breaking it... so just don't.”

   “Eeh, that's so mean~”


I heard the two of them laughed and I couldn't contain myself anymore. I raised my head and stood on my tiptoe, trying to get a better look.


   “ 'lright then. I'll come ta fetch you by the school gate tomorrow~”

   “D-don't. I told you not to, right?”

   “Hm? Yer still keeping us a secret?”

   “...well, it's just...I'm not ready to tell anyone, yet...”

   “Geez, you and yer shyness~ Don't really hate 'em though, kinda cute actually. Ha ha~”

   “...”


STOP.FLIRTING.WITH.RYOUHA-SENPAI! I could almost hear myself shouted as I stood higher on my tiptoe, seeing a faint silhouette of them. Just... a bit... more—

SMACK

    That hurts!!!

This time I really yelped. Fortunately I still managed to bite down my voice. I held the bump forming on my head and turned to my left, trying to find who was it that dare to smack me across the head without a care whatsoever.

“Stay down and don't move around, pipsqueak.”

What!? I glared at the source of voice.

“If you're going to block my view of Nagisa-senpai then leave.”










Who..in the world...?

I froze, staring at the...'weirdo' who stood right there beside me.

It was...well, from her high squeaky voice it's a girl, I guess. A huge afro wig on her head. She wore a shade even inside the train, and that mask that covered her mouth had that twirly moustache thing painted on it. I closed my eyes and shook my head, trying to clear my thought. Right, maybe I'm imagining things. I took a deep breath and reopened my eyes. No luck. That weirdo was still there beside me.

“You haven't gone yet?”

“Uuh... Excuse me, miss...” I glanced at her clothes a bit, finding the now almost so familiar Oodora uniform. “This 'Nagisa-senpai' you are talking about, is that THAT Kansai-ben speaking girl with the huge stupid smile?”

Ah, great. My tongue slipped. The weird girl seemed offended from the way I described the girl and she grabbed my collar, drawing me close.

“Listen, little miss. That is NOT a stupid smile. Nagisa-senpai is very kind so she smiles all the time for the sake of cheering people. She just happens to be stupid, that's all.”

Isn't that the same!? I felt like slapping my own face.

“And the most important...”

The girl released her grip on my collar, hitting her own chest lightly.


“The only one who can call Nagisa-senpai an idiot is ME.”


...oh god.

I buried my face to my palms, hearing the weird girl snickering in pride.


Ryouha-senpai. Please hurry up and notice...
That girl you called your girlfriend is bringing with her some weird maniac!


I screamed to myself inside, trying to keep my mind sane among all the shocking discoveries I found today.
I really have to save her from these crazy Oodora bunch. Right away!


At that time I didn't know

that the decision I made back then,
and the weird girl I met that day,

would change my whole life forever...











...or probably not.

__________________________________________________________
Notice Me, Senpai! : Goto Rara Side // END >> next side...
Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Part One]
Post by: Rena-chan Daisuki on April 29, 2016, 03:39:52 AM
IT'S FINALLY BEING POST!!!!!!!!
KITTAAAAAAAAA~

 :cow: :cow: :cow: :cow: :cow: :cow: :cow:

note: This Fic is made 'cause of to much paying dere typequiz and birthday scenario game
Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Part One]
Post by: Janix123 on April 29, 2016, 07:43:53 AM
YEAY!!  :onioncheer: :onioncheer:  ANOTHER FIC TO READ.

THIS STORY IS REALLY FUNNY. HAHAHHA  :hiakhiakhiak: :hiakhiakhiak:

NAGIUHA TO THE WORLD!!  :ding: :ding:

AND BY THE WAY. WHO'S THE 'WEIRDO' PERSON?  :dunno: :dunno: :mon huh: :mon huh:
Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Part One]
Post by: jubethehare on April 29, 2016, 10:25:45 AM
note: This Fic is made 'cause of to much playing dere typequiz and birthday scenario game

@Rena-chan Daisuki : Agreed. Those games are killing me.  :lol:

AND BY THE WAY. WHO'S THE 'WEIRDO' PERSON?  :dunno: :dunno: :mon huh: :mon huh:

@Janix123 : Yes, NagiUha FTW!!  :ding:
And thanks for reading. About the 'weirdo'... she'll be revealed in the next chapter so stay tune for it~  8)
Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [bonus cutscene]
Post by: jubethehare on April 29, 2016, 10:36:36 AM
A little cutscene I found while finding ideas for this fic>> link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRJLq7SZraM)
Bad Rara. Don't tease your senpai so much.  :smhid  :lol:

(http://s32.postimg.org/91sfja1ed/Screen_Shot_2016_04_29_at_3_31_25_PM.png)
Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Part One]
Post by: Janix123 on April 29, 2016, 10:39:27 AM
OKAY!  :mon thumb: :mon thumb:

CAN'T WAIT TO READ THE NEXT UPDATE.  :mon dance: :mon dance:

I HAVE TO KNOW WHO THIS WEIRDO PERSON IS.  :mon dunno: :mon dunno:

CUZ THE WAY SHE TALKS AND HOW SHE DRESSES IS SO FUNNY.  :mon lmao: :mon lmao:

THE VIDEO IS SOOOO CUTE. HEHEHE. RARA AND RYOHA. LOL

Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Part One]
Post by: kyundere on May 01, 2016, 05:04:38 AM
Such a cute story so far. NagiUha is such a cute pair and I'm wondering how Rara and the "weirdo" (I'm guessing Riri is Riripon) plan to breakup the couple (if that is the plan).

RaraRiripon as the ending couple would be something.  :lol:
Title: Re: (OS) 不死鳥 ~Project: Fushichou (NagiUha) [Part Final]
Post by: Janix123 on May 01, 2016, 12:41:01 PM
 :fainted: :fainted: Nagisa!!  Uha!!! 
I hope you'll meet again... one day... :err: :err:
Nice fic and it's really interesting. Sad ending though. Hehehe
Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Part One]
Post by: fath107 on May 09, 2016, 02:21:53 PM
hohoho... nice to see you again jubethehare-san  :D

i'm looking forward to this fanfic by the way, because~ nagiuha was here!!  XD (of course i'm expecting a lovey-dovey scene)

riri is riripon? (am i right?  :?) she's the one who called nagi idiot? xD kinda funny here..

hmm i smell a lot of possesive scent here  :w00t:

update soon!  :thumbsup
Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Part Two]
Post by: jubethehare on May 14, 2016, 09:46:51 PM
Hello and nice to meet you again.  Thanks for reading part one. 8)


@kyudere : Well, we'll see about that~

@fath107 : Nice to see you, too. And look forward to it~


Alright, that's all the comments, I guess. Let's get on with the second part.
This one from that weirdo kouhai, the kamidere mastermind.
Enjoy~






Notice ME, Senpai !!
~ Kouhai Side: Sutou Ririka ~


(http://s32.postimg.org/qhld99g8l/notice_02.jpg)


__________________________________________________________



"...and this one goes here. Perfect."

I hummed, putting the thick book back to its respective shelf. Alright. Looks like that's all of them. I put my hands to my hip, eyeing the clean and tidy bookshelves with a proud smile. Another job well done. I took out my notebook, drawing a small tick beside the words 'Literature Club'.

Why, hello there. Were you listening? You must be wondering who I am. Then allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Sutou Ririka, a student at Oodora Public High School, class 1-A.
And as for club, frankly I wasn't enrolled in any. I am just the obedient little servant of my great idiotic senior.

Speaking of my senior she wasn't enrolled in any club as well, though if you meet her you'd find that she's just as busy as your average student council. I'd say even busier. And it was all because of this. You see this smiley arm band pinned on my sleeves? Read it out loud.


[Rainbow Makers]


That's the name of her self-proclaimed club where she goes around helping other club or roughly anyone in need. To be honest, she's just very selfless to the point where I'd call her stupid—

"Whoa, you're finished already? That's amazing."

Hm? There's someone else here. I stopped from my self-rambling and glanced to my left, finding a  girl staring at the bookshelves I just tidied with awe. It was Yagura Fuuko, a member of Literature Club and one of our clients for today.

"Hello, Yagura-san.” I greeted her plainly. “And yes, I've put all of the books back to its respective shelf. Sadly some were in such a bad condition so I took the liberty to renew the labels and straighten their pages as well."

"Eh, really? You don't have to—"

"It was nothing. I just recently transferred to Oodora but I've known just how rough the students can be with books. I've also put some warning label around the library like 'be quiet' and such, but hmm. Should I use stronger words like 'shut up and read'? What do you think, Yagura-san?"

I perfectly conveyed everything without missing a beat, tapping my chin in thought. Yagura-san simply stared back at me, as if trying to process my words, before she let out an awkward laugh.

"A-ah, I think that is enough for now. Just leave the rest to us Literature Club, umm, Sutou-san is it?"

"Yes, it is Sutou Ririka. So, is there really nothing else you need?"

She shook her head and flashed me a soft smile.

"No, we're all good now. Thank you very much, Sutou-san. Oh, and please give my thanks to Nagi-chan as well. Speaking of which, she...isn't coming today, is she?"

Hmm. Was it disappointment I heard in her voice? And what inside that cute frilly bag she held? Cookies? I pondered to myself before flipping through my notebook, reading through the job list.

"Yes. Today there are many clubs asking for help so we're splitting the workload. I believe she is with the Kendo club now."

"I see..."

"Anyways, it's almost time for me to take my leave. Just call us again if you ever need any help. Oh, and are those cookies for Nagisa-senpai? I can bring them to her if you want."

"What, o-oh. Um, yes. She's been helping me a lot so I was just thinking, you know, just to repay her kindness..."

"…"

"B-but of course for you too, Sutou-san. Aha ha ha. Ahem, anyways. I-it'll be great if you can deliver, I mean, share this with her. Thank you again for your help."

"You are welcome."

I took the said treat with me and gave her a quick bow, before walking out of the school's library.  I eyed the handmade cookies and blinked. You never change, do you? Nagisa-senpai... I snickered, before putting the cookies into my bag.

Well then. It might be sudden but let's do a little quiz.

What will happen if you mix kindness, a good sense of joke, and a killer smile?
That's right; a people magnet.



Nagisa-senpai is one of that natural yet so oblivious people magnet.


Her stupidity aside, she always has this strange charm that make her capable of getting along with everyone. Literally. But since she's tall and fairly strong, quite good looking too I must say, I think it's more accurate to call her a 'chick magnet'. Hm? How about me, you ask? Hmph, how foolish. My connection with her had far surpassed that shallow stage! I'd love to tell you our story but let's focus on the moment, shall we? Now then...

I had finally arrived at the school's dojo, a classic Japanese sliding door blocking my path; I slid the wooden door open without a single knock. There were numerous students dressed in traditional kendo outfits inside, some sitting by the edge of the tatami while some clashed their bamboo swords with each other in a small friendly match. You see, the Female Kendo Club was in the middle of an intensive training and since they had a competition shortly the club's been very crowded. It would be hard to find Nagisa-senpai in this sea of black identical helmets. I shrugged and nudged the nearest person I could find.

“Excuse me. Do you know where Nagisa-senpai is?”

"Nagisa...oh, you mean the helper girl? She's over there sparring with the captain."

I followed her direction, finding some crowds circling that small area she was pointing. Looks like a huge match just ended, and I could see the two contestants bowing at each other. They both removed their helmets.

"Thanks for the good match, Shibuya."

"Eeh? Nah, no way~ I'm way under yer league, Sayaka-senpai. At least I can be a sturdy target, ha ha~"

"Yeaaa, sorry about this. It's kinda embarrassing but the other members said they're too scared to go on a spar with me.”

"Well, that's only natural. Yer sword strike's strong enough to crack even my thick skull~ Seriously, don't be too harsh with the girls, 'kay?”

I saw her stole a wink at the girls, making some of them swoon. There she go again, cluelessly activating her charm with no restrain whatsoever. I ignored the delightful screams on the background and pushed through the crowds.

"Glad to see you still intact, Nagisa-senpai."

She blinked and turned her head to me, carrying her helmet on one arm.

"Oh, Ririka. Done with yer task? Good girl, good girl~"

She put her free arm around my shoulder and patted my head, obviously not aware of the situation around her. I could already feel numerous glares boring into me. I smirked. Heh, like I even care. You see, the good thing about her personality is that she's close with everyone but never fixated in one person, so I only have to make sure that she always had enough time for ME. So glare all you want people. Be burned with all your envy.

Ha ha ha ha!



Okay, that's enough for now. I switched my attention back to my grinning senior, faking a sigh.

"Please senpai, are you trying to rub your scent all over me? You're stink of sweat."

"Sheesh, yer tongue as sharp as ever."

"I'll take that as a compliment. Oh, and while I'm at it—" I searched around my bag and she drew closer to me, trying to peek into it. I tried to hide my smirk as she did that, before tossing the bag of cookies to her.

"This is from Yagura-san. A token of gratitude for all your help she said."

"Whoa, seriously? This's great~ How'd she know I love cookies?"

Well senpai, I could only wonder. She released her grip on my shoulder and eyed the sweets with joy, playing with the plaid ribbons on the package.

“Aww, look that cute heart design~ A ha ha~”

"Err, Shibuya? Ya sure it's a good thing to take that?"

I heard the kendo captain asked and Nagisa-senpai gave her a blink.

"Something wrong with it, Sayaka-senpai?"

"Uh, yeah, that's technically...  y'know... and I thought I heard from Milky that yer already..."

Don't even try, Sayaka-senpai. She wouldn't get it. I saw Nagisa-senpai tilted her head, making the older girl nudged her forehead in frustration.

"Aren't you... with that choir girl from Ryuugami..."

"Ryuugami? Oh, you mean Ryou—aaaaaaaaahhh!!"

What now? She suddenly shouted, before taking her bag and rushed to the changing room.


"I'm late! I'm late, I'm late, I'm late, I'm late, I'm SERIOUSLY late!!!!!"


She ran back out, jumping on one leg as she hurriedly put her shoes on. Late? What could she be late for?

"See ya, Sayaka-senpai! If ya need anythin else tell Ririka, she'll note 'em for later. Gotta go, bye! You too, Ririka."

She ran out of the dojo in full speed, ruffling my hair as she passed me by. I sighed and fixed my hair. A choir girl from Ryuugami? I stole a glance at Sayaka-senpai. Does she actually refer to that sickeningly timid girl I saw with Nagisa-senpai yesterday? Only one way to find out.

I pulled my trusted disguise out of my bag, a toy glasses complete with its fake nose and thick moustache, putting it on flawlessly.

"I'm sorry Sayaka-senpai but I'm taking my leave as well. Just send me a message if you need anything. Good day."

"Uhh, yeaaah..." She gave me a strange look. "B-bye?"

I left without a single bow, walking to that certain train station near the school's vicinity. Once I got there I could see Nagisa-senpai on the usual platform, clasping her hands in front of her as she talked with someone. I drew closer and hid behind the nearby pillar.


   "Sorry, sorry, sorry~~! I'm late again today!"
 
   "...I told you it's fine, Nagi. You've been busy, right?"
 
   "Yea but... Haah, I'm really sorry, okay?"


I listened to the conversation in silence, watching the two girls closely. As I thought, she's meeting with that Ryuugami girl again. Just what kind of connection do they have?


   "Uurgh, wait I know!"
 
   “...what is it?”
 
   “I have something to cheer you up. Ta-dah!”


I saw Nagisa-senpai took out the previous cookies, showing off the treat with a huge smile. The girl seemed a bit flustered from the sudden present.


   "This is...?"
 
   "Homemade cookies~ A friend of mine give 'em to me. It looks delicious so I thought I'd share it with ya."


The girl's face fell a bit as she heard that and she hesitantly took them, eyeing the pink package. Now this is weird. Nagisa-senpai is a big glutton and she never share her food with anyone. I said it again, NEVER. So why is that girl an exception? How suspicious.


   "...a 'friend' ?"

   "Yep, a friend."
 
   "I...see..."
 
   “What's wrong, Ryouha? Ya don't like cookies?
 
   “N-no, I like them... Thanks...”
 
   “Haha, yer welcome. Let's eat 'em together, okay? Oh and lookie, the train's arrived~ C'mon."


They're moving. The two girls stepped into the train and I followed them inside, watching their every actions while making sure to keep myself hidden.
Alright, now what will—

"Geh, it's you again."


Hm? A voice. It sounded a bit from below.


...


...


...


Ah, it's the pipsqueak. The same little annoying pipsqueak that disturbed my observation yesterday.

I took my eyes away from my target for a while and turned to face her; she took a step back, seemingly, how to put it, disgusted by my presence. I blinked.

"That is my word, pipsqueak. Are you going to disturb my view again?"

"Well I'm sorry but it is YOU who disturb my view."

I narrowed my eyes dangerously.

"Who are you? One of Nagisa-senpai's stalker?"

"Stalk--excuse me!? I have ZERO interest in that idiotic girl! If I ever need anything it'll be for her to stay hundred meters away from Ryouha-senpai."

She scoffed and crossed her arms, while I kept my silence, trying to decipher her surprisingly hostile behavior. Right. Is she one of those possesive delusional stalkers? I mulled to myself as she continued her speech.

"And what does that idiot think she's doing? Giving her girlfriend a present she got from another girl!? Grrh, does she have no delicacy at all!?"

Haven't I told her that I'm the only who can call Nagisa-senpai an idiot? I tried hard to refrain myself from giving her another smack. And of course, Nagisa-senpai was too dense for—whoa, wait. Hold on. I think I missed something.

"Repeat."

"Wha—"

"The words you just said, repeat them."

"She don't have a delicacy--"

"No, before that."

"She's...giving her girlfriend a present she got from another girl--wait, why are YOU ordering me around!?"

“Good. Now shut up.”

I ignored her outburst and returned my attention to my previous targets, studying their behaviors. Hmm. They do seem close. But hey Nagisa-senpai is naturally close with everyone so it wasn't that strange. But hmm, something does look...different. I had to make sure of this. I turned back to the pipsqueak and snaked her arm, dragging her with me.

"W-wha--what do you think are you doing!? Get your hands off me, you freak!"

I ignored her once again, dragging her out of the train with me as we reached the next station. She leaped a good few feets away as I released her, hissing and glaring like a scared animal. Pfft, typical. I removed my toy glasses and showed her my usual expressionless face.

"Sutou Ririka, Oodora High, first year. Now tell me all you know about the relationship of those two."

"H-huuh!?"

"Do I need repeat everything for you? Tell.me.about.those.two."

"And you think I have the obligation to tell you!? You rude Oodora punk!"

She crossed her arms, glaring dagger at me, and I glared back.



Alright Ririka, keep your cool. Breath in, breath out. You have this situation under control.

"Listen, little miss--"

"It is Goto Rara, mind you."

"Very well, Goto-san. I apologize for my rudeness. So let's redo our first greetings."

I cleared my throat.

"Nice to meet you. I am Sutou Ririka from Oodora High. A junior of Shibuya Nagisa. And you are?"

"Goto Rara. Ryuugami High, first year. A member of Choir Club and the junior of Kitagawa Ryouha-senpai. And for your information, it was so NOT nice to meet you."

"Wonderful. We can actually talk this out peacefully, can't we?"

She gave me a huff, still crossing her arms, but I could sense her hostility decreased a bit. Right, time to dig for the information I need.

"So, Goto-san. I heard that you said Nagisa-senpai is the girlfriend of this senior of yours?"

I put some emphasis on the word 'girlfriend' and I saw her reacting badly to it.

"Yes, that is correct. Tch, even remembering about it make my blood boil."

Hm, hm. So that's her problem? I silently mulled, keeping my poker face in check.

"You don't like the sound of that, I see. And why is that?"

"And you still think I will ever tell you?"

"Oh, but I insist. Because I also don't like the idea of them being together."

She flinched, the anger in her eyes disappeared in an instant. Looks like I hit a jackpot. I gave her a smile, the best fake smile I could muster.

"What a surprise. It seems like we're both victims of a very same situation."

"What are you trying to say..."

"You want your senpai back, right Goto-san? And so do I. So as fellow juniors why don't we work together?"

She gave me a suspicious look but I kept my calm. The art of persuasion is all about patience, don't you agree? Right. Let's continue.

"Of course, this must sounds ridiculous to you. I mean really, a strange person you never know suddenly pulling you out of a train and demanding you to work with her. It's just so crazy."

"..."

"But Goto-san, that's just how desperate I am. And I need your help. If we work together we might really be able to save them from each other."

I waited for her answer. A good few seconds passed and still no response. I sighed and raised my hands in defeat, taking a step back.

"...right, I'm sorry. Just forget what I was saying. Maybe this is just too sudden for you. We can go back to our respective stalking and watch both of our seniors drifting further and further away..."

“...”

“Sorry for bothering you. Have a nice day.”

I turned on my heels and started to walk away. Slowly, really slowly.

Now, let's count in

      three...

          two...

               one...



   "Wait."


Got her. Hmph, I'm such a genius. I gave her a glance, still keeping my cool facade.

"Yes?"

"Look. First, let me make it clear. I DON'T LIKE YOU NOR YOUR STUPID SENIOR. But for the sake of Ryouha-senpai, just for the sake of her, I'll consider your offer."

"I'm happy to hear that."

"But!" She raised her index finger, accusingly pointing at me. "If I find you doing something suspicious or worse! You're trying to hurt Ryouha-senpai, then I'll make you regret it forever. DEFINITELY."

"Alright, then. Do we have a deal?"

I offered my hand to her and she took it, crunching it as hard as she could. I gave her a smile, trying to hold back the pain, and she smiled back.


"Deal."


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


So everyone, I'd like to tell you a little story. A story when I and Nagisa-senpai first met. I've promised this before, correct? So you all better be grateful and listen carefully.

Our story began three years ago on a certain school in Osaka. I was in my first year of Junior High back then, just a typical poker-faced nerdy girl who find it hard to fit in among the brash Kansai kids. My standard Tokyo dialect only made things worse. You see, I changed schools a lot thanks to my father's job so I don't have many friends. I don't care much though; I would probably transfer the next year and meet new people anyways. So I thought, until she came along. That's right. It was Nagisa-senpai who first talked to me with her silly mock-up 'Tokyo-ben', dragging me around and letting me join her group called [Rainbow Makers]. There was five of us back then and I must say spending my time with them was one of the happiest moment in my life. Sadly I had to transfer abroad the next year so I thought that'd be the last time I'd seen her.

...

...

...no, I'm just joking.

Seriously, are you all a fool? There are things called SNS and internet, mind you, so even though I couldn't see her in person I could still monitor her activity. More like I did that every day. And when I found out that she's moving to my hometown Tokyo I felt like this was my chance to meet her once again. I managed to convince my parents to let me return to Japan and continue my high school in Oodora, the place where she's enrolled in. So here I am now.



What, did you just call me a stalker? Now that is simply rude. I'm only making sure that she's doing fine, thank you. You see, her idiocy worried me sometimes. She might be physically strong but her head is just so empty that she's prone to mental manipulation. I poked her cheek and she groaned, turning in her sleep. She hugged her blanket closer.

Oh just for your information, it's 6am in the morning now, a good twelve hours after my deal with that pipsqueak Rara. And I'm currently in Nagisa-senpai room. Now would you please stop calling me a stalker? I properly enter from the front door, thank you very much. Anyways, back to our previous topic, Nagisa-senpai is very easy to control that it worried me. But well, I couldn't say I never take advantages of that; it's just too hilarious to pass on. Let me give you a demonstration. I took a random magazine from her desk and roll it into a tube.

"Senpai~ Oh, Nagisa-senpai~"

I whispered to her ear through it and she groaned, tossing in her sleep.

“Can you hear me? If you can then nod.”

She gave me a nod and I continued.

"Now, do you see that huge burger over there? It looks so delicious. Don't you want to try it?"

I could see her smiling and reaching her hands up like a zombie. I snickered. Whoops, better get on with this before she started drooling.

"You walk closer and closer but wait. It's not a normal burger. It's a killer burger. And it's trying to eat you. Run, senpai, run!"

She frantically tossed around, sweating profusely, before she finally fell and hit the floor with a huge 'thud'. That's it. My stomach hurts. I tried to stifled my laugh as I saw her sitting up in panic, her eyes wide open.

"The killer burger--!?" "Good morning, senpai."

She stared at me and blinked, once, twice, before letting her shoulders fell with a huge groan.

"Ririka...? Urgh, what...are you doing in my room..."

"Your mother let me in."

She gave me another blink before dragging her feet to the door, poking her head out.

 
   "Mooom?"
   
   "Good morning, sweetie. Wow, you're up early today. Breakfast will be ready soon so calm your growling stomach for a while."
   
   "That's not it, mom. Ririka."
   
   "Oh, I forgot to tell you. Ririka-chan will be having breakfast with us starting today. Her parents are still abroad so it's up to us to take a good care of her, okay sweetie?"


She let out another long groan and closed the door. I gave her a long look.

"Do I bother you, senpai?"

"What? No, No... It's just *yawn* a bit early, ya see. Sorry to make ya feel bad, ha ha~"

She smiled and patted my head, walking toward the bathroom.

"Just make yerself at home. I'll go take a bath for a while."

"Alright."

She closed the door behind her and I took a seat on her bed, breathing in her scent. I felt like doing another teasing.

"Hey, Nagisa-senpai."

"Hm?"

"Where do you put your gravure collection?"

"Wha--hey! I told ya I don't have any!!"

Right. I snickered and looked under her bed, revealing her treasure cove. She really never changed. I took one of the magazine to my hand.

"Oh, so you're onto this type of-- "RIRIKAAA~~!"

The magazine magically disappeared from my hand and I looked to my right, Nagisa-senpai grinning and hiding something behind her.

"Would you mind waiting downstair~?"

"If you say so, senpai."

"Good girl~"

She patted my head and pushed me out of her bedroom, quickly closing the door. I could hear a 'click', followed by some curses and frantic shuffling. Pfft, she's just too amusing to tease. I snickered and walked down the stairs, waiting for her by the dining room. I spoke with her mother in the meantime, just the typical small talk about how I and my family have been doing, until she finally stepped out of her room ready with her bag and school's uniform. She sighed and took a seat beside me, hitting me square on the head. I flinched.

"That was hurt, senpai."

"It should be."

"And what is that for, may I ask?"

"For rummaging my belongings without permission."

"But I believe you told me to make myself at home."

"...just can't argue with ya, ain't I?"

"Glad you understand."

She gave me another light punch on the shoulder and stuffed some toast to her mouth, munching down her breakfast. I ate my own bread quietly.

"By the way, senpai."

"Hmmrh?"

"Who is Ryouha?"

She froze. She technically froze, as if you just find and click a 'pause' button to her system. Her face turned blank.

"I wonder who."

"Is she really your girlfrien—"

"Whoaaa thanks for the meal, mom! I'm off!"

She took her bag with her and ran out of the house. What a childish way to escape. I sighed, taking my unfinished bread with me as I followed after her.

"Nagisa-senpai."

She didn't answer and kept walking.

"Nagisa-senpai, will you slow down for a while?”

Still no anwer.

“Senpai, I won't tell anyone—"

Whoops. She suddenly stopped and I nearly bumped into her. I blinked, watching her back.

"Promise you won't?"

"I won't."

She sighed and finally turned to face me, scratching her cheek.

"I promised Ryouha not to tell anyone so don't let it slip, 'kay?

Though a lot of people know about it already. I prevented myself from saying that and gave her a nod instead.

"Thanks a lot, Ririka."

"No problem."

She flashed me a smile and continued walking; I quietly munched on my bread and walked beside her. Now, do you all remember about the deal I made with pipsqueak Rara? Here is my part of the plan: I'd make Nagisa-senpai feel agitated about her relationship while pretending that I want to help her, but in reality I'd only drive the two apart. Like I said Nagisa-senpai is an idiot and I've known her long enough to know the perfect way to control her. But still, the topic is quite delicate this time so I need to choose my words carefully. I took a deep breath. Time to put the plan in motion.

"So how has it been?"

"Huh?"

"You and your girlfriend. The two of you are keeping your relationship a secret, right? It must be hard...”

"Can't say it isn't.”

"You can talk about it with me if you want."

I tried to sound as if I really care and she put her arm over my shoulder, drawing me closer. That time, I almost felt bad for trying to deceive her. Almost.

"Thanks, really."

I just gave her another nod and she let out a small laugh.

"Ha ha, well... Ya see, there's been a lot of errands lately right? And thanks to that I kept coming late to our appointment.”

"I see. Then?”

"Well, Ryouha said she's cool with it. But—"

"And you believe her words? Senpai, you really are hopeless in romance. I'm starting to feel sorry for your girlfriend."

"Hey, that's cruel! Why would ya even say that?"

"You're just too dense. I'm sure you don't even realize that girls kept swarming around you like bees to honey."

"Uuh, Ririka-chan? Ya sure we still talking about the same topic—“Shut up.” I stuffed the bread I had earlier to her mouth, forcing her to shush.

“I'm the one doing the asking senpai, so please be quiet. You can answer me by nodding or shaking your head.”

She paused, before answering me with a nod.

“First, have you been taking a good care of your girlfriend?

She looked away for a while, seemingly thinking, before she nodded.

“I cannot agree with that.”

She flinched, giving me a perplexed look.

“Tell me. Aside from your usual meeting on the station, have you ever do anything to make her feel special?”

She raised her index finger, trying to argue, but I didn't give her the chance.

“--Like escorting her home, or making little surprises for her, or perhaps taking her on a special date with just the two of you?”

She paused, giving me her usual blank look, before lowering her finger slowly. I sighed and removed the bread from her mouth, watching her walking to a nearby wall and planted her face to it.

“Right. I'll take that as a 'no'.”

“...I'm a horrible person.”

“Next. When was the last time you spend your weekend with her?”

“Last, no, two months ago...I guess.”

“Whoa, you really ARE horrible.”

“Can't help it!!”

She turned to face me again, seemingly frustrated.

   “Ryouha and I been busy with our club, and she said—“

And you believed her, AGAIN. Look, senpai, is it really hard to ignore other people and make her your top priority for a chance?
She must have wanted that from you and yet too embarrassed to tell.”

“Uurgh, well, Ryouha is very timid and all but--”   

“To make it worse, you keep flirting behind her back.

“Now wait a sec! I never—

“Then please explain how girls keep flocking around you.”

“That's—I don't—I have no idea, dammit!”

“Wow, I'm getting more and more sorry for her.”

She groaned and slammed her head one more time, before sliding down to the ground. She hugged her knees, sulking like a kid, and I stared at her for a while. Well, this is easier than I thought. I sighed, finishing my delayed breakfast in one gulp.

“Now, don't be so disheartened, senpai.”

“...you're just making me feel more horrible now, thanks a lot.”

“Nonsense. I have a reason for telling you all this. In fact, I'm here to help you.”

I patted her shoulder and she glanced at me, staring back with a hopeful look; I almost lost my poker face back then, but I managed to hang on.

“I'll help you out with your relationship.”

“...really?”

“Of course.”

I smiled, offering my hand to her.

“I'll tell you one; I will prepare the best date scenario for the two of you. The best one you would ever seen.

“Guuh, Ririka~~ Come here you~!”

She gave a huge bear hug right after, showering me with more thanks.

Oh, Nagisa-senpai you adorkable idiot.

I sighed and silently thought to myself, my smile unknowingly turned into a smirk.












I'll get you back under my fingers, for sure...




__________________________________________________________
Notice Me, Senpai! : Sutou Ririka Side // END >> next side...

Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Part Two]
Post by: Rena-chan Daisuki on May 15, 2016, 04:31:54 AM
OH YESSS!!!
finally being posted~

Riripon is kowai~~
but it does suited her

Nagi just wait for ur doom~ :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

 :cow: :cow: :cow: :cow: :cow: :cow: :cow:
Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Part Two]
Post by: Janix123 on May 15, 2016, 08:37:57 AM
LOL  Riri and Rara's Master Plan... BREAK THEM APART!!! :w00t: :w00t:
I wonder if the plan will work cuz...
NAGIUHA TO THE WORLD!!  XD XD
Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Part Two]
Post by: jubethehare on May 15, 2016, 10:07:05 AM
Nagi just wait for ur doom~ :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

 :cow: :cow: :cow: :cow: :cow: :cow: :cow:

Ooh, I like the sounds of that~ Let's see how our brain will play her around, shall we? :lol:

LOL  Riri and Rara's Master Plan... BREAK THEM APART!!! :w00t: :w00t:
I wonder if the plan will work cuz...
NAGIUHA TO THE WORLD!!  XD XD


HELL YEAH--!  XD

But it'll be bad if we underestimate those scary kouhai. Let's see how far can they go...
Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Part Three]
Post by: jubethehare on May 29, 2016, 07:48:53 AM
Hello and nice to meet you again.  Thanks for reading till part two. 8)

This one is, weelll... a bit different in atmosphere from the previous ones.
Blame the cheesy part to Rena-chan Daisuki. I'm still twitching even now thanks to that, from the romance-diabetes and from searching Ryouha's pictures for reference.
And I guess seeing Nagisa flirting with other members on her SNS just quadrupled the effect... Is this suicide squad? Am I part of the suicide squad now? Heck, what am I even talking about... Ha ha ha... *dies*

Well, please just ignore my previous rambles. Let's get on with the third part~
This one from the timid senpai, the tsundere tiger cub .
Enjoy~




Notice ME, Senpai !!
~ Senpai Side: Kitagawa Ryouha ~


(http://s33.postimg.org/6842hxdwf/notice_03.jpg)


__________________________________________________________




“Thank you for today, everyone. See you again tomorrow...”

“See ya~” “Thanks for the hard work.”

I gave my club mates a quick bow, fixing my grip on my school bag in front of me. Their joyful and energetic replies brought a small smile to my face, before I started to leave the clubroom and out to the sizzling heat of summer.

O-oh. Sorry for not introducing myself earlier.

My name is Kitagawa Ryouha.

I'm currently in the second year of Ryuugami High and also the member of its Choir Club. Umm, what else? Where am I heading now? Well, I am now heading to the train station to meet someone. There seems to be a problem though. I sighed and pulled out my cellphone, checking on the digital clock flaring on its screen.

  04:00 pm

Today's rehearsal ended a bit quicker so it's roughly one hour earlier from our appointment. But even then... I let out another sigh. You see, this person I was going to meet tend to come late. A lot. A very very lot. Well, not that I'm really bothered with it—huh? N-no. I am not angry at her. She's been busy with her own club so... I am not angry at all, okay?

Eh? Who is she? Umm, well, she...

She...

She's my girlfriend...







O-okay, that's enough—huh? How did we meet?

I-it's nothing grand, really. Do you really want to know? ...fine.

It was around one year ago, I believe; I was still in my first year and had just joined the Choir Club. The National High School Choir Competition had just began back then, and somehow, though I was a new member I was included in the roster. Perhaps you already know about this but Ryuugami had one of the best High School Choir in the country. And well, being the only first year in that team...I think it was understated to call that I was nervous. I was right out terrified, of all these huge image and responsibilities I had to carry. I tried to give my best, while each win made the nervousness inside me grew bigger and bigger. Finally Ryuugami managed to get into the final and faced their biggest rival Oodora High, but that moment, I couldn't contain the pressure anymore.

I guess I ran off back then, hiding myself somewhere on the dark corner of the rehearsal room, crying all my fear out. And it was then that I met her. She just incidentally found me while she got lost; a very silly way of meeting, I must say, and instead of leaving she just stay there with me. 


    “Are ya lost? Well, I'm lost too. So let's wait together 'till someone come ta fetch us, 'kay?”


I didn't know what to say. I just laughed. The worry inside me melted all together from her big wide smile. It was not long until the rest of the team from both Ryuugami and Oodora found us by the backstage, chatting and smiling at each other as if there's nothing that bothered us. We got closer since then, and before we know it, well...



That's it. I've told you there's nothing grand. And it's not like I've told anyone that we're dating because...i-it's just embarrassing, okay? So let's just put it away and returned to the current time for now.

I huffed and tapped my card on the automatic gate, stepping into the train station. Our school was a bit far from each other but fortunately our house were on the same direction, so we always met up on the train station after school. Of course there are times when we couldn't go home together but we always informed each other at least a day before. But even then Nagisa almost always come late. ...oh, it's her name; Shibuya Nagisa. Anyways, I walked up the usual platform ready for another long wait, but before I could reach the usual bench, I stopped dead on my track.

“...eh?”

She was there. Nagisa was already there, standing by the station pillar as she read a piece of paper in her hand. She put down the paper and nodded, facing the pillar and mumbling to herself as if she's talking to it, before dropping her shoulder and returned her attention to the paper. I giggled as I saw that. Geez, just what kind of silly play is she doing now? I shook my head and quietly approached her.

“...Nagi? What are you doing?”

She froze as she recognized my voice, her face turned blank as she crumpled the paper and put it into her pocket in a flash. She turned to me with an awkward smile.

“Whoa, uh, h-hello, Ryouha. Yer early today, a ha ha~”

“You're the one who's early...”

“O-oh, is that so?”

She looked away scratching her head, and I blinked. She's...acting strange. Somehow... She seemed to realized the weird look I'd been giving and she cleared her throat, regaining her composure.

“Say, Ryouha.”

“...?”

“Ya don't have anything else to do after this, ain't cha?”

“...I guess not.”

“Wheew, that's a relief... Alright then~”

“!?”

She suddenly grabbed my hand and pulled me with her, surprising me a bit with her action.

“W-wait, Nagi!? Where are we going?”

“Safe that fer later. The train's almost leaving, hurry hurry~”

“Wha—“

The train's automatic door closed right behind us and I let out the breath I was holding, glancing at the smiling girl beside me. What is she on now? I silently mulled as we walked away from the door, trying to find some seat. The train was heading to the center of the city instead of the residential area; the exact opposite from our usual route. It wasn't as crowded in the current hour but not exactly empty as well so we only managed to find one seat by the corner, Nagisa letting me sit while she stood on the free spot in front of me. I silently stared at her necktie swaying here and there as the train moved, before I finally decided to call her.

“...so, Nagi?”

“Hm?”

“Where...are we going?”

She looked at me for a while before switching her eyes somewhere else, seemingly thinking. I blinked. She's acting weird again...

“Uuh well, y'know that we've been busy with our club, right?”

“...”

“That we barely spend our time together and all?”

“Yes...?”

“So~ I was just thinking, y'know~”

She scratched her cheek and chuckled, looking a bit embarrassed. It's been a while since I saw her wearing that expression. I waited for her to continue, my hands unconsciously hugged my bag to my chest, suddenly feeling all nervous.

“W-what is it?”

“Well, let's... Let's go on a date today. Just the two of us.”

I froze as I heard that, staring at her grinning face. My own face must have turned red back then since I could feel some heat on my cheeks. I shrunk back in my seat, hiding my face behind my long strand of hair.

“O-okay...”

I whispered the words quietly, but she seemed to hear it since I could hear her letting out the breath she was holding. I smiled. A date... I wonder when was the last time I hear that... I hugged my bag tighter, my eyes wandering around to distract myself from the joy bursting out of my chest.








…eh?


I blinked, shaking my head as I saw something...odd from the corner of my eyes.

   What...is that?


There was a girl wearing, umm, let's say some kind of party props...? Sitting there on the other end of the train. I think there was another girl beside her but I wasn't really sure. And somehow... somehow... the two girls were watching me. I wasn't sure since their eyes were hidden but it just felt like that.

“Uh, Ryouha?”

Nagisa tilted her head, waving her hand in front of my face. I shook my head again.

“Somethin' wrong?”

“I-it's nothing.”

“Ya sure? Ya don't look good...”

“...yes, I'm fine.”

I covered my eyes, trying to erase the image from my mind. ...right. It's probably just my imagination. Have I gotten too nervous that I started seeing things? I took a deep breath and let out an equally long one.

“Come here.”

I felt Nagisa pulled away my hand from my face and planted a soft kiss on my forehead. She chuckled.

“Better?”

“...”

I didn't answer, simply giving her a nod. She kept her hold on my hand as she looked out the window, rising back to her full height.

“Oh, we've arrived. Come on, Ryouha~”

I guess there's no use thinking about it... I gave her a small 'ok', letting her took me out of the train station and into the bustling town. The street was decorated with colorful ornaments befitting the season of summer, and I could see the many posters of ice creams on the countless cafe lining up the sidewalk. I smiled. The merry atmosphere managed to lift up my mood, and after a few more walks we finally arrived on our first destination.

“Ta-dah! Here we are~”

Nagisa released my hand and stretched her both arms to her side, grinning widely. It was a restaurant, or a cafe to be exact, with pastel colored walls and some cute fancy design. I stared at the cozy looking building for while, before letting out a small giggle. I could hear Nagisa whining beside me.

“Heey~ what's with that laugh?”

“...are you hungry already, Nagi?”

“That's cruel~ I'm not all about eating~~” She gave me one of her playful pout, and I still couldn't stop my giggle.

“It's ice cream~ Ice cream, 'kay? I remember that ya love 'em a lot.”

“Ah, I guess I am...”

“Then it's settled. A friend of mine told me that they have the best parfait 'round here, so let's have some~”

The small bell on top of the cafe's door rang as she opened the door for me, a waitress came to give us the menu as we took our seat. I absentmindedly browsed through the pictures, stealing a glance at Nagisa. She seemed to be thinking hard. I giggled again. She's very picky sometimes for a glutton... After a while she finally nodded and closed the menu, raising her hand to call the waitress. I turned my own eyes back to the menu.

“Waiter~ I want to place...an or...der...

Hm? I blinked as I heard the strange tone she used and lowered the menu from my face, trying to figure out what's going on. I saw her there with her usual blank face she had whenever she's dumbstruck, staring at the waitress beside our table; a girl around our age with short black hair and a seemingly flat expression, a pen and a small notebook with her.

“Can I take your order?”

That girl asked in a rather monotone voice and Nagisa lowered her hands slowly, her face turned a bit sour. ...that was a rather odd reaction. I mentally noted as I heard her asked for 'the chef's recommendation', the waitress penned down her order before she bowed and left.

“...do you know her, Nagi?”

“Yea—I mean, no! No way~ She just, err, look like someone I know but nah, probably just a coincidence. Ha ha~”

“...”

“Don't seem like she knows me either, so probably a different person. Yup. Gotta be it.”

She crossed her arms and nodded, seemingly trying to convince herself. I hummed to myself, letting my eyes wandered around the room. The cafe seemed quite busy, but not very much crowded so the guests could still felt the cozy atmosphere. I noticed some similarities among the guests though; most of them were couples, and seeing that made me a bit self-conscious somehow. Did Nagisa choose this place on purpose? ...no, probably not. She said a friend recommended this cafe to her and she didn't seem to realize her surrounding. But still, why are there so many couples? What is so special about this place? My eyes scanned around the many tables, trying to identify... something. Anything. ...wait. Could it be that the parfait—


Here is your order; our cafe's special parfait. Enjoy.”


I stared at the big glass of parfait in front of me with wide eyes, and I could see Nagisa did the same. Both of us gazed at the cold treat in silence.







I knew it.

I shrunk back in my seat and I could see Nagisa planted her hand to her face, seemingly as embarrassed as I was. It was one of those overly sweet and cutely decorated fruit parfait for couples, with some hearty design that was enough to make me curled up in embarrassment. I never knew such things ever existed outside of storybook... I glanced at Nagisa, seeing her taking one of the spoons as she grumbled and glared at the previous waitress, a hint of red still left on her cheek.

“Uh, we better start eating, ha ha~ Shouldn't waste food when it's there~”

“Y-you're right. We shouldn't waste food...”

We both ate quietly, keeping our eyes on our own spoon as we did. The awkward silence continued until Nagisa decided to break it.

“Hmm, not as bad as I thought. It's quite delicious~”

“I...guess so...”

She chuckled as she heard that, starting to eat in a faster pace. I paused, nibbling on my spoon as I saw her started to happily gobble down the treat. ...it's not that bad, I guess. I smiled.

“Aah, sorry Ryouha.” She stopped eating for a while, switching her attention to me.

“We should've shared this equally.”

“...it's fine. I'm already full anyway.”

“Really?”

I gave her a nod and she tilted her head, somehow still not convinced. I chuckled and leaned forward a bit, reaching my hand to wipe the stray cream on her cheek.

“Just take your time and eat slowly... Here, you even got cream on your face...”

“Ah! Hold on—“

I blinked as I she suddenly grabbed my hand, and what she did after that nearly made my heart burst.

She licked the soft cream off my fingers, not even leaving a drop unclean. I quickly retracted my hand as she finished, my face turned several shades of red from her unthinkable action.


    W-w-what does she think she's doing!?!!


I loudly shouted inside my head, but she only gave me an oblivious face.

“Yer face looks so red, Ryouha. Something wrong?”

“...y-y-you...what...”

“Hm? We shouldn't waste food, right?”

She laughed, and I fell back to my seat, clenching my hand tight to my chest. S-she...she's just—! God, she's unbelievable... I sighed and wiped my hand with the white napkin by the table, trying to calm my racing heartbeat. As I thought she really is being weird today... I mulled to myself as I waited for her to finish the parfait, locking my eyes on my shoes.

“Wheew, that was tasty~ Don't cha think so, Ryouha?”

“Y-yes... L-let's get going now...”

“Hm? Okay, if you say so.”

I quickly stood and walked away to the front door, waiting for her as she took care of the bill. Okay Ryouha, now calm down. S-she's your girlfriend so it's fine if she does something like that once in a while, right? R-right. But really, what's gotten into her? Suddenly being so bold like that... I glanced at her as she approached me with her trademark smile, flinching a bit when our skin touched from a simple holding hands. I sighed. Hmph, it's all your fault, Nagisa... I pouted and squeezed her hand. She scratched her chin as I did that, seemingly realizing my uneasiness.

“Uhh, did I make ya angry somehow?”

“...no. Not really.”

“Uurgh, okay, okay~ Whatever it is, I'm sorry~ I'll let ya choose the next place, 'kay?”

I huffed and started to walk. Now then, where should we go next? I-I know that this is a date but... I need to find a place where I could relax and enjoy our time leisurely. Huff... Bookstores or library are not good choices; Nagisa would fall asleep in an instant. Game center would be too noisy. Amusement park? It's nearly 6pm now so there wouldn't be enough time for us to enjoy anything. I sighed and let my eyes wandered again, trying to find some ideas as we walked down the darkened sidewalk. The street lights had started to lit up when I finally found something, and I raised my hand to point on a certain poster pasted on the nearby wall.

“How about that...?”

Nagisa turned her head toward it, grinning as she read the headline.

“Well, why not? Been a while since I've gone to the aquarium anyways, ha ha~”

“...then let's go.”

The aquarium wasn't very far from here and it opened until night time. It's also not crowded in weekdays and it's quite fun despite the quiet atmosphere; I couldn't find any better choice than that. I let out a relieved sigh as I saw Nagisa playing with the seal on the nearby tank, following the animal's head as they tilted their head simultaneously. Well, looks like she's back to her usual self. I chuckled and took my eyes off her for a while, walking over to the huge tank of colorful tropical fishes. The water behind it basked the whole room in a soft bluish hue and I put my hand on the glass, watching the small fishes quietly swimming to a silent symphony I couldn't hear.

“Ryouha~”

I yelped, feeling Nagisa's arms around my waist. W-what now? I flustered, trying to calm my stammering voice.

“...w-what is it?”

“Nothing. Just wanna stay like this fer a while.”

She put her chin on my shoulder and I could feel my face started heating up again from her action. She's been really weird today. Really really weird... We stayed like that for a while, only the two of us gazing at the huge miniature of the sea that seemed about to drown us in it. I didn't know how long had passed, was it hours or simply seconds? Until Nagisa whispered something to my ear.

“Hey, Ryouha?”

“...yes?”

“It's almost a year, ain't it? Since we started dating.”


      “!?”

She turned me around, pinning me to the thick glass before us. I flinched a bit as the cold surface touched my skin. What is she—!? I didn't manage to finish that thought as I saw her gazing into my eyes with an expression I couldn't decipher, and I held my breath, hearing my own heartbeat drumming in my ears.

“N-nagisa...you...”

“...”

“Y-you've been acting...very weird today...”

“Have I?”

She answered rather blandly, her voice wasn't filled with her usual playfulness. I could feel her grip on my left wrist faltered a bit before she pushed it harder to the cold glass, as if regaining her resolve.

“I was just thinking. 'cause it'll be our anniversary soon and I guess...”

She took a deep breath, before whispering softly.


    “I'll have to make it special for you...Ryouha.”


She drew closer until our foreheads touched, and I could now feel her warm breath against my skin. I closed my eyes tightly.

“W-wait, Nagi... I...”


“...”













“I'm sorry...”

I pushed her away rather roughly, putting all the power I have left on my free hand and making her tumbling back a little. I stepped away from the scene, my eyes locked on the floor all the while, watching her shadow against the carpeted surface.

“I-I have to go.”

“...”

“Thank you for today...It was...fun...”

I turned and started walking. My footsteps echoed in the wide empty hall and I walked faster, unable to face her. I left the aquarium without another word, going straight home and locking myself in my room right after. I couldn't sleep well that night. The image of her face under that soft bluish light kept looping in my memories as I hugged my blanket closer. I didn't know what I felt back then. Was I overwhelmed by the happiness? Or was I drowned by the lingering fear? I wasn't sure nor I wanted to think about it.

There was only one thing left in my mind as I drifted asleep. One thing and one thing only.

    How am I supposed to face her tomorrow...?


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“...no. This is wrong.”

I sighed, stumbling to the chair behind me as I reread the music sheet on my hands. I held my head. This is bad, I couldn't concentrate at all...

Two days had passed after that event in the aquarium, but still I haven't managed to overcome my feeling. W-well, I'd calmed down... a little... But it was all because I hadn't met Nagisa again since then. ...no. We're not having a fight. It's just... she's been texting me that she's gotten busy again so we wouldn't be able to go home together for a while. I let out another sigh.

“Everyone~! Churi-san said she couldn't make it again today, so we'll be training on our own.”

Ah, the prez isn't here again. I wonder what she's been up to... I mulled to myself, trying to distract my thought as I hummed a melody under my breath. It might sound bad but... I'm kind of relieved that she didn't come. I just didn't know what I'd say to her if she heard my current singing. Haah... I had to fix this uneasiness as soon as possible...

“The prez has been acting weird... Don't you think so too, Ryouha-senpai?”

“...Rara.”

I saw my junior Rara pulled a seat beside me, somehow looking a bit disappointed. I tried to give her an assuring smile and petted her head.

“...I'm sure she has a reason.”

“But she never ditch trainings before and has been very strict with them!”

I chuckled as I heard that.

“I think it's fine to slow down for a while... We don't have any competition in the upcoming months anyway...”

“Kuuh, that's true but—ah! Please excuse me for a moment.”

I blinked, seeing her suddenly pulled out her cellphone from her pocket and tapped the screen rather rapidly, turning away from me. She seemed to be agitated, and I could see her smiling to herself after a while. ...hmm. I never saw her wearing such joyful expression outside anything relating to choir club. It made me...curious somehow. I scooted closer, trying to take a peek above her shoulder.

“...it's rare to see you playing with your phone in the middle of club activity.”

“R-ryouha-senpai!” She instinctively hid her phone. “I'm sorry! I know it's forbidden but...”

“It's fine, I'm not scolding you... I'm just... a bit curious.”

“Oh.”

She trailed off and looked around for while, before she drew closer to me.

“Say, Ryouha-senpai,” She whispered to me so that only the two of us can hear.


“Have you ever heard of the [Rainbow Makers] ?”


I blinked. Rainbow makers? It... sounded so familiar somehow. It's not like I've heard about it but I think I'd seen it somewhere; somewhere close... and quite often, too. I couldn't really put my fingers around it though so I shook my head. She let out a sigh.

“You see, they're a group of school girls helping roughly anyone in need, but they never ask for anything in return. They started out on a certain junior high in Osaka, but since the members went to different high schools the group has been disbanded for a while now.”

“...ooh. That's a pity.”

“Don't you think so? But there's rumor that some of them still continue their activities by their own. Especially that one who went to Oodora high! She's very famous among the girls and even got her own secret fans club.”

“...is that so?”

“Yup.”

I saw her typing something on her phone and I waited for her, starting to feel agitated myself. Somehow I felt something behind my curiosity. Something... suffocating... like worry or even a hint of jealousy... I wonder why... I gulped, trying to find my voice.

"Umm... can I ask you one thing, Rara?"

"Of course, senpai! What is it?

“This girl from Oodora that you're talking about... What kind of person is she?

“Hmmm. Weeelll, I can't deny that she's charming and all... but I think she's kind of a player. She seems like she can't commit herself to one person. Oh, I have a friend who's a fan of her. And she keeps sending me her picture. Let's see... oh, here's one.”

I stared at the picture for a while and as soon as I recognized the person on it, my eyes widened. I snatched the phone from Rara's hand and took a closer look, still couldn't believe my eyes. My hands trembled.





...no.

...it...can't be...


...


...


...


“...Nagisa?”


It's her. It's her. I just couldn't mistake her anywhere. She was there on the picture, smiling as the other girl planted a kiss on her cheek. Now I remember, why the name [Rainbow Makers] felt so familiar; I've been looking at it for a long time, on that smiley armband she always wore on her right wrist.

“Oh? You know her, Ryouha-senpai?”

The realization struck me and I fell back to my chair, my mind went totally blank. Wait, c-calm down. D-don't jump into conclusion yet, Ryouha. I took a deep breath, calming myself as I tried to examine the picture better. ...that's not Oodora uniform. Perhaps it was a photo from back in her junior high. I tried to assure myself.

  RING~ RING~

I flinched, feeling the phone vibrate in my hand as the word '1 new message' appear on the screen. Rara mouthed a quick 'excuse me' and took her phone, tapping the screen again. She sighed.

“Ah, my friend sent me another photo. Uh, wait. This is just taken recently she said? And that person, wait, that's...”

“...”

“Umm, Ryouha-senpai? Please correct me if I'm wrong.”

She turned at me with an awkward smile, showing the photo on her screen.


“Isn't this... Churi-senpai?”


I froze. Staring at the screen with wide eyes. The picture was taken from behind but I could see their face as they happily chatted with each other, walking side by side along the crowded street. ...I just didn't know what to think anymore. Something felt hurt inside me and I switched my eyes to the ground, unable to say anything.

“Hey, you two little aces. Whatcha doing speaking by yourself like that? Come on, let me join your circle~~”

“Hands off, Tani-senpai.”

“Aww, Rara-chan~ So cuuuteee~~~ Hey, hey, what are you looking at on your phone—“

I thought I heard a gasp, but I just wouldn't care anymore.

“Rara-chan! You—why are you—how did you get this!?”

“Ouch—what's wrong with you, Tani-senpai!? Something wrong with showing this to Ryouha-senpai!?

I flinched as I heard that, slowly raising my face to meet them.


“So you know...”

“No, Ryouha...

"You know about me and Nagisa... and yet..."

"Look, I-I can explain. Churi is just—“


“Where are they, Marika-san?”


She clamped her mouth shut. I clenched my hand and stood, fixing my glare at her.

“Where.are.they...?”

The girl turned her face away from me, gritting her teeth.

“...the shopping district.”

“...”

“They're meeting on the shopping district after school.”

I turned on my heels right after, running out of the clubroom.

“Wait, Ryouha—!”

I heard Marika-san calling me but I didn't care; I kept running, bumping into some people along the school corridors on my way. I didn't stop running until I reached the shopping district and I fell to my knees, catching my breath as my eyes scanned the busy street. Where are they... I pushed myself back to my feet and started walking. It was as if I had forgotten how to think; I just walked. I walked and walked and walked, searching for familiar faces among the dizzying crowd, and as soon as I spotted something on the corner of my eyes, my legs stopped moving.

That black wavy hair...

That huge warm smile...

I saw her there walking with someone else beside her; another girl with the same Ryuugami uniform like me and the same Choir Club.
I saw them there trading smiles as if there was no care in the world.

And I froze, feeling something wet trickled down my cheeks.











And I think... my heart just crumbled right then...





__________________________________________________________
Notice Me, Senpai! : Kitagawa Ryouha Side // END >> next side...

Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Part Three]
Post by: Janix123 on May 29, 2016, 08:16:41 AM
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NOOO!!!!!!!!!
 Ryouha you'll be fine. Don't you worry.
Noooooooo!!
Thx for the update jubethehare-san.
Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Part Three]
Post by: kyundere on May 29, 2016, 09:04:24 AM
Aww... Ryouha  :cry:

Wonderful read and really looking forward to seeing where things go from here.
Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Part Three]
Post by: MaYukiIsLife on May 29, 2016, 10:14:46 AM
Ryouha...! Everything will be alright!!!!!  :cry:

Seriously though, Churi is my kami-oshi and all, but reading this chapter... God it breaks my heart.... I didn't know what to think after she had decided to conspire against Ryouha... I wonder if this was all apart of Rara and Riripon's plan...

Nagisa... How dare you cheat on Ryouha!!  :cry:
Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Part Three]
Post by: fath107 on May 29, 2016, 05:04:37 PM
NOOOOOOO!!! RYOUHAA!!  :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

please don't cry! arrgghhh!!  :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

i can't believe it! why churi?! WHY you did that to ryouha?!!!  :cry: :angry:

i think this is riripon plans  :bleed eyes:  :bleed eyes: it really makes a trouble between nagiuha  :bleed eyes: :bleed eyes: but wait... i think this is your plan too jubethehare-san  XD :smhid

you're too cute to be a devil rara-chan  :doh:

and... two of them almost... almost... kiss  :cry: (i've been waiting for it you know u.u)

so... so... what next??  :panic: :panic: it'll be nagisa side right? i'll be waiting for it~  :D

thank you for the update and please update soon!  :bow: :bow:
Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Part Three]
Post by: jubethehare on May 30, 2016, 05:22:43 AM
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NOOO!!!!!!!!!
 Ryouha you'll be fine. Don't you worry.
Noooooooo!!
Thx for the update jubethehare-san.

Aww... Ryouha  :cry:

Wonderful read and really looking forward to seeing where things go from here.


Thanks for reading~ And no worries, Ryouha will be fine... maybe... *look away*


i think this is riripon plans  :bleed eyes:  :bleed eyes: it really makes a trouble between nagiuha  :bleed eyes: :bleed eyes: but wait... i think this is your plan too jubethehare-san  XD :smhid


Hmm, what me? Well~ I know nothin'~~  :shifty:


Seriously though, Churi is my kami-oshi and all, but reading this chapter... God it breaks my heart....

Nagisa... How dare you cheat on Ryouha!!  :cry:


Weeell, actually~ Nagisa is my kami-oshi too, but I have to say she's this kind of person >> link (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1gV2rUrAsu-dXpuclBzanpuZkk/view)


(http://s33.postimg.org/4tnhxmeun/vlcsnap_2016_05_30_10h03m42s711.png) (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1gV2rUrAsu-dXpuclBzanpuZkk/view)
Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Part Three]
Post by: Rena-chan Daisuki on May 31, 2016, 11:15:52 AM
Yesssss!!! Feel the pain!!!
 :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

Love it so much~
Wait @jube well she's ur kami-oshi but something feel so wrong with u saying it...
Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Part Three]
Post by: jubethehare on May 31, 2016, 01:29:39 PM
Wait @jube well she's ur kami-oshi but something feel so wrong with u saying it...

Now that you mention it, me calling her 'kami' is...  :catglare:
Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Part Three]
Post by: fath107 on July 14, 2016, 06:19:26 AM
okay jubethehare-san, i think you should continue this  :angry:

you made me more curious  :bleed eyes: :bleed eyes: :bleed eyes:

please update really soon!!  :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:
Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Part Four]
Post by: jubethehare on July 18, 2016, 03:45:58 PM
Hello and nice to meet you again.  Thanks for reading till part three. 8)

Summer holidays~~!!! Yeesssh! After all those hellish exams I can finally update this fic! Still got some jobs left but, oh well.
This chapter is...well, a bit lacking in comedy compared to the previous chapters. That's to be expected, though.
Hmm and I wonder if it's because the blue color? Even the picture feels a bit melancholic thanks to that. Or was it just me? Well, whatever. Not that I hate melancholy anyway... *nods nods*

Anyways, time to put my ramble aside. Let's get on with the fourth part~
This one from that all-smiley senpai, the kuudere idiot charmer.
Enjoy~




Notice ME, Senpai !!
~ Senpai Side: Shibuya Nagisa ~


(https://s31.postimg.org/wkoo9z4mz/notice_04.jpg)


__________________________________________________________



"Wheeew, what a long day..."

I sighed, hitting my shoulder a few times as I walked down the crowded area of the shopping district. Geez, my body's all sore. There's so many clubs needing help lately so I'd been busy. I should've taken a day-off one of these days, ha ha.

..hm? Oh yeah, I haven't introduced myself.


The name's Nagisa. Shibuya Nagisa.

Oodora Public High School, 2nd year, also a member of [Rainbow Makers].


Oh? What is [Rainbow Makers], you ask? Well, it's a small club me and some friends back in Osaka made when we were still in Junior High. We simply went around helping anyone in trouble, thus the name 'rainbow' maker. In fact it's also the reason why I'd been helping the other clubs with their need, going around without asking anything in return. Sounds silly, huh? Ha ha, yeah. I know. But even knowing that I couldn't stop myself; even after we all went to separate high schools and I moved to Tokyo I still ended up carrying over that habit.

Thanks to that, I am accustomed to treat everyone in an equally good manner.
So I don't know how to, let's say, hate someone for a long time or do something special to a certain person. Not even to myself.

People tended to see me as a friendly and kind person because of that, but it seemed that habit also had its own down-side...

“You're sighing again.”

Hm? I glanced to my right, seeing someone stared back at me with a worried look.

“What's up? It's not like you to look so down.”

“Huh? Oh, it's nothing. ”

I gave her a big smile.

“Sorry 'bout that, Churi-san. Even though you've gone out of yer way to help me.”

“I told you it's fine. No biggie.”

She waved her hand in dismissal, returning my smile. I chuckled and muttered a quick 'alright', continuing our walk. This girl beside me is Takayanagi Akane, though people mostly called her by her nickname Churi. She's a third year student of Ryuugami High and also the president of its famous choir club. How did I know her? Hmm, now that's a story from one year ago. I was helping my own senior with Oodora choir club back then, being a substitute member since they lacked people. It was the first time I knew about Ryuugami, and how the choir clubs of the two schools had been rivals for ages. But don't worry; it's not a bad kind of rivalry. In fact some of the members were quite close. It was then that my senior Miyuki introduced me to some of her friends from Ryuugami, and much to my own surprise, it was also the moment I met my girlfriend.

Hm? Did I forget to mention it? Yeah, I have a girlfriend. And she's a member of Ryuugami's Choir Club.

Her name is Kitagawa Ryouha.

You see, helping people had turned into something so natural for me; it was just like breathing, and I didn't feel anything particular when I do that. But that wasn't the case with Ryouha. Whenever I see her happy I felt like my own chest would burst from happiness. It's strange because, like I said, I never find anyone special before. So when I'm with her sometimes I didn't know what to do. Hmm, if I have to put it into words...


I want to make her happy.
But not in the same way I make everyone happy.



The problem is, I don't know how and sometimes I ended up making things awkward instead.


Uurgh, it's just so confusing. Thinking about that made my head hurts. Is this why my junior kept calling me hopeless in romance? I shook my head and sighed once again.

“Whoa, you're doing it again.”

I heard Churi-san said beside me and she put her hand to her hip, studying my face.

“Did your date with Ryouha three days ago really go that bad?”

Ugh. I groaned and clenched my face, trying to erase the image of that day from my mind.

“Please don't remind me about it...”

That bad, huh.”

Aah, I want to crawl into a hole and disappear somewhere... Ha ha... I laughed to myself and I could feel Churi-san patted my shoulder in condolence.

“Come on, cheer up~ Isn't that why we're here today? Let's find some good present for your anniversary so you guys can forget about that horrible day.”

She tried to encourage me and I lowered my hands. Yeah. This is no time to be so down. I managed to get Churi-san to help me so I mustn't let this opportunity come to waste. You see, Ryouha and I are keeping our relationship a secret. Among the few people who knew about us was Churi-san, and since she met Ryouha almost everyday in club I guess she knew about her better than anyone else. That's why I asked her to help me looking for present. It's almost a year since I started dating with Ryouha and I wanted to make a surprise for her. So yeah, even me going to the shopping district today was a secret. Besides, ain't they say girls like surprises? So I hope this could make up for it.

The thought of her cheered me up a bit and I looked around, staring at nothing in particular. Huh? Will she find out, you ask? Nah, it's not a problem. I'm an expert in pretending and making lies. I hummed to myself and turned to Churi-san, seeing her grinning.

“Seems like you've cheered up a little.”

“Hmm, I guess?”

“Well then, shall we go get something for you lovebirds?”

I scratched my nose in embarrassment, chuckling.

“Aaactually... I already have something in mind.”

“Really? Then let's take a look.”

I nodded and led her through the many shops lining along the street, stopping by a certain jewelries store. My eyes scanned through the numerous rows of ornaments. Now where is it... I hope it's not sold out yet. Ah, there it is. I approached the glass cover on the far end, staring at the little trinket inside.

It was a pair of matching silver rings, with a small heart carved on it. I planted my hand on the glass and smiled.

“I wonder if Ryouha will like it.”

I quietly whispered to myself, hearing Churi-san giggled beside me.

“Aww, Nagisa~ She'll definitely love it!”

“Really? I never saw her wearing jewelries though.”

“Trust me. It's perfect.”

“...then I'll take yer advice.”

I called over the shop attendant to make my purchase, while Churi-san waited for me outside. I felt my smile widened and I put the small box safely into my pocket, walking out of the store and back to the busy street. Churi-san was there with a mischievous look on her face.

“Now now, stop grinning for a while~ Save your happiness until you give that to her.”

“Eeh? But I'm already so happy right now, ha ha~”

We gave each other a good laugh before she suddenly blinked, pulling her phone out of her pocket. I tilted my head curiously.

“Phone call?”

“Yeah. Hold on a sec.”

She put the phone to her ear, her face grew a bit solemn as the person on the other end talked. I furrowed my brow. Did something happened? I tried to catch the conversation, and then, a certain name entered my ears.

“Wait... Did ya just say 'Ryouha'?”

I muttered under my breath and Churi-san stared back at me with wide eyes, lowering her phone.

“N-nagisa. I think we have to go now.”

“What's wrong?” I clenched my fist, starting to feel a bit uneasy from the look she's giving me.

“Did something happen to Ryou—“

I saw a flash of something familiar in the crowds and I swiftly switched my gaze toward that direction, trying to identify the figure.







“...Ryouha?”

She was there standing. Staring at me from afar. I approached her in reflexes, but before I could reach her she suddenly turned away and ran. I quickened my own steps as I saw that, running after her.

“Wait, Ryouha!”

I pushed through the crowds, shoving people out of my way without a single care, reaching my arm toward her.

“Ryouha!“ I caught her left hand, stopping her from escaping. “What's wrong? Why are you running away?”

“L-let go...”

Her voice trembled, her face hidden behind her long strands of hair. I clenched her hand tighter.

“No.”

“I said let go— “I won't.”

She tried to shake out of my grip but I easily overpowered her, pulling her closer.

“I won't let go until you tell me what's wrong—

     SLAP!!

I stumbled back a little, a sharp painful force hit my left cheek. My mind went completely blank. I slowly turned my eyes to Ryouha, seeing tears falling down her cheek as her face twisted in pain and anger. She swallowed her breath.

“...is this...how it truly is?”

She whispered quietly, her voice hoarse and choked by tears.

“The reason why you always came late... why you're cancelling our meeting at times... was it because of this...?”

Her shaky words painfully struck me and I felt my grip on her hand weakened. My own voice wavered.

“W-what do you mean?”

“...stop playing dumb, Nagi... just how many girls have you been playing?”

What!? I stared at her in disbelief.

“N-no! Ya got it all wrong, Ryouha! I've never—

“...it doesn't matter if I couldn't satisfy you, right? ...you still have other girls...”

“No... I don't...”

I felt my own voice stuck in my throat as I saw her painful gaze, and I lowered my head, unable to look into those eyes. My other hand unconsciously clenched the rings in my pocket. I could hear some random whispers and murmurs around us as people started gathering.

“...let's just end this, Nagisa...”

My whole body froze as those words echoed inside my head and I felt her hand slipping away from mine. The world seemed to have stopped right then, only the empty feeling in my hand remained. Her last words lingered in the air.







“Goodbye...”  


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


Empty. Everything is just so empty.

That's how my days felt ever since Ryouha broke up with me that day. I still continued my routine as [Rainbow Makers]; I still smiled and laughed as I usually did, but all of that felt so empty right now. As if my whole life had lost its meaning.

“No. That's wrong. I've always been empty. So what's the different?”

I mulled to myself as I walked down the empty road, staring at nothing in particular.

One week had passed since then. One whole week without her. I spent the first three days in daze, my mind still unable to register what happened. When the realization finally hit me I found myself crying in my sleep, but I hid that fact so well, immersing myself in more works. The next three days I started to wait on the train station, sitting on the same bench she usually sat, waiting until the last train arrived. But I never met her even once. In the end I grew tired of waiting, so I came to this place instead, hoping that I could see her again.

“Ryuugami High School for The Gifted.”

I quietly read the name carved on that magnificent gate before me, approaching the heavily guarded entrance. This place is a private school for the elites and it's not accessible to public, so at most I could only wait for her by the main gate. The security eyed me suspiciously for doing that, and just like I could already guess, one of them approached me.

“Excuse me, miss.” He politely asked. “Can I help you?”

I stared at the man for a while, before giving him my usual bright smile.

“Hello, mister. Naw, I'm just waiting for my...friend. Lesson ended a bit early in my place, y'know~ Summer holiday just 'round the corner and school's been all lax~”

“I see. What school are you from, miss?”

Uh-oh. Will he try to contact my school? I skipped the day so telling him wouldn't be a great idea. Good thing I wore a jacket today so he couldn't see my emblem. I tapped my chin, trying to bluff my way out.

“Eeh, what was the name again? I just transferred recently so kinda forgot...”

He raised a brow at me, and I stole a quick glance at the clock behind him. Just a few more minutes until school's end.

“Can I see your student ID?”

“Of course~ Now where is it...”

I pretended to search around my bag, delaying as much time as possible. Come on, come on, come on. I silently prayed, seeing the guy started to grow a bit impatient.

“Eeh? Where did I put it?”

I made another bluff and the man frowned. He crossed his arms.

“Strange... I swear I have 'em with me...”

“Look, miss. You can't—“

He stopped mid-sentence, his voice drowned by the loud sound of the school bell ringing. The security worker sighed and left, opening the huge gate behind him. Wheew, that was close... I secretly let out my breath in relief, my eyes scanned the crowd trying to find a certain timid girl among the sea of students. More and more of them started to disperse but I couldn't find her anywhere. Did she have club activity today? I silently thought as the last of the student walked out of the gate, my eyes still searching throughout the school's premises. The previous security worker approached me.

“So, miss? Is your friend here?”

“Err, just a moment. She's supposed to be...”

I abruptly stopped as I caught sight of her walking through the school's yard and I instinctively ran toward her.

“Ryouha!”

She flinched, staring back at me in horror.

“Ryou—!”

“That's enough, miss. You're not allowed to enter beyond this point.”

The security held my shoulder, stopping me from entering the school's gate.

“But I—I need to talk to her!”

   “Hey! Who are you?”

Huh? I turned my eyes to the source of the voice, finally aware of the shorter girl standing beside her.

“What do you need from Ryouha-senpai!?”

The girl glared at me dangerously, her tone surprisingly hostile. I clenched my hand as I heard that, unsure of what to say.

“I-I need to talk to her."

"And who are you again?"

"I'm... I'm her girlfriend.”

“Oh really now?”

She crossed her arms, giving me a suspicious look, before she glanced at Ryouha.

“Do you know this person, senpai?”







“No.”

...huh? I stared at her in disbelief, and she turned around, walking further away into the school area.

“Ryouha...?”

“I... I don't... know her...”

I complete lost all of my reason back then and I pushed through the security, feeling more of them coming to stop me. The other Ryuugami girl looked at me with disgust.

“Keep that lunatic away from us, please.”

“Yes, ma'am."

The security workers pushed me away roughly, making me fall to the asphalt in a loud 'thud'.

“We advise you to stay away, miss. Or we might refer to violence.”

I glared at them for a while, before looking away and pushed myself back to my feet. Though how stupid I am I knew I couldn't win against three grown men. So I just left, trying to ignore the painful feeling in my chest as I walked toward the usual train station. I sat down on that bench again, raising my face to stare at the darkened sky. My mind went blank.

“I knew I'd find you here.”


I blinked, hearing a familiar voice beside me. I knew this voice, and I glanced toward the source.

“Hiya, Ririka.” I put on a fake smile for her, letting her sat beside me. "What's up?"

“It's not 'what's up'. Where were you, senpai? It's not like you to skip school.”

“Ha ha, sorry. I just... don't feel like it.”

“...”

She looked at me in silence, setting her bag on her lap. I took the time to study her, staring at the bandaids around her arm and head.

“What happened to ya?”

“This?”

She touched the one on her cheek, a hint of annoyance in her face.

“Some hysteric pipsqueak assaulted me with a golf club.”

I blinked as I heard that, before patting her head a few times.

“Ya have it hard too, huh...”

"You bet I am."

I gave her a light chuckle, before switching my eyes back to the sky. We stayed like that for a while, not saying a single word, before she decided to break it first.

“How long are you going to stay gloomy like that?”

She suddenly said, and I let out another fake laugh.

“Eeh? I ain't gloomy or anything~ I'm fine~”

“Then what is it with that lifeless look on your face?”

She suddenly moved her hand and grabbed me by my cheeks, forcing me to look at her. I didn't answer that time, staring at her angered gaze. She huffed and released her grip.

“Just how long do you think I've known you, senpai?”

“...sorry.”

I put off my smile and switched my eyes to the ground, staring at the cold concrete.

“Does this unhealthy behavior of yours have something to do with your girlfriend?"

I clenched my hands, trying to keep myself together.

“Yeah, we... We just... kinda broke up..."

“So you're heartbroken now because of that.”

“...ha ha. Ya sure don't sugarcoat it.”

“I don't see the need to. In fact I'll say it to you right now;
you'll eventually forget about her and move on. That's what going to happen.”

I chuckled as I heard that, closing my eyes.

“I don't think it'll be that easy, Ririka.”

“It will.”

“No... It's just... I just...” I sucked my breath, trying to stop the tears that threatened to come out.

“I just love her so much...”

I understood now. This is not emptiness. I guess... this is what they call 'pain'?

...

...

...

“Maybe you do have changed a little.”

I heard Ririka sighed and I reopened my eyes, seeing her already standing and walking toward the edge of the platform. A train waiting just beside her.

“Look, Nagisa-senpai. Summer holiday will start tomorrow. How about you take the time to calm yourself?”

I only flashed her a soft smile and she sighed again, walking into the train. Summer holiday, huh? I chuckled to myself, hearing the screeching sound of the rail as the train left the station.


I wonder if you will be able to forget me by then, Ryouha...



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“So this is the place.”

I lowered the piece of paper and put it into my pocket, staring at the simple yet fancy two storey house. This is Ryouha's home. And after being with her for almost year it was the first time I ever come to this place. I even got her address from Churi-san; that fact made me felt uneasy, right until the point where I felt disgusted of myself. I chuckled and stepped forward, reaching my hand toward the door bell. I rang it once and waited. But there was no response. I rang it again a few times but still no luck, so I pulled out my phone, dialing her number.







Click--

“Hello? Ryouha, I—“


   --”The number you've called is not available.”


I froze as I heard that, my face fell.


   --”Please leave a message after the tone.”


I took a deep breath, holding my phone tighter.

“Ryouha, I'm in front of your house right now. I'm sorry, I know it's so selfish of me but I... I need to talk to you. Please.”

I couldn't stop my voice from wavering in the end, and I sighed, putting my phone back to my pocket. The road was so empty and I could faintly hear the sound of the cicadas in the air. The hot summer sun burning above my head and I gulped, relieving my dry throat. Beads of sweat started spilling down my forehead and I wiped them off, sighing under my breath. I waited there without moving. At some point my legs started to grow numb and I closed my eyes, humming some random song to distract myself from the sizzling heat.

CLACK--

I reopened my eyes as I heard that, turning into the source of the voice.

“Ryou—“

“What is it with you?”

...huh? I froze, staring at the girl in front of me. It wasn't Ryouha standing by the gate; it was that girl I met back at Ryuugami High, the one who kept looking at me with that hateful glare. Even now she was there giving me the same look, one hand on her hip while the other one resting against a golf club. I tried to straighten myself, giving her my usual big smile.

“Hello, miss~ We meet again I see, ha ha.”

She looked a bit startled from my friendly greeting, before she deepened her glare. I didn't waver even a bit.

"Say, is Ryouha inside? Will ya be so kind to call her?"

"Well, will YOU be so kind to leave?"

"Eeh, but I can't~ I need ta talk with her."

"We're doing our homework so stop bothering us and leave."

"Then I'll wait."

She looked at me with wide eyes.

"I'll just wait here until yer done with yer homework."

"We won't finish until nighttime."

"It's alright, just take yer time. I won't be goin' anywhere."

"..."

"So?"

"...you're so distasteful."

She slammed the gate in front of my face and I closed my eyes, before letting out a sigh. I rested my back against the wall, wiping more sweats dripping down my neck. Come to think of it, how many times had I made Ryouha wait before? Even though this is all started from a misunderstanding I guess I deserved this much. I covered my forehead and looked upward, watching the cloudless sky above. It seemed like even the weather were out to punish me. I swallowed my breath and smiled.

   One, two, three...

I mentally counted, trying to forget the heat.

   Twenty one, twenty two, twenty three...

The high temperature started to make me dizzy and I shook my head.

   One hundred, one hundred and one...

Six hundred and thirty two, six hundred... huh? What was it again? Aah, I don't know anymore. I held my head and laughed. My throat felt sore.

...

...

...

"You're a stubborn one, huh?"

Hm? I opened my eyes and glanced to see that girl by the gate again, still holding her golf club as if threatening me.

"Just how many more hours you intend to wait?"

"Hello~ Yer done with homework?”

“Don't just ignore my question...”

“Sorry, sorry~ Anyways, can ya help me call Ryouha now?"

She gave me a growl and I tilted my head.

"I guess you really are her senior after all. I can't stand you; the two of you."

Senior? I stared at her, trying to decipher her words as she tapped her golf club to the floor lightly. Golf club. Golf club... Ah, could it be? I scratched my head, giving her a quick bow.

"Thanks for taking care of Ririka."

"Huuuh???"

I smiled, pointing at the metal stick.

"It's you, isn't it? The one chasing her out with that?"

"..."

"I know she can be a handful at times but that's kinda brutal, ha ha~"

"She deserved it..."

"Yeah, maybe she is."

"I'm still not letting you in."

"Then I'll still be waitin 'ere."

She closed the gate again, but not slamming it like before. I chuckled. She's actually a good kid, I see. I took a deep breath, tapping my finger inside my pocket as I hummed some more songs. My head started throbbing painfully and I closed my eyes again. Ha ha, this is bad. I slid down the wall and crouched. My whole body felt sore.

“Pfft, I should've brought myself a hat. Ha ha~”

I flinched as I felt something dripped on my nose, and I looked up to the sky.

“...or perhaps an umbrella. Yeah, that would be better.”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


It's cold... It's cold... It's cold... What time is it now?

I faintly thought, raising my shaky hand to look at my watch. Eight...nine...uuh, what's the number again...? Everything's just so blurry and I couldn't see. I coughed, before letting out a sigh. It's already dark as far as I knew, so it's probably night already.

“You... Are you some kind of an idiot?”

Ah, it's that voice again. It had gotten so familiar now.

“Hello...”

I greeted her again for the third time in that day, still giving her that same smile.

"Ya finished...with homework yet?”

“Homewo—grrh, are you nuts!? Who cares about that!”

She lashed out at me, but I simply tilted my head, giving her an oblivious look.


“Don't give me that look! Don't tell me you—you keep standing here without moving!?


“I...told ya I'll wait.”

“It's raining for god's sake! And it's been pouring down for hours!!”

“Yes, so?”

She slapped her face and I could hear her sigh.

“Just, what does Ryouha-senpai see in you...”

“Ha ha, I... wonder about that, too...”

I chuckled, resting my head on the wall to lessen my headache.

“You're right; I'm just an idiot. I'm insensitive... blunt... and hopeless with romance...”

“...”

“I even go as far as making her cry...”

I hugged my shivering body tighter. My mouth kept talking on its own.

“I'm so horrible, ain't I? I'm horrible, and that's why... I'll selfishly say that I want to see her one last time...”

I bit my lip, swallowing my voice.

“I want to tell her that I'm sorry... And that even though I'm bad at showing it, I—”

...uh-oh. My mind suddenly felt fuzzy and everything turned black.

   “H-hey! What's wrong with you?”

I could hear the girl's voice faintly, something cold and hard hitting my cheek. Did I collapse down the street? Ha ha, this is strange. And I thought they say an idiot can't catch even a cold? I took a deep breath, trying to calm my rapid breathing.

Hey, Ryouha. I'm sorry.

I know this is all started from a misunderstanding, but perhaps I too have hurt you many times before without knowing it.

You don't need to forgive me if you don't want to.

You can just forget all about me if that'll make you feel better.

But at least, just the very least,
will you listen to my selfishness one more time?







Let me tell you a proper goodbye...

And I love you, Ryouha...



__________________________________________________________
Notice Me, Senpai! : Shibuya Nagisa Side // END >> onto the revelations...
Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Part Four]
Post by: Rena-chan Daisuki on July 19, 2016, 02:18:41 AM
Ahhhgggggg!!!
Eventhough i already know the ending before it's being posted, but still... it's to much!!!!
And u know jube, Nagi's art totally making me want to punch something (っ・д・)三⊃)゚゚)(っ・д・)三⊃)゚゚)
Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Part Four]
Post by: SkyFantasy on July 19, 2016, 11:29:15 AM
This part also make me feel hurt too. :cry: will it become the bad end?
That Girl is should be Rara,right? I don't think Ryouha will really ignore Nagisa,or she just endure herself?


Sorry for my bad english m(。≧エ≦。)m

Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Part Four]
Post by: fath107 on July 20, 2016, 02:51:44 AM
Okay... it seems rara enjoyed herself with ryouha  :banghead:

I'm happy when i know nagi love ryouha so much.. (♡´艸`) she can't forgot about ryouha and i think it's impossible for nagi to move on just like riripon said... (/_;) (move on it's so hard for me too~~~ (ó﹏ò。) )

Uurrrggghh! Could you please give me a break, jube-san? -_- my heartache when i read  "let's just end this, nagisa" 。゚(゚´Д`゚)゚。。゚(゚´Д`゚)゚。

NOOOOOOO!! IT JUST A MISUNDERSTANDING RYOUHAA! (ノД`) please don't say that to nagi :( you're happh with her right? (*´`)

Please update soon, i want to know nagi condition, since she had to standing there for a long-long-long time and had to catch a rain... (/_;)

Anyway~ thanks for your update jube-san. It really made me want to cry hahaha ha~ _ノ乙(、ン、)_ don't make me wait to loong like nagi waiting for ryouha :(( (by the way, nagi pict was so cute!! I like her smile!) (o^^o)♪
Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Part Four]
Post by: Janix123 on July 20, 2016, 12:22:43 PM
Gahhh Why do they have to break up? But one would get sad if yhey experienced those kind of things. Rara and Riri is so cute though hehehehe. And Nagi... you really are too kind too peoplr. Hehehehe. I think Ryoha was also outside hiding though but thats just a guess. Hehehe NAGIUHA!!!
Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Last Part]
Post by: jubethehare on September 01, 2016, 10:46:11 AM
Hello and nice to meet you again.  Thanks for reading all the four sides. 8)

We're reaching the end, everyone~ Whoo-hoo~~! This is it, the conclusion of everything.
I was thinking of writing this way earlier but I didn't have the time, but now that I had finally written this... somehow it felt a bit sad. The heck I'm talking about, ha ha...



On to the comments:

Rena-chan Daisuki >> So said the one who enjoy bullying Nagi the most...  :yawn: Go punch your screen, bro. Ha ha~

SkyFantasy >> Yep, it's Rara indeed. And as what Ryouha really feel... we'll see about that in this part~

fath107 >> A break~? Well~~  :shifty: Oh, Nagi will be fine~ Probably.

Janix123 >> Yeah, NAGIUHA! ...oops, enough of that for now. Ahem. Enjoy the show~



Anyways, are you all ready? Let's get on with the last part~
This one from the four girls, and what would happen to them in the end.
Enjoy~




Notice ME, Senpai !!
~ Revelations ~


(https://s10.postimg.org/s52c1mk2x/notice_05.jpg)


__________________________________________________________



"It's hot...”

Sutou Ririka muttered quietly under her breath as she glanced upward, one hand above her forehead as she tried to look past the blinding sun ray. She sighed, twirling the umbrella on her other hand as she stepped toward the familiar house in front of her. Today was the beginning of summer holiday and she decided to give her senpai Shibuya Nagisa a visit. Why? Well, that girl just broke up with her girlfriend so she got to be very down by now.

...

Just as she had planned.

Yes. It was her who made the two girls separated, with a little help from a certain pipsqueak. She did feel a bit guilty making her precious senior went through all the bad experiences but it’s for the best. That being said, she’d take the responsibilities to cheer her up. She had brought some snacks and DVDs of those Owarai shows Nagisa loved so much, and also some other things she believed could lighten the girl’s mood. It wouldn’t be enough of course, but at least it’s good for a start.

Don’t worry, senpai. I’ll bring back your smile.

Ririka silently thought before pushing the door bell, switching the grip on her umbrella and holding it in front of her with both hands. She glanced to the sky once again. The weather turned out to be sizzling hot right now with no cloud in sight, even though the weather forecast said that it would rain hard on the evening. Actually it made sense; with the sun out this much it’ll evaporate enough water for a huge downpour. Perhaps it’s better if she stayed for the night. Hmm. The girl put her hand on her chin, thinking to herself.

“I guess I can do that. Senpai might need some company.”

The girl nodded and resumed her wait, hearing the footsteps coming from the other side of the door. After a while, the door swung open.

“Good afternoon, aunt Shibuya.”

Ririka promptly said, putting on her best smile as she saw the woman by the front door; it was Nagisa’s mother, and Ririka had known her very well. In fact she had been close with the Shibuya family for long that sometimes they treated like part of the family. The woman smiled at her and opened the door wider.

“Why hello there, Ririka-chan. Come in, come in~”

She muttered a quick ‘thank you’ and followed the woman inside, taking off her shoes and heading toward the shoe rack. Her eyes absentmindedly counting the number of shoes.

“Oh my god, what happened to your face, dear?”

Hm? Ririka blinked as she heard the woman gasped, turning to see her worried face. Ah yes, the bruises she got from before hadn’t healed yet. She tried to think up a good excuse.

“I tripped down the stairs back at school when I was carrying some books to the library. But don't worry, they’re just scratches.”

“Thank goodness. Be careful from now on, okay?”

The girl nodded, before putting her shoes on her usual spot on the rack. Her mind focused back to the rack, scanning through them silently. One of senpai’s shoes are missing.

“Nee, auntie. Is Nagisa-senpai not home?”

“Oh. That girl said something about going to a friend’s house. Are you looking for her?”

If I’m not looking for her I won’t be here... She silently thought as she walked to the living room, trying to keep her courteous smile. Seriously, sometimes the Shibuya are just way too airheaded. She sighed and sat down the couch, putting her backpack to the floor.

“Did she leave any message?”

“I believe she didn’t. What, is something wrong, Ririka-chan?”

“Nothing at all. I’m just curious.”

“Hmm. Well, would you like something to drink, dear?”

“Just water, thank you.”

Ririka gave her another smile seeing the woman disappeared into the kitchen. Where are you now, senpai? She pulled out her phone and dialed Nagisa’s number, raising the device to her ear.

...

No answer.

Ririka narrowed her eyes and tried one more time, only to get the same silence. Weird. She could hear the dial tone so it meant that Nagisa hadn’t turned off her phone or have it ran out of battery. Did she silence her phone by any chance? Or she’s in a condition where she couldn’t answer the call? Hmm, there’s also a possibility that the girl is ignoring her call. But no, she had no reason for that. Ririka put her hand to her chin again, thinking. What happened to her senior now?

“Here’s your drink, sweetie.”

Ririka blinked back to reality as she saw the glass of cold water by the coffee table, letting out another ‘thank you’. The woman smiled and sat beside her on the couch.

“Did you manage to contact her?”

“Yes.” Ririka swiftly bluffed.

“She’s hanging out with some friends and just asked me to join her.”   

“I see. Please remind her to return before dark, okay dear? Oh and I think I hear it’s gonna rain tonight so can you bring over an umbrella for her? I’m sure that child forgot hers. It’s on the usual place by the way.”

Ririka nodded and gulped down her drink, before standing up.

“Got it. See you later, aunt Shibuya.”

“Have fun~”
 
She gave the woman one last smile before taking the umbrellas with her and walked out the house. Ririka sighed, trying to give her senior another call.

...

Still no response.

The girl grumbled and quickened her steps. Alright, Ririka. Think. Where could she be? She’s probably still caught up with what happened one week ago so what could she be doing now? Waiting on the train station again? No, it’s not possible. It’s summer holiday so there’s no point in waiting there at least she knew that much. So where else? Think. Think about it. Why did Nagisa wait on the train station in the first place? So that she could meet her girlfriend. So where can she meet her in school holiday?

“Her girlfriend’s house.”

Ririka muttered to herself and stopped on her track, ignoring the stares people giving her as she stood there unblinking in the middle of the sidewalk with her hand to her chin. The possibility is very high of course, but there’s no point if she couldn’t find where the place is. How could she get the address? Who could she ask? The girl hummed as the answer flashed in her mind, browsing through her contact directory. She smirked as she found the one she needed.

Goto Rara.

She dialed the number and put the phone to her ear once again.


...

  ...

    ...

   --”The number you've called is not available.”

   --”Please leave a message after the tone.”


“So she blocked my number, I see.”

Ririka tapped her chin again, her brain already spinning to find another way. She could try calling the school and asked for her address but Ryuugami is very strict with their regulation, so the answer would be no.

Think harder, Ririka. Do you know someone with a link to that girl? A link to Ryuugami’s Choir Club…







The captain of Oodora’s Female Kendo Club. Yes, I believe her girlfriend is a member of Oodora’s Choir Club and knows a lot of Ryuugami’s Choir members.”

The studious girl swiped the phonescreen, finding ‘Yamamoto Sayaka’ in her entry and dialed the number. Ririka raised her phone to her ear, waiting impatiently for the call to be connected. She looked up to sky once again, seeing dark clouds started gathering and a distant rumble echoing in the air. She sighed.

“Seems like I need to find a shelter first.”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“...alright. Okay, I understand. Thank you very much.”

   BEEP

Ririka cut off the call and put down her phone to the table. She let out a long sigh, reading the words on a paper she just written. It may took a long time and numerous roundabout call but at last she had acquired the girl’s address. And thankfully she could do it inside a nearby cafe and not under the drenching rain. Come to think of it… The girl glanced out of the window, observing the darkened sky and the loud sound of water drops hitting the ground. Well, that was worse than she thought. It wouldn't be a problem since the cafe is right by the train station, but walking from the next station to the house? Not possible. Even using an umbrella wouldn't help much. She sighed.

“Perhaps I'll wait until the rain quiet down a little.”

The girl sipped her tea, typing and saving the address to her phone. Hmm, shall she call the Shibuya household for now? Maybe her senior had returned home or at least left a message. Ririka shrugged and tapped the directory, but before she could hit the call button, her phone suddenly rang. She blinked and put down her tea cup. Incoming call? The girl quietly stared at the name flaring on the screen, and as she finally realized who it was, her eyes widened.


   --Goto Rara

   BEEP

“Hello?“

   --“Ririka!? O-oh, thank goodness it got through!”


Something is wrong. Ririka clenched her phone tightly in her hand, noticing the slight panic in her tone. Somehow she didn't like the sound of this.


“What is it?”

   --“I-it’s her! That idiotic senior of yours!!”

“...”

   --“She—s-she waited under the rain for hours and she suddenly passed out and—“

    “Calm down.”
 

Ririka sternly said, trying to keep her cool herself. She left some money on the table and stood, heading out of the cafe in a rush.


“Where are you now?”

   --”O-on Ryouha-senpai’s place.”

“Listen to me. Get Nagisa-senpai inside and carefully check her condition; temperature, heartbeat, breathing, and send me the result. I'll get there soon.”

   --“Wai—“

   BEEP

Ririka put her phone back to her pocket, ignoring the look people giving her as ran up the train platform, almost tripping by the stairs.

That idiot!

She gritted her teeth, pushing through the crowds and jumping into the train. Countless fear started flooded her mind. This is bad. Did that pipsqueak really say hours? Nagisa-senpai wasn’t home when I got there by noon, does it mean she’s been waiting outside since morning? Under that scorching sun and the rain right after!?

The girl clenched her face with one hand. She wouldn’t be this worried normally since Nagisa had a strong physical fitness, but now? Not a chance. The girl hadn’t been taking a good care of herself for the last week and if she pushed her body even further…   

“Idiot! Stupid stupid idiotic senpai!”

She cursed under her breath, trying to calm herself as she stared out the window, seeing the downpour getting stronger.

“You better be safe when I arrive...”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


   --”I’ll get there soon.”

“Wai—“

   BEEP

Goto Rara froze as she heard the muted sound, and she slowly lowered her phone. Oh god, oh god, oh god. What should she do now!? She stared at the fallen girl before her in panic, crouching down and taking one of her arm. Oomph, why she has to be such a giant... Rara quietly thought as she tried to carry the girl, trying hard to keep her umbrella on her other hand to cover them both. This is bad. This is very very bad. What should she do now? Ryouha didn't know that this girl had been waiting in front of the house under this crazy weather; she knew that Nagisa came, but Rara had told her that the girl had given up and returned home hours ago. If Ryouha saw her in this condition... Rara shook her head, pushing the front door open and dragging the unconscious girl inside.

“O-okay, what did that weirdo say again? Check her c-condition and—“

“...Rara?”

She flinched as she heard the familiar voice, glancing at the source.

“What...are you...eh?”

Rara felt her voice stuck in her throat as she saw the horror in Ryouha's face, seeing the girl stumbling back a little.

“...what... Nagisa...why is she...?”

“R-ryouha-senpai, this is—it's not—“

She paused, her eyes darting around in panic.

“I didn't mean to—she just—”

“...”

Rara didn't know what to say. She simply stood there, unable to say nor do anything. I-it's not my fault! I have warned her but this idiot is just— She stared back at her senior, trying to convey those words through her eyes, but it didn't seem to reach her. The girl only gave her the same perplexed look, her trembling hands covering her mouth as she tried to hold back her tears. Rara switched her eyes to the floor. She couldn't take it anymore, seeing into that painful expression. She silently walked past her senior, dragging the unconscious body with her and putting her carefully to the couch. Her own tears threatened to spill.

No. It's not her fault.

It's not her fault. It's not her fault. It's not her fault. It's not her fault.

It's not her fault!!







It is my fault.

Rara sucked her breath, clenching her hands tightly. It is her fault. It is her fault. What has she done? She hurt her precious senior. She lied to her and pushed the blame to another person. And for what end? Only to make her even more hurt. Actually, Rara knew already. She knew. That Ryouha was happier with Nagisa. That the girl had been crying every night ever since they broke up. That Nagisa was probably doing the same. But she just couldn't accept it.

She couldn't accept it. That her senior would spend more time with another person. That one day don't need her anymore and leave her behind.

It wasn't for Ryouha. Everything she did, in the end it was all for herself.

And that realization hit her stronger than anything.

It's my fault... Everything is my—

    RRRING---

The loud buzzing shook Rara back to reality and she snapped her eyes to the front door, running toward the wooden structure.

RRRING--- “Ririka!!”

She slammed the door open and shouted on top of her lung, making the short-haired girl on the other end jumped a bit from her sudden exclamation.

“Your senior—“

“Where is she?”

Rara clamped her mouth shut instantly, stepping aside to let the girl in. She followed Ririka back to the living room, seeing a hint of fear reflected on the girl's usually blank expression as she examined her senior. The girl was shivering badly. Her skin had turned pale and her body temperature was keep dropping. Ririka narrowed her eyes, putting one hand near the girl's mouth to check her breathing. 

“It's getting shallow.”

“W-what does that mean? Is that good or bad?”

Ririka didn't answer. She turned her head toward the other girl.

“Are you just going to stand and stare? Kitagawa Ryouha.”

She said the words sternly, glaring at the girl.

“I need your help.”


Ryouha flinched as she heard that, staring at the girl silently, not saying a single word as if she was still mortified by the whole situation. Ririka sighed.

“Rara, get me some dry towel. Quick.”

“A-alright.”

She gave the perplexed girl another cold stare.

“Keep her skin dry and change her into some warmer clothing. Me and Rara will prepare the hot water and emergency solutions. You can at least do that, right?”

She took the towel from Rara and passed it to the girl.

“Check her condition all the time. If her shivering stops, call the ambulance immediately. Come on, Rara.”

Ryouha could only stare as the two girls left, before she turned her gaze to the figure lying on the couch. Her mind still trying to register what happened. ...huh? What... is going on? Who is that girl? And why is Nagisa... Ryouha clenched the towel tighter. She didn't know what she felt back then. She just drew closer to the girl, wiping the cold water off her pale face silently. Ryouha bit her lip, hearing the quiet incoherent mumbles as the girl shivered under her touch.

“Why, Nagisa...? Why...are you doing this?”

She felt her own hand started to tremble.

“Why can't you just leave? After everything that happened... why can't I...”

Ryouha held her breath, trying to stop her tears.


   “Why can't I come to hate you?”


Why? Why? It's enough already. Nagisa had hurt her enough. She didn't want anything else to do with her, so why? Why can't she forget about her? Why can't she start to hate her?

Why did she still have this feeling? The feeling of wanting to be with her once again.

Ryouha closed her eyes tightly, her one hand covering them as she desperately tried to wipe away her tears.

“Ryou..ha..”

She gasped as she heard the weak trembling voice.

“I'm sorry...”







“You idiot.”

Ryouha muttered the words softly between her sobs, glaring at the unconscious girl.

Why?

Why...

Why does she have to love this person so much?

She couldn't understand.

She simply held the girl's hand tightly, silently praying that everything will be fine.

There's still a lot of things she wanted to ask her. A lot of things to tell her. And if they really need to walk the different path in the end, at least, at the very least, she want to hear it herself from her lips.

What truly happened, and what would become of the two of them after everything ends...


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=











..


.


...it's heavy.

That was the first thing came to her mind as Shibuya Nagisa groggily opened her eyes, staring  at the unfamiliar ceiling before her. Her sight was still blurry.

Huh? Where is she? Why does her body feel so heavy?

She slowly switched her gaze downward, finding a ridiculous amount of blanket draped over her until it almost formed a small mountain. Nagisa blinked. ...what the heck? Am I still dreaming? She shook her head, but the movement only made her dizzy and she groaned, resting her head back to the pillow.

What happened? She was waiting in front of Ryouha's house, the rain was pouring down, and she passed out. She didn't know anything else after that. The only possibilities was that someone helped her, or things turned for the worse and she didn't survive. Well if that's the case then I really have a lame way to die, ha ha... She quietly laughed, feeling her throat hurting a bit as she let out the sound. If something hurts, that means she's still alive right?

“...Nagi?”

Huh? Nagisa paused, trying to find the source of the voice. This soft familiar voice... could it be...

“Ryou—mmph!

She didn't manage to finish her sentence as someone suddenly hugged her tightly, so tight that it almost suffocated her. Nagisa blinked once again, her mind fuzzy as she still tried to register what happened.

“Senpai. You're awake.”

Ah. Another familiar voice. She glanced to her right to see her junior Ririka, along with the Ryuugami girl she met before. Were they the one who helped her? Wait, do they know each other in the first place? She wasn't sure. The more she think the more questions appeared in her mind, so Nagisa decided to ignore it. She had enough of headache for the moment.

“Hmph, so much for worrying about you.”

She heard the Ryuugami girl said, seeing her glaring and crossing her arms.

“I should've just let you stay a bit longer under the rain.”

The girl spat, but somehow Nagisa knew that she didn't really mean it. She gave the girl a smile.

“Sorry for making y'all worry...”

“Oh, you better be! Or else I'll make YOU feel sorry.”

Nagisa managed to let out a weak laugh. She turned her attention back to Ryouha, seeing the girl burying her face deep to her shoulder. Her two arms locked around her as if not wanting to let go.

“Ryouha... I...”

“Tell me, Nagi.”

The girl mumbled the words quietly.

“Tell me and be honest... what did you actually do back then... with Churi-san?

...ah. Nagisa chuckled a bit. She couldn't see the girl's face but she knew that Ryouha must have trying hard to hold her tears by now. She's such a crybaby.

“I was looking for a present for ya. And since I'm not sure what to get... I asked Churi-san to help me.”

“...”

“It was our anniversary, so I was thinking of giving you a surprise.”

She could feel the grip trembled and Nagisa smiled, putting her arms around the girl and pulling her closer.

“Tell me...”

“Hm?”

“Did you ever...go out with another girl?”

“Nope.”

“Did you...play around and flirt behind me back?”

“Nah... They just flocking around me without a reason, ha ha~”

“...”

“But since Ryou-chan get jealous so easily I'll be careful from now on.”

“...good.”

She chuckled and patted her head softly, feeling the front of her shirt starting to get wet. She could hear the girl quietly sobbed.

“...I'm sorry for hitting you.”

“No, it was my fault.”

“...?”

“Because I'm such a dense idiot, I never realized that I had hurt you so many times. I'm sorry, Ryouha...”

“...”

“Will you forgive me?

“...since you're an idiot... you don't need to apologize...for doing stupid things.”

“Uwaah, that's mean~”

The two girls let out a quiet laugh. Ririka sighed as she saw the scene. It wasn't the outcome that she initially wanted, but it seemed like she had no room to argue this time. Those two were better off together; she couldn't deny it anymore nor she was stubborn enough to try and change that fact. The girl shrugged and about to walk away, before she suddenly felt a small pinch on her left arm. She growled and turned to the person responsible.

“What now, pipsqueak?”

“Hmph. As rude as ever aren't you, weirdo.”

Rara gave her a quick glare, before switching her eyes back to the couple.

“...maybe we should just leave them be.”

“...”

“I-I want Ryouha-senpai to be happy. And though how much I hate to admit it, I've never seen her happier than being with that stupid senior of yours.”

Ririka closed her eyes and sighed, a small smile on her face.

“I was about to tell you the same.”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“She's late...”

The girl in the simple white summer dress sighed, tugging on her hat as she glanced around the busy road, searching for someone. It was another typical summerly day and Kitagawa Ryouha was standing there by the bus stop, waiting for that certain someone to arrive.

“I guess that one tendency of hers still hasn't changed.”

She let out a small chuckle, before she saw a figure waving and running toward her from the distance. Ah, there she is.

“Ryouhaaa~~”

W-whoa, she's still doing that... Ryouha flinched and shyly returned her wave, her face flushed in embarrassment. The girl finally arrived and gave her her huge trademark grin, and Ryouha huffed.

“S-stop yelling my name like that... It's embarrassing...”

“Eeh? But I like yelling yer name, ha ha~”

She pouted and playfully pinched the girl's cheek.

“Nagisa...”

“Sorry, sorry~ I'm just happy we finally had a proper date on our anniversary.”

“...un.”

Ryouha gave her a small smile and the girl laughed, entwining their hands together. A few days had passed since that incident and Nagisa had completely recovered her health, much to her relief. The two girls had finally reconciled, sharing their side of the stories and taking care of all the misunderstandings. They also made sure to give their apologies to everyone who got caught up in their quarrels, especially Churi, but by doing that they have to reveal their relationship to public. Not that everyone not know about it already. Ryouha was a bit shocked when she heard that at first, and the other choir members had to try hard to stop her from sulking. Maybe it was silly of her to hide that fact in the first place.

Doesn't matter now. It's all's well that ends well.

Ryouha silently thought as she held Nagisa's hand tighter, savoring the warm touch that she hadn't feel for a while. Nagisa tilted her head.

“Ya okay, Ryouha?”

“...yeah. I just...kinda miss holding your hand...

The words ended barely above whisper and Ryouha looked away, trying to hide her flushed face. Nagisa let out a chuckle and scratched her cheek, suddenly feeling embarrassed herself.

“Aah, yeah. Me too. Ha ha~”

“...”

“...”

“...t-the bus is coming.”

Ryouha quickly changed the topic, turning her attention to the arriving vehicle.

“Let's go—”

“Wait.”

Nagisa grasped her hand tighter, keeping the girl in place. The two girls stared at each other silently among the dispersing crowd, ignoring the bus that was quickly filled with people and drove away, leaving the two of them alone by the empty bus stop. Ryouha held her breath, gazing at the unknown emotion reflected in Nagisa's eyes.

“W-what is it?”

“Ya see... about that thing I have for our anniversary...”

Ryouha felt her heartbeat quickened as she saw the serious look on her girlfriend's face, the familiar heat started rising to her own face. It was the same look she saw back then at the aquarium, and the memories of that time didn't help at all. Ryouha gulped, seeing Nagisa pulled out a small box from her pocket and held it tightly between the two of them. The girl took a deep breath, before she finally opened the lid.

"Here. I want to give this to you.”

Ryouha gasped as she saw the matching silver rings, before staring at Nagisa with a mix of joy and disbelief.

“Happy anniversary, Ryouha.”

“...Nagisa, this... I..”

She paused, didn't know what else to say. Nagisa gave her a soft smile, tugging their entwined hands slightly and drawing the girl closer.











“Okay. Now kiss.”

     “UWWOOAAAAAAA---AAHH!!!”


Nagisa screamed and jumped a few feet away, almost dropping the rings, while Ryouha froze, feeling her whole body turned rigid from shock. Their face red in embarrassment.

“Dammit, Ririkaaa!!!”

Nagisa shouted in anger, her heart nearly stopped. She snapped her head toward the culprit.

“You—would cha stop stalking me and appearing outta nowhere!?”

“I don't appear out of nowhere. I've been here for a while but you just didn't notice.”

The short-haired girl plainly said, her face as expressionless as ever.

"And I wasn't stalking you. I just coincidentally meet you here because I also want to go to the same amusement park.”

“Coincidentally?”

“Yes, coincidentally. We got two tickets from Churi-san and just happen to choose this same day to go there as you. Isn't that right, Rara?”

'We'? Nagisa raised her brow as she heard that, seeing the Ryuugami girl standing there beside her junior, the same hostile look on her face. Huh, so they do know each other.

“Hmph, I see that you still have a bad taste.”

What? Nagisa could only gave her a dumbfounded look as Rara scolded her, while Ririka sighed and shook her head.

“I agree. Your choice of present is okay, senpai, but giving it here? You could at least wait until the end of your date, when you too are alone in the ferris wheel or watching the fireworks from the distance.“

“S-shut up.”

Nagisa gave her junior a pathetic glare.

“The last time I listened to yer advice everything only turned for the worst. Wait, is it just my imagination or the whole misunderstanding started from—“

“It's just your imagination, senpai. Just your imagination.”

Ririka waved her off and Nagisa growled one more time, putting the box back to her pocket. She glanced at Ryouha, seeing her girlfriend trying to collect herself after the embarrassing moment. Nagisa ruffled her hair.

“Okay, enough of that. Let's go to the amusement park. Hurry, hurry~”

“We still have to wait for the next bus, senpai.”

“I-I know that! Ririka just, grrh, shut up for a sec.”

She walked to the nearby bench and sat, watching Rara and Ririka arguing about something from the corner of her eyes.

“Umm, Nagisa...”

She blinked, seeing Ryouha taking a seat beside her. Her face still looked flustered.

“Thank you... for the present...”

“O-oh. Right. Ha ha, ya like them~?”

“...un.”

“I knew it~ I do have a good taste~”

Nagisa laughed and Ryouha giggled as she heard the statement.

“...say.”

“Hm?”

“I also... have a present for you.”

“Eh, really? What is it, what is it~?”

Ryouha didn't answer. She simply smiled, drawing closer to her girlfriend and putting one hand on her shoulder. Nagisa flinched as she felt the girl's soft lips brushing against hers, feeling her whole body tensed from the kiss. She started to relax after a while but the warm touch was already gone, leaving her staring at that beautiful brown eyes she loved so much.

“Happy anniversary, Nagisa.” Ryouha whispered the words quietly, a small lovely smile adorning her face.

“I love you.”

Nagisa let out a small laugh, brushing her finger over her girlfriend soft rosy cheek.

“Yeah...”







“I love you too, Ryouha...”


__________________________________________________________
Notice Me, Senpai! // END
Title: Re: (OS) Notice Me, Senpai!! (Riri > NagiUha < Rara) [Afterwords]
Post by: jubethehare on September 06, 2016, 02:31:07 AM
..it finally ends.

...

Whoa. :shocked
I never thought I'd really written such a romance comedy. If it's not for Rena-chan Daisuki I probably wouldn't, ha ha. Thanks for reading till the end, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the story. But hey anyways, I have something else to tell.

[Niji no Tsukurikata] got first place in the recent NMB48 Request Hour~!!!
Now how great is that~? So to celebrate it...

I will make another fics for these lovely [Rainbow Makers],
about the other members and maybe the story back in their Junior High.


If you're interested, please stay tune as I bake the plot in my head. And see you again later~~
Title: [OS] 夜明けと蛍 ~The Dawn and Fireflies [NagiShu]
Post by: jubethehare on December 23, 2016, 06:52:09 PM
Shu is graduating. I was thinking of writing one-shot about them for a long while, but since Shu is graduating I feel like this is the right moment to make one. Especially after I saw the two dunces crying from their letters to each other. It's really bad for my heart...

At first I was thinking of writing something short and light, but then these vocaloid songs from n-buna played in my playlist... so I ended up with a sad-kinda-bizarre story in the end. Ha ha...

The main song is called 'Yoake to Hotaru' (lit. The Dawn and Fireflies). If you're interested you can listen to it here >> link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFigXrleoMs)
The name of the paintings also based on other songs made by n-buna.

All in all, enjoy~




夜明けと蛍

~The Dawn and Fireflies~
__________________________________________________________



I was too entranced by the pale moon

that I failed to see my own feet in the darkness

the stars in the faraway sky suddenly turned blurry

and before I knew it, I fell


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


The moon was so beautiful.

Its pale white color stood in contrast with the dark night sky, and the girl sighed, closing her eyes.

“What are you doing?”

A voice. She opened her eyes to meet a pair of jet black orbs, mirroring hers.

“Watching the sky.” She plainly answered. “It's so pretty tonight.”

“Pfft, the heck with that? You just tripped and fell down, ain't ya?”

The girl smiled as she heard the comment, taking the hand that was extended toward her.

“Aww, Shu... Can't you let me act cool for a chance?”

She whined as pulled the hand and stood back to her feet, patting her school blazer and skirt that was a bit dirty from her fall. The other girl smirked.

“You call that cool, lying down the asphalt like an idiot?”

“At least the reason can be.”

“Meh.” She released her friend's hand and skipped a few steps away, sticking her tongue out.

“Seriously, Nagi? Yer being too cheesy it gave me goosebumps.”

“Okay. That's it.”

Nagisa tapped her right foot to the ground a few times, smirking. Her eyes locked on her friend. Shu stared back at her for a while, before she furrowed her brows.

“Oh no you don't...”

As she finished her words, the two girls suddenly broke into a run, chasing after each other as they shouted loudly in the empty street.

“The last one to arrive paying for dinner!”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


unable to find what I truly want

I keep my head down, hurrying to nowhere

so that even if I fall and people laugh at me

I can pretend not to hear them

=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“Eeh, next. Shibuya Nagisa-kun.”

“Yes, sir.”

The said girl stood and walked toward the front of the class, taking the piece of paper from her teacher. She flipped the white paper and blinked, staring at the big red circle on the top right corner.

“Amazing score as usual... Are you even studying properly?”

“A ha ha~” The girl scratched her head and laughed.

“I did, but everything just slipped out of my head so easily! Maybe I should put a net on 'em.”

The class turned into a mix of snickers and giggles right after. The teacher sighed as he heard that, hitting her forehead with the rest of the papers lightly.

“Just try harder on the next test.”

“Aye aye, sir!”

“Next—“

Nagisa skipped back to her desk, plopping down the chair with a big smile.

“Whoa, that was worse than math. Yer really suck in Japanese study.”

She glanced as she heard Shu whispered quietly to her ear.

“Want me to help you studying for once?”

Nagisa blinked. She stared at her childhood friend, seeing her usually so cocky expression painted with a bit of worry as the girl leaned forward on her desk. And then she laughed.

“Nah, it's fine~ You have yer own baseball club to worry about.”

“We're on our third year, dumbass. Club activities will end shortly.”

“Is that so?”

Shu grumbled, driving her knuckles to the back of her friend's neck as she felt annoyed by the thoughtless reply. But Nagisa didn't budge. The girl only yelped a bit, before elbowing the desk behind her and hitting Shu square on the gut with it.

Two girls kept whispering insults at each other for the whole session, until the bell rang to signal the lunch break and they both stood. A deadly glare mirroring one another.

And then they laughed.

=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


as I paint the morning with a formless song

I turn toward those shallow summer days

and I'll see your hand, not yet cold

among the pale dawn and glowing fireflies



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


That place was her sanctuary.

A quiet small place by the edge of the town, where everything would finally move the way she wanted. Just a little stroke of her hand and the world changed according to her desire. She could picture it clearly beforehand, the warm orange mixing with the wave of cold blue undertone, just before she dipped her brush to the palette. Then, and only then, would she truly smiled. Her real genuine smile.

“Yo, Nagi~ Yer working on another piece—whoa, the heck!?”

Nagisa blinked and turned her head, seeing Shu standing by the front door of the warehouse. Her mouth agape.

“Shu! Finally, where's my lunch?”

Her smile quickly turned into a huge grin and she put away her work, scrambling away from the wall to snatch the plastic bag from the newly arrived girl. Shu instantly closed her mouth.

“Hey, hey, back off ya big glutton. There's my lunch in there as well.”

The girl pulled away, earning a pout from Nagisa.

“Who cares, I'm starving here~”

I care! Today's a big practice for my last baseball game so ya think I'm not starving?”

“Tch.”

Nagisa clicked her tongue, leaving for the sink on the corner of the room and washed her hands. She saw Shu clearing the paint buckets from the table and put down their lunch.

“I got onigiri and yakisoba bread. Which one you want?”

“Yakisoba.” Nagisa answered as she turned off the faucet. “You didn't buy any takoyaki?”

“Shoyu or ketchup?”

Shu pulled out two paper boxes from the bag and Nagisa pumped her fist to the air.

“Shu. Have I told you how much I love ya?”

“As many as you beg me for food. And don't forget we're splitting the bill.”

Nagisa waved her hand in dismissal and pulled a chair over, reaching for her bread.

“So? What's up with the wall?”

“Hm?”

Nagisa blinked, her mouth full as she munched on her meal. Shu raised her right shoulder.

“That one. Yer running out of canvas and finally start painting there?”

“Aah, not really.” The girl plainly answered, taking another bite of her bread.

“Just a change of pace. And I'm thinking of leaving some kind of memories here.”

“That's vandalism, y'know. Heck, even us using this abandoned warehouse is illegal in the first place.”

“Like you even care~”

Shu snorted as she heard the comment, giving her friend a shrug.

“Anyways, what's that supposed to be?”

Nagisa paused and stared at the unfinished painting for a while, before answering.

“Fireflies.”

“Fireflies?”

“Yes, fireflies.” The girl nodded, as if confirming herself.

“Fireflies in the breaking dawn.”

“I see...”

The baseball girl hummed, gazing at the soft blend of colors that was tinted slightly by the sunset streaming down the window. The two girls continued their lunch silently.

“Hey, Nagisa. Did you know?”

“ 'bout what?”

“They said fireflies are actually souls of the soldiers who died in battle.”

Nagisa stood up her chair in a flash.

“Okay, Shu. Out. Out you go. Now.”

Shu nearly bursted out laughing from the reaction.

“Pfft, still pissing yer pants from ghost stories even now?”

“I don't wanna be told by a scardy cat who cried begging not to ride a child rollercoaster.”

“Oi!” Shu slammed her hands to the table, her face red.

“Shut up, you frickin' adrenaline junkie! People will die if they fall down that ride!”

Nagisa smirked, crossing her arms.

“They have safety belts for a reason. And you think ghost can't kill ya? You can't punch or hit 'em for god's sake!”

“But they're not real, you dolt!”

“Just because you haven't seen them—

GRRROOOWWLL

The two suddenly stopped their outburst and sat back down.

“Okay. Let's finish our lunch for a chance.”

“Agreed.”

They continued eating. Shu popped open her box of takoyaki as she finished her previous meal, her eyes wandered around the pile of canvas on the other end of the room. A painting of some clothes fluttering on the empty air with a bug flying behind them caught her eyes. She remembered asking Nagisa if it's some kind of invisible lady but no, the girl said, it was called 'The First Train and Kafka'. Shu decided to not question about her painting anymore after turning her head 180 degree searching for their meanings. She knew one thing though; that Nagisa really loved painting. So much that she could feel what's inside the wreck of her friend's imaginative mind and the joy she got from waiting her next piece.

Even when she sucks so bad in other subjects. Speaking of which...

Shu gulped down the takoyaki in her mouth and bent down, retrieving her bag.

“Oh yeah, I just remembered something.”

Nagisa paled as she saw a good heap of books tumbling down from it.

“I promised to help you studying, ain't I?”

The girl stood up her chair again, one hand pointing toward the door.

“Out.”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


I've come to see myself as nothing but stain

the things I hate just keep piling up

I feel like leaving to the other side of this world

to that empty station, to meet the 'me' of yesterday



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


The two girls stood in front of the huge board silently as their eyes searched among the row of names, trying to find their own. Shu let out her breath as she found hers.

“Damn, I barely pass the midterm... I never thought much since our school have escalator system, but next up is college. Find yours already, Nagi?”

“Aah, I didn't pass.” Nagisa plainly answered. “I'm in the last rank. As usual.”

Shu turned her head, staring in disbelief as her friend scratched her cheek.

“Wait, what!? After all those exercises and all-nighters we did?”

Nagisa only nodded.


...


    ...


         ...



   “Hey, isn't that the school's biggest dunce?”



Shu flinched as she heard the low whispers behind them.

   
   “My, you're right. Is she seriously searching for her name? She'll always be the last without question.”

   “I wonder if her family still hoping her to take over the company. Man, she's nothing but a stain to their lineage.”

   “Don't say it like that. If it wasn't for that 'Shibuya' on her name, she won't even be able to enter this school.”


The girl couldn't hold herself anymore.

“Those bastards—!

“Stop it, Shu.”

Nagisa said quietly, her hand wrapped around the girl's wrist to stop her.

“I'm fine.”

“Huh!? Don't give me that, they just—

“I said I'm fine.”

The girl repeated a bit louder, a smile on her face as she gaze at her friend.

“I'm fine. Okay?”

Shu unclenched her hand as she saw the expression. She turned her face to the ground, hearing the soft laughter she knew so well ringing in her ears as the grip on her hand disappeared.

“Aah, it's almost time for the next lesson. We better get back to class, hurry hurry~”

“Yeah...”

Shu breathed out the answer quietly, trying to raise her face to meet the smiling face of her friend. That painful smiling face that almost like a cry, so different from the one she saw back then, on that small room dyed with countless colors.

=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


each time I look away because my heart aches too much

the sight of you just keep drifting farther and farther

I must have dirtied our dreams by saying goodbye

to that flower we saw blooming in yesterday's sky



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


It was Sunday. The first weekend after the score announcement of the previous midterm exam, and Shu was walking toward the warehouse with another plastic bag. Nagisa had been painting like usual since that incident, though she had paused the fireflies painting to work on another piece. The new painting was just finished yesterday, a maddening red sky with black criss-crossing grid that resembled wire fence, and Shu could still remembered the girl's face when she revealed the title.

'Transparent Elegy', she quietly said, with a soft small smile that sent a chilling pain to the girl's heart.

Shu had known for long. That Nagisa had been burdened by 'reality' forced by people around her. But in this place, at least in this place, Shu found that the girl too could show her true self without shame. Because this place was her sanctuary; their sanctuary. But even that was near a point of shattering. Perhaps it was selfish of her to ask for these days to continue forever, and that incident had reminded her. They would soon walk out of high school, and from there on nothing would protect them from the harsh 'reality' as they chose their own path. So she had decided. She had to speak with Nagisa. About the future from now and the path she had chosen.

The girl took a deep breath and opened the door.

“Nagisa~ It's lunch time, ya big glutton—

“Oh, Shu! Nice timing.”

Shu froze as she saw the canvas piling atop each other in the middle of the room, her eyes wide in horror.

“Could you help me take the rest? There's just so many of 'em, ha ha~”

“Nagisa... What... are you...”

The girl said the words slowly, her lips trembled as she saw her friend threw another painting to the pile, so carelessly as if they were junks.

“What are you doing, you idiot!?”

Shu yelled atop of her lungs, snatching the white canvas from her friend's grip. Nagisa tilted her head.

“What, you ask? I'm burning 'em down.” The girl plainly said as she snatched the canvas back.

“I'm burning them; every last piece of them.”

“Why...”

“Now it's a 'why'?”

“Stop acting dumb and tell me why you're doing this!”

“But I am dumb, Shu~” The girl sang as the canvas left her hand, hitting the pile with a loud thud.

“That's why I have to focus myself on studying. And these things will only hinder me.”

Shu could only stood there as she saw Nagisa added more and more paintings to the growing lump. She clenched her fists.

“Is that really what you think? Or what your parents told you to think?”

The movement stopped. Nagisa lowered her hand and turned her blank gaze to Shu, her smile disappeared.

“Shut up...”

“So it's true, huh?”

“Shut up!!”

Her voice boomed, echoing among the small room.

“You think I don't know? Yer aiming for the professional baseball league, right?
So what's yer doing, studying hard for college and all—Are you taking a pity on me!?


The girl bent down and clutched her head.

“Chasing after your dream so boastfully, gaining something I could never have... No matter what I do... No matter how hard I try... I just end up failing in everything!“

Shu opened her palms slowly, reaching toward the trembling figure. She could hear the girl's slow quiet sobs, and she gritted her teeth, trying to bite back her own tears.

“Nagisa, I... I didn't mean to... I just...”

“Leave...”

“...”

The hand touched her shoulder and Nagisa growled.

“I said leave!”

She swung her arm swatted the hand away; Shu flinched as the movement sent her right hand crashing to the broken wooden end of the canvas and she pulled it back quickly, clutching at the bloodied mess. Nagisa froze as she stared at the wound.

“Shu... Your hand...”

“D-don't worry, it's just a scratch. I can still pitch with this.”

She stumbled a step back, her tears trailed down her already wet cheek.

“Pheew, at least the painting is still okay.”

“Aah...”

“It's a bit embarrassing but I actually love yer paintings so much. So please don't destroy them, 'kay?”

Nagisa sucked her breath.

“I can't, Shu... It's too late... Way too late...”

The girl turned away and ran, leaving the building with her head hang down. She couldn't do it. It's too late. No, there's no choice for her in the first place. The moment she was born under the name 'Shibuya' she had no choice but to follow the path her family had created for her. She had no freedom to choose her future. Not even once. Even when she painted she knew, that the day where she had part with them would come. So at least she wanted to leave a memory, of that dawn of fireflies where everything started. But she didn't even manage to do that. Trickles of water dropped down her shirt and soon turned into rain, but the girl didn't stop. She kept on running, running to nowhere, hoping to that she could undo time until she reach that summerly nights once again. A blaring sound of some car's horn filled the air and the girl stopped, turning her head toward the blinding light.

“Nagisa—!!”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


I can see the flowers, reflected on the water...

I can see the moon, swaying on the water, and yet...


if I were to paint a sky where summer never come

will you laugh at me, I wonder?

because I still see that daybreak in my dream

when the moon still hanging in the sky



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“Come on, Nagi. This way.”

“Wait up, Shu~”

Two voices mingled among the quiet night as two small figures ran through the field, parting tall grasses as they walked. They finally reached a small river and stopped, catching their breath and brushing off stray leaves from their hair.

“Uwaah, we're gonna get scolded...”

“It's fine, it's fine~ Anyways, can you stop pulling my sleeves so hard? It'll tear apart.”

“W-what if there's ghosts!? I won't let you run by yerself!”

“Pfft, you still believe in ghost? You can climb the tallest tree already so yer already a grown-up.”

“Ghost can attack grown-ups as well!”

“Ah. A ghost.”

“Gwaaah!!”

Shu snickered as she heard her friend screamed. She turned off the flashlight on her hand, but stopped when she felt a strong grip around her neck.

“W-what're ya doing, stupid? Don't turn off the light!”

“Akh—stop it, yer the idiot! If you kill me, I'll be the ghost and hunt you till the end of yer life!”

Nagisa finally agreed to release the girl's neck after she turned the light back. Shu sighed loudly.

“Geez... If we keep the light on they won't come out.”

“The ghost!?”

“No, silly. Fireflies.”

Nagisa blinked as she heard that, tilting her small head.

“Fireflies?”

“Uh-huh. Check this out.”

The smaller girl carefully turned the flashlight off and reached for the fallen branch on the ground. She put on a smug smile, before swishing the branch across the grass. Small dim light fluttered up from the swaying scenery, basking the whole plain in a soft yellowish light.

Nagisa felt her eyes widened from the sight, watching the girl standing among the flickering fireflies, one hand extending toward her.

“Come on. You wanna try calling them too?”

“No wait. Stay there.”

“Heh?”

Shu blinked as she heard that, watching as her friend grinned and made a rectangle with her thumbs and index fingers, peering through the gap like some professional cameraman. It's her turn to tilt her head.

“Whatcha doing?”

“Don't move, I said~ I'm saving this scene to my memories so I can paint them.”

“You can paint?”

“Nope. But I'll learn.”

“How convincing...”

Shu said in monotone but she didn't move anyway, letting Nagisa continued her work. After a while the girl nodded and pulled back her hands, while Shu fell to her butt on the grass. She scooted closer to Nagisa.

“So, you gonna put me on yer painting?”

“Huh? Nah, only the fireflies.”

She tackled the girl as Nagisa laughed her heart off, fighting and getting their clothes dirty in the mud until the soft light dissolved with the first ray of the sun rising up the horizon.


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


if tomorrow comes and I can still draw my breath

I'm sure I'll turn toward those distant summer again

so that I can feel your warm hand once more

among the pale dawn rising from the night


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


Nagisa opened her eyes.

It's been a while since she saw that dream, a dream from when she was still very young. The start of her very own dream. She took the worn our palette and dibbed her paintbrush. The warehouse she left had grown more deserted, and the half-finished painting on that wall had blurred away that she decided to redo it from scratch.

“Aah, I guess you didn't become a ghost in the end.”

She quietly muttered to no one in particular, applying strokes against strokes on the wall as the color start building up. The jagged surface of the old wall was so rough compared to the canvas she grown accustomed to use for the last three years, and the dirty room was way more cramped than the gallery she owned, but here, she felt like she could paint out her feelings a lot better.

The pale yellowish light of the fireflies seemed to lit back within the artificial sky on that wall, and across the dark field stood a little girl. A huge grin on her face as she stretched one hand forward. Nagisa smiled as she saw the finished painting, and she reached back her hand, stopping as her fingers touched the cold wall.

A tear silently fell down her eyes.

“I'll see you again someday, Shu...”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


I'm back here again, to this town where summer yet to come

together with the brilliant night sky and dancing fireflies




__________________________________________________________
The Dawn and Fireflies // END
Title: Re: [OS] 夜明けと蛍 ~The Dawn and Fireflies [NagiShu]
Post by: kuro808 on December 23, 2016, 07:09:10 PM
Shu being the one to hold Nagi up all this time even with the failures in life, she held out until the end :nervous
Title: Re: [OS] 夜明けと蛍 ~The Dawn and Fireflies [NagiShu]
Post by: jubethehare on December 23, 2016, 09:03:23 PM
Shu being the one to hold Nagi up all this time even with the failures in life, she held out until the end :nervous

Yeah... And now I'm just gonna leave these video and pics here because I realized I couldn't see this duo anymore...  :gyaaah:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NS4_Q8h6d1M


(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C0GZKv_VEAAS6lS.jpg)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C0GT1EvVIAAL4bx.jpg)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C0G_aklUcAAUQZX.jpg)
Title: [OS] A Change of Pace [NagiUha]
Post by: jubethehare on March 11, 2017, 09:43:25 AM
It was one of those days when I was stuck in my room thanks to the harsh weather outside, no internet, nothing to do.
So I just started writing this. Just a light and short one-shot.

Enjoy~~


~ A Change of Pace ~
__________________________________________________________



Pitter... patter...

Those were the first sounds Ryouha heard as she woke up that morning.

She tossed and turned, hugging her blanket tighter as she tried to hide her bare feet from the coldness that soon washed over her body.

Pitter, patter. Pitter, patter.

It was all nice and quiet safe for those same repeating sounds, which grew louder and louder every second, and Ryouha finally gave up.

She opened her eyes and blinked a few times, trying to chase away the sleepiness that still lingered in the back of her mind, her gaze fell on the window just a few feet away from her bed. She could see silhouettes of water drops through the small crack of the curtain and silently watched them, noting how they slid down the glass so vividly before being replaced by fresh new ones. She smiled and pushed herself up to a sitting position, her left hand wandered to the empty spot beside her. She blinked again and switched her gaze to the clock on the bedside table.

10am.

She slowly stood, draping the ocean blue blanket around her shoulders and took it with her as she left the bedroom. The rain seemed to sound even harder from the living room, probably because she could see them pouring down so harshly from the huge window on the balcony, but she couldn't help giggling a bit as she saw the figure sprawling so lifelessly on the sofa. She tiptoed closer and dropped her blanket over their face.

“Buh—! W-what the—?”

Ryouha laughed as she saw Nagisa sat up in panic, clawing the blanket off her face like a deer caught in headlights. The girl stopped struggling as she finally recognized the simple fabric in her hand, and she turned to see a smiling Ryouha peeking from behind the headrest.

“Good morning, Nagi.”

“Yeah. Mornin'.”

The girl simply answered before she dropped the blanket to the carpet and heaved her body back to the sofa, her head dangled on the arm rest as she let out a sigh. Ryouha blinked as she saw that, pushing off the sofa and leaving toward the kitchen.

“You don't sound too well.”

“Nah, I'm fine. Just bored, that's all.”

“Really?”

She absentmindedly said as she opened the cabinet and took two mugs from the shelf, one with smiling brown puppy and one with grinning calico cat.

“There's nothing good on the TV?”

“I've done surfing the channels for two hours while yer still in the dream land, miss sleeping beauty.”

Cheesy. Ryouha softly laughed and put a spoonful of cocoa powder to both mugs, one added with a pinch of milk and sugar while the other mixed with the rich smell of coffee. She poured hot water over them, taking some time to stir them well before taking the finished blends with her to the sofa. She tapped Nagisa's forehead with the mug and the girl pulled her legs in response, giving her just enough space to sit. Ryouha puffed her cheek as she saw that, and Nagisa blinked, staring at the pouting girl for a while. She finally realized what the girl wanted and she sighed, sitting properly on the sofa and patting the spot beside her.

“You look more angry than bored to me.”

Ryouha muttered as she sat there, handing Nagisa her share of the hot drinks and taking the previously discarded blanket to her lap.

“Did something happen?”

“Not really.” Nagisa sighed loudly.

“I've got a nice plan for this weekend since they said it'll be sunny, but the rain just decides to ruin 'em.”

“That's too bad.”

“Not just too bad; it's a disaster~!”

She let out another long sigh, before taking a good sip of her coffee. Ryouha hummed, eyeing her quietly as she drew her knees up to her chin. She knew that Nagisa was such an outdoor person and getting stuck inside for the whole morning must felt so horrible for her. In fact she never saw Nagisa lounging around the house in her free times; the girl always had a plan, whether going on a trip somewhere or just strolling around the town. It's a big contrast to her, who prefer staying home and doing nothing until the sun set. So today, even though she felt a bit guilty about it, just a bit, she's especially happy because she could spend it with Nagisa, though the girl seemed to think otherwise.

“Ya seem oddly happy 'bout it.”

“I am. Too bad for you.”

Ryouha teasingly said as she rested her head on Nagisa's shoulder, watching the rain pouring even harder outside the window.

“You always have something going on. How about you take this time to relax and get a little change of pace?”

She mouthed the words to the hot beverages in her hands, blowing the surface a bit before sipping the delicious blend. She heard Nagisa whined beside her.

“Aww, c'mon Ryouha~ Doing nothing won't help me relax, it'll do the opposite!”

“You can start by fixing that line of thought.”

She poked her nose, earning another whine. Ryouha smiled and switched her attention back to her drink.

“Besides, you always disappear somewhere every weekends. So of course I'm happy now."

Nagisa paused. She turned her eyes to the girl resting on her shoulder, watching her running her finger over the brim of her mug quietly. She sighed and scratched her head.

“Let me guess. I'm making ya lonely for doing that?”

“Oh, you're learning. But you still need to work on your bluntness.”

“Well, ma'am, I don't mean to be rude but it'll help me if you can be more direct~”

Nagisa scoffed, in a playful pompous way, pulling the girl closer and leaving a quick peck on her cheek. Ryouha huffed and pushed her face away.

“I'll tell ya one. We'll do things your way today but if the weather clears out tomorrow, ya hafta join in my way. Fair enough~?”

Ryouha stared at the smiling Nagisa for a while, considering the offer, before she settled with a light kiss on the girl's lip.

“Deal.”

“Alrighty~”

Nagisa laughed, chugging down her coffee in one go and putting her mug on the floor. She always did everything so fast, even drinking; Ryouha couldn't help giggling as she thought about that, savoring her drink in her own slow pace.

“Now,” Nagisa said in a tone deeper than her usual voice.

“Please enlight me with yer way of indoor fun, madam.”

Ryouha laughed, opening her blanket and sharing it with Nagisa.

“Then for your first lesson, let's stay like this for a while.”

“And?”

“Do nothing.”

She simply said, leaning her weight to the girl's chest.

“Just watching the rain and enjoying the moment.”

“Huh...”

Nagisa mouthed out rather hesitantly, moving her arm around the girl's shoulder. She blinked, staring at Ryouha's contented face; her long eyelashes, her hazel brown eyes gazing at the dripping rain, her nose and soft cheeks that blush so easily, and her pinkish lips that was pursed into a small smile. The sight drew a smile to her own face, and Nagisa sighed.

“Maybe you're right.”

She whispered, just for the two of them to hear, her head resting above the girl's as she watched small droplets falling and painting their window with curious blurry images of the sky.

“It's great to have a change of pace once in a while.”   



__________________________________________________________
A Change of Pace // END
Title: Re: [OS] A Change of Pace [NagiUha]
Post by: kuro808 on March 12, 2017, 06:55:30 AM
UHa being the dagger in all hopes of fun for Nagi although perspective changes everything  :lol:
Title: (OS) Remnants of Summer (NagiUha) [Spoken Part]
Post by: jubethehare on February 15, 2018, 06:20:14 AM
Based on the songs from Yorushika first album: Natsukusa ga Jama wo Suru.

Happy valentine's day, everyone.
Enjoy~




Remnants of Summer
~ Spoken Part ~

__________________________________________________________



you know, I actually know what you wanted to say back then

I just don’t think too much about it and end up forgetting it

but I guess I can't go on living blindly like this

reckless yet pessimistic, chasing after my delusion



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


The clock ticked endlessly. Inside this room, I could hear the distant chattering of people. Whining. Grumbling. Wondering about their own problems.

“And don't forget the deadline for your long-term project. It will be three days from now.”

Another loud simultaneous whine. I took the assignment paper with one hand, not even looking at it as I put it inside my notebook. The larger paper stick out a bit among the lined sheets but I closed the book anyway. The professor wouldn't mind a little crumple.

“Geez, that old man. He's such a bully!”

I glanced to my side. A girl sighing under her breath as she slumped down her chair. She stared back at me.

“He keep giving us assignments while we're still doing those other projects. Does he think his class is the only one we take this semester? Think of the well-being of your students for once, seriously!”

“Well... I heard the other class have it worse. And he's not that picky in giving scores.”

“Whoop, there it is. Thinking positively in a roundabout manner. Trademark: the Ryouha's way.”

“Don't start making my trademark on your own. And I think it's a bit wrong calling me a positive person, Chika.”

The girl grinned and took a blue folder from her bag. I could see papers from different subjects in there, neatly arranged in alphabetical way. Unlike mine. She added the previous assignment into the pile as I put my own belongings inside my bag, before we headed out of this nearly empty class.

“But man, three days from now? Is he blind or does he really enjoy tormenting his students?”

My eyes wandered around me as I listened to her complaints. A pair of students. A boy and a girl chatting happily as they walked. Probably a couple.

“It'll be valentine's day by then! Does he want to work us to the bone on the day of love and kindness? Or is that it? Is that his way of expressing his love to his student!?”

“Maybe it is. You have nothing to do in valentine's anyway.”

“Ugh!”

Chikako grunted and grabbed her chest.

“That hurts... It's like an arrow just run through my heart in a literal way.”

“Good for you, Chika. That's your Happy Valentine's from me.”

“Thanks, Ryouha. Let's spend that day together by hogging all the discount chocolate.”

“No thanks.”

I smiled and let my eyes wandered again. Out of the window snow had started piling. They blanketed the whole campus ground in white. I let out my breath and put my hand on the cold glass. Staring at the scenery.

“It's winter already, huh?”

“Well, duh. How else could it be snowing?”

I ignored her remark. My eyes froze. Staring at the dim sight from a distant summer. I tried to say something. Hesitant. Before I brought my fingers together.

“Say, Chika. Could you do me a favor?”

“What's that so suddenly? But yeah, sure.”

“It's nothing much. I just need you to hand my assignment to the professor on the 14th.”

I turned at her with a small smile.

“Seems like I can't come to class that day.”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


surely if I think ahead to the end of my life

I'll regret not saying all those unspoken words

so until that last day of my life where you don't exist

I will say everything clearly, again and again



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“I'll turn my whole self into a cattleya... And give that flower to you. But in the end—”

“What are you singing...?”

I poke my head out the window. She was there. Lying on the grass with pieces of crumpled papers around her. Her humming stopped. I plopped down beside her, lifting a single paper that was covering her face.

“Why, hello again~ Miss Kitagawa Ryouha, is it? Your class is done for today?”

The girl cheerfully answered. A huge smile on her face. I looked away and put the paper back over that smile.

“Yeah... What about you?”

I stuttered. I stuttered a lot. But my stuttering grew even worse around her. She sat up and took the paper to her hand. Her smile never left her face.

“I'm helping a friend to write some lyrics.”

“A music major?”

“Precisely~”

“That's cheating.”

“Say that to 'em. As for me, I got paid dearly.”

She folded the paper and put it inside her jeans pocket. Chuckling. I sighed and took a crumpled one in my hand, unfolding it.

“You're as sketchy as ever... What major are you actually?”

“I told ya, I'm not enrolled~ I'm a freeter, a freeter. A good for nothing who munch on ya students' pocket money in exchange for petty works.”

The paper was filled with scribbles, barely readable. I unfold a different paper. An unfinished picture of a girl holding a single flower. A cattleya. Her face yet drawn.

“How come you're never caught...”

“Cause nobody ever complained.”

She stood, stretching her back.

“Though if miss righteous student over there gonna report me I'll make my run.”

“...no.”

I gathered the remaining papers and dropped them into the nearby trash can. She tilted her head, both hands in her pockets.

“Hmm. It's just me or you've been following me lately? Do ya need something?”

I didn't answer. Not because I didn't want to. I just didn't know what to say. In the first place, do I really have something to say? I didn't know. I only stared back at her. Unknown feelings swimming in my eyes.

And the hot summer wind blew against our skin.


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


you know, it's hard to put into words

about how deep the blue sky is

or how high the clouds in the night sky

if only I give it a form and tell you…



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


It's cold.

I put my hands together, blowing some warmth to them. It's already dark. I guess I'll sleep in the bus until I reach my stop. I took out my phone. A single message was there. It was from Chikako. She had received the assignment I emailed. And blabbering about how she'd fill all my fridge with bitter chocolates. I guess she's a bit mad when I said I'm going to meet up with someone. She'd get over it soon.

The night bus drove by and I stood from the bench. The bus was mostly empty on this time of the year, so I took a seat way back beside the window.

Using my backpack as a makeshift pillow, I hugged myself tight and drifted into a dreamless sleep.


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


hey, I actually understand that you're no longer here

I guess I'm just stubborn by trying to forget that fact



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“So I think the meaning of the passage is this. That concludes the author's intention.”

“At last~ It's finally done~~”

The girl threw her pen away. It bounced over the bookshelves and hit something with a small thud. I could hear someone's grunt at the same time. I looked at her in slight panic.

“Wait. I'll get that later. My head's still hurt from thinking too much.”

She raised her index finger, before standing to her feet and walked to the other chamber. After a while she returned with the said pen in hand.

“Welp, thanks a lot Ryou-chan. I didn't know language studies could be that hard. If I know I should've refused, ha ha.”

“...I bet you wouldn't considering the pay.”

“You got me. Anyways, how much do you want for your share? How's 30% sounds?”

“No thanks, I'm good.”

“Hmm~?”

The girl put her chin on the table. Her arms outstretched like a child.

“Then why're ya keep hanging around a shady character like me? Just tell me already, what do you need?”

“...”

“I don't sell drugs, y'know~”

“I-I know that.”

“Really? Thanks fer the baseless trust~”

She let out a chuckle from that. And I felt myself getting annoyed. No. Not annoyed. Embarrased.

“Then what? Don't tell me that ya like me? Like love in the first sight or sumthin~”

I didn't answer. I couldn't answer. Because my breath was stuck in my throat. And my face felt like it was burning. She stared back at me in silence.

“No way, seriously?”

She muttered quietly. A slight of disappointment in her voice.

“What year are you now, first? Ya still have a brighter future than being stuck with someone like me.”

“...”

“Or maybe I'm just assuming things.”

Shuffling sounds. The papers disappeared from the table. I could feel a light tap on my shoulder.

“Well then, see ya—”

“The cattleya.”

The warmth on my shoulder remained. And I secretly wished it would never go away.

“The girl in the picture. Who...was it?”

The room grew silent afterwards. Like the library it supposed to be. I heard the cry of the cicadas outside the summerly day. And the touch on my shoulder vanished.

“It was you.”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


how about this, I’ll I say it clearly this time

take notes so that you won't forget

'let's meet on the usual train station at 10'

it want to try saying something like that too



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


I walked down the snowy street. A street that was so empty despite valentine's had come. I guess since it's more on the countryside the celebration wasn't as clamorous as on the city.

I kept on walking. A small bouquet in my hands.

The bus station was right under the hill. And adjacent to it was a single vase lying on the ground. I looked up the hill and to the other end of the street before crossing. The vase was filled with some flowers. Some fresh and some had withered from time. I plucked one flower from the bouquet in my hand and put it inside the vase.

And I closed my eyes, bringing my hands together.


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


a peony that has lost its petals is no less of a flower

even if summer ends I'll still cherish its memories

I wonder if I can convey those feelings to you

if you were to appear before me on the last day of my life



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“You were standing by the side of the road, drenched in rain. In your hand was a red cattleya.”

“Another song?”

I put my chin on her shoulder from behind. She looked up from the paper, glancing at my crumpled face. She laughed.

“What with the long face, something happened at class?”

She cleared the papers from the sofa. And I sat there, putting my back on her shoulder.

“Nothing... just the professor giving us ridiculous assignment like usual...”

“University student sure have it hard, ha ha~”

I pushed my back to crush her. And she let out a playful whine.

“I have to give my best. So I won't become a hopeless adult like you...”

“Ooh~? And who is it that fell in love with this hopeless adult?”

“Shut up...”

I crushed her under my weight again. My hand reaching for a random paper on the coffee table. Just to cover my beet red face.

“Rest assure, I'm no longer a mere freeter. I finally found a job, y'know.”

“...really?”

“Yep. A proper job at a proper company. So looks like I won't need to sleep in a certain student's place anymore~”

She proudly exclaimed. And I tightened my grip on the paper. I didn't want to let it go somehow.

“...good for you.”

“Don't be lonely without me, 'kay?”

“I-I won't...”

My voice got stuck again. She let out another laugh and put her arm around me. Snuggling my face with hers.

“I'm just kidding, sheesh. I'm still gonna stay here. But I really did find a job.”

“...”

“The pay was not much though so I'll still be hanging around the campus looking for side jobs.”

“That's why you're making another song?”

“That's right. I'll go selling songs about my girlfriend to other people~

'You were standing by the side of the road, drenched in rain. In your hand was a red cattleya~”

“Shut up already...”

I pouted and pushed her laughing face away. Happy yet annoyed at the same time.

“The drops of water that flowed from you trickled like an evening rain shower. As I saw you cry my hand unconsciously moved. Without a single word, I draw your face on the canvas~”

We spent the rest of the evening like that. Writing more rose-tinted words. Messing around. Just spending our days as any other people would. Now that I think about it, that red cattleya. It was a memory from even a more distant summer. Was I in high school back then? Yeah. I was rejected. Rejected before I even confessed. By the boy who gave me that cattleya out of kindness. It happened a few times before. Since I was never good at speaking my intention. I sewed my mouth shut and let other people took chances ahead of me. I wondered what she thought when she saw me back then.


   --an artist of no great talent, sketching the scenery

   I saw you there sitting on the bus stop beside me

   even just holding a can of drink you look so beautiful

   but as the bus drove away the sight of you disappeared



Was she a student? In the same university I was in right now. What happened to her?

“Hm? You're drowning in yer thought again. What is it?”

I glanced at her. As we lied on the floor of this six-tatami wide room. Her smiling face felt like an endless warmth of summer.

“I...”

I closed my eyes. Clenching her fingers. I didn't know what to say. Afraid that the words inside me would turn into bubbles. And took her floating away. She clenched my hand back.

“Do you remember the bus stop in this song? The one where we first met.”

“...”

“There's a different bus that drove pass the hill. It goes all the way to my hometown.”

I opened my eyes to the ceiling. Clenching her hand even tighter.

“I'll tell you everything about me. And I hope you can tell me everything about you as well.”

“...what's with that cheesy remark?”

“I dunno. Something like a proposal?”

She laughed again. Her hand disappeared from mine. I put one arm above my face. The heat around it started to make me dizzy.

“Come to think of it, it's already summer again. Even night feels hot nowadays. Want something cold to drink? And should I cook dinner while I'm at it?”

I sighed. Yet I was smiling inside. I wondered if she knew that.

“...no way, you'll burn the whole kitchen. I'll do that instead. From now on.”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


surely until the end of my life I'll sing of my love to you

because I know those times we've spent together are not in vain



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“Yes, she was a very good kid. But sometimes it feels like her mind was somewhere else, ya see. Oh no, please don't take me wrong. It's not like she's unsociable. She's a very kind girl. You can't see her stop smiling even a second.”

“I see...”

The old lady smiled. As if seeing something nostalgic in me.

“Are you her friend from the city? How was Shibu-chan doing when she's there?”

“She's...”

I hesitated for a second.

“She's the same as you told me. Always smiling. Always kind.”

“I'm glad to hear that.”

The old lady laughed. A nostalgic laugh. I gave her a quick bow in gratitude.

“Are you going to see her after this? It's very cold up there.”

“Yes. I planned to get there before dark.”

“Then come back here after yer done. I'll prepare some warm nabe and we can talk more about her.”

“Thank you.”

“Oh, and this. This.”

She walked inside her house. Before coming out with a bag of oranges.

“Take this and share them with her. Shibu-chan really like this when she was little. She'd keep eating until her whole palms turn yellow.”

She laughed, a bit softly this time. I gave her my smile.

I walked around the small town a bit more until I found the stony staircases. Leading up to another hill where she was. I climbed it slowly. Slowly. Remembering the time I spent with her. Even then I reached the top faster than I expected. I turned around. The view from here was high enough to see the whole town. I could almost see the city where we lived together in the distant. But perhaps it was just my imagination.

The sun started to dye the sky red. And I continued my way to her place.

“Hey. It's been a while.”

I spoke under my breath. Letting the wind carried my voice.

“Do you know what day is it today? It's valentine's day.”

I opened the plastic bag in my hand. Arranging the oranges one by one on the concrete surface.

“I'm sorry but I didn't manage to make any chocolates. There's only flowers. The red cattleya you like so much and some others.”

I put the bouquet beside the oranges. Staring at her name carved on the stone.

“You see, I thought of spending the whole day with you. But my bus got delayed and it's almost night.”

I slid down to the ground. Sitting. My back against the stone. It was cold. Very cold.

“I guess there's no point saying those things now...”

I drew up my knees and hugged them tightly. Tears threatening to escape my eyes.

“It hurts. It hurts so much... I wonder if there any place that sells any replacement heart?”

A small laugh escaped my lips. And with that my tears also fell.

“But that'll be selfish of me, erasing every trace of you from my memories... I don't want that.”

I didn't know what I was talking about anymore. I kept talking. Pouring everything I wanted to tell her. Everything I didn't manage to tell her. My tears kept flowing. And I started humming that song.

“When you walk, the flowers bloom... When you run, the sky cries... When you laugh, I drift back to that distant summer... where I draw your smiling face...”

My tears choked me. Barely holding myself together. Hey, can't we go back? Back to that distant summer. There's still so many things I wanted to tell you. So many things. If I close my eyes right now and fell into a deep slumber, will the world grew brighter? Will this pain disappear? Will I be able to see you again?


...


...


...


It's alright.


I opened my eyes. Her voices echoed from somewhere. Distant. Yet close. Among the dark winter night.


It's alright, already.

You will be fine the way you are.


I guess I was dreaming. Because I could almost see her smiling in front of me.

“What... are you a ghost now?”

She scratched her head. Something she always do when she's embarrassed. And took a seat beside me. Her hand covering above mine. But I couldn't feel anything. Nothing but the cold night wind.

“Are telling me to live on? I know you're going to say that, so I'm not planning to go after you just yet...”

I kept my gaze on the sky. On the night sky. Afraid that if I turned my eyes. She's no longer beside me.

“Ten years from now... Twenty years from now... Even after I've become an old lady... You'll probably laugh by then, but still, will you...wait for me?”

I could hear footsteps walking up the staircase. The ghastly presence beside me fading.

“I'll be leaving for now... Eating some hotpot while talking about your embarrassing childhood with your grandma... But I'll come to see you again... Each year... Every year...”

A flashlight. And the sound of a dog barking. I smiled and gave the ghastly hand one last tug. Kissing my frozen fingers that brushed against hers. It's so warm now.

“See you again, Nagisa... I love you, from now and forever...”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


it's still hard to make myself to believe

that you won't be there on the last day of my life

so until then I will give it a voice for you

clearly, more clearly, with everything I have in my heart





__________________________________________________________
Remnants of Summer: spoken part // END
Title: (OS) Remnants of Summer (NagiUha) [Unspoken Part]
Post by: jubethehare on February 15, 2018, 06:36:00 AM
Remnants of Summer
~ Unspoken Part ~

__________________________________________________________



the me that has become a ghost

will come to bridge the gap between us tomorrow

what should I do afterwards?

I'm sure I won't be able to tell you either way



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


It's winter. The snow falling down the sky. Piling on the earth and blanketing it in white.

It's already winter. Yet I didn't feel any cold.

I didn't feel anything. I guess that's because I was already dead. But the funny thing I found as a ghost was that I wasn't able to float away. Like those I'd seen in movies. Everything felt almost similar like when I was alive. Except that I didn't need to eat or drink.

Oh, but I can still cool things like phasing through walls. See, if I put my head above an empty plate like this... A beheading!

...

Right. There's nobody to laugh at my joke anymore. And it's a bad joke.

“But man, three days from now? Is he blind or does he really enjoy tormenting his students?”

Hm? A familiar voice. Isn't that the kansai girl Ryouha close with lately? I followed the voice to the corridor. There they were. Chatting as they walked. I followed beside them.

“It'll be valentine's day by then! Does he want to work us to the bone on the day of love and kindness? Or is that it? Is that his way of expressing his love to his student!?”

“Maybe it is. You have nothing to do in valentine's anyway.”

“Ugh!”

The girl called Chikako grunted and grabbed her chest.

“That hurts... It's like an arrow just run through my heart in a literal way.”

“Good for you, Chika. That's your Happy Valentine's from me.”

“Thanks, Ryouha. Let's spend that day together by hogging all the discount chocolate.”

“No thanks.”

Ouch. Ryou-chan sure had grown a sharp tongue. She'd always been but it's getting better. Or worse. She didn't even feel guilty for speaking up anymore. Her gaze already turned to the snow piling outside. A trace of her timid self surfaced a little. Turning her voice into soft whisper.

“It's winter already, huh?”

“Well, duh. How else could it be snowing?”

A pause.

“Say, Chika. Could you do me a favor?”

“What's that so suddenly? But yeah, sure.”

“It's nothing much. I just need you to hand my assignment to the professor on the 14th.”

She turned. A painful nostalgic smile on her face.

“Seems like I can't come to class that day.”

I drew my hand toward hers. Wanting to erase that pain. But my body phased through her like mere air. I couldn't touch her or give her comfort anymore. Yet the pain in her eyes had already vanished.


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


I'm a ghost on my way to see the end of summer

in a world six-tatami mats wide, of a bus stop under the shallow shade

the night cool your hand and you fling a pebble at the light trap

the faint lights of the city blurs along with it



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“Let's see... Maybe I can make use of that...”

I heaved my body to the grass. Closing my eyes. A piece of paper above my face to block the sun. I brought myself back to that summer day. A single high school girl, a red cattleya in her hands. One time she was smiling. One time she was crying. I didn't have the courage to reach out. I only watched her from the other side of the bus stop. Unable to do anything. My voice raised up my throat.

“I'll turn my whole self into a cattleya... And give that flower to you. But in the end—”

“What are you singing...?”

...

That voice. It's her, isn't it? I closed my mouth. Collecting myself. The hot ray of summer entered my view.

“Why, hello again~ Miss Kitagawa Ryouha, is it? Your class is done for today?”

She looked away and put the paper back over my face.

“Yeah... What about you?”

Her voice wavered. Almost in the verge of breaking. I sat up and took the paper from my face. Showing her my best smile.

“I'm helping a friend to write some lyrics.”

“A music major?”

“Precisely~”

“That's cheating.”

“Say that to 'em. As for me, I got paid dearly.”

I didn't plan it to sound that way. Aloof and greedy. But it's fine. I'd show the world all my bad sides first. I didn't want to hurt anyone later. I folded the lyrics and put it inside my jeans pocket. Chuckling. She sighed and took a crumpled one in her hand, reading through it.

“You're as sketchy as ever... What major are you actually?”

“I told ya, I'm not enrolled~ I'm a freeter, a freeter. A good for nothing who munch on ya students' pocket money in exchange for petty works.”

She put the paper away and unfold a different paper. It was a sketch of her I made. I'm glad I haven't draw the face yet.

“How come you're never caught...”

“Cause nobody ever complained.”

I stood, stretching my back. Ready to flee the scene. In style.

“Though if miss righteous student over there gonna report me I'll make my run.”

“...no.”

She gathered the remaining papers and dropped them into the nearby trash can. I tilted my head, both hands in my pockets. Still playing devious.

“Hmm. It's just me or you've been following me lately? Do ya need something?”

She didn't answer. For a long while. She only stared back at me. A feeling I couldn't comprehend swimming in her brown eyes. Making my chest tightened.

And the hot summer wind blew against our skin.


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


without showing anything, without saying anything,

even if nobody else realize what you mean, I know

about the blueness of the sky above us as we sit together

and the height of clouds on night sky you always wonder


so you see, it's alright



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


It's neither warm or cold for me.

But I can see her putting her hands together, blowing some warmth to them. It must be really cold then. What is cold anyway? I was starting to forget the sensation. So I just sat beside her on the bus stop. Hoping that could give her at least a little warmth. Is it impossible to ask?

The sky grew dark. The bus had yet to come. She took out her phone, checking a message on it. I pulled myself back. Giving her some privacy. Strange to hear that from a ghost, huh? But that's just the kind of unreasonable person I was. She chuckled a bit from the message before replying it. It's probably from her friend Chikako.

Finally the night bus drove by and she stood from the bench. The bus was mostly empty on this time of the year, and she took a seat way back beside the window. Using her backpack as a makeshift pillow, she closed her eyes and fell asleep.

I stared at her sleeping face. The sight I never grew tired of. Even after my death. It frustrated me at first when I could do nothing but watch. Unable to talk with her even when I wanted to. Unable to be seen even when I was here beside her. But it's fine now. It's fine.

As long as she could sleep so peacefully like that. Everything would be fine.


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


I'm a ghost on my way to visit nostalgic sights

the beach in a distant town, the open air market I saw as a child

my legs grown tired of walking and I waited for the bus on a nearby bench

what should I do afterwards? Why was I even start walking...



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“So I think the meaning of the passage is this. That concludes the author's intention.”

“At last~ It's finally done~~”

I threw my pen away. Seems like it flew past the bookshelves and hit someone. I could hear their quiet grunt.

“Wait. I'll get that later. My head's still hurt from thinking too much.”

I raised my index finger before she managed to protest. Standing to my feet, I walked to the other chamber. It was one of my previous client. They gave me an awkward smile and gave the pen back. I took it without another word and returned to my desk. My smile returned.

“Welp, thanks a lot Ryou-chan. I didn't know language studies could be that hard. If I know I should've refused, ha ha.”

“...I bet you wouldn't considering the pay.”

“You got me. Anyways, how much do you want for your share? How's 30% sounds?”

“No thanks, I'm good.”

“Hmm~?”

I put my chin on the table. Stretching my arms like a child. Feigning innocence.

“Then why're ya keep hanging around a shady character like me? Just tell me already, what do you need?”

“...”

“I don't sell drugs, y'know~”

“I-I know that.”

“Really? Thanks fer the baseless trust~”

I chuckled despite myself. Feeling happy for no reason. She looked slightly annoyed though. So I tried to lighten the mood.

“Then what? Don't tell me that ya like me? Like love in the first sight or sumthin~”

I said that lightly. Very lightly. Just jokingly. She didn't answer. I stared back at her. At her downcast face.

“No way, seriously?”

The voice escaped my lips in a mutter. Almost in disappointment. Not at her, but at myself. For saying something so selfish so easily like that. I swallowed back my feelings. Before it managed to burst out of my chest.

“What year are you now, first? Ya still have a brighter future than being stuck with someone like me.”

“...”

“Or maybe I'm just assuming things.”

I cut our conversation short. Taking all the papers into my hands. I tapped her shoulder lightly as I passed her. Just to make things less awkward.

“Well then, see ya—”

“The cattleya.”

My hand froze in an instant. And I was taken back to that summer day.

“The girl in the picture. Who...was it?”

Aah, I felt like going back there and redo everything all over again. Maybe I could hold her as she cried. And stop myself from falling down this spiral of guilt and doubt. Maybe I'd stop feeling so disgusted of myself. The me that could only watch as everything unfold. For me, for her, for everyone. But here I was facing another crossroad. Surely, I...

The cry of the cicadas filled the room on that summerly day. And I took my hand off her shoulders.

“It was you.”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


even if you don't know it,

even if you can't hear me,

even if you will someday forget all about me

I will still be here, watching over you



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


I walked down the snowy street. A street that was as empty as I remembered them. I saw her walking beside me. A small bouquet in her hands.

It was that bus station right under the hill. The place where everything started and ended. The place where I met and left her. The place where I died.

Adjacent to it was a single vase lying on the ground. Right where a car had ran over me. It was the most cliche and stupid way to die. I was waiting for her as her class ran late. Some children were playing on the street. It's a common sight I saw near my hometown. What I didn't see was a car speeding down the hill. Either drunk driving or its brake was broken. I didn't know for sure. My body just moved to shove those children. And the car hit me instead.

I lost sight of everything after that. Aimlessly wandering the city like the ghost I was. Forgetting even my own identity. I just knew I needed to meet someone. Someone. Somewhere. So I started walking. I didn't know how long had passed until I found her again. And once I did everything flood back to me. But I couldn't even shed tears anymore.

We crossed the street in silence. Staring at the vase filled with flowers. I guess someone did come to mourn my death. I thought they had forgotten about me. About this foolish child who ran away by herself from home, only to come back as ashes. I put my sentiment away for a while. Watching her plucked one flower from the bouquet and put it inside the vase.

She closed her eyes, bringing her hands together. I wondered what kind of prayer she's giving. Thinking that it wouldn't reach me either way, my non-existent heart started to throb painfully.


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


sitting under the summer shade

the sight of the storm above tugs at my chest

the sky is so high up, isn't it? I whisper

if only I can fly up there and go far away


but I can only fall asleep that night



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“You were standing by the side of the road, drenched in rain. In your hand was a red cattleya.”

“Another song?”

A felt a weight on my shoulder. Her hair tickling my cheek. I looked up from the paper, glancing at her crumpled face. I couldn't help laughing.

“What with the long face, something happened at class?”

I cleared the sofa from papers, giving her space to sit. She put her back on my shoulder.

“Nothing... just the professor giving us ridiculous assignment like usual...”

“University student sure have it hard, ha ha~”

She pushed her back at me. I playfully whined, pretended to be crushed.

“I have to give my best. So I won't become a hopeless adult like you...”

“Ooh~? And who is it that fell in love with this hopeless adult?”

“Shut up...”

She pushed her back harder. One hand reaching for a paper on the coffee table. She sat back properly with the white sheet covering her face. I smiled.

“Rest assure, I'm no longer a mere freeter. I finally found a job, y'know.”

“...really?”

“Yep. A proper job at a proper company. So looks like I won't need to sleep in a certain student's place anymore~”

I proudly exclaimed. Her grip on the paper tightened. Just to hide her trembling.

“...good for you.”

“Don't be lonely without me, 'kay?”

“I-I won't...”

I teased her one more time. But it seemed like I went overboard. I snuggled my face to hers before she started crying.

“I'm just kidding, sheesh. I'm still gonna stay here. But I really did find a job.”

She looked up at me with a tough front. Reeling in her tears. I hugged her closer.

“The pay was not much though so I'll still be hanging around the campus looking for side jobs.”

“That's why you're making another song?”

“That's right. I'll go selling songs about my girlfriend to other people~

'You were standing by the side of the road, drenched in rain. In your hand was a red cattleya~”

“Shut up already...”

She pouted and pushed my laughing face away. Looks like she's no longer worried. I continued singing.

“The drops of water that flowed from you trickled like an evening rain shower. As I saw you cry my hand unconsciously moved. Without a single word, I draw your face on the canvas~”

We spent the rest of the evening like that. Writing cheesy lines like some stupid lovebirds. Laughing at each other's words as we lazed around the floor. Just spending our days as any other people would. Now that I think about it, it started from that red cattleya. The moment I saw her holding it as she cried in that distant summer. What happened back then? Why did she cry? Why didn't I do anything?


   --you're crying and I want to know why it won't stop

   if only I could reach out my hand to you

   it's selfish of me but I actually want to talk to you

   but I can only sit there embarrassed, by the bus stop


I thought to myself. And I saw her did the same, lost in her own thought.

“Hm? You're drowning in yer thought again. What is it?”

She glanced at me. As if a spell just brought her back to reality. And I smiled at her. As we lied on the floor of this six-tatami wide room.

“I...”

She stopped. Closing her eyes. Her hand clenched around my fingers. Tightly. Helplessly.


   --drawing your face over and over, what's left inside me was contempt
   
   why can't I forget that sight of you in the evening rain?

   choking in my own voice, in this futility and pain

   I was such an idiot, wasn't I?


I clenched her hand back. Giving her and myself an assurance.

“Do you remember the bus stop in this song? The one where we first met.”

I whispered quietly. My voice traveled in the small room.

“There's a different bus that drove pass the hill. It goes all the way to my hometown.”

She opened her eyes and clenched my hand even tighter.

“I'll tell you everything about me. And I hope you can tell me everything about you as well.”

“...what's with that cheesy remark?”

“I dunno. Something like a proposal?”

Again, I said all the important thing so lightly. Followed by a laugh to cover my own embarrassment. Her grip on my hand disappeared. And I released her hand, heading for the kitchen. I didn't glance even once. Afraid to show her my own baffled expression. I bluffed another confidence.

“Come to think of it, it's already summer again. Even night feels hot nowadays. Want something cold to drink? And should I cook dinner while I'm at it?”

She sighed. Yet I knew she was smiling inside.

“...no way, you'll burn the whole kitchen. I'll do that instead. From now on.”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


the sky we look up as we sit together is so blue

the clouds are so far away, huh? it really is a wonder

so I'm telling you, it's alright

you will be fine the way you are



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“Please. Come in, come in.”

“No, it's fine, ma'am. I'll soon be on my way.”

I looked around the scenery. The nostalgic scenery I'd seen many times as a child.

“Shibu-chan wasn't that close with her parents. So she stayed with me most of the time.”

Grandma. It's funny, isn't it? I was always afraid of losing her when I was small. But I left this world ahead of her instead. I watched her speaking for a while. Telling stories. A bright smile that resembled mine on her face.

“Are you her friend from the city? How was Shibu-chan doing when she's there?”

“She's...”

Ryouha paused. I wondered if she's caught in her memories again.

“She's the same as you told me. Always smiling. Always kind.”

“I'm glad to hear that.”

My grandma laughed. A nostalgic laugh. And Ryouha gave her a quick bow in gratitude.

“Are you going to see her after this? It's very cold up there.”

“Yes. I planned to get there before dark.”

“Then come back here after yer done. I'll prepare some warm nabe and we can talk more about her.”

“Thank you.”

“Oh, and this. This.”

Grandma walked inside her house, taking out a bag of oranges. Those oranges she grew in her garden. The ones I always helped her carried.

“Take this and share them with her. Shibu-chan really like this when she was little. She'd keep eating until her whole palms turn yellow.”

Then she laughed, a bit softly this time. Ryouha smiled and started walking.

I followed her around the town. My own memories of childhood invaded me. I wanted to show her this before, this part of me. I guess it's too late now. We reached the stony staircases by the end of the road. Leading up to another hill where the small remains of myself left. We climbed it slowly. Slowly. The two of us. Remembering the time we spent together. Even then we reached the top in the end. She turned around, looking at the whole town where I grew up. I used to come here a few times as well. Imagining the city where we came to live together in.

The sun started to dye the sky red. And she continued her way.

“Hey. It's been a while.”

She spoke under her breath. The wind carrying her voice.

“Do you know what day is it today? It's valentine's day.”

Yeah, I know.

She opened the plastic bag in her hand. Arranging the oranges one by one on the concrete surface.

“I'm sorry but I didn't manage to make any chocolates. There's only flowers. The red cattleya you like so much and some others.”

Nah, it's fine. You've been busy and all. Seeing you happy and well are enough for me.

She put the bouquet beside the oranges. Staring at my name carved on the stone. My voice didn't reach her.

“You see, I thought of spending the whole day with you. But my bus got delayed and it's almost night.”

That was the worse, wasn't it? And the bus stop didn't have any proper heater too.

She slid down to the ground. Sitting. Her back against the stone.

“I guess there's no point saying those things now...”

...

She drew up her knees and hugged them tightly. I clenched my fists.

“It hurts. It hurts so much... I wonder if there any place that sells any replacement heart?”

A small laugh escaped her lips. Her voice trembled as she cried. I couldn't do anything. Nothing at all. Just like that time in the distant summer. Where I could only watch her from afar.

“But that'll be selfish of me, erasing every trace of you from my memories... I don't want that.”

I didn't care. I didn't care. If that could make you happy. If that could make you feel better. Please. Just forget everything about me.

She kept talking. Pouring everything she wanted to say. Something that she didn't manage to say in our time together, and started humming that song

“When you walk, the flowers bloom... When you run, the sky cries... When you laugh, I drift back to that distant summer... where I draw your smiling face...”

It was you. All because of you. That my boring daily life had become so meaningful. Even I... I didn't want to lose those times yet. Because I'm not grown up enough to laugh it off for real. And say I was glad about everything.

But if it's you, I'm sure you'd be fine.

If I could just gather my courage right now. And give you those words.


...


...


...


“It's alright.”


She opened her eyes. My voice somehow reaching her. Distant. Yet close. Among the dark winter night.


“It's alright, already. You will be fine the way you are.”


I guess I was dreaming. Because I could see her staring right back at me.

“What... are you a ghost now?”

She softly laughed. And I scratched my head. Taking a seat beside her. I put my hand above hers. But I couldn't feel anything. Just an empty space. That I could easily pass in a simple push.

“Are telling me to live on? I know you're going to say that, so I'm not planning to go after you just yet...”

I did. I did want to say it. Because I still thought there's brighter future ahead of you. And I'll keep watching over you through it all. I raised my gaze to the night sky.

“Ten years from now... Twenty years from now... Even after I've become an old lady... You'll probably laugh by then, but still, will you...wait for me?”

Laugh, huh? I guess I would. It's the only thing I'm good at. It's hard to imagine her growing even older than me. But that's life. And I'm sure I'll still love her even then. I could hear footsteps walking up the staircase. The quiet moment we're having together slowly fading.

“I'll be leaving for now... Eating some hotpot while talking about your embarrassing childhood with your grandma... But I'll come to see you again... Each year... Every year...”

A flashlight. And the sound of a dog barking. She smiled and gave my ghastly hand one last tug. Kissing her frozen fingers that brushed against mine. The place where she touched felt so warm now.

“See you again, Nagisa... I love you, from now and forever...”

Forever is a very selfish word. But I smiled anyway. Reaching my own fingers to my lips. My figure slowly fading.


I love you too, Ryouha...


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


the me that has become a ghost

has come to bridge the gap between us

what will come afterwards?

I'm sure you won't be able to see either way





__________________________________________________________
Remnants of Summer: unspoken part // END
Title: Re: Jube's OS Collection [140218 - Remnants of Summer (NagiUha) ]
Post by: mizuholic on November 10, 2019, 05:11:16 PM
 :twothumbs