COMMENTS:
*Coming Later*
Love is a Battlefield
~Pairing: WMatsui~
~Part 2~
Decisions
-
Rena simply just followed Mayu around the corner of the little streets until they arrived in front of this wooden shop; she looked up at the sign and read it inwardly to herself as well as wondering what was this place. It seemed a little old to be a place she was thinking…Rena had a thought that it would look decent and fancier than this though. She was still wondering what could Takahashi-sensei’s favor be to bring both of them to such a dodgy place like this.
“Rabutan’s…Market?”
“Ignore that lame name, just follow me.”
Mayu walked in ahead of her, opened the door, and called for the shop owner’s name out loud in order to grab for her attention. Rena could only see darkness inside but the moment she went through the door…she saw a variety of old books selling as well as other antique second hand items. She skimmed through around and about half of things were old toy that were back from her time. It reminded her of many childhood times when she used to spend with her old friends and especially with Jurina.
“Rabutan! I’m here.”
“Oh hey Mayu-chan~”
A young lady came down from upstairs and seemed to be waiting for their arrival for a while already. She seemed to be around mid 20s just like Takamina and without further ado she led both Mayu and Rena to the back of the shop. She didn’t seem to be surprise about meeting with the raven-haired Matsui since she heard a lot of things from Mayu already.
“So you’re Rena-chan, it’s just like how Mayu described. It will fit you so well.”
“It…?”
“Rabutan.”
“Oops, let’s get moving then. I can’t wait to show it to you since I just got the orders yesterday as you request.”
“That’s great.”
Rena was still lost and just followed them into the back area of the shop…and the first thing she saw was a big room filled with countless
shinais* all over the place, but it was kept very decently and caringly as if it was a master of this place. Rena was completely shocked with how much swords were here…she would believe that it’s possible to go over 100s of them, with a mixed of assembled and unassembled ones. Both Rabutan and Mayu went straight to the table in the middle of the room, and then the shop owner passed Mayu the unassembled bamboo slats that she just received yesterday.
(Shinai = practicing bamboo sword) “Its good eh? The balance and weight is perfect for a size 39 female. It’s decently fine and durable as you wished.”
“…Hm, not bad. Did you get the other materials too?”
“Of course~ Here it is.”
She showed Mayu all the materials that she needed to assemble the naked bamboo into a fully prepared shinai. Rena was still gawking with the amount of shinais that’s surrounding her but then Mayu had called her over and that grabbed her attention instantly. She ordered Rena to sit down while she sat down in front with her with all of the materials and assembled everything swiftly and precisely without any single mistake. She showed no signs of hesitation and Rena could feel it through the air that Mayu was giving out…it was as if it was her habit, and for it to happen Mayu must’ve done over countless times of shinai assembling. Rena never saw anyone did this smoothly and as swiftly as Mayu before…not even Takamina would be capable for such a thing. The moment the young calm girl was done, she checked the tightness of the
tsuru* by brushed her thumb against it as if she was playing a guitar string. It gave a sharp beautiful sound of like a
shamisen* and a tinge of smile appeared across Mayu’s face before she checked anything she could’ve missed.
(Tsuru = string, in this case it is used to tie the shinai up)
(Shamisen = 3-stringed Japanese guitar)“W-Wow…Mayu you knew how to assemble a shinai??”
“Yeah, I find shinai a very fascinating thing to study and understand about. Try doing some swings and seeing how it feels to you.”
“Eh? Okay…?”
Rena took it from Mayu and stood up before she went into her
kamae* stance. The moment she did the first swing, the balance felt amazing for her. The length of the grip was perfectly for the length of her arms…and the thickness of the handle was perfect for the size of her hands. The balance was towards the handle and the tip was as light as a feather…she suddenly fell in love with this balance and she never felt this comfortable holding a shinai before. She had to admit that it felt much nicer than her own favorite shinai.
(kamae = martial arts posture)“T-This is…”
Rena’s shocking expression gave Mayu and Rabutan enough information that the shinai was perfectly tuned for her. The young girl had a tinge smile of success across her face before she stood up in front of her. The raven-haired girl still couldn't believe this feeling and wanted to try out this shinai in actual sparring. She never felt this way before and it was just too amazing.
“How was the balance? I selected the style according to your best strength after watching your training. You really do have a strong center…and you need a sword that can shine out your strength, which I think this little baby will be able to do that job.”
“This is just perfect…I felt like…becoming one with it.”
“That’s what I want to hear. Good that you love it.”
“How could you do this…? T-This is just…you even know more than many other kendo players I knew!”
Mayu only sighed softly with a smile while she realized that her friend, Rabutan, was smiling behind her back. She just simply gave her a shrug before she walked back to the table planning to assemble other shinais that belonged to the rest of the Akiba Kendo Club (AKC) team. The young girl chose to not answer Rena’s question and went to do what she’s here for, to give life to the sword so it could assist her friends in the upcoming competition. Rena seemed puzzled and then Rabutan walked up to her side to speak softly to her. She didn’t want the raven-haired friend to misunderstand Mayu. Despite she’s an antisocial girl, she’s a very gentle and caring person if someone tried to notice it.
“She’s an antisocial isn’t she? That kid could only find peace by holding and staying around shinais.”
“…”
“She’s not a kendo player, but her knowledge about shinai was just so much. The best word to describe her would be shinai expert…and she fits that name really well.”
“…I see.”
“That little baby is now yours, treat it with care. Mayu ordered a custom version especially for everyone.”
“E-Ehh??”
Rabutan did not say a word, only but a smile. It made Rena completely shocked with what Mayu had been doing in the shadows without anyone in the AKC team knew about it. She came to watch the training in order to understand everyone’s kendo and pick the best shinai model in order to make everyone’s best point shine at its best. That made her understand what’s the favor that Takahashi-sensei asked Mayu to do. It was to support AKC team as a shinai expert. She wanted to thank her for the things that the freshmen did for the team, but then Rabutan stopped her before she could get closer to Mayu who was busy assembling everyone else’s shinai.
“Don’t interrupt her, and there’s no need to thank her.”
“B-But—”
“The fact regard that you felt like you’ve become one with this baby is more than enough for her to be happy. She rarely smiles around people, and those are times you will see it.”
Rena just reminded herself of the smile she saw when she explained her raw feelings when she wielded this brand new shinai. A tinge smile from Mayu was more than enough to tell her…she was happy and grateful. Rabutan invited Rena to sit in another small living room to wait for Mayu, but then she wanted to stay here, and watch the young freshmen girl doing the hardworking that no one would realize and acknowledged it. At least, she wanted to burn everything she’s witnessing into her heart and never forget this favor Mayu gave to AKC team. That was the best thing she could do as a member of AKC, and as Mayu’s acquaintances as well. Rabutan just smiled softly to herself after hearing Rena’s thoughts. Ruffling her head, she decided to leave the young girl in this shinai collection room to go get some tea for her as she waited for Mayu to be done.
-
“Everything’s done now. Thanks Rabutan.”
“No problem, come over again when you want! It’s your place after all.”
“See you later.”
All the shinais are assembled and packed neatly in each decent shinai bag that Mayu prepared. She also gave one to Rena so she could keep her new shinai in as well. The raven-haired helped Mayu carrying everyone else’s shinai to the train station, as they would be heading back home. They left the shop around 2pm and the raven-haired was just following Mayu from behind and seemed to carry some few words in her throat.
“H-Hey, Mayu?”
“What?”
“…Out of everyone, why did you pick me to come with you?”
“Takamina-sensei said so.”
“Eh? What did you mean?”
“She said…she wanted you to see it, feel it, and understand it. I didn’t ask anything more than that from her. Also, your shinai is quite complicated and it’s best you come test it yourself when I’m adjusting it, unlike others.”
“I see…thank you Mayu.”
“Don’t thank me, if you’re going to win, thank that little brand new baby that is yours now. Use it wisely.”
“Of course!”
Mayu didn’t respond, but she was smiling softly. Unfortunately Rena didn’t get the chance to see it and realize that she made the young antisocial smiled out. They went back to the Shibuya station and went to this particular café close by to the school to meet with Takamina, whom was waiting for both Mayu and Rena to arrive around 3:30pm. They actually arrived before time…and so did Takamina too who came way earlier than them. Mayu stared at the coach of AKC team whom was enjoying her peaceful time sipping some hot tea.
“I thought we’re darn early already and here you are…”
“I’m just bored~ so, it seemed everything went well?”
“All done, everything before time as you asked.”
“Thank you so much Mayu, and Rena-chan…did you like your new shinai?”
“Y-Yes! It is amazingly perfect…I love it.”
Takamina smiled out with relief, as she knew she entrusted this duty to the right person. She told them to sit down as she would pay for all the drinks and sweets they wanted to eat as for their payment for their task today. Since both Rena and Mayu were out for the whole day for this task. Mayu ordered her favorite mango ice tea while Rena had lemon soda. However, young Watanabe had to go back home as she had an appointment right after this. All the swords were left with the coach except for one of them. Mayu told them that she needed to use something back at home to adjust it so she would bring it to the training tomorrow instead. Obviously Takamina didn’t mind it and the young freshmen went off with one of the shinais that belonged to AKC team. With only just Takamina and Rena left, she decided to spend some private chilling time with her own junior for the time being.
“Rena-chan, how’s your life treating you now?”
“Well…everything is good.”
“I’m sorry to ask Mayu to drag you out, you probably would be meeting up and being with Jurina today right?”
“…!”
The flashback of Yuki being lovey dovey with Jurina made her heart ached again. Those images burned into her head and she couldn’t control the frowning expression she was making. Takamina could feel the change in Rena’s surrounding air as well as her expression, which strongly indicated to her that something was wrong with Rena today. Also, she had a funny feeling that it must be related to Jurina.
“Did something between you and Jurina happen?”
“…”
“Bull’s eye. Do you want to talk about it?”
“I…I don’t know. I just felt so disturbed.”
“Like?”
Rena shook her head and began explaining her feelings to her teacher. This disturbing and bothering feeling inside her chest was haunting her each time she remembered the scene in Shibuya she saw today…it was a feeling as if Jurina was distancing away from her…and she could no longer reach her anymore. She did know that both Jurina and Yuki were good friends because puppy Matsui knew her through Rena…but since when she didn’t know they were that closed with each other to be holding each other’s arms in Shibuya. They’re being so lovely and seemed to be having fun together. As Rena was so focused on training each day…she started to realize she didn’t know what Jurina had been doing these days. It was so sad and she didn’t know what to do right now. She felt completely helpless and clueless about what to do. As Takamina listened to the whole story from Rena…she seemed to understand the poor girl’s heart.
“Rena-chan, what if Yukirin actually date with Jurina? Will you be sad?”
“I…I don’t know…but…it hurts a lot.”
“You cared both of them, do you?”
“Of course! Yukirin is my best friend…and Jurina…she’s always there for me, she’s important to me. I really care for both of them…”
“…Rena-chan, one day, you’ll find out the answer.”
“Eh?”
“You’ll understand what’s the true source of those disturbing feelings. Just remember this…even though you don’t understand yourself, don’t let go of that person that’s important to you, okay?”
Rena remained in silence as she was trying to understand Takamina’s words. However it seemed she was way too early to truly understand what it meant. So for now she would keep it in her heart and make sure she would never forget it as her kendo instructor told her. After they had a more relaxing chitchat, Takamina paid for all the orders and walked Rena off to her home before she headed further along the path to reach her home. She did take all the shinais with her except for Rena’s one since she’s the owner of it now. She told her that she would bring all of it tomorrow to the training to distribute to everyone, however that aroused another curiosity in Rena’s head.
“Takahashi-sensei…I got a question.”
“Yeah?”
“Will anyone know…that this all Mayu’s doing for us?”
“…Unfortunately, no.”
“Why? I believe Mayu deserved some recognition—“
“That’s the reason why. It’s because she doesn’t want it.”
It seemed only members in the AKC would call Takamina by her last name, while others outside such as Jurina and Mayu would go by her nickname instead. Sometimes some kendo members called Takamina by her name, but usually in the dojo they would address her as Takahashi-sensei. After Takamina saw how confused her student was, she decided to explain it to her. Mayu did this as a favor because she and another friend of hers asked her. She didn’t do it for the sake of being recognized by everyone, and being praised by any. She hated all of it and that’s one of her conditions…to never be known and recognize by anyone at all, and she would do the favor of assembling a special customized shinai for everyone in the team. Rena was surprised to hear it from Takamina and started to understand a little more about why Mayu didn’t take her praise back at Rabutan’s shop today…it was because she didn’t want it.
“Also…she said, the best way for you guys to thank her back, is to win the match.”
“…!”
“So, sleep well, and we’ll resume harder training okay?”
“Hai sensei!”
Rena had returned back home and arrived just before dinner would start. After she had proceeded through her usual routine with showering and dinner, she had brought her shinai back into her room and try holding it again. It perfectly fits with her hand and the length was just as great too. Remembering all the things Mayu had did back in that shinai storage room behind Rabutan’s shop…watching her back as she carefully and tenderly assembled everyone’s shinai, one by one without making a single mistake. It made her clutched her fist tightly and held the bamboo sword closely to her chest…watching all the things Mayu had done made her motivated to work even harder for the young freshmen’s sake. However, that also reminded her about Yuki and Jurina today as well…that they’re on a date at Shibuya without telling anything to her. Rena felt that she might confront Jurina about this. At least, she didn’t want her closest friend to lie to her like this.
~XXX~
The next day it's the usual school day for everyone. Rena went out from her house at the usual time, but then this time is a little different as she accidently met someone that was waiting in front of her house. She didn’t tell Rena about it either and it obviously caught her off guard to see her puppy friend waiting in front of her house. No one knew how long she had been waiting there.
“Jurina…what are you doing early this morning?”
“Well, I was thinking of that we should walk to school together. It’s been a while we’ve talked and yesterday I was busy too…”
Way early in the morning, Rena was already reminded about Jurina and Yuki’s date at Shibuya. The raven-haired Matsui walked by her friend’s side without utter a word, but then Jurina broke the silence by bringing out something to put in her hand. It did catch her attention since the shorthaired Matsui took her hand. The moment she had a glance, it was a red rose keychain. That was Rena’s favorite flower and she wasn’t expecting this to be coming.
“This is…?”
“Well, I bought this for you yesterday. I saw it while I’m outside and…I think you’ll like it~”
Jurina smiled radiantly and it made Rena’s heart skipped. She held it tightly in her hand as well as feeling her heart beating against her chest. It was like roses were blooming inside her and it seemed the jealousy and irritation she had yesterday disappeared in that instant. She held it closely to her chest and let out a smile from her heart out.
“…Thanks Jurina. I love it.”
“Hehe~ Glad you like it!”
She still gave that bright smile to Rena and then cuddled her tightly after Rena told her how much she loved the gift. Jurina couldn’t hold herself back with how cute her friend is and she’s irresistible to not hug at the slightest. Of course, the sudden hug from Jurina was something that Rena was not that surprise about, and it made her smile out gently.
“Aw you’re just so cute Rena-chan!”
“Cut it out Jurina, way to start a morning?”
“Hehe~ why not? You’re just too adorable! Be my girlfriend already~”
“No~!”
“Aw meanie!”
Rena refused yet again, but then she seemed to enjoy refusing Jurina’s proposal every time. Maybe she didn’t know Jurina was partially serious with that proposal. However, for Jurina to get to see Rena’s laugh and smile on her face way in the morning like this made her really happy. She could tell that her beloved friend was happy from inside, and it’s no longer just a fake smile that she saw in the morning. It seemed they made each other’s day already in the morning as they were walking to school together. As they arrived at school, Rena had to drop by to the dojo to store her kendo gears and so Jurina went along with her as well. However, they didn’t expected to meet someone being over at the dojo early in the morning as well. Jurina and Rena spotted the tall raven-haired girl that just came to drop over her stuffs as well. What an unexpected encounter…to meet with Yuki there.
“Morning to you two! Came to store your gears?”
“Yeah.”
Jurina who was standing behind Yuki was slightly uneasy with meeting Yuki here as she was with Rena. However the devious Kashiwagi only smiled to her and walked out the dojo while passing by Jurina’s side. She bent in and whispered softly into her ears and made the young Matsui blushed horribly.
“I’ll see you two later~”
Rena could see her best friend whispered into Jurina’s ears and it made her curious. Since this was the chance…she used this opportunity to push on this matter further to find the truth. She acted all innocent and knew nothing in order to throw blunt questions at her friend.
“What did Yukirin say to you?”
“N-Nohing. She’s just being a big bully as usual…”
“What do you mean?”
“You know, being her usual self bullying people using their secrets…”
“Did I know what it is?”
“Eh?”
Jurina didn’t realize that she was about to reveal her secret to Rena already from just replying to her honestly. It made her froze before she turned to her who seemed to knew that Jurina was hiding something away from her…Rena’s eyes told her she knew it. It made the young Matsui uneasy as she wished she could tell Rena, but she couldn't…especially not at this timing. She sighed of softly before she looked up while giving Rena with her honest respond. The worse thing she could do was lying to the one she really cared and loved like this.
“…There are many things I really wanted to tell you, but I felt that this is not the right timing for all of it. Many things are not even certain right now too. However…I promise I will tell you everything, maybe before, but definitely after the annual competition.”
“…”
“I-I’m really sorry I tried to hide things from you! I-It’s just…I’m not sure to tell to you yet…I’m sorry.”
“…I trust you.”
Rena sighed softly as she hated seeing Jurina’s face like this. The puppy girl looked as if she was about to cry, it seemed it wasn’t just Rena feeling the pain…Jurina was feeling the same too. After Rena replied back she would wait for her puppy friend for the right timing to tell her everything, she obviously trusted Jurina with her whole heart without hesitation. She could tell that Jurina was speaking to her honestly and genuinely. That instant, she could see a huge smile across her friend’s face before she launched onto her and embracing her tightly.
“W-Whoa!?”
“Rena-chan~!!!”
The shorthaired Matsui hugged Rena tightly and the tall raven-haired girl was blushing. She felt the warmth coming from her best friend’s body and the tight hug from her. Even though she’s supposed to be used to it…sometimes she didn’t expect it coming for her like this. Jurina didn’t say anything but she could feel her hands clutching on Rena’s shirt without saying a single word. She buried her face onto her shoulder in silence and stayed so close against Rena’s body. It’s just her way of expressing her thanks for trusting her…Rena knew her long enough to understand Jurina’s action language and she patted her head after she slowly dropped her bogu bag and shinai bag onto the floor.
“I’ll wait for you to tell me everything…I trust your judgment.”
“Thank you so much Rena-chan…I promise, I’ll definitely tell you everything. You know I hate hiding things from you, but its just it’s not the right timing for it.”
“It’s okay Jurina…it’s okay.”
Luckily Jurina couldn’t see Rena’s face. She was able to smile out from her heart’s content and embraced her clingy friend back gently. Rena wished to stay like this for a while but then the sudden school bell interrupted their sweet private moment together. They both flinched and Rena just realized that she was hugging Jurina back…and she was embarrassed with that matter. As for the shorthaired Matsui, she just realized that both of them were late for class already.
“W-Wahh!! That’s the first bell!! We should get going! Akimoto-sensei would kill us for sure!!”
“I’ll just leave my stuffs at the entrance and come back to back it away later during break time—O-Oi!! W-Wait for me Jurina!?”
The puppy girl took off first and ditched her friend. Rena quickly followed after her in order to reach the class before the 2nd bell would ring. However that wasn’t the reason why Jurina ran off first…her primary reason was that she didn’t want Rena to see her blushing face. Of course hugging her secret love was her usual thing she does, but this time it was different. Somehow, she felt something that’s different from this hug she had with Rena, it felt really special to her. But, this wasn’t the time to think about it right now since both Matsui girls were about to be late for their first morning class.
-
During break time, both Matsui girls came back to the dojo again since Rena dragged her friend along with her. It was because its Jurina’s punishment for ditching her to class without waiting. Despite in the end, both of them got their punishment for being late together and had to stand outside the class for about 30 minutes before they could get back into class.
“I told you I’m sorry~!! I was punished with you too!”
“But you ditched me first! You’re doing as I say now.”
“Uuuuuu…sorry Rena-chan.”
She glanced back and could see those imaginary folded dog-ears on Jurina as she was getting upset for making Rena irritated. It seemed the raven-haired Matsui had pushed a little too hard on her friend and so she ruffled her head to let her know that she forgave her. A smile suddenly shot up following a huge smile across her face as she was too happy that she was forgiven.
“Rena-chan~!”
“Just this only. Don’t you ditch me like that again.”
“I won’t! I promise~!”
“W-Whoa!”
Jurina launched in and wrapped her arms around Rena’s neck from behind. She didn't even let her go even though they were still walking. She sighed softly and knew that no matter what she said, Jurina wouldn’t stop doing what she was doing. The best thing that she could do was to just let her puppy Matsui do what she wanted to do.
“Someone being too lovey dovey in the middle of the day huh?”
A cold voice coming from behind and it caught both of their attention. Rena was blushing slightly with people seeing both her and Jurina being all close and cuddling…however Jurina didn’t have that respond, since the girl that saw the two of them was her junior friend, Mayu.
“Hey Mayu~ what are you doing here?”
“I was called by Takamina-sensei to come over for a talk. What about you two? It’s rare seeing you two coming here during break times.”
“Its just Rena needs to put her kendo gears into the storage. We didn’t have enough time in the morning. ”
“Huhh…”
Mayu only stared back with eyes of suspicion, but then she continued to walk pass the couple as she was the first person to enter the door of the dojo. It seemed Rena was still embarrassed that Mayu saw them being close to each other…she wondered why, but Rena didn’t like when people was seeing Jurina and her being close like this. While she was thinking so hard about it, she didn’t move at the slightest and it caught Jurina’s attention.
“Rena-chan? Aren’t we going in?”
“E-Eh? Oh, r-right.”
Jurina was still wrapping her arms around Rena’s neck and they continued to walk into the dojo. They went in and Jurina immediately let go of her to help carry Rena’s shinai bag. She insisted to carry it and Rena couldn’t stop her friend for that. They went straight to the storage and kept her things in there before she locked it with the dojo’s private lock to make sure things inside were secured.
“Hmmm, I wonder where did Mayu went?”
“Probably in the conference room? That’s where Takahashi-sensei would usually be if she has an appointment with anyone.”
“Ehhh~ that’s so mysterious!”
“A little actually, but I’m not that brave to go in to eavesdrop. She’ll kill me.”
“I can tell that~”
“Anyways, lets get back to school.”
“Okay~!”
Rena took the lead first and then Jurina ran up to her side and wrapped her arms around her tightly. She turned to her and saw her childish smile across her face as she was enjoying what she’s doing right now. It seemed after she had a break away from Jurina…Rena valued everything that Jurina was doing around her. It made her felt comforted and complete for some reason. A life without a cuddling puppy around her would be too lonely for Rena.
-
Meanwhile, as Mayu entered the small sports meeting room that Takamina was waiting for her. She had spotted another raven-haired girl that was sitting on the chair around the conference table as well as Takamina who was waiting for her arrival. Mayu glanced to her raven-haired senpai who was giving her such a welcome friendly smile…but she didn’t say a word and just turned back to Takamina.
“So it seems Yuki-senpai is in this meeting too?”
“Why not, she’s the team captain after all.”
“…Alright then.”
Mayu showed a tinge expression of dissatisfaction and Yuki could see through it easily. It made her sighed softly as she spoke up to the young freshmen regarding her presence here in Takamina’s private conference. Obviously the senior wouldn’t want her presence to disturb the young freshmen.
“If you don’t want me to be here, that’s alright. I can listen to the updates later from Takahashi-sensei. I don’t mind either ways.”
“Hm? Would her presence be a bother to you Mayu?”
Takamina asked the young freshmen before she glanced to her from the corner of her eye…to look back at Yuki who was just having that friendly smile across her face. At last she sighed and sat down on one of the closest chairs to her before she simply shook her head.
“…I’m fine with her being here.”
“If you say so, I guess we should begin the meeting.”
-
The bell rang for the end of the day at school. Rena would be rushing over to the kendo dojo as usual as Jurina had expected, however she came up to her table and flicked onto her forehead with her slender fingers. That sudden surprise attack caught the young Matsui off guard and looked back at Rena with a puzzled look.
“E-Eh? Yes?”
“Do you want to come watch the training today?”
“Eh?”
“I-It’s really nothing! Its just…maybe we could go grabbed some drinks and snacks at the café after training…so yeah. If you can! Not going to force—”
“I get it Rena-chan. I know what you mean.”
Jurina smiled gently to her with pink puffed cheeks before she grabbed her school bag and got up from her chair. She grabbed the raven-haired’s han and pulled her over along with her to hint to her that she would be coming with her to watch the AKC’s kendo training today, for the sake that they could spend time together after her training.
“We should get going before Takamina-sensei would be scolding you for being late.”
“A-Ah, right.”
The other two friends, Airi and Akane watched both Matsui girls walked out from holding hands with one another. They didn’t know what happen but it seemed both of them were getting back together again after the long distancing between each other. They were grateful for it since they were able to see Jurina’s and Rena’s happy smile back again. They were having their quiet little talk with each other regarding their two lovey dovey friends that went out.
“Jeez…poor Jurina. How naïve could Rena be with this? Isn’t it darn obvious?”
“Maybe not to her? When it comes to everything else aside from kendo…Rena’s pretty darn dense and naïve. Don’t bother ask her about love.”
“How unexpected from a top student.”
“But it goes along doesn’t it? A top student being naïve with love.”
They both felt sorry a little for Jurina since she had to go through a lot of things with Rena. The naïve Matsui was just so dense to realize Jurina’s romantic affection for her…and her hidden feelings that she could’ve have for her too. They only could hope that one day, the naïve kendo Matsui would realize her feelings and take some action before Jurina would slipped away from her grasp, or snatched away by someone else.
-
“
Kote*!! Men!!!!”
(Kote = forearm, an area to score a point)Rena, in fully equipped mode, had clashed into Oshima Yuko during their sparring as she tried to score a point on her. They were equally matched with one another and Yuko was not planning to back down either. She moved away and they were both pressuring each other to make their opponent make an opening for them to go in. Then in that blink of second the tip of their shinai were touching against each other…they both dove in at the same time and tried to steal for that men score against each other.
“
MENN!!! / MENN!!”
Roaring like a banshee and echoed loudly in the dojo along with screams from other kendo players that were sparring. Their sword clashed with each other and none of them score the point at the slightest. They kept staying in the close range and their sword was pressuring against each other. Both kendo players were testing their new shinai and Takamina was watching the improvement in their performance that seemed to improve after using the new equipment. Yuko’s movement speed increased while Rena’s counterattack reflex was faster than before. They’re both equally matched with each other and none of them were able to land a clean score on one another until Takamina called for an end.
“
Yame*!”
(Yame = stop)Everyone stopped and stayed in their kamae stance at the middle of the dojo against their partner that they’re currently sparring with. The midget coach waited for everyone to be ready in their position before she made another command to her team members.
“
Sonkyo*!
Osame-tou*!”
(Sonkyo = squat)
(Osame-tou = put the sword away) They all responded to her command in sync. They squat down and put their sword away to their left hip before they stood up again to take five steps back. On their last step back, they bowed their head to their respective partner and replied out loud at the same time together. They would always need to thank each other every time they trained with their friend. It’s the dojo’s etiquette.
“Arigatou gozaimashita!!”
“Okay,
sei-retsu*!”
(Sei-retsu = Line up)Everyone rushed over to make a line and then Takamina told Sashihara to be the head of the line and give out commands to everyone. She nodded silently and took that role. The coach spoke to her softly and quickly that it would just be a short break and not the end of the training yet. Sasshi nodded again without saying a word and took the lead of the line as the highest ranking among all her friends. The line was usually made in order of kendo ranking, from highest to lowest starting from the left. Even though Sasshi looked like a tiny fragile teenage girl, but she’s able to shout out from her stomach to even make the whole dojo echoed with her voice.
“
Seiza*!”
(Seiza = sit down)Everyone slowly sit down, as the highest ranking would go first and then so on. The lowest ranking wouldn’t be able to sit until the person to their left was sitting or about to sit down. They all sat in silence waiting for Sashihara’s next command to take off their men armor so that they could have a proper break time from training.
“
Men-tore*!”
(Men-tore = take off the men)Everyone did as she commanded and took off their kote first and put it to their top right side before they pulled off the string behind their head to take off the men armor. They placed their men armor onto the kote armor before they adjusted the men’s strings. They made sure the
men-himo* was placed properly so it would look neat and they could wear it back again easily. Right after everyone took off their men armor and placed their
tenugui* on top of the men, they had a big sigh after the first intense training session came to an end. Coach Takamina took the order next after Sashihara and gave her members a break from training.
(Men-himo = Men armor strings)
(Tenugui = traditional Japanese towel)“Only 10 minutes break before we resume training. Get as much drink and stretching if you need.”
“Hai!”
Everyone replied in unison and all of them finally stood up. Rena stretched her arms up high into the sky without realizing that Yuko came to her side and elbowed her gently at her hip. Obviously it did caught her attention and they had their little kendo chit chat regarding their latest sparring today.
“That was fun~! You’re moving much faster and your accuracy is not dropping at all even after such a long fight.”
“You’re as fast as ever Yuko-chan. I can’t beat your speed no matter what.”
“Nah, if I didn’t go all out I’ll lose to you.”
“Same as for me too.”
The energetic squirrel girl rested her arm onto Rena’s shoulder as if they were close buddies. They were actually came into kendo in the same year and Yuko had been training since she was in middle school just like Rena, and so their skills were equally tied with each other. Some days she would obliterate Rena, and some days she was obliterated by her. They were great teammates that could trust each other’s back and a rival that they would never wanted to lose.
“Everyone’s fighting today has shine out so much more than before. I enjoyed the spars we have~”
Another raven-haired captain came from behind to join with both Yuko and Rena. Having their own little circle for chit chatting as usual, as they were the dorky trio kendo juniors of the AKC. They were all the same ranking, equally pared in skills, and the same exact age. Every time they started talking about kendo they seemed to be going into their own little world and acted like a child getting that was extremely excited over a brand new toy.
“I know! This new shinai is amazing! Balance of this
Dobari* is flawless comparing to other ones I got! Size 39 length, Dobari type, and the lastly the amazing thick grip just makes everything a perfect combination for me~!”
(Dobari = a type of shinai that has its center towards the grip)Yuko was fangirling with utmost pleasure over the brand new shinai she received from Takamina at the beginning of training. Only Rena knew that it was a shinai customized and made by Watanabe Mayu for everyone. She kept it secret as her coach asked her, as it was for Mayu’s sake. That young freshman hated recognition…and preferred to assist from the shadows. Rena had to agree how the shinai was customized to perfectly suit her skills and her fighting style in kendo. She was amazed with how talented Mayu could be with just spectating them…and able to analyzed everyone’s kendo abilities to be able to find the most suitable shinai for each of them.
“I have to agree, I love everything about this brand new shinai that Takahashi-sensei brought for us. It perfectly suits my taste.”
Yuki giggled softly as she enjoyed watching Yuko going craze over her brand new shinai. It seemed Oshima had fallen in love with it and was trying to come up with names for her new baby. She was so eager to bring it to the competition and have it fight along her side in this upcoming annual competition. They were having at talk and discussing about their brand new shinais that was distributed by Takamina and how it felt for them. The younger juniors and Sasshi came up to join the circle as well after they went to grab their water bottles. The oldest member, Sasshi spoke up to the trios in front of her.
“You guys are not getting some water? You guys will be dehydrating if you don’t have some!”
“Yeah we will~ we’re just having a discussion about the sparring just now.”
“We all did well today, especially Ikoma-chan! Keep it up okay?”
Sashihara complimented the youngest junior in their kendo team, Ikoma Rina. She just recently started kendo at the beginning of the year and this would be the 1st time she entered such a huge competition like this. She was really nervous but Sashihara knew that she had talents and would be able to fight along her senpai’s side well. It seemed the young junior had caught her senpai, Sashihara, some special attention. She did gone through a lot of hard training with her to be able to come this far along everyone’s side.
“Y-Yes senpai. Thank you!”
“Faito Ikoma-chan!”
Sayaka cheered her as she tapped her shoulder. She actually started kendo last year at the same age as Ikoma and so she understood the pressure that the young girl went through too. She gave her a tap on the head to give her encouragement and positive attitude. The two watchers, Mayu and Jurina, were sitting in silence and watched the members representing AKC trained really hard and at their best every single day. Watching in silence…Jurina only smiled softly to herself while watching Rena enjoying her times in training.
“Rena-chan…she did not change at all.”
“…?”
It caught Mayu’s attention but she didn’t ask anything. She was not that interested to listen to other people’s life story…but she didn’t refuse to Jurina. She allowed her friend to keep on going and speak of her own thoughts, maybe it's a way of her attempting to express her hidden emotions.
“She always enjoy hard training, even she seemed she would pass out each time. In the end…she will always smile to herself, and to everyone around her.”
“…That’s some good attitude to have.”
“I know right? Rena-chan is just amazing, I admire her passion for kendo.”
“…”
Mayu didn’t respond anything and just closed her eyes before she sighed softly to herself. She looked back up again and watched Rena and her friends closely. She saw the raven-haired smiled even after the hard training, and then suddenly she had an image of someone on top of Rena’s…someone that shared such a similar smile as hers…and someone that truly enjoyed kendo to her heart. It seemed raven haired Matsui reminded Mayu of someone she used to know.
“After Rena-chan met her kendo idol in the Junior High competition, she always worked super hard to be able to meet that person again…she wished that some day she will be able to fight equally against her, until now she never forget what that person had taught her too.”
“…Which is?”
Mayu started to show some slight interest and then she could see Jurina’s smile across her face, but it seemed to hint some sadness it in somehow. The younger Watanabe only watch her without saying a word, and just allowed Jurina to continue talking about her beloved Rena. Despite she was not interested to know anything about other people…she seemed to have some interest about Rena’s kendo passion after Jurina had praised her this much.
“Die in training, and shine in
shiai*”
(Shiai = competition)“Hmm…”
“Quite a good quote isn’t? That’s why Rena-chan trained super hard every single time as if she’s going to die, breaking her limits every single time…to be able to shine so brightly in competition…maybe if she did enough, she would get her idol’s attention.”
“…”
Mayu didn’t say a word, and just turned back to look at Rena who had to return back to her line to resume training. The young girl could see the passion in her eyes and couldn’t help but to sigh. To be recognized by other kendo seniors or teachers outside the dojo was a best achievement one could do obtain. It was a pride of honor to be noticed and recognized in terms of spirit, as well as skills. The more she listened to Rena’s story from Jurina, the more Mayu remembered about this person she once knew. She didn’t seem to like this feeling, the feeling of remembering the past she didn’t want to be reminded of.
-
After the intensive training was over, Rena quickly packed her stuffs and left most of it at the storage since she would have to come back again tomorrow. She only took her kendogi and hakama back and rushed up to Jurina who was waiting for her on the side.
“I’m sorry to keep you waiting, shall we go?”
“Don’t worry about me, let’s go then.”
Jurina and Rena walked back home together and it seemed the shorthaired girl didn’t speak a word for the whole time. It made the raven-haired worried and wondered what was going on. She glanced over to Jurina and saw that she was just staring up into the sky and thinking about something.
“…What are you thinking?”
“Many things actually, about your training today.”
“Hm? What about it?”
“It made me learned something…I’ve been having so much trouble in making a decision. It’s…a really big decision.”
“Is it’s about what you said…that you can’t tell me right now?”
Rena asked and Jurina nodded as a respond. The raven-haired Matsui didn’t push further and listened to what her friend had to say…even without knowing what was concerning her best friend, at least she wanted to be there to make Jurina felt at ease…to make her feel that she’s not all alone in this. She grabbed her hand and held it tightly to indirectly tell Jurina she’s with her. Obviously the shorthaired Matsui turned around with pink blushed cheeks…she felt the warm from Rena’s hand comforting her and made her smile out.
“…Thanks Rena-chan. You’re the only one I can turn to at times like this…at times when I felt so vulnerable and indecisive like this.”
“I’ll always be here for you, Jurina. Whenever you need me.”
“Rena-chan…Thank you, it’s all because of you. I’ve finally figured it out, what I think I should do.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“Hehe, thank you Rena-chan…I love you.”
Jurina let out a smile from her heart and it was such a radiant smile. Rena was surprised slightly as her heart skipped a little, but then she smiled back to her and held Jurina’s hand tighter. She got a little nervous, but it made her really happy that she was able to make her beloved friend smile like this and felt relieved from her dilemma. Despite Jurina would always say such sweet words, she could tell that her friend was putting a lot of weight and meaning into each word she said in their conversation.
“You don’t have to thank me, we’re always relying on each other aren’t we?”
“Hehe, yeah~ you’re the only one I can rely on at times I’m down.”
“Same as for me…just only you too.”
They both just exchanged a smile with one another before they walked back home together, side by side, holding one another’s hands tightly…just to remind each other that they would always have one another whenever they’re going to fall…and to remind them that they would never be alone. Jurina remembered that Rena was saying about going to have some snacks or drinks after training…but obviously she knew it was just a bluff. Her raven-haired friend just wanted to spend time with her, just as much as Jurina wanted to spend time with Rena. To just be by and feel each other’s side like this was more priceless than any other hangout times they usually have.
-
After sending Rena back home as her usual routine, she went straight back home and then had her dinner and shower. She went to her room to start with her homework, but before that she needed to send a text to Mayu since she wanted to talk to her during school’s break time. Obviously she didn’t expect such a fast reply from Watanabe…and it seemed she was able to sense something odd from Jurina in a way. She’s such a smart friend of hers.
[Huh? The hell is wrong with you? How odd for you to make an appointment with me like this. Very well then, it must’ve been something big. I’ll be at the roof deck as usual, just hop by before I leave. -Mayu]“Hehe, that’s just so typical her!”
Jurina laughed to herself before she closed her cellphone. She needed to catch up with some studies before she went to bed. However, it seemed her mind was occupied with several things…regarding her dilemma and things she wanted to talk to Mayu. At the very least, she made up most of her decisions already…its just that she had to wait until tomorrow.
~XXX~
~THUD~
Mayu was reading her little book at the roof deck and she could hear someone entering during the break time. She knew who it was and why was this person here… She closed the book and had a short sigh as she was still lying on the floor. She was actually sitting on the elevated area above the roof deck entrance door.
“I’m on top here.”
“W-Whoa!?”
Jurina was surprised she heard Mayu’s voice out of nowhere and she knew that the girl was above her head. She moved away to see Mayu lying on the floor and made her sighed with relief. Jurina had a thought that something was pranking her already…it gave her a heart attack and she did complained at her freshmen friend.
“That’s so mean! You could’ve said something better that that?”
“Huh? Like what? You complain too much! Why are you here?”
Mayu went straight to the point and it made Jurina realized her reason here. The young junior went up the stairs to get up onto the elevated area where Mayu was lying down. She just sat beside her and looked out from the building…the scene here was actually nicer than she thought.
“You sure have some good taste for this spot…the view here is nice.”
“Get the hell to the point before I decide to leave.”
“Hey! Jeez, how rude for you to a junior like me!”
“Like I give a damn. Go to the damn point.”
“…Yeah, I should.”
Mayu sensed seriousness in her voice and that caught her attention. She let Jurina speak what she wanted to speak while listening in silence, without saying a word her eyes slowly grew wide with surprise. She literally sat up to turn to Jurina with slight surprise in her eyes. Mayu didn’t seem to believe what her Matsui friend was saying but she wasn’t totally in shock…after she showed sign of surprise, she returned back to her usual calm composure while listening further with what Jurina was saying without interrupting her. It was some big topic as Mayu predicted after all.
“So yeah…I wanted to hear your thoughts about it.”
“…”
-
During afterschool, Rena was waiting for Jurina who told her to meet at the entrance of the junior high’s building since she wanted to talk about something. She didn’t see her anywhere at all and was wondering where she could without realizing a girl running to her from behind.
“Rena-chan~!”
“W-Whoa!?”
She threw her arms around Rena’s waist and hugged her so tightly in her arms. Enjoying every single second that her beloved raven-haired friend was in her embrace, she couldn’t help but to smile out like an idiot to her. However, as she let go, it seemed Rena was confused with how happy and energetic Jurina was right now. She began to wonder what happened to her through out the day today.
“You looked really happy today. What’s a matter?”
“Hehe, I just wanted to tell you…I’ve made my decision. I know what I want to do now…and I won’t regret it.”
“…I’m glad to hear that.”
Rena smiled and gave her friend a pet on the head. Unfortunately they were not able to spend that much time since Rena would need to head to the dojo before her kendo coach would kill her. She had to leave right now and Jurina apologized for keeping her waiting for quite a while, but its just she needed to tell Rena about her able to find her own resolution to her issue. She watched her beloved friend disappear from the corner of her eye, before she picked up her cellphone to call one of her friends.
[Hello, what’s up?]“…The offer you proposed, I’ll take it.”
[Eh?]“I’ve already made up my mind, and I don’t think I’ll change either.”
[…Very well then, I’ll make the arrangements for you. Is it possible we can meet up today or something?]“I’m free now, we can meet.”
[Ok then, I’ll see you in a while, around 30 minutes.]“Don’t worry, please take your time.”
Jurina hung up her phone and clutched it closely to her chest. The life in her eyes changed…it became much more serious than before. It seemed she carried some determination and resolution inside her and nothing would change her mind that easily. She couldn’t possibly back down after she had made a decision…there’s no such thing as going back anymore. After she had watched Rena’s passion for kendo and had a talk with Mayu, she could only wished that she made a right decision. She wouldn’t know she would regret this or not…but she was willingly to accept the consequences of her own action. She simply walked towards the entrance in silence without any further ado to wait for her friend to come meet up with her.
“…I might regret this later. But who knows that…I’ll stick to what I believe, and just have to move on with it…because…I trust Rena-chan and others.”¬
-
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~END PART 2~