Chapter 9: Maki's Prediction
EVERYONE HAS just finished eating their lunch and they are now resting in the garden. Fuyu still fears about his allergy but he just couldn’t miss every opportunity to look at the girl of his dreams. He has the chance anyway so he decided to use it. He doesn’t know if this will happen ever again anyway.
Right now they are grouped into two. Maki and Fuyu are still inseparable. They have been with each other ever since Fuyu went back with the snacks. They were also sitting together during lunch and now they are sitting on a bench just like a couple.
On the other hand, the remaining people are on the other side of the garden. They are explaining everything to Natsu. They also told Fumie that Natsu already heard the conversation explaining his sudden attachment to her.
“I understand that you have some sibling issues…” Natsu started. “But I really couldn’t see what you can get from helping us.” His blonde hair is being blown by the spring breeze.
Fumie just gave out a faint smile. “I just want to help. As someone who wants to be an idol, I want to start with making the people around me happy.”
“Tch.” Natsu sighed. “You’re not even our friend. But ne,” Natsu smiled widely at her. “If you are really helping me and my brother then that is really wonderful. I’m sorry for telling you harsh things that day.”
“Harsh things!?” Aki’s eyes widened. “Don’t tell me you really did—“
Natsu turned to Aki with the same wide smile, pretending to be innocent. “She got on my nerves; that’s why I asked her to stay away from my brother.”
“Really, you—“ Aki turned to Fumie with an apologetic face. “Is he the reason why you dumped Fuyu? Let’s stop helping this freak! He just drove his brother’s happiness away!”
“Chotto, Agoki!”
“Who the hell are you calling Agoki!?”
The two girls just laughed at them. She stole a glimpse of what is happening to the other side. Maki seems to be telling a story to Fuyu who is sitting on the bench. The girl is using all her might with elaborated movements just to give more excitement to the story. The guy seems pleased as he smiles and even laughs at times.
“Happiness, huh?” Fumie thought to herself and then sighed.
“What the hell are you looking at?”
Fumie jerked when Natsu’s face suddenly appeared in her line of sight. The guy traced where she is looking then he smirked at her.
“Someone’s really jealous!” Natsu teased her. Miyu and Aki looked at the two out of curiosity then immediately found out what Natsu means.
“Ohh…” Aki nodded slowly while turning back to Fumie. “Are you jealous with their closeness?”
“She’s been looking at them ever since.”
“Miyu!” Fumie scowled at her friend who just returned her wonderful smile at her. Fumie released a deep breath. “I’m not jealous, okay? I want to be an idol.”
Natsu also sighed. “Am I the only one who is getting annoyed with her wanting to be an idol?”
Miyu gave out a hopeless sigh as well. “You’re not the only one.”
The two looked at each other with a surprised expression. That expression slowly turned into cunning smiles.
“I think there are things we can agree with, Miyu-chan.”
Miyu nodded with a smile. “I guess so, Natsu-kun.”
“Oy, oy, oy!” Aki butted in. His ears ringed when he heard Miyu addressing Natsu with his first name. “Call me with my first name, too, Watanabe-san.”
Miyu was taken aback with that sudden request. Her heart thumps so fast especially because of that pouting face of the cool vocalist.
“W-Well if you say so… A-Aki-senpai…” she looked up at the guy only to see his pleased face.
“Drop the formality. I also want to be called with –kun, Miyu-chan.”
Miyu’s smile widened even more then she gave him a cute nod.
“It’s the same for you, Fumie-chan.” Natsu said. “Since we are all
friends now, it is much better to start calling us with our names so we can slowly be comfortable with each other.”
“F-Friends?” Fumie repeated. She couldn’t believe that she is hearing it from someone who scared the hell out of her just last week.
Natsu cleared his throat and looked somewhere else. “I-I’m doing this for Maki. She considers you her friend that’s why I’m befriending you, too.”
“I’m getting a little sleepy!”
They all turned to the direction where Maki and Fuyu are. Maki dropped herself to the bench and then leaned on Fuyu’s shoulder. “Let me sleep in your lap, King!”
Fuyu gave out an awkward laugh. “You got visitors and you’re going to sleep? How about the plan for Karaoke?”
“It’s okay~ Just a ten-minute nap would be fine!”
“But Maki—“
He wasn’t able to finish his sentence when Maki suddenly hugged him. “I’m going to sleep like this then.”
“OYYYYY!!!”Everyone was surprised when Natsu suddenly sprinted to the other side. He suddenly pushed the two apart. His face is red in embarrassment.
“Stop being lovey-dovey with each other, will you!?” Natsu shouted at them. “I’ve been looking at the two of you ever since!!!”
Miyu chuckled. “Looks like you’re not the only one being jealous, Fumie.”
Natsu turned to his brother with a frustrated face. “Fuyu-nii! I also want to sleep in your lap!”
The three who were watching almost fell to their places. For a moment they thought Natsu is being jealous because he likes Maki. Maki grabbed Fuyu’s arm because she knows Natsu is going to steal him away.
“No! I’m sleeping with him!” she gnashed.
Natsu gritted back at her. “No! Not you! I’ll be sleeping with him!”
“Come on! You’re both using the wrong sentence!” Fuyu tried to calm them down. On the other hand, Miyu’s nose is already bleeding, some weird thought entered her mind after she heard Natsu’s sentence.
“No one is sleeping! Let’s spend the rest of the time with the others. It’ll be rude to sleep while having visitors! Follow me.”
Fuyu stood up from the bench and went towards the other side. Natsu and Maki are still like dogs fighting for the attention of their master. In the end, they just followed Fuyu.
The sight of Fuyu coming towards them didn’t leave Fumie’s heart at peace. Her heart tightens for an unknown reason. It grew even wilder when Fuyu stopped in front of her.
“I want to properly introduce myself.” He finally said after staring at her for quite a while. “I’m Hoshizora Fuyu. I’m sorry for everything that has happened for the past weeks. I know it caused you a lot of trouble. I’m really sorry.”
The guy took an apologetic bow and Fumie returned one. After that, Fuyu turned to Maki and held her hand. He pulled her to his side. Seeing them holding hands made Fumie averted her eyes. “This is my childhood friend, Togawa Maki. I have a feeling that she also surprised the both of you so I am introducing her properly.”
Maki just gave a sinister smile. “Yoroshiku~”
“On the other hand…” Fuyu turned to Natsu and asked him to stand beside him. The guy did so and he was surprised when Fuyu arched his arm around him. “This is Natsu. He’s my
twin brother.”
Everyone was surprised at the introduction. Fumie and Miyu looked at each other knowing that there is really a progress. Everyone is pleased. Natsu couldn’t contain his emotions that he suddenly jumped to hug his brother.
Fuyu, because it has been a very long time since he got to hug his brother, felt really awkward but he slowly gave in. He patted his brother’s head and smiled.
The twins are smiling! Fumie looked at them and heaved a joyful sigh. She succeeded with the challenge, right? Seeing people smiling like this really made her happy. Fuyu looked at her and smiled.
“Thank you…” is what that smile is inferring. She just nodded at him and returned a smile.
Maki is also very happy. This is the scene that she has been wanting to see for the past years.
“Yosha!” She shouted to get everyone’s attention. “Now that we got a good atmosphere, it’s time for Karaoke!!!”
THE GATHERING ended with a blast. They all enjoyed the karaoke event where almost Maki and Natsu are the only ones who were singing. They got into a competition where the winner will get the reward to sleep at Fuyu’s lap.
Fuyu slapped his forehead to the hopeless two. He didn’t have his turn since he is not confident with singing with other people around while Aki rocked the machine with all of his turns receiving perfect scores. It felt like they are watching a live everytime it is Aki’s term.
Fuyu and Fumie are seated opposite to each other. The whole time they were like fools who secretly took glances of each other. There are times where their eyes would meet but they will immediately unlock it.
Fumie is still confused why everytime Maki is near Fuyu and holds the guy’s hand, she feels like coming in between them and then tear them apart. It would be so inappropriate for her to do that. She knows that she has lost all the right to do so when she asked Fuyu to go away and above all, she doesn’t like him at the very least.
Or maybe that’s only what she thinks.
They ended their first gathering at the promised time. Natsu looked like he doesn’t want to say goodbye to his brother but he really has to go or else they would get into more trouble. Fuyu reminded him not to tell anyone about what happened today. Somehow it feels like Fuyu doesn’t trust anyone from their family. Natsu agreed with it and he went off with Aki.
Fuyu and the two girls were dropped by to the nearest station. Before Maki left them, the girl thanked Fumie and Miyu for spending the day with her. She even told Fuyu to visit her often then she left with a huge smile on her face. Since Miyu lives on a different direction, she rode the train opposite to Fumie and Fuyu’s. Now the two are left all alone.
They remained awkward with each other during the whole trip. Fuyu stood away from her but she’s still in his line of sight in case something happens. He called out to her when the seat in front of him was left vacant and let her take the seat. Fuyu then started to act like they don’t know each other again.
“Hey, want to go for a drink?”
A group of women, who seems like in their mid-20’s suddenly approached Fuyu. They stood in both sides of him as if they are cornering their prey. Fumie was surprised yet again, her heart squeezed for a moment. She bowed her head just to avoid seeing the scenario.
“Sorry, but I am underage. I don’t drink.” Fuyu coldly declined the offer.
“Ehh~” The girls complained. “Don’t worry; we will all drink in secret. These onee-chans will teach you how to drink.”
Fuyu sighed in irritation. “I’m not interested.”
“Ohh… Do you have a girlfriend?” Fumie suddenly looked up which made the girl who asked that turn to her. The girl smirked. “Is she your—“
“No.” Fuyu’s flat denial dumbfounded Fumie. He looked sharply at the girls just to have them shut their mouths. “I don’t even know this girl.”
Fumie bowed her head again. Right at that moment she wanted to slap herself for feeling hurt when Fuyu denied her. She’s really, really confused.
“Then you are free, right? Come on and drink with us.” The girls insisted even though he is already showing signs that he is irritated.
“Sorry. I got myself reserved for someone.” The announcement for the next stop echoed. “It’s my stop.”
Fuyu walked towards the door but the ladies are so persistent that one of them even slid her business card to Fuyu’s pocket. Fuyu was surprised with the sudden movement. He looked back at the lady who even gestured to give her a call. Fuyu took a deep breath to calm himself and then just ignored the girl.
Fumie hesitated if she’s going to stand up or not. This is their station. She has no other choice but to follow Fuyu or else she might get lost. The train stopped and the doors opened. For a moment she lost Fuyu but she immediately saw him because of his height. She tried to get in a closer distance.
Fumie saw him crumpled the business card he received a while ago then threw it right in the trash bin. She doesn’t know why but she felt so satisfied that Fuyu got rid of it. Fuyu then turned to her and looked around. It seems like he was making sure that the ladies aren’t following him.
He went near her and was about to touch her in the back to have her walk beside him but his hand stopped midway. Fumie was ready for that reach out but the sudden back out made her feel frustrated. Why is it so awkward between the two of them?
Fuyu pocketed his hands as he tries to regain composure. “Let’s go. Lead the way. Miyu told me that you are not good with directions. I will tell you if you’re not going on the right path. I’ll walk behind you.”
“H-Hai…”
In the end that’s all that she could answer. Her heart is seriously complaining. It wants to walk beside Hoshizora Fuyu!
“We’re getting out at Exit 3. You are heading to 6.”
She jerked. She looked up and saw that she is indeed going to Exit 6. “T-Thank you, Senpai.” Her mind is blurry right now; she couldn’t think straight.
They finally arrived on the bus stop. The bus going home arrived shortly. Fumie’s seat sensor was so fast she quickly located the empty seats. She immediately went to take it. Looking around, there are no more vacant seats other than the seat beside her.
Clenching her fist, she gathered her courage. “S-Senpai! Here!”
She called out to Fuyu which completely got the guy off-guard. He hesitated for a moment but he then went to take the slot. He thanked Fumie but he didn’t look directly to her eyes. Fumie secretly smiled.
“Did you have fun today?” The guy suddenly asked. The day with this girl will end soon. It won’t be bad to ask some questions.
Fumie nodded. “I did. It was really fun.”
Fuyu smiled after that positive response. He is leaning to his left side so that he won’t bump shoulders with Fumie. “I’m glad that you became friends with Maki. Please take care of her.”
The smile on Fumie’s lips faded after hearing Maki’s name. She suddenly remembered how close the two to the point that they are comfortable with holding each other’s hands. Here she is again with unexplained feelings of frustration.
“Maki is a closed person. I’m surprised that she managed to be friends with you and Miyu. She might be a chuunibyou like everyone is saying but Maki is a very sweet and thoughtful person. I think she really likes your honesty. I hope you can get along with her.”
“Mhm…” Fumie nodded once more. “Togawa-san is so beautiful, right? I wonder why you don’t go for her. It seems like you too are close as well.”
Feeling that he is being driven away to another girl, Fuyu’s smile fainted. “Maki is indeed beautiful and special. But you know…” He turned to her and looked into her eyes. ”She isn’t the girl with the scent.
She isn’t you.”
Fumie’s face turned pink in an instant. She turned to another direction because her lips are automatically forming a smile which she doesn’t want Fuyu to see. Her body is acting on its own. Her emotion is certainly on a roller-coaster ride.
“You see, Fumie…” Fuyu started. “I’m really sorry for surprising you. It was foolish of me to just declare that you are my girl. I’m sorry that I didn’t even listen to you.
Today I realized a lot of things. We really do not know each other. There are a lot of things to discover. I don’t even know the things that you like…the things that you hate. I didn’t even know that your family has that scar and here I am acting like high and mighty, deciding on something in an instant.”
“S-Senpai…”
“I guess I started with the wrong foot.” Fuyu scratched his head while foolishly smiling at himself. “All I want to do is to treasure you. I’m really sorry.”
“I-It’s okay, Senpai. Don’t say sor—“
“Hmmm…” The guy audibly thought. “How about let’s start again? I know you don’t need romance. I want to be your friend. If it’s alright with you I hope that we can be friends.”
The word ‘friends’ echoed in the back of Fumie’s mind. The coaster seemed to go on a downhill ride again. She turned to Fuyu and forced a smile. “S-Sure.”
“I’m glad. Thank you.” The guy smiled as well. “I know our first meeting made everything so awkward. Please forget about that day. Right now, I’m looking for something to focus at. Please cheer for me until I find it.”
Fumie hesitantly nodded. Her heartstrings are being tugged. In a sense Fuyu is saying that he is trying to forget about her being the girl with the scent, right? It means she can focus on her training to be an idol without any worries but why is it that she feels like something within her is telling her not to let go of this person?
“It’s our stop.” Fuyu pressed the bell to notify the driver. He stood up and let Fumie go to the door first. The bus ride finished just like that and they are back to being strangers. They went up the slope with Fuyu walking behind her with a good distance. She automatically stopped in front of Fuyu’s house. All the lights are out.
“Are you going to be fine from here?” Fuyu worriedly asked.
“Yes, I won’t get lost at this distance. My house is just a few lots from here.”
Fuyu smiled faintly. “Then I’ll be going inside now. Thank you for today, Fumie. Enjoy the rest of the day.”
“You too, Senpai.” That’s all and she gave a bow. She hasn’t taken her third step when…
“Fumie!” Fuyu called out to her and as if like she is waiting for that call, she automatically turned to him. The guy is smiling from ear to ear. A wonderful smile it is. A smile she never saw him flashed to Maki. “Thank you for making me realize things about me and Natsu. Don’t worry; I am treasuring my brother as well. It may not be as proper as you guys think but I really love my brother. See you on Monday!”
He waved at her before going inside his house. Fumie was frozen on the spot. She could feel her heart getting so warm. It’s such a nice feeling to know that Fuyu is smiling because of something that she has done for him. It’s so wonderful to think that he is smiling like that because of her.
[“Please make sure that you are not going to miss the smile of that person that is more valuable than the smile of thousands.”]She suddenly heard the playback of Haruna’s words. She got even more confused. Her heart couldn’t stay put. She violently shook her head and slapped her face.
“This isn’t like that…” she murmured to herself. “It’s not like that.”
MAKI went straight to her room after dropping her friends off. She booted her computer on to surf the web about world mysteries to somehow entertain herself. She was watching about reincarnation when she received a mail from a certain person.
“Asuka-chan?” her eyebrows rose after seeing who the sender is. The mail says to call her if ever Maki has the time. The chuunibyou smiled and immediately went to call the idol. It didn’t take long for the call to be answered.
“Moshi moshi, Maki-chan?” That was Asuka who seems to be having a sore throat.
“Asuka-chan! Long time no talk! Are you doing fine? Your voice seems hoarse.”
Asuka gave out faint chuckles. “I’m feeling a little bit under the weather these days.”
“Psh…” Maki turned her swivel chair around. “You should at least take a rest. I know the demand about you is too high but your health is a priority as well.”
“Mhm… Thank you for worrying, Maki…” Asuka took a pause to take some air. “How was the gathering in your house today? I’m sorry that I was not able to make it.”
“Don’t worry. There are still opportunities in the future. Just make sure that you will make it or else you family line will be cursed!” They both laughed at Maki’s chuunibyou joke. “Today was fun. It was really nice to see Fuyu-kun and Natsu-kun again. Fuyu-kun is surprisingly loose. I thought he would still be constrained.”
“Do you think it is because of that girl?” Asuka asked after another pause. “I heard that Fuyu-kun was dumped by that girl. Is that true? She also went there today, right? Did you see anything off between—“
“Asuka, Asuka ~ One question at a time.” Maki sighed with a smile. She knows where Asuka is coming from. “The awkward tension between the two of them is undeniable but I can’t deny the fact that the King listens to Fumie-chan. She made Fuyu-kun introduce Natsu-kun as his brother. I know you can imagine how happy Natsu-kun looked like.
Hmm… I like Fumie-chan especially her honesty. I witnessed her talking back to Natsu-kun! That was really brave of her! I heard Fumie-chan wants to be an idol that’s why her heart is closed for romance. I guess that’s the reason why Fuyu-kun is keeping a good distance from her. They couldn’t even look at each other’s eyes.”
Maki smirked after remembering the earlier happenings. “I wonder what could’ve happened if you came here today.”
“I wonder as well.” Asuka snickered. “How is it going on with Natsu-kun, anyway?”
Maki’s eyes widened. She felt her cheeks burning. “W-W-What’s up with that question?”
Asuka’s cute laughter echoed from the other line. “Nevermind. Anyway, Maki-chan, I’ll be going back to school next week but just because of work. I hope to see you by then.”
“Woah! You’re really coming back? Sure, I will keep my next week’s schedule clean!” A mischievous smile was pasted on Maki’s lips.
“That’s the main reason why I want to talk to you tonight. I’m going back to work now. See you next week.”
“Uhm. See you~!”
That’s all and the call ended. Maki clenched her fists in excitement then went to drop herself to her bed.
“Next week will be exciting as well!”-TBC-
@Genkikid-san, Yes... It is as Erza_Jerusalem-san said.
her on that certain passage is pertaining to Maki.
Sorry for the confusion.
@MatsuiLee-san, That was such a long comment.
Thank you~
@Erza_Jerusalem, Haru will be here soon. Hold on.
@akbdaisuki48-san, thank for always reblogging this in Tumblr. Thank you so much.
@yukine-san, You have to wait for Yui to come out for those moments.
About the OS thread, don't worry about it. I'm also working with the stories to post there but I'm still figuring about the right time to post them.
Here’s a clue for the next arc~
And yes, I got a reference picture for this drawing. So, if you somehow see a picture with the same pose then that should be my reference. I’m still practicing with drawing.
Guessing game: Who is the additional person in the drawing?I’ve shown this drawing to other readers before hand but only one recognized who it is.
See you on the next chapter~~