19 Chapter 19: Gus (1/2)
”Hahaha! You should have seen your face, Takaiyama-kun, I mean Uteki-kun.” Hiroisora's father was still laughing at me after we have seated down to eat. I couldn't look up in embarrassment.
”I'm really sorry about this, Takaiyama-kun…” Hiroisora was whispering to me.
”Well, since that is out of the way, I'll introduce myself. My name is Hiroisora Fubuki. I've heard a lot of good things about you from Elizabeth and Kari.”
”Ah, thank you…, sir...”
”I told you, call me Father. There's no need to be shy. Hahaha.” He seems like a really nice guy. ”Also, I would like to thank you. You have no idea how worried I have been for my daughter because of her… hardships in life. I'm just glad that someone can reach out to her like what you have done… I'm really grateful.” It seems he's tearing up a bit.
”Father, I think that is enough. I don't think we are making Takaiyama-kun very comfortable.” Hiroisora spoke up after being quiet for a while.
”You are right. I'm sorry about that. I was just very happy. Well, let's eat and celebrate this occasion!”
While we were eating, Hiroisora's father asked me questions about myself, my family and other things. After I while, I felt comfortable talking to him. It was also nice to see Hiroisora interacting with her father. I've seen another side of her that I haven't before. She really loves him and vice versa. The more I see them, the guiltier I feel… It's not only Hiroisora that I might hurt in the future, but her father as well.
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After a few hours of talking and eating, they have decided to call it a night. Hiroisora and I went back to our rooms and changed our clothes. Her father then instructed that I will be taken home by their car. I said I can get home by myself, but he insisted. When I was about to enter the car, Hiroisora said to her father that she wants to accompany me. I said thanks and goodbye. Elizabeth-san rode with Hiroisora's father as their car went ahead.
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While on the ride home inside the car, Hiroisora was seating beside me, her head resting on my shoulder. She was already like that only after a few minutes on the road. I didn't complain and just let her rest. I think she really is tired. While I thought she was asleep, she suddenly talked to me.
”Did you have fun today, Takaiyama-kun?”
”Oh, I thought you were asleep.”
”I was. It's comfortable here, you know.”
”Sorry for waking you up.”
”You didn't.”
”Yeah, I had fun today. It actually felt like I was on a real date. Thanks for everything.”
”I felt the same way. I should be the one thanking you, Takaiyama-kun.” She was still resting on my shoulder. ”Oh, isn't the festival tomorrow?” She suddenly remembered.
”Really? I totally forgot about it. I'm sure Nariyuki will remind all of us tomorrow morning.”
”You're probably right. Kosui-san is really excited about it.” She paused for a while. ”By the way, are you interested in kimonos?”
”Hmm… Yeah. I bet they'll look good on you. Everything does.” After what I've seen today, I truly believe anything she wears will look good on her.
”I see…” I think she went back to sleep. I just let her stay like that until I got home. I didn't wake her up when I got out of the car. I thanked the driver and asked him to try to not wake her up while driving. I looked at her one last time before I closed the door. While sleeping, she looks so peaceful and happy. I don't know what came over me, but I kissed her forehead.
”Thanks for today.” I whispered to her.
---
The next morning, I was woken up by my ringing phone.
”Hello.”
”Takaiyama-san! I'm calling to remind you about the festival this evening. Everyone will meet up at the shrine by 5 PM. Don't be late, okay? Bye!” She hung up. Darn that Nariyuki, calling so early in the morning. When I looked at the clock, it was almost noon. I overslept.
I went downstairs. Mom was there.
”Good morning.”
”Oh, good morning. I didn't wake you up since you looked tired last night.”
”I see, thanks for not waking me up.”
”By the way, you have a guest. He's been waiting since early in the morning. I said that you were still asleep, but he said he'll just wait. He's in the living room.”
”Who is it?”
”It's Jirai.” What is he doing here?
I went to the living room to see him, and as I was about to greet him, he strangled me with a headlock.
”You demon!!” Jirai started to shout at me.
”What are you talking about?!”
”What did you do to my sister, huh? Why are you hitting on her? I will protect her from the likes of you!”
”Let me go!” I got out of his hold. ”I didn't do anything to her. She went to our house to thank me. That's all.”
”Oh. Then I guess it's fine. I thought she confessed to you or something. Hehehe.”
”That is exactly what my brother thought as well. Your sister complex is scary.”
”We all love our siblings this way!”
”No, we don't.”
”No need to be shy about it. So, where is this brother of yours?”
”He's out, I guess. Why?”
”I'm gonna crush that scum! He thinks he can have my sister? He doesn't even have the right to look at her! That impudent runt will regret ever thinking about my sister…” Jirai's face is scary.
”And here was Tsunagi-chan thanking me for being your friend. I don't think she'll appreciate it when you eliminate your friend's brother, right? Can you imagine the sad and disappointed look on her face when she finds out that her brother is a cold-blooded killer of his friend's brother? We sure don't want that, do we?”
”You can't take a joke, Takaiyama. Hahaha. I was just thinking hypothetically.” He seemed like he was joking, but then whispered to my ear. ”But seriously, if I see your brother within ten feet of my sister, you can say goodbye to his sorry ass.” He then walked towards the door and looked normal again. ”See 'ya, Takaiyama.” I should totally warn Uryou. Nevermind.
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It was afternoon already but I still feel so tired. I was walking towards the shrine, and it's almost 5 PM. There were a lot of people going there as well. As I was looking for other club members, I noticed a poster. It says that Kei-chan will be at the shrine and meet fans by 3 PM. Hey, it's that idol I helped a while back. Too bad I missed it. I wonder if she still remembers me… Yeah, that's impossible.