Going Down the Aisle
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Post by Narukami Akira on Oct 24, 2014 22:08:43 GMT -6
May 31, 2003 5:00 PM
Akira, after strolling around the shopping district, decides to walk into a large supermarket nearby. His little cousin Kana-chan told him that the fridge at home was nearly empty, so resupply is in order. He is glad that she gave him the list of everything they need, in the little girl’s neat handwriting. Kana, despite her young age, is a helpful child, who just likes to insist on doing the housework despite Akira’s presence. Thinking of that, Akira makes a mental note to self about get some of Kana’s favourite odango while on the way home.
Fortunately, the local supermarket is not too crowded at this hour, so he can do the shopping at my own pace without getting impatient. Beef, sausages, eggs, onions, carrots, milk, etc. Gotta get’em all.
After getting all the things he needs, Akira takes a quick look around to see which cashier has the shortest line, then dashes to cashier number 7, where only two customers are standing. One middle-aged woman having her last products scanned, and a rather pretty girl, he thinks. Just a glance and one can already say she looks elegant. That long free-flowing silky black hair can stands out anywhere, and is nicely decorated by a white butterfly hairpin. She wears a black jacket, which covers a cream-colored dress. Her outfit is completed by her black leggings and brown bow shoes. Despite seeing only a side of her face, Akira already noticed her skin being so white and smooth like porcelain, and her eyes, even though it’s just her left one, have a gleaming dark purple color. Akira is instantly filled with delight upon seeing such a beauty, and feels glad that he came to this town.
Akira keeps staring at her for God knows how long, until his and the girl’s eyes meet in an instant when she put the things she bought in her big shopping bags, which snaps him out of his reverie. He suddenly remembers that he has to get his shopping duty done, too, in order to make way for the other customers.
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Post by Fuukami Haruka on Oct 28, 2014 18:48:32 GMT -6
Maybe she went a bit overboard.
Sighing, Haruka looked at her now crumpled grocery list, full of scribbles calculating the price beforehand when she had looked them up online. The freshman was fairly frugal with the budget, but honestly, there wasn’t too much. Because she had asked for help from Grishin-san in making Iryna a birthday present, he said the young lady had to go and get the ingredients for the ganache and the rest of the cake.
“It was no problem,” she replied to her family’s beloved chef. Boy, oh, boy, how Haruka was wrong. Of course, she had bought anything if it was premade (ingredients, not the specific parts of the cake) and had omitted everything she and the family already had.
Regardless, the amount of cake-making ingredients was enough to fill the entire shopping cart. How was she supposed to take all of these groceries home if she didn’t have a car to drive in?
The clerk at the cashier was a retired man. He was kind to all of his customers. He helped the middle-aged woman before Haruka take out and put back her groceries after scanning and bagging them. Once he saw how many bags Haruka had, he had rushed to help her but she was no slouch in transferring her groceries to the conveyor belt, working with swift precision due to knowing she was operating in public. Dark eyes flickered back to the soon empty set of reusable bags only to find a dashing young man adorned in casual clothes: a white polo shirt and a pair of sleek black pants. Instinctually, a hand flew up to caress her glittering white butterfly hair clip as she studied him in interest. Ah, yes, he was the upperclassman from the festival. She had heard his name before, didn’t she? Haruka was not too sure. Either way, he wore a gentle expression on a face of equally set features, easing a small smile out of the younger girl before she quickly returned to her work, set out to return her groceries to her bags. There was not a chance Haruka would have noticed him staring, or was there? She eyed him again curiously only to find him again looking back at her, meriting him a light rose tint upon her skin.
Well, well, what a surprise. Was love in the air? Maybe. She couldn’t tell yet. Haruka couldn’t even feel her taste buds yet. It was such a shame, with all the people waiting and the mean and lean cake waiting to be baked. But the cake baking and the people could certainly wait for a bunch of schoolmates to actually introduce themselves and totally not fall in love. That would be way too fast, and Haruka Fuukami did not just fall in love. She hunted it down, crashed into it and tackled love onto the floor. Repeated: Haruka Fuukami did not just fall in love. She did so much more. But she had to prevent that even if she knew that totally cute guy (ugh, since when did she actually see a guy as cute? God, Iryna...) was checking her out. Backing away and holding out one palm in front of him as if to say stop, Haruka still made eye contract and whispered, ”Don’t speak to me too quickly, or my heart’ll beat so fast I might just fall in love with you!”
What a terrible way to break the ice.
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Post by Narukami Akira on Oct 29, 2014 8:21:19 GMT -6
Even when Akira decides to move, a force from an unlikely source stops him in his tracks.
His mind is currently a total blank.
The attractive petite girl standing in front of him suddenly holds her hand out in front of his face, as if telling not to pass, as says a rather... outrageous statement:
”Don’t speak to me too quickly, or my heart’ll beat so fast I might just fall in love with you!”
Even though Akira hasn't said anything. Yet.
Or she might just fall in love with him?!! Just a few seconds ago Akira thought whether that girl even knew he existed, and now she says it is possible for her to fall in love with him? Should a girl say something like that to a guy she just met?
What seems like eternity passed before Akira can move his mouth:
"No no no no no. Don't mind me." He manages to disobey the girl right away.
Akira can feel stares of the other customers and staff on him like numerous spotlights. He can't take this any longer. He has to find a distraction.
His eyes meet with the numerous bags that girl just packed. Finally found something!
"Oh, could I help you put these bags in the cart? There are quite a lot of them. We have to make way for the others, too."
Without waiting for her answer, Akira proceeds to do as he says. Even though this is supposed to be a sign of politeness, right now Akira thinks of this as more of a reflex, in order to get himself out of this awkward situation as soon as possible. One question lingers on his mind:
"Was I being too rude?"
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Post by Fuukami Haruka on Oct 29, 2014 8:42:55 GMT -6
As always, Haruka probably attacked the upperclassman with her weird verbiage, like she always did to people.
Curse her inability to talk to people normally. She'd need to work on that if she wanted to acquaint herself with other people, such as that Ayumu boy Iryna always talked about.
Yeah, the statement she said was pretty outrageous. Haruka knew other people were looking. But really it was just a warning for him to not get too close to her.
After all, maybe, just maybe playing with fire would hurt.
It must have been surprising to the poor boy. She gave him a placating gaze, as if to tell him everything's alright. Just a pretty big slip of the tongue. But if she recalled correctly, Iryna would probably say any boy would be happy to hear something like that.
The situation would be easier to plough through if he talked sooner though...
"That's okay by me. By the way, I didn't fall for you." Not yet, perhaps? Haruka didn't understand how love worked; it was pretty mysterious but right now she was sure it wasn't awkwardly with a stranger.
Ah, yes, he was probably looking for a well-earned distraction, in helping packing her bags. Already, however, people are forgetting about them, finding out that nothing the situation promised actually delivered.
For a moment, Haruka was briefly relieved, if not a little disappointed. Since when was she disappointed by such things?
"I'd appreciate it. I'll warn you though. There's quite a lot. Either way, I'm fine with divvying things half-and-half. Do you want a tip when we're done?"
Strictly business, right? She had to snuff all hopes that any passerby's might hope of her statement making a delivery. She could see their disappointment had already transformed into complete indifference. The situation was becoming less awkward as time goes on.
The two students, however, have their work set out for them. The freshman worked quickly in tandem with the third year.
I hope that I didn't bother him too much, Haruka worried as he helped her with her bags and carry it home.
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Post by Narukami Akira on Oct 31, 2014 7:14:07 GMT -6
"Anything is fine, really. I don't do this to be paid. It's just my duty."
Akira is not in the mood to talk at the moment, just focuses on putting the bags as the brunette instructed. Getting out of this situation is Priority One. After receiving her thanks, the boy's relieved to know it's his turn to get his stuff sorted out and pay the money.
That uncle in the cashier till just keeps smiling at Akira while scanning the latter's purchases and taking payment. This is just embarrassing for the boy, even though he's not the one who actually caused this incident, Akira still feels responsible for it anyway. And he can already hear some faint giggles from behind him when he's finished.
However, now that things have already gone like this, there is no way Akira will leave that girl without at least knowing her name. Besides, he knows that from the hefty amount of baggage that petite girl has, and the fact she is here by herself, this is a chance for him to help a cute girl in trouble, the kind of thing he simply loves to do. Once there is a pretty girl in trouble, Akira will help her all the way. That's one of his rules. Thankfully for him, that girl hasn't gone too far. Akira decides to act. Even though they just got themselves in a rather awkward situation just some minutes ago, Akira hopes that this act of chivalry will make the girl feel less uncomfortable when she gets home. Besides... why not enjoy the sight of a beautiful nadeshiko flower like her for a while longer?
"Hey!", Akira called after the girl while rushing towards her, "How far do you have to carry all of those? I think I can help you! And, um, would you let me know your name?", he tries to compensate for the lack of proper communication earlier, "My name is Akira. Narukami Akira."
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Post by Fuukami Haruka on Oct 31, 2014 18:55:19 GMT -6
"That's new to hear and quite noble too. It's nice to finally meet you not in passing."
Obviously, though, it looks like Pretty Boy doesn't want to talk. Without smiling, Haruka thought that was okay. She glanced back at the boy once they finished packing up the groceries. Now that all was packed, she would be on her way. What a pain, though... There was so much to carry!
Slightly guilty even though the brunt of the situation is over with, Haruka knew deep down that Akira might have to face the aftermath. But she was not there to hear the faint giggles or see the coy smile of the uncle in the cashier, seeing she was already far ahead and thinking of baking a delicious cake for her cousin. Hopefully, Narukami would not have to face her again.
He was cute, way too cute for her league. He was also the kind of boy whom Haruka would love to tease and push his buttons to test his patience, if he could muster the strength to endure her tests of diligence and tenacity, which weren't exactly the easiest tests to pass. Thankfully, they were not on paper. Already Akira has won her respect with his act of chivalry, to help her carry her bags. The brunette's eyes widened before she smiled shyly at the boy, nodding in affirmation. Secretly, she was very grateful for his act of help, but she didn't let it on as much because she wouldn't like to receive an even kinder response. It would only give her more reason to actually delude herself into thinking he liked her back. Sure, she was the beautiful daughter of a wealthy family, but she didn't know him and he didn't know her. They would not escape without knowing each other's names but would they end up becoming friends eventually or even develop the small crushes today ignited? The world may never know.
The second year's patience tugged at the freshwoman's heart strings. Her dashing feet came to a halt as soon as she heard his voice. "Thank you so much. My house is not too far away; it is about 8 or so minutes away from the supermarket. However, you have groceries too. Why are you helping me instead of bringing your own supplies home?" It wasn't that Haruka was ungrateful for the help; she was simply curious since one never really assisted the person that startled them in public. "Either way, thank you yet again. I'm Fuukami Haruka. Like I said before, it's a pleasure to acquaint you, Narukami-senpai."
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Post by Narukami Akira on Oct 31, 2014 23:16:26 GMT -6
Turns out the girl's house is not too far from the supermarket. Which means Akira's task can be accomplished on foot. Then, she tells him the address. Turns out Akira only has to make a small detour on his way home to reach her place.
Akira immediately calls home to inform Kana-chan that he may come home late, and explains the situation. Kana-chan chastiseshim in a rather amused tone, then reminds him to get back as soon as possible.
Once that matter at home is done, he proceeds to take as many bags from the girl's as possible. He would like to take all of them, as he does not want her lovely delicate hands to be marred by the handles. But he only has two hands. Hence, the result is the girl only has to carry one bag, while he carries the rest, including his own groceries. Then the pair starts to move.
While on the way, Akira thinks about how beautiful-sounding the girl's name is. The flower of spring (even though he's not sure whether her name really is written that way), and to Akira, she looks just like one. That pure white, albeit a bit pale, skin of hers is beautiful, which reminds those little white flowers in various grass fields that signal the arrival of spring, and bloom even earlier than cherry blossoms. The very first signs that life returns. To him, flowers, and women, are beautiful creatures that he'd like to treasure. Women's beauty is often compared to flowers in literature, and there is a phrase "A flower in each hand". However, as much as he likes being surrounded by beautiful women, Akira does not want to be a Casanova like what that phrase implies. He doesn't want to see a woman as a disposable object, and he will not touch a girl without her consent.
But suddenly Akira realizes that Haruka's family name sounds familiar. Fuukami... Where did he heard that before?
Then a part of his mind clicks. That athlete named Fuukami Iryna, the one Whitey knows. Akira just gave him a magazine issue featuring her photos just yesterday. Well, Haruka has a rather similar physique, but looks more like a bona-fide gentle princess rather than the more athletic Iryna. Akira, totally unwilling to let this matter unaddressed, decides to starts a conversation:
"Excuse me, Fuukami-san. Are you related to Fuukami Iryna, the figure skater, by any chance? Sorry for being so sudden. I'm just curious."
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Post by Fuukami Haruka on Nov 1, 2014 4:33:31 GMT -6
It was a huge surprise, but a pleasant one, to find out that Narukami's house is not that far from her own; all he had to do was make a small detour. Regardless, it did not change the fact she was making him carry a lot of grocery bags. Perhaps she could stop by his house and compensate him.
Haruka could only imagine the endless amount of teasing she would receive from Iryna-neechan or possibly even her own parents. Though she doubted she would run into anyone from the supermarket. In spite of this, the teasing wouldn't bother her as much as it would to her redheaded cousin should Iryna do the same for Mizukami-senpai as well.
Haruka was astonished by the amount of generosity Akira gave her, enough to stun her and prevent her from teasing him any further, which she could do with abandon now that they were walking with only each other to hear. Being not a completely traditional Japanese girl, she felt the need to return the favor as best as she could yet she was selfish enough to want to stay in contact.
Her desire to tease him embodied such a want, but she found herself quietly showing him where her home was instead. Such a lack of display of ambition worried Haruka to no end, sending goosebumps down her skin in confusion. In her mind, she replayed him saying his name. What stands out is that his surname was the name of a gorgeous lightning goddess in a shoujo manga, whereas Akira could mean bright, intelligent or clear. So far, he definitely stood out as all three. But he was so noble and kind that she thought that maybe his name could reflect on that. Vaguely, she heard somewhere that his name could be arranged to mean crystal or something amongst those lines. To say he was a beautiful crystal buried underneath could be a stretch because he was so modestly yet evidently like a gentleman. Why is it so hard to ask if she could meet him again?
Perhaps she truly did need to stop by his house to return the favor with a small gift that wasn't really all that small. Despite swimming in her thoughts, it seems that Akira was having an Eureka! moment, which garners all of her undivided attention for a short while.
A glint in her dark violet eyes and a small grin popped up on the snow white face of the younger of the Fuukami girls once she could tell Akira was able to figure out that Iryna was possibly a relative to Haruka. The two ladies had very different physiques: Iryna's athletic and wiry while Haruka is delicate but graceful, but the resemblance was still there. She hoped it wasn't too much of a surprise.
"Good guess, Narukami-senpai! I'm actually her cousin. There's no need to be sorry because I get that question a lot, to be honest. Are you a fan of hers?"
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Post by Narukami Akira on Nov 1, 2014 21:32:16 GMT -6
Even though Akira was already expecting the answer yes, he is still a bit taken aback when Haruka told him that she is the young up-and-coming figure skater's cousin.
"No, I'm not, unfortunately." He answers frankly. "I just happened to know her from some magazines. I've seen some of her photos modelling for sports clothes there. A friend of mine knows her, too, and is quite close to her, I think."
Akira has to admit, though, that Iryna is rather cute for an athlete. Even though female figure skaters already lean more towards the graceful, feminine side (from what he knows, Iryna still stands out). Those pigtails of hers just exude a "moe" factor, and goes very well with her face. And, she possesses the inherent exotic factor women of mixed heritage possess. On the other hand, while she's the same age as him, she's already made quite a name for herself, and is one of Japan's hopes in the Olympics, while Akira himself currently just aims for a prize in the national level of his primary sport.
"I'm still jealous, though, that you are related to quite a celebrity, which means you can know that person on a personal level, know who she really is. Something the tabloids never know."
Akira, while knowing that making themselves known is human nature, there is a hefty price for fame. One famous actor says that after taking lots of effort to become famous, one ends up trying to ensure that people don't recognize him. In other words, unwanted attention. At least figure skating does not receive as much media attention as baseball or football. Then again, Iryna's family background may still be a bother to her.
Then, after musing about the figure skater, Akira realizes there's something he forgot.
"Excuse me for changing the topic now, but, I noticed you called me senpai. How do you even know that? Have we met before?"
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Post by Fuukami Haruka on Nov 1, 2014 23:17:06 GMT -6
Haruka couldn't honestly understand the older boy's surprise when she announced she was Iryna's cousin. They both saw it coming, so why? Perhaps, it's something a girl like Haruka would find hard to relate to, actually being related to a popular athlete.
"So you're not particularly a fan of my cousin but you do like the magazines she's in? Then I take it you're the sporty type," she cautiously inferred. "Do you do any sports in particular or are you just interested?" There was no shame in only being interested; that was the boat the younger girl was in right now. They had to find some common ground or at least something to talk about and although Haruka wasn't a sporty girl, she did love her cousin and supported her in the endeavors being a figure skater brought.
As for Narukami's sentiment about how Iryna was cute... If Haruka knew what he was thinking, she couldn't fault him in the slightest for thinking it. Other competing skaters relied on their elegance and grace to earn brownie points with the judges. But Iryna was deft and poised yet adorable and endearing. She had many fortes skaters needed but there were many unique strengths that set her apart from the rest. Her heritage was only a small part of the equation, and so was Iryna's moe factor. The concept simply baffled Haruka. What was this moe? Was it a twisted form of sex appeal or something? Should that be the case, the class rep would find herself steadily disinterested in measuring Iryna's moe factor due to such a possible misunderstanding. However, certainly Iryna was perfect in that way too, as unfamiliar the concept may be.
"Iryna-neechan is a lovely cousin, quite frankly. I think that no matter how famous she is, it'd still be an honor to know her. I'm sure that you'll end up knowing someone really special too in your own right. Famous or not, you can develop bonds with all kinds of people that no one else can imitate."
Class representatives certainly did work in mysterious ways no one else could understand. Haruka was as bossy as she was cryptic. She couldn't fully explain the census process that class representatives had to go through because they were responsible for keeping the most day book records and all the attendance records. Surely, she had seen Akira in passing but nowhere in the data compiled did it mention his role in the freshman student body. That must have meant he was an upperclassman, but if he was bothered by that particular honorific...
"We've only met in passing, actually but I heard someone call out your name before at the festival. I know you're not a first year because that's just something we class reps have to know. As for how, that's a secret! Anyway, does it bother you that I know that? Would you rather I call you Narukami-kun?"
She refused to address him as Narukami-san, however. That was something one only used for addressing adults that weren't of a high enough profession to be called -sensei. They were the normal, ordinary, everyday shopkeepers or grocery baggers that one passed by respectfully but not too respectfully. There were specific terms for addressing people older than her, but Haruka felt that he was close enough in age range to be addressed by as Narukami-kun. Now if he graduated, that was a different story.
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Post by Narukami Akira on Nov 2, 2014 8:20:17 GMT -6
"Well, I am an Aikido practitioner, so that makes me qualify as the sporty type, I guess." Akira replies shyly. He does not want the brunette to think of him as a showoff. However, he's still proud of the fruits his training. Aside from his routines at the Kawashima dojo, he takes good care of his physique by working out regularly. To him, those who have good health can achieve anything. However, that doesn't stop him from indulging in the kinds of food he like, such as meat. Of course, Akira knows he has to ensure the protein is put into good use.
"And, well, I enjoy reading and watching sports news and articles." Akira thinks it is a valid enough reason for him collecting sports magazine. However, there is another reason, but he can't really tell her that. There's no way Akira can tell her that he also looks forwards to photos of gorgeous female models and athletes in attractive sportswear and swimsuits, or Haruka will see him as a lech. He also has gravure magazines which feature lots of models in revealing outfits, but those athletes are of a class of their own.
About bonds, well, nobody can predict who he or she will meet, and there are only a few people one can have really deep connections with. Akira likes girls, but a girl that can make him fall in love with is another matter entirely. That girl has to be one who can deeply understand him, and vice versa.
There's another matter involving honorifics though.
"No, there's no need to. Just senpai is enough. So you are also from Hikarizaka High. You're first year, aren't you? To be honest, while I'm second year, I just transferred here when the school year started. So we are quite similar, aren't we?"
Akira feels really lucky right now to have know another cute kohai from that school. He decides to switch the topic again:
"So you said Iryna was a lovely cousin. Can you tell me more about her?"
Talking about a third person is a safe way to get along with a person one just met. Maybe. Akira thinks if he starts asking about Haruka right now, she may get suspicious and who knows how she will react.
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Post by Fuukami Haruka on Nov 2, 2014 15:33:04 GMT -6
"Well, that's cool. Aikido is for self-defense, right?" Haruka asked, not being well-versed in sports other than figure-skating because she didn't have any interest in other sports. She enjoyed swimming and she did tend to run a lot when trying to get her errands as class rep done, but PE wasn't the best class Haruka had, and she didn't invest her time in after school sports. "May I ask if you have someone you want to protect?"
A lot of people enjoyed reading and watching sports news and articles, so Haruka simply gave a nod because while he was into a variety of sports-related things, the first year wasn't as well-versed in the athletic world. Her lack of familiarity wasn't enough to make her uncomfortable, however. If Akira mentioned anything she wasn't too familiar with, Haruka felt secure enough to ask her redheaded cousin what the older boy was talking about. Her will to tease him dissipated to show she was taking his words rather seriously.
It was true no one could predict the people a person would meet or if they could build strong connections with all of them, but everyone would meet others who walk very different paths of life than them. This did not mean they were incompatible. The fact that the world was so big with so many people should encourage people to celebrate their differences. It was up to them if they would take the humongous risk of trying to acquaint a few droplets in the sea of people in Japan, or the oceans of people in the entire world.
Either way, it would be difficult to tell who Haruka could get romantically involved with. But that was insignificant in the face of meeting a new acquaintance.
"Okay then, Narukami-senpai. And you're right, I'm Class 1-B's representative at Hikarizaka High. Since it is our first year at this school, it does feel like we are quite similar. Since we're both sort of new here, you can ask me for help navigating this school's wing for freshmen's classes (If you ever find the need to visit), and I might ask you for help when I'm a second-year and trying to navigate the second years' wing. That is, if it's okay with you."
When Akira switched the topic, Haruka fluidly joined him with no change in attitude. She didn't mind that he asked her questions about Iryna, but she is careful to ensure she shares nothing too personal.
"Iryna-neechan is very kind and easier to talk to than one would think. I'm sure that since you're in the same grade as her, if you show some genuine interest in acquainting her beyond what one may know from the tabloids, she might react positively."
Of course, making friends was a lot more complicated than that. Sometimes, it was a matter of compatibility too. But Narukami-senpai was a gentleman and if Haruka gave him a glowing review, she was certain her cousin and her new acquaintance could get along. He needn't worry about asking Haruka questions about herself though. While she may become slightly demure, it would flatter the younger girl to know someone was interested in getting to know her.
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Post by Narukami Akira on Nov 3, 2014 8:30:14 GMT -6
"Well, I think every martial art nowadays is about self-defense." Akira replies matter-of-factly. As far as he knows, the top priority in martial arts training is achieving good health, and a calm mental state. Every decent instructor will emphasize that fact. One does not learn martial arts to pick a fight. The use of force is only permitted when extremely necessary, even though sometimes Akira really wants to put his skill into use. Aikido, Karate, Judo, Taekwondo, Kung Fu, etc. They all follow those basic principles. Hence, Akira despises those who use martial arts as a way to physically harm others, like those karate goons and their crooked instructor in a movie he watched a long time ago. If he meets people like that in real life, a lot of effort will have to be made to keep his calm.
"About someone I want to protect, well, I may sound a bit cliché, but I'd like to protect the weak, those who can't defend themselves." Defender of the innocent, protector of the week, that's one of his childhood dreams. Just like a hero of justice. One may say it's childish, but Akira still think it's something worth aiming for. That's why he aims to be a police officer, to ensure the citizens' safety. However, Akira also thinks it'd be very nice if he can save a lovely girl in trouble, and it's an awesome kind of first impression a guy can make for a girl. Still, that kind of thing rarely happens in real life, as far as Akira knows. Then again, helping a girl like what he is currently doing still counts, he assure himself. Just be subtle and honest, that should be good enough.
Akira is grateful that Haruka is willing to help. Looks like he's made another friend at school. Akira makes a slight bowing gesture to show her his gratitude: "Thank you very much. Hope I can be of help to you again."
Looks like Iryna is quite a nice girl, according to her cousin. Then again, she gotta be very generous to organize that trip to Okinawa. Looks like more questions about the sponsor are in order. This may be useful for Whitey, too.
"So, Fuukami-san, aside from figure skating, what are the other things Iryna like? Sorry if I'm being nosy."
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Post by Fuukami Haruka on Nov 4, 2014 16:07:21 GMT -6
"That's a good point. It's been so long since I've done research on martial arts..." Haruka mused to herself as she became slightly embarrassed by her forgetfulness. Martial Arts of all kinds were solely for the protection of others, in spite of how easy it was for a pupil to misuse his skills. But soon the slip up was forgotten when she found that Akira had a noble answer to give to her second question. It was noble, if not a little cliché, but nonetheless, sincere. Of course someone like the upperclassman she walked with was interested in defending the weak and innocent. Of course, if put out of context, his words could be misconstrued but she never doubted that the second year did not mean to pity anyone with his statement. That simply was a goal he had in mind and nothing else.
"What you're trying to do is difficult but even the smallest of actions make a difference, so I really respect your aspirations." Narukami could not protect everyone in the world, just as not everyone would know about the younger girl when she did an accomplishment at first. Maybe they could shoot high when they were in the right position too, and they could still dream when they were at the starting line, but to want to protect others was vastly different from actually doing it. Still, good intentions count and even if he couldn't get rid of all the evil in the world that threatened the meek and those unable to protect themselves, Akira still could make a sizable dent if he put his mind to it. Equally, if Haruka wanted to leave her mark and do something work talking about, she could, with time. Baby steps, though. They would have to save their energy for the home stretch.
Haruka's heart swelled up a little bit when she realized that she had actually got along with an upperclassman. She usually didn't get along with other students around her age but she mainly clashed with the trouble-makers anyway. Quickly, she bowed back, slightly lower considering the fact she was one year younger than Narukami. "Thank you very much too. My home is very close, actually. You can come in if you'd like. Would you like some tea?" Politely, the first year gestured ahead with her free hand to her humble abode just around the corner.
"So, Fuukami-san, aside from figure skating, what are the other things Iryna like? Sorry if I'm being nosy."
She winced slightly at the question but smiled nonetheless. Now, how to answer this... It was an innocent question, wasn't it? Certainly, Narukami didn't mean too much of his inquiry like how the others usually did... Time to have faith, it seemed.
"It's fine, really. Now, while I'd normally tell you the answer, this is kind of personal for her. I could tell you what she likes but I would like you to tell me why you'd like to know first, please."
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Post by Narukami Akira on Nov 5, 2014 7:25:35 GMT -6
Akira's glad that Haruka did not berate his dream as something childish, idealistic or anything like that. Everyone has the right to dream. It's just about what one can do to achieve it. If everyone does their best, with a bit of help from their close ones, their dreams can come true. No man is an island. He knows he cannot achieve his dream on his own. As there will be teachers in his school who will provide him knowledge that is required for graduation and acceptance in the police academy. Then there will be trainers, instructors, and even the other students in that academy who will facilitate his training so that he can be a full-fledged police officer.
While being engaged in conversation, Akira did not notice that he has reached Haruka's destination. Being invited by a girl he just met for some tea in her house is just too good to be true for Akira. He doesn't know what to think. Maybe it's just a sign of goodwill, but is she being a bit too lax? It's a great opportunity, one might say, but for him, it's still a bit too early. Besides, he doesn't want any trouble if the girl's parents are home. And then there is somebody who will get mad at him if he wastes any more time. He has to refuse.
"I'm really grateful about your offer, but as I told you before, I don't do this expecting repayment. If I can do anything to help a lovely girl like you, I will."
Now Akira just call her lovely. He can feel a bit of heat rushing to his face. Well, after going this far, maybe he can try to go just a bit further just to see how she will react.
"I'm terribly sorry, but I have to get home as soon as possible. There is a girl waiting for me at home."
Then after waiting for five seconds or so, he continues:
"My cousin, Kana-chan, that is. If I get home too late, she will give me quite a nag."
About that question concerning Iryna, Akira knows it was rather careless. Even though he thought Iryna deservved some privacy just a bit earlier, now he tries to pry some information out of her cousin, just like what a reporter does. Looks like he has to be honest about his intentions:
"Well, it was out of curiosity, as I only know her as a popular figure skater, and since she's also our schoolmate, I would like to know what she's like outside the rink. And, well... there is a friend of mine who seems close to her. So... I was rather tempted to find out what kind of girl she is that made him interested."
After his "confession", Akira hopes in his mind that Haruka will not think badly of him, and silently apologizes to Whitey for bringing him into this conversation.
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