Ingenious!
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Post by Fujibayashi Ryou on May 19, 2011 0:01:27 GMT -6
OC: I just checked when Ryou and Kotomi first met in the anime... Ryou was a lot more in control compared to the situation here... though I guess she didn't have as much to think about.
Maybe Ryou could suggest the fortune telling later, or maybe they should go to the cafeteria already?What was the term? Her... motherly instincts were... tickled.
Maybe it was the pigtails, or the eccentric, stranger-wary actions, or the fact that she insisted that she be called by the first name, and with the -chan suffix to boot, that even though she was supposedly as old as she, and she certainly did look the part, figure and uniform and all, not to mention the intellectually scary tome she was bearing... she was, in a peculiar way, perhaps even mildly frightening, very endearing.
To think there were people who were this... cute.
She fought the urge to suddenly and randomly hug this paradox and tell her that everything would be all right.
She guessed she would be ‘endeared’ for the moment, instead of ‘awkward’. “It’s very nice to meet you... too... Kotomi-chan... eh...” her reply trailed on, just as much as her train of thought. Ichinose-san’s... Kotomi-chan’s presence not only overpowered the initial viscosity of her interactions with Kichiro-kun... err... -san, it had made her forget that she was feeling hungry, as well.
She fought yet another urge to suddenly and randomly ask Kichiro just where he had been keeping this girl for so long. 3-A, right? She must be a classmate... of Kichiro...
“Well, if you would be fine with me...” she remarked, in response to Kotomi’s wish to be friends.
“O-onee-chan?” she said, even as Kotomi asked Kichiro first, and then she. Kotomi seemed to have a generic classification system for people she meets... bullies, and... non-bullies. Fujibayashi Ryou would certainly not call her sister a bully, though in certain occasions she had become, erm, how would she say it?
Aggressive? Overbearing? Fierce?
She was in a quandary on what word to use, because of three factors: One, because her sister usually was like that because she was protecting her from something, two, she wondered how to word it so that Kotomi would understand, and three, she wasn’t really sure what Kotomi would understand.
Oh, and there was the fourth factor, sometimes she didn’t really understand her sister at all... though while her sister kept certain things to herself, Kotomi was a natural conundrum...
“Anou... ” she started, her mind still reeling. “She’s... a little pushy... sometimes...” she muttered. The smile that came with her statement spoke of uncertainty. She touched her chin lightly as she debated with herself. “But she’s... friendly... Kotomi-chan.” she reassured the girl, though she was still not satisfied with the answer she had come up with.
She looked a little desperately to Kichiro for help, although Kichiro had already given his testimony of her elder sister... oh, and she wondered what her sister would do when she meets Kotomi’s urge-triggering aura.
Her sister was more impulsive than she...
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Post by Kichiro Haru on May 20, 2011 13:51:14 GMT -6
Well, everything seemed to be going fine so far with the meeting. Kotomi was starting to open up more to Ryou, and seemed a little less afraid of the girl as well. Even better, Ryou seemed to be rather receptive of the whole deal, introducing herself and apparently not overly freaked out by Kotomi’s behavior. She was even accepting Kotomi’s offer to be friends. Well, that was going to be great for him; friends with two lovely ladies, one socially awkward and the other with a brutal sister. Well, at least these two he could handle; he already felt paranoid enough hanging out with Kyou and Tomoyo so having two much more low-key girls to hang out with was fine with him. Still, he couldn’t help but feel just a little awkward with the group he was starting to gather around him; he already had the trouble with the rumors between him and Ryou. If he was seen with all these other girls…
Still, that wasn’t something he could worry about right now; just focusing on having a good time with friends would be a much better idea. Although, trying to explain Kyou to Kotomi was soon starting to prove a rather troublesome thing on its own, leading him to spazz out yet again in front of his friends. While he didn’t want to say that Kyou was a bully, that seemed to be the impression Kotomi was getting as she asked for clarification. Almost instantly, however, she seemed to change her question towards Ryou, who soon tried her best to explain her as being ‘pushy.’ Well, that would probably work..
”Yeah, Kyou is nice once you get to know her. It’s just that she’s rather….would you say protective of you Ryou?” he asked, though part of the question was aimed towards Ryou more than Kotomi to ensure the…uhm, accuracy of the statement.
”But really, you don’t have anything to worry about. I’m sure she would love to meet you. Anyway…shall we head to the cafeteria and get something to eat?”
That was, after all, the original plan he had with Kotomi. However, he figured he probably should invite Ryou with them. After all, she was Kotomi’s new friend, and she needed to work on getting out more. Still, it was going to be rather awkward….
”Would you, uhm, would you like to join us Ryou-chan?” he asked. He couldn’t remember whether or not this was his first time referring to her as chan. But if he was doing it with Kotomi, he might as well use it with Ryou. Hopefully it wasn’t going to far… [/blockquote]
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Post by Fujibayashi Ryou on May 24, 2011 19:41:03 GMT -6
"I guess..." whispered Ryou to herself. She nodded at Kichiro, agreeing.
Protective... well, there were times when she wasn't the reason behind her sister's attacks... or was she? They'd been passing the question ball that Kotomi created, and it had been nice to see it popped. Well, if it was popped; she wondered if Kotomi would be satisfied with their answer, which was mostly a stutter-collage. They made sense... right?
The boy's changing of topic reminded the younger Fujibayashi that she still hadn't eaten, and as if on cue, her stomach rumbled. The sound was modest, so only the keenest of listeners would have noticed, but she felt a little embarrassed all the same. It looked like she really would have to look for that book, later; she couldn't remember the title, anyway, and she still had to get food.
The the idea dawned on her; Kichiro-kun was inviting her for lunch. Kotomi-chan was there too... but still. And he called her Ryou-chan... she looked and felt and was uncomfortable with that, but she couldn't really say that she completely disliked it either. She felt like she was all knotted up. She suddenly found the library's floor tiles interesting.
"I guess I'll... join you." she exhaled.
She shifted her attention to her new... friend. Certain cogs in her head that hadn't been used in the former parts of the conversation managed to turn this time. What was Kotomi-chan's connection with Kichiro-kun? Why, for all of her awkwardness, did she choose him to cling on? What did Kichiro-kun think about it? For some reason, it seemed important...
"...if Kotomi-chan doesn't mind." she continued.
Maybe she shouldn't think about such things... it made it seem that she was considering Kotomi as a... rival... and she wasn't even sure of her feelings, as of yet. Besides, Kotomi would probably not understand the concept of such a... rivalry. For now, she was her friend. It felt... strange... she had always been the little sister, and now...
"Shall we?" she invited.
It seemed like she had a sort of little sister. It was a different kind of responsibility from being a class representative... Maybe I could understand more about how oneechan feels. She smiled what she hoped was a reassuring smile.
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ichinosekotomi Guest
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Post by ichinosekotomi on May 25, 2011 17:35:18 GMT -6
It was decided. Ryou Fujibayashi was a nice, gentle person. Kichiro had offered to let her eat a spot of lunch with the duo. Today was a little much for Kotomi, being so very used to making friends with books, and not people. She'd definitely make an exception for a friend of Haru's. He'd proven he was trustworthy, and certainly not a bully. Ryou was his friend. That was good enough for Kotomi. She would await meeting her sister with anticipation. Hopefully Kyou Fujibayashi would be as willing to be her friend as her gentle sister. Twins were often quite similar, and Ryou had assured her she wasn't always, as she put it, "pushy" implying she perhaps, pushed people around, maybe even in the literal sense. That would make her a bully, wouldn't it? Though again, Kotomi was reassured by Kichiro, that this particular behavior was infrequent, and only in defense of her sister. That was quite a nice thing to do, and it made Kotomi think how it might have been had she had a brother or sister. Would her parents have loved her hypothetical sibling as much as they loved Kotomi? They certainly doted on Kotomi. Perhaps their deaths would've been easier, if she had a sister, or brother to share the same grief with.
"That would be nice if Ryou-chan could join us." She agreed, finally standing beside Kichiro, rather than behind him. All uncertainty washed away, the young girl stood waiting. She was quite peckish, despite eating her breakfast, something she never skipped, in order to be alert, and stay alert for the day ahead. Lunch? That was just as important. That was the time of day Kotomi could admire her culinary work in preparing the meal. Sometimes she'd make a little extra, in case a friend came to visit, and lacked lunch of their own. Considering her friends were in short supply, Kichiro, Fuko, and now perhaps Ryou would be the ones whom she would offer food to. More friends. Kotomi was taking a great risk in putting her guard down, and letting people in. There was always the fear she could lose them if she strayed from her path. It was dealing with "what ifs" again, but Kichiro was right. It would be nice to have people to talk to. Books, and the occasional exchange with the librarian was nice, but the elusive Ichinose yearned for friends. She missed her old ones dearly. Kichiro, and all the people she'd met since seemed to be filling that void. Was it that he reminded her of Tomoya? Well, at least both boys didn't care that she was very knowledgeable, nor did they mind when Kotomi shared that knowledge with them.
"Are we going to meet any of your other friends in the cafeteria Haru-kun? Maybe we could meet Ryou-chan's sister?" She asked, curious about the other Fujibayashi sister, and indeed, Haru's other acquaintances. What were they like? Were they nice people too? If they were all in her class, then perhaps Kotomi would, though it was not needed, attend.
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Post by Kichiro Haru on May 28, 2011 21:33:22 GMT -6
Well, Ryou’s response was rather lackluster, but hopefully Kotomi would be able to get the point that he was trying to make. Hopefully at least there wouldn’t be any dealing with Kyou for a while; it seemed getting to know Ryou was a challenge in of itself. For now though, lunch would be the better thing to focus on, and the slight rumbling from Ryou showed they might want to work on that as fast as possible. Not wanting to embarrass the girl, he just ignored it, and he couldn’t blame her either since it was just about lunch time so it was a normal reaction. The uncomfortableness between the two of them that arose with his (apparently bold) use of –chan also seemed to be a normal reaction.
It disappointed him a little bit to see her turn her attention to the floor tiles after it. Apparently he had overstepped his boundries by referring her that way. Of course, he couldn’t be sure if it was just her shy personality or if it really was him just overestimating his standing in her eyes. Gah, this all made his head hurt; economics is easy, but apparently girls were hard. And here he was having to deal with two of them, and very awkward ones at that. His mood picked up however with Ryou’s acceptance of the offer, causing him to sigh in relief.
More interesting, however, was Kotomi’s reaction to all this. As he was too busy joining Ryou in admiring the various architecture of the library, he didn’t notice that Kotomi had moved up to being right beside him, and seemed to be carrying herself with some confidence. Privately, he had to admit he did sort of like having her clinging on him (even if it was slightly annoying at the same time); it was nice to apparently be the dominant one in the relationship (in comparison to his dealings with Kyou and Tomoyo).
”Great, I guess it’s settled then. Let’s get some lunch,” he stated, going for the obvious as he had no idea what else to say.
As they headed out, Kotomi soon brought up questions about his other friends and whether or not they would be there. He really didn’t know if they would or not, and whether or not they would be out with Fuko at the moment. Since right now his other friends were basically Kyou and Tomoyo, Ryou would probably know the answer better.
”I don’t know. Fujibayashi, are Kyou and Tomoyo out with Fuko right now handing out starfish, or is she going to join you for lunch?”
Since using –chan had freaked her out a little, Kichiro decided it would be best to take a step back and stick with her last name till she felt more comfortable with it and asked him to use –chan. After all, he really didn’t need to make his life even more uncomfortable by inadvertently implying some romantic tension between him and Ryou….okay, he really needed to stop watching so many romance animes… [/blockquote]
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Post by Fujibayashi Ryou on Jun 4, 2011 20:32:31 GMT -6
"Oneechan?"
It was strange how two opposite actions seemed to have the same effect on Ryou; the first had been Kichiro's unexpectedly calling her Ryou-chan, and then Kichiro switching back to Fujibayashi. She tried to hide it, seeing as it seemed her reactions confused the boy, and she didn't want him to be confused, even if she was. She wasn't very sure just how successful she was... she was never good with poker faces. At the very least, she thought, both of them, both Fujibayashis, weren't very good with that...
It was at times like this that she envied her sister. Kichiro-kun was even asking him about her. It felt like she would always be Fujibayashi Kyou's sister. If she could only do what Kyou-oneechan did when she wanted somebody to call her by first name... saying something like 'I've got a twin sister, so just call me Kyou'... she envied having the strength of will to do that. She definitely didn't want to throw dictionaries, though. That made her smile a bit.
Kotomi, rival or not, didn't need to be exposed to the unnecessary awkwardness between her and Kichiro, so she should do her best to keep the discussion along. As much as she can, she thought. She directed her smile to the girl genius; Ichinose Kotomi... oh, right, she was the top student... that explains the book... That feeling of being intimidated came again, so she had to reassure herself that Kotomi-chan was Kotomi-chan... not considering skyscraper-level intellect.
"I'm not sure..."
Her sister had asked her to come along yesterday for lunch, to meet a certain person... was it Otomo-san? She'd been a little curious, since it seemed it was her sister's first confession from a guy... it was mostly girls who sent the letters of appreciation, and she'd sort of wanted to see who this person was... but then, she'd wanted to go to the library this noon, and she didn't want to be as pushy as her sister. Besides, leaving them alone might be more effective. She guessed she shouldn't tell present company about that.
"I'm not sure about Sakagami-san... and Fuuko-chan..." she reiterated; she'd been busy these days to actively help in their little starfish distribution project, and Fuuko-chan being herself, she was a little hard to trace, though there was still a fair chance they were at the cafeteria.
"...but Kyou-oneechan probably would be busy right now." she said, apologetically. That she was sure of.
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ichinosekotomi Guest
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Post by ichinosekotomi on Jun 12, 2011 18:44:02 GMT -6
Kotomi had duly noted Kichiro's rather rapid dropping of Ryou-chan, and replacing it with her surname. The question was; why? Did close friends not refer to each other on a first name-basis? Perhaps Ryou-chan and Haru-kun weren't as close as Kotomi had assumed. She certainly hoped that the two were distant, either from each other, or Kotomi herself.
Great, I guess it’s settled then. Let’s get some lunch.
Kotomi clasped her hands together. She'd made a new friend in one of the Fujibayashi twins, despite the elder sister's inability to join them, and the uncertainty surrounding this Sakagami-san, and Fuko-chan. The latter Kotomi had already met, but the former... No, that name didn't strike a single chord with Kotomi. Of course, being cooped up in a library 90% of the time did tend to have that effect on her putting a face to a name. Still, she would have liked to have met Ryou's sister. If they were identical twins, Kotomi tried to imagine Kyou-chan in her head. Like Ryou, only with an occasional "pushy" side to her.
"I hope your sister can join us next time Ryou-chan." She said, trying to assure the younger Fujibayashi that it was fine if her sister was currently engaged. Considering how much Kotomi was assured, and re-assured by others, it was nice to assure others for once. Despite her social reclusiveness, Kotomi had plenty to say to people, once, of course she ascertained they were good people that wouldn't hurt her. Right now, however she couldn't think of much else to say to Ryou beyond that. She was with friends now. That's all there was to it. She knew her parents would be proud to see her making new friends in the face of losing the closest one she had ever had.
In many ways Kichiro was a lot like Tomoya. Neither grew agitated with her wish to share her knowledge with them. Granted, many of the things Kotomi had explained to Tomoya simply went over his head. Haru-kun didn't seem to mind much. He had even studied with her on one occasion. She'd also met Fuko on that occasion. Such a curious, yet adorable young girl. Kotomi was absolutely sure she wasn't a bully. In fact, she would be glad to get to know the little freshman better, and to thank her again for one of her lovingly-made starfish carvings, before accepting her invitation to congratulate her sister on her wedding. It would be fine. If she had her friends there to support her, everything would be fine. Even in a large crowd of total strangers. Any number of them could be bad, but, as she'd seen with Ryou, not all of them were bad.
"Will we go now Haru-kun? Lunch time started ten minutes ago. I wouldn't want any of us to be late for our next classes if we kept waiting." Kotomi explained very matter-of-factly. Her time-keeping skills were impeccable, having precisely timed the moment when the bells would sound, even if they were out of sync with the times on wristwatches.
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Post by Kichiro Haru on Jun 13, 2011 10:28:53 GMT -6
It seemed calling Ryou by her last name did nothing to alleviate the confusion and awkwardness of the situation. This was actually getting rather said; even the question of what to call a girl was a confusing situation between family name, first name, and honorifics. It was actually kind of pitiful, he thought, he didn’t even know what to call her. But changing the name every other line would probably just make it worse. Maybe he should just pull her aside and ask her what she wanted to call? Or would that be too weird too? Gah, it would probably be less weird than having to sit around having no clue what to call her all this time. Hopefully Kotmoi wouldn’t mind if he stayed back a little to talk with Ryou for a second.
From the sounds of it the others wouldn’t be joining them, though he did wonder what was making Kyou so busy she wouldn’t be eating lunch with her sister. He rarely ever saw them eating by themselves at lunch. Even odder, it didn’t involve Fuko or Tomoyo. Ah well, it wasn’t any of his business what she was up to. Maybe it would be good though; only one person was taking its toll on him and Kotomi it seemed. And Fuko might be a little much for Kotomi to handle, although both of them had a very odd mind so it could have worked…
”Oh? Well I guess we can catch her another time then..”
Kotomi also seemed to be joining in on saying it wasn’t that big of a deal. It was good she was talking a bit more then hiding behind him. However, she still talked like she was Kotomi…such as reminding them that they still had to get lunch. Had it really been ten minutes already? Time flies when your being awkward apparently.
”Hey, do you mind going ahead a bit Kotomi? I just need to talk to Fujibayashi for a minute. We’ll catch up with you in a moment.”
After waiting for Kotomi to go ahead a little bit, Kichiro turned his attention towards Ryou. Considering the subject, the fact he was blushing a little wasn’t surprising. He had to take a bit of a breath before he started talking with her, but he needed to figure out what he could call her so he could figure out how to make all of this a little less awkward.
”Uhm, I hope I wasn’t being a little to forward calling you Ryou-chan…and then I guess being to hesitant and going back to Fujibayashi. If it helps any, would you mind telling me what you would want to be called? Or, maybe we could talk about that another time,” by this point he was rubbing his neck rather nervously,”Maybe while hanging out around town or something…”
And that was probably the closest Kichiro would ever get to actually trying to ask a girl out. He really didn’t know WHY he was doing it, it just sort of came out. Maybe too much blood was going to his face and not enough to his brain by this point…it was rather out of character of him to be so bold about it…. [/blockquote]
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Post by Fujibayashi Ryou on Jun 25, 2011 21:36:06 GMT -6
She had turned to follow the shy intellectual's lead; she was, after all, rather hungry too, and just like Kotomi, she didn't want to be late for the class after lunch break. She had been musing about how Kotomi might be... shocked about her sister.
Maybe it would be better that they never meet... she wondered what image Kotomi was forming, of Kyou-oneechan, inside that head of hers. She might be incredibly intelligent, but she wasn't sure she and Kichiro had depicted a faithful illustration of the older Fujibayashi. We were mostly holding back about the parts where she hurled dictionaries, and...
She had been continuing this train of thought. She had almost shedded that awkwardness that had been hounding her and Kichiro-kun for a while, or so she surmised; apparently, it was easier handled when you had someone else with you... and that someone wasn't your teasing sister, or anybody else teasing, for that matter.
Of course, there was that matter about what he had called her... but he had already returned to 'Fujibayashi'... she thought she could postpone thinking about it and get some grub first. She didn't see what was coming to her, even when Kichiro called her and asked to talk to her for a moment.
And then Kichiro asked her. That.
"Uh..."
Pause.
She almost empathized with how Kotomi hid behind people's backs. It would be terribly convenient to hide right now.
But that would be rude to Kichiro-kun.
So would just standing there looking astounded at what he said.
He's probably as astounded as you.
He was asking about what he should call you... me... right?
Yes, and... hanging... around... together...
A blush bloomed on her cheeks. He just had to go and make her even more confused. She had been trying to downplay whatever-it-was-that-she-was-feeling! Well, she couldn't blame him, not when he was looking almost as embarrassed as her... she shouldn't keep him waiting too long... there was still lunch... but what would she say?
"Uh..."
What do you know, the tiles outside the library are incredibly interesting, too. Almost more interesting...
"I-I-..." she started. "J-just call me Ryou."
"T-that would be..."
"F-fine. Fine."
Like a slightly scared hamster, she scurried toward the oblivious Kotomi, not so fast as to seem she was escaping from Kichiro, but not exactly the sort of speed you use for casual walking. Kotomi... the other girl, she might need, for refuge from the... the... awkwardness? Or-whatever-was-causing-it...
And in the end I wasn't able to answer about... together... the second question...
"K-Kotomi-chan, l-let's go!" she said, with a little shaky enthusiasm. Maybe she could regain her composure at the cafeteria... or after buying food... or while eating... or after eating... or...
She still had to answer him. She inwardly whimpered, while she urged Kotomi forward, perhaps a little uncharacteristically forcefully...
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ichinosekotomi Guest
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Post by ichinosekotomi on Jun 26, 2011 19:17:41 GMT -6
Kotomi's first inkling was to shake her head. She dearly wanted to. And, would that she could, the result would've been a very sore neck. However, the very flappable Ichinose decided to swallow her apprehension, pluck up whatever courage that she could, and bravely soldier on, alone. Without Haru-kun and Ryou-chan. Alone. Though she was, for the most part, the library's sole occupant, surrounded only by books, she couldn't quite fathom the idea of being alone. But it would be fine. Kichiro had only said "for a bit", and that he and the easily-fluster Fujibayashi sister, would catch up with here in a mere moment.
"All right..." She squeaked out at an inaudible level, robotically turning, and slowly walking forward, shooting glances back at the duo. Kichiro's face really was quite red. Kotomi was having second thoughts. Kichiro might be ill, and he was choosing to ignore it!
And then... Ryou-chan too! Her face erupted scarlet as well. Now Kotomi was beyond concerned. It could be contagious... There was the health of the rest of the student body to be concerned about. A sudden spread of influenza would hit attendance rates hard. And if she herself caught it... Her studies could potentially suffer. She didn't want that.
If all the excitement was not enough, Kotomi found herself being... Implored onward by the gentle Ryou. With the surprising forcefulness of the blushing girl, Kotomi was beginning to question it. With a trace of terror in her voice, Kotomi attempted to point out Ryou's reddened complexion.
"R-Ryou-chan. Your face is very red. If you are sick, I think you should... You should go and see the school nurse before it gets worse!" She yelped, with a surprisingly high decibels for her. She had almost squealed the end of the sentence out. She twisted her head around to lock her misty-eyed gaze with Haru's. She was starting to think that Ryou wasn't really Ryou at all, and that she was, in fact, her aforementioned twin sister with a violent streak. Kyou, masquerading as her twin.
"You too Haru-kun. Your face is red too. Y-you and Ryou-chan should think about your health before eating lunch!" Added Kotomi, who was starting to coil her body up, hugging her lunch to her chest. This whole experience was quite an adventure for her. One that was quickly losing it's appeal.
And then... It hit her. A new possibility. Of course. She had read about it. If they truly had influenza, they would have shown other symptoms. No. This was something quite different, though, was argued by some to be a virus all the same.
"Haru-kun... Do you have a romantic interest in Ryou-chan?" Kotomi nonchalantly pointed out, blissfully unaware that mentioning this could very easily cause the blood flow to build up to a dangerous level in their faces. Kotomi had read a considerable amount of romance novels, plays, and theoretical studies about love. From a scientific point of view, it made complete sense to Kotomi. There was no nasal running, no watering, or irritated eyes. No sneezing, no mucus buildup. Only their reddened faces. Their blushes. Involuntary reddening of one's face in times of embarrassment. Thanks, in no small part due to her social naivety, Kotomi failed to realize she was inevitably causing them a great deal more embarrassment.
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Post by Kichiro Haru on Jun 26, 2011 20:04:41 GMT -6
Kotomi agreed to let the two of them go off and talk for a moment. He felt bad for leaving her by herself, but it was just for a second so what was the worse that could happen. Just looking over at her though, he could tell she was rather uncomfortable about it all; she kept looking back at them the entire time. Still, he didn’t have the time to worry about that right now. Instead, he had to focus on his discussion with Ryou. He had to figure out just what he could get away with calling her and a little…something else. This was a rather courageous moment for him…and it all turned to heck within moments.
Ryou stuttered and hesitated to get out an answer the moment he asked the question. His stomach was queasy with worry, afraid he had seriously screwed things up. Would she still want to be friends with him after this? Would they be able to hang out without that awkward tension hanging over them all the time? Just as he was about to try and back out of it all, Ryou finally sputtered out an answer to his question…or at least only the first one. Well, at least he could get away with calling her Ryou without any issue, but in her rushed state Kichiro felt like he had really messed up this whole thing. He hesitated following her, thinking maybe he should just leave, but he couldn’t just abandon Kotomi in this state. He would have to suck it up and try and get along with Ryou, for Kotomi’s sake.
Cathing his breath, he made his way towards Ryou and Kotomi, hanging out a little bit behind as he didn’t feel quite comfortable enough to get close to them at the moment; it was probably best for them to have a bit of distance between them. However, Kotomi had decided to not let up on them just yet. At least she was misinterpreting their redness as a sickness instead of some sort of sign of extreme embarassment. It was also serving as a pretty good excuse for them to get out of this and cool off some. Kotomi would think she was helping friends so she wouldn’t feel bad about being left alone, and they could get out of the embarassing situation. Unfortunately, Kotomi soon proved to be a bit more intelligent about social situations than he expected.
”R-romantic interest? Well, I, uhm…”
Kichiro’s eyes were flipping back and forth between Kotomi and Ryou, hands nervously wringling themselves as he tried to think of something to say in regards to this situation. Ryou hadn’t answered his question so he couldn’t figure out if she had an interest or not. If he admitted that he did, well, that would obviously make their entire friend relationship odd. At the same time though, just admitting it now could possibly free up the tension instead of internal awkwardness to figure out what to do. He already was being a bit bold when he indirectly asked her out a moment ago. If he worked up the nerve, he could do it again right?
”I-I…..Ryouwillyougooutwithmeplease?” he said, turning towards Ryou and bowing down a little like he had seen some of the guys do. His face was blushing rather red now, eyes closed as he awaited a response. This was probably the most aggressive he had ever gotten with a girl. He was laying it all out on the line now; maybe his gamble would pay off?
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Post by Fujibayashi Ryou on Jul 5, 2011 3:28:19 GMT -6
She didn't expect things to be this way. Well, for her expectations, there really wasn't much; she simply had wanted to delay facing the situation, hoping her cards, her brain, and her elder sister (after she had finished teasing her; she'd bear it) had managed to come with a reasonable course of action regarding Kichiro-kun. It seemed fate was out to get her this lunch break, and not just in the way of her stomach.
Maybe I could have been more ready if I had done a bit of fortunetelling last night...
"K-K-Kotomi-chan!"
She stood there, looking as if a breeze could blow her away.
Suffice to say, Fujibayashi Ryou was cornered, and by two unlikely opponents, no less.
One was Kotomi, who with her innocence has pushed events further than they had already advanced moments ago.
Second was Kichiro-kun, who had perhaps been bothered by the awkwardness between them and had resolved to clear it once and for all.
She wanted to do a bunch of things. She wanted to run away, to hide behind the girl genius, to lash out at Kichiro so he would forget this has happened (although probably only her sister could do that), to... somehow escape this situation. But she knew she must face it. These two conflicting urges paralyzed her.
She wondered if it hadn't occurred to the boy that it just might heighten the tension between them... but then, she had been similarly bothered. She really couldn't say that any part of this situation was the fault of one or the other... in the case of Kotomi-chan, she probably did not understand the possible consequences of her statements, and Kichiro... well, like he had supposed earlier, he must be feeling just as cornered.
This must be the strangest of fixes.
"A-anou..."
He had come out with it.
It looked like he was getting there... perhaps Kotomi's accidental intervention had done it.
He said it.
Given sure, definite form to what he felt, and she wondered if he was as certain as his words. She definitely wasn't. She hadn't said anything. She couldn't think of anything to say. But she definitely had to say something.
Was it the cause of the awkwardness between them, attraction? 'Romantic interest'... Kotomi was surprisingly well informed in these social matters for somebody who seemed so childish. Then again, theory was different from practice... she doubted reading any of those tomes where Kotomi picked up that agonizing term would have helped her now.
She definitely liked Kichiro-kun, he was pleasant, somewhat similarly easily flustered, but brave... for bravery wasn't exactly about the absence of fear... However, she wasn't sure if she... liked him enough... liked him that way. The younger Fujibayashi was cautious with, and of, her feelings.
She had harbored feelings for a certain Okazaki for some time now... she had compared how she felt about the delinquent, and the studious; he who was far away, impressive, and he who was near, a friend...
"Can we..." she started, after what seemed to her like ages.
It was strange, being the one confessed to, being... loved? She... she'd never really thought of herself as somebody who could be liked to that extent. People might like her more as a friend... there was such gravity in deciding who you loved, sometimes, it seemed, and yet, some say it is simply spontaneous...
She hadn't reached a conclusion. Yet. She bowed down, though if you could see her face, it was still flushed, and the expression etched on it was apologetic.
"I-I-I'm sorry!" she began. I must sound like I'm turning him down... am I turning him down, even? "I-I'm..." she paused, her head still bowed low.
"I'm still not sure." she breathed. She wondered how she could be even sure.
"W-would you wait... for my answer?" she queried, in the same ethereal tone of voice, pleadingly. "Please?"
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ichinosekotomi Guest
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Post by ichinosekotomi on Jul 8, 2011 17:36:21 GMT -6
Kotomi, ever recalcitrant, had sparked something between Ryou anf Haru. Upon her discovery that her friends were not ill, her mood, being as wayward as she could be at times, shifted once again. However, had she known just how uncomfortable she had made Kichiro and Ryou with her previous, very blunt statement regarding their relationship, she would likely have apologized. Ryou herself was quite clearly flabbergasted, given her
stuttered outburst of the top-level student's name. Kotomi titled her head,
confused. Had she said something wrong? No. She'd pointed out something
that seemed very obvious to her. Kichiro and Ryou were blushing. A telltale sign of attraction between two people.
Then. She heard it. A speedily-spoken sentence. From Haru's mouth.
”I-I…..Ryouwillyougooutwithmeplease?”
Haru had done it. He'd finally plucked up the courage to ask the easily flustered Fujibayasi out. Kotomi had managed to make sense of his rather rushed request. It made her smile, from ear-to-ear. She was happy to see that her friend had admitted his feelings for another. She never gave any thought as to the possibility that Haru liked her in that way too. She certainlly liked him. She never once gave any thought to viewing him as boyfriend material. However, as happy as she was for him, it seemed as though Fujibayashi was undecided, asking Kichiro to wait for an answer. It did nothing to dampen Kotomi's mood. However, time was slowly ticking onward, and, despite not wanting to ruin the moment, had to remind them that their lunch was still to be eaten before the bell rang out.
"Haru-kun. Ryou-chan... Shall we go eat lunch together now?" She asked, pointing to her own bento box in hand. Lunch would soon be over. And then they'd go back to their respective classes. Kotomi, she had the urge to return to class too. She was wishing that her friends would not forget about her if they started dating. She'd already lost the most important people to her, and had no wish to lose Kichiro and her new friend Ryou. Knowing that studying, and being a good person would not keep them in her company, and more than it would rise her parents from the dead to rejoin her, Kotomi still wanted to work hard, regardless. After all, there was always the karma effect. Perhaps if she continued to do good things, then good things would happen to her in return. Perhaps even a reunion with another, albiet an estranged friend Tomoya Okazaki.
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Post by Kichiro Haru on Jul 14, 2011 13:08:56 GMT -6
If there was one thing that Kichiro appreciated about this situation, it was that at least Ryou was just as nervous and backed into a corner as he was. If it had been her sister or something like that he was, and he was just going to admit it, crushing on, then this would be one odd scene having the guy a nervous wreck and the girl just a confident rock. At least at this point they were on a level playing with them both being nervous wreck, and Kotomi standing off to the side being completely clueless it seemed, accidentally pushing them forward. Whatever the case, just letting it all out he felt was the best way to just finally get it all over. The tension had to break, and even though he knew there was a chance this would just make it worse, he figured it was his best chance. If she said yes, well…he had no clue what to do there. If she said no, well, at least they both knew where they stood and he could at least have that comfort.
After speaking, however, he found himself facing some dead silence. Back starting to hurt a little from the bowing, he eventually figured that he could start moving himself up into a straighter posture. He had to pause though when he heard Ryou starting to talk, and even for someone as clueless as him he could get a feeling where she was going when she said “Can we…” followed by bowing with what looked like an apologetic look on her face. Well, here was one option he had expected, to be turned down. Hmm, it wasn’t hurting as bad as he thought. Granted, a rushed confession like his and an awkward…nah, it couldn’t be counted as a courtship since it was so awkward and unintentional. Whatever it was, he couldn’t blame her.
When she actually finished speaking, however, he found himself in probably an even worse position than he was when he started. Instead of getting a definite answer like he had been hoping, instead he was presented with waiting and a not sure from Ryou. Great, that just meant his confession had made the entire relationship (whatever it was) they had even more awkward. Now, to be fair he could be happy that the hesitance meant she might like him, but he really would have liked a more definite answer. This is probably what he deserved for putting her on the spot though like this….
”Well, I-,”
Crap, what was he supposed to say. Obviously, saying he’d like an answer now would be rude and not the best way to go, even if he sort of felt like saying it (after all, the point was to stop all the awkward hesistance and questioning). At the same time, he could see why she was hesitant. So when in doubt, he went to humor by default..
”I guess this is better than being told flat-out no.” he said, nervously laughing as he grasped for something else to say,”But I-I can wait. I didn’t mean to put you on the spot like this……”
Finally remembering the third wheel in this situation, Kichiro had noticed she was smiling off to the sigh. At a moment like this he couldn’t help think she had planned this, but knowing Kotomi it was just a innocent comment gone awry. More importantly though, her urging them to lunch at least provided an opportunity to get away from all this…
”Sure Kotomi….and sorry for kind of forgetting about you in all this.” he replied, apologizing for letting the awkwardness between him and Ryou getting in the way of them meeting up again for lunch. After all, this had all started out as a friendly lunch with, well, his first crush. Awkardness just loved to follow him didn’t it? All he needed now was for Tomoyo or Kyou to show up and complete the trifecta. [/blockquote]
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Post by Fujibayashi Ryou on Jul 25, 2011 0:33:19 GMT -6
It seemed she had disappointed him. She could think of a number of reasons why. Indefinite... that was her answer, because that was what she felt. In, perhaps, a different situation, she might have taken the plunge... perhaps for the distant, and slighty rude, but more courageous Okazaki Tomoya.
She wondered if that meant something... if she liked one or the other more. For she realized she could not bear being even the least bit false with Kichiro-kun. He was a friend, and Okazaki was an acquaintance... and she stood to lose more with the boy who had confessed to her.
"Haha..." she said, echoing Kichiro's nervous laughter... they really were a little too much alike... with her own, as he said that he could wait. She knew that it was probably a lie, no, not about the waiting, but that the current situation was better than she denying him outright.
But she had to be sure before she made a decision. She needed a clearer reading. "Th-thank you." she said, as she slowly raised her head. She was truly grateful that he was patient with her. Now, if she could give him an answer sooner rather than later...
"Let's go, Kotomi-chan." she said, turning to the girl who probably did not realize just how heany and grave the event that transpired before her. She had been an unknowing catalyst, and to think that, some time ago, when pressed by her sister, Kichiro-kun had said the girl he liked was this childlike yet knowledgeable character... she had proved to be a different source, of a different sort, of awkwardness than she expected.
Truly ingenious.
She tried to ignore the tension, even if just partly, now more taut and tangible, in the air. "I'm hungry, and we've been too long." It had seemed quite the sizable fraction of forever, even if it probably were only a few stretched moments. She found it hard to meet his eyes.
She took a few steps, and then suddenly a thought occurred to her. It was true that Kichiro Haru was a person she considered precious, even though his... value (it seemed such an inadequate word) she still had to determine. She had compared him with Okazaki-kun so many times... he was, at the very least... a close friend, a fellow tormented in the hands of her sister, somebody who was probably just as fearful as I am, and yet, almost illogically, would stand up for me...
She did not look at him as she said it, and she hoped he only saw her back, as she trotted towards the girl genius... and not the faintest blush that again managed to stain her cheeks.
"Let's go, Haru-kun."
Perhaps there was something more than embarrassment in her flushed expression... and something more in that which causes it to surface, from the tangled depths of one's heart.
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