Happy Birthday, Iryna
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Post by Fuukami I. Iryna on Nov 19, 2014 7:35:57 GMT -6
Iryna is intrigued by the new information that Narukami knows her from sports magazines. She remembers attending some photoshoots to model for sportswear, sometimes even swimwear as well. Iryna is fine with it, even though quite many outfits she had to wear were rather revealing, as this side job can get her some income of her own, and she wouldn't just be a pampered princess living solely on her family's money. Besides, after her figure skating career ends, she has to get a job anyway. Furthermore, if Iryna qualifies as a model, that means she looks good. Yes, looking good brings nuisance, but a girl has the right to be proud of her appearance.
However, Iryna wonders which photos of her has Narukami seen? The ones with her posing in tight aerobics suits, or the ones with her in sporty swimsuits, or both? Iryna blushes a little, thinking whether Narukami, being a boy, enjoys looking at those pictures. She knows that lots of people will look at her in those photos, but the thought of a particular boy whose name she knows gazing at the pictures of her intently is still quite embarrassing.
Other than that, sounds like Narukami does not fall into the "annoying fly" category, and he did not annoy Haru-chan or anything. Still, when she meets him, maybe she will ask him a little about those magazines just to be safe. It can be embarrassing, but since she has to overcome that feeling eventually, this should be nothing compared to the "big moment" she intends to have with the boy she loves. Besides, knowing Ayumu's friend can help her know more about her crush.
However, Haru-chan decides to strike back. She counters, then goes on to deliver precise hits that leaves Iryna with virtually nothing to retort. And, she still wants Iryna's answer about meeting Narukami. Looks like Iryna did not phrase her previous answer properly. The pink-haired girl decides pucker her lips and speak in a rather spoiled tone:
"Now, now, Haru-chan, I got it, I got it. I was messing with you. At least you could have tried to play along a bit more. This party is for me, is it not? And yes, I would like to meet him. He is going to Okinawa with us, so I have to see him face-to-face before then."
Haru-chan really is headstrong. She's so resistant to being teased about romance despite being younger than Iryna. Looks like the one who gets to be her prince has to be able to loosen her up somehow. In a way her cousin, whom she is very close to, cannot do.
Just then Tomo-chan decides to butt in once more:
"Hey, hey, you two've been there for a while now. What are you talking about?"
This little girl just knows how to choose the best time to act, doesn't she?
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Post by Fuukami Haruka on Nov 27, 2014 20:55:03 GMT -6
The first year adjusted her glasses, smiling as she savored the taste of honey buttercream and rich chocolate ganache, flashing a wink at her parents, the butler and chef in all her thanks. They had all helped out when she had needed it, and for a moment, Haruka had actually been afraid to ask for help even though she knew them well enough to understand there was nothing to fear. However, deeply set in this young maiden was a reluctance to ask for help. She hadn't even been traumatized or anything, but not trusting her nannies, she felt that even though she loved her family that there were some things that had to be done alone, no matter how big they were.
One of them included the party. While Iryna had been dwelling in the hidden reaches of her mind, Haruka determined it best to leave her alone for a bit in those recesses while she searched her own, prying with snow white fingers that delicately unwove the tangled tapestry of thoughts that which threatened to overwhelm the brunette. But for now, she would not allow them to, not when she was in a celebratory mood like this. Even when she had not expected to, Haruka got closer to her beloved mother and father, just as Iryna did now. Nothing could go wrong now.
The Fuukami Group, while ruthless and meticulous in business, had a hidden side that was unbelievably soft and warm. Behind the golden majesty and old (but not too old) money the clan is known for concealed a fragile family structure of two sets of parents and their daughters. Regardless, the family managed to stick together and remain fairly close despite owning many spread out firms, sending the girls to the private middle and high schools of Hikarizaka so they could oversee their plans for the city executed. On a pleasant side note, Hikarizaka had the peaceful climate the entire family wanted to thrive in.
Now that her older cousin's pondering has ended, Haruka needed to refocus her own train of thought and responses on the newer topic at hand: romance. Having not known the boys at her school too intimately, as expected of a prim and proper Japanese schoolgirl, she did not know whether any of the ones she had acquainted were worth taking interest in. Besides, this was a topic mentioned several times; surprisingly enough, she hadn't gotten sick of yet, but she certainly was close to.
"Now, now, Haru-chan, I got it, I got it. I was messing with you. At least you could have tried to play along a bit more. This party is for me, is it not? And yes, I would like to meet him. He is going to Okinawa with us, so I have to see him face-to-face before then."
Unlike the figure-skating redhead, the bespectacled brunette had given up on romance a long time ago, not because it was hopeless or useless or a waste of time. Rather, she simply did not have time with it when it came to her studies and other pursuits.
"Well, since Narukami-senpai's in the same grade as you, he'll be easy to find. Once you meet him, give him my regards if I'm not there with you, please." A sardonic smile blossomed on the younger girl's face swiftly. Her voice was playful and buoyant enough but a hint of sadism lied within it."Dear cousin, whether this is your party or not, I would play along more if I didn't know you were trying to divert the attention from your crush on Mizukami-senpai--"
The cheerful ringing of a young voice prevented Haruka from going all out.
"Hey, hey, you two've been there for a while now. What are you talking about?"
She then turned around in surprise and forced a smile upon her face. The brunette's natural mezzo-soprano was tight as if bound under chains and an octave too high as if it was trying to fly out of said bonds, but she pushed on and patted the child on the back gently. "--Ah, Tomo-chan, it's nothing too exciting. Just our trip to Okinawa. If you would like, we could get you a souvenir. Would you like that?"
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Post by Fuukami I. Iryna on Nov 30, 2014 8:39:50 GMT -6
Iryna, despite being initially startled by her grade-school cousin, makes a contented sigh with a light smile on her face, as she realizes that Tomoka is still a carefree and cheerful little girl, who is full of energy and curiosity. Such bright innocence can bring a smile to anyone's face. On the other hand, the little girl's sister and cousin has a lot on their mind to worry about. Haruka has her studies and ambitions to be an archeologist. Iryna has her skating , modeling, career... and love. That last thought makes Iryna's heart stir again.
Little Tomo-chan, like her sister, is curious about the world. While Haruka is interested in its past and origins, Tomoka loves to see what lies in the present. Tomoka once expressed her dream of traveling the world, so it's a given that she's interested in the faraway islands of Okinawa. From what Iryna has known, it's like a whole new world out there. Unique food, unique sceneries, unique culture. From what Haruka just told Tomoka, Iryna has an idea.
"Yeah, Tomo-chan, we were talking about going to Okinawa. How about we get you some Chinsuko biscuits when we get back? I think you'll like them."
Iryna realizes that she has to get some Okinawa souvenirs for her family. Not just Tomoka, but also her parents, Haruka's parents, the grandparents, even the house workers as well. She initially planned this trip just to satisfy her own desire of going on an adventure with the boy she has a crush on, but now, she hope everyone involved can have a good time. Iryna mentioned the trip to her parents before, and they approved of it. However, she has to bring up that topic again to them soon, so that their traveling itinerary can be set in stone.
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Post by Fuukami Haruka on Nov 30, 2014 18:35:50 GMT -6
To the right of Iryna was Tomoka's elder sister, Haruka, who beamed at the younger girl as warmly as she could. What a lovely little girl Tomo-chan is, she noted. She reminds me of our mother, but a bit more boisterous than everyone on our side of the family. Unfortunately, the two did not spend as much time as she would have liked. Still, Haruka planned to make some time for the younger Fuukami sister as soon as the trip to Okinawa was over. It was a surefire promise that had to come out of pain but end in much joy.
"You lied, Oneechan! You promised we'd be together earlier!" lamented Tomoka, her caramel colored side pony tail swaying, as tears threatened to fall.
"Imouto," her bespectacled sister pleaded, gently putting a hand on a trembling shoulder, as if she was trying to placate the child. "I have to be there for Iryna-neechan. While I promised to be with you this summer vacation, I also promised two years ago that I'd help our cousin out if she had any problems with her friends. Being an heiress makes life lonely, so she needs it. This is her first time crushing on a boy to this extent too. So... You understand, don't you? You know I'll be there for you when you do too." The sisters' lips quivered as they struggled to find adequate words to explain their feelings and concerns to each other. The younger had not yet built up her vocabulary for intricate emotional puzzles like this argument, at such a tender age, but now she was learning impromptu, even though she wasn't embroiled in something too serious.
On the other hand, the older did not have the social skills or empathy needed to fully understand Tomoka's pain. Her rich repertoire for research and analysis and history was unable to enlighten herself and others about the heart and its mysterious emotions. In spite of having to face these issues head on, the two girls remained strong and firm. After clearing her breath, Haruka decided to make a compromise and meet the little one halfway in this squabble. "Please trust me. I'm sorry for breaking my promise to spend time with you as soon as school ended. But I will spend time with you as soon as the Okinawa trip ended and aid you in doing your summer homework. We'll spend so much time together you'll get sick of me," the brunette promised with clear eyes and a bright smile. Hesitantly, Tomoka accepted it, outstretching her pinky. Complying, her sister intertwined their fingers together as they chanted the oath children swore when making serious promises.
Now returning to the thoughts of the present, Haruka did her best to shrug off memories of the past and move onto making new memories. However, even she couldn't escape from the pressing problems of right there and then. She has to worry about her grades but also archaeological digs in the winter, but since sophomore year was rapidly approaching yet somewhat far away, she needed to get a side job, maybe to help spark her career and get her experience. However, History was a hard major to get jobs for, and though the first year certainly wanted to earn it in college, she needed to expand her horizons, but how? Maybe she could take up that idea Iryna mentioned before: going into fashion. That wouldn't be so bad, and then the brunette wouldn't have to worry about spending her parents' money to get souvenirs for Tomoka and her parents and everyone else as the redheaded ice skater suggested.
"That's a lovely idea, Iryna-neechan; that is, if everyone else doesn't eat them all first." She chuckled. "But since we'd need to get a lot of other souvenirs too, maybe we can go pool our money and explore the gift shops together?"
And then pops up the yet to be finalized itinerary, a thought so irksome that if she was old enough, a vein would be popped. "Please wait a second!" the class rep exclaimed anxiously before ruffling through her schoolbag and fetching the itinerary, budget plan and ideas for the Okinawa trip, all neatly packed in a very stuffed folder. Once she returned, Haruka took ten deep breaths and mustered all her courage in showing her parents, aunt and uncle, and the butler all the ingenious possibilities she had imagined.
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Post by Fuukami I. Iryna on Dec 1, 2014 8:52:51 GMT -6
"Sure, that'd be a good idea. We can buy lots of gifts together that way." Pooling the money together has been Iryna's intention all along. Since both her and Haruka are family, it should not be a problem. Besides, there may be lots of things they want to get for those at home. In fact, maybe Iryna can share some with her classmates as well, as a sign of goodwill.
Snack food is probably the most common type of souvenir. Iryna heard that Chinsuko biscuits are commonly sold to tourists, and rather delicious. There's also Sata Andagi, another famous Okinawan pastry, which is also quite popular in Hawaii. Even though Iryna knows she can't have much sugar and fat in her diet, she still prefers some sweets in her stomach from time to time, so that she can regain energy exhausted by her intense training.
Even though she planned the trip just for those of her age to participate (not counting the butler), Iryna still feels sorry that Tomoka is left behind. Haruka told her pigtailed cousin that the little girl was rather upset, because Tomoka expected her elder sister to stay with her during summer vacation. But thankfully enough, Tomo-chan managed to calm down and agreed to let her sister go, as long as Haruka spends the rest of the vacation with her. Iryna makes a mental note to herself that she should play with Tomoka too, since the pigtailed girl herself feels that she's responsible for the little girl's separation from her dear sister.
Now that Haruka decides to reveal her plan. Haruka is such a meticulous girl, and the way she pulled all that stuff out is like she's preparing to introduce a research paper of hers. Even though Iryna already expected a very detailed plan, she didn't think it would be this much. The parents and Katsura look surprised and intrigued at the same time, then proceeds to listen intently to her plan. Looks like she's done a lot of work on this one. Iryna keeps contemplating the destinations listed, and wonder what would they be like. At first she just wanted to enjoy the sea and other related activities, maybe sightseeing, but of course Haruka the history fan has something else in mind, like Shuri Castle. Still, the most important thing that should be done about this trip is securing the tickets for the flights, and a place to stay, which will depend greatly on the parents. Iryna just hopes that those things can work out smoothly.
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Post by Fuukami Haruka on Dec 2, 2014 17:55:01 GMT -6
"Yeah, it would be a very good idea. I have a spare fanny pack to store the money in too if you want it, Oneechan." There would be no stealing no matter what, and even though they were going was pretty benign, it didn't hurt to take extra measures. Plus the money would be an easier to access place and wouldn't have to be put in a rather uncomfortable and undignified location. For instance, shoes were a terrible last resort for putting your money in. However, sometimes one could not take a purse anywhere and everywhere.
Snack food was definitely the best way to go. Even though Haruka knew her family well enough, it was kind of obvious they all shared a sweet tooth so Chinsuko biscuits and Sata Andagi pastries were going to be sent home in pristine condition -- somehow. It might be difficult to send them all home, since they could be easily squished and needed to be refrigerated. Secondly, the two cousins would need to buy them fresh at the very last minute in whatever little down time remained.
The argument, despite relations having been smoothed, loomed over Haruka's mind like a large cumulonimbus cloud that threatened to become stormy gray and spill some rain. She would definitely have to be more careful and keep to her promises as best as she could from now. After all, she usually was so reliable. To forget something as significant as an obligation that could conflict with another one was simply out of character and out of the question. However, all it boiled down to was that the first year wasn't perfect, and Iryna had no fault in this mishap to begin with, but the older girl, as her cousin knew, was prone to blaming herself for things she could not help.
Right now, the itinerary, budget plan, and extra information all bundled up in one huge packet enough to kill one too many trees were simply a prototype, the final draft. However, with the approval of Iryna's and Haruka's parents, nearly everything would be completely settled. The only thing left to do after that was to pray that Mizukami and Narukami had more money than they would spend and that they would be responsible in their behavior and in their budgeting. Narukami, however, seemed courteous and reliable enough so all the freshwoman could truly fret about was Mizukami, the white haired boy she heard so much about. Soon enough, she would need to deliver the two their information. Should she mail it or give it to them directly? For now, she could not decide yet without her parents' blessing, but she would keep copies of the information in manila envelopes, neatly packed in her backpack for safekeeping until she could find some way to bring them to their respective recipients. Of course, the itinerary and budget plan was flexible, and contact information was provided in the case the boys or their parents needed something changed. On another hand, it was also pleaded that the boys brought the information to their parents for their approval. After all, most of the money involved in the trip had to be paid by the adults in charge of their wellbeing.
"Souvenirs should be covered but if you want any specific ones, you can ask now. The group is allowed to split off as they wish during down time but everyone must be at least with one other person. All the money for snorkeling, museum visits, trips to the beach, hot springs, water parks and otherwise are addressed in the budget plan. Also included is the car rental and public transportation. Snacks, lunches and dinners are not individually set aside but I ask that we can set a portion of our initial allowance for such a use. The hotel plan is addressed in the itinerary and it includes a free Western or Eastern breakfast..."
"Now that all of that is settled, the only thing left to do is to ask for your approval, arrange for a flight and pay for the hotel," she concluded coolly and calculatedly, rattling off the paper. Whoa, that was a mouthful, but internally Haruka smirked, knowing that all her hard work and late nights had payed off planning for the trip. It would definitely be one to remember.
Then, the bespectacled brunette began to panic inside of her mind, a calm facade covering her entire face, but she quickly excused herself one more time to retrieve a silver gift box with baby pink ribbons and presented it to her redheaded cousin, bowing apologetically. To prevent any more excessive words from slipping anxiously out of her mouth, her head drooped in shame and embarrassment for forgetting that this was a birthday party and that in the end, attention would have to be returned to subjects appropriate to the occasion at hand.
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Post by Fuukami I. Iryna on Dec 3, 2014 8:40:56 GMT -6
Seeing her brunette cousin doing her presentation so smoothly and professionally, Iryna can't help but think that Haruka really has a knack for this kind of thing. In fact, Haruka may do very well in the world of business. Iryna has seen people doing business proposals in TV dramas before, and Haruka has just done a similar task, with lots of effort poured in. Even though she's still a high school freshwoman. With her brain and skills, she looks suitable as a future leader of Fuukami Group, in spite of her desire to be an archeologist. Iryna thinks that when she takes over the group, she has to learn a lot from her smart cousin.
The adults don't take much time to contemplate the proposal, and voice their approval. Iryna's father even promise to make sure that he can get the required reservations done, so that the girls and their friends can enjoy themselves to the fullest. Yusaku even sees this as a chance to meet his daughter's "savior" before the trip commences, in order to express his gratitude. Maria has a curious smile on her face, for similar reasons, and she cannot wait to see the first boy Iryna invited home again. Katsura bows, and promises to help the girls in every way possible during the trip. Haruka's parents don't say much, but still have proud smiles on their faces, and voice their hope that the plan can be carried out without hitches.
Then Haruka decides to give Iryna a present. The latter nearly forgot about this part of a birthday due to her activities earlier that day. Iryna accepts the small box with the rudimentary etiquette, and slowly opens it. Inside... is a pair of wings! To be precise, those wings are made of plastic with strings attached. Iryna giggles at the sight of the cute present. The pigtailed girl remembers that a long time ago, Haruka told her that the pigtailed girl's favorite hair decorations made her look like an oni, a cute one, and Haruka suggested that Iryna should wear something that makes her look like an angel as well. The reason was, as Haruka said, Iryna looked so much like an angel without wings on the ice. Iryna feels both amused and touched that Haruka decided to go through with that idea. She sets the box with the hair decs aside, then proceeds to playfully hug her brunette cousin, like what she does with her cat plushies:
"Haru-chan, thank you! That was so cute and nice of you! Those wings look so lovely. You really wanna turn me into an angel that much?"
This is why Haruka is Iryna's best friend. And lovely surrogate sister.
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Post by Fuukami Haruka on Dec 3, 2014 22:55:01 GMT -6
In all honesty, Haruka really wanted the whole trip to go well, and she understood that traveling to places beyond Hikarizaka involved a lot of planning and cooperation to make it a success. She didn't want to be the captain of the No Fun Brigade, but the group would represent the Fuukami Group and Co. even if they were just there to chill and relax. Still, she would have to do further background checking and a personal interview to deem them worthy of going on the trip, having only just met Narukami and only knowing about Mizukami by word of mouth. However, if Iryna liked them, these boys couldn't possibly be bad in any shape or form.
A brilliant, dazzling smile spread across the young girl's face, delighted by the approval of the parents and Yusaku's promise to get the required reservations done. Since everything was planned out, it should be a cinch for everyone to follow the guidelines she had laid out. Although it was sort of easy to tell that Iryna's parents had ulterior motives. The couple had distinct, peculiar smiles on their faces that thinly and oddly covered up the curiosity they had about the boy Iryna had invited home one day. Of course, it was always a rarity for a girl to bring a nice lad home, and it was the redhead's first time too. Even Haruka couldn't possibly imagine their excitement. On the other hand, the first year's own parents didn't seemed concerned in the slightest about her regarding the romantic aspect of the trip, probably because they knew she was preoccupied with enjoying the sights and trying to make the most of her planning and ensure everyone had a good time. They knew she could take care of herself. However, Haruka was pleased to see the impressed, proud smirks on their face.
What brings a similar grin on her own face is how happy her older cousin is with her new hairclips. The ice skater's favorite hair clips, black and sharp, looked almost sinister. When one was practically dancing on the ice, she could imagine that they wouldn't want to come across as menacing; they wanted to be as graceful as a gazelle and as swift as a swan. Just the smallest of details could detract the fickle public's attention from the bigger, more beautiful picture of Iryna doing her best at what she loved. There was no way Haruka would let all that effort and perfection go to waste. After all, even though her uncle was the head of the conglomerate, Iryna was the family member she was proud of the most after experiencing her magnificent performances first hand. Undoubtedly, there would always be a figure skater better than the half-Russian and half-Japanese girl; however, they were to become her role model instead so she could improve, be like them, and finally surpass them. Although the bespectacled brunette pouted because Iryna didn't try them on right away, she still smiles, albeit a little self-consciously, and hugs the redhead back.
"It's not a problem, Iryna-neechan! I know it will be perfect on you. Besides, while you are the most angelic thing on Earth, it's better to try and hide the oni you really are~"
Of course, Haruka was just joking about that last part, but she was sorry for not being sorry. One always had to add an insult at the end of a compliment like that so the good will and fortune brought on by the gift wouldn't get away.
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Post by Fuukami I. Iryna on Dec 4, 2014 8:55:11 GMT -6
An oni... That's probably a common image of Iryna's. Even though she is not evil, she can be devilish. She was very playful when she was young. The pigtailed girl used to tease and pull pranks on the Russian boys in her Moscow neighborhood, especially those who called her "cotton candy". She also snuck out of her house to roam the streets of the Russian city when her parents weren't home. When Iryna got older, she has come to enjoy pulling surprises on her dear cousins, and use her own charm to convince others to do what she wants. So yes, she can be an oni. Even her color scheme is rather close to the color red, which is one of the most common oni skin colors (the other is blue). Her eyes are pointy and she can squint to make the evil eyes easily. And let's not forget the fangs. Oh how Iryna loves those slightly protruding teeth of hers. There are some photos of her posing with cat ears while showing off those charming teeth in the family album. In fact, Iryna does not mind wearing a mask and being bombarded with roasted soybeans by her family members on Setsubun, as she will just giggle throughout the process, and enjoy the beans afterwards.
On the other hand, Iryna still has a number of features one may see as angelic. Her face is still filled with a certain kind of genuine childish purity. Laying deep within her soul is an innocent girl who longs for a prince of her life. Iryna also likes to wear white, due to a rather strong attachment to that color (likely influenced by her mother, who also wears white and other bright colors very often). Iryna prefers the color white on her training and competition outfits as well, as she feels that will make her "blend in" with the ice. If Iryna had wings, the angelic image would be complete. However, since she cannot grow them out of her back, those hair decs will suffice. As a side thought, the image of wings protruding out of her head also reminds her of Valkyries, the subject of one of her most favorite musical pieces, composed by Richard Wagner.
Iryna releases her grip on Haruka, then reach out for the opened gift box. After replacing her "horns" with her "wings", she proceeds to twirl and make some ballet moves in front of her family members. If Iryna is going to wear these wings, she will make sure she's comfortable with them. She will make them her new friends.
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Post by Fuukami Haruka on Dec 9, 2014 17:35:35 GMT -6
Iryna was an oni for such a pretty girl with a cherubic face, though she got really scary when mad or in that mood (she shuddered thinking of it). Only Haruka knew the depths of Iryna's mischief, having been involved in some of them, similar to the relationship between Yusaku and Shinjirou, except the two were female. Although sometimes, the freshwoman joked that her father treated her like a firstborn son. On the other hand, after being teased by Iryna, Tomoka only joined in on teasing her elder sister. Hence, she had to build up that steel will somewhere. Of course, the brunette had heard all about the ice skater's exploits in Russia and told Iryna in response to not take so many risks since not all of Moscow was so nice. The "cotton candy" story sounded like the boys flirted with Iryna, which made Haruka feel genuinely happy because she knew just how much of a romantic the redhead could be. Although, why use cotton candy as a compliment? To Haruka, it sounded like an insult. But yeah, Iryna was definitely a beautiful ogre who deserved every roasted soybean thrown at her during Setsubun. Reminiscing, the bespectacled girl sighed in happiness, sad that her youth was going by so fast, as if she were an old man.
In comparison to the oni she could be though, Iryna in her own right could be described as an angel, as could her mother Iryna. On the other hand, Haruka's mother composed herself as an earthen mother goddess of sorts, gentle, calm and quiet but more firmly rooted than an angel who could fly free. Her stubbornness and lack of ostentatiousness were probably what drew Shinjirou to Maya. Haruka casually felt sorry that neither she nor her sister were much like her mother but then she soon forgot. Although they did inherit their love of dark colors from her, except for the gold Tomoka loved to wear. Haruka, on the other hand, always dressed up sophisticatedly and maturely, almost as if she was trying to be a little lady of sorts. She was no angel but no demon either. Perhaps she was like a shadow or a ninja of sorts, since she always loved to surprise others. However, while her clothes were far from plain, they were as professional as they were classy. That was simply the kind of girl she was.
Smiling with her hands on a dark blue pencil skirt, Haruka watched Iryna reach for the gift box and replace her red horns with the white wings, delighted by how magnificent the older girl looked. The redhead was a perfect model, and even though she always denied it to others, the first year couldn't help but be proud of how tasteful she could be.
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Post by Fuukami I. Iryna on Dec 15, 2014 19:50:57 GMT -6
After putting on her brand-new "wings" and performing an inpromptu ballet dance, moving like a swan, Iryna finishes her act with a professional bow. This earns some applause from her family members and Maria's praise that the wing hair clips look really cute and elegant on her.
Iryna smiles happily, runs to her mother and kisses her on the cheek, a gesture of affection between the two ever since Iryna was a toddler. The pigtailed girl was so glad that Maria approved her daughter's new look and wanted to thank her for it. This makes Yusaku joins in the affection fest and pats Iryna's head gently.
Iryna feels like she's the happiest girl in the world. All the worries of her life becomes seemingly non-existent. She wants this to last forever. But she knows that the party has to end.
Iryna takes some steps back, give thanks to all the members of her household for making the day totally enjoyable for her, and gives another bow. Then she goes to Haruka and whisper in her left ear:
"Haru-chan, thank you for everything. And... how about we go shopping for swimsuits tomorrow? I want to return the favor."
Iryna can't help but let out a smirk when voicing that last request, and look forward to picking a cute-yet-sexy swimsuit for her dear cousin. Her less noble intention is to see how Haru-chan will react to the swimsuit and tease her. Still, since they are going to Okinawa, they have to do this sooner or later.
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Post by Fuukami Haruka on Dec 24, 2014 21:28:56 GMT -6
Iryna's definitely an Odette in many ways. If her mother wasn't an ice skater, I'd bet she'd at least be a ballerina. I can't see why she couldn't do both, but I guess both involve so much practice it might be impossible, mused the bespectacled brunette, smiling as she watched her cousin dance.
"Iryna-chan! You look so precious with those hair clips that I thought the rest of the family could wear them too! It'd be a perfect photo-op!" Uh-oh, Mother's pumped up again. This was bad news for Haruka even though Maya did tend to get excited a lot, but thankfully, Shinjirou intervened.
"Don't be ridiculous, darling," her father gently stated. "Yusaku-niisan would look abysmal, and I'm certainly not having any part of that, but maybe Maria-san, you, and even the girls could suit it." Although the first year would admit it could do well on Tomoka, her mother and aunt, she wasn't too sure if she wanted to wear the hair clips either.
At the very moment the attorney finished his objection, Iryna shared her gratitude and took another bow, bringing back another smile to her face. However, having been approached so suddenly, the brunette didn't know how to react to the redhead's whisper properly.
"No problem, but you really don't need to... It is your birthday today, though I guess that'd be alright."
In all honesty, Haruka was not sure what to make of Iryna's sudden proposition. This certainly wasn't uncalled for, but her swimsuit was just fine! Did the redhead think she was getting fat or something? The thought of such almost made Haruka dizzy in all her confusion. The smirk only served to amplify said bewilderment.
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Post by Fuukami I. Iryna on Dec 25, 2014 19:07:18 GMT -6
Iryna is pleased that her family members enjoyed the impromptu performance. Being half-Russian and used to live in Moscow in her younger days, it makes sense that ballet has been a part of her life. The training has done wonders to her flexibility, and now Iryna has fully incorporated her skills in the classical dance into her figure skating techniques. She may not jump as high as her rival right now, but Iryna prides herself in the smoothness of her movements and the fluid transitions between sets. Even when neither dancing nor skating, Iryna still enjoys listening to the famous ballet numbers in her free time, especially the works of Tchaikovsky, so much that Iryna can even replay the notes of Swan Lake and The Nutcracker inside her head with great accuracy.
After Haruka conceded, Iryna can't help but put a big mischievous smile on her face, like a cat enjoying herself. Even though there's still a long time until the vacation, Iryna thinks swimsuit shopping should be done as soon as possible. After all, Haruka has already made plans, and Yusaku has agreed to help the girls make the necessary arrangements right away. On the other hand, Iryna would like to enjoy Okinawan sea with something more fitting for a beach. Her school swimsuits are comfortable enough, but out of the question. After all, the "school" part of their name has a purpose, hasn't it? Now that Iryna decides to travel to somewhere new, she wants herself to look different than usual as well. This is also the first time she is on a private (non-school) trip with friends of her age, with the boy she has a crush on coming along, hence she wants to look good wearing the swimsuits she chooses for herself (Haruka can recommend some for her though, and she may accept if she likes them). The thought of that boy seeing her in a bikini still makes her skin filled with heat, but now that she intends to let him know her feelings eventually, she just has to control that feeling, be confident, and impress him with her looks. That, at least, can make him see her more as a person of the opposite gender. And if his eyes wander too much at the beach, she will make him answer for that, even though he doesn't seem as girl-crazy as many other boys his age.
The oni inside Iryna is at work again, as she has plans for Haruka regarding the swimming attire matter. If Iryna is going to try her best to overcome her embarrassment, she won't do it alone. She will have Haruka wear a cute-yet-sexy bikini on the trip. That girl needs to be a bit bolder to make others see her more than just an ice queen (but at least to the younger kids, she's more like a Popsicle Princess: cool and sweet). And, Iryna thinks that her dear cousin is beautiful in her own right, and the brunette has the right to show it off more. Furthermore, Iryna would like to see that Narukami guy's reaction, to see what kind of boy he is with her own eyes, and whether Haruka is his type.
Then Iryna replies to her dear cousin:
"That's great, Haru-chan. How about 11am tomorrow?"
After hearing her aunt's suggestion, Iryna decides that all the people present should take a photo together, and everyone proceeds to do just that. It has been a while since the last time Iryna did this kind of thing with her family, and a good way to put this party to a close.
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Post by Fuukami Haruka on Dec 27, 2014 20:06:21 GMT -6
As a half Russian, Haruka understood that Iryna had to go through a lot of endurance training as an ice skater. Perhaps, she had to develop endurance in her own way while also building up willpower and trying to change the world in whatever little methods she could use. Right now, she had to study hard to get into college, develop and enrich her own person and find out who she was. Even though she was never devoted to something but the traditional Japanese classes for tea ceremony and traditional dance like any other girl that had the time for it, the young girl still was required to find out what she really wanted to do instead of what she had to do. Her redheaded cousin was old enough to understand what was expected and needed yet also wanted, and she needed to catch up soon.
Uh-oh. There was that smile on Iryna-neechan's face again, which sent a dreadful chill down Haruka's backbones. Closing her eyes and gulping air in a silent prayer, she understood there was no escape from her cousin's clutches now. Tomorrow she'd be right where the little she-devil wanted her: in a mall or the worst, a high end clothing boutique. She could only shudder in terrified anticipation. Surely, her old swimsuit would be fine! It was skimpy like any other bikini but at least it wasn't too showy and it was one bold, single color. It still fit and it was just so classy. What need was there for yet another one? The reason obviously would be that the bespectacled brunette had worn it for three years and needed to get a move on. But stubborn Haruka disagreed. She would refuse to go swimming if she had to wear a new one because it would just be too awful to look at. It would be lascivious, scanty and an absolute terror and mental scar on the future archaeologist. Oh, Iryna, why did you have to try this? The Okinawa trip was good enough and everyone had swimsuits already. The boys weren't changing their swimsuits so again, why? Why? Deep in a whirlpool of fear, the first year's face bore a forced smile, pale and aghast with utter reluctance. There was no way she could take a picture for her mother in a group photo, however. So then, at that very moment, the freshwoman put on her big girl pants to show off to her sister and cousin and put on a real, photogenic grin for the photo.
What a scheming little oni! thought Haruka as she looked at her older cousin with a wary glower, on the alert for something she never asked for. Sure, she was there to support Iryna in all of her endeavors, but not like this! There was no one interested in looking at her like this but the same girl, certainly. Not Narukami. It would embarrassing to have some just an acquaintance look at her like this. In a sense, he was attractive in the way Mizukami was attractive. She liked neither of them in a romantic light like the second year with the former. To be used as a tool of appraisal was surely the work of an ice princess indeed, an ice princess like Iryna. Only a heavy dose of common sense lodged deeply within her soul kept the younger maiden from doing the bold and the drastic and positively disastrous.
Having fully regained composure, Haruka simply gave her driest response.
"Sure. I'll be up for that. Just try to not buy too much or we might not be able to decide what to wear."
Certainly, Fuukami Maya was not the ditz she appeared as, being a genius Finance professor and socially, she was an adept butterfly as well. Haruka smiled, glad that her mother had chosen to snap the perfect ending to the perfect birthday party while trying to avoid thinking of what was ahead.
~THE END~
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