Flutter - Level Fifteen: Test Your Might [16/6/16]
Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2016 8:41 pm
“H-Hisao…”
This is the infamous Iwanako? Huh. I was expecting shorter hair for some reason. Her violet eyes glance around at all of us from behind long, fluttering eyelashes. My eyes dart to Hisao who stands stone still, like he’s frozen in time or something. God knows what’s going through his head but I’m actually more worried about his heart. I gently press against Hisao’s arm and wrap my free hand tenderly around the wrist of the hand I’m holding.
His heart is pounding but thankfully he’s using the breath control I taught him. It’s keeping him standing at the very least but otherwise… I feel pretty useless.
Iwanako lifts a quivering hand, causing Hisao to flinch and making her respond in kind. It’s just like the footsies with me and Mai until the boy comes in as a striker, stepping partly in front of Iwanako.
“It’s, uh, good to see you, Hisao.” He says with an almost warm smile on his friend.
“You too, Shin. Didn’t get that hair-cut, I see.” Hisao responds calmly. This is Shin?! And he’s with Iwanako. And Takumi said… Crapbaskets.
“Nah. Still wearing sweater vests? Aren’t you a little warm, buddy?” Shin jokes with a crooked smile, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Boiling.” A restrained growl leaves Hisao’s throat as his hand and arm clenches tight. The street falls silent, or as silent as a city street could be, before Iwanako steps back, her eyes now larger and manic. She’s gasping for air
“I c-c-c-can’t do this!” She shouts, turning in a flare of dress and dark hair, running back the way she came. Shin moves instinctively to follow then stops, looking back at Hisao before running after the girl.
I… I don’t know what to do. What could I possibly say after that awkward mess? Think, girl, think! Say something, anything!
“… Hisao? Let’s go home, man.” Until Mai speaks for me. Softly, tenderly, like an old friend should when you’re in pain. His arm relaxes as his other raises it to meet his dropping head.
“Yeah. Let’s go home.” He mutters. I squeeze his hand and he holds on to mine firmly. It’s all I’ve got right now and I hope it’s enough.
The clouded sky grows darker as we make our way back to Meguro; a bad omen if ever I saw one though I can’t imagine this day could get worse for poor Hisao… No one says another word until Hisao finally feels comfortable enough to speak up as we arrive in almost the same spot we met Mai and Takumi.
“It’s been good to see you guys.” He says, nodding. “I had fun. I’ve missed us hanging out.” He smiles politely, but glumly, at Takumi and Mai. They reach with tender touches to his shoulders and no judgement in their eyes for his spiral into depression.
“We’ve missed you too, Hisao.” Takumi responds before embracing him with a sympathetic smile and friendly hug. Mai, meanwhile, is oddly forward as she embraces me with whispered concern.
“Take care of him, yeah? He’s got the same look he had in the hospital.” She breaks the hug with a concerned look to me, to which I give a curt nod. She smiles a little and walks off with Takumi, leaving me and Hisao alone. We begin the walk back to his house and I finally gather up the courage to say something.
“Somehow… ‘Are you okay?’ seems redundant…” I begin and his face remains passive as his eyes flit to me. “But I’m here if you need to talk or whatever.”
“I know and… Thanks.” He responds but can’t quite bring himself to smile more than a minuscule half-smirk but he keeps holding my hand tightly. We reach Hisao’s house and enter quietly, just in case his parents are still asleep.
Hisao lets go of my hand to take his shoes off and slinks into the kitchen and I quickly follow. I find him nonchalantly opening cupboard doors and sighing loudly.
“Oh yeah. We didn’t get food, did we?” I frown and he nods silently. I sneak up behind him and wrap my arms around his stomach, resting my head between his shoulder blades. “How about you go into the living room and I’ll fix you something, okay?”
“Thanks, Rika…” He rubs my arms before I turn him around and release him in the direction of the door like a wind-up mouse. I follow behind my bewildered boyfriend, splitting away from him to head upstairs. I could spend time making something, with what little cooking skill I have, that he may not even feel like eating or…
I grin as I pluck a sealed packet of cookies and a small ziplock bag of my decaffeinated tea out of my luggage; both left over from the care package mom gave me when she visited Yamaku. As I leave the guest room, I run into Mrs Nakai, dressed in a gown and looking very surprised to see me.
“Afternoon, Mrs Nakai.” I smile, putting aside my dislike from yesterday because god knows today has had enough unpleasantness. “Did you have a nice sleep?”
“Y-Yes! Thank you, Rika. Did you?” She questions as we descend the stairs, one after the other.
“I did, thanks. I hope we didn’t wake you when we came in.” I apologise pre-emptively and she shakes her head.
“No, I was already awake. Sho is still snoring away…” She says with an airy tone behind me. “I didn’t expect to see you two back so soon. Is everything alright?”
I grimace as I turn and Mrs Nakai becomes visibly concerned.
“We, uh, we went into Shibuya with Mai and Takumi and went to an arcade…” I explain in a hushed tone, glancing towards the closed living room door. “But when we went to get some food we ran into… Iwanako.”
“Oh my god, really!?” She exclaims before covering her mouth and looking at the door. Smooth, lady. “I-Is Hisao okay? He didn’t have an attack, did he? Was there shouting? Fighting?” She fires off questions quicker than I can answer but I place a hand tenderly on her bicep.
“It’s okay, Mrs Nakai. There was some awkwardness but no shouting and definitely no attacks. He’s a little fragile right now but it’s more emotional than physical as far as I can tell.” I try my best to reassure her but given the face she’s pulling, I’m not doing well.
“Th-That’s good to hear. Damn that… that girl. That little hussy! I don’t know how she has the nerve… How dare she…”
“It seemed like just a coincidence. We ran into them completely by acci-”
“You don’t know what that girl is like, Rika. She’s manipulative and cruel and slutty and-and-and-”
“I don’t, nooooo, but considering that Mai and Takumi didn’t know Hisao was back; I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t have-”
“Are you seriously defending her?” Mrs Nakai shoots an accusing glare at me and I hold my hands up.
“What? No, but I just think…” It’s no good, she’s already on the warpath and I’m just a convenient target.
“You don’t know anything.” She storms past me and into the living room without another word, the sound of intense mothering over the TV following in her wake. Urgh, what the hell is your problem, lady? I’m trying to help here!
I go into the kitchen and toss my stuff onto the counter, bracing myself against it. I take a few deep breaths to steady my nerves before I begin searching through the cupboards for mugs. I know how Hisao takes his coffee but it’d be rude not to offer to make Mrs Nakai something.
“Heeeeey,” I peek into the living room with a forced smile. “Would you like something to drink, Mrs Nakai?” A piping hot mug of shut the f-
“Please, Rika. Black coffee, no sugar.” She smiles back, trying to pet down Hisao’s stray hair that defies gravity. He looks super-pathetic being coddled like that.
“I’ll be back in a minute, Hisao.” To rescue you.
-----------
I know she’s a comforting presence for Hisao but being forced into awkward interactions with Mrs Nakai is painful. It’s like spending time with Enomoto… I really, really don’t want to get into an argument though so I make polite small talk until Mr Nakai wakes up and comes downstairs.
“Well, this all looks very cozy.” He smiles after his momentary surprise to find Hisao and his mom on the couch and me relegated to an armchair. “How is everyone?”
“I’m okay.” Hisao responds but is immediately followed by his doting mother.
“He isn’t! Iwanako followed him into the city!” She says, myself and Hisao rolling our eyes in unison before noticing what we both did. That got a little smile out of him at least.
“I am and she didn’t. It was just… Unexpected…” Hisao explains and his dad sighs with a sympathetic gaze.
“Sounds like you’ve had a rough day, kiddo. Do you want anything to drink?” He asks and Hisao shakes his head. Mrs Nakai offers up her mug and I get up out of my chair with mine.
“Oh, I can do that for you.” Mr Nakai says and I flash a quick smile before shaking my head.
“It’s okay, sir. I’m a little particular when it comes to my tea sooo…”
“Say no more,” He chuckles. “I’m just the same.”
We head into the kitchen; Mr Nakai making some toast for breakfast while I make my tea in my own little order. I graciously move out of the way for him to prepare his coffee.
“So how are you dealing with today’s encounter?” He asks as I perch myself on the stool Hisao had been sitting on earlier in the day. “Can’t imagine meeting Iwanako was easy for you either.”
“Ehhhh.” I respond, rocking my hand side to side in an undecided motion. “I was too focused on Hisao to pay her much attention. She was just as shocked as Hisao, that’s for sure.”
“Bet she thought she saw a ghost or something.” He chuckled. His gallows humour is certainly surprising.
“Did you mean me or Hisao?” I respond, smirking as his focus turns away from his almost obsessive compulsive preparation to me with a bemused smile.
“I’m sure you came as a surprise as well! You can make quite the first impression.” He seems to word himself carefully for some reason. I decide to push my luck a little since he appears much more chilled out than his wife.
“You’re quite brave for allowing a mischievous spirit like me into your home, sir. I’m pretty sure Mrs Nakai is one wrong word away from banishing me from this earthly realm.” I wave my arms in a spooky fashion and he laughs earnestly.
“I’m sorry if Seiko is a little off with you. She’s been a bundle of nerves ever since Hisao’s attack and she’s just being protective. She’d be calling Hisao every two hours at school if she had her way.”
“Don’t worry, Mr Nakai, I’ve been keeping a close eye on your son and making sure he isn’t getting into more trouble than he can handle.” I smile a little before I notice his raised eyebrow. “Um, I mean, medically and, um…”
“I know what you mean, Rika, it’s alright. No need to be embarrassed. I’m actually pretty thankful Hisao met you. He seems much more like his old self and I think that’s a lot to do with you.” He smiles earnestly at me and I blush hard.
“Well… Heh, we have a lot in common.” I shrug, earning me another curious eyebrow. “Can I let you in on a little secret, Mr Nakai?”
“O-only if you’re comfortable sharing it, Miss Katayama.” My question takes him aback, to the point of becoming more polite.
“Me and Hisao are more similar than you think.” I tap my chest softly with my index finger for emphasis, Mr Nakai’s eyes going wide with shock. “I know what he’s going through because I’m going through something similar.”
“You mean…”
“Yup, what’s going on with the outside is only the tip of the iceberg of stuff that’s wrong with me.” I giggle but even Hisao’s dad’s humour can’t quite see the funny side.
“I’m sorry to hear that, Rika…” He apologises like it’s his fault or something.
“Like I said, I know what your son is dealing with and I’ve lived with it a lot longer. If I can help him adjust and show that you can be… ‘normal’…” I air-quote with my fingers. “Then I’m happy to do so.”
Mr Nakai nods approvingly with a warm smile which I return in kind before we gather up our drinks and return to find an even grumpier Hisao caught in the clutches of his mom.
-----------
I change into some much more comfortable shorts and a t-shirt after having a much needed shower, more to refresh my mental state than anything. Hisao had a shower earlier and I find him where I left him; laying on his back on the couch playing, more Pokémon, the packet of cookies I brought out as comfort food half-eaten by him. He already had dinner and he’s still stuffing his face? He’s worse than Fuuka…
“Where are you now?” I ask, sitting on the floor in front of the couch, reaching for an untouched cookie and stuffing it into my mouth.
“Hm? Oh, just reached the Forest Manor. I think there’s some kinda puzzle in here or something.” He frowns showing me the screen. I don’t remember anything like that…
“What do you mean?” I lean in, resting my head on his shoulder to see the screen.
“I came into this dining room, right? And there was this little butler guy there before going off-screen and he just disappeared when I followed. I also saw a girl in another room but when I got to the room she wasn’t there. Is there a puzzle to this?” He explains. Ah, I get it now.
“No, there isn’t. Those two just proc randomly as far as I can tell.” I laugh, moving out of the slightly uncomfortable position. “Proc means activate, by the way.”
“Okay but they really don’t do anything? What’s the point in that?” He groans quietly.
“To build atmosphere, I guess. It is a spooky mansion.”
“It’s not that spooky; especially with these sprites.” He rolls his eyes before focusing on the game again.
“Alright, grumpy! Where’s the TV remote?” I ask, looking around for an escape from the dreadful talk show on the screen. “Are you lying on it?”
“Probably.” Hisao shrugs.
“Can I… Have it?”
“I dunno,” He looks at me with a smirk and a cocked eyebrow. “Can you?”
Argh! you’re really pushing your luck, senpai! I get on my knees and slide my hand under his side closest to me. He giggles a little as I dig for the remote. Ticklish, huh? I am soooo going to use that against you at some point.
“Other side.” His smirk spreads wider at my frustration.
“Why are you being such a jerk?” I pout at him.
“Because you’re cute when you’re salty.” He shrugs as I lean across him to feel under his underside.
“I would curse you out something fierce right now if it weren’t for…” My grumble trails off as I find the remote but have to lean a little further to reach it, bringing our faces dangerously close together.
“Yeah? Maybe I should see my ex more often… It’ll stop you from bullying me so hard.” He jokes in a flat but still somewhat amused tone. His hot breath is on my cheek as I grab hold of the remote and I decide to show him how I really tease someone.
In one quick motion, I lean into his face and lick his nose. I don’t know which reaction I found funnier, the disgusted groan as he pushed me away or the furious wiping of his nose as he sat up. His shove knocks me back onto my butt and hands, a giggling wreck.
“Heeeeee! Got Yooou~ Hehehehe!” I titter at his dumbfounded face, glaring at me like I’m a crazy person.
“What the hell was that!?” He exclaims, his open hands out in front of him like he’s grasping for the answer.
“I just wanted to see what you’d do! Plus that serious look doesn’t suit such a cute face.” I smile coyly at him and he flops backwards into the couch.
“Can you blame me though?”
“No, I can’t. I understand but I honestly have no idea what to say or do in a situation like this. Never had a real boyfriend before soooo…” I quietly admit.
“I guess but it’s not like I’m much of a master of romance either… Me and Iwanako dating mostly consisted of a lot of her crying, hand-holding or talking about school while I was recovering…” Hisao lets out a wistful sigh and rubs the back of his head slowly.
“Being stuck in a hospital doesn’t give you a lot of options for exciting dates, huh?” I offer with a sympathetic smile that earns me a wry smirk.
“Even when I was much more stable and she was the last one to visit me… Things didn’t get far.” I watch his cheeks become redder while I lean forwards in my cross-legged position on the floor.
Ooooooh? I crawl over to him, crossing my arms over his knees and looking up at his reddened face with a flirty smile.
“Wh-what?”
“Just be thankful I’m not going to press you on what is clearly a story.” I smirk at him. “But I think we’ve spent far too much time on your ex today. I don’t think I need to remind you that we have the house to ourselves~”
“Oh, um, w-w-well…” The hesitation in his voice is adorable but as I close in for the kill, the lights cut out, along with the rest of the power.
In the dark and silence, I hear the hammering of rain on glass. If there’s a power outage then that must mean…
“Oh shit…” I whisper.
“What’s wrong, Rika?” Hisao’s hands grasp me, making me yelp as a flash of lightning outside illuminates us all too briefly, it’s light dulled by the thick curtains of the living room. “It’s okay, it’s just a little lightning.”
“One Mississippi, t-two Missi—”
KRA-KOOOOOOOM
GAH!
~~~~~~~~
Previous Level <---> Next Level
This is the infamous Iwanako? Huh. I was expecting shorter hair for some reason. Her violet eyes glance around at all of us from behind long, fluttering eyelashes. My eyes dart to Hisao who stands stone still, like he’s frozen in time or something. God knows what’s going through his head but I’m actually more worried about his heart. I gently press against Hisao’s arm and wrap my free hand tenderly around the wrist of the hand I’m holding.
His heart is pounding but thankfully he’s using the breath control I taught him. It’s keeping him standing at the very least but otherwise… I feel pretty useless.
Iwanako lifts a quivering hand, causing Hisao to flinch and making her respond in kind. It’s just like the footsies with me and Mai until the boy comes in as a striker, stepping partly in front of Iwanako.
“It’s, uh, good to see you, Hisao.” He says with an almost warm smile on his friend.
“You too, Shin. Didn’t get that hair-cut, I see.” Hisao responds calmly. This is Shin?! And he’s with Iwanako. And Takumi said… Crapbaskets.
“Nah. Still wearing sweater vests? Aren’t you a little warm, buddy?” Shin jokes with a crooked smile, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Boiling.” A restrained growl leaves Hisao’s throat as his hand and arm clenches tight. The street falls silent, or as silent as a city street could be, before Iwanako steps back, her eyes now larger and manic. She’s gasping for air
“I c-c-c-can’t do this!” She shouts, turning in a flare of dress and dark hair, running back the way she came. Shin moves instinctively to follow then stops, looking back at Hisao before running after the girl.
I… I don’t know what to do. What could I possibly say after that awkward mess? Think, girl, think! Say something, anything!
“… Hisao? Let’s go home, man.” Until Mai speaks for me. Softly, tenderly, like an old friend should when you’re in pain. His arm relaxes as his other raises it to meet his dropping head.
“Yeah. Let’s go home.” He mutters. I squeeze his hand and he holds on to mine firmly. It’s all I’ve got right now and I hope it’s enough.
The clouded sky grows darker as we make our way back to Meguro; a bad omen if ever I saw one though I can’t imagine this day could get worse for poor Hisao… No one says another word until Hisao finally feels comfortable enough to speak up as we arrive in almost the same spot we met Mai and Takumi.
“It’s been good to see you guys.” He says, nodding. “I had fun. I’ve missed us hanging out.” He smiles politely, but glumly, at Takumi and Mai. They reach with tender touches to his shoulders and no judgement in their eyes for his spiral into depression.
“We’ve missed you too, Hisao.” Takumi responds before embracing him with a sympathetic smile and friendly hug. Mai, meanwhile, is oddly forward as she embraces me with whispered concern.
“Take care of him, yeah? He’s got the same look he had in the hospital.” She breaks the hug with a concerned look to me, to which I give a curt nod. She smiles a little and walks off with Takumi, leaving me and Hisao alone. We begin the walk back to his house and I finally gather up the courage to say something.
“Somehow… ‘Are you okay?’ seems redundant…” I begin and his face remains passive as his eyes flit to me. “But I’m here if you need to talk or whatever.”
“I know and… Thanks.” He responds but can’t quite bring himself to smile more than a minuscule half-smirk but he keeps holding my hand tightly. We reach Hisao’s house and enter quietly, just in case his parents are still asleep.
Hisao lets go of my hand to take his shoes off and slinks into the kitchen and I quickly follow. I find him nonchalantly opening cupboard doors and sighing loudly.
“Oh yeah. We didn’t get food, did we?” I frown and he nods silently. I sneak up behind him and wrap my arms around his stomach, resting my head between his shoulder blades. “How about you go into the living room and I’ll fix you something, okay?”
“Thanks, Rika…” He rubs my arms before I turn him around and release him in the direction of the door like a wind-up mouse. I follow behind my bewildered boyfriend, splitting away from him to head upstairs. I could spend time making something, with what little cooking skill I have, that he may not even feel like eating or…
I grin as I pluck a sealed packet of cookies and a small ziplock bag of my decaffeinated tea out of my luggage; both left over from the care package mom gave me when she visited Yamaku. As I leave the guest room, I run into Mrs Nakai, dressed in a gown and looking very surprised to see me.
“Afternoon, Mrs Nakai.” I smile, putting aside my dislike from yesterday because god knows today has had enough unpleasantness. “Did you have a nice sleep?”
“Y-Yes! Thank you, Rika. Did you?” She questions as we descend the stairs, one after the other.
“I did, thanks. I hope we didn’t wake you when we came in.” I apologise pre-emptively and she shakes her head.
“No, I was already awake. Sho is still snoring away…” She says with an airy tone behind me. “I didn’t expect to see you two back so soon. Is everything alright?”
I grimace as I turn and Mrs Nakai becomes visibly concerned.
“We, uh, we went into Shibuya with Mai and Takumi and went to an arcade…” I explain in a hushed tone, glancing towards the closed living room door. “But when we went to get some food we ran into… Iwanako.”
“Oh my god, really!?” She exclaims before covering her mouth and looking at the door. Smooth, lady. “I-Is Hisao okay? He didn’t have an attack, did he? Was there shouting? Fighting?” She fires off questions quicker than I can answer but I place a hand tenderly on her bicep.
“It’s okay, Mrs Nakai. There was some awkwardness but no shouting and definitely no attacks. He’s a little fragile right now but it’s more emotional than physical as far as I can tell.” I try my best to reassure her but given the face she’s pulling, I’m not doing well.
“Th-That’s good to hear. Damn that… that girl. That little hussy! I don’t know how she has the nerve… How dare she…”
“It seemed like just a coincidence. We ran into them completely by acci-”
“You don’t know what that girl is like, Rika. She’s manipulative and cruel and slutty and-and-and-”
“I don’t, nooooo, but considering that Mai and Takumi didn’t know Hisao was back; I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t have-”
“Are you seriously defending her?” Mrs Nakai shoots an accusing glare at me and I hold my hands up.
“What? No, but I just think…” It’s no good, she’s already on the warpath and I’m just a convenient target.
“You don’t know anything.” She storms past me and into the living room without another word, the sound of intense mothering over the TV following in her wake. Urgh, what the hell is your problem, lady? I’m trying to help here!
I go into the kitchen and toss my stuff onto the counter, bracing myself against it. I take a few deep breaths to steady my nerves before I begin searching through the cupboards for mugs. I know how Hisao takes his coffee but it’d be rude not to offer to make Mrs Nakai something.
“Heeeeey,” I peek into the living room with a forced smile. “Would you like something to drink, Mrs Nakai?” A piping hot mug of shut the f-
“Please, Rika. Black coffee, no sugar.” She smiles back, trying to pet down Hisao’s stray hair that defies gravity. He looks super-pathetic being coddled like that.
“I’ll be back in a minute, Hisao.” To rescue you.
-----------
I know she’s a comforting presence for Hisao but being forced into awkward interactions with Mrs Nakai is painful. It’s like spending time with Enomoto… I really, really don’t want to get into an argument though so I make polite small talk until Mr Nakai wakes up and comes downstairs.
“Well, this all looks very cozy.” He smiles after his momentary surprise to find Hisao and his mom on the couch and me relegated to an armchair. “How is everyone?”
“I’m okay.” Hisao responds but is immediately followed by his doting mother.
“He isn’t! Iwanako followed him into the city!” She says, myself and Hisao rolling our eyes in unison before noticing what we both did. That got a little smile out of him at least.
“I am and she didn’t. It was just… Unexpected…” Hisao explains and his dad sighs with a sympathetic gaze.
“Sounds like you’ve had a rough day, kiddo. Do you want anything to drink?” He asks and Hisao shakes his head. Mrs Nakai offers up her mug and I get up out of my chair with mine.
“Oh, I can do that for you.” Mr Nakai says and I flash a quick smile before shaking my head.
“It’s okay, sir. I’m a little particular when it comes to my tea sooo…”
“Say no more,” He chuckles. “I’m just the same.”
We head into the kitchen; Mr Nakai making some toast for breakfast while I make my tea in my own little order. I graciously move out of the way for him to prepare his coffee.
“So how are you dealing with today’s encounter?” He asks as I perch myself on the stool Hisao had been sitting on earlier in the day. “Can’t imagine meeting Iwanako was easy for you either.”
“Ehhhh.” I respond, rocking my hand side to side in an undecided motion. “I was too focused on Hisao to pay her much attention. She was just as shocked as Hisao, that’s for sure.”
“Bet she thought she saw a ghost or something.” He chuckled. His gallows humour is certainly surprising.
“Did you mean me or Hisao?” I respond, smirking as his focus turns away from his almost obsessive compulsive preparation to me with a bemused smile.
“I’m sure you came as a surprise as well! You can make quite the first impression.” He seems to word himself carefully for some reason. I decide to push my luck a little since he appears much more chilled out than his wife.
“You’re quite brave for allowing a mischievous spirit like me into your home, sir. I’m pretty sure Mrs Nakai is one wrong word away from banishing me from this earthly realm.” I wave my arms in a spooky fashion and he laughs earnestly.
“I’m sorry if Seiko is a little off with you. She’s been a bundle of nerves ever since Hisao’s attack and she’s just being protective. She’d be calling Hisao every two hours at school if she had her way.”
“Don’t worry, Mr Nakai, I’ve been keeping a close eye on your son and making sure he isn’t getting into more trouble than he can handle.” I smile a little before I notice his raised eyebrow. “Um, I mean, medically and, um…”
“I know what you mean, Rika, it’s alright. No need to be embarrassed. I’m actually pretty thankful Hisao met you. He seems much more like his old self and I think that’s a lot to do with you.” He smiles earnestly at me and I blush hard.
“Well… Heh, we have a lot in common.” I shrug, earning me another curious eyebrow. “Can I let you in on a little secret, Mr Nakai?”
“O-only if you’re comfortable sharing it, Miss Katayama.” My question takes him aback, to the point of becoming more polite.
“Me and Hisao are more similar than you think.” I tap my chest softly with my index finger for emphasis, Mr Nakai’s eyes going wide with shock. “I know what he’s going through because I’m going through something similar.”
“You mean…”
“Yup, what’s going on with the outside is only the tip of the iceberg of stuff that’s wrong with me.” I giggle but even Hisao’s dad’s humour can’t quite see the funny side.
“I’m sorry to hear that, Rika…” He apologises like it’s his fault or something.
“Like I said, I know what your son is dealing with and I’ve lived with it a lot longer. If I can help him adjust and show that you can be… ‘normal’…” I air-quote with my fingers. “Then I’m happy to do so.”
Mr Nakai nods approvingly with a warm smile which I return in kind before we gather up our drinks and return to find an even grumpier Hisao caught in the clutches of his mom.
-----------
I change into some much more comfortable shorts and a t-shirt after having a much needed shower, more to refresh my mental state than anything. Hisao had a shower earlier and I find him where I left him; laying on his back on the couch playing, more Pokémon, the packet of cookies I brought out as comfort food half-eaten by him. He already had dinner and he’s still stuffing his face? He’s worse than Fuuka…
“Where are you now?” I ask, sitting on the floor in front of the couch, reaching for an untouched cookie and stuffing it into my mouth.
“Hm? Oh, just reached the Forest Manor. I think there’s some kinda puzzle in here or something.” He frowns showing me the screen. I don’t remember anything like that…
“What do you mean?” I lean in, resting my head on his shoulder to see the screen.
“I came into this dining room, right? And there was this little butler guy there before going off-screen and he just disappeared when I followed. I also saw a girl in another room but when I got to the room she wasn’t there. Is there a puzzle to this?” He explains. Ah, I get it now.
“No, there isn’t. Those two just proc randomly as far as I can tell.” I laugh, moving out of the slightly uncomfortable position. “Proc means activate, by the way.”
“Okay but they really don’t do anything? What’s the point in that?” He groans quietly.
“To build atmosphere, I guess. It is a spooky mansion.”
“It’s not that spooky; especially with these sprites.” He rolls his eyes before focusing on the game again.
“Alright, grumpy! Where’s the TV remote?” I ask, looking around for an escape from the dreadful talk show on the screen. “Are you lying on it?”
“Probably.” Hisao shrugs.
“Can I… Have it?”
“I dunno,” He looks at me with a smirk and a cocked eyebrow. “Can you?”
Argh! you’re really pushing your luck, senpai! I get on my knees and slide my hand under his side closest to me. He giggles a little as I dig for the remote. Ticklish, huh? I am soooo going to use that against you at some point.
“Other side.” His smirk spreads wider at my frustration.
“Why are you being such a jerk?” I pout at him.
“Because you’re cute when you’re salty.” He shrugs as I lean across him to feel under his underside.
“I would curse you out something fierce right now if it weren’t for…” My grumble trails off as I find the remote but have to lean a little further to reach it, bringing our faces dangerously close together.
“Yeah? Maybe I should see my ex more often… It’ll stop you from bullying me so hard.” He jokes in a flat but still somewhat amused tone. His hot breath is on my cheek as I grab hold of the remote and I decide to show him how I really tease someone.
In one quick motion, I lean into his face and lick his nose. I don’t know which reaction I found funnier, the disgusted groan as he pushed me away or the furious wiping of his nose as he sat up. His shove knocks me back onto my butt and hands, a giggling wreck.
“Heeeeee! Got Yooou~ Hehehehe!” I titter at his dumbfounded face, glaring at me like I’m a crazy person.
“What the hell was that!?” He exclaims, his open hands out in front of him like he’s grasping for the answer.
“I just wanted to see what you’d do! Plus that serious look doesn’t suit such a cute face.” I smile coyly at him and he flops backwards into the couch.
“Can you blame me though?”
“No, I can’t. I understand but I honestly have no idea what to say or do in a situation like this. Never had a real boyfriend before soooo…” I quietly admit.
“I guess but it’s not like I’m much of a master of romance either… Me and Iwanako dating mostly consisted of a lot of her crying, hand-holding or talking about school while I was recovering…” Hisao lets out a wistful sigh and rubs the back of his head slowly.
“Being stuck in a hospital doesn’t give you a lot of options for exciting dates, huh?” I offer with a sympathetic smile that earns me a wry smirk.
“Even when I was much more stable and she was the last one to visit me… Things didn’t get far.” I watch his cheeks become redder while I lean forwards in my cross-legged position on the floor.
Ooooooh? I crawl over to him, crossing my arms over his knees and looking up at his reddened face with a flirty smile.
“Wh-what?”
“Just be thankful I’m not going to press you on what is clearly a story.” I smirk at him. “But I think we’ve spent far too much time on your ex today. I don’t think I need to remind you that we have the house to ourselves~”
“Oh, um, w-w-well…” The hesitation in his voice is adorable but as I close in for the kill, the lights cut out, along with the rest of the power.
In the dark and silence, I hear the hammering of rain on glass. If there’s a power outage then that must mean…
“Oh shit…” I whisper.
“What’s wrong, Rika?” Hisao’s hands grasp me, making me yelp as a flash of lightning outside illuminates us all too briefly, it’s light dulled by the thick curtains of the living room. “It’s okay, it’s just a little lightning.”
“One Mississippi, t-two Missi—”
KRA-KOOOOOOOM
GAH!
~~~~~~~~
Previous Level <---> Next Level
