NOVEL WEB Chapter 4: IV - Confirmation and Proposal
Hanasakigawa Girls High School
12:00 NN
Rinko POV
It's been a few hours since Riku introduced himself during homeroom and now it's lunchtime, I see Riku getting surrounded by girls asking him questions. I'm glad that the rest of the class is opening up to him, but I feel a bit uneasy that some of them are getting too close to Riku.
As I got up from my chair as I try to invite Riku to eat lunch with me, I heard the door opening and I saw Konpaku-san calling Riku.
Youmu: Riku-dono!
As Konpaku-san said that, Riku and the girls surrounding him looked at her, Riku stood up and went to where Konpaku-san was.
Riku: Youmu! What's up?
Youmu: Well, actually....
As Konpaku-san said that, a pink haired woman in a light-blue kimono showed up behind her, it was the principal with a cheerful expression while waving.
Yuyuko: Good afternoon everyone~
Students: Principal?
Rinko: Principal. What brings you here?
Yuyuko: Well....I came here to see Riku-kun~
Riku: Need me for something Yuyuko-san?
Yuyuko: Come with me. We've got a lot to talk about.
Riku pondered a bit to what Yuyuko-san said, he put a small smile and just nodded. He went back to his desk and took his lunchbox; he looked at me for a moment and lightly poked my forehead and said.
(A/N: Like Itachi doin' to Sasuke when they were young.)
Riku: I know what you're trying to invite me for lunch but, I can't say no to Yuyuko-san. Maybe next time okay?
I just sheepishly nodded while I was touching my forehead and blushing as I see Riku leave the room with Konpaku-san and Yuyuko-san. I heard some of the girls talking and.....
Student 1: Hikawa-san. Are Shirokane-san and Riku-san dating?
As I heard that my blush started to get redder than the last.
Sayo: They're not dating. Shirokane-san told me that both of them are childhood friends. Shirokane-san, does Riku-san do that to you all the time?
Rinko: Well....most of the time actually. He does that if he's gonna go home when he hang out *but...I don't mind if it's him doing it...'
I said the last part silently so they can't hear it and as I was about to go back to my seat, someone approached me.
???: Rinko-chan. Can I have a word with you?
Rinko: Shirasagi-san. What do you want to talk about?
Shirasagi-san looked around the room and looked at me again and said.
Chisato: Something important, but not here. How about the rooftop?
Rinko: The rooftop? Hikawa-san, you can go ahead to the Student Council Office without me.
Chisato: You too Kanon, you can go to Kokoro-chan, I have something to talk about with Rinko-chan.
Sayo: Very well, I'll tell Ichigaya-san this in case she's there. Matsubara-san, I'll take you where Tsurumaki-san is just in case you get lost.
Kanon: Fueeeeeee...
Hikawa-san took Matsubara-san and left the room, while I followed Shirasagi-san to the rooftop. I wonder what Shirasagi-san wants to talk about?
Few minutes later
Rooftop
Me and Shirasagi-san are now currently on the school rooftop. Shirasagi-san looked at me with her arms folded and asked me....
Chisato: Rinko-chan, you said that you and Riku are childhood friends right?
Rinko: Y-yes....me and Riku were friends when I was 7. It was when I entered a piano contest where he also competed. He came to me and said that I performed differently from the others, after that we became friends. You know him too Shirasagi-san?
Shirasagi-san nodded and her eyes closed as she answered my question.
Chisato: I met Riku by chance when I was beginning my career as an actress, I was 8 back then. I remembered that he was with his father and he was wandering around, he met me as I was practicing my role and he offered help. At first I was on guard that he might do something but, after seeing how honest he is trying to help, I gave in and surprisingly, my acting improved a bit when he helped, and we kinda get along and became friends.
Rinko: So he's helping you with your acting back then?
Chisato: Yes. I owe everything to him to where I am now. Did you know that I tried to convince Riku to pursue a career in acting?
Rinko: Eh? Really?
Chisato: Yes, I did. But he flatly refused. He said that acting was not his style; he prefers music over acting because being an actor was a pain.
Me and Shirasagi-san just chuckled after that. What Shirasagi-san just said is very like Riku, very honest on what he says and very blunt.
Chisato: Now that's out of the way, I want to ask you something and I want you to answer me honestly.
The atmosphere suddenly got intense as Shirasagi-san said that to me, but what I didn't expect is what she asked me next.
Chisato: Rinko-chan. Do you love Riku?
Rinko: Eh?
My brain shut down for a moment as she said that as my face began to turn redder than a tomato.
Rinko: E-E-Eh!! Why did you ask me that!?
Shirasagi-san just looked at me with a serious face and asked me the same question again.
Chisato: I will ask you again Rinko-chan. Do you love Riku?
She asked me that again and my mind is a total wreck right now. How will I answer this...as I try to find a way to answer, I see Shirasagi-san looking at me waiting for my answer.
She's serious. Seeing how serious she is, I try to regain my composure and answer her question honestly. There is no backing down now.
Rinko: Yes. I love Riku.
Chisato: How and when did you fell for him?
Rinko: At first, I only saw him as a friend. But as time went by that we were together, my feeling for him started to change. From hanging out, playing games, teaching me new ways on the piano that I didn't even know, he gave me confidence, he did so much for me without even asking for something in return and that's when I fell for him. I plan to confess my feelings for him but....
Chisato: But what?
Shirasagi-san questioned me as I continue.
Rinko: He told me that he was going overseas for a long time to continue his career in music. My heart shattered when he said that and I was trying to hold back my tears that time. Before I gave the thought of running away from him, he made a promise to me.
Chisato: A promise?
I took out the necklace that Riku gave me and showed it to Shirasagi-san.
Rinko: He gave me this necklace as a promise that if he became a professional musician and my skills as a pianist were better than the last time we met, I would give this back to him. This promise still stands to this day, and I plan to confess to him once I return this and fulfill my promise to him...this is my answer, Shirasagi-san.
As I gave my answer, Shirasagi-san was looking at me and gave me a soft smile.
Chisato: So those are your true feelings for Riku...I see. I'm satisfied with your answer Rinko-chan. I wish that you can make your promise to him come true.
Rinko: Shirasagi-san. Do you love Riku too?
I asked this to Shirasagi-san without even thinking. I thought that she'll let her guard down a bit but her answer to me was unexpected.
Chisato: Yes. I did love him. I even confessed to him before he even left Japan.
When Shirasagi-san said that she love Riku and confessed to him, I nearly stumbled and she continued...
Chisato: But he rejected me. Don't get me wrong, It's not that he doesn't have feelings for me, but he doesn't know how to express love.
What Shirasagi-san just said about Riku was something that I didn't know, even though that I've been with him the longest. I ask Shirasagi-san on what she meant by that.
Rinko: What do you mean by Riku doesn't know how to express love?
Chisato: I found it out when we were practicing my roles. There were some lines that the male lead confess his feelings to the female lead but he doesn't know how to express those lines, we tried several times but he still can't do it.....I tried to ask him that but I pulled back, it's not my place to ask him that so suddenly.
To think someone so talented like Riku to have that kind of flaw. I start to think some ways to help him when the day comes but Shirasagi-san calls me out.
Chisato: I've said what I need to ask, let's go back Rinko-chan.
Rinko: O-okay…..
Chisato: And before I forget, you can call me Chisato.
Rinko: Eh?
Chisato: We're both Riku's childhood friend and it's natural to call each other by our first names right? Go ahead, try calling by my name.
Rinko: C-Chisato-san...
Chisato: Good, now let's get going.
As me and Shirasagi-san left the rooftop and making our way back to the classroom, we heard a shout and I heard Riku's voice too. Me and Chisato-san looked at each other and made our way to where Riku is and as we arrived we saw Riku on the floor and Tsurumaki-san on top of him while hugging him, Konpaku-san was panicking and the principal had her hand covering her mouth while giggling.
As I was about to ask Riku on what just happened, I took a look at Chisato-san and she is covered in a dark aura while having a smile that doesn't count as a smile, she went close to where Riku is and said....
Chisato: Riku...why is Kokoro-chan on top of you?
Riku: Well about that.....
Riku POV
A few minutes earlier
Me and Youmu are in Yuyuko-san's office eating our lunch, Yuyuko-san already finished hers when we only finished half of our lunches, now Yuyuko-san is eating the cake that I brought her in a fast pace.
As we finished our lunch, me and Yuyuko-san had a quick chat on what I've experienced over the past few years. Yuyuko-san was very happy that I've enjoyed my time as a musician.
After our short trip down memory lane, the three of us are walking along the hallway and Yuyuko-san starts to ask me on my first impression here.
Yuyuko: So, how's your first day here Riku-kun? Having a hard time with the girls?
Riku: It's going well so far Yuyuko-san, no need to worry about me. As for my classmates, we get along well so no problems so far.
Yuyuko-san just smiled that I am getting along with the rest of the class. I then asked Yuyuko-san regarding Youmu.
Riku: Yuyuko-san, about Youmu. Since she's gonna be my aide for the entire year, it means that she's gonna live with me in my home right?
Yuyuko-san turns around and faces me and answers my question while her eyes are closed.
Yuyuko: Exactly. She'll be with you 24/7 till you graduate, that means Youmu will be living in your place. If you're thinking that I will have a hard time without Youmu on my side, don't worry about it Riku-kun. I can handle things myself.
Hearing Yuyuko-san said that made me a little doubtful, I know she's capable and the head of the Saigyouji Family to boot, but she can be an absolute klutz in some occasions and a literal glutton which I am concerned that without Youmu stopping her, the pantry in the Saigyouji Mansion might be empty in just 2 weeks.
As I was about to say something, Youmu stepped up and said to Yuyuko-san.
Youmu: Are you sure about this Yuyuko-sama? I know the rest of the staff back home can handle things when I'm gone, but without me by your side....are you sure you're gonna be ok?
As Yuyuko-san heard Youmu's concern for her, Yuyuko-san just went to her and gently pats her head and said to her.
Yuyuko: Don't worry about me Youmu, It might be hard for me at first without you helping me most of the time, but I can do it, and I will try to resist okay. As long as Riku-kun gives me sweets every now and then, I'll be fine.
Youmu: Hmm...I'll trust you on this Yuyuko-sama, if I get word that things gone bad, I'll go back immediately. Is that okay for you Riku-dono?
Youmu asked me for permission to go to Yuyuko-san's side if things go bad on Yuyuko-san's side. I just nodded and gave her approval to go to her side if needed.
Riku: As for the sweets that you mentioned, I can only send some to you twice a month. You know my situation right?
Yuyuko-san just agreed in a defeated tone. I just patted her head to comfort her.
As I was patting Yuyuko-san, me and Youmu were hearing footsteps as if it was running or something. And as we looked where the sound is coming from, we saw a young girl with platinum blonde hair with round yellow eyes coming right at us.
The girl stopped for a moment and she took a moment to look at me, after that she sprinted at full speed coming at me. Before I could even react she was already near me and speared me to the floor and she said in a cheerful tone.
???: ONII-CHAN!!!!
Riku: Ugh!!
Youmu: R-Riku-dono!!
Yuyuko: Ara ara~
As I am currently on the floor right now I took a closer look at the girl who speared me like Roman Reigns...those eyes and that smile.....how could I not forget she's-
All of a sudden I felt a chill on my spine and there I saw Rinko looking at me worried and my other childhood friend Chisato with a murderous aura with a smile that can literally kill me.
Now back to the present
I spoke to the girl on top of me so I can explain them the situation before Chisato kills me.
Riku: Kokoro, can you get off of me for a moment? Don't worry, I won't run.
Kokoro: Okay, onii-chan!
Kokoro got off of me immediately and had Youmu helping me to get back up and I heard from those two.....
Rinko: O-O-Onii-chan!?!? What did Tsurumaki-san meant by that Riku!?
Chisato: Onii-chan...?
Riku: Get your mind out of the gutter you two. No way am I doing that to my cousin.
I see Rinko and Chisato's eyes went wide and they went quiet for a moment and said.
Rinko/Chisato: You and Tsurumaki-san/Kokoro-chan are cousins!?
Kokoro: Yup! My papa and onii-chan's father are cousins, so that makes us cousins as well!
(A/N: This is the same case to me as well, my father and my cousin's father are cousins as well so that makes us cousins so too....yeah)
Chisato: Principal, what Kokoro-chan said just now is true?
Yuyuko: Yes, Kokoro-chan and Riku-kun are cousins. I was there when those two are playing together when they were in kindergarten.
Riku: What she said is true. My dad and Kokoro's dad are cousins. And the reason she's calling me onii-chan, I've been treating this little ball of sunshine like my own little sister. And she treats me like the big brother that she never had.
I explained my relationship with Kokoro to them as I pat Kokoro's head.
Kokoro: Ehehehehe~ I miss your headpats onii-chan~
???: Kokoro!
We heard a voice coming from behind me. As I looked behind, I saw the light blue haired girl along with a girl with black hair and pale-gray eyes. It seems they know Kokoro.
Kokoro: Ah! Misaki! Kanon!
Misaki: Why did you suddenly ran on us like that!?
The girl named Misaki was asking Kokoro while panting a little; I'm already guessing that she became a victim to Kokoro's antics.
Kokoro: Well Kanon said that she's classmates with onii-chan, and when she said his name, I want to take a look if it is really him.
Misaki-san looked at me curiously to see if we're related and said quite bluntly.
Misaki: So you're the "onii-chan" that Kokoro has been talking about.....you don't look like Kokoro's onii-san, quite far from it.
Riku: That's because we're cousins. Kokoro calls me onii-chan because I treat her like my little sister.
Misaki-san just nodded and introduces herself.
Misaki: So that explains it. Oh, right. I'm Okusawa Misaki. I'm currently a 2nd year along with Kokoro and also one of her friends. Nice to meet you...umm...
Riku: Nagae Riku. You can call me Riku. I thank you for being Kokoro's friend and enduring all of the antics she makes.
Misaki said this to me in a tired tone.
Misaki: Well you kinda get used to it at some point. After joining Kokoro's band, things got more hectic and-
Riku: Kokoro. What Misaki-san said was true? You started a band?
Me discovering Kokoro made her own band shocked me. To think she really did what I said back then. And Kokoro answered me in a happy tone with a bright smile (too bright).
Kokoro: Hai! You said that if I want to make people smile is through music right? So I made a band to do just that onii-chan!
I just smiled at Kokoro's answer. I looked at my watch and looked at the time and....
Riku: I want to talk to you more Kokoro but.....take a look at the time.
I showed my watch and it's already 12:59. Just a minute before classes resume.
Yuyuko: Ok kids; let's continue this at another time. Time to go back to class or you'll be late.
As Yuyuko-san said this, Kokoro and Misaki-san said their goodbyes and went back to their class. Youmu already went ahead and left along with Yuyuko-san. As me, Rinko, Chisato and Kanon-san made our way back to our class.
Kanon-san tried to properly introduce herself but Chisato helped on introducing her and explained to me that Kanon is very shy of other people. So she's very similar to Rinko, and Chisato added that Kanon-san is the drummer in Kokoro's band which surprised me that a very shy little girl is a drummer.
When we entered the classroom we already see Sayo-san on her seat. We went to our seats and afternoon classes start.
Timeskip
Nagae Mansion
5:30 P.M.
It was two and a half hours after my first day of school. And all I can say, it was pretty eventful. Got reunited to two of my childhood friends, saw my cousin again and made new friends.....which all of them are female.
As I returned home along with Youmu while holding a big travel bag, we were welcomed by my grandfather and Ayabe and we talked about my first day in Hanasakigawa. My grandfather was happy that I get to experience a life of being a high school student, while Ayabe was instructing Youmu on what to do in this place while Ayabe is away.
I'm now in my room as i finished sorting some files that grandfather left for me, but it is all quite too easy as it ain't that much. Just as I was stretching my arms, I heard a knock on the door.
As the door opened I see Youmu coming into my room and she's wearing her signature dark green and white dress with several ghost insignias along the edges and breast pocket and a black ribbon placed off-center on her hair. While holding a tray of cookies and a cup of warm milk.
Youmu: Riku-dono. I've brought some snacks for you.
Riku: Thanks Youmu. Have you adjusted to how we do things here?
Youmu: Hai. Ayabe-dono has instructed me to every detail needed to assist you in your daily needs and I've already adapted to this place so no need to worry.
Riku: Ok then, keep up the good work and try to get some rest while you're at it. I don't want Yuyuko-san to come over here cause you collapse due to overwork, you got that?
Youmu just nodded and left my room. As I was about to grab some cookies, my phone rang and as I took my phone it was an upcoming call with the name "SirActionSlacks" on it.
I already know who is calling me. I answered it and put it on speaker so I can talk to him while I'm working.
Riku: Hello?
(A/N: dem bois are speakin' engrish in this call)
SirActionSlacks: Hello? Is this my favorite Japanese boy Iku?
Riku: Yes, it's me Slacks. It's been a while. How's the season going?
SirActionSlacks: It's been a while too Iku. As for the season, everyone is going ham this season. Ever since you guys retired, everyone wants to get a piece of OG.
Looks like that after the five of us left, the competition got a lot fiercer and now they want to run up the hands with the new OG.
Riku: Well the boys that we picked ain't gonna go down that easy. I took a look at their standings earlier; they're currently 2nd in their region.....not bad but it's just the middle of the tour so anything can happen. But....I know that you didn't call me just for that right? So what's the hold up?
Slacks knew that I ain't the type of person that likes to leave it hanging, so he briefed me on what he heard on his side.
SirActionSlacks: Well, word has it that Gabe is planning to expand the PBC. And he wants to expand it first in Japan, since that's the country that you were born and brought Japanese music to TI, he said that it's time for Japan to step into the spotlight. To make it official, he wants to have a sample on what Japan has to offer. Think you can do it?
I gave a moment of thought on what Slacks just said to me. And I just got an idea how.
Riku: The PBC wants to expand to Japan and they want a sample of it? Sure I can help with that.
SirActionSlacks: Thanks man, I appreciate the help. I'll tell Gabe of your answer later.
Riku: When does the expansion start?
SirActionSlacks: Probably after TI11.
After this year's TI....I've got time.
Riku: Ok then, talk to you next time Slacks.
SirActionSlacks: Alright then, bye now gotta go.
I ended the call and leaned back on my chair as I try to process everything that me and Slacks talked about.
After a few minutes I stood up from my chair and sighed as I look at the window.
Riku: Well this year gets even more interesting.
A/N: As you guys can see that this chapter is 3k words more...this is where some chapters word count increases....