Chapter 12: Tsukasa (Chronicles of Time)
It was a 'sunny day'; perfect weather for picnicking. They had prepared food in the morning after confirming with Yuu the weather agenda and asking him to use his almighty magic to see if the skies will continue to stay clear after facing terrible and fluctuant days where the rain either cascaded down the skies endlessly, or thunder ran rampant amongst the clouds. It was such unstable weather that even Yuu became annoyed and threatened to cut open the sky if it didn't behave itself.
“It’s great that it's warm today,” Natsumi said cheerfully, placing down the basket on top of the mat that the boys set down. She was glad to be able to wear the new dress she bought a couple of days ago at the mall, and finally found suitable conditions where she won’t be blown away by the ferocious winds, or get drenched by the messy rain.
They all cooperated and unpacked the food and sat back to enjoy the scenery. But in reality, they were really just in the backyard of their house with Yuu casting a dome over their heads and an image of a fake sun shining down at them. With his skills, he was able to moderate the temperature to suit the setting.
“I love how realistic and authentic this feels, but I also love how synthetic it feels as well,” Sora said, grabbing a cola from the cooler, “especially since we all know this is all Yuu’s doing and that there’s actually lightning and some strong wind accompanied by rain outside of this…shield?”
“Dome.” Yuu said. “Just say the word when you want me to release it and enjoy some fresh air and water and some natural view of the outside world. Believe me, it’s beautiful.”
“And believe me when I say that girls don’t look good when they’re wet.” Himari added. They all munched on their snacks and beverages and sighed simultaneously.
“Why can’t the weather turn back to normal already?” Natsumi whined and laid down. “I want to wear a yukata without getting wet! Christmas and New Years are coming up soon! Right now it feels like we’re eight months ahead and already reached Summer!”
“Yuu, can’t you do something about it?” Himari turned to him.
“It’s funny to see you guys complain though,” he replied.
“Says the person who was also complaining and getting pissed off the day before.” Natsumi scoffed.
“Well I think that it’s fine to stay at home and spend some time with my sweethea–”
“Don’t even finish that word.” Natsumi warned him. “Don’t you remember the agreement we had?”
“What agree–? Oh! Well you made it up on your own accord, I didn’t say I’ll follow it.”
“You liar!”
He dodged her hand. “I never promised.”
***
She peeked into the hallway to confirm that he’s gone, then turned back to the boy who stood behind her.
“What are you looking at?” He glanced in the direction that she was facing before. “What’s with that smile?”
She had a smug look on her face and snickered. “You just dragged yourself into a big problem!”
“What? How?”
“By flaunting your presence in front of Sora! You know, it would’ve been better if you came out as a child. Besides, how did you suddenly grow taller?”
“I already told you–”
“Oh right! You’re a magician.” She interrupted. “Anyways, since you’re here, let’s establish some rules so such a situation never occurs again.”
She sat down on the couch while he sat on the floor. She had to tear her eyes away from his body and clear her throat to get back to topic. It was just too alluring. “Okay, so first of all, the most important thing is Sora not finding out that we’re actually engaged. His eyes will drop and roll on the ground, and his jaw will sink to the Earth’s core. Your ears will also be blown away by his shock. So I suggest you keep quiet about that.”
He scoffed with doubt. “He can’t be that bad.”
“Oh, you don’t know how bad he can be! Anyways, second rule: no touchy-touchy. I haven’t–and probably won’t ever will–fully believe that you’re my fiancee yet. So don’t act like one unless I need you to.”
“No problems on that.” He took a pillow from the seat next to her and embraced it.
“Next, number three. Don’t dig through my personal stuff–it’s off-limits unless I ask you to fetch something for me.”
“I won’t even fetch it for you if you ask me to,” he assured her. It annoyed her for some reason but she shrugged it off.
“Fine. Whatever. Then the next rule is…”
***
‘Master, when will I be able to introduce myself to the miss?’ She looked at him with hope. ‘Hm?’
He flipped through the old mangled book with crusted pages about to rip off. Photos and small glowing particles flew off of it each time he slightly brushed it or blew on it.
‘...master?’
“Shut up,” he growled. “I’m trying to find something.”
She clamped her mouth shut and took a seat on top of one of the shelves. She played with the edges of her skirt and frowned. All she could do ever since she got out of the tower was just to stay hidden and remain in the same room.
“Alright,” he shut the book. “Do you know crafting magic?”
She nodded eagerly. ‘Y-yes, master!’
“I need you to craft a pendant for me.” He said and gestured to her to come. He pointed to what he wanted her to see and turned to her who hovered above his shoulder and next to his cheek. “Can you make this?”
‘Of course, master! Leave it to this humble servant!’ She said with pride, a fist clenched over her heart.
“Make it fit to contain an Okami's soul,” he instructed her. “It has to be ready…soon.”
***
“Recently, it’s become so dull,” Himari said, tapping her pen on her textbook. “Don’t you think that we…lack some spice in life?”
“Hm?” She slowly looked up from her paper and tilted her head. “What are you talking about? We’re pretty busy. It’s getting colder too. The holidays are coming up as well so we have to plan for that.”
She shook her head. “No! No! That’s not what I meant. I mean romance.”
“Ohh…” Natsumi’s expression turned blank. “I see…sorry, I can’t be of any help with that. You have anyone you’re interested in?”
“No…” she looked away. The hazy expression gave away that something was off when she looked closely at her friend.
She exclaimed and gasped at the same time. “You do!”
“Not!”
“Who is it?”
She looked around then waved her hand to come closer. “You know Tsukasa-kun?”
“Yeah?”
“H-he’s…nice.”
Natsumi’s heart couldn’t help but feel elated for some reason. Knowing now that Himari didn’t have any interest in Yuu, one of her worries was eliminated. Wait. That wasn’t right. She shook her head mentally and waved that thought away. Natsumi elbowed Himari and snickered, “Oh, ho? So you’re interested in those types of boys, huh?”
Himari blushed. “B-be quiet!”
But her gaze kept wandering off and landing on the red-haired boy a few rows in front of her. He looked...amazing. He was kind too! Very. There was not a moment where he hesitated to help others and his shy side was cute too. It was just that…
She sighed then refocused herself back onto her task.
‘Forget it.’
“What are you thinking about?” Yuu poked her. “You look depressed and it's ugly.”
‘And of course, the world just has to have douchebags like him as well!’
“Nothing you need to know.” She snapped at him with a glare. “Jeez, can’t you be more considerate? Of course, I’m sure that everything is going smoothly in your life right now. With your looks you can get every girl you ever want.”
“Maybe not every.” He muttered underneath his breath.
“What?”
“Nothing. So it’s just boy troubles?”
“Yeah. You really interested in this?”
He shrugged. “I mean, I’ll listen if you want me to. I’m good at keeping secrets.”
“Maybe another time. Not when this period is about to end.”
The sky was dark when they arrived at home. They were starving and cold, and looked at their books with weary eyes–besides Yuu and Akira.
“Delivery?” Himari asked.
“Yes, please!” They all replied in unison.
“You sure you don’t want me to summon up a meal?” Yuu asked.
“No,” Natsumi rejected. “Not when the last time you did that we got something you wanted and it didn’t suit our tastes at all.”
“Seriously! Who eats a matcha sweet roll and ice cream for dinner?” Himari said while dialing a number into her keypad. “Hello? Oh yes, can I have a medium-sized…”
She left the room while speaking into her phone in the direction of the kitchen. Then she returned to them carrying a tray of drinks. They all grabbed a cup and sipped while exchanging words about their day and annoyances they encountered (mostly about the monotone lectures they received). It didn’t take long for their delivery to arrive.
The doorbell rang and Himari rushed to answer. She opened the door clumsily and stared at the box of pizza in the delivery man’s hands. She handed him the payment in one hand–with tip–while taking the food from him in another.
“Thank you for your hard work,” she bowed, still not looking up. Her hands moved to close the door but froze.
“...Aikawa-san?”
She flinched at the mention of her name and their eyes met. “...Tsukasa-kun?”
“It is you!” He laughed. “This is where you live?”
“Oh, no–”
“What’s taking so long?” Behind them stood the others who glanced back and forth between the two.
“Uh…did we interrupt?” Sora scratched his cheek.
“Tsukasa-kun? What are you doing here?” Natsumi removed Yuu’s arm from her shoulder and peeked behind Himari. Akira quickly patted his tail and ears away. Yuu swaggered up and took the pizza box from her hands while scooting Natsumi away, earning himself a slap.
He looked at their close interaction and cleared his throat. “I-I didn’t know you all lived together.”
“We didn’t know you had a part-time job too.” Natsumi said, checking out his outfit. “Aren’t part-time jobs not allowed at our school?”
“Ah…about that…” he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. “Um…can you guys keep it a secret? I know I’m not abiding by the school’s rules but…”
“Of course! We’ll keep quiet about it. Right, guys?” Himari gave the others a death stare. They all nodded quickly. “See? Your secret is safe with us.”
“Thank you so much!” He said with gratitude.
“But will you be alright?” She asked him. “I heard that there will be strong wind and rain very soon?”
“Really? But it didn’t say that on the forecast today.” He straightened his cap, confused.
“Yuu said it will, right, Yuu?” It was as if they could read each other’s minds. He nodded in response and gave her a smile.
“Yes, I heard it will be very strong tonight. Possibly in a few minutes.” He added and sneaked in a wink.
“Why don’t you come in?” Natsumi suggested, nodding towards the inside of her house. “Is your shift almost over?”
“Ah! I can’t trouble you with that.” He shook his head. “It’s fine.”
“Oh, no,” Himari pushed him in. “We insist.”
“Then…I’ll talk to the manager.” He pulled out his phone. “I’ll also have to move the scooter. Give me a minute, please. I’ll join you in a second.”
After he did what he had to do and received confirmation and permission to end his shift early, they all settled him in and treated him with hospitality. They talked and laughed and got to know each other better. The more immersed they were into the conversation the more they found out that they had many things in common. Akira watched quietly and only answered in a few words when asked questions, otherwise, he was being fed by Natsumi who cut up his pizza into tiny slices.
“I think you should stay the night.” Himari said to Tsukasa while eyeing Yuu. He gave her a thumbs up secretly then returned back to his meal.
“Oh, I can’t possibly do that.” He refused politely. “I’ve already brought you all trouble enough. I’m sure the weather can’t be too bad right now.”
“I don’t know…it is pretty late.” She said back. He got up from his seat and dusted himself off.
“I will be fine. Thank you for your concern though Aikawa-sa–I mean, A-Aikawa.” He stammered while taking up his cap and his jacket. “Sorry, I’m just not used to addressing you so casually yet.”
“That’s fine! It takes time.” She guided him to the door while the rest sniggered at their interactions and cleaned their mess. He nodded thanks then turned the doorknob. Gusts of wind blew his hair up and violent rain pelted him the moment he looked out. He quickly closed the door, stunned. “Wow! It seems really bad out there. Would you like to stay the night?”
“...s-sorry to trouble you all even more.” He bowed apologetically.
She smiled inwardly. “No, no! It’s no problem! No problem at all! We house a bunch of people all the time with no charge! Take Yuu for example!”
“Hey!” They heard him shout.
“Who’s ‘we’?” Natsumi raised an eyebrow. “Mind you, it’s you all who keep on coming –not me who keeps on welcoming–” she glowered at her, “b-but of course you’re welcome to stay!”
“See?” She smiled. “We have a guest room for you. N-not that it was specifically left for you, but it’s just for any guest who stops by, of course!”
“T-then, thank you so much.” He beamed.
“O-of course!” She stuttered. A hole was blown through her heart from seeing his angelic smile. “W-we’re f-friends now after all!”