Title: Losing Everything
Author: Öshi (me!)
Genre: Romance/Slight Humor/Fantasy/Tragedy/Angst
I always knew I was different. From the day I was born, I knew. People at school call me 'the girl from nowhere'. I guess their right though. My mom just ran off when I was two and I have no relatives at all. It's just me and my dad in our small Tokyo apartment. It's strange really, there's no evidence I was even born. Maybe that's just a coincidence. My dad may have lost my birth certificate or something. He isn't the most organized person.
Aside from not having a family; bad things always happen to me. People say I'm cursed but I say I'm naturally clumsy. It's true! I can't walk to school without tripping over a rock or dropping my books. I suppose the day where things fell when I walked by them might be a bit creepy but other than that, I'm pretty normal! Honestly!
I've got the best friend in the whole world and the best neighbor. My best friend, Mara, has always been there for me. I can't remember the last time she ditched me to be with someone else. Hell, she gave up a date with the most gorgeous guy in the school (okay, maybe he wasn't as gorgeous as my neighbor Kenichi Hiroto…*dies*) just to help me with my science project. (I suck at science //.-) As for Kenichi-senpai, I don't know as much about him as I would like to. I know that his parent's died when he was little and he moved into the apartment next to us to live with his uncle. His uncle was an alcoholic and died in a car crash two years ago. Kenichi-senpai is three years older than me and he's really nice. Whenever my dad went on a business trip, Kenichi-senpai would always take care of me.
My dad is great too. Everybody in school knows about him because he can bit a bit weird, but I love him to death. He works his hardest to make me happy because he said since he scared my mother away he wanted my life to be perfect. Nobody's life is perfect but I think I've got it pretty good, despite what my fellow classmates say. Speaking of class, I've better go to school, our finals are coming up next week and I don't want to disappoint dad!
Grabbing my bag, I called good-bye to my dad who waved from his place at the stove; I slipped on my shoes and slammed the door behind me. Mara was waiting for me at the corner where our favorite ramen shop was and from there we walked to school. It's an everyday thing.
Mara is really tall (compared to me) about 5' 7" and weighs about 110 she's pretty; really pretty. Her dark brown hair is always set up in a bun with small curls framing her perfect face. Now, she isn't a Mary-Sue, but she is so close to perfect it scary. She has large green eyes and she never wears any type of makeup (sigh, sometimes I get jealous. I think I've gone through three tubes of lipstick in one week). Anyway, being tall and slender is something that adds to her general beauty. I don't know how to describe her without sounding…weird. I don't know! She's my best friend!
Kenichi-senpai is a completely different story. I could talk about him forever. He's taller than me (but who isn't) at about 6' 1". Don't worry though; we'll get over the height difference. His black hair is always messed up and sometimes I just want to take a brush to it but somehow I restrain myself. The killer thing about him though is his narrow amber eyes. Intimidating? A little bit. However, maybe it's the fact that I've known him almost my whole life that it don't seem to be bothered by them. In fact, I wish more guys had narrow amber eyes! Unfortunately, his great looks and killer personality has earned him title of most popular guy in school. What are a neighbor's chances?
As for me, I'm the runt. I'm 5 feet tall exactly. I weigh 87 pounds and sometimes people ask me if I'm eating correctly. (Nobody ever asks Mara that! Poo…) I never do anything special with my hair. It's black, like the majority of Japan's population and my eyes are dark brown. Wow, I'm so different. (-- sarcasm) However, I need glasses so I use contacts to change the color of my eyes depending on my mood. Currently, they're violet.
Well, that's it for my explanation of people. Read.?
Just as we approached an intersection, I could feel Mara cling to my shoulder.
"What's up?" I asked as I pressed the little button on the street light so we could cross the street.
"Do you have any idea who's following us to school?" she practically squeaked.
I turned my head and waved. It was only Kenichi-senpai. "Kenichi-senpai," I replied, "What's wrong with that?"
She squeaked and turned me around so I looked up at her. "Exactly! Kenichi-senpai! Haven't you noticed he follows you like…everywhere! He's like your puppy. You have got him wrapped around your finger! All you have to do is say the word Ichi-chan! Just tell him you love him and he's all yours…"
I sighed, not only because she always gets like this when she sees him but because she called me 'Ichi-chan'. I prefer being called by my whole name, Ichigo, even though I still can't figure out why my dad named me after a strawberry.
"You know Mara, the only reason he follows me everywhere is because he promised my dad he'd look after me when he wasn't around. You know that."
She let her bottom lip stick out in a pout. "Yeah I know…I just want some romance between you two already!"
I let out a small giggle. "He's three years older than me and he's got girls swarming around him constantly. What are the chances, huh?" The light on the other side of the street showed a little green person and we crossed. "Besides," I continued, "It's not exactly like I'm…how would you say…?" I looked down at my chest, "high quality."
She smacked me lightly and laughed. "You're right. You're flat as a board. But I still think there are other reasons for him following you. Maybe he's your stalker."
I narrowed my eyes. "A stalker. Mara, you read too many books."
As we entered the school grounds, Kenichi-senpai went off to his class, 2-D (followed closely by his ecstatic fan club whom he usually ignores) and we went to ours, 1-B. Throughout the entire class, Mara threw little pieces of paper at me all decorated with hearts. I turned around and smacked her on the head. She let out a yelp and our teacher eyed me suspiciously.
"Miss Chizuru? Do I have to call your father?"
The class snickered and I sent death glares around the room. "No sir."
"Don't bother," one girl, Hikaru, said languidly, "He father may forget to pick up the phone anyway. Everyone knows how careless he is."
I carefully balled my hands into fists. A good kick in the face would do her some good. "My father doesn't forget things that simple. He's just got a lot on his mind that's all."
"Of course he does," she said sweetly, "I would too if I had to wrack my brain just to remember my own name."
By now, I was standing up, towering over her desk. I was lucky she was sitting down because otherwise, I wouldn't be towering. "Leave my father alone."
"What are you going to do about it? Get your precious Kenichi-senpai after me? Oh I do say, he wouldn't hurt a fly. He may be the best looking guy in school but trust me, if he had his picks, I'm sure he would pick someone more…how should I put it? I don't want to offend you but sometimes I can't help but be blunt."
"One word about my chest and I'll kill you," I threatened. It wasn't my fault I wasn't as busty as the rest of the girls in school.
She laughed slightly, "No, I was going for the traditional overall prettier insult."
I unclenched my fists. "I may not be gorgeous Hikaru, but sometimes I'm thankful for that. You see, since I'm not as pretty as you are, I'll fall in love once and know exactly who the father of my children is." I told her calmly. Mara giggled in the background. "Good one Ichi."
Hikaru stood up at full height. "I know who the father of my child is!" she screamed. Everyone froze.
"You really are pregnant? Why am I not surprised?"
She grabbed me by one of my braids and pulled hard. I swear she could have ripped them off if she wanted to. Sometimes I just don't know when to keep my mouth shut.
"That's enough!" our teacher bellowed. "Hikaru, Ichigo, get back in your seats this instant!"
She let go of my hair and I sat back down. "I'm sorry sir," I apologized.
Once everything was calm again, I could tell that Hikaru was devising a plan to ruin my life. Then again, most people try to do that. I guess they want to test just how far I can go. I can't say I've never gotten into a fight because I have. I just can't take it when anyone insults my dad. He's the most important thing in my whole life. Sure he's forgetful but he's got a lot to deal with.
"Now," the teacher continued with our English lesson, "Who can tell me how the English word 'accident' can be used?" Hikaru raised her hand. "Yes?"
"Accident Child," she said smartly, "Ichigo is a prime example."
I'm sorry, I couldn't take it anymore. I don't quite remember exactly what happened but the next thing I knew, Hikaru's blood was covering my knuckles and I was sitting in the principal's office. Kenichi-senpai came in a few minutes later and shook his head.
"Ichigo, I told you, if anyone bothers you, let me know. I'll take care of them."
For some reason, this angered me. "You know what Kenichi Hiroto! (no respect there) I'm not a little kid anymore! I'm fifteen and I can take care of myself!"
Of course, with my temper, I just stormed out of the office and headed home. I slammed the door to my room and dad poked his head in a few minutes later. "Home early?"
I sighed, tossing a book across the room and out the window. I wonder if I'll need that in the future. "No. I got suspended."
His brow furrowed as he saw the book fly. "Ah, Ichigo, you've really got to stop fighting."
I snorted. "You say that like I do it constantly. Hey, why are you home? Aren't you supposed to be at work?"
He lowered his eyes. "Boss says he won't need me for a while."
My eyes narrowed dangerously. "He fired you again. That BASTARD!"
"Ichigo, please watch your language."
"Sorry."
We sat in silence for a while, him probably pondering what he was going to do now that he was once again jobless and me wondering how to pulverize the asshole that seemed to enjoy using my dad as a yo-yo.
"That's it," I announced, "I'm getting a job."
"No, you're not. It's too dangerous out there for you."
I growled. "What is it with you and Kenichi-senpai? You're always worried about me being safe. I'll be fine on my own, don't worry about me. You just concentrate on getting another job."
"Ichigo you don't have to--"
"Yes I do. Who knows when you'll find another job? We need money to stay here and I don't want to move. I like it here, you like it here. We're all happy."
After getting my lunch together, I grabbed my purse from my bedrail and headed into the city. On my way down the stairs of the apartment balconies, I bumped into Kenichi-senpai and lowered my eyes to him.
"Uhhh…about this morning--"
I felt him put a hand on my shoulder and I looked up at him smiling at me. "Don't worry about it. It was the first time you actually called me by my name. I'm proud of you. However, Just call me Hiroto. You really don't need to include my last name."
"But--"
He ruffled my hair up a bit and walked by me. "Say it with me Ichigo. Hiroto…Hi…ro…to…"
"Alright Kenichi-senpai."
Even though he was behind me I could almost feel him flinch. I giggled and hopped down the rest of the stairs. My feet reached the concrete and I looked up at the door to Kenichi-senpai's apartment. "Hiroto…"
"Yes?"
I screamed and jumped at least twenty miles into the air. Turning around in panic I screamed again. There he was, standing behind me.
"B-but…you were up there!" I exaggerated, thrusting my arms towards the apartments.
"Awww, I'm sorry your brain can't handle the concept of stalking." He said as if talking to a puppy as he reached a hand to ruffle my hair again.
I swatted his hand away. "That was just plain rude."
He smiled and leaned back against a wall. "So where are you going?"
"Why do you want to know?" I asked, a sly smile playing across my features.
"A stalker always wants to know."
"If you say you're my stalker, shouldn't you be a bit more secretive?"
He walked over to me and threw half of my body over his shoulder like a bag of potatoes. "There are plenty of things we can do in secret, my dear," he said.
I knew he was only joking with me so I slapped his back lightly and laughed. "Okay, okay, I'm going to get a job. And where did you get the stalker idea?"
He set me down and we walked towards the center of the city together. "I over heard you and Mara talking this morning," he replied, "A job, huh? Why do you want a job? It's so much work."
"I want to help out dad. He lost his job again."
"Oh, I'm sorry about that. Hey you know what though? I heard one of the local taxi services is in need of more drivers. Perhaps--"
"A taxi?! I've always wanted to drive a taxi!"
He laughed and waved to one of his school buddies who just so happened to be walking by. "Not you, you don't even have your license yet."
"Oh yeah," I pouted.
"Hey, before you start job searching, wanna get a bite to eat?"
I looked at him strangely. He hadn't offered to take me anywhere since I was nine.
"I just ate." I told him.
"Me too. I was thinking more along the lines of ice cream or something."
"No thanks," I told him, not wanting to take advantage of his offer. It's not like I saw it as a charity since he was just a nice person but I really didn't want to be in debt to anyone at the moment.
"Don't say that; I know you want some…chocolate…" he coaxed, trying to get me to take him up on the offer.
"No."
"Too bad…I guess I'm going to have to let it melt…"
"You wouldn't."
"Oh I would."
I raised an eyebrow. "You would buy chocolate ice cream and just let it melt to make me feel bad?"
"Not to make you feel bad Ichigo, to show you what you were missing out on."
I rubbed my hands together. "Alright, where're we going?"
He grinned. "I knew you'd give in eventually. Umm, how about Kira's?"
"Best ice cream in Tokyo."
We sat down and a waiter gave us a menu. He was about Kenichi-senpai's age and he winked at me. Kenichi-senpai shot him a dirty look and the boy held up his hands apologetically.
"Sorry man, didn't know she was your girl."
I sunk low in my seat. "I'm not his girl…" I mumbled.
Our ice cream arrived and I dug in almost greedily. He laughed again and flicked some whipped cream at me. I rolled up a piece of a straw wrapper and shot it out of my straw. He shot one back at me and job search forgotten, we had an all out straw fight.
After we paid the bill, we went back to the apartments but not before I tripped and fell up the stairs (habit). I reached my hand out to open the door of my apartment but he stopped me by grabbing one of my wrists.
"Hey," I protested.
"I won't keep you long," he told me, letting go of my arm, "but today…I realized that you aren't a little girl anymore."
I could feel myself blushing, I really could. I just knew he was going to give a 'hormone' talk like my dad did (even if it was awkward) when I got my uhh…first visitor a few years back.
"And," I could see him shifting nervously through my bangs. I had lowered my head to hide my blush. "I really don't know how to tell you this Ichigo."
"Just say it," I mumbled.
There was a moment of silence and I looked up. He stood there with his head bowed. "I don't think I could."
I sighed irritably and put one hand on my hip. "I have to get started on dinner you know. It's my turn."
He stood up straight and put his hands on my waist. I glanced down suspiciously but he didn't so anything further. Apparently the height difference was bothering him.
"How am I supposed to do this?" he wondered out loud.
"I would tell you," I offered, "If I knew what you were trying to do."
His hands trailed down to the back of my thighs and that just freaked me out. From there, he began to lift me up and I reached up to wrap my arms around his neck in case I fell. Instinctively, I also wrapped my legs around his back so I wouldn't fall. (hey, I've got a fear of falling).
"Much better," he said, now that we were at eye level. I didn't see how it was better though. I was hanging on him like a monkey clinging to its mother.
I smiled weakly, still a little nervous considering I never did have any previous boy experience. He took a few steps forward so that my back was resting against the wall of the building and he pressed his palms against it too for support.
"T-this is really weird…" I said, my voice shaking.
He leaned his head forward to rest it against my own. "That's only because you have no previous experience," he breathed into my ear. I stiffened slightly. Yeah this was really freaking me out.
I think he felt me freeze because he pulled away slightly to look me in the eye. "What's wrong?" he asked, noticing that I was shaking slightly.
"I have no idea what's going on," I said truthfully.
He blinked. "Talk about naïve! You never had any of those you know, 'girl talks' with Mara?"
I shook my head dumbly.
"I'm sorry then."
"Sorry for what?"
"Going so slow. I should have just done it right away."
"Done wha--"
I never got a chance to finish my question because the next thing I knew, I had my lips locked with the man of my dreams. I couldn't believe it. I couldn't say it was anything passionate (not like I had done it enough times to know passionate) but it was just a chaste kiss. I have my dad to thank for that.
The door of my apartment flew open and our moment was ruined as my dad stepped out. "Ichi? That you?"
Both Kenichi-senpai and I were frozen in fear. Of course, I was frozen in fear being pinned up against a wall by a boy- no a man three years older than me who used to have my father's full trust. It didn't help that I was seemingly clinging to him for dear life. Kenichi-senpai's situation wasn't any better. Here he was, staring a man in the face while he had his daughter plastered to the wall. Yeah, I guess you could say we were pretty much screwed.
Author: Öshi (me!)
Genre: Romance/Slight Humor/Fantasy/Tragedy/Angst
I always knew I was different. From the day I was born, I knew. People at school call me 'the girl from nowhere'. I guess their right though. My mom just ran off when I was two and I have no relatives at all. It's just me and my dad in our small Tokyo apartment. It's strange really, there's no evidence I was even born. Maybe that's just a coincidence. My dad may have lost my birth certificate or something. He isn't the most organized person.
Aside from not having a family; bad things always happen to me. People say I'm cursed but I say I'm naturally clumsy. It's true! I can't walk to school without tripping over a rock or dropping my books. I suppose the day where things fell when I walked by them might be a bit creepy but other than that, I'm pretty normal! Honestly!
I've got the best friend in the whole world and the best neighbor. My best friend, Mara, has always been there for me. I can't remember the last time she ditched me to be with someone else. Hell, she gave up a date with the most gorgeous guy in the school (okay, maybe he wasn't as gorgeous as my neighbor Kenichi Hiroto…*dies*) just to help me with my science project. (I suck at science //.-) As for Kenichi-senpai, I don't know as much about him as I would like to. I know that his parent's died when he was little and he moved into the apartment next to us to live with his uncle. His uncle was an alcoholic and died in a car crash two years ago. Kenichi-senpai is three years older than me and he's really nice. Whenever my dad went on a business trip, Kenichi-senpai would always take care of me.
My dad is great too. Everybody in school knows about him because he can bit a bit weird, but I love him to death. He works his hardest to make me happy because he said since he scared my mother away he wanted my life to be perfect. Nobody's life is perfect but I think I've got it pretty good, despite what my fellow classmates say. Speaking of class, I've better go to school, our finals are coming up next week and I don't want to disappoint dad!
Grabbing my bag, I called good-bye to my dad who waved from his place at the stove; I slipped on my shoes and slammed the door behind me. Mara was waiting for me at the corner where our favorite ramen shop was and from there we walked to school. It's an everyday thing.
Mara is really tall (compared to me) about 5' 7" and weighs about 110 she's pretty; really pretty. Her dark brown hair is always set up in a bun with small curls framing her perfect face. Now, she isn't a Mary-Sue, but she is so close to perfect it scary. She has large green eyes and she never wears any type of makeup (sigh, sometimes I get jealous. I think I've gone through three tubes of lipstick in one week). Anyway, being tall and slender is something that adds to her general beauty. I don't know how to describe her without sounding…weird. I don't know! She's my best friend!
Kenichi-senpai is a completely different story. I could talk about him forever. He's taller than me (but who isn't) at about 6' 1". Don't worry though; we'll get over the height difference. His black hair is always messed up and sometimes I just want to take a brush to it but somehow I restrain myself. The killer thing about him though is his narrow amber eyes. Intimidating? A little bit. However, maybe it's the fact that I've known him almost my whole life that it don't seem to be bothered by them. In fact, I wish more guys had narrow amber eyes! Unfortunately, his great looks and killer personality has earned him title of most popular guy in school. What are a neighbor's chances?
As for me, I'm the runt. I'm 5 feet tall exactly. I weigh 87 pounds and sometimes people ask me if I'm eating correctly. (Nobody ever asks Mara that! Poo…) I never do anything special with my hair. It's black, like the majority of Japan's population and my eyes are dark brown. Wow, I'm so different. (-- sarcasm) However, I need glasses so I use contacts to change the color of my eyes depending on my mood. Currently, they're violet.
Well, that's it for my explanation of people. Read.?
Just as we approached an intersection, I could feel Mara cling to my shoulder.
"What's up?" I asked as I pressed the little button on the street light so we could cross the street.
"Do you have any idea who's following us to school?" she practically squeaked.
I turned my head and waved. It was only Kenichi-senpai. "Kenichi-senpai," I replied, "What's wrong with that?"
She squeaked and turned me around so I looked up at her. "Exactly! Kenichi-senpai! Haven't you noticed he follows you like…everywhere! He's like your puppy. You have got him wrapped around your finger! All you have to do is say the word Ichi-chan! Just tell him you love him and he's all yours…"
I sighed, not only because she always gets like this when she sees him but because she called me 'Ichi-chan'. I prefer being called by my whole name, Ichigo, even though I still can't figure out why my dad named me after a strawberry.
"You know Mara, the only reason he follows me everywhere is because he promised my dad he'd look after me when he wasn't around. You know that."
She let her bottom lip stick out in a pout. "Yeah I know…I just want some romance between you two already!"
I let out a small giggle. "He's three years older than me and he's got girls swarming around him constantly. What are the chances, huh?" The light on the other side of the street showed a little green person and we crossed. "Besides," I continued, "It's not exactly like I'm…how would you say…?" I looked down at my chest, "high quality."
She smacked me lightly and laughed. "You're right. You're flat as a board. But I still think there are other reasons for him following you. Maybe he's your stalker."
I narrowed my eyes. "A stalker. Mara, you read too many books."
As we entered the school grounds, Kenichi-senpai went off to his class, 2-D (followed closely by his ecstatic fan club whom he usually ignores) and we went to ours, 1-B. Throughout the entire class, Mara threw little pieces of paper at me all decorated with hearts. I turned around and smacked her on the head. She let out a yelp and our teacher eyed me suspiciously.
"Miss Chizuru? Do I have to call your father?"
The class snickered and I sent death glares around the room. "No sir."
"Don't bother," one girl, Hikaru, said languidly, "He father may forget to pick up the phone anyway. Everyone knows how careless he is."
I carefully balled my hands into fists. A good kick in the face would do her some good. "My father doesn't forget things that simple. He's just got a lot on his mind that's all."
"Of course he does," she said sweetly, "I would too if I had to wrack my brain just to remember my own name."
By now, I was standing up, towering over her desk. I was lucky she was sitting down because otherwise, I wouldn't be towering. "Leave my father alone."
"What are you going to do about it? Get your precious Kenichi-senpai after me? Oh I do say, he wouldn't hurt a fly. He may be the best looking guy in school but trust me, if he had his picks, I'm sure he would pick someone more…how should I put it? I don't want to offend you but sometimes I can't help but be blunt."
"One word about my chest and I'll kill you," I threatened. It wasn't my fault I wasn't as busty as the rest of the girls in school.
She laughed slightly, "No, I was going for the traditional overall prettier insult."
I unclenched my fists. "I may not be gorgeous Hikaru, but sometimes I'm thankful for that. You see, since I'm not as pretty as you are, I'll fall in love once and know exactly who the father of my children is." I told her calmly. Mara giggled in the background. "Good one Ichi."
Hikaru stood up at full height. "I know who the father of my child is!" she screamed. Everyone froze.
"You really are pregnant? Why am I not surprised?"
She grabbed me by one of my braids and pulled hard. I swear she could have ripped them off if she wanted to. Sometimes I just don't know when to keep my mouth shut.
"That's enough!" our teacher bellowed. "Hikaru, Ichigo, get back in your seats this instant!"
She let go of my hair and I sat back down. "I'm sorry sir," I apologized.
Once everything was calm again, I could tell that Hikaru was devising a plan to ruin my life. Then again, most people try to do that. I guess they want to test just how far I can go. I can't say I've never gotten into a fight because I have. I just can't take it when anyone insults my dad. He's the most important thing in my whole life. Sure he's forgetful but he's got a lot to deal with.
"Now," the teacher continued with our English lesson, "Who can tell me how the English word 'accident' can be used?" Hikaru raised her hand. "Yes?"
"Accident Child," she said smartly, "Ichigo is a prime example."
I'm sorry, I couldn't take it anymore. I don't quite remember exactly what happened but the next thing I knew, Hikaru's blood was covering my knuckles and I was sitting in the principal's office. Kenichi-senpai came in a few minutes later and shook his head.
"Ichigo, I told you, if anyone bothers you, let me know. I'll take care of them."
For some reason, this angered me. "You know what Kenichi Hiroto! (no respect there) I'm not a little kid anymore! I'm fifteen and I can take care of myself!"
Of course, with my temper, I just stormed out of the office and headed home. I slammed the door to my room and dad poked his head in a few minutes later. "Home early?"
I sighed, tossing a book across the room and out the window. I wonder if I'll need that in the future. "No. I got suspended."
His brow furrowed as he saw the book fly. "Ah, Ichigo, you've really got to stop fighting."
I snorted. "You say that like I do it constantly. Hey, why are you home? Aren't you supposed to be at work?"
He lowered his eyes. "Boss says he won't need me for a while."
My eyes narrowed dangerously. "He fired you again. That BASTARD!"
"Ichigo, please watch your language."
"Sorry."
We sat in silence for a while, him probably pondering what he was going to do now that he was once again jobless and me wondering how to pulverize the asshole that seemed to enjoy using my dad as a yo-yo.
"That's it," I announced, "I'm getting a job."
"No, you're not. It's too dangerous out there for you."
I growled. "What is it with you and Kenichi-senpai? You're always worried about me being safe. I'll be fine on my own, don't worry about me. You just concentrate on getting another job."
"Ichigo you don't have to--"
"Yes I do. Who knows when you'll find another job? We need money to stay here and I don't want to move. I like it here, you like it here. We're all happy."
After getting my lunch together, I grabbed my purse from my bedrail and headed into the city. On my way down the stairs of the apartment balconies, I bumped into Kenichi-senpai and lowered my eyes to him.
"Uhhh…about this morning--"
I felt him put a hand on my shoulder and I looked up at him smiling at me. "Don't worry about it. It was the first time you actually called me by my name. I'm proud of you. However, Just call me Hiroto. You really don't need to include my last name."
"But--"
He ruffled my hair up a bit and walked by me. "Say it with me Ichigo. Hiroto…Hi…ro…to…"
"Alright Kenichi-senpai."
Even though he was behind me I could almost feel him flinch. I giggled and hopped down the rest of the stairs. My feet reached the concrete and I looked up at the door to Kenichi-senpai's apartment. "Hiroto…"
"Yes?"
I screamed and jumped at least twenty miles into the air. Turning around in panic I screamed again. There he was, standing behind me.
"B-but…you were up there!" I exaggerated, thrusting my arms towards the apartments.
"Awww, I'm sorry your brain can't handle the concept of stalking." He said as if talking to a puppy as he reached a hand to ruffle my hair again.
I swatted his hand away. "That was just plain rude."
He smiled and leaned back against a wall. "So where are you going?"
"Why do you want to know?" I asked, a sly smile playing across my features.
"A stalker always wants to know."
"If you say you're my stalker, shouldn't you be a bit more secretive?"
He walked over to me and threw half of my body over his shoulder like a bag of potatoes. "There are plenty of things we can do in secret, my dear," he said.
I knew he was only joking with me so I slapped his back lightly and laughed. "Okay, okay, I'm going to get a job. And where did you get the stalker idea?"
He set me down and we walked towards the center of the city together. "I over heard you and Mara talking this morning," he replied, "A job, huh? Why do you want a job? It's so much work."
"I want to help out dad. He lost his job again."
"Oh, I'm sorry about that. Hey you know what though? I heard one of the local taxi services is in need of more drivers. Perhaps--"
"A taxi?! I've always wanted to drive a taxi!"
He laughed and waved to one of his school buddies who just so happened to be walking by. "Not you, you don't even have your license yet."
"Oh yeah," I pouted.
"Hey, before you start job searching, wanna get a bite to eat?"
I looked at him strangely. He hadn't offered to take me anywhere since I was nine.
"I just ate." I told him.
"Me too. I was thinking more along the lines of ice cream or something."
"No thanks," I told him, not wanting to take advantage of his offer. It's not like I saw it as a charity since he was just a nice person but I really didn't want to be in debt to anyone at the moment.
"Don't say that; I know you want some…chocolate…" he coaxed, trying to get me to take him up on the offer.
"No."
"Too bad…I guess I'm going to have to let it melt…"
"You wouldn't."
"Oh I would."
I raised an eyebrow. "You would buy chocolate ice cream and just let it melt to make me feel bad?"
"Not to make you feel bad Ichigo, to show you what you were missing out on."
I rubbed my hands together. "Alright, where're we going?"
He grinned. "I knew you'd give in eventually. Umm, how about Kira's?"
"Best ice cream in Tokyo."
We sat down and a waiter gave us a menu. He was about Kenichi-senpai's age and he winked at me. Kenichi-senpai shot him a dirty look and the boy held up his hands apologetically.
"Sorry man, didn't know she was your girl."
I sunk low in my seat. "I'm not his girl…" I mumbled.
Our ice cream arrived and I dug in almost greedily. He laughed again and flicked some whipped cream at me. I rolled up a piece of a straw wrapper and shot it out of my straw. He shot one back at me and job search forgotten, we had an all out straw fight.
After we paid the bill, we went back to the apartments but not before I tripped and fell up the stairs (habit). I reached my hand out to open the door of my apartment but he stopped me by grabbing one of my wrists.
"Hey," I protested.
"I won't keep you long," he told me, letting go of my arm, "but today…I realized that you aren't a little girl anymore."
I could feel myself blushing, I really could. I just knew he was going to give a 'hormone' talk like my dad did (even if it was awkward) when I got my uhh…first visitor a few years back.
"And," I could see him shifting nervously through my bangs. I had lowered my head to hide my blush. "I really don't know how to tell you this Ichigo."
"Just say it," I mumbled.
There was a moment of silence and I looked up. He stood there with his head bowed. "I don't think I could."
I sighed irritably and put one hand on my hip. "I have to get started on dinner you know. It's my turn."
He stood up straight and put his hands on my waist. I glanced down suspiciously but he didn't so anything further. Apparently the height difference was bothering him.
"How am I supposed to do this?" he wondered out loud.
"I would tell you," I offered, "If I knew what you were trying to do."
His hands trailed down to the back of my thighs and that just freaked me out. From there, he began to lift me up and I reached up to wrap my arms around his neck in case I fell. Instinctively, I also wrapped my legs around his back so I wouldn't fall. (hey, I've got a fear of falling).
"Much better," he said, now that we were at eye level. I didn't see how it was better though. I was hanging on him like a monkey clinging to its mother.
I smiled weakly, still a little nervous considering I never did have any previous boy experience. He took a few steps forward so that my back was resting against the wall of the building and he pressed his palms against it too for support.
"T-this is really weird…" I said, my voice shaking.
He leaned his head forward to rest it against my own. "That's only because you have no previous experience," he breathed into my ear. I stiffened slightly. Yeah this was really freaking me out.
I think he felt me freeze because he pulled away slightly to look me in the eye. "What's wrong?" he asked, noticing that I was shaking slightly.
"I have no idea what's going on," I said truthfully.
He blinked. "Talk about naïve! You never had any of those you know, 'girl talks' with Mara?"
I shook my head dumbly.
"I'm sorry then."
"Sorry for what?"
"Going so slow. I should have just done it right away."
"Done wha--"
I never got a chance to finish my question because the next thing I knew, I had my lips locked with the man of my dreams. I couldn't believe it. I couldn't say it was anything passionate (not like I had done it enough times to know passionate) but it was just a chaste kiss. I have my dad to thank for that.
The door of my apartment flew open and our moment was ruined as my dad stepped out. "Ichi? That you?"
Both Kenichi-senpai and I were frozen in fear. Of course, I was frozen in fear being pinned up against a wall by a boy- no a man three years older than me who used to have my father's full trust. It didn't help that I was seemingly clinging to him for dear life. Kenichi-senpai's situation wasn't any better. Here he was, staring a man in the face while he had his daughter plastered to the wall. Yeah, I guess you could say we were pretty much screwed.