CHAPTER 33

        I glanced up into the sunrise above, marvelling the last of its amber glow upon the rooftops ahead. The sky was dyed in pomegranate pink, but the view was beautiful nonetheless. It made me feel a little fortunate to have woken up so early.

        Well, not that I had gotten any sleep.

        "The fact that I really like you, Miyuki."

        Heaving a loud breath, I fell backwards onto the veranda, slapping around for the nearby pillow to drop onto my face and suffocate myself. What was with those guys lately? Of course I liked having them around too so why did they have to keep reiterating that? If they realized what kind of misconception their tease always brought me they should stop. Those sadists. Even I wasn't that heartless.

         But how about if they weren't joking? The sentence caused me to stifle another groan into the pillow. Yeah right, subconscious! Get your mind away from those thoughts. Yuji was a jokester all around—he always did and said things just to fluster me. And Kouichi and Hibiki weren't any better. Besides, only a little while ago we all agreed to be friends and things had gotten rather enjoyable. Just because I might've, possibly wanted the hope to have a reverse harem centring around a bland loser like myself didn't mean it would actually happen.

         But if it were to happen... I shut my mind up with a good head shake. I rolled over onto my side. No, me. No weird, impossible thoughts. Today you're going to Akihabara with Hiro and live out your dream. You've saved up all for this day. Go forth warrior. You can do it.

My jumble of thoughts was brought to a halt after colliding against a wall. I grunted in pain, but it was after the wall began to wiggle I realized it wasn't really a wall.

"Are you alright?" Hiro asked, voice filled to the brim with disbelief.

I groaned again as I hauled my body upright. I removed the pillow from my face the same time Hiro crouched down beside me. Neglecting the fact that my hair was an utter mess as I clenched the pillow on my lap, I saw that Hiro was the opposite. His short hair was flattened in its usual wavy state, unbound and tumbled out on his forehead. By the towel hung around his neck I could assume he'd just returned from the baths, and he was dressed in a casual grey t-shirt and shorts.

He was an early riser, too? But considering our room's verandas were connected maybe he'd overheard me. That notion was promptly answered the moment Hiro extended out a can of juice for me, a similar one clasped in his other hand.

"You overheard me?" I sheepishly asked as he took a seat beside me.

"You sounded like you were dying," he replied.

My lips curved upwards as I popped open the can. The offer was definitely sweet. "Thanks for coming to my rescue then."

          "Anytime."

          I snorted as I took a sip then returned my focus to the already risen sun. "We're going out today," I reminded him.

          "I know." Hiro sipped, tipping back his own can. He was sitting with his knee up, free arm slung over it as he also watched the sunrise. "Have you already packed your bags?"

          "We're leaving tonight aren't we?"

          "You better do it before we head to Akihabara," he suggested. "We won't have time when we come back."

          "Aye-sir."

          Hiro's gaze slid to me, careful. "Fairy Tail?"

          Bringing my knees to my chest, I sent him a smile. "Today will really be fun with you."

          Hiro nearly choked mid-sip. He coughed loudly but he after regaining himself, he quickly veered his gaze. I couldn't help but chuckle.

          "Aww, did that make your heart skip a beat?" I bobbed my head in understanding. "Mine does too, at the idea. It's exciting, right? And we get to enjoy the day ourselves, without any of the others to interrupt us."

          I hoisted myself up to my feet and stretched out my limbs a bit. I peered downwards at Hiro before flashing him another smile.

          "Thanks for this." I jiggled the empty can as I pivoted on my foot. "I'm gonna go pack then get ready. We're meeting in the lobby by eight o'clock alright?"

          I scurried off into my room at that, tossing my pillow onto my bed before making my way to where my luggage was situated. The happy-go-lucky grin on my face still hadn't faltered. Hiro and I were so going to have a blast.

———————————————————

          With Takuma's approval, we all were able to do wherever we wanted for the day. Aside from Hiro and I, Hibiki was dragging Yuji with him to go see a concert of some sort while Wannabe decided he'd go shopping and buy some souvenirs for Hinata and Kouichi. Takuma also said he'd do a little shopping too and declared we'd all be meeting back at the inn by 5 o'clock.

          Fortunately, Hiro was around to read the map and guide us to the proper train station. But once we entered Akihabara, both of us were consumed in awe. At first things consisted of me dragging him around the district, going in and out of stores and purchasing merchandise that would make any rational heart swoon, but after spotting the various action-adventure animes that had caught his fancy, Hiro was actively participating in my behaviour too.

To the passing citizens who were trying to keep a low profile as they shopped around, we were (or mainly, I was) pretty over the top. Rambling about seiyuus and CD's of my favourite songs—having an all out tournament when we'd arrived at the arcade sporting various games. I was so close to dragging Hiro inside a maid cafe but unfortunately he was adamant about not experiencing the cringe and whisked me away to visit a small tourist attraction instead.

Nearing the end of our lovely trip, Hiro and I were drawing close to exhaustion and decided to stop by a dumpling stand for food.

"You should be eating a lot more. You're looking a little too thin young man," the one running the stand aimed at Hiro after he'd handed him our order. The old man raked his body over once. "And small—"

"Hey!"

I withheld a snort and sent Hiro a 'calm-down' look.

The man spared me a tiny wink. "You should force feed him if he's so reluctant to eat. Any guy, even the manliest of men, will succumb to a pretty girl feeding him, trust me."

I grabbed Hiro's shoulders as he began to growl. After paying the man a polite smile, I dragged Hiro away at that and we made our way through the well-groomed park.

Hiro expunged an exasperated huff. "How old does that guy think I am? The hell?"

I collapsed onto the ledge of a vacant fountain and took the dumplings from his hands. Using the toothpick, I plopped one into my mouth. "If you're so unsatisfied with being confused as an elementary schooler, maybe you should gain a little height—"

"Nobody asked you, Hoshino," he cut me off, falling into the open seat beside me. "Screw height. I'm manly enough."

I held up a hand in defence. After watching his fuming frustration, I chuckled. "You sure about that?"

"Positive."

I bobbed my head. "But according to that man, even the manliest of men are able to withstand being spoon-fed by a girl."

Hiro rotated his head towards me just as I extended out a dumpling for him, a smirk pulling back my lips.

"You're kidding," he demanded, withdrawing in his seat.

"I don't have a spoon but we can still make this work. Come on, Hiro." I held it out even closer towards him. "Say 'ah.'"

Hiro blushed and faltered further back in disbelief. And he was only growing redder by the second. "No way!"

"Oh my, is Hiro not a man after all?" I feigned shock. "Is he doomed to be a kindergartener forever?"

"You're having your fun with this," he groaned.

He took a moment to glance around the empty park but my smile and outstretched arm still hadn't fallen.

"You gonna prove yourself or not?" I prodded.

He turned the other way, uncomfortable through and through. I laughed. He peeked through an eyelid my way. I cocked an eyebrow, and more colour blossomed against his cheeks. Heaving another titter, I was so close to setting it aside when he suddenly seized my wrist.

My heart skipped a beat. He hesitantly leaned forward and took the bite. Then, he slowly chewed whilst glowering at me from embarrassment. Nonetheless, I was shocked into silence.

It felt liked forever before I managed to regain my breath. "Oh my."

Hiro flushed like a tomato at my comment. "Shut up!"

He let go of my wrist at once as he rotated the other way and crossed his arms against his chest. I paid my wrist, lingering with remnants of his grip, a glance as I dropped the toothpick back into to the plastic container.

          "You're rather embarrassing," I confessed as I tossed another dumpling into my mouth. "We're out in public y'know."

          "This is your fault!" Hiro accused as he shielded his face with both hands, bending over as he did. "Why do you always do this kind of stuff to me?"

          This time, a good laugh left my mouth. "Oh, cheer up. At least you proved your manliness."

          "I didn't need to prove anything," he responded.

          "I know," I reassured him, producing a grin. "You're already manly enough as you are, Hiro."

          I barely paid heed to Hiro's darkening blush as I picked myself up to my feet, peeking at the large clock at the centre of the park.

          "We still have a bit of time before we have to head back," I noted as I stuffed the last of the food into my mouth. I faced him and muffled, "We have one last stop, cadette."

          I tossed the finished plate into the nearby garbage and Hiro brushed himself down as he rose to his feet. "You seriously finished that without me?"

          "Me did," I muffled, my cheeks as puffed as a chipmunk with acorns. "Because I just realized I need you to fill your stomach with ramen instead."

          Hiro blanked. "Ramen?"

          I bobbed my head as I snagged his wrist and led him forward. He relented despite his confusion as I steered us through the compacted streets towards the one shop we'd crossed paths with on our way here. By the time we'd arrived I'd swallowed the dumplings in my mouth and held out my arm.

          "We're here."

          Hiro didn't look the least bit impressed as he stared up at the shop. "I can see that."

          I pointed to the poster posted out on the wall. "How do you feel about spicy food?"

          Hiro squinted his eyes as he read what the poster said. "Finish a large bowl of spicy ramen under five minutes and earn the meal free of charge and—"

          "Two keychains," I finished. "The Kirito and Asuna one we were going to get but were too expensive."

          Hiro eyed the poster for quite a while before meeting my eyes. "You want me to—"

          I patted his back before looping my arm through his and pulling him into the shop. "We all know the manliest of men can do something like this easy." After ordering the food and taking our seats, I flashed Hiro a smile and thumbs-up. "I know you can do it."

          Every portion of Hiro's face screamed uneasy. "Hoshino, as much as I want to—"

          "Order up," the owner had said as he dropped the largest bowl in front of him and a tall glass of water. He smirked as he held his thumb at a timer. "You should prepare yourself for the heat."

          He nudged his head behind us where countless of other people were splayed out on their tables, not even a quarter into their ramen. Hiro blanched like snow while a smirk of my own poked up my cheeks.

          "He can handle it sir, don't worry," I provoked.

          The man chuckled as he pressed down on the timer. "We'll see."

          "Hoshino," Hiro hurriedly hissed when the timer began counting backwards from three hundred seconds. "I'm not exactly a fan of spicy food—"

          The man snorted. "Are you going to prove just how pathetic you are in front of your girlfriend?"

          Hiro wasn't looking to be lifting up any moment now but his words had definitely gotten to him. Watching as the timer slowly went down, I relented and sent him one last reassuring smile. His eyebrows rose as I turned towards the owner and reached for Hiro's steaming bowl. "You know what, I think I'll just take this challenge instead."

          "Huh?" Hiro demanded.

          The man was practically bug-eyed as he chortled. "You?"

          "I'm hoping you've given him your spiciest mumbo-jumbo." I tied back my hair as the corners of my lips lifted upwards. I pried apart the chopsticks with my mouth, muffling, "Or are you afraid?"

          "Of a little girl?" scoffed the man as he slid the bowl almost easily, smirking just the same. He nudged his head. "That timer's already long started."

          "Hoshino," Hiro hissed.

          I merely winked. Then I picked up a row of noodles and slurped it into my mouth. The first bite in itself was scalding on my tongue, but I forced down bites after bites as fast as my miniature mouth could chew. I didn't even have the time to take leisure sips of the water the guy had supplied, mainly because I was already low on time. Hiro did his best to encourage me when I was about to fail and like a trainer, even went to dab at the trickling sweat down my forehead.

          Other citizens who walked in on my attempt were chanting me on; even the owner was stiff with nerves as he gawked. When I swallowed the last of the soup, the timer went off and I dived for the water. I cared the least that it splashed all over my face and chest and only focused on gulping down the water that didn't seem to be doing my probably bruised tongue any good.

          By the time I downed the third cup and my face fell flat on the table, the raucous shouts finally made its way to my ears. My senses were coming back to me—mainly the jolting sensation of Hiro rocking my shoulder from beside me.

          "Hoshino!"

          "Did I do it?" I gasped despite hanging my tongue in the way of a dog.

          Flipping my face-plant to a cheek-plant, the owner carried traces of awe and respect in his gaze as he smiled at his defeat.

          "Congrats, little girl. You've got guts," he said, and after digging into the cabinets below, slid two signature keychains onto the tabletop. "You're the first one to ever win this challenge. Consider yourself special."

          As more boisterous noise went about from behind me, Hiro helped me upright and offered another cup of water from the owner. I declined, shaking my head with shut eyelids.

          "Seriously," Hiro sighed, voice carrying traces of amazement. I peeled apart my lids to spot the genuine smile taking up his face. "You're always so full of surprises, Hoshino. I can never keep up."

          If I could snort, I would. But my mouth was in too much pain. "Have I reached your level of manliness?" I rasped out instead.

          "You've long surpassed me," Hiro replied as he clasped the two keychains and handed me the Kirito one. I guess he wanted Asuna for himself.

          After capturing a picture of me to post up as the top scorer, the owner ushered the other customers into their seats. My head weighed me down and my neck craned. "I bet Elfman would be proud."

          Hiro's countenance shifted to a frown as he waved a hand in front of my face. "Are you alright?"

          My head was spinning, my stomach beginning to flip-flop. I was way too full dammit. I was getting nauseous.

          Wrapping both arms over my stomach, I picked myself up to my feet. "I think we should get back."

          Hiro immediately came to my aid, supporting my body upright by wrapping my arm around his neck, a hand posted at my waist. Then like that, he led me towards the exit of the shop.

          I clasped a hand over my mouth as soon as we entered the outdoors, swallowing down the vomit rising in my throat. Once the nausea resided for a short moment, I rested my head against Hiro's shoulder. "I think I'm going to barf."

          He rubbed gentle circles on my back. "We'll stop to get you something to help with the nausea."

          I grunted. "Was this aftermath really worth it?"

          "You were really cool, if that's something."

          "Wow, Hiro complimenting me? The world must be ending."

          "Funny." I peered his way just as he flashed me a wide grin. "Just accept the fact that you're really awesome, Hoshino."

          It was almost déjà vu—identical to what I'd done earlier today—but it succeeded in causing an irregular rhythm of my heart rate nonetheless. But I didn't have time to consider as to why, because my nausea hit me full-force yet again and I darted my hand over my mouth.

          I moaned in pain. "Never again."

          Hiro laughed, his smile unwavering. "We both know that's not true; you're getting yourself into something like this again soon."

          His words were a nightmare, but I knew it was true. I was somehow going to get dragged or drag my own sorry ass into another occurrence like this again.

          And I knew I had these dorks to thank for that.