I… I can't believe it.
Is that really Hiro, the boy who Ren and I used to play with almost every day back when we were kids?
Ohhhh… this is so embarrassing!!!
After mom and Rin berated me for my state of almost nakedness, I immediately went back here to my room, secluding myself away from the humiliation that I found myself at.
"Hiro, he saw me naked..."
Well, not completely naked, but it's still the same no matter how you look it at. The towel that covered my body did not serve to reduce the mortification that I felt. Not to mention, I felt Hiro's gaze all over my body, even if he had the decency to be subtle about it.
Eight years and this is how I meet him again? And I even went so far as to yell and called him a pervert. It was a misunderstanding, that I can discern, but I should have asked him first before coming up to any conclusion.
Still, as mom said, Hiro did grew up and become rather handsome though. I never expected that the cute Hiro, someone who was a crybaby like me, turned out to become an attractive young man. Additionally, he managed to beat Ren in a fight, meaning he surely was not slacking off for the past eight years, that I can confidently say. My brother is an expert martial artist on his own right and it's not an ordinary feat to defeat him in his own game.
N-not that I'm head over heels to him. No, I'm just stating my honest observations about him. Most women would feel physically attracted to him, and I'm no exception. Love however is an entirely different matter and it's still too early to tell if I'm having such feelings. Although if it came to that, then more or less, I won't be opposed to such a relationship. I'm sure mom would be thrilled if Hiro and I went in that direction.
Hiro and I…
Somehow the thought of us together involuntarily brought a stupid grin right on my face. And he's also damn fine, hehe.
Bad thoughts Rin, bad!!! He is your childhood friend and practically your surrogate brother for crying out loud!!!
Anyways, what bummed me up is the mere fact that my figure that was only clad in a bath towel would forever be engraved in Hiro's mind, given that it was our first meeting for a very long time. No doubt he will be having some dirty thoughts about me for a very long time. Things still turn awkward between us unfortunately and I have to resolve things quickly by apologizing to him, as soon as I'm in the appropriate attire obviously.
Making my way to my cabinet, I slipped in my pink set of underwear and got dressed in a simple white blouse shirt and orange skirt.
Hmm is my attire enough though?
Wait, why am I questioning about such an irrelevant matter, of course, it's enough!!!
Damn it, just because of Hiro visiting does not mean I have to be overly conscious about it!! Sheesh, seriously, what is wrong with me today? Not once have I acted like this, not even to a single man. No need to act all flustered like one of those stupid heroines in a typical romance comedy show.
I decided to fight off this silly feeling with a hard slap to my cheeks and knock some sense of myself. After gathering my composure, I left my room to face the inevitable trial that is one Hiro Nakamura.
But seriously, why didn't mom mentioned his arrival? Judging from her expression, she definitely knew of Hiro's identity beforehand. Sometimes my mom can be an absolute troll if she wants to be.
***
"So, Hiro's back, huh."
I muttered quietly while the cold water of the shower constantly fell off on my body.
Despite our not so friendly initial encounter, Hiro was still kind enough to be understanding and accepted my apology without hesitation. He's no doubt the best friend that Rin and I had the privilege of having and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Still, to defeat me in combat…
Hiro unquestionably has improved by a considerable margin. When we were kids, I always beat him in our weekly spar in the local dojo and he was significantly weaker than I am at that time, given that he just started his training. But I was impressed by his resolve to grow stronger and with each spar, he improved slowly until such time that he was able to properly land a punch at my face. Of course, it may not be as impressive as what other thinks, but for me, it was a big step towards his will of becoming as strong. I supervise the beginning journey of his martial arts career and it has culminated successfully at this very day, given my utter demise.
But make no mistake, I plan to win the next time when we will have the chance of sparring, for old time's sake. Still, I could not help but be proud of how far Hiro has gone through as his best and childhood friend. He may have been gone for quite a long time, but I still consider him to be as such. Hopefully, the feeling is mutual and his treatment won't be any different the second when I leave this bathroom cleansed off the filth that I have accumulated during club practice at the school dojo and the recent bout between Hiro and me.
With an excited grin, I look forward to the things that Hiro, Rin, and I will be doing starting today. Reliving the memories of the old and creating new ones at the same time, such are one of the joys in life that I can't help but indulge myself in.
Still, Mother failed to mention Hiro coming here to visit. Did she forgot or was it intentional on her part? Mother can be quite a mischief should the opportunity presented itself and I suppose this is one of her silly schemes yet again.
***
My question was thankfully answered when Rei came running right at me when I opted to went downstairs and make myself comfortable in the living room.
"Big Brother Hiro, I'm sorry!!" Rei cried and bumped into me with a tight hug, clutching at the fabrics of my shirt below.
"What for?" I knew what she was sorry about, given the circumstances that happened earlier. But for the sake of allowing her to express her pleas openly, I decided to humor her a bit.
"M-mother told me everything after you met my brother and sister. It's my fault that Big Brother Ren and Big Sis Rin were not informed of your presence here. I was in the backyard watering the plants when they have arrived. I'm very sorry again!!!"
Seeing her whimpering look, it's not right for me to get angry at the sincerity that she was manifesting in her apology. As such, I smiled and patted her head to comfort her.
- It's alright, Rei. We were able to settle the misunderstandings, and frankly speaking, it may have brought us closer between myself and your siblings. (Gentle)
- Oh, how I can stay mad at such an adorable face?! Apology accepted. (Charming)
- If anyone is to blame, then it's your siblings or maybe your mother. You've done nothing wrong as far as I'm concern. (Blunt)
Rei's character turned brighter like a ray of sunshine when I accepted her apology. She was back in her cheerful self and invited me to sit down with her to watch her favorite cartoon show. I obliged with the little princess of the Amakusa family and we all watch in comfortable silence, with the occasional questions of how I met with her older siblings.
Around half an hour has passed and Auntie in the dining room called for us all loudly, saying that the food is ready. Rei and I quickly stood up from the sofa and proceeded to make our way to the said area for dinner.
Seeing that Auntie was the one who prepared and cooked the food, I can't wait to taste her dishes once more. Her cooking is certainly one of a kind, on par with my mother. The delicious food that she served is one of my best childhood memories, coupled with the Amakusa siblings and I eating together happily after a typical day of fun playtime during the weekends.
While the two of us are on our way, I saw the familiar figures of Rin and Ren Amakusa who are also going in the same direction as I am. At that very moment, our eyes immediately all met and I saw Rin's face turned red with embarrassment in an instant.
I can't blame her though, I did saw her almost naked after all. That sweet memory was now eternally imprinted in the depths of my mind.
Mentally setting aside that tempting image, I donned a grin and called her attention. This awkwardness has got to end, and I refuse for our relationship to be strained just because of an untimely encounter.
"Hello, Rin, Ren."
Ren acknowledged me with a friendly smile and nod while the sister of the twin winced slightly but I can see that she at least exerted some effort to return my greeting with an awkward smile of her own.
"H-hi, Hiro. It's nice to see you again. Well, that, and..."
Rin now is acting all shy and flustered right in front of me, trying to muster up the courage to covey her next words. I want to say that this is cute, but it's in truth, this is just too painfully pitiful to watch.
Well, this isn't good. I don't want to renew our friendship like this. I suppose I have no choice but to take the lead in this conversation and-
"Stop acting like a sour puss, sis, and talk to him properly."
Ren said in frustration and pushed his sister into my direction, her body bumping lightly towards me. As I caught her with my arms enveloping her figure, we eyed directly rather closely face to face. Rin's face turned as red as a tomato the moment when we made eye contact.
"You are insulting Hiro with your pathetic actions, sis. We did welcome him dreadfully and it's only right that he received his apology. I already made my amends and you should too." Ren added in a lecturing tone, being quite harsh to his sister.
I kind of understood Ren's intentions. Even if his statement appeared insulting, he only said all of this to push Rin in doing the right thing.
And Ren's assertion did not go to waste as Rin eventually realized her shortcomings. Her expression shifted to being determined and I felt her resolve turned stronger so she can convey her honest feelings to me.
"Ren is right. I should not act like this, especially to someone like you, Hiro. I'm sorry for lashing out to you earlier."
I fix my posture swiftly and stood firm to face her properly. With her apology, I gave my proper response.
- "Apologies are unnecessary, Rin. It was merely an unfortunate accident." (Gentle)
- "No harm done, Rin, or should I say… Airhead." (Charming)
- Action speaks louder than words. (Aggressive)
"Thank goodness!!"
Rin sighed in complete relief at my favorable response. She smiled sweetly at me, this time with no traces of tactlessness any longer.
This is the Rin that I know and love (as a friend), the cheerful wholesome girl who I have the pleasure to know from my childhood days. I look forward to getting along with her from today, tomorrow, and the rest of my time permitted here.
"I'm back, Rin," I said with a gentle smile while affectionately ruffling her hair. Her face turned even redder at my action but she didn't object and simply allowed it.
"Welcome home, Hiro."
Her angelic smile signified the unadulterated happiness that she is feeling when we are finally on good terms yet again. I'm glad that things are finally the way they are supposed to be.
With my teasing response, I grinned playfully at her, hoping that it will serve to finally get rid of the tension and uneasiness that was going on until now.
"Airhead?" Rin was baffled by what I just called her. Her expression did not last long though, as it turned to a hearty giggle, just like how I intended to.
"You… hahaha, you still are going to call me that, idiot?" The woman in my arms uttered in amusement. This time, I find her all too cute and I can't help myself to tease if I'm going to garner such adorable reactions from her.
"Of course, and you'll be hearing it for good, this time around." I retained my playful smirk, not wanting this moment to end if I'm being honest to myself.
"Ehehe… Welcome back, Hiro."
Her sparkling smile is an object from the heavens above, and it is an honor for me to maintain that lovable expression every weekdays and weekend without exception.
Much to her surprise, I hug her more tightly, not wanting to release my arms from this sweet reunion that we are currently experiencing. I'm not sure how to deliver my response when Rin displayed her fragile side to me, and I very much knew that my harsh upbringing would only make her at unease. As such, this is the only thing that I could think of and I really do hope that this Airhead I'm hugging has gotten the clear message of my sincerity and concern for her.
Fortunately, my point was clear and well-received when Rin hugged me back even more tightly than before, as if not wanting to let go of me. I can feel the tears running right from her eyes when she buried her face right at my chest.
When she finally ceased her hug, she now faced me with a look of pure clarity, her expression devoid of the shadows that have consumed her earlier.
"Welcome back, Hiro."
I merely nodded with a straight smirk, not wanting to screw it up with my rather jarring personality. Her untainted smile is something that I'm willing to protect and anyone who's impudent enough to destroy it shall know utmost regret and pain. God knows that I'm willing to go to extreme heights to make sure of that, for better or worse.
*CLICK!!*
While Rin and I are currently still in our embrace, we heard the sound of a click coming from the dining area. Verifying the source of the noise, it was none other than the great mother herself, Reina. She was holding a digital camera with a huge smile on her face.
"Ah, all of my children and Hiro, together at long last!! Please take good care of my daughters and son from now on, Hiro dear." Auntie said with a teasing tone.
"Mom!!!"
This time around, Rin regained her embarrassed look from Auntie's unannounced capturing of the camera. This expression though emphasized comical frustration towards her mother rather than the painful one that she assumed before her apology. The eldest daughter then approached her mother swiftly with the intent of retrieving the camera and perhaps delete the awkward photo of the two of us hugging.
Ren simply shook his head at her sister's silly antics, no doubt thinking how God deemed her to be the elder child rather than him. Rei, though, was entertained by the spectacle, her face filled with immense delight at seeing Rin and Auntie in their shenanigans.
I for one am pleased and grateful that I was finally accepted in the Amakusa family. For days to come, this will be my new home and the times that I will be experiencing here in this town will no doubt be something worth remembering.
If only mother and father are here to see this… then this will be the perfect utopia indeed.
God, I sure missed them, but they don't want me to wallow myself in sorrow…
"Never again."