Grandma, do you still remember the day when I came back home from school crying. In those days you were living with us like a family. I was covered in mud, my hair was messy and my favorite dress was torn. I had bruises on my hands and feet. I went inside my room sobbing without telling you anything and locked myself till the night. Mom and dad called me again and again but I didn't answer. Mom and dad were worried, yet they felt it would be right for me to be alone for a while. Then you came, you just stood behind the door quietly. It seem to me as if you were trying to figure out a way to start a conversation with me. "Icku-chan, did they bully you again? Did they say something terrible to you ? Do those wounds still hurt? Do you want me to put some ointment on them? If you don't want to say anything, that's fine, but can you still let me in for a while please? I want to pat your head." "Your voice was so calm and soothing. I felt as if some angel was talking to me so I opened the door. You came to me, books were scattered on the floor, the water inside the vase mom gifted me on my thirteenth birthday was spilled on the table, everything was scattered. And I was sitting in the middle of the room after completely destroying it . You came near and sat beside me "Ah, Icku-chan I didn't know you could do this too. I think my little fighter is kinda angry today. Grandma is also not feeling well because Icku-chan isn't like herself at all." After hearing those sweet words of yours, that little Ichika started crying loudly, she turned and laid her head on grandma's lap because that was the only place for her where she feel more comfortable " Grandma, I didn't do anything wrong, I just wanted to help that little cat. Those bad boys were teasing her by throwing fireworks near her . She was scared so I just wanted to help her.
"Ichika-chan you really did a great job. I know that, God knows that. And he will never let his child suffer anymore. I know they hurt you, they are bad and he will punish them. Still Icku-chan, can you make a promise to Grandma? "she asked, gently stroking her hair." Inoue nodded sobbing. " Listen Icku-chan, there are both bad and good people in this world, and you belong to the second group. You are one of the true and honest human beings. So, no matter what please don't kill the kindness that lies within you." At that time I was thinking only of negative things." It means if someone hurts me, bullies me for no reason. Are you saying that I should still treat them well ? " There was darkness in my eyes, I was hurt not only from outside but from inside too. "No, Icku-chan, I'm not forbidding you to fight for yourself, everyone should fight against the wrong. I'm just asking you not to kill the inner kindness that lies within you ". Your words really touched me. I didn't say anything, but hugged tightly. Then gently patting my head, you told me the story of the bunny prince and the yellow-haired girl. You said that if I be a good girl, someday he will find me. And I cheered myself up. From that day I started dreaming of meeting him. I don't know if he exists or not, still I will wait for him till the end . "While Inoue was talking about past memories, she also remembered the story her grandma told about 'The bunny Prince'. Granny Chio was standing near her quietly. She was listening to her with a soft smile on her face. "You know grandma I don't know why but lately I've been feeling like I've already met that bunny prince but I don't remember anything. It's not like I actually met him but my heart is saying something else. it keeps telling me that he exists, he's close to me but I can't see him. You know what I mean ? " Inoue's voice quavered as she said this .
"Icku-chan, can I say something now? ' asked Granny Chio, walking closer to her. "Of course, sorry Grandma, I kept talking myself without giving you a chance to talk back again," she said scratching her neck from behind. "No, Icku-chan it's okay. I'm really glad to see that old Ichika talking who never pretended to be okay when she's not." Only Grandma Chio can say such things to her. Only Grandma Chio can see her reality when other fails to understand. This is the reason why her eyes widened as soon as she heard her .After a long time someone made her realize that sometimes its okay not to be okay. "Ichika-chan you know that day I too felt the pain seeing you in that condition. But I told you all those things because I wanted to see this Ichika who is now standing in front of me. Who's always good to others as she promised. And now about your meeting with the bunny prince. I don't know if you've met him or not, if you think he ever met you it might be true too. Trust your intuition. Maybe the universe is trying to tell you something. Search for him as if you are looking for a light inside a dark tunnel. You'll definitely find him." Grandma Chio said with a slight smile on her face. Inoue felt overwhelmed, yet was kinda astonished because she had never thought of anything like this.
Sato was cleaning the floor while everyone else including Hina, Takemichi and Fuji were playing cards. "Ah, Takemichi I think you've all been here for a long time, haven't you?" Fuji queried ."Yes, why?" "I'm here after a long time too, why not hangout together. Let's climb the hill which is nearby, you should take a look of this village from the top of the hill, from there the view of the whole village really seems beautiful" said Fuji excitedly. "Mm climbing the hill? Not a bad idea, is it?" Takemichi said after thinking for a while, "I'll wait for Inoue's answer, if she doesn't go, I won't either." Hina replied " You won't change..." Takemichi smiled but Fuji felt a little sad, because he was afraid that Hina might really refuse if Inoue didn't go. "So let's wait for Inoue's opinion", "Sure...." he replied with a trembling voice. "My opinion, why do you need this?" asked Inoue, coming from behind with Grandma Chio. "Inoue you came at just the right time. We were discussing to hangout together. Tomorrow we are going to a nearby hill to have a beautiful view of the village. so what do you think? Takemichi asked. She looked at her grandmother before answering. It seemed as if she was waiting for her approval. Grandma Chio nodded and allowed her. "Sure." Inoue agreed to join them. "Then I'll go too," said Hina. Her answer made Fuji blush, he didn't say a word but from inside he was feeling very excited, happy and overwhelmed. "Granny Chio... 'I mean, Master' Look what I found. It means While mopping the floor I found out that you were trying to fix my grip problem. By swinging it to and fro to me, it looks kinda alike to a Kendo stick ." As Sato saw Grandma Chio approaching she began to speak with excitement, her eyes lit up as she found out why she had asked her to wipe the floor. I am glad that you understood this. Now, keep doing this until you find your new special attacking technique. The way you attacked me yesterday 'flying fish attack' That was an exceptional way to attack your opponent but you need to get better at it. So, keep practicing to strengthen your particular move." She replied encouragingly. She was really happy to see her dedication and love for kendo play." Thank you very much master, I will keep this in my mind, and soon the time will come when I will be able to beat you . So, wait till then "She had a different kind of glow on her face that was so alluring that it caught the attention of almost everyone who was there. Of course, I am looking forward to that day". "Oh! I'm getting late. So guys, get ready tomorrow morning by 9 o'clock. I'll be here to pick you up." Fuji said, looking at his watch, and hurried away.
The next day they all got ready to climb the hill in the morning and were waiting for Fuji standing outside the house. Sato was not with them because she wanted to focus more on her practice. "Ah! Why is this guy taking so long? What is he doing?" Takemichi kicked a can lying on the road shouting, "Hey, sorry for taking so long." Fuji came in a blue van. "where did you find it?" Takemichi asked, making a strange face. "Oh! It's Botan's dad" he said, rubbing his neck from behind. "okay let's go! "He opened the van's door, and there were two front seats and two rear seats. Takemichi pulled Inoue's hand and took the back seat. "Hina, you take the front seat. I'm feeling a little sick, I think it would be better for me to sit here with Inoue. So, can you please take the front seat" " He did this intentionally so that he could sit next to Fuji. But he himself forgot that he had been holding Inoue's hand for 10 minutes and when he realized this, his face turned red and he let go of her hand in embarrassment". " Hina didn't say anything and took the seat. Fuji's hand trembled because Hina was actually sitting close to him. They all left to visit the nearby hill . Inoue was excited and feeling very refreshed. She was smiling as before and peeping out of the window she saw some children playing near a meadow and she happily waved at them, " finally I can get some fresh and pure air. The air I am breathing now has the fragrance of the soil of this village. Ahh how refreshing" she mumbled.
"They stopped near a convenience store. It was near the road leading to the top of the hill, so they decided to walk. Because of which Fuji parked his friend's van in the parking lot of the shop. "Wow, I'm feeling so refresh here" "All of a sudden I'm feeling alive" Inoue and Hina both sighed. "I'm glad you're enjoying the scene" Fuji said blushing to Hina. But unfortunately he was ignored again. " I guess love is out of my luck." He felt a little sad. Inoue was mesmerized by the beautiful scenery of the village, her eyes were sparkling. And suddenly a soft breeze passed by gently brushing her hair, and an alluring smile appeared on her face. Seeing her smiling, Takemichi's heart trembled, his face turned red and he murmured to himself "I think it was a success coming here, thank you Fuji". Hina had brought lunch, Fuji was helping her find a better place to sit, and suddenly she caught sight of a big tree. It was the orange tree "I think it's the perfect place to sit" Fuji opined "Mm, I think so too". It was the first time she had ever spoken to him and a wide smile appeared on his face, "I guess my luck isn't that bad in terms of love". They enjoyed their lunch and waited until the sunset because according to Fuji enjoying the view of sunset from the top of the hill is the most beautiful thing in that village.
The sun began to set, "So, beautiful I've never seen a sight like this before in Tokyo." Inoue's eyes gleamed as she walked forward and reached the edge of the hill. She was so happy that she forgot to see where she was going. Her foot slipped and she was about to fall into the gorge below the cliff but Takemichi grabbed her hand and pulled her up at the right time."Stupid what were you doing? How many times do I need to tell you that it's not safe to dream about anything while you are still awake" He shouted at her after saving her as if he was her guardian, he looked really cute while scolding. " Inoue I'm glad you're fine. Hina said hugging her tightly, then after a moment of silence she burst into tears. Hina I'm fine please don't cry" Inoue's voice trembled " I'm glad you didn't get hurt." said Fuji "Mm" she nodded because she didn't know what to say. she was really shaken from inside to see her friends worrying for her so much. Before she met them she was just a lonesome little girl. "Thank you Takemichi" she showed her gratitude to him. His face turned red as he blushed and to hide his emotions .He turned around and scratched his neck from behind, saying "it was nothing"." "I guess we should go now, it's going to be dark." Fuji opined. He took them all back to Grandma's place. He was about to leave after leaving them but Inoue asked him to stay for dinner because they all had so much fun just because of him. Sato was still mopping but this time she was mopping the wall with the mop stick. "Himari-chan come over have dinner with us" Grandma Chio called her out. "Yes, Master."
Himari...chan?" Takemichi was astonished to hear Grandma calling Sato Himari-chan because she hated being addressed as Chan before meeting her. "Wow, Zaru Soba that too with tempura. It looks so delicious Yum! yum! "Icku-chan eat as much as you want" Inoue jumped with excitement at the sight of her favorite summer dishes. "Thanks for the food " and she began to eat after praying to God. They all started eating and in the meantime granny chio spoke to everyone "It's been a long time since Icku-chan and all of you kids have come here. Tomorrow is the summer festival, why don't you all have fun by visiting a nearby shrine." After all, the blood of youth is running in your veins, isn't it?" "Grandma will it be okay?" Inoue queried ."Absolutely Icku-chan, that's why I'm asking you to go . Tomorrow someone is coming to meet me . i don't want you all to be bored" So, I guess I won't be alone, you should go and enjoy" "But Grandma..." "Icku-chan I've already decided that you're going means you're going. Don't worry about me and Himari chan you're going too" "But Grandma tomorrow Roko-chan won't come too because she's going to the summer festival with her family... how can we leave you alone..." " Icku-Chan, don't worry about me my little girl. You always get worried about small things. Now I am old and I think going to festivals with youngsters like you will make me feel a little uncomfortable. So, please don't worry for me ". " Inoue I think Grandma Chio is right. And she also has a meeting tomorrow. We should listen to her." Takemichi opined, "Inoue, if you go, I'll go." Hina spoke. "I think we should go. I am also tired of practicing all day, I also need a little break". Sato gave her opinion. " Okay...i will go too" she said while looking at her grandmother. And grandma chio nodded, smiling back at her .