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Leaving the theatre, a rush of parents flooded the vicinity, their voices a symphony of praise. Hinata's father, with a stoic expression, glared momentarily at Orion. The tension was palpable, but it was fleeting; a gentle nudge from Hinata's mother, Himawari, brought a softer look to his face.
Hanabi, Hinata's bubbly sister, didn't bother with subtleties. With a bright gleam in her eyes, she sprang forward, enveloping Orion in a hug. "You were absolutely brilliant, Orion!" she exclaimed.
Orion chuckled, gently patting her back. "Thanks, Hanabi." His eyes met Hinata's, catching her pouting in his direction. "Jealous?" he teased, raising an eyebrow playfully.
Hanabi, sensing the budding moment, gave Orion a mock stern look, "Take care of my sister, okay? Or you'll have me to deal with!" she warned playfully before darting off to join her friends.
Before Hinata could retort, Orion's parents emerged from the crowd. Elara looked at her son with eyes shimmering with pride. Her strong and resolute nature was momentarily replaced by a soft warmth that only her family got to see. "Look at you," she murmured, her fingers brushing a stray lock of hair from Orion's face.
"You never cease to amaze us, sweetheart," Selene whispered, pulling him into a gentle embrace. Her eyes shimmered with tears.
Orion smirked, his confidence evident. "Thanks, Moms. I had to make sure it was worth the watch."
Hearing this, Elara stepped closer. "You've made both of us very proud." There was a whisper of the warmth of a mother.
Luna and Aurora walked over with their mothers.
Luna ruffled Orion's hair, "You've outdone yourself, bro."
Aurora nodded in agreement, "You've set the bar pretty high."
Nearby, faculty members were making their way over. Leading them was Hancock, the charismatic theater teacher, with Principal Tsunade trailing close behind.
Hancock's voice boomed, "Orion! What a performance! I knew you had it in you."
Principal Tsunade, her voice authoritative yet kind, added, "You've given the school yet another reason to be proud."
Orion's friends came into view next. Ichigo, with his confident stride, was flanked by his sisters Karin and Yuzu, both of whom looked ecstatic. Their hair gleamed under the theater lights, matching their radiant smiles. Yuzu's eyes, glistening with tears, met Orion's as she hugged him tight. "It's been ages, Orion," she murmured, her voice shaky with emotion.
Orion gently patted her head. "That's what happens when they put us in separate classes," he responded with a grin.
Karin, not one for overt displays of sentimentality, nudged him with an elbow. "You haven't been dodging us, have you?" she teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Grinning, Orion patted her back. "Would I dare?"
Ichigo, extended his hand, giving Orion a firm handshake. "Proud of you, man," he remarked, nodding to Hinata as well.
Just as they began reminiscing about their shared kindergarten adventures, Nami and Nojiko appeared, their vibrant auras commanding attention. In a playful move, they sandwiched Orion's head between their bosoms as usual. Orion, ever the tease, waggled his eyebrows, clearly undeterred. "Is this the trailer of Heaven?" he quipped, eliciting giggles from the two girls.
"Always the charmer," Nami said, rolling her eyes playfully.
Before Orion could continue the banter, the Yamanaka sisters closed in. Ino, nimble as ever, leapt onto Orion's back, her legs wrapping around his waist. Simultaneously, Sakura enveloped him in a tight frontal embrace. "You nailed it, Orion!" they squealed in unison, their voices echoing off the theater walls.
Orion chuckled, managing to balance the weight effortlessly. "Thanks, ladies. It's always a blast with you two around."
It was then that the distinct and jubilant voice of Luffy cut through the crowd. "Orion kissed Hinata! Orion kissed Hinata!" He was practically chanting, his wide grin stretching ear to ear.
Beside him, Hibari, always the more composed of the two, rolled his eyes. "Really, Luffy?" he muttered, shaking his head in mild exasperation.
Orion laughed, placing his hands on Luffy's shoulders. "Keep that up and the whole town will know by morning!"
Luffy merely continued his gleeful chant, dancing around in circles. Orion's philosophy of doubling back meant he wasn't one to be teased easily. He turned to Hinata, pulled her close, and planted a quick, playful kiss on her lips. "There, a replay for our audience," he declared smugly.
Hibari smirked. "Bold move," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else.
Mikasa, Winry, and Asuna entered the theatre, their presence immediately drawing attention. Their entrance completed the reunion of their long-standing kindergarten squad, barring Ochako who was on an internship in another city.
"Look who finally showed up!" Luna chirped.
"Sorry, we had a little detour," Asuna replied with a sheepish grin, referencing some inside joke only the kindergarten squad would understand.
Orion, always the center of attention, looked over at the newly arrived trio with a twinkle in his eyes. "Just in time!" he exclaimed, wrapping an arm around both Winry and Mikasa. Asuna playfully punched his arm, rolling her eyes. "Always the show-off," she teased.
"Can't help it," Orion shot back, his characteristic smirk evident. "But seriously, good to see you all."
Hinata, now more comfortable around the gaggle of Orion's friends and acquaintances, looked around at the familiar faces. It felt like a huge family gathering. And with Orion's recent declaration in front of everyone, she was more a part of this tapestry than ever before.
Luffy's boisterous laughter rang through the air again, and Orion chuckled then added, "Alright, alright! Since we're all here, except Ochako who'll join us soon, how about a celebration dinner? You can all meet the rest of my classmates too."
A chorus of agreement echoed around. Hinata, Winry, Tatsumaki, and Vivi exchanged knowing glances. They were the special few in Orion's life, his partners in a relationship that was different but worked for them.
Levy, catching onto the plan, looked excited. "Where are we headed?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
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