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The Nakamura's New Year, Part 2 [Complete]
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Post by Mikazuki Nakamura on Sept 30, 2019 0:38:44 GMT
"You guys didn't fight over business advice." Despite how accusing his tone was, Mikazuki himself looked like a lost puppy as he tried making sense of his friends' words, his parents' expressions and, effectively, of what he heard, trying to make sense of the truth. One thing about Mikazuki that was obvious at that point was that he trusted everyone around him... too much. "Mom and dad mentioned my name. You too, Yuu-Chan, and so did you Junpei-san. So did I hear wrong? I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but... you guys were fighting and I was afraid I'd make things worse and-"
Mika's rantings were cut as his parents approached him and hugged him. "Sorry, son." Soichiro's voice was soft and caring. "The two of us just got overly cautious regarding them and ended up in an argument that got out of hand." his explanation was followed by a nod to Kaede, who also chimed in with an explanation. "None of this is your fault, ok sweetie? Mom and Dad were just worried you were being taken advantage of." The notion filled Mika with more outrage, but just as he was about to voice that, his mother cut him off with a peck on his cheek and a finger to his lips. "We were very wrong, however. Your friends proved to us they are fantastic people and care about you. All we came here to do was right that wrong." And after one last hug and a nod to the two, Soichiro left by patting his son's friend on his shoulder and walking away. Kaede finished that with one last sentence. "So just forget this happened and enjoy the party, ok dear?" and then she turned to his friends and threw them a knowing nod, leaving it clear WHY the lying approach wouldn't work.
As they left, Mika's guilty face seemed to lessen, but he still walked solemnly to his friends. "So, guys... do you... want to do something else? I understand this may not have been the best way to end the year, so if you want we can go to a beach or something." His smile was hesitant and he refused to do more than glance them in the eye after what just happened.
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Post by Junpei Sudo on Oct 1, 2019 0:25:08 GMT
Well, that was... disappointing. Junpei silently grumbled to himself as his attempts at lying were cleanly seen through and just as cleanly dismantled. Well, maybe that was for the best. At least this way, Mika could start reconciling with his parents sooner rather than later, not to mention avoiding the possibility of someone blowing up on someone else at a later date... As much as Junpei wished he could have done something to actually help here, he would be lying (heh) if he said this didn't seem like the best outcome.
The moment Mika asked the duo a question, a wide grin spread across Junpei's face as he reached up and grabbed Mika by one of his arms. "You're darn right I wanna do something else! I wanna cut out all this mopey sad junk and go back to enjoying the New Year with you!" He tugged lightly on Mika's arm. "There's still a fireworks show we gotta watch, and after that we gotta take you to the shrine! Ain't a New Year without getting a blessing, after all!" He glanced back to Yuko. "Right, Yuko?"
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Post by Yuko Himura on Oct 1, 2019 12:22:18 GMT
Mikazuki’s parents did a much better work at explaining the situation to him in earnest, proving that they were responsible adults willing to own up to their mistakes. This made Yuko respect them a lot more, and consider that maybe she should give them the benefit of a doubt, even if their first introduction had been less than pleasant. “Yeah… Your parents had good intentions, so don’t be mad at them, okay?”
All’s well that ends well. A more reassured Mika asked his friends if they wanted to do something more fun and cheerful, such as… going to a beach. “Uuuh… Going to the beach? In the middle of winter? Freezing to death doesn’t sound too fun to me.” The female delinquent said half-jokingly.
Luckily, Junpei had a better suggestion, and one that put a smile on Yuko’s lips. “Heck yeah! I bet we could get a really nice view of the fireworks up here. And getting to the shrine should be no problem if you have us as your bodyguards!” The pierce-faced teen added, while taking hold of Mika’s other arm.
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Post by Mikazuki Nakamura on Oct 1, 2019 12:38:41 GMT
The usual lightswitch mood shifts from Mika weren't surprising to the duo, so when he suddenly perked up and hugged both of his friends with his oh so usual shit-eating grin, it was clear the tension was already dispelled. "For real?! I'm all for it-"
And then his stomach started grumbling and he looked away nervously.
"But can we eat first? I was kinda waiting on you guys. Plus, I Kiiiiiiinda haven't eaten since noon." the blonde scion explained as he rubbed his hand through the back of his head with a nervous chuckle.
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Post by Junpei Sudo on Oct 1, 2019 21:08:42 GMT
As if on cue, a rumble came from Junpei's own stomach, eliciting a sheepish chuckle from the delinquent as he reached to pat Mika on the back. "That sounds just about right... Dinner, fireworks, the shrine... We'll make a date of it, yeah?" Another chuckle, this one more mirthful, as Junpei looked between Mika and Yuko both. The holiday might have gotten off to a rough start (much in the same way the sun is a little warm...), but things looked to be calming down again, and the trio still had the rest of the night to enjoy themselves as much as they could. Reaching out, the rose-haired delinquent grabbed both Mika and Yuko by their respective arms, tugging on them gently in an attempt to force them to start moving. "Now come on, already! If I have to see one more Ming vase or whatever the heck your parents put in these halls, I'm gonna gnaw off my own foot!"
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Post by Yuko Himura on Oct 1, 2019 21:36:02 GMT
Well, it hadn’t taken much convincing for the young Nakamura scion to go right back to his usual, happy-go-lucky, bearhuggy self. Yuko gave an awkward smile as their faces were squeezed a bit too close for her personal comfort, but she returned the hug to the best of her ability regardless. She would take Mika’s constant violation of her personal space over Soichiro’s tough love any day of the year.
Speaking of year, the current one was reaching its close, ushering in a brand new year. New adventures, new memories to be made, and perhaps even an event that would forever change the lives of those three young adults… For the time being, they remained blissfully unaware of what the future held in store for them, their chief concern being to enjoy the rest of the festivities… right after they had gotten dinner.
After Mika’s and Junpei’s stomachs growled, so too did Yuko’s, causing the girl to blush slightly. “Yeah… Let’s get something to eat before I gnaw Junpei’s foot off!” She jested, smirking widely as she started following her two friends.
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Post by Mikazuki Nakamura on Oct 3, 2019 14:30:51 GMT
While the meal was its standard fare (which here translates to nothing short of excellent), Mikazuki didn't make a big deal of it besides eating like a starved wolf. Not that it was any news to any of the guests of the party, but the fact that his friends were around made it seem like he was outright glowing with pure happiness. While his family certainly had comments on both of the delinquents, they seemed to get the message of leaving them to their devices when Soichiro and Kaede made a point of shutting them off as quickly as they could.
Soon enough, the group was already finished and Mika was the first to talk. "Hey, mom and dad! Yuu-chan and Junpei-Kun are taking me to the shrine for a blessing. That fine by you?" the boy-giant asked as per the usual, prompting his parents to share a concerned look, but seemingly not objecting. "Just be careful out there, alright dear?" Kaede advised while Soichiro grabbed his keys. "You wouldn't mind if I had someone drive you there, right?"
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Post by Junpei Sudo on Oct 7, 2019 21:05:37 GMT
While Junpei had (in his personal opinion) managed to not act like the delinquent he wanted to be up until now, his mask finally slipped once dinner was served. As plate after plate of delicious, steaming hot food, each prepared by a master-level chef, was placed before him, the smell alone elicited further growls from his empty stomach. He was barely able to hold on long enough to thank Mika's parents for the meal before greedily starting to dig in, tearing through the meal like a rabid animal. He didn't stop until he could feel his stomach about to burst, upon which he reclined into his seat with a satisfied sigh.
A wave of exhaustion passed over him, and Junpei could feel himself starting to drift off to sleep, only for Soichiro to ask a question that instantly snapped the delinquent back to alertness. "H-Wha-" Blinking rapidly, Junpei shook his head to clear his thoughts and focus on what had been asked. "Nah, nah, y-you don't have to do that..." A small smirk graced his lips as he locked eyes with Mika's father. "It's New Years, not like anything's gonna happen, and even if it did, me and Yuko could handle anything." With a low chuckle, he leaned back into his seat, resting his arms behind his head. "Besides, I need to work off that meal anyway."
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Post by Yuko Himura on Oct 7, 2019 22:09:46 GMT
Yuko was also a big fan of the food, albeit to a less noticeable degree than Junpei. Part of her did want to throw caution to the wind and just eat like a pig too, but it took every ounce of self-restraint she had to remind herself that she was, in fact, a lady.
Apart from the gourmet food, they also got to meet Mikazuki’s grandparents for the first time. They were quiet folk, who mostly just sat there and stared judgmentally at the two delinquents. Yuko couldn’t shake off the feeling that there was something odd about the way the elders acted in front of Mika’s parents. Almost as if they were being held at gunpoint and could only speak if Soichiro or Kaede allowed it. Weird…
After dinner was over, the gang decided to finally go visit that shrine, much to the concern of Mika’s parents. They reluctantly agreed, and Soichiro offered to have someone drive them there. Yuko shook her head at that. “Junpei’s right. The streets are filled with people tonight. Nobody’s gonna be dumb enough to try mugging someone. Besides, the shrine isn’t that far a walk.”
With that, the pierce-faced girl got off the table, patting Junpei’s and Mika’s backs so that they followed her. “Let’s go, guys… Thank you for the food, Mr. and Mrs. Nakamura. We promise to bring Mika back in one piece.” She made sure to bow respectfully before the couple. She could do that much now, even if their first introduction hadn’t been the most cordial.
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Post by Mikazuki Nakamura on Oct 8, 2019 7:24:50 GMT
Again the parents exchanged a worried look but relented after Mikazuki resorted to his greatest weapon: The puppy-eyed look. "Okay, then. You three just be careful." And with that warning, Soichiro and Kaede waved their goodbyes to the group as they headed for the shrine on foot. Their walk had attracted some looks due to how odd their current getups looked side-by-side, but for the most part, nothing major interrupted them.
"Whoa! So this is how New Years is for normal people!" Mika couldn't help but wonder as he watched the festivities unfurl around him at the steps of the stairs. "Man, I wish mom and dad took me to one of these when I was younger! It seems like I've been missing out!" and with that, Mika suddenly took a sprint up the stairs, only stopping to let other people come down and to wait for his friends once he realized they had fallen behind for a bit. It was as clear as the skies above that he couldn't contain his excitement as the turning hour was a mere two minutes away.
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Post by Junpei Sudo on Oct 9, 2019 3:16:26 GMT
Junpei chuckled lightly, his friend's enthusiasm getting to him and causing a small smile to make its home on the delinquent's face. "Yeah, 'normal' people." He gently nudged Mika in his side. "Sorry not all of us can afford to buy the city like you." Despite his ribbing, the laughter that came after would hopefully be enough to show Mika that Junpei was just poking fun and not actually upset by the choice of words. With a heave, the rose-haired delinquent reached the top of the steps and glanced into the shrine's grounds.
Despite what one might think, Junpei was no stranger to the holy grounds. Even as much as he wanted to be a delinquent, the boy could never bring himself to make any one visit to the location his last. Even if he wouldn't exactly describe himself as the most spiritual person, he'd be lying if he said he wasn't calmed while walking around the shrine or that he didn't feel a certain weight lift from his shoulders whenever he made an offering. Of course, now that it was New Years, any calming effect the place might have was long-gone, with the path up to the shrine being occupied by a number of stalls offering games, souvenirs, and junk food alike, not to mention the crowd of people still milling about even at this hour.
An almost-nostalgic sigh escaped his lips as he leaned against a nearby wall and crossed his arms. Glancing back at Mika and Yuko, though, caused an idea to pop into his head, and Junpei suddenly dashed forward, disappearing into the crowd of visitors. It was only a short bit later that he returned, carrying a trio of paper plates piled with steaming hot, fresh takoyaki. "I know we just ate, but it ain't a proper New Years shrine visit without trashy street food, ya know?" He chuckled lightly as he handed a plate each to Mika and Yuko.
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Post by Yuko Himura on Oct 9, 2019 8:35:04 GMT
It wasn’t like the two delinquents Mikazuki hung out with were that ‘normal’ either, with Yuko having so many pieces of metal on her face she might as well have been a cyborg, and Junpei being one of a handful of people born in Japan with natural red hair. In any case, it was meant as a joke, therefore no feelings were hurt. “Yeah, we’re all dysfunctional in our own ways, aren’t we? Hahaha!” Yuko playfully punched Junpei’s arm whilst laughing, as if her earlier trauma was being balanced out by an excess amount of joy.
There was plenty to be happy about, though; Getting to freely hang out with her friends, no obligations clouding the minds for the next hour, and enjoying some takoyaki to boot, fresh from the nearest street vendor! “I always have room for trashy street food!” The female delinquent said with a cocky smirk, picking one of the balls with her fingers and blowing some cooling air on it, before chewing on it noisily.
Following a very enthusiastic boy-giant up the stairs leading to the main shrine, the pierce-faced teenager checked her phone real quick. “It’s almost time, huh? What wish should we make for the new year? And I don’t wanna hear something cliched like staying together forever. We should make a wish with a little more substance to it.” Yuko suggested.
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Post by Mikazuki Nakamura on Oct 15, 2019 15:37:01 GMT
Mikazuki could only listen to their antics with a smile on his face, as per the usual. To be perfectly honest, he was more than content to go along with the ideas and even to help them out. "Well, if you guys need any help..." The boy went and bought a handful of Takoyaki for them. "Let's do this!" And once they were finally at the heap of the shrine, the sound of fireworks resounded around them, with the blonde giant observing in awe to the spectacle before pulling his friends into a group hug. "I've already got my wish riiiiight here! Happy new year, guys!"
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Post by Junpei Sudo on Oct 16, 2019 6:32:59 GMT
For once, Junpei didn't try to struggle or break free from Mika's bear hug, though the delinquent was fairly certain his spine wasn't supposed to make those cracking sounds... Well, whatever. If it made Mika happy, then Junpei could withstand a little bodily harm. With a light chuckle, Junpei managed to free his arm and drape it over the boy-giant's shoulders, returning the hug the best he could. "Yeah, happy new year to you too, man..." His gaze wandered upwards, to the fireworks painting the sky above them, bursts of reds and whites and every color illuminating the pitch black night. It might have been a little cliche to say, but Junpei would be lying if he said it didn't feel even a little magical, ushering in a new year with his friends. His gaze lowered, a smirk appearing on his face. He didn't say anything, and wouldn't say anything- if he was ever questioned about it, he would deny everything- but he was right there with Mika: anything he could possibly wish for, he already had right here.
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Post by Yuko Himura on Oct 16, 2019 8:08:34 GMT
A light squeal escaped Yuko’s mouth as she was pulled along with Junpei into yet another of Mika’s signature group hugs, nearly dropping the rest of her takoyaki in the process. Despite that, the female delinquent smiled warmly, and freed her own free arm so that she could pat her friend’s back in return. “Heh. It can’t be helped, I guess… Happy new year to us!” She snickered, being at the moment just content to watch the fireworks with her two best pals. Other people nearby also hugged, kissed and exchanges wishes of well-being and prosperity for the brand new year of two thousand something.
Theirs was an oddball group, to be sure; An overly affectionate boy-giant, a strawberry-top and Pinhead’s long lost cousin. Yet, by powering through the controversy stemming from their vast differences, their friendship felt stronger now, and perhaps could stand the test of time. Cliched as it was, there was no better wish than to be able to watch the fireworks together again same time next year.
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