An Awkward, Scary-looking Sweetheart

Oh, hello there! People usually call me Sadako, but my real name is Sawako Kuronuma. Thank you very much for stopping by! I'm still very new to this website, so I'm sorry if this will somehow become troublesome to you. I wish to become acquainted with you...if that's alright. (Independent Kimi ni Todoke blog for Sawako Kuronuma. All icon credit goes to daisukicons.)

[nacchan-loves-cuties]

This was wonderful. His new friend was willing to come with him to the cafe. This was better than his original plan to visit alone. Sure, the idea of visiting the new cafe is what made him go out in the first place, but to have someone accompany him only made it all the better. It was more fun when there were more people involved. At least, that’s what he believed.

Taking a few steps forward he stopped and turned to Sawako with a smile on his face. “Are you coming, Sawako-chan? I’ll lead the way.”

[sweetspiritedsawako]

"Ah, okay then." After Sawako caught up with him, the two of them started on their way to the cafe. As they walked, she fell behind Natsuki, but it wasn't because she couldn't keep up. Natsuki did say that he will lead the way, so wasn't it natural that she should follow from behind? Or was it because she now found herself acting less naturally around him and becoming awkward again? Aw man, she can't let that happen, especially since they've just become friends! You've been silent for a while, Sawako, so you should speak up! Think of something to talk about!

She took a moment to muster up enough courage to break the silence. Then she walked up to his side and asked, "Um, Shinomiya-kun...if you don't mind me asking, do you visit cafes after school with your friends?"

[composingharuka]

Haruka breathes a sigh of relief, and listens as Sawako answers her generic and random questions. When they’re turned back to her, she blinks in surprise, and then smiles.

"No, I don’t mind at all," Haruka assures. "Hm… I don’t know what my favorite type of music is. I like it all. I play piano—I have since I was a little girl—so I always have a soft spot for anything played on piano, I guess. And… well, my favorite color is red. Green, too, but I like red best."

Haruka looks over at Sawako, then, and comments with a soft smile, “I think you must look very pretty in soft colors, Kuronuma-san. Especially pink and purple.”

[sweetspiritedsawako]

[Sawako smiled, happy that Haruka had decided to share bits about herself as well.] I suppose we both have a soft spot for piano music. But wow, to think that you've been paying it since you were little...that's remarkable! It must be nice to be able to recreate your favorite tunes.

Oh...why, thank you! Now that you mention it, I suppose do wear a lot of pink and purple clothes...[She momentarily fell silent and stared into Haruka's eyes.] As for you...perhaps bold colors would look good on you. Maybe it's because of your hair and eyes--um, both of which are very pretty and interesting!

[nacchan-loves-cuties]

Now that the pleasantries had been exchanged and the two agreed that they were looking forward to becoming great friends all that was left to do was work toward that glorious moment. The moment the two would be able to be as great a friends as he was with any of his bandmates or even Haruka, their composer. It all would just take time.

"Say, Sawako-chan?" Natsuki began, keeping the smile on his face. "Do you want to go somewhere with me? I was thinking of going to this new cafe to try out their menu. Would you like to accompany me? It could be a great way to help build our friendship even greater."

[sweetspiritedsawako]

Sawako blinked, her eyes slightly widening in surprise. She knew that it would take time for the two of them to become close. She also knew that that good friends normally hang out with each other. But what she didn't know was whether or not it was normal to immediately start hanging out with a friend she has just met. Not to mention that she doesn't have many male friends--much less those whom she hangs out with--which makes the situation even newer to her. Nonetheless, the idea of spending time with a friend appeals to her, and she has already grown to like and trust Natsuki. Perhaps she should stop overanalyzing the situation and take it just as Natsuki said: an opportunity to build their friendship.

"Um, s--sure," she replied softly. Her head was slightly bowed, and her hands were folded together. Sawako was back to her timid self.

[composingharuka]

"Oh! Um, well… maybe we could, um, get to know each other? Like… What’s your favorite music? Or color? Or do you play an instrument?" Haruka pauses when she realizes something.

"U-unless you have somewhere else to be!" she quickly says, flustered. "I don’t want to take up your time if you have something better to do than stand around talking to me…"

[sweetspiritedsawako]

Oh, no! [Wearing a flustered expression similar to Haruka's, Sawako waves her hands as a way to say "no."] I don't mind at all! I--in fact, I'd love to get to talk to you, Nanami-san. I'll gladly answer your questions. [After both of them have calmed down, Sawako noticed that much of what Haruka has said so far--especially about how she was afraid of wasting her time--were things that she herself was likely to say. It was kind of amusing, actually. Perhaps they have more in common than she had originally thought.]

Um...to be honest, I don't listen to a lot of music, so I don't think I have a favorite genre. That said, I don't play any instruments either. But I really like music played on a piano, or a violin, or even a music box--er, if that answers your question. As for my favorite color...maybe pink or purple? I like soft and subdued colors, if that makes any sense. [Sawako looks back at Haruka with genuine curiosity.] How about you, Nanami-san? Would you mind if I asked you the same questions you asked me?

[hxroisms-archive]

[It amused her to see that they were doing a lot of bowing, and it was still only the introductions they were at! She didn’t remember when the last time she met such a polite and sweet girl— then again, that was already weeks ago, if memory served her correctly. It was a rocky beginning in Ayano’s opinion, but it would be a good thing to look back on and laugh about… That is, if they became friends, and hopefully, they were already on that path.] 

Sawako… That’s a pretty name, Kuronuma-san! [She smiled, giggling slightly] Doesn’t it mean… ‘Lively child’ or something? I remember reading it somewhere… Though, it could mean something else… Hmn…

[sweetspiritedsawako]

Oh! Um, t--thank you! [After years of being known by the nickname "Sadako," Sawako still appreciates it when other peers, including those she comes to meet outside of school, refer to her by her real name. Compliments about her name also please her. But having someone recognize the actual meaning of her name was an amazing feat that she rarely had the pleasure of experiencing. It allowed her to quickly warm up to Ayano, whom she hoped to eventually befriend.]

Y--yes, it does! It can also mean 'pleasant child', but what you said is one of its variations. And, um, you have a nice name as well! I don't remember the exact meaning of your given name, but I think it's involved with color...or was it love?

[warriorprincessofkou-deactivate]

"Thank you, Sawako," she replied, touched by her words. She’s such a kind, polite girl. She says she’s not very popular, though. Her classmates must be misidentifying her. I can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t want to be her friend. "It means a lot that you think so highly of me. I’m truly flattered that you’ve said so." She paused for a moment, smiling at the vast sky. In the end, we’re all living under the same sky, aren’t we? she thought fondly. So we’re never really ever separated. Even when the time comes to part, we’ll still share something. "If it means anything, I think you’d make a wonderful princess," she told her friend, patting her hand kindly. "You’re kind and graceful, two qualities that are highly valued in royalty." 

As they reached the top of the hill, Hakuei gave as nostalgic sigh as they surveyed the valley below. Her older brothers had taken her here when she was younger, and she’d continued to do so with Hakuryuu and and sometimes their cousins. Of course, only she and him were aware of the thicket that lay beyond, concealed within the trees. 

"When I was younger—very young, about five or so—I came here with my cousins Koumei, Kougyoku and Kouha. My brother had still been a baby, so I hand’t been able to take him with me as much. Kougyoku, who was only three, wanted to tag along, so I’d been carrying her on my back. When I turned my back for a moment to put her down, Kouha had shoved her down this hill." She shook her head, both nostalgic and exasperated. "I stopped for a moment, and then I pushed Kouha myself before running down after then both. I tripped quite a bit, but none of us were hurt. Koumei had the sense to walk down instead of falling or charging." 

"So, Sawako-chan," she said, giving her a playful wink. "Ready to relive my memories?" After all, she did tell me that she hadn’t had many experiences like mine. And it’s perfectly safe—even if we fall, it’s not far to the ground, and the grass is soft. Without another word, she urged the horse into a canter, speeding down the hill gleefully.

[sweetspiritedsawako]

"You really think so...?" Did that imply that she was anywhere comparable to Hakuei? Quickly shaking her head, Sawako quickly shot down the thought--How insolent of me!--but the mere fact that this compliment was coming from an actual princess elated her. "That does mean a lot...In fact, it's the first time anyone has said that about me!" she responded, looking at the other with twinkling eyes. But after letting what she just said sink in for a moment, the glee on her expression was replaced by shock."Ah! I'm sorry, b--but I think I lied about that...My father has probably called me 'princess' at some point. But nonetheless, I really am grateful for the compliment, Hakuei-san!"

She blinked, not realizing what Hakuei meant until it was too late? "Huh? What do you meaAAAAHH!!!" Before Sawako could finish, Silver started her sprint down the hill. Squeezing her eyes shut, she wrapped her arms around Hakuei's waist and held on for her life. Ohmygodpleasedon'tletmefallbecausethatwouldreallyhurtandmymotherwashedthisuniformjustyesterday--After Silver reached the bottom of the hill, Sawako remained frozen for a few moments, still clinging to Hakuei. Then she let out a giggle, and soon enough she was laughing. "Ahaha! That was so much fun!"

[nacchan-loves-cuties]

Oh, good! She wanted to be his friend too. That made everything all the better. Not only did he want to be friends with her, but she wanted to be friends with him. That was it! He was determined Sawako and himself would become the best of friends. There was absolutely no doubt in Natsuki’s mind now. It was only a matter of time until their friendship grew stronger.

"Then it’s settled!" The blond declared with a blissful tone and bright laughter in his voice. "We’re friends, Sawako-chan! You and me are friends and we’ll get to be really, really good friends too! I’m sure of it."

[sweetspiritedsawako]

Any doubts that were left in Sawako's mind were forgotten, allowing her to fully enjoy Natsuki's warm presence--and their newly established friendship. Everything about this conversation made her happy. Before she knew it, she was expressing some of that happiness in a big, genuine smile.

"Y--Yes! I'll be looking forward to that, Shinomiya-kun!"

[thechihirofujisaki]

I—I’m very happy to hear that, Sawako-san! Y—Yes of course, I certainly have some free time right now..!

[sweetspiritedsawako]

H-how convenient! Then...would you like to go on a walk with me?

[composingharuka]

"It’s lovely to meet you, too," Haruka smiled again. She’s so polite, Haruka thinks, that’s so cute.

"Oh, n-no, you didn’t scare me, just startled me a bit. I didn’t know you were there and you surprised me when you spoke. That’s all." She said. Of course she didn’t scare me, I’ve seen way scarier things than her. Like… like…. President Saotome! He’s pretty scary.

[sweetspiritedsawako]

[Sawako sighed in relief. At least Haruka was kind enough to stick around for a conversation.] Well, that's good to hear. Nonetheless, I'm still sorry for startling you. So, um...w-would you like to talk about anything else, Nanami-san?

[sweetspiritedsawako]

UM NO THEY ARE NOT

[sweetspiritedsawako]

Episode 16!

[sweetspiritedsawako]

(And I have officially returned from my hibernation, in which I spent my time playing Fire Emblem: Awakening and watching Heartcatch Precure! Hope you guys didn't miss me too much.)

L-likewise...I missed seeing you all very much. Mun-san and I will attempt to get back to our replies before she heads off to bed. I hope to get to talk to you all once again!

[sweetspiritedsawako]

Whoops, Fire Emblem has taken over my life. Sorry for the inactivity.

[sweetspiritedsawako]

Whoops, I ended up spending the last two or three hours playing Fire Emblem. I'll try to get back to replies later.

[composingharuka]

What a pretty name, Haruka thought. “No, no, don’t apologize, we both neglected to introduce ourselves," she says, trying to smile comfortingly. She can tell this girl is feeling just as nervous and awkward as she is herself, so maybe if she tries to look less scared it’ll help?

Oh, she needs to introduce herself now. “Oh! I’m Haruka Nanami."

[sweetspiritedsawako]

[Now that the awkward moment seems to have ended, Sawako did manage to ease down a bit. Seeing the other girl smile, she started to notice just how reassuring smiles could be. Ah, if only she could smile like that without creeping someone out...]

It's nice to meet you, Nanami-san. [She bowed to Haruka.] Um...d-did I scare you earlier? If I did, I sincerely apologize.

[thechihirofujisaki]

W..We have such similar interests, m-maybe we should hang out more often..! It would be fun to do those things with another person, d..don’t you think..? 

[sweetspiritedsawako]

Y-you'd really like to spend more time with me? That...would be really nice. In fact, I'd love to hang out with you more as well, Chihiro-san! Um, if I may be so bold to ask...a-are you busy right now?

[therecklessonesx-deactivated201]

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