Love Hina Fan Fiction ❯ Koihina Musou ❯ Kyoto Trip, and Finding Love ( Chapter 14 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Sailor Enlil 
Keitaro and Touka fail their Tokyo U entrance exams, and go on a trip to Kyoto. Meanwhile, the Hinata Inn gets an unexpected guest.
Anime/Manga: Love Hina Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama / Comedy / Adventure | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 06.29.2009 | Updated On: 06.29.2009 | Pages: 6 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 307 | Status: Completed
Keitaro and Touka fail their Tokyo U entrance exams, and go on a trip to Kyoto. Meanwhile, the Hinata Inn gets an unexpected guest.
Anime/Manga: Love Hina Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama / Comedy / Adventure | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 06.29.2009 | Updated On: 06.29.2009 | Pages: 6 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 307 | Status: Completed
Koihina Musou (A Love Hina x Koihime Musou crossover)
Disclaimer: Love Hina is property of Ken Akamatsu. Koihime Musou and Shin Koihime Musou are properties of BaseSon.
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"Well, this is it" said Keitaro. "Tokyo University, or bust."
Touka kept silent. She was nervous as hell.
They took the Tokyo University Entrance Exams last week, on a day which was more eventful than expected. First they ended up at the wrong campus from where they were assigned to take the exams. Next some maniac driver in a van followed them to the said campus, whose real intention was to give Keitaro his examination pass which he dropped at the other campus (and the two youngsters learned, to their disbelief, that the man was actually a Tokyo University Professor, named Noryasu Seta). Then, they bumped into a pink-haired girl Keitaro's age who was also in a hurry to take the Tokyo University exams, who left as quickly as they ran into her (while mumbling nearly inaudible words about being lost). And finally, Keitaro and Touka took their exams, which were more mind-wrenching than they expected. Today both of them went up to see the results. Here they will find out whether or not they will finally enter Tokyo University. With their student ID numbers in mind, they search for them on the list.
Keitaro's anxienty builds as he sorts through the numbers getting closer to his. Eventually though, his own number gets skipped.
He hung his face in defeat. He failed again. He then slowly looks to Touka, who happens to be looking down herself. "Hey Touka?" he said softly. "Didn't you see..."
"I... I failed" said Touka, tears brimming in her eyes.
Keitaro was feeling bad enough about himself, but seeing Touka in misery made him feel for her. "Come on, let's get out of here..."
"Um, can we stop somewhere?" said Touka weakly. "I.. don't feel like going back yet"
-----
"This isn't bad at all" said Touka.
"I often come here for meals since it's really cheap yet tastes good." said Keitaro. "Also when I'm feeling down"
Keitaro and Touka were at a Beef Bowl outlet, Keitaro's favorite eating place. It was a whole new experience for Touka, who was used to eating at expensive restaurants, which only intimidated her. This felt more "normal" so to speak.
"I'm really starting to see things I'm missing out on" said Touka.
"Was it really that bad?"
"It's just like I said before. I never had the life of an average girl. I'm always under guard, and every social event was with dignitaries. None of those pajama parties I hear about."
"Hmm" hummed Keitaro. "In a matter of speaking I grew up similarly"
"Eh?"
"I never had a chance to enjoy my youth. I was so intent on going to Tokyo University since I made the promise. I just kept studying, but my grades were always low, so I'd study harder, and as a result I had no time to have fun and fool around."
Touka felt a strange connection with Keitaro after hearing that. She and he were alike in a way. "Oh"
"Well, I certainly won't be going back to my folks at home after failing to get into Tokyo University the third time, so I'm stuck at the Hinata Inn."
Then it dawned on Touka. "Oh God." she whimpered. "My father is going to kill me." she said, starting to cry.
Keitaro felt sad for Touka. Then he had an idea. "Touka?"
"Yes?"
"Let's go somewhere, far away."
Touka was taken aback.
"I did this before. When I failed the first two times, I went out on a trip. Partly to get away from things, and also to do a kind of soul searching." said Keitaro.
Touka looked thoughtful. Several times she felt the urge to get away from her home. Moving to Hinata Inn was one thing. But taking a trip far away, alone, was something she felt like doing at least one. She then collected herself. "Okay, what do you have in mind?"
------
"WHAT!?" said Aisha in exasperation.
"If I heard it right, Keitaro-donno and Touka-sama are eloping!" said Sei.
"EHHH!?" yelped Rinrin.
"Hawawawawa!" babbled Shuuri.
"HWAAAAAAA!!!" stuttered Sui.
"After failing the Tokyo University Exams? Masaka..." said Aisha with dread. "They're going to commit a love-pact suicide!?"
Sui and Shuuri had a horrified look. Rinrin boggled.
"Now, now, those were in the old days." said Sei. "I'm sure it's more of case of just wanting to get away from it all."
"It's still not right" said Aisha.
"So what do you plan to do? Go after them and get them back?" asked Sei.
"Um..." Aisha paused.
"Wait! Where did they say they went to?" asked Shuuri.
"Went where?" asked a mysterous girl's voice.
"Who said that?" asked Aisha.
"Where is Keitaro Urashima?" asked a small girl with blond hair in a pair of pigtails, with what appear to be skull-shaped hairpins. She was dressed in a goth-loli type of dress, with the front cut low to show some modest cleavage, for a girl with rather small breasts. Her appearance startled the tenants of the inn.
"First, who are you?" asked Sei.
"I am Karin Sousou Urashima" replied the girl. "Keitaro's younger sister."
The tenants gawked at the revelation. They didn't know Keitaro had a younger sister.
"Excuse me?" said Aisha.
"You're his..." said Sei.
"Younger sister?" said Sui.
"Keitaro is your onii-chan?" said Rinrin.
"Hawawawa" babbled Shuuri.
"Tell me now" said Karin, approaching Aisha with a rather weird look in her eyes.
"Um, yes?" said Aisha, who was unusually nervous.
"Where is my onii-chan?"
------
Keitaro and Touka arrived in Kyoto after taking the bullet train. Once there they instantly began sightseeing, mainly visiting the temples.
"Ah! A photo sticker booth!" said Keitaro, noticing the aforementioned contraption.
"Eh? What is that?" asked Touka, who heard of the term for the first time in her life.
"A machine that takes pictures, only those pictures are really small, about this big" said Keitaro, showing a gap between his fingers. "They are also stickers so you can stick them anywhere you want"
"Really?"
"Yeah. I've been collecting pictures of myself, well, just myself, with it"
"Um, can I have a picture too?"
"Well, sure!"
"I'm mean, with you"
"Eh?" gasped Keitaro in surprise. He never had a Photo Sticker picture of himself with a girl, or anyone for that matter. All of his photo stickers were of him alone.
"Please?" begged Touka.
"Um sure!" said Keitaro, leading Touka to the Photo Booth. Once inside, the two of them sat down on the bench side by side, and Keitaro dropped a few yen coins to start the machine. "Okay, let's see here" he said. "What background would you like?"
"Um, how about this one?" asked Touka.
"Hmm, okay. Looks pretty" said Keitaro. "Well, let's get ready"
"Okay" said Touka.
"Just make sure you appear on the screen" said Keitaro, pointing to the video screen in front of them, which worked like a mirror.
"Oh"
"Okay! It's about to rip! Hold still" said Keitaro. "Oh and say cheese!"
"Ehehe!" giggled Touka. "Cheese!"
The photo booth flashed. In seconds the photo stickers came out. Keitaro grabbed them and showed them to Touka.
"Wow!" said Touka. "These look nice!"
"They sure do" said Keitaro. "Here" he said, taking out one picture from the set. "Put this on somewhere, like on your wallet or compact."
"Um, okay" said Touka, taking the photo sticker and sticking it inside her wallet, right on the picture holder. "There!"
Keitaro smiled.
-----
"Kyoto eh?" said Karin.
"Uh, I, uh" murmured a very red-faced Aisha, who was now lying down on the couch with a very crafty Karin hovering above her.
"Hehehehe" giggled Karin. "You look so cute!"
The other girls were just blank-faced at the spectacle.
"Well" said Karin, standing up. "My onii-chan is just being an idiot like he usually is when he has a problem. I know he'll come back. However..."
"Um, what?" asked Aisha, now a bit relieved, and sitting on the couch.
"Your friend, Ryuubi-san" said Karin. "She's with him. I think she's got him in the palm of her hand..."
"Wait a minute!" said Sei. "Are you accusing Touka-sama of being a slut?"
"I never said that." said Karin. "It's just that she's the daughter of a dietman, and this is rather uncharacteristic of her to run off with a guy she's only known for a few months."
"What are you saying?" asked Aisha.
Karin had an evil look in her eyes.
-----
After the photo sticker booth, they looked at more of the sights. By nightfall, they had dinner at an okonomiyaki restaurant, another first for Touka. Finally they decided to stay at a Ryokan, yet another first for Touka, who was used to staying at 5-star hotels during travels with her family. Problem is, the only Ryokan they could find only had one vacant room. The innkeeper actually suggested that the two ronins share the room, and was willing to give a discount on seeing a lovely young couple stay there, much to their embarrassment. After having their belongings secured, Keitaro and Touka are given Yukatas for them to wear for the night. After bathing in the onsen, they start considering sleeping arrangements.
"Um, Keitaro?" said Touka.
"Um, I'll sleep on the floor so you can have the futon." said Keitaro.
"No. Please. I wouldn't mind sharing the futon" said Touka, blushing.
"EH???" yelped Keitaro.
"It's okay." said Touka. "I kind of, don't want to be alone in it for some reason."
Keitaro was surprised by Touka's admission. She actually wanted his company in the futon? "Um, but, you see..."
"I'm sure nothing will happen as long as we don't take off our Yukata's" said Touka.
Keitaro gulped. "Well, if you insist"
"Onegai?" pleaded Touka.
"Um, okay" relented Keitaro. He first led Touka to the futon and tucked her in, then he nervously followed into the covers. At first he kept his distance from Touka, but moments later, he was shocked when she rolled over to his side.
"Keitaro, I'd like it if you held me" said Touka.
"Touka?"
"I... I don't know when I started having this... feeling, but I think I'm falling in love with you" said Touka.
Keitaro boggled.
"I've never felt so happy in my life. You let me have a wonderful experience today."
"Touka..."
"I know you're still looking for your promised girl. But I guess I'm being selfish here, and I kinda wish I was that girl..."
Keitaro's eyes widened.
"Hehehe. I don't know if it's coincidence or fate that we're both trying for Tokyo University" said Touka merrily. "I don't remember anything of my life fifteen years ago" she said, which got Keitaro's hopes down, but she contined "But still, I can't help but feel a connection between us"
"Touka..." murmured Keitaro.
"Maybe, just maybe, that girl is me"
Keitaro searched deep into his mind about his promised girl, but his memories were too fuzzy. "I... I wish I could really remember. But I can't. I don't remember her name or her face. I'm sorry"
"It... it's okay" said Touka. "I know you're trying. I just wanted you to know my feelings."
Keitaro kept silent.
"I would like to know yours though."
Keitaro got nervous. He had to admit, Touka was a beautiful girl, and from a well to do family, and trying for Tokyo University like he is. And now she was actually falling for him. He began to wonder, should he still go after his promised girl, one he can't even remember, or take a chance with Touka, who is right here, already wanting to be with him. Or, if what she is wishing for is real, and she is in fact his long lost promised girl, then he will already be fulfilling that promise. Thinking about that, he made his decision. "Touka?"
"Yes?"
"I've decided, to take a chance with you."
It was Touka's turn to be surprised. "Keitaro..."
"I... much as I'd like to fulfil that promise of mine" began Keitaro. "I admit, I'm falling for you, Touka."
"Keitaro..."
"I don't know for sure if you are my promised girl, but somehow it kind of feels right to be with you"
"Keitaro..."
"I... I want you. Touka" said Keitaro, finally wrapping his arms around her.
Touka became overwhelemed, and started to cry tears of joy. "Keitaro!" she cried, hugging Keitaro.
"Touka..." replied Keitaro, holding Touka tightly. They remained that way for what seemed like hours, with Touka quietly sobbing under the crook of Keitaro's neck. After awhile, Touka stopped sobbing. "You okay?" asked Keitaro.
"I'm alright" said Touka. "I guess I just needed to get it out."
"Touka?"
"Keitaro?"
"Yes?"
Touka pulled her head away from Keitaro's neck and looked at him, with the same longing she had when she kissed him. "I love you"
Keitaro's heart was on fire. The kind of words he longed to hear from a girl, and he heard them first hand from Touka. He let himself feel the warmth and love flowing through him. Finally he made his answer. "I love you too, Touka"
Touka smiled. She then moved in closer to Keitaro, and gave him her second kiss.
Unlike the last time where Keitaro was stunned, he savored this kiss, letting himself drown in romantic bliss. After a few minutes of lip-lock, they broke the kiss.
"I'm so happy Keitaro" said Touka.
"So am I, Touka"
The two stared at each other, with a look that spoke volumes of love and affection towards each other. Soon drowsiness began to overcome the two.
"Well" said Keitaro.
"Goodnight, Kei-kun" said Touka.
Keitaro was a bit surprised at how he was called. "Goodnight, Touka-chan"
The two fell asleep in each others arms.
-----
The next morning Keitaro and Touka decided to return to the Hinata Inn. They were back at the Kyoto station and waited at a snack bar for the train.
"I wonder how the others will react to our relationship, Kei-kun" said Touka.
"They'll probably draw, quarter, and keyhaul me for choosing you over them" replied Keitaro. "And I get the feeling Aisha-chan will take it the hardest"
"I guess you're right" said Touka, who couldn't help but feel she betrayed her best friend. "Well, I guess we'll have to..."
"AH!!!" yelled a girl's voice. "I thought I wasn't going to make it!"
"Eh?" piped Keitaro, who looked at the newcomer. "YOU!?"
"Huh?" said Touka. "Say aren't you..."
"Oh. You two" replied the pink-haired girl, the same girl Keitaro and Touka bumped into at Tokyo University. "Never expected to meet you here."
"Same here." said Keitaro. "Weren't you also taking the Tokyo University exams?"
"Yes I did. Unfortunately" the girl paused. "I didn't make it in"
"Oh" said Touka.
"I guess misery loves company" said Keitaro. "We didn't make it in either."
"So we're in the same boat?" said the pink-haired girl. "Well since we're all in this together, I might as well introduce myself. I'm Renfa Sonken"
"Keitaro Urashima"
"Touka Ryuubi"
Renfa looked curiously at Touka. "Dietman Ryuubi's daughter? I never thought..."
Touka sighed. "It's not like I enjoy those perks or anything"
"Actually, my family is close to the Ryuubis" said Renfa. "Though I'm not so familiar with individual family members"
"Oh." said Touka.
"Well, I presume you two went here on a trip to get away for awhile?" asked Renfa.
"Um, yes" replied Keitaro.
"Same here, but I'm on my way home now"
"So are we" said Touka.
"Mind if I ask you two something?" said Renfa.
"Go ahead" said Touka.
"You two remind me of a pair of lovers eloping"
"Um, actually" said Keitaro.
"Um, the truth is, we only be came a couple last night" admitted Touka.
"How nice" replied Renfa. "At least you two found something special"
The two lovers blushed.
"Too bad I still haven't found my special someone" said Renfa. "Especially the one I made a promise with"
"A promise?" asked Keitaro.
"Yes. I promised an old friend we'd meet in Tokyo University when we grew up"
This news came as a shock to Keitaro and Touka. Keitaro's mind clicked at the thought that maybe Renfa was his promised girl after all, but was being torn at his newfound relationship with Touka. Touka's heart sank upon hearing this news, and wondered if Keitaro would have a change of heart on their relationship. Before they said anything, Renfa spoke first.
"Well, if I do find her, I'll probably strangle her for leaving me back then" said Renfa.
"Her?" Keitaro blurted out, his face going blank. Same happened to Touka.
"What? You thought it was a guy?" said Renfa with a laugh. "I'd die of embarrassment just thinking about such a thing"
Keitaro's eye twitched. "E-ehehehe"
Touka somehow felt relieved.
"Anyway, I'd best be going." said Renfa. "Good luck to you two on your relationship, and next year at Tokyo University, if you're trying again"
"Um, sure!" said Keitaro.
"Take care of yourself, Sonken-san" said Touka. "ULP!"
Renfa surprised Touka by taking her into a hug, and made a bigger surprise by whispering something. "You better keep the promise. Ne?"
Touka was bewildered. 'Promise? What's she talking about?'
Renfa let go, and turned to Keitaro. "Don't you go two-timing, Kei-kun" she said cryptically. After that, she just took off running.
Keitaro looked at the retreating form of Renfa after hearing hear address him as Kei-kun. "What was that all about? Oy! Touka-chan!"
"Ah!" gasped Touka. "Um yes?"
"You okay?"
"Um, I guess so"
"Well, we better be going"
"Oh, yes!"
As the two headed for their train, Keitaro thought 'strange girl.'
-TBC
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A/N: This one just came out in a rush. Due to certain issues, including writer's block, I decided to finish the fanfic sooner than expected. Many of you will likely be disappointed at the lack of arcs and appearances of other Koihime Musou characters. Perhaps someday if I get a chance I might revise this fic and expand it.
Disclaimer: Love Hina is property of Ken Akamatsu. Koihime Musou and Shin Koihime Musou are properties of BaseSon.
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"Well, this is it" said Keitaro. "Tokyo University, or bust."
Touka kept silent. She was nervous as hell.
They took the Tokyo University Entrance Exams last week, on a day which was more eventful than expected. First they ended up at the wrong campus from where they were assigned to take the exams. Next some maniac driver in a van followed them to the said campus, whose real intention was to give Keitaro his examination pass which he dropped at the other campus (and the two youngsters learned, to their disbelief, that the man was actually a Tokyo University Professor, named Noryasu Seta). Then, they bumped into a pink-haired girl Keitaro's age who was also in a hurry to take the Tokyo University exams, who left as quickly as they ran into her (while mumbling nearly inaudible words about being lost). And finally, Keitaro and Touka took their exams, which were more mind-wrenching than they expected. Today both of them went up to see the results. Here they will find out whether or not they will finally enter Tokyo University. With their student ID numbers in mind, they search for them on the list.
Keitaro's anxienty builds as he sorts through the numbers getting closer to his. Eventually though, his own number gets skipped.
He hung his face in defeat. He failed again. He then slowly looks to Touka, who happens to be looking down herself. "Hey Touka?" he said softly. "Didn't you see..."
"I... I failed" said Touka, tears brimming in her eyes.
Keitaro was feeling bad enough about himself, but seeing Touka in misery made him feel for her. "Come on, let's get out of here..."
"Um, can we stop somewhere?" said Touka weakly. "I.. don't feel like going back yet"
-----
"This isn't bad at all" said Touka.
"I often come here for meals since it's really cheap yet tastes good." said Keitaro. "Also when I'm feeling down"
Keitaro and Touka were at a Beef Bowl outlet, Keitaro's favorite eating place. It was a whole new experience for Touka, who was used to eating at expensive restaurants, which only intimidated her. This felt more "normal" so to speak.
"I'm really starting to see things I'm missing out on" said Touka.
"Was it really that bad?"
"It's just like I said before. I never had the life of an average girl. I'm always under guard, and every social event was with dignitaries. None of those pajama parties I hear about."
"Hmm" hummed Keitaro. "In a matter of speaking I grew up similarly"
"Eh?"
"I never had a chance to enjoy my youth. I was so intent on going to Tokyo University since I made the promise. I just kept studying, but my grades were always low, so I'd study harder, and as a result I had no time to have fun and fool around."
Touka felt a strange connection with Keitaro after hearing that. She and he were alike in a way. "Oh"
"Well, I certainly won't be going back to my folks at home after failing to get into Tokyo University the third time, so I'm stuck at the Hinata Inn."
Then it dawned on Touka. "Oh God." she whimpered. "My father is going to kill me." she said, starting to cry.
Keitaro felt sad for Touka. Then he had an idea. "Touka?"
"Yes?"
"Let's go somewhere, far away."
Touka was taken aback.
"I did this before. When I failed the first two times, I went out on a trip. Partly to get away from things, and also to do a kind of soul searching." said Keitaro.
Touka looked thoughtful. Several times she felt the urge to get away from her home. Moving to Hinata Inn was one thing. But taking a trip far away, alone, was something she felt like doing at least one. She then collected herself. "Okay, what do you have in mind?"
------
"WHAT!?" said Aisha in exasperation.
"If I heard it right, Keitaro-donno and Touka-sama are eloping!" said Sei.
"EHHH!?" yelped Rinrin.
"Hawawawawa!" babbled Shuuri.
"HWAAAAAAA!!!" stuttered Sui.
"After failing the Tokyo University Exams? Masaka..." said Aisha with dread. "They're going to commit a love-pact suicide!?"
Sui and Shuuri had a horrified look. Rinrin boggled.
"Now, now, those were in the old days." said Sei. "I'm sure it's more of case of just wanting to get away from it all."
"It's still not right" said Aisha.
"So what do you plan to do? Go after them and get them back?" asked Sei.
"Um..." Aisha paused.
"Wait! Where did they say they went to?" asked Shuuri.
"Went where?" asked a mysterous girl's voice.
"Who said that?" asked Aisha.
"Where is Keitaro Urashima?" asked a small girl with blond hair in a pair of pigtails, with what appear to be skull-shaped hairpins. She was dressed in a goth-loli type of dress, with the front cut low to show some modest cleavage, for a girl with rather small breasts. Her appearance startled the tenants of the inn.
"First, who are you?" asked Sei.
"I am Karin Sousou Urashima" replied the girl. "Keitaro's younger sister."
The tenants gawked at the revelation. They didn't know Keitaro had a younger sister.
"Excuse me?" said Aisha.
"You're his..." said Sei.
"Younger sister?" said Sui.
"Keitaro is your onii-chan?" said Rinrin.
"Hawawawa" babbled Shuuri.
"Tell me now" said Karin, approaching Aisha with a rather weird look in her eyes.
"Um, yes?" said Aisha, who was unusually nervous.
"Where is my onii-chan?"
------
Keitaro and Touka arrived in Kyoto after taking the bullet train. Once there they instantly began sightseeing, mainly visiting the temples.
"Ah! A photo sticker booth!" said Keitaro, noticing the aforementioned contraption.
"Eh? What is that?" asked Touka, who heard of the term for the first time in her life.
"A machine that takes pictures, only those pictures are really small, about this big" said Keitaro, showing a gap between his fingers. "They are also stickers so you can stick them anywhere you want"
"Really?"
"Yeah. I've been collecting pictures of myself, well, just myself, with it"
"Um, can I have a picture too?"
"Well, sure!"
"I'm mean, with you"
"Eh?" gasped Keitaro in surprise. He never had a Photo Sticker picture of himself with a girl, or anyone for that matter. All of his photo stickers were of him alone.
"Please?" begged Touka.
"Um sure!" said Keitaro, leading Touka to the Photo Booth. Once inside, the two of them sat down on the bench side by side, and Keitaro dropped a few yen coins to start the machine. "Okay, let's see here" he said. "What background would you like?"
"Um, how about this one?" asked Touka.
"Hmm, okay. Looks pretty" said Keitaro. "Well, let's get ready"
"Okay" said Touka.
"Just make sure you appear on the screen" said Keitaro, pointing to the video screen in front of them, which worked like a mirror.
"Oh"
"Okay! It's about to rip! Hold still" said Keitaro. "Oh and say cheese!"
"Ehehe!" giggled Touka. "Cheese!"
The photo booth flashed. In seconds the photo stickers came out. Keitaro grabbed them and showed them to Touka.
"Wow!" said Touka. "These look nice!"
"They sure do" said Keitaro. "Here" he said, taking out one picture from the set. "Put this on somewhere, like on your wallet or compact."
"Um, okay" said Touka, taking the photo sticker and sticking it inside her wallet, right on the picture holder. "There!"
Keitaro smiled.
-----
"Kyoto eh?" said Karin.
"Uh, I, uh" murmured a very red-faced Aisha, who was now lying down on the couch with a very crafty Karin hovering above her.
"Hehehehe" giggled Karin. "You look so cute!"
The other girls were just blank-faced at the spectacle.
"Well" said Karin, standing up. "My onii-chan is just being an idiot like he usually is when he has a problem. I know he'll come back. However..."
"Um, what?" asked Aisha, now a bit relieved, and sitting on the couch.
"Your friend, Ryuubi-san" said Karin. "She's with him. I think she's got him in the palm of her hand..."
"Wait a minute!" said Sei. "Are you accusing Touka-sama of being a slut?"
"I never said that." said Karin. "It's just that she's the daughter of a dietman, and this is rather uncharacteristic of her to run off with a guy she's only known for a few months."
"What are you saying?" asked Aisha.
Karin had an evil look in her eyes.
-----
After the photo sticker booth, they looked at more of the sights. By nightfall, they had dinner at an okonomiyaki restaurant, another first for Touka. Finally they decided to stay at a Ryokan, yet another first for Touka, who was used to staying at 5-star hotels during travels with her family. Problem is, the only Ryokan they could find only had one vacant room. The innkeeper actually suggested that the two ronins share the room, and was willing to give a discount on seeing a lovely young couple stay there, much to their embarrassment. After having their belongings secured, Keitaro and Touka are given Yukatas for them to wear for the night. After bathing in the onsen, they start considering sleeping arrangements.
"Um, Keitaro?" said Touka.
"Um, I'll sleep on the floor so you can have the futon." said Keitaro.
"No. Please. I wouldn't mind sharing the futon" said Touka, blushing.
"EH???" yelped Keitaro.
"It's okay." said Touka. "I kind of, don't want to be alone in it for some reason."
Keitaro was surprised by Touka's admission. She actually wanted his company in the futon? "Um, but, you see..."
"I'm sure nothing will happen as long as we don't take off our Yukata's" said Touka.
Keitaro gulped. "Well, if you insist"
"Onegai?" pleaded Touka.
"Um, okay" relented Keitaro. He first led Touka to the futon and tucked her in, then he nervously followed into the covers. At first he kept his distance from Touka, but moments later, he was shocked when she rolled over to his side.
"Keitaro, I'd like it if you held me" said Touka.
"Touka?"
"I... I don't know when I started having this... feeling, but I think I'm falling in love with you" said Touka.
Keitaro boggled.
"I've never felt so happy in my life. You let me have a wonderful experience today."
"Touka..."
"I know you're still looking for your promised girl. But I guess I'm being selfish here, and I kinda wish I was that girl..."
Keitaro's eyes widened.
"Hehehe. I don't know if it's coincidence or fate that we're both trying for Tokyo University" said Touka merrily. "I don't remember anything of my life fifteen years ago" she said, which got Keitaro's hopes down, but she contined "But still, I can't help but feel a connection between us"
"Touka..." murmured Keitaro.
"Maybe, just maybe, that girl is me"
Keitaro searched deep into his mind about his promised girl, but his memories were too fuzzy. "I... I wish I could really remember. But I can't. I don't remember her name or her face. I'm sorry"
"It... it's okay" said Touka. "I know you're trying. I just wanted you to know my feelings."
Keitaro kept silent.
"I would like to know yours though."
Keitaro got nervous. He had to admit, Touka was a beautiful girl, and from a well to do family, and trying for Tokyo University like he is. And now she was actually falling for him. He began to wonder, should he still go after his promised girl, one he can't even remember, or take a chance with Touka, who is right here, already wanting to be with him. Or, if what she is wishing for is real, and she is in fact his long lost promised girl, then he will already be fulfilling that promise. Thinking about that, he made his decision. "Touka?"
"Yes?"
"I've decided, to take a chance with you."
It was Touka's turn to be surprised. "Keitaro..."
"I... much as I'd like to fulfil that promise of mine" began Keitaro. "I admit, I'm falling for you, Touka."
"Keitaro..."
"I don't know for sure if you are my promised girl, but somehow it kind of feels right to be with you"
"Keitaro..."
"I... I want you. Touka" said Keitaro, finally wrapping his arms around her.
Touka became overwhelemed, and started to cry tears of joy. "Keitaro!" she cried, hugging Keitaro.
"Touka..." replied Keitaro, holding Touka tightly. They remained that way for what seemed like hours, with Touka quietly sobbing under the crook of Keitaro's neck. After awhile, Touka stopped sobbing. "You okay?" asked Keitaro.
"I'm alright" said Touka. "I guess I just needed to get it out."
"Touka?"
"Keitaro?"
"Yes?"
Touka pulled her head away from Keitaro's neck and looked at him, with the same longing she had when she kissed him. "I love you"
Keitaro's heart was on fire. The kind of words he longed to hear from a girl, and he heard them first hand from Touka. He let himself feel the warmth and love flowing through him. Finally he made his answer. "I love you too, Touka"
Touka smiled. She then moved in closer to Keitaro, and gave him her second kiss.
Unlike the last time where Keitaro was stunned, he savored this kiss, letting himself drown in romantic bliss. After a few minutes of lip-lock, they broke the kiss.
"I'm so happy Keitaro" said Touka.
"So am I, Touka"
The two stared at each other, with a look that spoke volumes of love and affection towards each other. Soon drowsiness began to overcome the two.
"Well" said Keitaro.
"Goodnight, Kei-kun" said Touka.
Keitaro was a bit surprised at how he was called. "Goodnight, Touka-chan"
The two fell asleep in each others arms.
-----
The next morning Keitaro and Touka decided to return to the Hinata Inn. They were back at the Kyoto station and waited at a snack bar for the train.
"I wonder how the others will react to our relationship, Kei-kun" said Touka.
"They'll probably draw, quarter, and keyhaul me for choosing you over them" replied Keitaro. "And I get the feeling Aisha-chan will take it the hardest"
"I guess you're right" said Touka, who couldn't help but feel she betrayed her best friend. "Well, I guess we'll have to..."
"AH!!!" yelled a girl's voice. "I thought I wasn't going to make it!"
"Eh?" piped Keitaro, who looked at the newcomer. "YOU!?"
"Huh?" said Touka. "Say aren't you..."
"Oh. You two" replied the pink-haired girl, the same girl Keitaro and Touka bumped into at Tokyo University. "Never expected to meet you here."
"Same here." said Keitaro. "Weren't you also taking the Tokyo University exams?"
"Yes I did. Unfortunately" the girl paused. "I didn't make it in"
"Oh" said Touka.
"I guess misery loves company" said Keitaro. "We didn't make it in either."
"So we're in the same boat?" said the pink-haired girl. "Well since we're all in this together, I might as well introduce myself. I'm Renfa Sonken"
"Keitaro Urashima"
"Touka Ryuubi"
Renfa looked curiously at Touka. "Dietman Ryuubi's daughter? I never thought..."
Touka sighed. "It's not like I enjoy those perks or anything"
"Actually, my family is close to the Ryuubis" said Renfa. "Though I'm not so familiar with individual family members"
"Oh." said Touka.
"Well, I presume you two went here on a trip to get away for awhile?" asked Renfa.
"Um, yes" replied Keitaro.
"Same here, but I'm on my way home now"
"So are we" said Touka.
"Mind if I ask you two something?" said Renfa.
"Go ahead" said Touka.
"You two remind me of a pair of lovers eloping"
"Um, actually" said Keitaro.
"Um, the truth is, we only be came a couple last night" admitted Touka.
"How nice" replied Renfa. "At least you two found something special"
The two lovers blushed.
"Too bad I still haven't found my special someone" said Renfa. "Especially the one I made a promise with"
"A promise?" asked Keitaro.
"Yes. I promised an old friend we'd meet in Tokyo University when we grew up"
This news came as a shock to Keitaro and Touka. Keitaro's mind clicked at the thought that maybe Renfa was his promised girl after all, but was being torn at his newfound relationship with Touka. Touka's heart sank upon hearing this news, and wondered if Keitaro would have a change of heart on their relationship. Before they said anything, Renfa spoke first.
"Well, if I do find her, I'll probably strangle her for leaving me back then" said Renfa.
"Her?" Keitaro blurted out, his face going blank. Same happened to Touka.
"What? You thought it was a guy?" said Renfa with a laugh. "I'd die of embarrassment just thinking about such a thing"
Keitaro's eye twitched. "E-ehehehe"
Touka somehow felt relieved.
"Anyway, I'd best be going." said Renfa. "Good luck to you two on your relationship, and next year at Tokyo University, if you're trying again"
"Um, sure!" said Keitaro.
"Take care of yourself, Sonken-san" said Touka. "ULP!"
Renfa surprised Touka by taking her into a hug, and made a bigger surprise by whispering something. "You better keep the promise. Ne?"
Touka was bewildered. 'Promise? What's she talking about?'
Renfa let go, and turned to Keitaro. "Don't you go two-timing, Kei-kun" she said cryptically. After that, she just took off running.
Keitaro looked at the retreating form of Renfa after hearing hear address him as Kei-kun. "What was that all about? Oy! Touka-chan!"
"Ah!" gasped Touka. "Um yes?"
"You okay?"
"Um, I guess so"
"Well, we better be going"
"Oh, yes!"
As the two headed for their train, Keitaro thought 'strange girl.'
-TBC
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A/N: This one just came out in a rush. Due to certain issues, including writer's block, I decided to finish the fanfic sooner than expected. Many of you will likely be disappointed at the lack of arcs and appearances of other Koihime Musou characters. Perhaps someday if I get a chance I might revise this fic and expand it.