Unselfish Wish

Chapter 7- Birthday Plans

Hinata made sure to grill Fumiko carefully about Kiyoshi on the way home. Of course, Fumiko was radiating with happiness, which Hinata could not help but be aware of. The other girls instinctively gathered around her like a barrier against evil.

"So, Fumi-chan, you know this Moriyama person. How long have you known him?" Hinata asked.

"Hina-chan, you're still worried about Kiyo-kun?" Hinata just looked at her expectantly. "Eh, well, I first met him when I was six years old. his family visited my town about twice a year."

"But you didn't know his full name or anything. Don't you think that's a little weird?" Hina was hesitant to accept anyone with designs on Fumiko, and it was clear that this Kiyoshi character was very interested in romancing her.

"Hmm, I suppose so. He seemed reluctant at first to tell me much. In reality, we talked about things besides family, so I don't really know much about them."

"He seems suspicious to me." Hinata was skeptical, there seemed to be so many gaps in the story that didn't make sense.

"Why? He's very kind. I always feel safe when he's around." Fumiko began to glow.

"Fumiko, are you in love with him?" Hinata decided a direct approach was best. Fumiko simply looked at her.

"How could that work? Even if I did love him, which I don't know enough to be sure, he could never love someone like me. He's very much beyond my reach, like a god." She looked down, and her glow diminished ever so slightly.

"Fumiko, listen to me. You are more than good enough for any person on this earth to love. You have so many good qualities-"

"Oh, Hina-chan, you're so sweet to me." Fumiko cut her off, smiling, though not as brightly as usual. "You don't have to do that. Love will come to me someday,I'm sure. I feel lucky to simply have friends that care about me." Hinata looked as though she really had more to say, but she held back. To her, this meant that Fumiko was indeed in love with Kiyoshi, even if as yet unaware of it. "Now, though it may seem selfish, what was this talk of my birthday? Would it be alright to plan a party?" She looked so innocently pleased, Hinata decided to let the other matter be for now.

"Of course, Fumi-chan. Right girls?" They all nodded and began talking excitedly about things they could do together to celebrate. After much discussion, it was decided that they would go to the arcade, since Fumiko had never really been to one.

"Can we invite Moriyama and his friends?" Fumiko asked, unsure of the reaction to her request, since Hinata really didn't seem to like him much. Hinata stiffened for a moment, then relaxed. I'll show you you're good enough for anyone you want, she thought. Be he man or even a god. She smiled, determined.

"Of course, Fumi-chan. It wouldn't be a party without your childhood friend, and he probably would rather not be the only boy there. I will take care of it, don't you worry."

The next day, things seemed to have settled down a bit, though Kiyoshi was swamped by male and female admirers alike. He was annoyed. No matter what, he could not seem to get close to Fumiko. His focus on her was not unnoticed by Hinata or Kurokawa Rika, the school's female "cute" idol. To everyone else, he seemed very cool and mature.

Rika was not amused. She had worked very hard to cultivate her "cute idol" image, and not to be passed over for a little nobody like Tachibana Fumiko. She was pretty and had a mystical aura, she supposed, but how could he not see her own superior quality? She was determined to make him notice her and use him as a tool to enhance her own image. He was too cool to let go.

She was not aware, of course, that part of the reason she'd been passed over was that as a deity, he could see into people's hearts and sense their purity. Rika was not a good person, generally speaking. She was shallow and focused purely on image and how things would personally benefit her, never on the good of others. Where Fumiko shone with divinity, Tsukiyomi could see a vague haze of dark emotion surrounding Rika. It was very off-putting to him, like a bad smell.

As he watched, he noticed a male student approach Fumiko, while Hinata and the others were occupied with other tasks. He immediately wanted to run over and flatten him for even approaching her, but this was the human world, and he hadn't taken the time to learn how things worked for nothing. He would observe for now. His newly made friends Atsushi and Yutaka grabbed his attention about some assignment. He asked them who the boy was.

"Oh him? That's Ishida Mitsuru. He's kind of like an idol, though I don't really get why." Atsushi responded first.

"Yeah, he spends a lot of time being the best at everything. I heard he comes from some rich and ultra-traditional family. Someone like Tachibana would be perfect if he wants his parents’ approval." Said Yutaka. Kiyoshi was a little worried.

"Why?" He asked, since he really didn't get why Fumiko suited someone like that. He seems like the kind that would treat her harshly, he thought.

"Well, she's modest, attractive, does well in school, and rich. All things that make rich families willing to consider her." Yutaka seemed surprised that Kiyoshi didn't know this basic stuff.

"What if she was poor?" He asked them. They thought carefully. Atsushi repsponded first.

"Probably not. Although to be fair, she'd be more acceptable than most girls even so, since she's like a modern Yamato Nadeshiko."

"Yeah, totally. Atsushi, that's perfect!" Yutaka laughed, and Atushi joined in.

"Don't make fun of her." Kiyoshi said, all seriousness. They stopped, wondering what had him so serious. He explained. "She always thinks more of everyone else- I've known her since childhood. She doesn't deserve a single negative word."

"So.... you like her." Said Yutaka. Atsushi nodded. Kiyoshi blushed, and they laughed again. They stopped after a moment.

"Sorry, sorry. It's just that you're so cool unless it's about her." Said Atsushi.

"You want our help? Hinata's something else." This time, it was Yutaka that blushed a little.

"Oh? Yutaka, you're a bold one if you like her." Said Atsushi.

"Shut up, Atsushi. You haven't fallen in love yet, so what would you know?" Yutaka grumbled.

"I know that Hinata is a firecracker, since we've been neighbors forever." Atsushi grinned. "She used to put all kinds of critters in my bed when she was upset with me. And before you get upset, my parents were there, so no funny business. Beetles in your bed aren't sexy anyway."

They continued talking and went towards the classroom. Kiyoshi looked over at where Mitsuru stood with Fumiko. She was looking down and blushing. It was almost more than he could stand. I could always just kidnap her to Amaterasu's palace, he thought, then shook his head. He wanted to win her love, not steal her.

Fumiko, on the other hand, was not entirely sure what to do and quite honestly, would have appreciated Kiyoshi's assistance. Boys other than Kiyoshi had only ever teased her, so now when they talked to her, she felt nervous and unsure. She knew it was something she needed to change about herself, but wasn't sure where to begin.

Mitsuru simply thought she was overly modest and exactly what his mother wanted in a daughter-in-law. He had often been told what his family expected of him. His only hesitation was her unusual coloring, which was striking and quite obviously natural. He was fairly certain that she did not have foreign blood, but if that was the only problem his parents could find, then he was sure they'd approve. After all, she had a better, more moldable character than most. Mitsuru's ideal mate that he could shape into his perfect bride. What she wanted? Not important, of course.

Had Fumiko any idea this was what he was thinking, chances are she would have gently scolded him, for as kind as she was, she had a very stubborn quality that even her parents knew better than to argue with. Tsukiyomi knew it all too well. She gathered up her courage and lifted her head. So far, Mitsuru had spoken mere pleasantries.

"Ishida-san, I do appreciate that you would like to speak to me. Is there something in particular that you needed?" So saying, she looked him directly in the eye. For a moment, he was speechless, as she'd never looked him in the eye before. So beautiful, he could drown in them. He felt himself leaning forward as if by magic. Suddenly, he was pulled backward by his collar.

It was Kiyoshi. He had come back after trying to walk away, but had sensed the danger. Ignoring Mitsuru, he spoke to Fumiko.

"Fumi-chan, let's head to the classroom now. You wouldn't want to be late, right?" So saying, he drew her away, eyeing Mitsuru as they walked past him. Mitsuru correctly interpreted his look to be a warning to stay away. They had a territorial moment before the two walked away.

How dare he be so familiar with my bride-to-be (never mind that he hadn't asked her yet)! Mitsuru was very angry, and went to class in a foul mood. He looked over at them, sitting together, wondering how to get between them, since it was obvious that Fumiko knew Kiyoshi well indeed. Mitsuru was also smart enough to know that they were not dating yet, and that until then, he still had a fighting chance.

Rika observed the glance, and smiled. She decided that if she could get Mitsuru together with Fumiko, Kiyoshi was all hers. And, while Mitsuru was attractive and rich, she was not interested in becoming part of an overly strict family, which was why she had never targeted him. To her mind, Mitsuru and Fumiko were a perfect match. She was continually watching Kiyoshi and Fumiko with growing frustration. Kiyoshi really had no eyes for anyone but her. He had some friends, but it wasn't the same.

Rika's feelings were echoed by many other students. The only one who didn't seem to notice was Fumiko herself- the idea would have surprised her. For people to envy her was a completely new and foreign concept. She simply would not have believed it, most likely.

At lunchtime, Hinata included Kiyoshi in the discussion about Fumiko's birthday party. He promised to attend with his friends, Atsushi and Yutaka. Hinata made a face, but since Atsushi was her friend too, she gave in. Fumiko was glowing again, this time with excitement for her birthday. Even Rika from a distance had to acknowledge that there was something special about this girl.

Before walking home, Hinata approached Kiyoshi.

"Moriyama-san, may I speak with you for a moment?" She seemed oddly uncomfortable for someone who typically exudes confidence.