how to babysit a brat
pairing: Kanata Hongo x Narumi Riko
summary: He thought he’ll babysit a girl-well, he won’t-coz he will babysit a brat.
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It was a bright beautiful weekend. Kanata was slammed sat on the couch in front of the TV, changing one channel after another. He was quite bored but today he had decided to take the whole day at home.
He can hear her sister’s annoying constant roaming. With her heels tamping on the floor, Kanata was so sure she was in dilemma though he can’t see her from behind.
She heard her coming toward him.
“Kana-chan.” Her voice was soft and gentle. She sat on the couch right next to him.
With her sound, Kanata knew what is it.
He just glared at her as if saying ‘what now?’
She smiled sweetly at her younger brother before letting out a word. “May onee-chan ask a favor?”
He sighed as if saying ‘I knew it.’ “What?”
She grinned leaning closer to Kanata. She composed herself trying to be pitiful as she arched her brows. “You see Kana-chan, my boyfriend asked me on a date today.”
“Then?”
She took a deep breath. “But supposedly today, I was gonna babysit my boss’ daughter.”
“Eh? Is that your new job?” He mocked.
“I was punished. I was late last meeting, so…”
“No.” He said ignoring her sister’s disappointment. “Tell your boyfriend you’re busy.”
“Uh, you know I can’t. We only see each other one or two times a month. This is a chance. And perhaps, he’ll get mad.”
“Then break up with him.” He said as he kept changing the channel.
“Kana-chan~” She pouted.
“Look, oneechan. It’s your fault you’re punished, so you should learn from it. And besides, I’m never gonna babysit a girl for your convenience.”
She rolled her eyes. “Fine. I’ll just tell my boss that I’m not gonna babysit her daughter because I’m resigning.” She threatened but Kanata didn’t seem to care. “Kana-chan~”
“Remove your make up now, oneechan.”
She crossed her arms in her chest as she turned back, ready to climb upstairs.
“HHHHUUUUUUHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!”
“Nani? Kana-chan what happened?” Her sister went running on Kanata.
Kanata was left stunned pointing at the TV. “K-K-K-KOCHIKAME!!!!”
“Eh?”
“Oneechan. Another volume of Kochikame Special is selling on Harukon Bookstore. And it’s limited!!!” Kanata’s eyes sparkled.
Her sister just sighed.
“It’s limited!!! UUhhhh!!! By this afternoon at 4:30, it’ll be all sold. Eh?” He freaked out. “Where will I get money to buy one? No…Oka-san, why didn’t you leave me a bigger allowance!”
She just rolled her eyes at her brother’s craziness towards books and mangas. Kanata was a bookworm, he always wanted a copy of new released books specially limited ones, though they are more expensive. He has been collecting books since he started reading. He even had a mini library in their house.
She looked at her brother whose shoulders were laid low. She looked the advertisement on the TV, then to Kanata, and vise versa. And an idea flashed on her head.
“Kana-chan.”
“Nani?” He said unenthusiastically.
“I’ll buy that Kochikame manga for you.”
“Really?” His eyes expanded in happiness.
“In one favor.” She grinned naughtily.
“Thank you, Kana-chan.” She shook her brother’s hair though struggling since he’s taller than her.
He pouted before sighing. “Be sure you’ll buy me a Kochikame special.” he hated the idea of him doing her sister’s punishment, and besides, he don’t know how to babysit.
“Of course. Anyway, she’ll come in no time. Take care of her, okay?” she waved at Kanata as she walked.
“Yeah, for my Kochikame.” He said sighing as she closed the door.
Kanata was bored waiting. He drummed his fingers casually on the table in front of the couch.
‘DING DONG!’
“Oh she’s here.” She stood up from the couch and head his way on the door. “Coming!!!” he took the door and turned the doorknob only to meet some pair of dazing eyes.
Kanata blinked. He was confused. In front of her was teenage girl in white knee length laced dress, a pair of sandals and a small pink bunny sling bag over her shoulders and across her chest. He thought the girl he’ll meet is younger that 10, but what he can see now is a pretty high schooler.
She stared at Kanata before removing her sandals and went her way comfortably inside, slightly hitting Kanata on the shoulder.
She was already inside, roaming her eyes in the content of their house. Kanata just kept following her before she make herself comfortable and sat on the sitting pillow and grabbed the remote and changed the channel.
Kanata’s forehead furrowed. “Anou..”
She looked at him. “Where’s Hongo-san? She might have told you already that I’ll be staying here until this afternoon.” She sounded like a boss.
“Eh. anou. She …was on an emergency meeting. Yeah.” He forced a smile. “So you’re her boss’ daughter? The one she’s supposed to babysit?”
She just glared at him.
Kanata just blinked. “I take that as a yes. Anyway, my sister won’t be here, so I was left to…” he was hesitating to say the word. ”…take care of you.”
“So it’s just the two of us here?” She roamed her scary eyes around.
“Uh…Yeah, but…it’s safe.” He tried to convince her.
She moved her brows as she glared back at Kanata. “Aren’t you going to offer me a drink?”
“Uh. Sure. Want some tea?”
“Green tea, please.”
He tilted his head. “Yeah. Sure.” As he head his way on the kitchen.
“And some fruit bread, please.” She shouted.
“Eh? We don’t have that.”
She rolled her eyes.
Kanata placed the tea cups and tea pot, with a plate, on the table as he sat on the couch behind her.
She turned on Kanata. “What is that?” pointing at the plate.
“Soda crackers. That’s all I got.”
She sighed as she rolled her eyes. “How plain. Boring.”
Kanata took a deep breath as he tried to hold his temper. ‘What a brat.’ He thought.
“Anyway, what’s your name?” She asked him before looking back at him.
He blinked before opening his mouth. “Eh…Kanata. Kanata Hongo.”
She nodded, raising a brow. “Narumi Riko.” She said before swallowing a cracker.
He forced a smile. “Uh. Yorushiko.”
She ignored her.
They were silent the whole time. Kanata started to yawn while Narumi was drumming her fingers on the empty plate.
Crickets.
Kanata decided to break the silence. “You’re in junior high?”
She nodded. “3rd year.”
“I see.”
“How about you? ”She asked not turning on Kanata, still paying attention at the TV.
“Uh. I’m in college.”
“Really?” Finally she turned on him. Narumi examined Kanata from top to toe.
“Nani?”
“Nothing. I just thought, you don’t look that mature.”
“Maybe that’s because I was just too cute to be over 20, ne?” Kanata laughed.
Kanata’s laughter vanished as he saw Narumi glared creepily at him. He cleared his throat. “Just…trying to make a laugh.”
“You’re boring just like your soda crackers.” She rolled her eyes.
“What? How could you say that to me whe-“
He was cut as Narumi started roaming around.
“Ne. What are you looking at?”
She ignored him as she got some old magazines.
He tried to stop her. “Eehh. Not that-“
It was too late. Narumi had already got those men’s magazines on her hands.
“I told you.” He got the magazines quickly at her grip and shoved it on the nearest drawer. Kanata’s forehead furrowed seeing Narumi’s face. “Nani?”
“Was that yours?” as she gave Kanata a disgusted look.
“Eh? N-NO~” He walked away.
“It was yours.” She repeated, following Kanata.
“I said, it’s not.” Finally sitting on the couch.
Narumi joined him on the couch. “You don’t have to be embarrassed. Nowadays, men usually read those kinda reading materials. It’s normal, especially that you’re already in the right age.”
“I told you it’s not mine. I don’t read worthless magazines.”
She raised her brows. “Worthless.”
“They’re worthless. What can you get from them?”
She glared at him. “What do you think?”
Kanata became embarrassed as he sighed in protest.
Narumi slid herself out of the couch and went sitting on the floor, leaning on the table again. “It’s boring.”
“Why don’t you just email your friends and tell them to go shopping with you.” He suggested.
“What about you tell me a story?” She turned on him.
“What?Oh. You’re really trying to make me your babysitter.”
She rolled her eyes, slightly pouting.
Kanata sighed. “Fine.” “He stood. “You wait here.” He started walking upstairs into his room.
Kanata opened his room. Inside his room was another room next to his bed. He opened the smaller door-that would lead him to his mini library. That is the storage ofhis interests-books. He is such a literary enthusiast.
He placed his finger on his chin as he tried to decide what book shall he get. Well, he was babysitting and the girl wants a story. He’ll give her story. A midnight story is perfect for brats like her.
“Wow!!! This is a lot. And a lot of Kochikame.”
“Eh?” Kanata turned back only to see Narumi behind him. “I told you to stay there, did I?” oh he forgot, brats don’t listen.
She just ignored him as she turned on a big shelf of Kochikame. “You collect books?”
Kanata followed her sight as she went on running her fingers on the books. “Quite.”
“I collect books too.” She grinned happily.
“Really?”
“Yeah. But I was more on novels aside from mangas.”
He laughed. “Well, I was more on science books and horrors aside from mangas. But, I was more tempted on mangas.”
Narumi laughed.”Me too.”
He can’t believe they’ll have a common interest.
They found themselves on the floor of the mini library, reading.
Narumi was always laughing while Kanata was so disturbed that he ended up just looking at her. She would get one book after another, mostly Kochikame manga. “You’ve got a lot of Kochikame ne?”
“My favorite.”
“Me too.” She paused. “Wait.” She raised a Kochikame special. It was the first special volume of Kochikame and getting one is hard “You have this?” Fished eyed. “I have been trying to find a copy of this but they were all gone sold. Mom even tried calling the producer but they said no more copies coz it’s limited, and you got one?”
He nodded.
She looked so jealous. “Can I buy this?”
“No.” He got the manga out of her hand and placed it back on the shelf.
“Eh? B-But I’m willing to pay double.”
He looked at her. “No.” He went walking out.
She got the certain Kochikame volume as she followed. “Triple.”
“No.” He shoved the manga as they were already out of the room.
They were on the stairs.
“Just tell me how much.” She kept on following Kanata as he sat back on the couch.
“This is priceless.” Waving the manga. “I’ve gone to chaos just to get a copy of this.”
She pouted as her shoulders laid low.
Kanata thought she had surrendered already but the moment he put the manga on the table, Narumi was ready to snatch it. Luckily, Kanata was faster that he had got it first. Now, he was lifting the manga up high while Narumi held his shirt, jumping as she tried to get the book.
“Just give that to me.”
“No way. Why don’t you print a copy from the internet?”
“I don’t do illegal.”
“Then, sorry.”
Narumi finally gave up. She hanged her tongue out like a kid. Well, she’s a brat. She just went back on her position in the floor.
That was then, crickets started singing again.
Kanata felt the awkward silence as he watched Narumi.
Narumi can only sigh. How she wanted that Kochikame special. Suddenly Kanata joined her on the floor, placing some papers, pencils and crayons on the table.
She just glared at him.
“Mm.” He handed her a pencil which she also took. He had also slid some paper on her direction.
“I don’t draw.” She said.
“That’s pathetic.” He teased.
She frowned looking at him and started sketching on a paper.
He just smiled and leaned down starting to draw.
Minutes after, Narumi slid the paper with a drawing in front of him. Kanata got it and took a closer look at it.
It was a drawing on a guy with a messy hair with bangs swept on the right, a pair of closed eyes and ballooned cheeks with blushes of red crayon on them, and a skinny body.
“Eh?” Kanata can only utter at the drawing.
“That’s you!” She confessed still annoyed.
He blinked casually, feeling his own face. “That’s terrible. I look odd.”
Narumi tried to stop herself from laughing as she bit her lips and went on drawing again.
Kanata just smiled as he shifted her sight from the sketch to her.
She slid another drawing.
“Oh, Kero-chan.” Kanata pointed at the frog drawing.
“It is you.”
He glared at her.
She glared back at him. “It’s a skinny frog. It is obviously you.”
“You hate me.”
She slid another drawing.
“Now a bunny?” Kanata tilted his head.
“That isn’t you. That’s me.” she said as she shoved the paper out of his hand.
He laughed and continued drawing.
Narumi yawned as she gave a little blink and wiped her eyes.
It’s time for Kanata to slide his drawing in front of her. It was in thick pages of papers stapled together.
Narumi frowned at him. “You’re avenging.”
He just shook his head.
She sighed as she opened the first page. It was a group of drawing. She found the drawing familiar, childish in manner but really familiar. Her eyes expanded as she realizes it was the characters from Kochikame. She scanned more. She realized it was in sequence. Kanata drew the content of the Kochikame special. It was the whole volume of the first Kochikame special. She bit her lower lip as she tried to hide the feelings she is trying to hide-she was touched. She looked up at Kanata right next to her.
Kanata forced a smile. “Well, it’s not that good. I even didn’t include some difficult drawings and just put some dialogues. But at least, it isn’t illegal.”
Narumi nodded.
“You’re not mad anymore?” He asked all of a sudden.
She nodded.
Kanata smiled as she shook Narumi’s head. “Good girl.”
Narumi shoved his hand away. “I’m no dog.”
“I know.” He paused. “You’re a brat.”
She pouted before looking up at him and said ‘thanks’.
“I’m ho-” she was cut as she saw her big brother and Narumi infront of the messy table.
“Onee-chan.” Kanata beamed as he stood up. Narumi followed him standing too.
“Uh. You must be Narumi.” She gave her a sweet smile.
Kanata raised a brow on his big sister as if saying ‘a kid, right’.
Suddenly, the door bell rang.
“I’ll get it.” Kanata’s sister volunteered.
Kanata’s sister was back with a thin old man with mustache.
“Bruno.” Narumi said looking at the man who happened to be a family driver. He was going to get Narumi.
“Time for you to go home, ma’am.” He bowed lightly.
Narumi looked at Kanata.
Kanata just raised a brow.
She smiled at her. “Arigatou.”
He just nodded.
Bruno made his way while Narumi followed him and give Kanata’s sister a slight bow. Kanata was left looking at her with the untidy stapled paper on her grip.
“I’ll walk you out.” His sister said.
All of a sudden, Narumi stopped and turned her back, looking Kanata over her shoulders.
He blinked as she ran towards him. She got her little bunny bag unzipped and got her phone. “Can I have your number?”
“Uh. Sure.” He said getting his phone in his pocket.
“Got it.” They chorused.
Narumi bowed at him. “Bye.” And ran, following Bruno outside.
Kanata’s sister smirked at her little brother.
“What?” Kanata glared at her.
“Nothing. I just thought, you enjoyed your day.”
He rolled his eyes away from her.
“Anyway, here’s your Kochikame special volume 2.” She said as she handed her the manga.
Kanata stared at the manga the moment held it.
“You never told me, there’s a lot of people fighting for a copy of that. I almost got brui- wait.” She wondered where Kanata is.
Kanata harshly opened their gate, looking first on the right then on the left only to see Narumi about to enter the car.
“Narumi!” He shouted.
Narumi stood stiff as she turned on the voice’s direction.
He ran nearer to her.
“Nani?”
“I forgot to tell you, they are releasing the volume 2 of Kochikame Special just this 4:00.”
“Eh?”
He handed her the Kochikame special volume 2. Her eyes sparkled at what she saw.
“It’s mine?”
He nodded. “Mm.”
Narumi’s smile was so big. She looked so happy. For the second time, Kanata touched the brat’s heart again, feeling all teary.
She bowed at Kanata. “Arigatou.” She said repeatedly.
“You awe a drawing of that 2nd volume.”
Narumi laughed.
She put Kanata’s drawing above it. “This is still gonna be my favorite.”
Kanata laughed. “Hai. Hai. Just come inside now.”
She nodded and sat inside. Bruno closed the door.
Narumi waved at him. “Bye-bye, Kanata-kun.”
“Bye-bye.”
And the car left.
“How did you babysit that brat?” Kanata didn’t his sister behind her.
He just sighed.“Nothing much…” he paused. “Just let her be a brat.”
-END-
Author’s Note:
This is the first weird pairing I’ve written. At first, I don’t see this two together but, I think they’ll work out.
I made Narumi Riko here a brat but I was not that sure if she’s a brat enough for you. Well, she’s not that naughty compared to brats below 15 years old. Yet considering her age, she is really a torn in the butt. And imagine babysitting an 18 or 19 year old girl. *phew
summary: He thought he’ll babysit a girl-well, he won’t-coz he will babysit a brat.
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It was a bright beautiful weekend. Kanata was slammed sat on the couch in front of the TV, changing one channel after another. He was quite bored but today he had decided to take the whole day at home.
He can hear her sister’s annoying constant roaming. With her heels tamping on the floor, Kanata was so sure she was in dilemma though he can’t see her from behind.
She heard her coming toward him.
“Kana-chan.” Her voice was soft and gentle. She sat on the couch right next to him.
With her sound, Kanata knew what is it.
He just glared at her as if saying ‘what now?’
She smiled sweetly at her younger brother before letting out a word. “May onee-chan ask a favor?”
He sighed as if saying ‘I knew it.’ “What?”
She grinned leaning closer to Kanata. She composed herself trying to be pitiful as she arched her brows. “You see Kana-chan, my boyfriend asked me on a date today.”
“Then?”
She took a deep breath. “But supposedly today, I was gonna babysit my boss’ daughter.”
“Eh? Is that your new job?” He mocked.
“I was punished. I was late last meeting, so…”
“No.” He said ignoring her sister’s disappointment. “Tell your boyfriend you’re busy.”
“Uh, you know I can’t. We only see each other one or two times a month. This is a chance. And perhaps, he’ll get mad.”
“Then break up with him.” He said as he kept changing the channel.
“Kana-chan~” She pouted.
“Look, oneechan. It’s your fault you’re punished, so you should learn from it. And besides, I’m never gonna babysit a girl for your convenience.”
She rolled her eyes. “Fine. I’ll just tell my boss that I’m not gonna babysit her daughter because I’m resigning.” She threatened but Kanata didn’t seem to care. “Kana-chan~”
“Remove your make up now, oneechan.”
She crossed her arms in her chest as she turned back, ready to climb upstairs.
“HHHHUUUUUUHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!”
“Nani? Kana-chan what happened?” Her sister went running on Kanata.
Kanata was left stunned pointing at the TV. “K-K-K-KOCHIKAME!!!!”
“Eh?”
“Oneechan. Another volume of Kochikame Special is selling on Harukon Bookstore. And it’s limited!!!” Kanata’s eyes sparkled.
Her sister just sighed.
“It’s limited!!! UUhhhh!!! By this afternoon at 4:30, it’ll be all sold. Eh?” He freaked out. “Where will I get money to buy one? No…Oka-san, why didn’t you leave me a bigger allowance!”
She just rolled her eyes at her brother’s craziness towards books and mangas. Kanata was a bookworm, he always wanted a copy of new released books specially limited ones, though they are more expensive. He has been collecting books since he started reading. He even had a mini library in their house.
She looked at her brother whose shoulders were laid low. She looked the advertisement on the TV, then to Kanata, and vise versa. And an idea flashed on her head.
“Kana-chan.”
“Nani?” He said unenthusiastically.
“I’ll buy that Kochikame manga for you.”
“Really?” His eyes expanded in happiness.
“In one favor.” She grinned naughtily.
“Thank you, Kana-chan.” She shook her brother’s hair though struggling since he’s taller than her.
He pouted before sighing. “Be sure you’ll buy me a Kochikame special.” he hated the idea of him doing her sister’s punishment, and besides, he don’t know how to babysit.
“Of course. Anyway, she’ll come in no time. Take care of her, okay?” she waved at Kanata as she walked.
“Yeah, for my Kochikame.” He said sighing as she closed the door.
Kanata was bored waiting. He drummed his fingers casually on the table in front of the couch.
‘DING DONG!’
“Oh she’s here.” She stood up from the couch and head his way on the door. “Coming!!!” he took the door and turned the doorknob only to meet some pair of dazing eyes.
Kanata blinked. He was confused. In front of her was teenage girl in white knee length laced dress, a pair of sandals and a small pink bunny sling bag over her shoulders and across her chest. He thought the girl he’ll meet is younger that 10, but what he can see now is a pretty high schooler.
She stared at Kanata before removing her sandals and went her way comfortably inside, slightly hitting Kanata on the shoulder.
She was already inside, roaming her eyes in the content of their house. Kanata just kept following her before she make herself comfortable and sat on the sitting pillow and grabbed the remote and changed the channel.
Kanata’s forehead furrowed. “Anou..”
She looked at him. “Where’s Hongo-san? She might have told you already that I’ll be staying here until this afternoon.” She sounded like a boss.
“Eh. anou. She …was on an emergency meeting. Yeah.” He forced a smile. “So you’re her boss’ daughter? The one she’s supposed to babysit?”
She just glared at him.
Kanata just blinked. “I take that as a yes. Anyway, my sister won’t be here, so I was left to…” he was hesitating to say the word. ”…take care of you.”
“So it’s just the two of us here?” She roamed her scary eyes around.
“Uh…Yeah, but…it’s safe.” He tried to convince her.
She moved her brows as she glared back at Kanata. “Aren’t you going to offer me a drink?”
“Uh. Sure. Want some tea?”
“Green tea, please.”
He tilted his head. “Yeah. Sure.” As he head his way on the kitchen.
“And some fruit bread, please.” She shouted.
“Eh? We don’t have that.”
She rolled her eyes.
Kanata placed the tea cups and tea pot, with a plate, on the table as he sat on the couch behind her.
She turned on Kanata. “What is that?” pointing at the plate.
“Soda crackers. That’s all I got.”
She sighed as she rolled her eyes. “How plain. Boring.”
Kanata took a deep breath as he tried to hold his temper. ‘What a brat.’ He thought.
“Anyway, what’s your name?” She asked him before looking back at him.
He blinked before opening his mouth. “Eh…Kanata. Kanata Hongo.”
She nodded, raising a brow. “Narumi Riko.” She said before swallowing a cracker.
He forced a smile. “Uh. Yorushiko.”
She ignored her.
They were silent the whole time. Kanata started to yawn while Narumi was drumming her fingers on the empty plate.
Crickets.
Kanata decided to break the silence. “You’re in junior high?”
She nodded. “3rd year.”
“I see.”
“How about you? ”She asked not turning on Kanata, still paying attention at the TV.
“Uh. I’m in college.”
“Really?” Finally she turned on him. Narumi examined Kanata from top to toe.
“Nani?”
“Nothing. I just thought, you don’t look that mature.”
“Maybe that’s because I was just too cute to be over 20, ne?” Kanata laughed.
Kanata’s laughter vanished as he saw Narumi glared creepily at him. He cleared his throat. “Just…trying to make a laugh.”
“You’re boring just like your soda crackers.” She rolled her eyes.
“What? How could you say that to me whe-“
He was cut as Narumi started roaming around.
“Ne. What are you looking at?”
She ignored him as she got some old magazines.
He tried to stop her. “Eehh. Not that-“
It was too late. Narumi had already got those men’s magazines on her hands.
“I told you.” He got the magazines quickly at her grip and shoved it on the nearest drawer. Kanata’s forehead furrowed seeing Narumi’s face. “Nani?”
“Was that yours?” as she gave Kanata a disgusted look.
“Eh? N-NO~” He walked away.
“It was yours.” She repeated, following Kanata.
“I said, it’s not.” Finally sitting on the couch.
Narumi joined him on the couch. “You don’t have to be embarrassed. Nowadays, men usually read those kinda reading materials. It’s normal, especially that you’re already in the right age.”
“I told you it’s not mine. I don’t read worthless magazines.”
She raised her brows. “Worthless.”
“They’re worthless. What can you get from them?”
She glared at him. “What do you think?”
Kanata became embarrassed as he sighed in protest.
Narumi slid herself out of the couch and went sitting on the floor, leaning on the table again. “It’s boring.”
“Why don’t you just email your friends and tell them to go shopping with you.” He suggested.
“What about you tell me a story?” She turned on him.
“What?Oh. You’re really trying to make me your babysitter.”
She rolled her eyes, slightly pouting.
Kanata sighed. “Fine.” “He stood. “You wait here.” He started walking upstairs into his room.
Kanata opened his room. Inside his room was another room next to his bed. He opened the smaller door-that would lead him to his mini library. That is the storage ofhis interests-books. He is such a literary enthusiast.
He placed his finger on his chin as he tried to decide what book shall he get. Well, he was babysitting and the girl wants a story. He’ll give her story. A midnight story is perfect for brats like her.
“Wow!!! This is a lot. And a lot of Kochikame.”
“Eh?” Kanata turned back only to see Narumi behind him. “I told you to stay there, did I?” oh he forgot, brats don’t listen.
She just ignored him as she turned on a big shelf of Kochikame. “You collect books?”
Kanata followed her sight as she went on running her fingers on the books. “Quite.”
“I collect books too.” She grinned happily.
“Really?”
“Yeah. But I was more on novels aside from mangas.”
He laughed. “Well, I was more on science books and horrors aside from mangas. But, I was more tempted on mangas.”
Narumi laughed.”Me too.”
He can’t believe they’ll have a common interest.
They found themselves on the floor of the mini library, reading.
Narumi was always laughing while Kanata was so disturbed that he ended up just looking at her. She would get one book after another, mostly Kochikame manga. “You’ve got a lot of Kochikame ne?”
“My favorite.”
“Me too.” She paused. “Wait.” She raised a Kochikame special. It was the first special volume of Kochikame and getting one is hard “You have this?” Fished eyed. “I have been trying to find a copy of this but they were all gone sold. Mom even tried calling the producer but they said no more copies coz it’s limited, and you got one?”
He nodded.
She looked so jealous. “Can I buy this?”
“No.” He got the manga out of her hand and placed it back on the shelf.
“Eh? B-But I’m willing to pay double.”
He looked at her. “No.” He went walking out.
She got the certain Kochikame volume as she followed. “Triple.”
“No.” He shoved the manga as they were already out of the room.
They were on the stairs.
“Just tell me how much.” She kept on following Kanata as he sat back on the couch.
“This is priceless.” Waving the manga. “I’ve gone to chaos just to get a copy of this.”
She pouted as her shoulders laid low.
Kanata thought she had surrendered already but the moment he put the manga on the table, Narumi was ready to snatch it. Luckily, Kanata was faster that he had got it first. Now, he was lifting the manga up high while Narumi held his shirt, jumping as she tried to get the book.
“Just give that to me.”
“No way. Why don’t you print a copy from the internet?”
“I don’t do illegal.”
“Then, sorry.”
Narumi finally gave up. She hanged her tongue out like a kid. Well, she’s a brat. She just went back on her position in the floor.
That was then, crickets started singing again.
Kanata felt the awkward silence as he watched Narumi.
Narumi can only sigh. How she wanted that Kochikame special. Suddenly Kanata joined her on the floor, placing some papers, pencils and crayons on the table.
She just glared at him.
“Mm.” He handed her a pencil which she also took. He had also slid some paper on her direction.
“I don’t draw.” She said.
“That’s pathetic.” He teased.
She frowned looking at him and started sketching on a paper.
He just smiled and leaned down starting to draw.
Minutes after, Narumi slid the paper with a drawing in front of him. Kanata got it and took a closer look at it.
It was a drawing on a guy with a messy hair with bangs swept on the right, a pair of closed eyes and ballooned cheeks with blushes of red crayon on them, and a skinny body.
“Eh?” Kanata can only utter at the drawing.
“That’s you!” She confessed still annoyed.
He blinked casually, feeling his own face. “That’s terrible. I look odd.”
Narumi tried to stop herself from laughing as she bit her lips and went on drawing again.
Kanata just smiled as he shifted her sight from the sketch to her.
She slid another drawing.
“Oh, Kero-chan.” Kanata pointed at the frog drawing.
“It is you.”
He glared at her.
She glared back at him. “It’s a skinny frog. It is obviously you.”
“You hate me.”
She slid another drawing.
“Now a bunny?” Kanata tilted his head.
“That isn’t you. That’s me.” she said as she shoved the paper out of his hand.
He laughed and continued drawing.
Narumi yawned as she gave a little blink and wiped her eyes.
It’s time for Kanata to slide his drawing in front of her. It was in thick pages of papers stapled together.
Narumi frowned at him. “You’re avenging.”
He just shook his head.
She sighed as she opened the first page. It was a group of drawing. She found the drawing familiar, childish in manner but really familiar. Her eyes expanded as she realizes it was the characters from Kochikame. She scanned more. She realized it was in sequence. Kanata drew the content of the Kochikame special. It was the whole volume of the first Kochikame special. She bit her lower lip as she tried to hide the feelings she is trying to hide-she was touched. She looked up at Kanata right next to her.
Kanata forced a smile. “Well, it’s not that good. I even didn’t include some difficult drawings and just put some dialogues. But at least, it isn’t illegal.”
Narumi nodded.
“You’re not mad anymore?” He asked all of a sudden.
She nodded.
Kanata smiled as she shook Narumi’s head. “Good girl.”
Narumi shoved his hand away. “I’m no dog.”
“I know.” He paused. “You’re a brat.”
She pouted before looking up at him and said ‘thanks’.
“I’m ho-” she was cut as she saw her big brother and Narumi infront of the messy table.
“Onee-chan.” Kanata beamed as he stood up. Narumi followed him standing too.
“Uh. You must be Narumi.” She gave her a sweet smile.
Kanata raised a brow on his big sister as if saying ‘a kid, right’.
Suddenly, the door bell rang.
“I’ll get it.” Kanata’s sister volunteered.
Kanata’s sister was back with a thin old man with mustache.
“Bruno.” Narumi said looking at the man who happened to be a family driver. He was going to get Narumi.
“Time for you to go home, ma’am.” He bowed lightly.
Narumi looked at Kanata.
Kanata just raised a brow.
She smiled at her. “Arigatou.”
He just nodded.
Bruno made his way while Narumi followed him and give Kanata’s sister a slight bow. Kanata was left looking at her with the untidy stapled paper on her grip.
“I’ll walk you out.” His sister said.
All of a sudden, Narumi stopped and turned her back, looking Kanata over her shoulders.
He blinked as she ran towards him. She got her little bunny bag unzipped and got her phone. “Can I have your number?”
“Uh. Sure.” He said getting his phone in his pocket.
“Got it.” They chorused.
Narumi bowed at him. “Bye.” And ran, following Bruno outside.
Kanata’s sister smirked at her little brother.
“What?” Kanata glared at her.
“Nothing. I just thought, you enjoyed your day.”
He rolled his eyes away from her.
“Anyway, here’s your Kochikame special volume 2.” She said as she handed her the manga.
Kanata stared at the manga the moment held it.
“You never told me, there’s a lot of people fighting for a copy of that. I almost got brui- wait.” She wondered where Kanata is.
Kanata harshly opened their gate, looking first on the right then on the left only to see Narumi about to enter the car.
“Narumi!” He shouted.
Narumi stood stiff as she turned on the voice’s direction.
He ran nearer to her.
“Nani?”
“I forgot to tell you, they are releasing the volume 2 of Kochikame Special just this 4:00.”
“Eh?”
He handed her the Kochikame special volume 2. Her eyes sparkled at what she saw.
“It’s mine?”
He nodded. “Mm.”
Narumi’s smile was so big. She looked so happy. For the second time, Kanata touched the brat’s heart again, feeling all teary.
She bowed at Kanata. “Arigatou.” She said repeatedly.
“You awe a drawing of that 2nd volume.”
Narumi laughed.
She put Kanata’s drawing above it. “This is still gonna be my favorite.”
Kanata laughed. “Hai. Hai. Just come inside now.”
She nodded and sat inside. Bruno closed the door.
Narumi waved at him. “Bye-bye, Kanata-kun.”
“Bye-bye.”
And the car left.
“How did you babysit that brat?” Kanata didn’t his sister behind her.
He just sighed.“Nothing much…” he paused. “Just let her be a brat.”
-END-
Author’s Note:
This is the first weird pairing I’ve written. At first, I don’t see this two together but, I think they’ll work out.
I made Narumi Riko here a brat but I was not that sure if she’s a brat enough for you. Well, she’s not that naughty compared to brats below 15 years old. Yet considering her age, she is really a torn in the butt. And imagine babysitting an 18 or 19 year old girl. *phew