55Target 2
Horoscope Hullabaloo
"Good morning!" Haru exclaimed as soon as she reached the foot of the stairs and entered the dining room, immediately grabbing the newspaper on the table before her father could lay a finger on it. Ignoring the amused albeit curious looks she was receiving from her parents, Haru took a seat in between her father and mother and hastily flipped the paper to a tiny section in the entertainment page.
TAURUS
+ Your Most Likeable Traits: Dependable, Creative & Emotionally Sensitive
+ Symbol: The Bull (Strong, stubborn, plodding, can be both fierce and gentle)
+ Ruling Planet: Venus
+ Element: Earth
+ Dominant Keyword: "I have"
Magical Birthstone: Emerald (Protects against infidelity & deceit, insures loyalty & improves memory)
+ Special Flowers: Violet, Poppy & Lily of the Valley
+ Special Colours: Pale Blue & Mauve (The soft colour of refinement & gentleness)
+ Lucky Numbers: 6 & 4
+ Lucky Day: Friday
+ Part of the body ruled by Taurus: The Neck & Throat
+ Opposite sign: Scorpio
+ Least Compatible with: Libra, Sagittarius
+ Most compatible with: Virgo, Capricorn and Taurus
She paused in the middle of pouring milk in her cereal bowl as she ogled her fortune for the day.
Monday
A storm is coming, proceed with caution. Reassess your final destination.
o
o
o
"I haven't seen Haru lately."
Gokudera regarded his boss from the corner of his eye, surprised to note that Tsuna was looking rather apprehensive. For some reason, Vongola Decimo's expression bothered him. Added the fact that he himself wondered why Haru hadn't come to grace them with her eccentricity for the past week. But Gokudera was skilled enough not to let any sign of inner turmoil reflect on his face.
"She's probably busy making stupid costumes," he said, looking at the sky as they walked home side by side.
"I'm sure it's nothing to worry about, Tsuna," Yamamoto assured, grinning. "She'll come and visit again soon, you'll see."
Tsuna smiled. "Yeah, you're probably right."
She better, Gokudera thought. "If not, I'll drag her to Namimori Middle School if I have to, Juudaime," he promised solemnly.
"A-Ah... You don't have to, Gokudera-kun," Tsuna laughed, placating the suddenly intense Storm Guardian. "Thank you, anyway."
As they continued to walk towards Tsuna's house, at the back of his mind, Gokudera had the lingering thought that Haru's absence had everything to do with what came out of his big, fat mouth.
Friday
You will spend the afternoon with your fated. Be wary of an unexpected bomb.
o
o
o
Haru thanked the heavens that her most-awaited cake shop sale landed on a Friday. As soon as she was dismissed from class, Haru made haste and immediately headed to the town centre. Upon entering the cake shop, she was greeted with a large crowd of raving customers; but, Haru didn't wait a week to go home empty-handed. Exceedingly pumped, Haru got to her knees and crawled, inserting herself in between the horde. After several minutes of persistence, Haru finally found herself in front of the counter where limited-edition caramel cake boxes towered over her.
"Hahi, one limited-edition caramel cake please!"
"One box please."
Haru looked to her right and was surprised to see Kyoko standing beside her.
"Kyoko-chan!"
"Haru!"
It wasn't long before both girls sat across each other and happily gobbled their favourite dessert.
"Why haven't you dropped by school last week?" Kyoko asked.
"Haru had to study for her exams," she said without missing a beat, scooping a spoonful of cake and placing it inside her mouth. "Haru's schedule is pretty hectic now since the school year's about to end. Haru can't even allot time to make new costumes anymore! It really sucks!"
Kyoko patted her friend's hand comfortingly and smiled, "I'm sure Haru will manage."
Haru mirrored her smile.
"Oh look," Kyoko exclaimed all of a sudden, waving at someone outside the glass window. "It's Tsuna-kun and Gokudera-kun!"
Haru's mind immediately drifted to her horoscope that she couldn't help but look both pleased and irritated at the arrival of the two boys.
"Kyoko-chan, Haru!" Tsuna greeted them as soon as he reached their table.
Gokudera was trying very hard to remain composed, but failed – his cheeks were tinged red and he looked highly uncomfortable.
"What are you and Gokudera-kun doing here, Tsuna-kun?" Kyoko asked pleasantly.
"Mama asked me to buy new gardening tools," Tsuna replied with a smile, "How about you guys?"
"Cake," Kyoko and Haru answered at the same time.
"Why don't you sit with Kyoko-chan and Haru for a while, Tsuna-san?" Haru piped in, pointedly ignoring Gokudera who was currently glaring at her.
"That would be nice," Kyoko said even before Gokudera could retort.
Tsuna blushed at the offer and smiled rather bashfully. Gokudera grunted – the battle was won.
Much to the discomfiture of both, Gokudera and Haru found themselves sitting beside each other. Although Tsuna looked ill at ease, he was much more successful initiating conversation. For several minutes, the pair across was immersed in a light discussion about the upcoming exams while they sat in awkward silence.
Gokudera very much wanted to ask what the hell was wrong with Haru, but with his pride winning over, he satisfied himself by crossing his arms and glaring at the empty cake boxes on the table. On the other hand, Haru, who had been preoccupying herself making origami with the available tissue, eventually decided to do something else to pass the time after futile attempts to create a shape other than a heart.
"Where are you spending your summer this year, Kyoko-chan?"
"Hahi! Haru got tickets for the newly-opened amusement park near the flower gardens! Do you want to come, Tsuna-san?" Haru interjected before Kyoko could answer. "Kyoko-chan?" she added as an afterthought.
"That sounds great," Kyoko brightened.
Soon after, the two girls were in deep conversation about the rides and the shops in the park.
Gokudera couldn't help but notice Tsuna looking slightly dejected.
Before he could stop himself, Gokudera pinched Haru's hand under the table.
"HAHI!" Haru jumped, startled.
"Are you alright, Haru-chan?" Kyoko asked worriedly.
"Yes, yes! Haru's fine!" Haru laughed and made herself comfortable on her chair. A few moments later, Haru exacted her revenge.
Gokudera managed to stop himself from spouting curses when Haru gave his thigh a painful pinch, which lasted for five agonizing seconds.
"Juudaime, would you like something to eat?" Gokudera asked all of a sudden.
Tsuna shook his head. "It's fine, Gokudera-kun—"
"I'll buy you that limited-edition cake," he said, pushing his chair backward then standing up. "Oi, you come with me."
Haru feigned deafness and began to chirp about sea turtles to Kyoko.
"I can come with you if you like, Gokudera-kun," Tsuna offered, already preparing to stand up.
"No, Juudaime... I don't want to bother you," Gokudera firmly pushed Tsuna back down on his chair. To their surprise, Gokudera clutched Haru's arm and tugged her from her seat. "Come with me."
"Hahi!" Haru looked up and was taken aback to see Gokudera gazing at her meaningfully, as if he was trying to tell her something.
Gokudera-kun = bomb, she thought.
Haru slapped his hand away, "What are you, ten? The counter's just there!" she cried, glaring at him.
Fully aware of the ruckus they were creating, Gokudera grudgingly conceded. "Fine."
He must have spent half an hour waiting in line before he managed to purchase two boxes. When he returned, he plopped down on his seat, placed a box in front of Tsuna, then quietly ate his cake without sparing Haru a glance. But after a few moments, he realized that it was Kyoko and Tsuna conversing this time. He regarded Haru from his peripheral vision; she was once again doing origami with a pink tissue paper, a small disappointed frown on her face. It looked like she was attempting to make a crane.
"Give it to me," he grabbed the deformed bird from Haru and spent the next few minutes folding and tearing tissue. "Here," he pushed it back to the girl, who was torn between looking pleased and confused. "Even a ten year old can do something as simple as that, stupid woman."
Haru did not take the bait, but there was a light blush on her face.
She abruptly shifted her gaze to the girl across her. "Kyoko-chan! Which animal do you like better: a lion or a leopard?"
Kyoko was thoughtful, "Hmmm... I'm not really fond of jungle animals. I prefer domestic animals better, they're cuter... What about you, Haru-chan?"
"Haru thinks lions are better!" Haru turned to Tsuna with a big smile, "Don't you agree, Tsuna-san?"
Tsuna looked lost and just nodded.
Gokudera stabbed what was left of his cake and tried to look unaffected.
But she was barely done with asking questions. "Tsuna-san, what do you like better? Girls with short or long hair?"
There was silence as three pairs of eyes were fixed on Tsuna.
"I-I..." The Vongola Decimo started, shifting awkwardly on his seat. "Well, I—"
"Oh no!" Kyoko gasped suddenly. "It's late and I haven't even bought the shoes Onii-chan wanted!"
Haru gasped too, and was already on her feet. "It's six-thirty and Haru's hasn't cooked dinner yet!"
"Now that you mention it, I still need to buy the gardening tools!" Tsuna said, also getting to his feet. "Kyoko-chan, I'll come with you and bring you home... It's dangerous to walk home alone at night." He looked at Kyoko firmly.
Kyoko blushed, "Alright."
Before Gokudera and Haru could have a say in the matter, Tsuna added, "Gokudera-kun, can you bring Haru home?"
"Of course, Juudaime," he nodded, ignoring Haru's protests.
"Visit us in school next time, Haru-chan," Kyoko hugged Haru and bid her goodbye.
"See you, Haru," Tsuna smiled before following Kyoko.
Haru panicked when she realized she was alone with Gokudera. "A-Ah wait! Haru remembers she still has to buy materials for her costume—" she was about to run after the two when Gokudera pulled her ponytail. "Hahi!"
"Don't be stupid," he growled.
Haru twirled around and yanked her hair away from him. "What's your problem—" Her words were stuck in her throat when she realized that Gokudera was scrutinizing her. "W-What?"
"Stop bothering Juudaime and Sasagawa," he deadpanned.
Haru immediately turned red, "Haru is not being bothersome to anyone!" she huffed, avoiding Gokudera's piercing gaze. "And don't bother bringing Haru home! She can do it alone!" She turned from him and began to walk towards the door.
"As if I care, tsk."
But Gokudera followed her anyway. Trailing behind, Gokudera was startled when Haru suddenly stopped in her tracks. Following her gaze, he saw Tsuna and Kyoko by the sports shop, smiling at each other as if they were the only two people on Earth.
Even from a distance, it was evident that Haru had received a bombshell.
Saturday
History will repeat itself. Rejoice!
o
o
o
After attending cram school that afternoon, Haru had dropped by the riverbank on a whim. She felt that it would appease her current melancholy if she reflected a few things on the bridge overlooking the river. Remembering that day's horoscope, she could not help but feel hopeful that Tsuna might come and save her again – this time, from her turbulence.
Without thinking, Haru hopped on the broad railings of the bridge and gazed at the sky which was currently a mixture of orange and purple. Then she fixed her eyes on the rushing river.
"Tsuna-san saved Haru in this river before," she muttered to herself. "Today's horoscope said that history will repeat itself and that Haru will rejoice." She continued to look at the river. "But of course it would be stupid to try and see if it really happens—HAHI!"
She was suddenly hauled from behind, unceremoniously landing on the concrete.
"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?" An out-of-breath Gokudera yelled at her furiously.
Haru glared at him and cried, "What do you think you're doing?" She tried sitting up but winced. "Ahhh... Haru's ankle."
Gokudera squatted beside her. "Let me see." Haru noticed that his expression softened. He gently felt her ankle.
"Ow, ow, ow..."
Gokudera looked up and regarded her seriously, "You twisted your ankle."
"And who's fault do you think it is, Stupidera?" she screamed with angry tears.
The Storm Guardian had the decency to blush, "You're lucky I got to you in time! At least you aren't drowning, stupid woman!"
"Hahi!" Haru's face was as red as Gokudera's. "Haru wasn't going to commit suicide, idiot!"
And there was silence.
"T-Then what were you doing, standing on the railings?" Gokudera sputtered, a mixture of anger and embarrassment on his face.
"I just wanted to think and look at the river," she said rather sheepishly.
"But was it necessary to stand on the railings to do that?" he demanded, ruffling his hair in exasperation. "Fuck, you're weird."
Haru bit her lip and wiped her tears with her sleeves.
Gokudera watched her then looked away when Haru caught him. "I'm sorry," he muttered.
Haru hesitated, "Why are you here, Gokudera-kun?"
He shrugged, "This is my route home, and I happened to see stupid you standing on the railings. Of course I panicked."
She persisted, "Why?"
He twitched, "What do you mean why? What would you do if you saw someone about to jump off the bridge?" He looked away and couldn't help but add, "Stupid woman."
"Well... why do you care if Haru jumped off the bridge and drowned?"
Gokudera was completely thrown by the question and stared at Haru incredulously. "Are you really stupid or what?" He was blushing again.
Haru was blushing as well. "Yeah, Haru's extremely stupid at the moment that's why she's asking you... So answer the question!"
"But you already know!"
"No, I don't!"
"What the fuck, are you crazy?"
"JUST SAY IT!"
Gokudera's face was burning. "Because I like you..." he said almost inaudibly then glared at Haru. "Happy?"
Haru surprisingly nodded.
"So are you ready to have your ankle treated now?" he grunted after an awkward silence.
Again, Haru nodded. Gokudera helped her climb on his back; an involuntary shiver coursed throughout his body as soon as Haru wrapped her arms around his neck and settled behind him. He ignored her warmth as he supported her weight by placing his hands under her legs and began to head towards the nearest clinic.
"Gokudera-kun."
He liked the feel of her breath against his earlobe. "What?"
"What's your zodiac sign?" she asked casually.
"What?"
She heaved a sigh, consequently tickling his ear. "Haru said—"
"I heard you the first time," he snapped, rather annoyed (at himself). "I'm a Virgo."
"Oh."
Gokudera looked at her sideways, "Why?"
Blushing, Haru shook her head and buried her face on his shoulder.
A/N: I got Haru and Gokudera's signs from the lucky character horoscope after certain episodes. Oh, and Yamamoto's Taurus. Interesting, eh? (I leave you to draw your own conclusions with that statement.) Anyhow, I hope it wouldn't take me a month to post the next instalment. So whatdya think? If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Any form of review would make me smile and update faster. (;))