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Chapter LXXXV: The Smasher, Part 2
Tengen sits at a table in the park, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves overhead. He watches as families and couples stroll by, lost in their own worlds. As he waits, his mind drifts back to the prom night, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
Prom Night.
The room is awash with lights and laughter, couples dancing and friends chatting animatedly. Tengen and Katsu sit at a table near the edge of the dance floor, their conversation focused on the latest updates of Flex Legends: The Big Bang.
"Did you see the new character they added?" Katsu asks, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Yeah," Tengen nods, leaning in.
"That move set is insane. It's going to change the meta for sure."
Out of the blue, Hanako appears beside them, her face flushed with a mix of excitement and nerves.
"Tengen, would you... um, would you like to dance with me?"
Tengen's eyes widen in surprise. He glances at Katsu, who responds with an exaggerated shrug and an "I don't know" face. After a brief moment of hesitation, Tengen stands and takes Hanako's hand.
"Sure, let's dance."
They move to the dance floor, the soft strains of a romantic song filling the air. As they sway together, Hanako's eyes are filled with a mixture of worry and hope.
"Tengen, I'm really sorry about what happened last Valentine's Day. I didn't mean to hurt you."
Tengen looks into her eyes, his expression softening.
"You know, that's the only thing I've waited to hear from you. And I accept your apology, Hanako. I accept you again."
A wave of relief washes over Hanako, and they hug each other tightly. The world around them fades as they find solace in each other's arms.
Tengen snaps back to the present, still smiling at the memory. He's sitting on a bench in the park, waiting for someone. As he looks around, his heart skips a beat when he sees Hanako approaching, wearing a black off-shoulder dress that flows gracefully with each step.
Hanako smiles as she reaches him. "Hey, Tengen."
"Hey," Tengen replies, standing up. "You look amazing."
"Thanks," Hanako blushes. "You ready to go?"
"Yeah, let's go," Tengen says, offering his arm. They walk together, heading towards their favorite café.
As they walk, Tengen recalls a piece of advice Toshiro gave him about relationships.
"You know, relationships aren't just about the good times. They're about how you handle the tough times too. If you can get through those together, you can get through anything."
They reach the café and find a quiet table in the corner. After ordering their drinks, they settle into a comfortable silence, enjoying the ambiance.
"So, how have you been?" Tengen asks, breaking the silence.
"I've been good," Hanako replies, stirring her iced coffee. "Busy with school and all, but good."
"Same here," Tengen nods. "I've been thinking a lot about our last talk, and I'm really glad we got to clear the air."
"Me too," Hanako says, her eyes sincere. "I was so nervous about how you'd react, but you've always been so understanding."
Tengen smiles.
"That's what friends are for, right? And maybe... something more?"
Hanako blushes again, her smile widening.
"Maybe. We'll see."
They spend the next hour talking about everything and nothing, their connection growing stronger with each passing moment. As they finish their drinks, Hanako looks at Tengen, her expression thoughtful.
"Tengen, can I ask you something?"
"Of course," Tengen says, leaning in.
"Do you ever wonder what the future holds for us? I mean, beyond school and everything."
Tengen takes a moment to think before answering.
"Honestly, I do. But I also believe that as long as we stay true to ourselves and support each other, we'll be okay. No matter what happens."
Hanako nods, looking relieved.
"I feel the same way. I'm just glad we have each other."
They leave the café and walk back to the park, hand in hand. As they reach the spot where they first met, Tengen stops and looks at Hanako.
"You know, this place will always be special to me," he says softly.
"Me too," Hanako agrees, squeezing his hand. "It's where everything started."
They stand there for a moment, letting the memories wash over them. Then, with a shared smile, they continue their walk, ready to face whatever the future holds together.
Later that evening, Tengen sits in his room, reflecting on the day. He pulls out his phone and scrolls through the messages from his friends. A new message from Toshiro catches his eye.
Toshiro: “How did it go with Hanako?”
Tengen smiles as he types his response.
Tengen: “It went great. Thanks for the advice, man.”
Toshiro: “Anytime. Remember, just be yourself. That’s all anyone can ask for.”
Tengen puts down his phone and leans back, feeling content. He knows that whatever comes next, he has the support of his friends and the courage to face it head-on.
The night deepens, and as Tengen drifts off to sleep, his thoughts are filled with hope and anticipation for the days to come.
The morning sun streams through the window as Tengen's phone buzzes on his nightstand. Groggy, he reaches for it and sees a call from Hanako. A smile spreads across his face as he answers.
"Hey, Hanako," he greets, his voice still thick with sleep.
"Good morning, Tengen!" Hanako chirps. "Want to hang out today?"
Tengen sits up immediately, the last remnants of sleep vanishing.
"Absolutely! I'll be ready in no time."
After a quick breakfast and a playful wrestling match with his younger sister, Tengen heads out the door. The train ride to the city feels shorter than usual, anticipation making time fly. As he steps off the train and into the bustling city, he spots Hanako waiting for him, her face lighting up when she sees him.
"Hey!" Tengen calls, waving.
"Hi, Tengen!" Hanako replies, her smile broadening. They embrace briefly before setting off towards the heritage district, eager to explore the historical charm of the area.
As they stroll through the cobblestone streets, admiring the traditional architecture, Tengen suddenly stops and points.
"Look over there! Isn't that Akiko and Kota?"
Hanako's eyes widen in panic. She grabs Tengen's arm and ducks behind Akiko's back. "Don't let them see me!"
Tengen raises an eyebrow, confused.
"Why are you hiding from them?"
Hanako whispers urgently,
"I owe Akiko 500 Yen, and she was still collecting from me last week. I don't want her to think I'm avoiding paying her back."
Tengen chuckles softly, patting her shoulder.
"It's just 500 Yen. I'm sure it's not that big of a deal. But if it makes you feel better, we'll stay out of sight."
Meanwhile, on the other side of the street, Kota is also hiding, crouching behind Akiko.
"What the frack are you hiding from?" Akiko asks, exasperated.
"It's Tengen! He's been very weird with me lately," Kota replies, trembling slightly.
Akiko frowns.
"What happened?"
Kota leans in, whispering conspiratorially,
"He was acting kinda gay around me, and you know me, I'm straight for you."
Akiko's annoyance melts into a smile.
"Aww, that's so sweet." Her eyes then catch sight of Tengen with a girl.
"Wait, Tengen has a girl? Who is that?"
Kota squints, trying to get a better look.
"I think it's Hanako?"
Akiko nudges Kota.
"Okay, buster, get out from behind me. Let's go see what they're up to."
The two couples converge, meeting in the middle of the street. There's an awkward silence as they stand there, unsure of how to start the conversation.
"Hey, Hanako," Akiko says, breaking the ice. "I didn't expect to see you here."
Hanako laughs nervously.
"Yeah, it's a surprise, right? Tengen and I were just exploring the heritage district."
Kota, still looking a bit wary, nods at Tengen.
"Hey, man. Good to see you."
"You too," Tengen replies, glancing at Hanako for reassurance.
Akiko, always the peacemaker, steps forward.
"Since we're all here, why don't we hang out together? It could be fun."
Hanako looks at Tengen, who nods.
"Sure, why not?" she says, her initial panic fading away.
As they start walking together, Akiko turns to Hanako with a mischievous grin.
"So, Hanako, about that 500 Yen..."
Hanako's face turns crimson.
"Uh, about that... I don't have any money on me right now."
Out of nowhere, Tengen dramatically pulls out his wallet, like a hero in an action movie, and hands Akiko a 500 Yen note.
"There, debt settled!"
Akiko takes the money, laughing.
"Thanks, Tengen. You really saved her this time."
Hanako sighs in relief, hugging Tengen.
"You're my hero!"
Tengen winks.
"Anything for you."
The four of them wander through the district, visiting old shops and taking in the sights. They stop at a small café, where they sit outside, enjoying the sunshine and each other's company.
"So," Akiko says, stirring her iced coffee. "What have you guys been up to?"
"Not much," Tengen replies, taking a sip of his drink. "Just trying to enjoy the last year of school."
"Same here," Kota adds. "It's crazy how fast time flies."
Hanako nods in agreement.
"Yeah, it feels like just yesterday we were freshmen."
Akiko smiles, leaning back in her chair.
"Well, let's make the most of it. We've got prom, graduation, and a whole lot of memories to make."
As they continue chatting, the awkwardness melts away, replaced by the easy camaraderie that comes with long-standing friendships. The sun dips lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the heritage district, and for a moment, all feels right with the world.
Later, as the group walks towards the train station, Akiko pulls Kota aside.
"Hey, are you okay? You seemed a bit off earlier."
Kota sighs, running a hand through his hair.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just... I guess I was overreacting. I'm sorry."
Akiko smiles softly, squeezing his hand.
"It's okay. Just remember, we're all friends here. And no matter what, I'm always here for you."
Kota nods, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders.
"Thanks, Akiko. I appreciate it."
At the train station, they say their goodbyes, promising to meet up again soon. Tengen and Hanako board their train, finding seats near the back.
"Today was fun," Hanako says, leaning her head on Tengen's shoulder.
"It was," Tengen agrees, wrapping an arm around her.
"And I'm glad we ran into Akiko and Kota. It was nice hanging out with them."
Hanako smiles, closing her eyes.
"Yeah, it was. And thanks for helping me with the whole 500 Yen thing. I guess I was just being silly."
"Not at all," Tengen replies, kissing the top of her head. "That's what I'm here for."
As the train rocks gently, carrying them back home, Tengen looks out the window, the city's lights twinkling in the distance. He thinks about Toshiro's advice and smiles, knowing that no matter what, he has friends and a special someone to share his journey with.
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