18.1
{7:50am, Urawa, Saitama. The scene pans softly over the early morning neighborhood. The atmosphere is lively and busy already, people going up and about their business, traffic commutes and human activities resume as the day unfolds. In a different district, the scene pans over to a high-rise hotel building. It pans slowly inside the reception of the hotel and sounds mix as the clacking of keyboard sounds faintly sounds in the close distance.}
(Obito stands opposite the hotel receptionists as she checks him into a room, his mood seemingly unreadable as he tilts his head downwards.)
Receptionist: So that'll be room 38, on the 15th floor. Is that okay with you sir?
Obito: (faintly) Hmm...
Receptionist: Okay... ah, you said it was two nights, right?
Obito: Y-yeah...
Receptionist: (slightly concerned) O-okay...
(She confirms the details and upon payment books him in. She gives him a keycard.)
Receptionist: (A fine young man like him, looking so down... I wonder what could've happened...) The elevator is down by the right. You can take it up to your room. It'll be on the left side of the top floor.
Obito: Thank you miss.
(He takes the route described, slowly fading out of the scene, she looks back.)
Receptionist: (I wonder what could've made him feel this down... Sadly there's nothing I can do.)
(She goes back to work, typing on the keyboard. The scene switches over to a room, the door opens and Obito walks in slowly sitting on the nearest chair.)
Obito: (This is okay for now... Iori's safe... they should've gotten back by now too...)
(He slowly exhales, looks down at his bloodied and bruised knuckles and has flashbacks to the moment of him beating Mugi up, he snaps back intermittently...)
Obito: ...I should clean up though...
(He walks over to the bathroom, runs the water from the tap and slowly starts rinsing.)
Obito: (I lost control... I won't justify that i didn't do the right thing... any thinking brother would wanna save his family.. but then, i couldn't control myself...)
(He washes his face...)
Obito: (I felt like a different person, that i wanted to hurt, I embraced it... I'm not sorry for that, I'm only sorry I couldn't control it...)
(He shuts off the tap, gets a towel and cleans his face and hands. He slowly walks to the balcony, pauses at the entrance.)
Obito: (I felt it creep up on me and I couldn't tone it...in the end, it only made me filthy... I can't even show my face around... not to Asuka, not even to Iori...)
(He scoffs and slides the door open, the wind blows his hair gently. He walks forward, leaning his arms on the balcony outside. His soft empty gaze pointing directly towards Mount Fuji.)
Obito: (my hands hurt... but still, what's next for me now?..)
(End.)
18.2
{9:30am, Back at Shibuya, Obitos room... Buster pants softly by the bedside, eagerly looking over and guarding the bed. The frantic movement and pants slowly stirs Iori awake.}
Iori: (groans)Hmm... where am I?
(She looks around and instantly recognizes her surrounding.)
Iori: (smiles)Oh yeah... my brother's room...
(A slight worry creeps on her face, she gently squeezes the blanket.)
Iori: (I made him worry so much, I caused him so much trouble...)
(She touches her forehead and slightly flinches upon realizing the band aid and first aid treatment.)
Iori: (Who did this for me? Was it him? Where's my brother anyway... i want to-)
(Buster barks lightly at her, she gasps and he barks again while wagging his tail happily. She smiles then shuffles and sits on the bed.)
Iori: (cheerful)Hi Buster, come here boy.
(Buster climbs up onto her happily, casually greeting her with cuddles, she giggles while petting and hugging him.)
Iori: It's good to see you again boy, seems he's been feeding you well too... say... do you know where Obi kun is?
(He pants, slightly confused at her request and barks three times, she smiles.)
Iori: (Yeah... i'm absurd... talking to a dog, Ofcourse you don't know where he is...)
(She rubs around his ear and he grumbles satisfyingly.)
Iori: (whispers)Good boy.
(Just then, His room door opens and Minori peeks inside.)
Minori: (looks out, yells)She's awake.
(Iori gasps, Minori approaches her.)
Minori: Are you feeling hurt anywhere? You were out for a very long time.
Iori: Ohh.. no no, I'm not feeling hurt... say for my forehead, I'm okay.
(Naori suddenly enters the room, holding a tray containing breakfast.)
Naori: I finished warming up the breakfast, you should eat something please.
Iori: (who... who are they? friends of Obi kun?)N-no guys... really, im fine, thank-
(Her tummy grumbles a bit, leaving her embarrassed. Silence falls in for a slight moment.)
Minori: Senpai... please don't hide anymore, stop this.
Iori: Huh?
Naori: Umm... well the truth is, you may not know us but we're friends to your brother and the guys. I'm Naori and that's Baji's girlfriend, Minori senpai.
Iori: (Baji's girlfriend? So i finally meet her after all this... from here, she looks fiesty, though... I feel I've seen her before...) Hey, sorry for this but its just that you look familiar a bit, like I've seen you before somewhere.
Minori: Oh.. yeah, we're in the same dormitory. We see eachother once or twice but most times, i don't really stay at the dorm...
Iori: Ohh...
Minori: Now, The truth is the guys told us what happened. You were being hunted, you thought you could handle it yourself but circumstances forced you to realise that you can't do it all on your own. I'm not trying to bring you down but I hope you see what happened clearly.
Iori: (grips the sheets) Yeah... i've been silly for a long time... it nearly cost me alot this time.
(She takes the tray from Naori. Looks at both of them and looks down.)
Iori: (quietly)...Thank you.
(She begins eating the sandwich, Naori smiles.)
Naori: We promised the guys we'd keep you safe till either they got back or your brother got back.
Iori: (so he really isn't here, huh... well, I'd expect it from Obito.) D-do you probably know where he could've gone?
Minori: ...Baji kun didn't say too much but he mentioned a place they all went to last year... in Saitama.
Iori: Saitama.. huh...
Minori: Yeah, he went there upon ms. Ichinose's request.
Iori: (gasps) Ichino-(Asuka... is here!? He really found her again...)
(Iori smiles, drinks the beverage.)
Iori: Then I don't need to worry, if anyone can bring him back, it's her.
Minori: (smirks) ohh, do you have some magic spell that can guarantee such a bold claim?
Iori: Ahaha, not really, but I've known them long enough to realise he trusts her completely and Baji too. I'm his irresponsible older sister, I can't erase that but I can change it... so even if i know he'll be mad at me, I deserve it, but... I still wanna see my brother.
(The scene shifts to Baji's car on the highway, Asuka sits beside him while he drives down to Uwara.)
Iori: (I'm sure she's gonna bring him back.)
(End.)
18.3
(Inside Baji's car... he rubs his eyes slightly, Asuka notices.)
Asuka: You must be very tired by now, Himejima kun...
Baji: Huh? Oh me? Haha, maybe a little... I've gotten used to long drives overtime.
Asuka: I can understand that... still, you drove overnight and you haven't gotten a wink of sleep... I just feel guilty i had to make you drive again this early.
Baji: (teases) Maybe next time we'll make it by high noon.
Asuka: (chuckles) I'll set a reminder then...
(They both chuckle a bit.)
Asuka: ...how long have you known Obito-kun?
(Baji falls silent for a bit...)
Baji: I've known Obito since middle school... back then, I saw two sides of him.
Asuka: Sides... can you explain please?
Baji: Obito once had a cheerful side, he was the noisemaker in the class next door and what you'd call a lively student. By this time I'd already been friends with Iori chan, he looked happy and comfortable then... I didn't butt in... I later realized I should've sooner...
Asuka: Sooner... meaning..
Baji: ...The other side i saw in Obito was the one that made me walk to him... he became a topic... the bad kind, he lost his classmates support, he was framed many times and put in trouble too. Overtime, he lost his smile, and that's when he began to keep things to himself. The moment we became friends, it still took time for him to trust in doing activities or even coming out again... he was stubborn... I also didn't want Iori to worry too much about him...
Asuka: ...Have you ever seen this side of him?
(Baji shakes his head in denial.)
Baji: I know he can defend himself well, but, I've never seen him like this before... I never knew he could escalate like that... I'm sorry, I'm rambling so much now-
Asuka: It's okay...
(He looks at her.)
Asuka: (smiles)I've learned a thing or two from what you said... You're a good friend Himejima kun... continue taking care of him please.
Baji: Ahaha(scratches his head) ah well, I do my best haha. But I won't let him get in trouble.
Asuka: (giggles) good enough for me.
Baji: Hey, can you promise me one thing...
Asuka: What's that?
Baji: (smiles)...bring him back, Okay?
Asuka: (smiles) Yeah, i promise...
(The car drives down the highway, moments later, inside Obito's hotel room his hoodie and white tee sprawled on the bed and water runs in the bathroom, seconds later, it stops and he comes out, towel drying his hair.)
Obito: (i ordered room service sometime ago... didn't I get through before?)
(He drops the towel. Picks up the tablet and verifies.)
Obito: (yeap... I made the order... 15 minutes ago. Though why isn't it here yet?)
(A knock is suddenly heard on the door.)
Obito: (oh, it's here) I'm coming...!
(He puts on the white tee, slowly approaches the door.)
(The knocks repeat rhythmically.)
Obito: H-hold on a bit(wow, not a patient crowd...)
(The person speaks.)
Voice: (Uhh... how do you say it, is it "Room Service"?)
Obito: (is she asking me that?)
(He stops at the door.)
Obito: Excuse me, you here per the room service app?
Voice: (oh, yes... but I'm new here so im still adjusting...it seems your order was rerouted... this room now ordered for the surprise bundle package.)
Obito: (surprise...) what do you mean surprise?
Voice: (...I think thats self explanatory... could you please open up?)
(He sighs and slowly opens up...)
Obito: Yo, what do you mean by-
(He freezes...)
Asuka: After all, you wouldn't want the package to go cold, right?
Obito: Asuka...
(End.)
18.4
Asuka: (smiles)Aren't you gonna say hi?
Obito: Oh, hi... sorry, its just-
Asuka: Just a bit odd that i found you here?
Obito: Well... a little bit, yeah...
(She glances at his bruised knuckles briefly.)
Asuka: Why didn't you come home?
Obito: O-oh, umm...
(She pushes the cart in gently, while Obito, slightly flustered, takes slow steps backwards... the door closes gently.)
Asuka: You said you'll make it back and explain...
Obito: Yeah... I know but... I-I uh...
(He rubs his neck, then bumps into wall, halting his movement. She sets the cart aside, slowly approaches him.)
Obito: (stammers) A-Asuka, I'm sorry... i didn't know how to, i wanted to come back... (sighs) I was just-
(She reaches him and slowly hugs him, firmly but gently wrapping her arms around.)
Obito: (gasps) A-Asuka...
Asuka: (quietly) I'm so glad you're okay.
(Obito gasps quietly, his body relaxing as he slowly looks at her.)
Obito: (quietly) You're not being fair...
(She squeezes lightly, pressing her head deeper into his chest.)
Asuka: Why'd you say that?
Obito: I don't know... the reaction i was expecting... it's quite different from what I thought of...
Asuka: Ohh? and what was that?
Obito: Maybe anger... maybe disappointment...
Asuka: (hums)well, the day's not over yet, but for now...
(They steadily lock hands, she looks at him.)
Asuka: I'm okay where I'm at.
(He flinches a little, slightly flustered.)
Obito:(I can't win against her, she's always so calm... sometimes I wonder why, why does she de-escalate? Why won't she get angry...? Then... I remember... that's who she's been... it's who Asuka is, if she didn't want to she won't be here... it's her language... I just fail to read it... i'm curious... so, from now on...)
(He slips out his hands, hugging her back softly.)
Asuka: Oh...
Obito: (I want to know more...)I'm glad you're here.
(She smiles and a while later, they're sat on the bed, she dresses his scars carefully and wraps them cleanly.)
Obito: Thank you.
Asuka: ...Sasaki and Himejima kun told me everything. I never would've thought Iori-nee's situation was as serious as that.
(He sighs, squeezing his fists softly)
Asuka: I can understand why you went so far.
Obito: ...I went so far, then i lost control... I saw myself over him...
(He has sudden flashes of the incident.)
Obito:( I willingly continued putting him down... over... and over again.)
(Blackout... Flashback ends.)
Obito: I hated that I couldn't bring myself to stop...
Asuka: Why didn't you come home then, since it felt safe?
Obito: I was scared of going home dirty... I thought opinions would change about me
Asuka: How?
Obito: How... well, just that... I didn't feel comfortable, I felt rumors would spread, what if someone else witnessed it and rephrased the whole story? But even more than that, I was worried about what you'd think of me, scared you'd avoid me or look at me differently...
(He scoffs softly.)
Obito: I probably am just a monster. Maybe we shouldn't be so casual like-
Asuka: (firmly)Stop that.
(He steadily looks over at her, her demeanor slightly tense...)
Obito: Asu..
Asuka: (stern)There's nothing good to get from talking down on yourself... You're better than all that and I believe it... so, i won't allow you do it anymore... Stop it, Obito.
(His eyes widen a bit, he lowers his gaze.)
Obito: (did she... get angry?)...I'm sorry.
(She turns his way and lifts his head up with a soft smile. Her face slightly closer now.)
Asuka: As long as you also want to try, we will work it out together, okay?
Obito: O-okay...(yeah, as long as I want to, i can be better.)
(He smirks, looks over to the tray, her tummy rumbles a bit.)
Asuka: ohh, you snitch...
Obito: Haha, I think we should eat something now from the cart.
Asuka: Yeah...
(She stands from the bed)
Obito: Hey...
(He gently tugs her, she looks at him.)
Obito: Thank you, Asuka.
(She smiles and he let's her go. They're voices fade in the background as the scene fades out of the room into the hotel hallway.)
(End.)
18.5
{3:40pm, Tokyo general hospital...]
(The fan whirrs steadily in the waiting room as doctors and nurses go about their day, atmosphere seemingly calm. The scene moves over to ward 5, the door opens slightly, someone enters then closes behind. Inside, Zenitsu is laid on the bed, still unconscious, His body now mostly healed of injuries.)
Tokyo: Hi Zen... I'm here again, just like i promised.
(She walks over, slowly sitting at the foot of the bed. She looks at him earnestly.)
Tokyo: ...The doctor said most of your wounds are gone... the surgeries were also a success, he's just waiting for you to wake up now... honestly, me too... b-but don't worry, he said you're due any day from now. I just want it to be true, to be faster...
(The heart rate machine steadily beeps in the ambiance, subtle voices quietly filling the hallways.)
Tokyo: (smiles)Hey, Zen kun... do you remember the first day we met... back at America? I still think our origin story was a funny one, compared to how far we've known each other...
(Flashback...)
Tokyo's Monologue: (I remember being on a bus, I got off in a hurry, I accidentally bumped into you and apologized... but then, you got angry I stepped on your shoes... which also made me get angry... haha, my pride back then almost had the best of me... The following Monday, I officially met you... (giggles) the new student in high school...)
Zen: Hey! Its you again... shoe murderer!
Tokyo: Hah?! What ya call me?!
Zen: Shut up! You're the one that killed my Nike's on Saturday!
(Tokyo stands up furiously...)
Tokyo: I said I was sorry! What else do you want? The shoes weren't even that clean.
Class: OOOOOHH!!
Zen: Whad'ya say to me glasses?!
(The class and teacher chuckle in unison.)
Teacher: haha, what an introduction.
M. Student: Right?? They look like they've known eachother for a while.
F. Student: Really looks like it haha... hey, teacher... why not bunk both of them as seat partners?
Tokyo & Zen: (Ehh?!)
M. Student: That's not a bad idea honestly, could teach them to get along.
Tokyo: Wait!! May... Th-thats not funny!
Zen: Yeah.. May!
May: (Ahh come on, it'll most likely be fun, maybe someday, you both could make the class jealous.)
(Tokyo/Zen squeak and flinch a bit, the class chuckling softly at the reaction.)
Teacher: Alright then, that'll be it. From now on..
(Pats Zen's shoulder.)
Teacher: Zenitsu and Nakamura would be seat partners this session.
Tokyo: (Zenitsu...?)
(Tokyo's Monologue: (you came by slowly and sat in the seat net to me... frankly, I had no plans of becoming friends with you then. I felt you were rude, but then, overtime.. over the multiple days when we talked more, I realized how sweet you were, strong and independent. Annoyingly we had a few fights and arguments, you were always there to listen to me, to defend me in tough times and to make me laugh. You weren't scared to walk away, but you always stayed... and i loved that about you... I trusted you so much that you were the only guy I ever told my maiden name... and I've never regretted it. Somehow, looking back at it, looks like the class was right...)
(End of flashback.)
Tokyo: (smiles)We did manage to make them jealous...
(She looks over to Zen, slightly worried. She takes a chair and moves to his chest area. She sits, exhales softly and softly cups his sleeping face in her hands.)
Tokyo: Hey, this might sound a bit selfish but... hurry up Zen, please wake up.
(She puts her head on his hand lightly, a teardrop slides down her face.)
Tokyo: (hics)...I miss you...
(10 minutes pass and she dozes off lightly by his side. Moments later, his other hand twitches and he slowly breathes heavily, he gently opens his eyes, exhaling as he stretches his toes.)
Zen: Where... where am I?
(He sighs, tries to lift the other hand but sees Tokyo there, she slowly stirs awake..)
Tokyo: (yawns) sorry nurse, my times up right? Just a few more minutes please...
Zen: ...Tamaki
Tokyo: (flinches) Tama-
(She looks up and sees Zen looking at her, she gasps.)
Zen: Yeah, wh-what is this place? Why am I in a hospital bed?
(She rises and quickly hugs him deeply, tears stream down her face.)
Tokyo: Zenitsu... (hics)Zen kun.
(He suddenly remembers everything from the past and sighs.)
Zen: (Oh yeah... that's what happened.)
(He looks towards her, still clamped down, he hugs her back.)
Zen: I'm back, Tamaki.
Tokyo: Yeah... yeah.
(She smiles at him.)
Tokyo: Welcome back...
(End.)
18.6)
(Minutes later, Tokyo is sat outside the ward while the doctor and nurses run tests on Zenitsu. They take notes of his body coordination and memory recovery, recording the results... a while later, they come out, giving her a positive sign.)
Tokyo: (knocks, opens) Hey... you feeling okay?
Zen: Yeah, thanks. Come in.
(She walks in, casually sitting beside him on the bed. Silence looms for a few seconds...)
Tokyo: (flustered)Umm... uhh...
(She plays with her fingers a bit, he notices.)
Zen: The doctor told me you always came by...
Tokyo: (freezes) Y-yeah... it started in between days... somehow, I eventually started making sure I'd say hi... I was hoping I'll be surprised one day.
Zen: (smirks) Surprise you?
(She hics and he looks at her tears slowly fall.)
Tokyo: (clutches his arm) I missed you, i missed you so much... I was scared... time to time, I was scared you'd not wake up. I forbade the thoughts but they still crawled in... coming down here was all I could do to get rid of them...
Zen: Tama...
(He pats her head and gently wipes her tears.)
Zen: You were amazing and you did great, Thank you.
(She gasps softly, slowly resting her head on his shoulder and smiles.)
Tokyo: I'm glad you're okay...
(She leaps from the bed and stretches happily.)
Tokyo: Now I can tell Naori and the others the good news too! Especially at school. Turns out we're actually a lot that missed you.
Zen: Really? Am I that popular now?
Tokyo: Well maybe, after that day and the news on TV, you were absent, people put two and two together and yunno...
Zen: Yeah... it all makes sense... by the way, what happened to the store owner? Does Nao chan still go there?
Tokyo: ...Naori quit.
Zen: Oh..
Tokyo: Well not in the traditional sense, it's just... after she healed up, she went there again, tried to talk to the owner... but he never opened anymore. Time after time, she'd go and not find him... eventually she stopped going.
Zen: (He felt guilty and closed up huh...)well anyway, it's bet my notes are by the thousands now, i have a lot to catch up on.
Tokyo: (giggles)Don't worry about that... I managed to get a copy of most of your notes. You can photocopy it all when you get out of here. He already told me you'd be cleared in a few days so we can wait.
Zen: Yeah... (she's much happier now.)Hey, let's go out for ice cream and cake when I get out.
(She squeals a bit and smiles.)
Tokyo: Yeah... let's do it.
(The scene pans toward the evening sun outside the window. )
(End.)
18.7
[7:45pm, back at the hotel, Saitama...]
(Asuka is sat on the bed, reading one of the magazines laid in the corner
Obito enters the room, slightly distracting her.)
Asuka: Did you get to them?
Obito: Yeah, but they didn't have any left...I asked if they also served takoyaki but they ran out of that too.
Asuka: (groans) I really craved to eat it tonight...
Obito: ...I mean, it's not too late.
Asuka: Hmm?
(He picks up his hoodie.)
Obito: Let's go for a walk.
Asuka: (smiles)Okay.
(Outside the hotel, they walk side by side. Taking in the night time scenery. The atmosphere is lively, people interacting and laughing among eachother.)
Obito: Are you big on the night street culture?
Asuka: Umm... not really, I'm usually indoors by this time. How about you?
Obito: I've been into it for a while now, started back during my later high school days.
Asuka: Hmm... is there a reason you started it?
Obito: ...I first tried it as a break, as something I needed to cool off with whenever I felt a bit stressed... overtime i started doing it unconsciously, I started to enjoy it...
(She giggles...)
Obito: What's funny?
Asuka: Nothing, I'm just surprised you said you enjoy it.
Obito: That's mean, i enjoy stuff...
Asuka: (teases) Yeah yeah, im sure you do haha.
Obito: (pouts) fine then, I'll prove it. I'll prove i can enjoy stuff, starting now even.
Asuka: Oh? and how are you gonna do that?
(A running kid accidentally bumps into Obito's leg and falls over, his friend from behind stops.)
M. Kid: Owwie...
F. Kid: See i told you to slow down.
(She bows and apologizes on her brother's behalf, Obito bends over and helps the boy up.)
Obito: (smiles) It's okay, you're not hurt, right?
M.Kid: N-no big brother, (bows)sorry I was reckless.
(Obito pats his head and the kids run off to play. Asuka glances at his smile.)
Asuka: Looks like you've started already...
(They keep walking and he softly gazes at her for a while...)
Obito: Yunno, I had two reasons for bringing you out tonight.
Asuka: What was the first one?
(He stops at a junction and gently points to the left street. A brightly lit, lively marketsquare featuring different streetfood, Asuka beams up, looks at him.)
Obito: (rubs his hair)I...I thought we'd find some takoyaki here, haha.
(She tugs him along into the crowd.)
Asuka: (excited) well, let's go!
(A montage shows them sharing a conversation, watching a live comedy performance, share some grilled yakiniku, Asuka winning a game, Obito losing a game, them sharing a drink and all in all laughing with each other.)
Asuka: (exhales happily) That was fun, I think i might get addicted to this night-time hangouts. Hey, you won't mind we had another together right?
(She notices he's a bit distracted, looking intently ahead.)
Asuka: (concerned)Obito...
Obito: Oh sorry, its just...
(He holds her had, she gasps)
Obito: Come with me for a sec...
(He leads her gently through the crowd to what he spotted, confirming his thoughts as they stop infront of a small kiosk.)
Obito: I knew I've seen this before.
Asuka: This place wha-
(A kid suddenly arrives from the corner to attend to them.)
Kid: (smiles) Hello, what can I get you to-
(He looks to Obito, instantly remembering him.)
Obito: I see you remember me, right?
Kid: (points) I remember you sir!! You were that kind customer that bought from my mom that night!
(He bows.)
Kid: I wanted to say thank you, because after you left that night we were able to sell more and move down here for better opportunities. Thank you.
Obito: Oh uh, no problem(I didn't do anything though.) I'm glad it all worked out.
Kid: So what can I get you tonight sir, and your girlfriend too?
(Asuka flusters, Obito blushes hard)
Obito: U..uh, Ta-takoyaki... we wanted to get some takoyaki.
(The boy looks at them, slightly confused to why they're red, but shrugs it off.)
Kid: Alright, one order coming up!
(He goes in to relay the order, leaving the fated couple.)
Obito: He's a wild one, isn't he?
Asuka: Yeah, though, girlfriend...
(Clutches her chest.)
Asuka: (would that be too sudden? I can't tell if he sees me like that.)
Obito: I wouldn't mind it... would you?
Asuka: (freezes) I... I'd really like it.
(She smiles...)
Asuka: But don't forget, you still have to ask properly by then.
Obito: (scoffs/smirks) It's a deal.
(They both smile at eachother, a while later, the boy returns with the order, gives it to them. The mother peeks to express her gratitude and they happily wave them off. Seconds later, they're out of the market square. Obito sees her free hand and gently holds it, she responds with a soft squeeze on his and they walk down the horizon.)
Asuka: I had fun.
Obito: Me too... but i'm really glad you did as well. It's not over yet though?
Asuka: Oh right, what's the second reason?
(He smiles...)
(End.)
18.8
(A while later, they climb some stairs and reach a mini park shrouded within a big tree. Opposite, a starry and moonlit view of Mt Fuji hovers in the landscape. A three seater hanging hammock swings from the branches of the tree. The low vines hanging peacefully within.)
Obito: I wanted you to see this.
Asuka: (gasps/amazed)Wow...
(She walks forward, taking slow, purposeful steps as she takes the surrounding in, her face beams as she looks over the horizon.)
Asuka: Mount Fuji...
(Obito smiles while observing her reactions.)
Obito: Is it your first time seeing it?
Asuka: Not exactly, but it's the first time I'll see its peak and this close since the cap is still frosted.
(He slowly walks forward.)
Obito: I always cherished here whenever I made detours. I usually never remembered what it was that got me attracted back then... now, i think I remember clearly.
Asuka: Was it probably the scenery?
Obito: ...It would've been, but nahh...
(He turns and walks back, she turns, slowly noticing the huge tree behind her, she gasps while admiring its size. He pauses...)
Obito: Come sit here...
(The leaves slowly rustle with the wind as they sit within the tree, slowly enjoy the scenery.)
Asuka: So... how did you find this place?
Obito: Uhh... it was around a year ago, Baji and i were just sightseeing one afternoon and came up here. Turns out we also interrupted someone's date... I can't forget how the guy got mad.
Asuka: (giggles)a pair of party-crashers...
Obito: Haha yeah that works too... but that same night, I came back, i thought it was casual, one time, but I realized later that it wasn't... I felt i was always looking for something...Didn't even know if i could touch it or not. I came her about three other times since then.
Asuka: How about now, what do you think it is?
Obito: ...I'd say... nostalgia...
(He looks to a tree branch above.)
Obito: Yeah...that's exactly what it is.
(Asuka smiles and stands, she walks forward a bit, gently tugging on a longer vine.)
Asuka: Obito, do you believe in folklore messages?
Obito: Um, yeah... not alot but some of them.
Asuka: Then did you know, some trees have a special message attached to them?
Obito: I've heard about that... I never knew whether to believe it.
Asuka: some like pine align with endurance, reminds people to stay true to who they are, others like the bamboo signify how to both be flexible and strong at the same time... oh my, look at that, I'm rambling...
Obito: I don't think you are... atleast, i just learned two things now?
(He stands up, steadily approaching her.)
Obito: So, do you know what this one means?
Asuka: ...Wisteria(smiles) that's a secret.
Obito: Really, no hints?
Asuka: Nope, I'll let you find out the meaning yourself.
Obito: Hold on...
(He reaches a vine and takes a flower from it.)
Obito: Asuka..
(He tucks the flower gently into her hair, leaving her surprised.)
Asuka: Obi..
Obito: I always thought they brought out your eye color.
(She beams and freezes up. For a while, they stare intently at each other... then, a light gust of wind roughly blows, leaving her chilly a bit from the cold. He takes off the hoodie and covers her up gently.)
Asuka: ...Thank you.
(He smiles as she turns and suddenly, he hugs her from behind. She flusters.)
Obito: (i wonder if this'll upset her)Sorry, i just feel safer like this.
(Asuka gently holds his hands, smiles.)
Asuka: (teases) You have five minutes...
Obito: Then I'll make the best of it.
(He tugs her closer to him, she responds willingly and happily.)
Obito: Yunno I've been thinking, maybe I was a bit harsh by leaving everyone hanging. Accepting the outcome was what I should've done, i just need to be more careful with my actions from now on. I'm glad I realized that,.. I'm glad you you came here.
Asuka: So, are you ready to go back?
Obito: (smiles) Yeah, let's go back in the morning... I wanna see Iori.
Asuka: (he's grown so much already...)
(He loosens his grip but she stops him.)
Obito: oh, i thought the time was up.
Asuka: (quietly) stay here, just a little longer...
(He smiles and fixes the hold back on her waist, she rests her head against his chest. Their hands interlock as they stare off into the horizon of Fuji while the vines swing gracefully among them.)
Obito: (Wisteria, the sign of humility, eternity and immortality... thats what I want us to be...)
(End.)
18.9
(The next morning, back at Obito's dorm, Shibuya. Obito and Asuka walk up the stairs, upon reaching their floor, they stop for a while...)
Asuka: You're good to go right?
Oboto: Yeah... I'll make sure it goes fine.
Asuka: Don't be too mad at her okay... I'll see you later.
(She walks into her room, gently shutting the door. He walks down to his room, exhales... the door opens.)
Iori: Oh, Nao chan... you're ear..ly...
(She gasps...)
Obito: Hey sis...
(He sits beside her and for a while a heavy silence looms between them... the fan gently hums close by.)
Iori: (I should say something... atleast, something to get his response... I mean...)
(She clenches her fists softly, looks over to him, his expression slightly hidden.)
Iori: (This was my fault...) How're your hands feeling?
Obito: They're better now, Asuka helped me clean it and wrapped it nicely
Iori: Oh yeah, thats right... you met Asuka again... c-can I see it?
(He slowly turns to her and shows his wrapped hands, she takes them gently.)
Iori: (smiles, voice shaky) Yeah, she did a good job...
(Obito smirks a bit, then her tears drop slowly onto his wrapped hands.)
Obito: What's wrong?
Iori: (crying) Sorry... I'm sorry... I put you through a lot, I've always put you through a lot in terms of trust...(hics) I'm so sorry, I'm a bad example and you got hurt because of me... because I didn't want you to solve my problems...
Obito: Why did you feel that way?
Iori: (hics)Y-you were already having a rough time...remember when we left Osaka that time, you got sad that you had to leave everyone, to leave Asuka, you cried alot then... (giggles) you cried alot as a kid actually, haha..
Obito: (chuckles) Haha yea, I remember that...
Iori: It really hurt me then, watching my little brother cry, I knew it hurt that you lost something... so, i wanted to make sure you'd never lose again no matter what.. it's when I decided to be your "Rock" but I hated that I misunderstood what it actually meant. I started to help with your problems, to see a smile on my brother's face... it worked, then, I needed help. I hate that I'm saying this but... I got embarrassed. I noticed that since I got to help you, i also became more independent, maybe that was what felt good, so when I needed help, I was scared you'd see me as weak for asking for help... I was naïve, I grew more naïve and I hated that I didn't see it till I hurt you...
(She moves closer and rests her head on his shoulder.)
Iori: I'm really really sorry Obito...
(He pats her head gently, she smiles softly.)
Obito: I'll always be here for you sis, we all will help you whenever you need us, I'm sure those Takeshi and Kaede senpai would as well too, so from now on, don't hide anymore.
(She nods softly with a smile.)
Obito: What's your way forward?
Iori:(quietly)No more secrets...
(He hugs her shoulder tighter..)
Obito: Then that's a promise...
(They remain in a hug for a bit longer, she then stands and stretches.)
Iori: Well, I'm off to see Asuka-chan and her room, you'll be okay?
Obito: I'll be fine, have fun.
(She turns and looks back with a smile.)
Iori: Obito, Thank you...
(She leaves the room to the hallway...)
Iori: (Thank you for being my brother... and Asuka, thank you... you're truly the flower he's been looking for...)
(End.)