Let's get our Misfortunes

Fortunes sounded like a lot of fun. Arata could tell that much given how much anticipation brewed among the group. For him, it was never something that he could say he was into. Things just simply never really changed for him these past few years.

But when things did change, it really hit him like a truck.

"Hopefully our fortunes will turn out all right." He said while they moved along. "I know that it's not a guarantee, but I'd hate to put a damper on the day."

"Of course they turn out all right." Yogi was always optimistic on matters. "And even if they sound bad. I bet you could find a way to make them good."

"Right…" Arata was a bit more skeptical. The group arrived to the place where fortunes were either being given out, or made with a session of a fortune teller. As much as the boy would've loved to take one and leave. His friends were of the opinion that they should be getting a more personal reading.

However, this did give him the opportunity to reunite with a friend that they were hoping to see. That being Matsu and the rest of her gang.

"Arata!" She cheered when she saw them, going straight for the obvious target. "I'm glad we get to run into you. Have you gotten your fortunes yet?"

"Not yet." He answered. "We just got here, but I'm guessing you've all gotten yours?"

"Mmhmm." She nodded her. "I got a really good one this year."

"Heh, yeah." Hanaka chimed in. "I'm pretty sure she told you what you wanted to hear when you said that you were in love with someone."

"Ahh!" Matsu immediately fell into a flustered state on hearing that. "D-don't just say that out loud right now." She was bright red as she looked between her friends and Arata. Finally, she settled with trying to explain herself to the boy. "I mean, I wouldn't say I'm in love. I just…" She twirled her hair in awkward embarrassment.

"It's fine." He told her. "There's nothing wrong with a crush, right?"

"R-right." She regained herself a bit. "You don't know who it is, right?" He did because it was him, but Arata played dumb and answered in the negative. "Then, do you…" She wanted ask if she might be accepted. Which is a round about way of getting an opinion from him. "Do you think that he might like me back?"

"Well…" He wasn't sure on the best way to answer the question. Since he was aware that she wasn't aware of his knowledge, he went with the safe choice. "You're a wonderful girl, so I'm sure that he'll be really happy if you confessed."

"He really would?" She was gleeful over hearing that. The girl got really bashful before speaking up again. "Then, I'll do my best, thanks."

"Arata." Their conversation was interrupted by Misao. "Could I have a chat with you? In private?"

"Uh, sure." He felt a little uneasy accepting her request. Considering the circumstances, it was clear the reason for her to want to suddenly talk now. The girl pulled him away from the group, but not too far away. That wouldn't be needed as the large crowds provided a noise to prevent eavesdroppers.

"Don't worry, I'm not mad at you."

"I'd hope not." He replied. "I know you're biased for Misei, but I'm just talking with her as a friend."

"Of course, I'd say you're very much aware of most people's feelings for you. And while I am on Misei's side, I promise I won't be mad if you don't choose her."

"Then, what did you want to talk about?"

"That you haven't chosen yet." She didn't want to rush his decision, but it's not something that he can just hang on forever with. They're in high school, almost third years at that. Time is starting to get rather limited for all of them. "And, I don't want you to lead all of them on."

"I know, but-"

"I understand your concern." She stopped him from claiming the obvious. That he wanted to consider things seriously, and to try and not hurt everyone's feelings. "But it's because of that, which is why I'm worried you'll just end up hurting everyone even more. So please, make some moves to find what you really feel."

"Right." He listened to her advice, but with how vague it was. How was he going to formulate a plan? "You know, with all your work with helping Misei, isn't there something you want?"

"I'm okay with my current situation of helping Misei to repay a debt I can never repay." She answered. "But, I am human. You could say that I have… Feelings for a certain boy."

"You do?" He got a little excited over the prospect, but for reasons different than Matsu's reaction earlier. "If you let me know, then I'd love to help out. I think I'm pretty good at this whole thing."

"Could you really help with something that contradicts what you're currently doing?" The boy was bewildered by her question. He raised an eyebrow over it, which prompted the bombshell. "Because you see, the boy I like is…" She paused for a moment, eyes darting back and forth. "...Akaki."

"Him?" Arata glanced over to the boy, who was chatting with some of the others. "Really?"

"It's the truth. Even Misei knows it, and she said she'd help... But I don't know…" When she said that, Arata realized immediately why she warned him earlier. "And it seems that isn't what you want." She pointed out a fact she had observed over the past few months.

"Well, if you've known him for so long. Perhaps you've figured out his feelings?" He nervously attempted to defend himself. As far as he and Akaki were aware, they were the only two to be aware of the truth.

"Indeed, and it also seems your efforts are working." She revealed the girls that had kissed Akaki that night during the fireworks. That explained quite a bit for him.

"I'm sorry." He apologized for the blunder he had no way of knowing about. "I never meant to make things weird like that."

"I'm not mad, you did it because you care." She held no hard feelings about the circumstances. "I can take care of myself, but please don't try and blame yourself."

"Hey come on you two." Yogi jumped into their conversation. There's an open spot there, the others are already getting their fortunes, so don't get left behind."

"We'll be right there." Arata stole a glance at the girl, now that he was aware of the conflict of interests for him.

"It'll be fine." She could discern his worry. "We're all friends, so no matter what happens. We'll make it work." He could only hope that his actions over these months wouldn't cost them anything. These people were ones that he held deep in his heart. To think that he could do things that lead to… No, he clenched his fist in determination. Arata wouldn't allow that to happen.

The two of them rejoined the group, where a fair bit of them were getting their fortunes. As he walked up to them, one of the fortune tellers called out to him.

"I see someone's looking for a fortune, come right up." She beckoned him. Arata wasn't sure if she was really one of the fortune tellers. For starters, she looked like a very young girl. As in she appeared more of Yuriko's younger sister's age, instead of an adult or even a high schooler.

However, it appeared that she was official. She had on the traditional garb of what the people who ran these shrines typically wore for these event. She was very cute too. Not in a romantic manner for him, but in a childlike way that reminded him of how adorable the children he watched were like. Her violet hair flowed down her back, and the outfit seemed a tad too big for the girl.

"Uh, okay." He gingerly made his way to the girl, sitting down at the pillow set in front of her table. On top of it, an orb that shone in the sunlight, almost in an unnatural fashion. The seat she had for him was very uncomfortable. The pillow looked a lot better than it felt. It was like sitting on concrete, there was nothing soft about it.

There was something about this setup that seemed different to the others. Not to mention that no one else seemed to pay any attention to her booth. No wonder this girl called him over.

"So, you're looking for a fortune, am I seeing that right?"

"Yes." He answered politely. That was stating the obvious. Why else would she think anyone is here? "So, what are you seeing?" He asked, trying to peer into the glowing orb she had.

"This doesn't show me anything." She responded, looking the boy right in the eye. It caused him to feel a little unnerved, as she continued to speak. "You're afraid." She simply stated.

"If you're looking at me like that, of course I'll be a little scared." He replied, trying to avoid her gaze now. Something about this small girl caused him to feel very flustered. There had to be something wrong here, did he pick the right teller? Wait a second, she's the one that wanted him to come to her.

"I mean in your life." She clarified. "You seem to be living a good life, but you have dread about your circumstances." The girl hit the nail on the head there.

"I thought you were going to be giving me a fortune." He was losing composure the longer this went on. "I just wanted to hear about my future."

"That fear is tied to your future." She explained. "In the near future, you will be put to the test. You have to confront that fear, or else you'll lose everything you love." That wasn't a fortune he wanted to hear. This was getting less and less fun by the second. "It'll be difficult, but if you work hard and trust the ones you care about. You'll gain so much more."

"What type of fortune is this?" He got a little upset. "Something bad might happen, but if I work hard, then something good happens? That sounds like something really generic."

"It is what it is." She responded. "You have a fear inside of you that even you won't admit to yourself. It controls you. That's why you hid yourself from the world for so long."

"What?" That really rocked him. How did this girl know about his past, how could she say something like that. "Who are you!?" This felt like some sick joke to him. Arata got really upset, but the fortune teller didn't change her tone.

"If you refuse to free yourself from that fear, then you'll be forever chained by it. Just as you were for all those years."

"Tell me then, how am I supposed to overcome this fear that you seem to know so much?"

"Heh, that's something you need to learn for yourself. And I have no doubt you will." It was as if she was mocking him, holding the answers hostage. "That's all I have for you, but one more warning." Things weren't over yet for this little session. "Your fate is also tied to another one's own test. Whether you live or die, is if she can face her own fear. And with it, realize the truth that's been there all along."

"Live or die!?" That lit his fuse. "Listen here, if you're just messing with me-"

"Arata?" A hand held his shoulder, stopping him. It was Yogi, with Misao standing right behind. "What are you doing?"

"What are you talking about?" He replied with a sense of edge. "I'm getting my fortune."

"What are you talking about?" Misao spoke up. "We were walking, then all of a sudden you just sat down." The moment he did, Yogi went to grab his attention to make sure he was all right.

"What? Don't you see the… Huh?" He went to show them who he was talking to. Yet, when he turned to return back to his session. There was nothing there. No girl, no table, even the pillow he was sitting on was gone.

"Come on Arata." Yogi helped him back up from the ground. "If you're not feeling well, we can go get Ayami and she'll bring you to your parents."

"No, no." Arata, despite being very bewildered, played this off as a joke. "I was kidding. It'd be funny if you guys thought I was talking to a ghost or spirit or something, right?" He laughed in a very fake manner, which they bought his performance.

While the trio were walking back to the rest of the group. Arata took one last look behind him at the spot where he was sitting. Whatever just happened, he couldn't let go of those chilling words that girl left him.