Mina Nishizawa - Chapter 1

"Ahahaha! Catch me if you can!"

"Big brother is so slow!"

The voices of two young girls ring out in the hallway as you try to catch up to it. Keeping up a steady pace of breathing in and out, you quickly manage to catch up to the two small girls gleefully running away from you. Grabbing both of them by the shoulders, you stop them in their tracks. Rom looks at you with a sad pout. "Aw, he caught up to us."

As you catch your breath, you hear Ram speak, "I guess he isn't Mina's boyfriend for nothing."

"WHAT."

You loudly say, making both girls suddenly look at you in bewilderment. "Eh? What are you so surprised about? Isn't she your girlfriend?" says Ram.

"Now, now, children, stop teasing him." you hear a woman's voice call out, "It's time for your studies girls, so head back to your room and I'll follow shortly after."

"Yes, Ms Mina..." both girls chorus out, and walk away from you. Looking at the direction of the source of the voice you see Mina Nishizawa walking towards you.

She's wearing her usual red garb, and white dress which has a gold medallion with red ribbons on her neck, a red scholar hat, which looks almost like a graduation cap with gold trims on each corner, her red-rimmed glasses resting on her face, and looking down, white translucent laced stockings on her legs, ending with red pumps. Her sky blue hair, flowing down, split into two, one at each side of her body, held by golden bangles.

She gives you a smile as she speaks. "I hope their teasing isn't getting under your skin, they're just children after all." Shaking your head, you give her a sheepish smile as you scratch the back of your head. "It's not, don't worry, I understand that they're just children."

She puts her hand on her chin, tilts her head a bit to the side and raises you an eyebrow. "Are you sure? I heard you shout out the word 'What' quite loudly, they must've said something that got you."

You look downwards and lightly kick the floor as you take a quick glance at Mina, still giving you that inquisitive look. "I, I was just a bit surprised when they said that you were my girlfriend. Caught me a bit off guard, that's all."

Her eyes widen and return back to normal while her mouth opens slightly, and quickly turns into a small smile. "Oh? Are you saying that I'm not your type?"

"W-what?! You're a lovely, beautiful woman, with a kind, gentle personality, who wouldn't like you?" you quickly blurt out, without even thinking.

Suddenly realizing what you just said, you continue, "Uh, what I meant was, uh--"

She interrupts you with a small giggle and gives you a smile again. "I'm just teasing you, but thank you for the kind words."

"Anyway," she continues, "I'll be taking my leave now, before Rom and Ram become restless again and leave, I'll see you later okay?"

You nod, as you see her walk the same direction as the twins awhile ago, and you walk the opposite direction, towards the Basilicom common area.

Entering the common area, you see a girl wearing a red-themed maid outfit, resting on one of the sofas, with a steaming mug in hand. You sit at a different sofa nearby and you greet her. "Hey, Financier. On a break?"

She looks at you and nods. "Yep, just got done sweeping away the snow outside. Also I heard you shout something a little while ago, what was that about?"

Giving her a sheepish look, you slump your shoulders and begin to speak looking at the floor. "You heard that?"

"Yeah, don't worry though, you won't get in trouble for something like that."

You breathe a slight air of relief as you explain. "It was just the twins, giving me trouble, as usual."

You hear her giggle a bit. "Oh are you sure? Didn't sound like it was."

"Gimme a break."

"Hahaha, I'm just teasing, anyway go on, what did they do?"

"Don't tell anyone about this okay?"

"Mm? Did they do something indecent or something?"

"What? No, goodness, no. Pretty sure Lady Blanc would've ended my life right then and there if that was the case, but all the same it feels a bit embarrassing."

"Well that's good, anyway, go on, did they say something?"

"Yeah, it got to me."

"So what'd they say?"

"Ram said something about me being Mina's boyfriend, and I can't explain why it got to me. Guess it was just surprising to hear."

"Wait, you two aren't a couple?"

"What."

"I thought you two were! I've never seen Mina smile more than when she was working with you."

"No, really. What."

"Are you saying you don't like her?"

"I-I do! I just didn't know if she did."

"Well, I can't say with 100% certainty, but I'm more than sure she's definitely glad to have you around."

"How can you say that?"

"Well, I don't want to shed her in a negative light but, she used to drink. A lot."

"Her? Drinking? I can't even imagine someone like her doing something like that."

"Well anyway, when you joined a few months back, she slowly kept making excuses to not join our usual nights out."

"Are you sure this isn't just for Rom and Ram? You know bad influence and all that."

"Oh I would say that if, well," she looks around quickly, "you know how the twins are, not to mention Lady Blanc."

"Right, but maybe it's because I helped lighten the load?"

"Well you aren't the first male sitter Lady Blanc hired, there was actually a pair of brothers back then, and they helped a lot sure, but still Mina stayed the same, actually even complained about them too, heh."

"What happened to those two?"

"Eh, not important, anyway you're the only one she seems to be the happiest with."

"How would I even approach this then?"

"Oh, just be honest with her, not like you're strangers with each other."

"I suppose so. Well, she's currently teaching the twins, so I suppose I'll wait for her and talk to her about it. I really hope you're right about this."

"Good luck!"

Standing up, you start to head back to your room, staring at the floor, processing the conversation with Financier. Thinking about your interactions with Mina, it didn't seem any different with you compared to everyone else, upon retrospect, it seems she's even slightly stricter with you. She's definitely a well educated person if she's the designated tutor for Lowee's candidates, and from the rare instances of seeing Lady Blanc, you've even see Mina calm her down or straight up make her freeze in place. Mina is definitely an amazing woman.

Lost in your own thoughts, you suddenly bump into someone, or something. Looking down you see a large white kippah, and hear the voice of a young girl.

"Ah."

Realizing quickly that the person you bumped into was Lady Blanc, the Goddess of Lowee, you feel a twinge of fear as you quickly blurt out an apology. "I'm sorry Lady Blanc I was lost in my thoughts."

Waving her hand dismissively she began to speak, "It's alright, but do you know where Mina is? I have a few things I need to discuss with her."

"Oh, she's with the twins right now if I'm not mistaken."

"Ah, thank you, truly as expected of her boyfriend." she says as she walks towards the hallway.

Her words leave you stunned in place as you feel a hand land on your shoulder, and pat it.

"It seems I wasn't the only one thinking the same thing," says Financier, beside you.

"If anything," you hear her continue, "this is just a reaffirmation of what we talked about a while ago. Now don't go backing out. You like her and she most likely likes you, aren't you a lucky man?"

She gives you a friendly push towards the hallway. "Now go on," checking her watch, "she should be giving the twins a break by now."

Walking towards the twins room with renewed vigor, you see the twins run out the door chasing each other, and Lady Blanc speaking with Mina just outside the door.

"Ah! It's big brother! Come play with us!" says Ram, pulling one of your hands.

Rom pulls your other hand giving you a sweet smile.

"Rom, Ram. Let go of him, we have important things to do," you hear Lady Blanc speak out.

"Awww, but we wanted to play with him," you hear Ram say as she lets go of your hand. Rom lets go of your hand as well, with a small frown on her face.

"We'll be going to the other nations," Blanc continues, "so we'll be out for a few days."

She looks at Mina and you with a nod as the twins happily jump in excitement from Blanc's words.

"Yay! We'll be seeing Nepgear and Uni again!" says both twins in unison.

Blanc, Rom and Ram leave you and Mina alone in the vicinity.

Mina looks at you and raises an eyebrow with a slight smile. "Oh? What business did you have here?"

Swallowing your pride, you look at Mina and speak. "I went here to find you."

"To find me?"

"Yes."

"Well, you found me, what do you need from me?"

"I like you. Please go out with me."

You hear her giggle slightly and embarrassment wells up in your gut as you slump your shoulders in defeat. "I knew it, sorry for wasting your time."

"Oh, no, no, no. Please don't misunderstand. That wasn't my answer, I was just surprised at how forward you were."

Slight hope fills you as she continues.

"My answer is yes, I will gladly go out with you, though what I'd like to know is where you got this courage from."

"It's a bit of a story, but Financier told me a few things, not to mention Lady Blanc."

"Oh? Even Lady Blanc?"

"Yeah, she just casually mentioned about me being your boyfriend..."

"So is this just you living up to her expectations?"

"What? No! I really do like you, I was just unsure if you did and I guess I was just afraid to somehow strain our work relationship together."

"Ah, I see. Actually, I was looking for you too."

"Huh?"

"Yes, I've liked you for quite some time now and when I heard you say those kind words to me this morning, I was going to do the same thing you just did but since you did all of a sudden, that's why I laughed a bit a while ago."

"Oh is that why?"

"Yes, funny how things happen sometimes. Anyway, it seems our schedules will be free for the next few days. Would you like to go somewhere together tomorrow?"

"It's almost like Lady Blanc planned this."

"Quite so."

"Ah, how about going to the amusement park tomorrow?"

"That would be quite nice, it'll be very different without having to look after the twins."

"A date it is then, how about we plan out what we'll do tomorrow?"

"Sure, would be good to not dawdle inside the amusement park thinking what we should do."

You begin the walk with Mina to the common area, hand in hand. Making small talk along the way. Talking with Mina like this, you begin to look at her beautiful face, her cute button nose, and cerulean eyes. You think how lucky you are, but still you decided to ask her.

"Mina, if you don't mind..."

"What is it?"

"Why me?"

"What do you mean? Are you asking what I found in you that I found attractive?"

"Basically. I told you my reasons, and I'm pretty sure I'll find more reasons as we continue."

She gives you a smile. "I think you, yourself know why, or are you saying that I'm a bad judge of character?"

"N-no I'm not saying that, I was just asking for particulars."

"I could say that you're a handsome, and kind person; I find you attractive for your personality, but you'll probably find something in you that makes you doubt those words."

You raise an eyebrow in slight surprise as she continues.

"Even your own words, when I heard you say that, I was doubting myself somewhat, but I was just happy that you thought of me that way. So that's my answer."

You feel her grip your hand tighter as she finishes.

Giving her a smile, you reply. "Thank you for the answer Mina."

You see a slight tear in her eye as she smiles.

"Oooooh! Are you already making her cry?!"

You hear Financier's voice as she quickly walks towards you and Mina from the common area. Opening your mouth to defend yourself, you see Mina raise her hand that gives Financier pause and you hear Mina speak.

"It's fine, Financier. He hasn't done anything wrong. Ah yes, if you can, announce to the others that Lady Blanc,  and the candidates will be in other nations for the next few days, effectively giving us time off."

"Oooh! That's quite the good news for us, do you two..." you see Financier's eyes glance over Mina and your hands holding, "...lovebirds, have plans for this sudden time off?"

"Yes, actually, we plan on going to the amusement park tomorrow for a date."

"How sweet! Okay, I'll leave you two and go tell the others the news."

Financier skips out of the common area, leaving you and Mina alone. Taking a seat at a nearby sofa together, you both discuss what to do tomorrow.

"So, Mina, what time do you want to meet up tomorrow?"

"Hm. I think about just after the park opens, so we can spend more time inside."

"Alright, will we meet up or go there together?"

"I think it's better for us to go together, we basically live under the same roof, it would be silly for us to leave separately."

"You're right. We'll just meet up outside the Basilicom then, yeah?"

"Yes."

"Okay, do you have any particular rides you wanted to ride together?"

"Well, there's the usual ones, like the rollercoaster, the spinning tea cups, and well," you see her face turn slightly red, "don't laugh, but, the tunnel of love, sounds like a lovely one."

"That's a bit unusual coming from you."

"Oh please, I've always wanted to try it out but haven't found anyone to go with," she looks at you and smiles, "well at least until today."

Blushing slightly, you continue the conversation. "Okay, that's it for the rides, more or less, we can probably go ride on some of the Maryo Karts and walk around as well."

"Should we pack food, or just eat at one of the cafes there?"

"I'm not a particularly good cook, I only know basic dishes, so I'd have to go with cafe."

"I'll gladly teach you different recipes in the near future, so yes, let's go with the cafe for now."

"We'll watch the evening fireworks as well?"

Smiling, she gives you a nod. "Of course, what a perfect way to end our first date."

"Then it's settled."

Sitting back on the sofa, you breathe a sigh of relief as you feel Mina sit closer to you. She rests herself on you, while you put an arm around her shoulder. Hearing her breathe a sigh of relief as well, you look at her resting face smiling sweetly. You two wile away the afternoon relaxing on the sofa, content in each other's presence. The sheer peacefulness of this gives great weight to your eyelids as you find yourself drifting to sleep.

Waking up, the red crimson light of the sun flows in the common area, as you realize you fell asleep. Looking to your side you see Mina still asleep, with a content look on her face. Mildly shaking her, you softly call out to her.

"Mina, it seems we both fell asleep, time to wake up."

You see her beginning to wake up, and then suddenly get comfortable on you as she falls asleep once more; feeling her place her hand on your chest as you see her smile. Seeing how cute she is sleeping on you, the task of waking her up is becoming seemingly impossible. Acquiescing the situation you decided to hold her closer with your arm and enjoy the sight of her rest.

The sun fully sets, and the artificial lights of the Basilicom begin to switch on. Still wondering what to do about Mina, the sound of humming and singing enters your ears as you see Financier enter the area. She sees you both resting on the sofa and you see her open her mouth but quickly close it as she noticed Mina sleeping. Moving closer to you, she whispers.

"Mina fell asleep on you, huh? Well there's almost no waking her up now, best you could do is carry her back to her room, don't worry, I'll lead the way."

Carefully standing up from the sofa, you begin to carry Mina back to her room, with Financier leading the way and making small talk. You begin to ask Financier about Mina.

"So is she a heavy sleeper?"

"Not really, but I guess she's pretty tired today. Who knows, that little confession of yours must've knocked more out of her than you think," says Financier as she playfully nudges you with her elbow.

Arriving at Mina's bedroom, Financier opens the door and turns on the lights for you. Stepping inside of Mina's room, you quickly glance at the surprisingly plain room, one of the walls filled with Rom and Ram's drawings, a door leading to her personal bathroom, two desks, one filled with papers, and the other a smaller one covered with an electric blanket. There's also a monitor screen in one corner and a door most likely leading to a walk-in closet. Finishing your look around, you locate Mina's bed and carefully place her down, as Financier helps out. She takes off Mina's hat, and places it on the desk, as you cover Mina with a blanket, her sleeping face still undisturbed and content.

You turn off the lights and leave the room with Financier as you each wish each other a pleasant evening. Heading to your own bedroom, you start to prepare for the next day, readying your clothes and setting an alarm as you ready for bed.

Lying down on your bed, you begin to drift slowly to sleep, dreaming of your date tomorrow with Mina.