Jun & Karou Chapter 13

JUN AND KAROU, PURE AND FRAGRANT

CHAPTER 13 OF THE MANGA

(Part Two, and the Conclusion, of the Disconcerting Summer Vacation story arc)

## This Chapter's Story

Jun and Karou made it back to the train station about the time that the rainstorm really lets loose. It is then that the two found out that the bullet trains stopped running due to flooded tracks. Soon, the train station manager told the few people inside that he was going to close the train station, as there would not be any trains stopping for the time being. Jun and Karou had to leave the building, but found refuge at an open air bus stop shelter almost across the street from the train station. At least there was a roof over their heads. The two sit down on the only bench in the shelter. The rain continued to really pour down; it was raining 'cats and dogs' (English idiom for a heavy downpour of rain) ! Jun is optimistic, saying that the heavy rain will end soon. But the downpour goes on and on and on ! After a while, and near dinner time, Karou is hungry. She takes from her backpack the only food item that she packed---a package of large discs of hard candy ! She sucks and chews on one; soon Jun asks if he could have one, too. Karou concedes, and gives him one. Candy discs, one after another. Not much of a dinner !

Eventually, a few people come toward and past the bus shelter, running in the rain. There is only one bench under the shelter, and Jun and Karou are still sitting on it. One man turns aside, and stands under the shelter roof. The two continue to suck on and eat their candy. A mother and two kids come under the shelter. One by one, as time goes by, more people come out of the heavy rain and stand under the shelter. Jun and Karou are still sitting on the bench, but now can't see past the group of people. There is little standing room left. However, they can hear the pounding rain on the roof of the shelter.

The heavy downpour of rain drones on and on. Karou becomes somewhat memorized by the sound of the rain, and it makes her sleepy. Soon, she can't keep her eyes open. She tells Jun that she feels like she is going to fall asleep any time now. Jun says nothing. Dozing off, Karou gently leans toward Jun, and rests her head on his shoulder. Such a romantic pose in front of all the standing people. Certainly those two are intimate boyfriend and girlfriend ! Karou is 'out like a light', but Jun is bolt upright and with eyes wide awake ! He is embarrassed by the romantic implications and vibes that are being given off by the two right now, but does not want to disturb Karou who is sleeping soundly now. Jun just stays still and quiet as possible, as the rain continues to pour down. After the better part of an hour, Karou seems to be coming out of her nap, as she softly remarks that for some unexplained reason, she is beginning to really like what is happening to them. If Jun had any reaction to that unabashed comment, he did not show it. Karou lazily looks up at Jun, and sticks her tongue out at him. The candy makes your tongue change color with each new disc !?! In a little while, the rain stops, just like someone quickly turned the water faucet off. Jun remarks that the rain did stop really fast.

With everything outside wet and dripping, the people standing under the shelter begin to leave, one by one. Karou says that it looks like the storm has passed, so let's go home. However, Jun has tactfully placed his hand over on top of Karou's hand, so that the two are holding hands, just like a couple of intimate lovers ! Karou takes note, but, remarkably, says nothing. The people continue to leave the shelter, so after a while, only Jun and Karou are left, still sitting on the bench, still holding hands. Sunset has apparently already occurred, but the skies are covered in thick clouds. It has been dark twilight since the two left the suspension bridge, but it now seems to be nightfall. The two seemingly lovers hold hands as they silently watch the wind blow away the rain clouds, and begin to show a patchy, clear nighttime sky.

It seems like hours that to the two of them that they sat holding hands, until they heard a train whistle. The first train to resume operation was heading for the train station. Jun and Karou reluctantly separate their hands, and hurry to the station.

It is now late evening. Jun(+M) and Karou(+F) are walking side by side down the alleyway toward their homes. Both are silent. When they come to the sidewalk in front of the houses, Jun finally speaks, merely stating a 'Good Night'. Both teens retire to their respective bedrooms, and tiredly change into their bed clothes. Dropping into bed, not five minutes later the midnight hour strikes, and the two change their physical appearance. Yet neither one can fall asleep. They both just lay in bed, replaying in their minds all that has happened today, and all of the implications of everything that happened, romantic or otherwise, that can be had.

(Click on Jun & Karou Chapter 14 to be taken to the next chapter)

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