Chasing Ghosts[Kenichi, Natsumi]

"Well, that just hurts..."

Kenichi pouted softly as his hands were tapped away. He didn't initially get why she was upset... until he thought about in his head for a second. She was upset with him vanishing, but could it be more than that? He wasn't so vain to assume it, but maybe she had a crush on him? Being around so many women in his own house growing up, he could only assume so much based on that knowledge. Right now, though, he wouldn't dare voice that thought. Nope. Instead, he decided to answer her question, disappointed with his new nickname.

"I came out here to go camping and unwind. I've been traveling the world ever since I left Brazil. I've been going on a world tour tournament around the globe. I was hoping to meet up with you again. I mean that. I know you're upset, but I've always cared about you, Natsumi... and I still do now."

"H-hey! I didn't mean to hurt you, Natsumi..."

He responded with a genuine regret apparent in his tone. He meant that from the bottom of his heart, after all. Exploring his inner thoughts a little further, he wondered if everyone else had been hurt by his absence, worried as to whether or not he would even come back. When it truly dawned on him about the impact of such an absence, his gaze grew even more regretful. All that inaction with nothing to show for except those he hurt from isolating himself away from the world. What an awful feeling. Exhaling softly, he opened his arms to offer her a hug, despite her harsh words.

"Look, as far as I'm concerned, I am still your best friend. That never changed, and it never will, Natsu. I know I messed up. I was terrible at communicating my feelings in a time of need and I... ended up isolating myself away from a lot of people. I know that doesn't make up for it, but I can promise this much - I don't plan on leaving any of you behind again, especially you."

"Of course, you're my best friend! I feel bad that I've made you doubt that with my actions, but it's true. I care about you a lot. Like this much."

Kenichi would widen his arms for emphasis, flashing a grin as he did so. His words were genuine, and so too was his expression. As expected, she couldn't quite follow anything he explained, and he didn't exactly think he was capable of elaborating on it in a way she could digest, so he simply shifted from the subject altogether. He was simply happy to hear she missed him. Without hesitation, he swept into hug her as he nodded his head.

"I missed you too, Natsu."

"Oof! Hahaha... oops. Looks like we both had the same intention there. Let's try that again..."

Kenichi couldn't contain himself at their little mishap. He had wanted to seize the window of opportunity and hug her first, only to be caught off guard by her soaring in, too. It was clear to him that her body still ached, so he gave her a moment, claiming the offered hug as he held her warmly. It felt nice to see a familiar face again, even more so that she wasn't upset with him and simply missed having him around.

"There we go."