False Love Turned True

Disclaimer: Nisekoi belongs to Naoshi Komi. Nothing is mine.

Author's Note: Hey! I'm back with more Nisekoi for you! This will be, as the summary says, a series of one-shots for the pairing RakuxChitoge (btw, what is the ship's name? Ratoge?). The one-shots will be set in canon as well as in AU. I am also taking request, so if you want an idea for a one-shot, simply state it in a review or send me a PM. Well, that's all for today, guys. Hope you enjoy this first chapter!

Love at second sight

Summary: Raku doesn't love Chitoge at first, but that doesn't mean he'll never love her.

Warning: Spoilers for current manga chapters.

The first time Ichijou Raku sees Kirisaki Chitoge he is too surprised to say or think anything. One moment he is calmly walking, and the next he is being kneed by a crazy girl that jumped out of nowhere. After recovering from the hit, Raku just wonders what happened, and thinks he will never see the girl again.

(He is gravely mistaken).

When Raku sees Kirisaki next is in class. He is surprised ─scratch that, surprised is an understatement, he is more than shocked─ and reacts accordingly. The indignation at being so suddenly and shamelessly hit without an apology comes back with vengeance, and so, he screams at her. Soon, they are arguing with each other, until he dares to insult her, prompting the girl to punch him in the face.

(It is hatred at first sight).

Their relationship certainly does not get easier from then on. From continuously searching for Raku's locket (it is her fault he lost it, he claims), to finding out they have to fake being lovers, their animosity increases. Raku discovers Kirisaki is not that bad, yet he sometimes doubts they can even become friends. Though maybe they could get along eventually… well, sometimes. But Raku is willing to try if only to make their coexistence more bearable.

(Just for three years).

Raku knows Chitoge is beautiful, anyone can see it. Yet, she is not his type. Raku's type is shy, feminine and cute girls like Onodera, the ones that can become amazing wives. Chitoge is none of that. She is a stubborn, feisty and temperamental girl, who punches like a man and eats like a pig. She can't cook either. Raku really pities the man that eventually will have her. Chitoge is too much passion for someone like Raku. He prefers the tranquility of lakes rather than the powerful ocean. He soon decides he will never fall in love with her, even if his father suggests otherwise. For now, he will pretend in front of people. She will do the same. The status quo will continue.

(But not forever).

Soon, and in a weird way, Raku finds himself attached to Chitoge. He cares for her, in a friendly way or even in the way one cares for an ally. He no longer hates her, though sometimes she really annoys him. Her presence is now more normal, expected even, and their dates are less awkward and run smoothly. Raku is getting used to spending his time with Chitoge and his new friends: Tsugumi, then Tachibana, Miyamoto, and of course, Onodera. Life could be easier without the pressures of being the son of a yakuza, of fake dating the daughter of a gangster, and all the trouble his new friends bring into his life, but at least he has someone that shares the same burden.

(They are in this together, after all).

Chitoge is his friend. That is how Raku can put it into words. The blonde beauty is one of his closest friends, even if they fight all the time. Theirs is a strange friendship for sure, but in their situation, it is ideal. It is not weird if Raku feels the need to protect her. That is what people do for friends, right? He is sure that, although she will never say it, Chitoge cares for him as well. It is not love, but caring is just as well, because they are friends, and that is all they will ever be, though they pretend to be otherwise.

(And yet, when her mother asks him his true feelings for Chitoge, he doubts).

Lately, Raku has been questioning his relationship with Chitoge. He can't quite put his finger on it, but, somehow, it feels natural to be with her, and now he cannot picture his life without Chitoge in it. It is understandable that when he hears Chitoge has to return back to America, he is not happy about it. But why exactly is that? He does not know. Shuu also questions him, but it is not like he can answer truthfully just yet. It cannot be love, though, for he is in love with Onodera. Then, it must be something else. And, when finally the situation calms down and Chitoge is able to remain in Japan, he realizes something: Chitoge is important to him because she is his best friend, because she is the one person that can really understand his situation. That answer satisfies him for the time being, though she gets mad at him. His carefree days can continue.

(Part of his soul is not calm, however).

He is jealous. There is no other way to put it. Raku never asked for Chitoge to confide in him she likes someone, but her confession bothers him in a way he never thought was possible. He is jealous of this unknown guy Chitoge likes. He doesn't even need a face or a name to feel sick just by thinking Chitoge's heart belongs to someone. Why? He has already decided he does not like her, right? Or has he grown so accustomed to her he fears losing her presence? Is he really a scumbag who wants to monopolize everything? He now has to think very carefully about this. He cannot keep this path without understanding his own feelings as well as others' feelings. He thinks that Tachibana also deserves an answer… Yes, Raku will think about Tachibana, Onodera, and Chitoge until he knows how he feels…

(Though the answer was always obvious in hindsight).

Things have calmed down and returned to normal. Or as normal as they can be. Raku has now rejected Yui-nee and Tachibana, and Tachibana has safely returned to Bonyari. Things go on, and he has time to think again. But, still, he cannot come up with his answer. He knows that, deep down, he is actually scared to find out, because his true feelings can jeopardize everything as it is. He doesn't want that.

(But things can't remain as they are).

"Nee, Raku?" Chitoge says one day, when they are busy taking care of the school animals.

"Yeah?"

"Wanna come to this new ramen shop with me tomorrow after school?" She asks innocently. Raku internally sighs.

"Only if you pay you're part. You always eat too much and I end up spending all my money." He realizes his mistake far too late. Chitoge is silent, and Raku waits for her to hit him.

Instead, she laughs. His heart stops beating. He remains silent.

"Of course I'll pay, bean sprout. It's not like it's a date."

(He wishes it were).

They are eating ramen. Chitoge has already finished her third bowl while Raku is still in his first. So far, they haven't bickered, which is a new record for them. Conversation flows naturally, and even the silences between each slurp of ramen feel normal. They could get used to it forever. However, the atmosphere soon changes. Raku isn't sure why, maybe he said something funny, or maybe he did something stupid, but suddenly Chitoge is laughing, her laughter sounds like bells, and her cheeks turn red, and her eyes shine. Raku can't breathe, nor think. His heart beats faster than ever before, and his cheeks are as red as Chitoge's ribbon. He just stares at her, like he's having an epiphany. He has his answer.

(He loves her).

Chitoge finishes laughing with a soft snort. (Cute). And turns to look at him.

"Hey, you have something on your cheek."

"Wha─?"

He is startled when she leans down and gently touches his cheek with a napkin.

"There."

She returns to her seat like nothing happened. But the small smile on her lips and her blush give her away.

"Thanks." He smiles at her, making her blush even further.

"No problem."

(And maybe she loves him too).