Heyy! This will be the start of my new oneshot, drabbles, and short stories collection. First, I've realized how hard it is to keep up with more than one fic, so seriously props to writers who can keep up with them. T3C should be wrapping up this month, and What Can't Be...Is is still ongoing....maybe hiatus. It just takes me time to write that one so gomen ne to readers waiting for those updates..
I have a lot of ideas that I hope to get written down, so they can be posted here. For now, here's my latest work!
Scroll down~
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AN: Since Yuko graduated, I decided to write this! Btw, to explain the pairing, this is neither atsumina, kojiyuu, nor atsuyuu. Yes, the main protagonists are Acchan and Yuko, but there is no romance between them. This is purely adventure with a few fluffs of atsumina and kojiyuu here and there. You'll just have to read to find out. Really, this was a fun write.
Enjoy!
=====
A Lifetime Ago Part 1 Yuko’s POVI, Oshima Yuko have graduated from AKB48.
It feels like just yesterday I was performing my last theater concert with my friends and the other members. It was a sad parting though I did my best to make it as happy as possible. I wanted to go out on a positive note. I didn’t like knowing of the sad looks on the members’ faces as I faced the crowd for the last time.
Takamina cried the most. What a surprise… not. NyanNyan cried too which tugged at my heart. She’s not one to cry very often. She holds it in, but I guess not this time. My strong NyanNyan, it makes me happy to know she really cares, but still, her tears saddened me. Sae and the rest of the 2nd generation came and we all performed my graduation song. Sayaka couldn’t make it, but I was thankful enough that she came to the concert at the stadium the day before. My graduation was filled with as much tears as there were laughter and happiness. Honestly, I never felt so loved by everyone until then. I have no regrets. I’ve looked forward since.
That was 1 year ago. Time flies huh? Just last year, I was performing to my heart’s content for our fans. I really enjoyed it then. I miss dancing sometimes, but then again, I can always dance whenever I want. I don’t need a stage to do it.
I still participate in variety shows. Sometimes as MC or host. Usually as a guest though. Right now, I am a renowned actress in Japan, and still reaching to new heights. I’m aiming to debut in America, that’s my next goal. Currently, I’m filming for a new movie and I’m costarring with Acchan. I’ve always wanted to work with her as a fellow actress and it’s finally coming true! Not as a part of AKB48, but as ourselves, without the label of AKB48 on our backs.
It’ll be an sci-fi/action/drama movie about two secret time agents. Their job is to maintain order in the time stream and prevent rogue agents from altering the past. Their names are Mikami Akira and Koda Kaori, played by Acchan and I, respectively. They have been best friends for as long as they can remember, until something slips up causing time to change where Akira is a rogue and doesn’t even know Kaori. Kaori has to travel into the past to find out what happened and fix everything, but the stakes to fix time becomes higher as she must also fight off her best friend who’s appears to be after her life for reasons unknown.
It’s really awesome! I remember when I was filming for the drama, Ando Lloyd A.I. knows love. It had to do with the future. This movie pertains to the past though, which is really exciting! I can’t wait to see the premiere for it, but that’ll have to wait until we actually finish filming. I’ll do my best!
Today, I’m going on a double date with NyanNyan and the Atsumina couple. We’re all going out to lunch before Acchan and I have to go back to the set.
I’m really excited! Even though Atsumina will be there, it’s been a long time since NyanNyan and I went out on a date. Last time was like, 2, 3 months ago. Wah! That’s such a long time, I can’t even remember. Actually, ever since we started going out, we never actually went out much. That’s so depressing. I miss NyanNyan! I thought we’d finally be able to spend more time together after I had graduated. Nope! Just the opposite. Stupid schedule! Every time NyanNyan’s off, I’m really busy with work and can’t take time off and then often, whenever I’m free, NyanNyan has events or photoshoots to attend to.
Walking into the café we were going to meet at, I spotted them all already there.
“You’re late,” NyanNyan pouts. Kawaii! I should be late more often.
“I got caught up down memory lane,” I wink.
“What were you thinking about?” Takamina asks.
“Nothing really…just of the days when I was still in AKB48.”
“Naruhodo…”
“Eto…I heard you and Acchan were shooting a new movie.”
“Yeah! It’s a great experience working with each other, and lots of fun! I can’t wait for you two to see it.”
“Since we’re already good friends, it’s easier to play our characters too. We really get into it. Sometimes, I forget I’m only acting a script.” Acchan laughs.
“I bet your acting is wonderful though, compared to Yuko. You’ll be amazing.” Takamina’s eyes sparkle as she compliments Acchan.
“No, Yuuchan will do great as always, and it’ll be better than Acchan’s. Her acting will be perfect.” I laugh as she said that last word in english, like the way I do sometimes.
“Eh? Who said Yuko was a better actress? Oh, no one.”
Haruna stands up, looking down at the midget. “I think she’s a better actress! No offense, Acchan.”
“None taken?” She stifles a laugh. I watch amused as the two bicker over it.
I soon get a call and answer. When I’m done, I nod at Acchan. We both get up.
“Where are you two going?”
“We need to get going to the set now. They said to get there early.”
“Eh?? What about eating?”
“What do you mean? We’re already done.”
They look down, surprised to see finished plates at our table.
“When did those get there?? We didn’t even get to eat!”
“This date was too short.”
“You guys can eat then, and we had to do something while you two were arguing.”
“Gomen, NyanNyan. I’ll make it up to you..?” I give her a long hug.
She looks up thoughtfully. “Buy me the new psp games that’s out.”
“I was hoping you’d suggest something else..” I mumble.
“Hm?”
“Nothing! Sure, I’ll buy them. Anything for you!” Ahh, there goes my savings for new sneakers. My collection will have to wait. Those games…I have to buy like what, 10 of them. Too much.
Acchan squeezes the midget in a tight hug and kisses her cheek before letting her go, and walks out with me to the set location.
While walking, I take out my script from my coat pocket and read over it. I need to make sure these lines are right. As I practice in my head, I fail to notice Acchan had stopped while I continue walking. I feel a harsh tug on my arm as I’m pulled back by her.
“Nani??” I’m a bit annoyed as I had to stop.
I see Acchan staring excitedly through a window of a bakery. She seems to be staring at the fresh crisp bread laid out for display.
“Ne, let’s buy one real quick. It’s fresh!”
Like it being fresh appeals to me.
“Hurry up.” She squeals in delight and rushes into the bakery. I wait patiently and a moment later, she returns with her goods in hand.
“Open your hand.”
“Eh?” I lift my hand and open it. Might as well do what she says.
She smiles and places a fortune cookie in my palm.
“They were lying in a jar that said, ‘Free fortune cookies,’ so I thought I’d take a couple.” She grins.
“Ahh, let’s eat them now. The bread can wait until we get to the set.” I suggest.
“Un.”
We unwrap our cookies and open them. We both turn to each other confused, then look back at our cookies. There’s no fortunes. That’s strange.
I shrug. “Can’t let it go to waste, right?”
She nods her head. We both take a bite out of cookies as the shop owner comes running out.
“Wa—“
We don’t hear a thing. The world changes around us, as everything stretches into a blur, looking disfigured. Everything seems to slow down. We look wildly to each other.
“What’d you do?!”
“Me?? I didn’t do anything!”
As if someone pressed a pause button, everything suddenly stops. Acchan and I included. We send each other facial expressions like “What the eff is going on?!?!” We’re just speechless.
About a minute later, the world turns in motion, but not like we’d expect. Pictures are moving backwards. Time speeds up and the world backs up in a flash of what I thought was impossible, as we’re taken somewhere we’d never thought we’d be again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Acchan’s POVSo one minute, I was eating…a simple fortune cookie. The next, I’m with Yuko, spiraling to who knows where.
As the world around us stop spinning, Yuko and I regain our balance and look at our surroundings. Nothing really looks different.
“Hey, where’d that bakery go?” Yuko points out.
“What?” I turn to look where the bakery was before. There’s just a crummy, old, run-down building. Wahhh! I was planning on going back there later!
“Weird.. Come on, let’s go. The director is waiting for us.” Yuko motions to follow her.
Something doesn’t feel right. I constantly look at the buildings around us. It’s the same, yet it doesn’t seem like it.
We turn a corner, reaching a busy intersection of the city. Yeah.. This is definitely not right.
Both of us stare shocked at the posters hanging around the city and ads flashing across the building screens.
We see...us. Not just us though, it’s us with the other AKB members and we’re promoting... Flying Get.
These are supposed to be taken down. There shouldn’t be anything up regarding Yuko or I as a part of AKB48. There should be no reason Flying Get is up there all over the city.
Yuko starts shaking my arm and points to an electric sign. It’s flashing the date.
It’s
September 1, 2011.Flying Get just released a few days ago?! Uso! It can’t be, it should be 2015!
All of a sudden, time freezes once more. This time, only Yuko and I can move around though.
“I don’t like this...” I say.
A tall, long bearded man, wearing a blue robe and a pointed hat appears in front of us.
“Ojisan! Who are you?? How can you move too?? What happened?? Why can we still move???” Yuko barrages the stranger with tons of questions. Well, I’m curious too.
He raises his hand, signaling Yuko to quiet down.
“I, am Father Time. I paused time, but only for a short moment to give you the answers you seek. First, if you didn’t see me, I am the owner of the new bakery shop you two were at a while ago. I just love baking you see, it’s my hobby so I thought I’d open a shop and share it in Japan. There’s quite delicious bread there, I admire it so. Ahm, getting back, I accidentally swapped my special time cookies with the fortune cookies, which you two were unfortunate to eat.”
“What?! I knew something was strange when they didn’t have any fortunes in them!”
“Ah, yes. That’s how I tell them apart. Sadly, that’s not a reliable way to tell them apart as I can’t really see inside them.”
Father Time is pretty stupid.
*wack*
“I-tai!” I grab my head. He’s holding a staff. Did he have that before??
“You can read minds?” Yuko looks at him amazed.
“No, but I could tell what she was thinking. As keeper of time, I’ve watched mankind grow, including each individual. I’ve watched both of you grow up as you attended school, auditioned for AKB48, graduated, and chased your dreams. As I observed you two, I was able to understand your thought process, your choices, and your behavior around others. I can say I know you two very well, as I know everyone else on this planet, all because I keep track of everyone’s time.”
Sounds like a major creeper on a whole other level.
*wack*
“Argh! Stop that!” I rub my head, trying to calm the pain. I don’t need a bruise.
“You make me sound so bad. You stop that. I am far older than you. Show your respect.”
My thoughts have to show respect too? That’s impossible.
“So we’re in the past then, right? Is that what you’re trying to get at?” Yuko asks.
“Yes. The time cookies you two ate brought you here to a random past of your lives. Luckily you two shared this time, so are here together.”
“That’s great, so how do we get back?”
“You must wait until the planets align over Japan. A portal will open in a certain place where I will tell you later, and it will lead back to your time about when you left it.”
“Oh cool! When’s that?”
“Ahm.. It will be next year in January...”
“What?! So we’re stuck here for like 4 months?!”
“Yep, you got it. Now I highly suggest you two stay away from your past selves to refrain from damaging the time stream. We don’t want to create any paradoxes that will drastically affect your future.”
Of course. Always rules and consequences wherever you go.
“What are we supposed to do in the meantime?”
“Yeah, where are we even going to stay? I’m pretty sure our homes are out of the question since our past selves would be there.”
“That is a problem you two are to solve. As of what to do, you should spend your time as you see fit. Take it as an extended 4 month vacation from work. Anyone would enjoy that. You two should too.”
With that, time resumes and a gust of leaves breezes past us, Father Time disappearing with it. Yuko and I quickly move out of the way to a shaded alley.
“That was pleasant.”
I roll my eyes.
“You know what this reminds me of??” Yuko jumps up and down excitedly.
“What?”
“Hello? Time travel. Past. The 2 of us? It’s like our movie!” She squeals.
“If this is seriously happening and it’s not a dream, this’ll be some experience for our acting skills.”
“I know! Can’t you be more excited though?? This is like a once in a lifetime thing. This doesn’t happen to just anyone! It’s such a huge coincidence this even happened to us, out of all people, who are also filming a time related movie. Come on! We’re back in our AKB48 era, let’s live it up here while we can!”
“I am excited. You just can’t see it. But Yuko, we can’t just run around here. We can’t mess up anything.”
“Ehhhh? I guess you’re right… We can have fun here though, right? Nothing wrong with that.”
“If it doesn’t change anything important, then sure, let’s do whatever. What do you want to do first?”
“Well, as he said, we should first find a place to stay at least. We can think of what to do, after.”
“I’d suggest we rent an apartment but I doubt we both have enough pocket money with us and I don’t think it’d be wise to take from our bank accounts.”
“So what then?”
“Let’s crash at Marichan’s place!” It might be fun.
“We’re in the past, remember? Do you think it’s okay if she saw us?”
“Daijoubu. She’d probably be the least surprised. It’s not like she’s one of our past selves. It’ll be fine.”
“You sure?”
“Un! Let’s go get her! She’s probably at the theater.” I start walking in the direction of the theater.
Yuko stops me. “Earth to Acchan, we can’t go there. We’d probably cause some kind of commotion and let’s remember that our selves could possibly also there.”
“Sorry. I’m not really listening. I’m kind of out of it right now, this is all hard to process yet even remember.” My brain feels like a wreck. I have to remember that we’re in the past now. I keep forgetting so easily.
“I know, but at least you’re not alone.” She smiles.
I smile back. Thank God I’m not alone. Who knows what would have happened by now.
“We need to get away from the public eye first. It won’t be good if we’re spotted. Let’s quickly get to Mariko’s place.”
“Hai.”
We both sneak around taking the long way to Marichan’s house since there’s not many people this way.
We go up to her door, and push our luck in opening it. Of course though, it’s locked. There’s no way she would be careless enough to forget to lock her door.
“I’ll text her to meet us later at her house, alone.”
“You know how suspicious that sounds right?”
“Fine then, you text her.”
“Good thing Mariko never changed her mail address.”
I take out my phone. I hope this still works, my phone isn’t that new. I think.
I have reception. Yatta!
To: Marichan
From: Acchan
Marichan~ (^_^)/ Yuko and I will be waiting for you at your house when you’re finished with work. Shhh, don’t tell anyone by the way. I’ll give you the details when we see you.
Sent~ Now just have to wait for a reply.
Ding!
There it is!
Yuko and I both lean over my phone to read the message.
To: Acchan?
From: Marichan
Acchan? Hontou ni? You’re right in front of me. I don’t see you on your phone though.. How? O.o Hm…I will meet you regardless of who you are, since you know where I live. If this is a prank or you are some stalker, I will call the police.
P.S. I can’t wait to meet! (^o^) Yuko chuckles, “That went well.”
“Let’s hope she comes alone. I don’t want to have to explain to anyone else.”
“Yeah. What do want to do in the mean time? She’s not going to be here for a while.”
I scratch my head. “You have your script, right? We could practice our lines in scenes we act together.”
“Ah yeah. Do you have yours?”
“No, I left it in my bag back at the studio. It’s okay though, I already memorized my lines.” I smirk.
“Psh. Show off. Watch when you slip up.”
We start our little practice, and it actually goes pretty well. We don’t even notice the time.
“Akira, what happened?! I heard alarms, are you okay??” She runs up to me.
I look at her, ignoring her words. Grabbing her shirt, I slam her against the wall, and raise my fist up to her face. She looks at me shocked.
“What are you doing?!” She screams frantically.
I don’t answer her. I have to take her out. I punch, but miss. She dodged just barely.
“Shit! Oi! What’s wrong with you?! It’s me, Kaori, your best friend and comrade, remember??”
I don’t have any friends. I’ve never seen her before in my life. I just have a mission to complete. Before I can punch her again, she kicks my stomach, sending me back. I glare menacingly at her. She must be killed.
Suddenly, she gets near my face. I don’t have time to react.
*SLAP*
I stare at the cold, hard ground, stunned. This girl slapped me? The file said she was dangerous. I look at her and see tears falling down as if she hurt herself too. Cut the crap. I act as if I’m about to take out a gun when I notice an awfully familiar figure watching us from behind Yuko, shocked at what’s in front of her.
Aw no. Great timing.
I pretend like nothing ever happened, and revert immediately out of character. I give a bright smile at Marichan who doesn’t know what to do. Yuko notices my sudden change and looks behind her. Her eyes widen as she realizes what Marichan probably saw, and she comes out of her character, back to the jumpy, excited Yuko that we all know.
“Ne ne, Mariko~ don’t mind us here. We’re not fighting, we’re all friends here. Why don’t you open the door so we can all chat inside?” She pushes Marichan to the door. She nods dumbly, and unlocks the door. We usher her inside quickly, and shut it behind us.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yuko’s POV“And that’s how we’re here in your house right now.”
We had just finished explaining our situation to Mariko. At first she just watched us with a blank look, but as we get into our story, her expression changes into a mix of surprise, confusion, and wonder. I bet she’s wondering if we’re trolling her.
She scratches her head. “This…is a lot to take in.”
“So you believe us??”
“I have to. I thought I just left Acchan at the theater, yet here you two are in front of me. Then, there’s also your appearance. Acchan, you look absolutely gorgeous. Your long hair really suits you, and I can tell those aren’t extensions. You look a bit older too, but still very youthful.”
“Yeah, yeah, Acchan is so beautiful. How did I change??”
“And you Yuko, you seem older and more mature, yet your personality didn’t change at all. I’ve been wondering…if you two are from the future, from what year?” That’s it??
“That’s classified. For obvious reasons.” She doesn’t know that we already graduated, then again, she graduated herself already in our time, but there’s no need to mention that. I don’t want her to know what year we’re from, because 4 years can make a difference. She shouldn’t know anything of the near future. I don’t want us being here to affect her life.
“Ah. Naruhodo…” She nods her head thoughtfully.
“Then…how’s AKB48 in your time?”
“Great! Very popular, still rising.”
“And me?”
“Still popular.” I grin.
“Makes me wonder what I’m doing haha.”
“Well too bad we can’t tell you.”
“Hai~” We all laugh.
“Since you guys are stuck here a while, then sure, I don’t mind you two staying over here.” She pauses, her eyes darkening as she leans forward. “As long as you don’t dirty my home. I don’t want to see a speck of filth.”
We gulp. “No worries Mariko. We don’t even have much material possession to begin with.”
“Oh yeah! What are we going to do about clothes?? I do not plan on wearing this for the next 4 months.”
“I’ll go out and shop for some outfits for you two, tomorrow.”
“Hontou ni??” She never offers to buy stuff for people much.
“Sure, if you pay me back in the future.” She winks.
We groan, though we’re just acting. We both don’t really mind since it is Mariko, and then our income is pretty alright so it shouldn’t be too bad.
She smirks. “That reminds me, what the heck were you two doing in front of my door?”
Oh...
“Just rehearsing lines for a movie, no big deal.”
“Oh do tell, what movie?” She leans over, eyes twinkling.
“You’ll see later.”
“If later is the future, that’s such a long time from now.” She falls back to her couch, spreading out her arms.
“I can’t know anything huh? Nothing of the future at all?”
“Nope.”
“That’s boring.”
“Okay then, spoiler alert! Life is full of surprises.” I wish I could really tell Mariko about events in the future, but where’s the fun when you already know what’s going to happen?
“Pfft. Thanks for the heads up.”
“No problem!”
She looks up at the ceiling. “Hey, don’t go outside without my knowledge, got it?”
“Why?”
“You need good disguises. You’re both two of the most recognizable people in Japan, and we don’t want people to start seeing you at different places at the same time. I’ll help dress you two, and make sure you don’t get into any kind of trouble.”
“Hai, okaa-san.”
“Good. I’m going to take a bath now. Acchan, cook dinner. I’m hungry. Yuko, help her.” She stalks off.
Slave driver. We’re not her personal maids.
I look at Acchan to see her already getting out ingredients. Seriously?
“What? It’s the least we could do. She could kick us out at any time.”
Ah, good point. “Do you still have any more of that bread?”
“Oh! I forgot about it!” She runs out of the kitchen, soon coming back with a bag.
“Here, set it on the table then help me finish cooking.” I take the bag and do as she says.
Hm... thinking about it, I get to spend some time with Acchan, have more time to practice my script, hang out with Marichan—she’s been so busy with ricori work and traveling through the world, we haven’t gotten together much—and I’m free to do whatever I want. It might not be so bad living here.
Wait! Never mind! No, no, no, no, nooooooo. I just realized I can’t see NyanNyan! What’s the point of all this free time if I can’t even get a moment with her!!! Wahhhhh!
“Yuko? Daijoubu?” Acchan asks worriedly as I’m crying now.
“Iie, I’m fine. It’s just these onions I’m chopping. Dang Acchan, why did I have to slice this??”
I toss the onions in a bowl, and go lie on the couch. I’m so tired.
~~~~~
Nothing’s changed. It’s been 2 weeks. After that first day, I thought I’d wake up in my bed and go about my day as usual. But nope, this is my usual now. I’m always greeted by Acchan and Mariko, and I greet them too, but I feel kind of empty inside. I miss NyanNyan’s good morning calls. Yeah, calls. Good morning texts are too mainstream, and no matter how tired she was, she never failed to call me up just to be the first voice I heard in the morning. I never knew how sweet she could be. In person, she could be so different. Such a tsundere, NyanNyan. But, best girlfriend ever.
Since we got here, Acchan and I haven’t left the house once. There hasn’t been much to do while Mariko’s gone. I thought we were going to have fun. Right now we’re sitting in front of her tv, watching old AKB waiting stages and some concerts that were recorded. Well, technically they’re not old, they’re new. It’s just old to us.
“Nostalgic, isn’t it?”
“Un. We’ve come a long way since then.”
“You still remember the choreography?”
“Somewhat. I’m kind of rusty.”
I stand up, pulling her up with me. I point to the screen.
“Let’s dance with them!” I exclaim. I don’t want to just sit and watch. Boring~
Acchan laughs, “If we can keep up.”
“We’ve done this a million times before, and we got more experience, no worries.”
“Hai~”
Though it’s just the two of us, we mimic the members across the screen. It’s as if things never changed. Our bodies remembered the moves as we flowed with the rhythms. We were in perfect sync, our movements noticeably different from the members performing on the screen. Even without mics and without lip syncing, our voices ring through the room as one, not missing a beat. I know I’m not as good a singer as Acchan, but I’ve improved a lot to make up for it. Singing and dancing fast-paced songs are actually hard, but we give it all we got. Even though we’re not in the group anymore, we take whatever work we do seriously. Even if it’s just for fun.
After building up some sweat, an MC segment starts, giving us a break. We sit on the floor, panting.
“As expected of ex-AKB48 aces.” I huff.
Acchan smiles, “It really has been too long. I thought I was going to mess up.”
“You were perfect! Graceful as always.”
“You were pretty amazing yourself. There’s always a lively feeling when you’re around. It made me really enjoy myself.”
*click—sound of door opening*
“Ah! That must be Mariko.”
“She’s back pretty early.” I get up to go greet her.
Ooh, maybe I’ll try to surprise her hehehe. I’m going with surprise because I know I have no chance in scaring Mariko.
I quickly grab a marker nearby and start drawing all over my face. I look to Acchan and give her thumbs up, silently asking if I looked ok. She stifles a laugh while shaking her head yes. Yosh! OK, plan surprise Mariko is a go!
I lean up against the wall as quiet as possible. I can hear her footsteps coming this way. Almost here! I grin and cover my face, getting ready to pull off a ridiculous expression. She’s a lot closer now. Here we go! 1… 2… 3!
I jump out, screeching a bunch of noise with my silly expressions. The reaction isn’t what I expect. Instead, I’m slapped with a bag and punched in the stomach.
I fall to my knees, clutching my stomach.
“Itai! Mariko! What the hell??” I look up to her. It isn’t her.
Jurina looks down to me, shocked. She squints then takes out her glasses to make sure of what she’s seeing. She gasps.
“Yuko-san! Is that really you?? Oh my god, I’m sorry! Hontou ni, gomenasai!” She helps me up, then bows.
“Ah no, it was my fault for surprising you.” At least the surprise worked.. oh crap! Where’s Mariko?? I dart my eyes around searching for the familiar figure. Argh! Why couldn’t she be here?? Why is Jurina even here? What’s more, how did she get inside??
“Ano…what are you doing here? Weren’t you just at the practice?” Jurina questions. Oh yeah.. if I remember right, we should be practicing for the next single already.
“Um..” I scratch my head. Kamisama, help me!
Acchan walks out into the hall. “Hey Yuko, I heard all the noise. Did it wor—oh…” She notices Jurina in front of me instead of Mariko.
“Acchan?? You’re here too? Nani? Why are you both here?? I mean I understand why they let me go out early, but both of you?? Impossible. Though just saying Acchan, you look absolutely beautiful, I love the extensions. Wait a minute. I know I asked why you both are here, but why at Marichan’s place??”
How come everyone always compliments Acchan? You know how that makes me feel? Of course, happy! I’ll give her some credit, Acchan’s stunning, like perfect eye candy for anyone. Though, I’m sure I changed noticeably over the years. Someone should say I look amazing or something!
Acchan answers Jurina while I’m wrapped in my thoughts. “Eto… Practice was cancelled.”
I snap out my thoughts, whipping my head to her. Did she just say what I think she said? Practice is hardly cancelled, like never cancelled, why on earth would she say that?? Jurina’s not stupid.
“Eh?”
“Yeah, so we ran over here. We’re waiting on Mariko.”
“Ehhhhhh???” Jurina takes out her phone, scrolling through her messages. Shit, Acchan. What are you going to do? If they EVER cancelled or postponed practice, they would message all the members about it.
As if just realizing it, Acchan rushes at Jurina, tackling her and makes her phone fly out of her hand. Really? This is what you came up with?
Acchan gets up quickly, brushing herself off and then looks around wildly, pulling a charade. “Sorry, there was a huge spider on your shoulder. I thought by pushing you, it would fall off. I don’t know where it went though.”
Jurina gets up too, rubbing her oshiri. She looks at us suspiciously and proceeds to pick up her phone. Right as she grabs it, Acchan slaps her hand, the phone falling once again.
“The spider was there!” she cries.
“Well it’s gone now.” Jurina looks around making sure there’s nothing there.
She picks it up once more, only to have Acchan slap it out of her hand again.
“What the eff?! There’s no spider! You’re going to break it!”
Is she talking about her phone or her hand?
“It was a reflex.” Acchan says seriously.
Jurina looks up to the ceiling, exasperated.
She takes a deep breath, closing her eyes. We just watch her. All of sudden she rushes to her phone, scooping it up, then runs as far away from us as fast as possible.
“Wah! After her!” Acchan cries. A series of events start as we chase Jurina though Mariko’s home.
~We play tag and we’re it.
~We play hide and seek as Jurina hid from us somehow.
~We find her and drag her across to the living room to tie her with some rope we found. She struggles under our grips like a child. Well, she still is one.
~Unbelievably, she breaks free and makes a run to the restroom, locking the door behind her.
~Acchan brings out an axe. I jump excitedly, getting carried away.
“Jurina-chan~”
“Iie! I’m not coming out and you two can’t make me!”
We hear clicks from her phone. What is she doing??
“Aha! Practice wasn’t cancelled! Liars! Who are you?? What are you two doing here??” She demands from inside.
“You leave us no choice.” Acchan speaks gravely, raising the axe to the door.
“Oi! Acchan, you’re not really going to hack the door, are you?” I thought it was for show, like a threat.
I back away from her as she positions herself to swing. Yabai!
“STOP! STOP RIGHT THERE! MOVE AND I WILL TASER YOU.” Acchan and I freeze. Jurina becomes quiet on the other side of the door.
The axe is ripped from Acchan’s grasp and tossed into a storage room, along with the taser. Mariko glares down on us for a minute, daring us to move. We hold our stance. She walks past us up to the door. She knocks.
“Jurina-chan, come out now. I got these two under control.”
The door slowly opens revealing a cautious Jurina. When she sees Mariko, her eyes lit up and she clings to her. “I thought I was going to die!” she wails.
I scoff. “You were perfectly safe. We weren’t going to do anything to you.”
I shrink back as Mariko glares at me. Ugh.
She points to the couch. “Sit.” She commands.
Acchan and I immediately go sit on the couch, hands in our lap. Kowai, Mariko-sama.
Mariko and Jurina stand across from us.
“Jurina, explain what happened.”
“I came to pick up something when I met them. I know we were in practice just then, so I believe these two are some kind of very good imposters. When I asked them why they were here, they said practice was cancelled. I tried to check my phone for a notice of it, but fake Acchan kept slapping it out of my hand. They started chasing me when I got it and ran away from them, so I locked myself in the restroom. You should call the police.” Jurina finishes.
Mariko nods. Is she nodding because she understands what happened, or nodding as a yes to calling the police??
“Now Acchan, why did you have that axe?”
“Why did YOU have an axe in the first place?”
“Acchan.”
“To keep the secret. If she knew there was actually practice, she’d know we were lying.”
“We couldn’t come up with a better excuse, so everything came out like this.” I add.
“Both of you make it sound like you were going to kill her.”
“Not me! If anyone was going to kill anybody, it was Acchan!” I cry then turn to her.
“To keep the secret.” I mimic her. “Why did you answer like that?!?”
Jurina looks at us all confused. “What is going on here?”
Mariko sighs. Let me explain. “You were right to be suspicious. But this is really Acchan and Yuko, though they are them from the future.”
Jurina starts laughing. “Nice one, Marichan! Seriously though, who are they? I know I saw Acchan and Yuko at practice a while ago, this can’t be them.”
The room becomes quiet. No one answers.
“Honto ni?? You’re not trolling?” She looks at us incredulously.
We nod.
“Don’t ask questions. I don’t know much myself, but I believe it’s true.” Mariko says.
Jurina looks back and forth to the both of us. We smile awkwardly in return.
“They’ll be staying with me for their duration here, which is until next year. Oh! I have an idea. Jurina-chan, since you know the truth now, come over more often so these two can have more company besides me. They can’t go out much.”
Jurina stares blankly, trying to process everything.
“OK! I understand!”
“Really?”
“Un!” She takes out her phone.
“I have to update my Google+! Everyone will freak over this!”
“What?!” Acchan and I stand up, shocked.
Mariko snatches Jurina’s phone.
“Hey!”
“This is a SECRET. NO ONE can know about this. Jurina, you can’t tell anyone. Understand?”
Jurina pouts mumbling “Fine” to Mariko. She pats her on the head, like a puppy who just did something right.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Acchan’s POVI’m so bored. I flip through the channels on the tv, unsatisfied with each program. It’s just the same things over and over again. Why can’t there be anything interesting on? While flashing through the channels, I pass a program highlighting AKB48’s upcoming Janken Taikai. I pause at the screen. It’s already tomorrow?? Hm… I already know what’s going to happen, but it wouldn’t hurt to be safe.
I turn to Mariko who’s reading a magazine.
“Mariko~”
“Hm?” She lifts her head to me but her eyes are still focused on her magazine.
“Do you trust me?”
“Of course I do.” She’s still reading.
“Use rock in the finals,” I say casually.
She finally looks at me. She blinks.
“What?”
“Rock. At the final round tomorrow, use rock.”
“Eh?? I thought you couldn’t tell me anything?”
“You knowing won’t affect the future. Even if I didn’t tell you, you’d still win anyways.” I grin.
Her eyes pop out. “Uso!” She covers her mouth.
“Believe it, center-sama.” I laugh.
“Me.. as center… Uso.. No way. Honto ni?! Waahhh.. Sugoi!” Awestruck, she leans back staring into space.
After a while, she looks back at me.
“How’s my single??” She asks excitedly.
“Who knows?” I shrug.
“You do! How is it??” She demands.
“Enough surprises for today.” I wink, putting a finger to my lips.
“Mou! Acchan!” She pouts. Kawaii! I don’t see that often. Haha, where Yuko failed, I won. Surprised Mariko and cute Mariko. I giggle.
Yuko drags herself in the room just then, moaning, “I want to see NyanNyan!”
Mariko smirks and tosses her the magazine she was just reading. It has Haruna on the cover.
Yuko squeals in excitement, grasping the magazine as though it’s a life’s treasure.
“She looks so much younger here, but still very beautiful. So perfect. I want to hold her and kiss her.. I miss my NyanNyan, I want to go home… I want to see my girlfriend!” She starts crying at the picture of Haruna in front of her.
“I know, Yuko. I want to see Takamina. You’re not the only who wants to go home.” I say quietly.
“Um, Yuko?” Yuko looks up to Mariko.
“You and Haruna are dating?” She asks hesitantly.
“Un..” she sniffles.
“Oh.. Wow.. I never thought that would ever happen. How long have you two been together?”
“2 years.”
She whistles. “Longer than I expected.”
Yuko smiles, and attempts to lightly punch Mariko’s arm. “It took me a while, but I finally got through to her and got her to take me seriously.”
Mariko nods thoughtfully.
“So then… Acchan, I take it you’re finally with that bakamidget? God knows how much you show your love to her.”
“Don’t get me started. I’m surprised the KojiYuu couple got together before we did. Just watch. There were so many hints. I tried practically everything to get her to realize it, you’ll see. She’s just so dense! No, actually, I’m pretty sure she knew very well, but she was just running away from it. You’ll know in the future anyways, so I guess I’ll tell you. When I asked her why, she said it was because she was scared of me! Me?! How am I scary?! Weren’t we best friends at that time?? Argh! She frustrated me so much. And it was a miracle when she did finally ask me out, though it was completely unexpected. I never knew she could be so romantic..” I drift off into a dreamy state, reminiscing our times together.
Mariko snaps her fingers in front of me, pulling me out of the past. Well not literally, that’d be great though if that could happen. I wouldn’t mind getting out of here, so I could be with Takamina.
“I’m not surprised. Acchan, she had the right be scared of you. You can be very scary when it comes to Takamina.”
“Yeah, ever heard that ‘cuteness causes aggression’? Yuko laughs, her spirits lifting.
“I’m just showing my love.” I defend.
“If you’re together now, then she must have a lot of patience for you.”
“No, she just loves me. She doesn’t mind. I bet she loved the attention I always gave her.”
“Ok, ok, we get it. I have a proposal for you two then.” Marichan offers.
“And..?”
“What is it?”
“My sources tell me that there’ll be a no3b concert event soon. I’ll pay for the tickets and we’ll all go. Disguises provided though, as we can’t have them or the fans recognize us.”
“Really?!”
“I can’t believe it!”
“We can finally go out?!!”
Yuko and I start jumping around, screaming and fangirling over the thought of getting to see Takamina and Haruna, even if it is their past selves. Better than not seeing them at all!
Mariko watches us, amused by our behavior. She likes watching us get excited over this.
“When? When?? WHEN???” We both cry to her, bouncing upon our toes.
“Next month.” Yuko and I immediately deflate.
“You said soon!”
“I didn’t say a year, did I?”
We pay her no heed and walk out of the room to the bedroom we were sharing. We crash on the bed, groaning in torture. It’s going to be a long wait.
“I hope Jurina-chan comes over really soon. The days will fly faster if she’s around.”
I agree.
We roll over, our bodies spread on the wide bed and our arms sprawled out. We stare at the posters we placed earlier on the ceiling of our lovers.
“Minami~”
“Haruna~”
We breathe a long sigh that carries our feeling of them though the air. I stretch out my hand towards the poster. I wish we could reach them.
Mariko stands at the door, leaning against its frame. She smiles and in a moment, turns off the light.
“Good night, you two.”
=======================================================================================================
AN: There will be three parts! Um.. how is it?