Yay! I made it! I think.
So anyway...
My replies to commenters:@RJay: It is a small cliff isn't it?
I was having trouble writing at that time so I just came up with a short one. Hopefully this chapter will make up to it.
I totally understand how busy you are that you can't update lately.
I've had those days as well. I'm still having those days, really .
Study hard my friend and get back to finishing your fics when you have the time.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
@lovemariharu: The cliffhanger I did wasn't really that major.
Haruna is definitely about to get happy.
Not in this chap though.
Oh so you became a Haruna oshi because of the MariHaru tandem? I think I get that since I became a Mariko oshi because of the MariHaru tandem.
Well that and being a troll added her to my top list of favorites. I love trolls.
Yeah, Mariko-sama does treat Haruna differently in real life. Their friendship really is cute.
Anyway, thanks for reading and commenting!
@yanouchi: Mariko, in this story, is the apathetic kind at first but as the story develops, her feelings does too. I think she's pretty much the type that cringes at mushy stuff at first but I'm pretty sure that's about to change.
Things are going to get mushy so, I think we'll get to see Mariko's romantic side.
Too many 'I think' here. Sorry about that.
Sometimes, even though I write this, I'm not sure myself what type of person they are.
Anyway, hopefully I answered your question. Thanks for reading and commenting!
@SharkAttack: Ah, Rena's friend. When will we meet thee again?
Haruna is pretty cute here.
Though sometimes I think I exaggerated on how innocent she is at times.
I loled at the friendzoned comment.
But, i do feel bad for that OC since he is stuck at the friendzone area.
Yukirin's nickname eh? I've always imagine her as the secretary type wearing a fitted business attire so...
Thanks for reading and commenting!
@yuukimoko: A new commenter!
I'm happy, yet I feel bad for confusing you when it comes to their nicknames. I do tend to change their given nicknames whenever I think of a new one, so...sorry about that.
You can find their nicknames at the first page of this thread just like
O r i g a m i said. The nicknames will eventually stop anyway as Mariko is slowly getting warm to her friends.
Anyway, thanks for reading and commenting.
@kahem: Oooh. Sayaka kicking someone's butt. tch. Should've written something about that.
Kojiharu's timing do suck.
Auto-delete function? I have one myself since whenever my bestfriend tells me something I'll completely forget about it after a couple of days.
It is kinda useful when you think about it.
Anyway, thanks for reading and commenting!
@O r i g a m i: You're Sese right? I was surprised when I began scanning the comments again to reply and saw your new username. I was like, 'Eh?'
Well Crazy Psycho is pretty crazy and psychotic.
Mariko's percentage? Yeah, unfortunately for Mariko, it increases here.
Anyway, thanks for reading and commenting!
@flameeyes: I knew you'd react at that stripper scene.
If I was listening to Mariko I'd probably make that face as well. I mean, that is such a tease.
Season 2? Hmmm...still don't know still it is a bit early to decide that. I can only do 1 season 2 so it's either POF or this. Again, it's still early to determine so...I guess you can keep hoping.
That question you forgot?
Ask me when you remember it.
Anyway, thanks for reading and commenting!
To dear thank you pressers and silent readers, I thank you as well. 
Sorry if it took so long since I was pretty much occupied with work and games lately.
Bummer though since I finished the game I'm playing and I'm now feeling empty. So I decided to write, thus why it took long.
Hopefully, you guys won't kill me for this.
I warn again!
This is fiction. If I ever offend someone, please feel free to tell me. With that, ENJOY!
____________________________________________________
many thanks to
yanouchi and
crazywota for the poster
Chapter 13: Want to, Have to Part 2"So you and Smiles aren't...?" Crazy Psycho trailed off, pointing at me and a sulking Smiles who is currently sitting at one of the table of the bar, drowning himself with a lot of piss water. Yeah, the whole ordeal with the drunkard is now over and done with, with the help of a very pissed off Sexytary, threatening to call the police if the group wouldn't get the hell out of here. Let me tell you, she was damn scary when she said...I mean, when she yelled that. She went all hulk mode. Well except for the fact that she was red rather than green, with her eyes wide and a bunch of veins popping out of her neck. Definitely a scary sight to see. I better remind myself not to piss her off, EVER.
"No we're not." I groaned, placing my hand on the counter. Snorlax, who is standing beside me, nudged me at my side, motioning towards the gloomy person sitting next to Crazy Psycho. With a slight frown, I added, “He probably just said that to shut that man up," keeping my eyes on Betty who let out a soft sigh. Why does it look like she doesn’t believe me? Ugh.
I sighed and shook my head, then turned to look back at Crazy Psycho. My eyebrow rose up as I saw the teasing grin on her face. What?!
She shook her head then shrugged, glancing at the sulky Buffoon. “Well I hope you’re right, about how he just wanted to shut him up.” She said. Placing her chin in her hand, she added, “Because if you’re wrong, then you better clarify to him how you’re NOT his girlfriend,” with the corner of her lips arched down.
I looked at the pathetic looking Buffoon, opening another bottle of beer and drinking half of it. He already had a few drinks and well…that is so going in his tab. No freebies for him now because of that fucked up declaration of his. Me being his girlfriend huh? Ugh, somehow hearing that brings me back to high school. I guess I have to break it again to him how we’re not a couple again. And yes, the use of the word ‘again’ twice is appropriate for this situation.
“You know, this is the first time I’ve been here and well…” Crazy Psycho trailed off as she looks around. “Yuki is right. This whole place…is kinda sucky.”
“Well it can’t be helped since we have a sucky Manager too.” I flatly said, crossing my arms over my chest as I looked at her.
She glared at me. “Hey! It’s not MY fault that— “ She immediately zips her lips realizing her mistake as three pair of eyes stare at her. A crooked smile formed on my lips as I find it amusing to see my bestfriend squirm under their gazes. She gulped nervously as she found Snorlax looking at her with her head cocked slightly to the side, confusion apparent in her face. Betty on the other hand was looking at her expectantly. Hmmm. Looks like Betty knows about Crazy Psycho’s secret identity. Somehow, I’m not surprised.
Crazy Psycho opened her mouth, looking like retarded nemo, as she was about to retract or offer some fucked up excuse to what she accidentally said, when the Sexytary came out of the backroom of the bar. All eyes turned to her as she glared at Crazy Psycho.
“You! I need to talk to you.” She growled as she pointed at the poor girl who jumped slightly. I could only narrow my eyes boredly as the Sexytary made her way to Crazy Psycho, grabbed her by the arm and began pulling her towards the back room.
“Calm down Yuki. I’m sure we can all sort things out in a no-putting-on-a-scary-face manner.” Crazy Psycho cooed, smiling nervously as she let the Sexytary pull her.
Our eyes followed the two until they locked themselves inside the room. Silence soon follows as we stare at the closed door. I can’t blame the Sexytary for being pissed off right now, since she’s probably feeling all stressed out with their project, and obviously, her supposed partner isn’t helping one bit. Rich Dad can just fire her, you know, if the whole place continues in this state he can easily do that. But then again, I don’t think Crazy Psycho is going to let that happen. The Sexytary is still her friend and all. She can just throw a fit or whine if Rich Dad ever fired Sexytary. It’s either that or she can make this bar work to impress daddy dearest. The latter seems impossible if she’s not going to come clean on her secret identity to Snorlax and come to work here personally as our Manager. Speaking of coming clean to Snorlax…
“How do they know each other again?” Snorlax asked, scratching her head as she turned to me.
“Mutual friend.” I shrugged nonchalantly as I answered her.
“Like the mutual friend you and Kashiwagi-san have? Or the mutual friend Kashiwagi-san and Saito-san has?” She countered, her brow quirked up in confusion and doubt. I only offered another shrug then turned away from her, not wanting to say anything else that would give Snorlax a clue to Crazy Psycho secret identity. Like I said, it’s her secret. She should be the one blurting it out, not me or anyone else.
“You guys are definitely keeping something.” She mumbled. I ignored her, keeping my eyes away from her until I heard her sigh. I glanced at her as she says, “But, I don’t want to pry since that really isn’t me…so…” with a shrug. I made a face when she said that, totally disagreeing on how she doesn’t pry. Yeah right.
She then turned her attention to Betty who was just silently watching us…or rather, me. Upon seeing that my narrowed eyes are on her, she quickly averted her gaze to Snorlax who asked her, “So, what brings the two of you here, Haruna?”
“Oh…um…I-I was going back to the dormitory when I met Minegishi-san on the way. She said she was bored and wanted to walk around a bit.” Betty explained, smiling slightly. “I didn’t want her to walk alone in the night so…I um…decided to accompany her.”
“A walk? Wearing a dress? MY dress?” I questioned as I pointed at her clothes with my eyebrow arched up. Yes, Betty here is wearing one of my dresses, a simple gray mini dress that ends above her knees. It hugs her figure since, obviously, we have different sizes. Despite that, it looks good on her as it accentuates her figure more. I have a feeling this is the work of Crazy Psycho. It’s nice to know that she’s now being a good Fairy Godmother to Betty now, but…I’m having mixed feelings on knowing she went through my stuff without my permission for Betty’s whole makeover. Does a Fairy Godmother borrow stuff now?
She blushed furiously under my scrutinizing gaze, her eyes on her lap as she plays with the dress. “I-I’m s-s-orry. M-Minegishi-san in-insisted that I b-borrow this…and that I couldn’t come if I…don’t so…” She stammered nervously. I guess I was right there. That didn’t make me stop the frown that formed on my face though as I stared at her. She glanced at me, noticing the hard look I’m giving her. Yeah, I’m not really liking this whole thing. Is it because they rummaged my closet? Partly yes and…a whole lot of no.
“Hey, why are you being so hard on her? She looks great.” Snorlax slightly jabbed me at my side, probably noticing my mood. I frowned at her as she smiled and turned back to Betty. “You look great, Haruna. That dress suits you.”
My hardened gaze softened slightly as Betty let out her shy thanks to Snorlax, her cheeks tinted pink due to the embarrassment she feels. Looking at her, I couldn’t help but agree with Snorlax. Betty is very pretty if she dresses up like this more. Much like when she had her concert. I should be glad that she’s out of her horrendous clothing and that she let Crazy Psycho dress her up for a change, but…weirdly enough…I’m not.
I should, but I’m not.
“Don’t you think she looks great, Mariko?” Snorlax playfully asks as she nudged me again, grinning. I glanced at Betty and found her eyes shifting between me and her lap, a blush across her cheeks as she bit her lower lip, looking at me expectantly. My eyebrow arched up at that, as it looked like she does want me to compliment her. Is she…fishing for compliments now?
My lack of response on Snorlax’s question earned me another nudge on my side, making me to glare at her as I realized how nudgy happy she is today. She nodded her head on Betty’s direction and gave me a look. Despite feeling a bit uncomfortable at complimenting Betty in front of Snorlax, I conceded to her wish as I let out a sigh.
“Yeah you do. You look…uh…great.” I mumbled as I looked at the side and nodded my head. Don’t get me wrong, if Betty and I were alone, I’d lamely compliment her again, but with Snorlax giving me a teasing look here and there, I can’t say it to her. I’m actually forced to compliment her now what with nudgy happy here urging me too. I don’t think she noticed though as she let out a small ‘thanks’ which made me glance at her. She was smiling slightly as she looks at her lap, looking like a giddy school girl who just got noticed by her secret crush. Well, in this case, not-so-secret-crush since everybody knows about it, even her crush. I’m pretty sure even a blind man can sense this you know. Yeah, it’s THAT obvious.
After that, there were a lot of blahs between the three of us as we talked about trivial things like the upcoming finals and about work. Betty doesn’t seem to have any problems with her work and her boss, the Psychiatric Squirrel. She says she’s nice and takes care of her really well and all that blahs of goodness. Obviously I’m not really fond of that Squirrel as I kept remembering her cheeky smile whenever she sees me. It just…annoys me, you know? It’s annoying as she often looks at me like she knows me, like she has me all figured out. I’m pretty sure she does but still! Ugh. Does she have to be so damn obvious about it?
Anyway, that aside, Snorlax began telling Betty about our line of work now. I honestly don’t tell Betty much about work since whenever she asks me how work was I’d just shrug or brush it off. No, I’m not being bitchy since work is pretty much like that really. It’s all meh to me. So then she asks if we encounter such scary men like earlier and Snorlax and I look at each other for a moment then shrugged as we answered her simultaneously with a yes. She frowned at that, disturbed, obviously not liking our answer. I can’t blame her since it is pretty crazy to find two…or rather, three girls now running a bar alone. But surprisingly and thankfully, we hadn’t encountered problematic customers like those guys earlier. Sure there were lewd proposition here and there, but once we said
NO—with bold and capital letters—they’d stop and just drown themselves with piss water heading towards zombieland. Some would even cry out their problems and well…I always give them to Snorlax since she’s pretty good at giving out advices and stuff. I couldn’t care less about the zombies problems really. Anyway, also a factor would be that this bar looks like a rundown place and that there are a few customers and yeah, no major problems, really. Well except for the whole new management thing right now, but that’s a problem for Crazy Psycho and the Sexytary, really.
Speaking of the two, it took them a couple of minutes to emerge out of the backroom. My eyebrow rose up the moment I saw a sulky looking Crazy Psycho pouting and grumbling as she made her way back to her seat beside Betty. Hmmm. I’m guessing that meeting of theirs didn’t go well for her then. No surprise there really.
“Good news.” The Sexytary says as she stood by the entrance of the backroom. “I just got a call earlier from our Manager and she says that she’ll meet with us one of these days to discuss and strategize on this bar’s current situation. Oh and Miichan’s tagging along with the meeting as well.”
“She? How’d you know your Manager is a she? She could be a he, you know.” Crazy Psycho pointed out at the Sexytary who glared at her.
“He or she, whatever. I don’t care what he or she is just as long as he or she comes to the meeting we’re having.” The Sexytary retorted, keeping her eyes locked at the pouting Crazy Psycho. Heh. Goes to show who wears the pants in this fucked up partnership they have.
“I’m guessing the mutual friend that you guys are talking about is the Manager, eh?” Snorlax asks as she crossed her arms to her chest, looking at the Sexytary and Crazy Psycho back and forth. “If it is then that would answer a lot of things. Can’t wait to meet he or she then.”
I narrowed my eyes, tempted to point out Crazy Psycho on her secret especially when she groaned and pound the counter with her hand, ordering, “Ugh. Whatever. Give me something strong, will you. I need a drink,” as she frowns at me.
Snorlax and I shared a look and with a shrug, I pulled out a cold beer from below, opened it and placed it in front of her. With a bored tone I said, “Here’s the Shinoda specialty. I call it, piss water delight. Enjoy.”
She raised her eyebrow at me. “Seriously? Not even a gin? A scotch? Bourbon?”
I shrugged. “We have coke and a bottle of rum. But I wouldn’t go for the rum if I were you. I checked it earlier and found it open and infested with icky stuff.” That’s actually a lie right there. I just don’t want her to drink something hard since my Goody-Goody roommate is with her. Now that I think about it…
“Have you ever drunk those?” I asked as I raised my eyebrow at her.
“Not the point here.” She rolled her eyes. “Point is, you guys better stock more on the alcoholic stuff since this is a bar and all.”
“Already written.” The Sexytary chimed in with a smile as she held out her small notebook to Crazy Psycho. “You want to make another point? Let’s hear it at the meeting.”
“Fine!” Crazy Psycho growled. She then turned her attention to her left, way past the brooding Smiles, pointing at the lonely man sleeping on the table. “And could someone check if that guy still has a pulse? I haven’t seen him move at all since we entered here.”
“I’ll go and check.” Snorlax sighed, as she picked up the cue stick Biker Santa uses to poke the drunken zombies. Yeah, Biker Santa was in charge of determining when we should call the ambulance around here. He is the certified nurse of DAFUQ, you know. He’d poke and when he sees that there’s life, he’d yell, ‘All clear.’ He can be pretty useful too you know.
“It feels like I’m in a cemetery here, the mood is all wrong.” Crazy Psycho complained then turned towards Betty. “Maybe we should head out and look for a better place, Haruna-chan. Our lesson for today isn’t really suitable for the cemetery type of place.”
“Lesson?” I tilted my head slightly to the side as I frowned slightly at Crazy Psycho who shrugged.
“Yup. I’m teaching Haruna-chan here how to pick up ze ladies.” She wiggled her eyebrows at me, grinning widely like a lewd old man. Teaching Betty how to pick up ladies? Is she serious? Does Betty even agree to this ridiculousness?
I turned to look at Betty, bewildered at what Crazy Psycho is talking about. I saw her glance at me for a second before she turned to Crazy Psycho, shaking her head with a blush across her cheeks. “M-Minegishi-san, I told you I just want to accompany you. I…I don’t want to pick up…uhm…l-ladies. I…o-only like one girl…so…” She trailed off, her eyes on her lap as she blushed madly at her admission. One girl eh? That again? Oh, I wonder who could that one girl be. Sarcasm there people.
“I know, I know. You want to stick to one lucky…seashore.” Crazy Psycho waves her hand in a brush off gesture. She gave me a look when she softly said the seashore bit making me to roll my eyes at the not-so-hidden word she really wants to refer me too. Meh, whatever.
“Oh, so Kojima-san here likes a girl? How cute.” Sexytary piped in as she stood beside me, smiling. Betty’s blush went tenfold at that, her lips pursed tight as she continues to look at her lap. If she blushes even more, I’d think she’d faint from all that blood in her head, though I doubt that she can blush even more than this.
“If you don’t mind me asking, Kojima-san, is this girl you like a friend of yours?” The Sexytary questioned the blushing Betty. My eyebrow quirked up when I saw her glance at me for like a millisecond then looked away, nodding her head slightly as she bit her lower lip.
“I see. I take it she doesn’t know about it then?” She asked another awkward question, for Betty and…for me.
Betty pursed her lips, a slight frown across her face as she ponders on the Sexytary’s question. After a moment, she finally answers softly, “I…I hope not,” her voice sounded low-spirited as she looks at her lap.
The Sexytary cocked her head slightly, a look of astonishment across her face. “You don’t want her to know?”
Betty shook her head making me to frown at her. She…she doesn’t want me to know?
“Why?” I asked, surprising myself in the process. I wasn’t planning on voicing out my thoughts to Betty, but…I guess I really wanted to know why she doesn’t want me to know.
“I…I don’t want her to pity me,” was her soft reply. My frown deepened as I stare at her, feeling stunned at her admission. She thinks that I would pity her? What?! That’s completely fucked up! Why the hell would I pity her?! She’s beautiful inside and out! Anyone would be lucky to have her. Anyone…
…even me.
The ridiculousness of what she said made me want to respond as anger slowly builds inside me. I kept my glare at her dejected form, opened my mouth and was about to say my piece about her lack of confidence when Snorlax returned from her mini adventure of finding out if the zombie is dead.
Snorlax let out a deep sigh at the end of the counter. “He’s alive and dreaming about a bunch of animals. I didn’t want to stick around since he was starting to moan it out in a sexual way.” She shivered, her face showing how grossed out she feels about her mini adventure. The lack of response from us made her realize the sudden tension surrounding all of us. With a confused look, her eyes began shifting towards all of us. “I…uh…interrupted something, didn’t I?”
I could only sigh and look away, frowning at the floor. Honestly, I was glad for the interruption. If it weren’t for Snorlax, I might’ve let my feeling get over me. Heh. Feelings. The apathetic one has one, how ironic.
“No you didn’t.” Crazy Psycho said. I glanced at her and found her smiling slightly at Snorlax. “But we are just about to leave, right Haruna-chan?” She asks, turning to the crestfallen Betty. She placed a hand on hers and squeezed it, trying to comfort her. It seems to work as Betty nodded her head and smiled slightly. I stared at Miichan for a moment, looking at her soft and comforting smile to Betty. Seeing that, I felt a pang of something inside me and before I could figure it out what it is and before it grows inside me, I shook my head, crossed my arms over my chest and looked away, turning my attention to the brooding Smiles who has his back to us.
“If you’re going, you should take Smiles with you.” I suggested as I kept my eyes on him.
“What?!” Was the immediate response from Crazy Psycho and Smiles. I couldn’t help but narrow my eyes at finding out that Smiles over there was listening in. I’d bet he also eavesdrop on the whole Betty likes a girl issue earlier. Knowing him, he’d probably ask me about that later on. Ugh. He can be such a girl sometimes.
I glanced at Crazy Psycho who’s giving me an incredulous look. “I don’t want you two walking the street alone in the dark. Let Smiles chaperone you.” Plus it’s Crazy Psycho so…c’mon. She’d probably drag Betty here somewhere just to teach her a bunch of useless stuff, so a chaperone is definitely needed. No need to say that though.
“But—“
“Scratch your ‘but’ and deal with it.” I growled as I gave her a stern gaze. Her wavering eyes were locked on mine, silently pleading me to reconsider, but I didn’t give in as I kept my firm gaze at her. Seeing this, she let out a defeated sigh, her shoulder slumped in surrender.
“Fine. Scrooge you.” She whined pouting like a child as she placed her arms on the counter. I could only roll my eyes at that as I made my way towards another brooding child that’s drowning himself in piss water. I walked towards him, ignoring the gaze of three people that were aimed at me, especially the one underneath the thick rimmed glasses. I let out a sigh as I stood by Smiles table. I wasn’t surprised to see him pouting as well. Brooding twins, go figure.
“You heard me, obviously.” I flatly said, keeping my crossed arms over my chest as I boredly stare at his pathetic state. I looked at the finished bottles of beers he had. “Hopefully, you’re not drunk enough from consuming six bottles of beer.”
“You know I have a higher tolerance when consuming alcohol.” He reminded me as he took another sip of his seventh beer.
“Yeah, I think I remember now since I’m still talking to you without the drunk-gibberish-talk.” I sighed as I stared at him. “So? Chaperone them for me?”
“Will you forgive me if I do?” He asks as he finally looks at me, his eyes pleading me to accept his apology. I stared at him for a moment, then placed a hand on my firm shoulder, a faint smile on my lips.
“If you do a good job, then maybe.”
“You know I didn’t mean it, right? I mean, I just—“
“I know, Kazuhiko.” I said as I cut him off, squeezing his shoulder slightly before removing it. He looked at me with his eyes wide, probably because I just used his real name. I ignored his surprised look as I added, “We’ll talk about this later okay? Just…not now,” with a slight frown on my face, turning away from him and finding myself looking at Betty who quickly turned away. I shook my head and let out a sigh at that, keeping my eyes on her. Great. Just fucking great. This is definitely one reason why I don’t want to talk to him now. Yeah, I prefer that we were alone since the four people over there might be listening in, especially the person I have my eyes locked on, literally mind you. Plus, I’m considerate enough not to wound his manly pride here, you know. And believe me, his pride would be wounded for his recklessness earlier.
It seems like he didn’t get how I didn’t want to have this talk because I was looking out for him, as he let out a soft chuckle. I turned to him, keeping my brows furrowed as he stood up, glanced at me wearing a knowing look and gave me a slight smile.
“Right, later.” He said as he turned towards the others then back at me. “You are cracking up Scrooge. And the thing is, you aren’t completely aware of it.” He then placed his hand on my shoulder, softly patting it before he turned and began walking towards the others, leaving me to stare at him confusedly.
The hell was that?
_____________________________________________________
“Kojima-san is such a nice girl.” Sexytary commented from beside me. I turned my head to look at her as I kept my lazy position, my head resting on my arms. She was smiling slightly as she looks at a bunch of papers as she computes the expenses we had last week. “And she has it bad for you. Like Kazuhiko bad,” she said as she glanced at me.
Oh, she knows. Surprising? I think not.
The trio left an hour ago. With a promise from Smiles he’ll message me if they reached the dorms safety, a bunch of roll eyeing moments from a pouting Crazy Psycho and an unenthusiastic goodbye from Betty, the trio finally left, leaving the three of us to back to zombieland. A bunch of customers walked inside after the trio left leaving the three of us a bit busy to tend to their needs. They ordered the usual; a couple of beers, some peanuts and advices from the Sexytary and Snorlax about their love lives. Yeah, that’s the usual order around here at the DAFUQ. Don’t ask why, it just is.
“A nice handsome boy and a nice pretty girl at the same time.” She nodded her head looking impressed. She then pointed her pen at me. “You, my dear, are truly blessed. Your parents must be proud of you.”
I groaned out to the table, hiding my face from the frustration that I’m feeling. Why me? I mean, all I wanted was to survive college and get my degree. I didn’t ask for all these drama! Ugh!
“Who’s leading anyway?” I hear the Sexytary ask.
“I don’t know Saito-san’s score, but I pegged Haruna for about…85.” Snorlax answered. 85? I gained 5% today? That’s one fucked up scoring.
“Oooh. That’s close.”
“Isn’t it? It would’ve been 90 since our lover girl here calls her by her name..” I rolled my eyes at that. “…but I was generous enough to keep it 85 for her.”
“That’s a fucked up reason.” I mumbled to the counter.
“Well not for me since you call me Snorlax!” The Pokemon reasoned, probably giving me a glare. I sat up and placed my chin in my hand, staring at her boredly. Yup, she’s glaring at me and pouting.
“Touché.” I muttered as I looked away from her. She really can’t get over that fact huh?
“But you know…” The Sexytary started as she jots down something on her notebook then began computing using her calculator. “…even though I barely know Kojima-san, I can tell she’s a very fragile yet selfless girl.”
I stared blankly at the Sexytary as she turns to look at me, pushing her glasses up her nose. “I mean, just by hearing how she doesn’t want you to pity her or pressure you with her feelings tells what kind of person she is.”
I looked away from her, knowing quite well that Betty is selfless. She does charity work every Saturdays, and well, that pretty much tells how selfless she is. I’m pretty sure no one can top that. But then again, the Sexytary here isn’t talking about that huh.
“I know it is cruel of me to say this but…I think it’s kind of cute how Kojima-san is jealous of Kazu-kun, despite the heartbreaking look she gave.” The Sexytary chuckled making me to look at her weirdly.
“She does look like a cute pouting kid whenever she’s jealous of Saito-san.” Snorlax snickered. Not her too? Maybe I should add Sadistic to her nickname then. Geez, that’s just sick. Sick sadistic people. Ugh.
I let out a sigh as I shook my head. I stared blankly at the table as I thought back on Betty’s jealousy when it comes to Smiles. “You know, I’ve always wondered about that.” I turned to the two, waving my hand. “The jealousy thing.”
“You’re wondering why Haruna is jealous of Saito-san?” Snorlax asked as she looks at me incredulously. “Getting dense now, Mariko?
“It’s a serious question.” I retorted unenthusiastically as I narrowed my eyes at her. “I prefer it if you could just answer it without the insults.”
“But insulting you is fun. I mean, you call me Snorlax, right?” She said with a touch of sarcasm as she shrugged while grinning.
“That doesn’t even make any sense.” I rolled my eyes. That Snorlax thing really broke her huh. Maybe I should change it for her sanity’s sake. Maybe she prefers another Pokemon then. Would Psyduck be appropriate for her?
She chuckled then leaned towards me. “Okay so you’re asking why Haruna is jealous of Saito-san, right?”
I nodded my head, keeping my narrowed eyes on her.
“Well, you see, it’s like this. You and Saito-san are like THE perfect couple—”
“But we’re not—“
“Hold it. I know you’re not, but let me finish.” She held up her hand, cutting me off from telling her the obvious. With my eyebrow raised, I silently told her to continue, which she did. “Anyway, as I was saying, you two are like the perfect couple to HARUNA.” Her eyes widened as she emphasized Betty’s name.
Perfect couple? Me and Smiles?
“To Haruna, you’re like the alpha female and Saito-san is the alpha male. In Bible terms, you two are Adam and Eve. Do you get what I’m saying here?” She said as she looks at me expectantly, her face a little too close for my comfort.
Frowning, I pushed her face away making her groan as I reply, “So basically, you’re saying that since we are THE perfect couple—Adam and Eve; Alpha male and female inside her head—she thinks that she can’t come in between us, the perfect couple. That she has no chance in competing with Smiles, the alpha male, nor does she has a chance with me, the alpha female. Is that right?”
She grabbed my wrist, removes my hand that’s still on her face, and then nodded her head scowling. “Yes exactly! You’ve got it, Eve!”
I gave her a look at her given nickname. I’m still sensing some kind of bitterness from her because of that nickname I gave her. Ugh. …Whatever.
“To her, coming in between the two of you is a sin to mankind. A sacrilege to humanity as without Adam and Eve or if a woman came between Adam and Eve, it will be the destruction of the human world.” She said exaggeratedly as she held out her hands while looking at the ceiling. She’s definitely losing it today. I think this is because she’s been hanging out with Crazy Psycho a lot lately. Yeah, that’s probably why. Tch. She’s so losing respect points from me right now.
“Adam and Eve, that actually makes sense.” The Sexytary nods her head as she pokes her lower lip with her closed pen.
I let out a sigh, frowning at the table. “As crazy as that sounds, yeah, I guess it does makes sense.” Betty committing a sin for getting in between ‘the perfect couple’ huh. It makes me wonder how much truth is behind that metaphor of Snorlax. I mean, sure, Snorlax’s metaphor about Betty’s jealousy seems spot on, but is that really the reason? Me and Smiles, Adam and Eve? If we’re Adam and Eve, what does that make Betty then? And why would she even think that me and Smiles are a couple anyway? I’ve made no indication that we’re a couple. Sure he insinuated what he feels for me a couple of times but I’ve never—
My thoughts were suddenly interrupted by my vibrating phone. Keeping the frown on my face, I pulled out my phone from my pocket and opened it. I read the message from Smiles and upon finishing it; I abruptly stood up knocking the stool to the floor, surprising my two co-workers.
“The hell?! I’ll kill that Buffoon!” I snarled as I scowled at my phone.
“What’s got your panties in a twist?” Snorlax asks as she tilted her head slightly to the side. I held out my phone to her as I clenched my jaw tight. Snorlax took it from my hand as she began to read the message out loud. I started pacing around, biting my lower lip as the sudden feeling of dread combined with anger creeps inside me.
“Miichan wanted to have some fun so she suggested we go clubbing while we we’re heading back. She unleashed everything she got so I couldn’t say no. We’re at a club named Red right now having drinks.”“Yeah, so?” Snorlax asks as her eyes follow me. “Aren’t they allowed to drink now?”
“He said ‘WE’RE’ as in we are.” I said as I keep pacing.
“Worried about Kojima-san then?” The Sexytary questioned with a teasing tone.
“No!” I barked, glaring at her. She raised her eyebrow at me, throwing me a disbelieving look. I stopped pacing and bit my lip as I stare at the floor for a while. Who am I kidding anyway…I am worried. “Yes...I am worried.” I admitted softly with a defeated sigh, my eyes downcast to the floor.
“How cute.” She gushed. I glared at her for that but it didn’t faze her widened smile, in fact seeing my glare even made her giggle. Definitely fucked up.
“Me being worried is totally justified.” I defended as I kept my glare at her. “I’m pretty sure Haruna has never drank alcohol before.” Well…at least that’s what I think so.
“There’s always a first time for everything.” She replied winking at me.
“That’s not the point!” I growled. Snorlax’s reply surprised me as she threw my coat and my bag at me. Thankfully, I caught them before it hit my face. I stared at the items in my arms, blinking a couple of times.
“You deny too much, just go and bite your apple, Eve.” Snorlax said. I looked at her blankly, my lips parted slightly at what she said. Apple…?
Upon seeing the stare I’m giving she asks, “Do you know who sinned first in the Adam and Eve story?” with a smile.
“Eve.” I answered simply blinking a few times.
“That’s right. She was the one who first saw it, first one who got enticed by it and the first one who took a bite out of it. She was the one who first sinned” She nodded. “Right now, I think you should let history repeat itself. Take a bite, Eve.”
I stared at her for a few seconds, realizing what it is that she’s telling me. Noticing the mischievous look she’s giving me, I scowled at her as I began putting on my coat. “Get your mind out of the gutter! I’m not biting Haruna.”
“Not yet.” The Sexytary smirked. I just rolled my eyes at that and made my way towards the exit. With my hand on the knob, I turned towards the two who was watching me, wearing supportive smiles across their faces.
I smiled back as I nod my head. “Thanks Yuki and Sayaka. I owe you guys one.” Without waiting for a reply, I pulled open the door, stepped outside and just as the door was about to close, I heard Sayaka say, “Oh my God. Miichan was right. Hearing your name for the first time out of Mariko makes your heart beat fast.”
Ugh. That’s just completely fucked up.
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I took a cab since I didn’t know where the hell Club Red is. I didn’t inform Smiles that I was crashing in on their party since I want to see them looking like their seeing death in real life. Yeah, I was that pissed off.
The moment I went inside the club, I couldn’t help but groan as the place was packed with gyrating bodies dancing to the tunes of C3PO and R2D2. The tune is a bit robotic so…whatever, just deal with that description. So I began my trek to find the dead trio and get the hell out of here. I really don’t like clubs. Why? Well it’s crowded and it’s crowded. Really, I hate crowded places. It remind me of shopping for Christmas presents. I’m not too keen on that as well so most times I just order online for the gifts. Yeah lazy ass, I know.
Anyway, that aside, I’m looking for the trio. After the 6th guy that asked me if I wanted to dance or have a drink as I continue my search, I finally found them, sitting at a table at the far end of the enormous room. I gritted my teeth as I saw Haruna leaning her head on Smiles shoulder, looking like she’s asleep…or dead drunk. Miichan was having an argument with an unknown guy as she began pushing him on his chest, trying to egg him on. She looks a bit drunk as well as she loses her footing a couple of times. Fucking great. I can’t kill them because their drunk. Ugh!!
“The hell happened here?!” I asked as I stood by their table. Smiles looked at me, surprised. I glanced at Haruna and yup, she’s sleeping and with Smiles arms around her. My eyebrow twitched at that as I continue to glare at Smile’s hand that was holding Haruna’s arm.
“M-Mariko?! Wh-what are you—“
“Hey Mariko!” Miichan yelled as she waves her hand at me. “Can you kick this guy’s ass? He gave Haruna-chan here a drink that made her drunk.” She said as she pointed at the man.
I glared murderously at the unknown man who looked alarmed. He held out his hand defensively, backing down each step I take towards him. “I…I just gave her a l-light drink…a-and she drank it h-herself. I din’ do nuthin! I swear!”
“Yeah? Well you better scram or I swear I’ll kick you where it hurts till you can’t make babies anymore.” I threatened as I gave him the most menacing look I’ve ever given someone. It seems to work as he quickly scrammed almost tripping on someone. I watch him for a while then turned to the trio. Keeping the menacing look I have, I barked, “Let’s go before I kick you two in the nuts.”
Smiles gulped at that, nodded his head hesitantly, carried the drunk Haruna in his arms and began heading towards the exit. Obviously, I was in charge of Miichan, so I wrapped an arm around her waist while she wraps her arm over my shoulder. We staggered towards the exit wherein Smiles was waiting. I let out a sigh of relief once we were out of the club.
“Maybe we should take a cab?” I suggested to Smiles as I looked at the sleeping Haruna in his arms. I frowned when she began to mumble out incoherent things and began moving her head against his chest. Smiles noticed the heated stare I have and gave me a nervous smile. I kept my stare for a moment until I let out a sigh and shook my head, trying to push back that growing feeling again.
The person I was holding suddenly let out a giggle as she says, “No cab!” She then surprised me when she walked behind me and began jumping, her hands on my shoulder. I narrowed my eyes knowing exactly well what she wanted. “Piggyback ride! Just like old times, Mariko! Whiii!”
Ugh. Knew it.
Without waiting for my reply, she jumped on my back and began giggling and waving her hand up in the air like a drugged up Crazy Psycho.
I let out a sigh at that and shook my head. “Guess we’re walking then.”
So we did. Smiles and I gave our partners a piggyback ride as we head towards the dorms. Thankfully the dorm isn’t far from the club. Plus, I think it’s better this way. I mean—despite the ache that I might feel tomorrow because of this heavy Crazy Psycho behind me—this way, the two drunkards can sober up, right?
Miichan began waving her hand again, squealing in delight, ordering me to giddy up.
Ugh. God I hope so.
“Wow. She’s really sleeping. I mean, I think I can feel drool on my shoulder.” Smiles said as he walks beside me, glancing at the sleeping Haruna. “She looks…cute though.”
“Cut it out.” I growled at him.
“Yeah! Stop your perving on Mariko’s lady! Get your own!” Miichan slurred, pointing at Smiles who’s chuckling.
“Know the best part in giving her a piggyback ride?” He asks us with a playful smile, his eyebrows moving. “I can feel her boobs on my back.” He admitted as he began running away from us, laughing, knowing exactly well what wanted to do to him for being a perv. Yeah, we would kick his butt. Hard.
“Hey! Get back here you perv!” I growled as I tried running as well, but I’m a girl so…I ended up just walking since I wasn’t kidding about the heavy drunkard behind me. I think Miichan here weighs twice as me, so…yeah, I can’t really run with Crazy Psycho behind me.
“Nah, just let him perv for a bit. He’s pretty much harmless anyway.” Miichan says from behind me as she looks at the still running Smiles, getting and getting smaller by the distance. Hearing her, I suddenly noticed something.
“You’re not really drunk are you?” I narrowed my eyes as I glanced at her.
“Nope.” I see her beaming. “I was never drunk from the start. You assumed I was by the way you supported me earlier at the club so I thought, hey, why not just let her think what she wants.”
I’ve been had. Great.
“You know I could just drop you, right?”
“No! I miss this! I miss you carrying me like this!” She whined as she tightened her hold on me, making me to stumble slightly from surprise.
“Alright, alright already! Loosen up!” I groaned as I cocked my head to the side. I let out a sigh as she loosened her hold on my neck.
She then began shaking me slightly. “Hey, remember the first time I made you carry me like this?” She asks probably wearing a wide smile.
“No.” I growled out, not really remembering anything besides her climbing me from behind and ordering me to mush a couple of times. Ugh. All I could do was obey since if I didn’t, she’d just whine to me or to my parents. Seriously, I don’t like whiney Crazy Psycho.
“It was the spurt of our youth when you outgrow me in the height department.”
“Really?” I asked, surprised. We’ve been friends for that long?, Wow. Yeah, yeah total seashore here. Whatever.
“Uh-huh. I was so pissed off that you were beginning to get taller than me, that I jumped on your back and told you to carry me so that you’d shrunk a little.”
“You sound like a bully.”
“Meh, you liked it.” She flatly said.
“Doubt it.” I mumbled. She chuckled at that then was silent for a while as I continue to carry her. Both of us were silent until I broke it, saying, “You know I’m still a bit mad at you for this whole shit.”
“I know, I know. I’m sorry.” She sighed. “But, Haruna-chan was the one who wanted to enter that club.”
“What?” My eyebrows furrowed as I turned my head slightly to look at her. Betty was the one who wanted to enter that crowded club?? Really?? The hell?!
Miichan smiled upon seeing my weirded out look I’m giving her. “Yeah, shocking right?”
“But Smiles told me that you put up your usual crap just so he can allow you to go there.” I told her. Hmm. Unless Smiles was lying about that, but...why would he?
“I did put on my attack on Kazu. But that’s just because Haruna-chan wanted to go inside.”
“Why?”
“Probably feeling depressed about what happened at the bar. I mean, she was pretty down while we were walking.” She shrugged. I frowned, feeling disturbed about how Haruna would resort to going inside the crowded fucked up club just because she was depress. I mean, is that how she is whenever she’s feeling depress? Go somewhere and experience things that would be so…unlike her? Just thinking about it…it worries me. Miichan probably noticed my contemplative mood as she tightened her hold on me, trying to comfort me.
“Don’t worry too much. The moment she stepped inside, I could tell it was going to be a first and last for her.” She giggled at the memory. Somehow, hearing about that made me slightly better as the corner of my lips tugged up. It didn’t remove the worry I feel but still, it did make me feel slightly better.
“Plus, Haruna-chan is bound to change, you know.” She says softly. “Whether we like it or not, people change. It’s inevitable.”
“Is that based on experience?” I asked as I continue to walk the through the park that was lit by streetlights. I glanced at her as she let out a soft chuckle.
“Pretty much.” She answered, retaining the softness of her voice. “I mean, you’ve changed a lot, Mariko.”
“I did?” Was my halfhearted question as I know deep inside that I have changed.
“Yeah,” Was her breathy reply. “The Mariko that’s carrying me now is a lot different from the Mariko that I knew. You’ve been showing a lot of emotions lately…and that’s good.”
“So…I’m not apathetic anymore?” I asked, glancing at her. I blinked a couple of times as she let out a sigh and placed her chin on my shoulder, our cheeks slightly touching each other.
“You were never apathetic, Mariko.”
“You sure about that?” I questioned flatly, my eyes narrowed as I looked ahead feeling completely unconvinced.
She retracted her earlier statement. “Okay, so maybe you’re not FULLY apathetic. I mean, you have real emotions right here.” She said as she placed a hand on my chest.
I narrowed my eyes and stopped walking. “You do know that that’s my breast that you’re holding, right? And I’m pretty sure breasts are made up of tissue, not emotions.”
“Ah, but that’s where you are wrong.” She squeezed my breast making me to grit my teeth. “The reason why yours is small is because you have little emotions inside you. If these were just a bit larger then—“
“Remove your damn hand before I drop you to the ground and pound on YOUR emotions.” I threatened as I glanced at her. She immediately obeyed, mumbling out something about me being a Scrooge. I rolled my eyes at that. Ugh. Crazy Perverted Psycho.
Shaking my head, I began walking again in silence for a while, that is, until she opened her mouth again, her playful tone gone as she sighed, “But, seriously, there are a lot of times when you are apathetic, but then there are a few moments when you’re not. And those few moments are really showing nowadays.” She said the last bit softly making me to frown slightly.
“Is that how you thought of me since back then?” I questioned as I try to look at her through the corner of my eyes. I felt her cheek move against mine and I knew she was smiling.
“Yeah. I think that’s the part that attracted me to you. You would say that you don’t care for me, yet you do.” She admitted. She was silent for a while after that. It was like she was hesitating on continuing further, afraid of what she might say out loud. I respected her silence as I pursed my lips tight and continue to carry her in silence. I suddenly felt her arms tightening again around my collar bone area and felt her move her head so that her forehead was resting on my shoulder. She then let out a sigh, her warm hot breath against my back.
“I know why you didn’t join Kazuhiko’s band.” She breathlessly said making me to freeze on the spot, my eyes wide in astonishment. I just stood there underneath a streetlight, carrying my bestfriend as she continues her heartfelt confession.
“You wanted to, but you didn’t because of…me. You knew I couldn’t join, even if I wanted to…because my father wouldn’t allow it. You made up an excuse to Kazuhiko and instantly rejected the offer.” Her voice cracked and I wasn’t surprised when I felt something hot and wet on my shoulder. “But I knew...and Kazuhiko knew too. And I’m forever sorry for not confronting you about it. I should’ve just told you then to just...go with what you want and just leave me be to fucking study Business. But I didn’t. Instead, I just fucking went ecstatic when you told me you’re going to college instead.”
I glanced at her as she berates herself, calling herself a selfish person and saying sorry to me over and over again while she cries on my shoulder. I stared at the top of her head for a while, let out a sigh and began walking again. Hearing her sniffles on my shoulder somehow made me smile.
Only when she stopped scolding herself did I let out, “Are you done?” while I glanced at her, keeping the small smile on my face. She peeked through my shoulder, her red and puffy eyes staring at me as she frowned, obviously not liking how it looked like I enjoyed her tirade. I chuckled at that and looked ahead at the waving Smiles near the entrance of our dorm a distance away.
“The thing is, I did go with what I want.” I said softly then glanced back at her. “Honestly, it can be boring without a Crazy Psycho beside me, you know.”
We stared at each other for a while, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She then moved her head and slowly leaned in, giving me a soft kiss on my cheek. The moment she pulled back, she gave me a beaming smile and nodded her head.
“I know.” She whispered. “Life’s boring too without a Scrooge incarnate beside me, you know.”
I grinned at that, happy about her answer. We shared a smile for a while until we heard Smiles yelling for us to hurry up because his back was killing him. I stared at the Buffoon carrying the still sleeping Haruna as I continue to carry Miichan. As the distance between us decreases, Miichan nuzzled the side of her head against mine, whispering, “Take care of her, alright? She likes you so much, it’s hurting her. I know for a fact that you’re the only one that can make her happy. As her Fairy Godmother, you have my blessing.”
I let out a sigh, my eyes trained at the peaceful looking Haruna as a faint smile graced upon my lips. “I don’t know if I can make her happy…but I’ll try.” I promised.
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A moan of pain from my roommate brought me back from my musings. With the corner of my lips tugged up slightly, I stood up from the chair I was straddling and made my way to her desk wherein I laid an aspirin and a glass of water. Taking those item, I then made my way to the slowly awakening Haruna who was still moaning seemingly in pain as she clutched her head. I sat down on the floor facing her, waiting for her to fully awaken. With her eyes sleepily narrowed down to slits, she turned to my side—to probably check up on me—and finally noticed me, sitting on the floor holding a glass of water. Her eyes suddenly widened, cowered back until her back is pressed against the wall and let out a surprised gasp.
I looked at the side at that, the corner of my lips arched down as I said, “I hadn’t thought that I look THAT hideous without make-up.” I glanced at her hoping she could hear my playful tone.
It was obvious she didn’t though as she quickly sat up and began shaking her head despite the headache that she’s probably feeling.
“N-No! Um…I…I was just…y-you surprised me a-a-and…“ She huskily stuttered making me to roll my eyes. So much for being playful then.
“I’m kidding. Geez.” I said as I held out the aspirin and the glass of water. She stared at the offered items, confused. I shook my head and sighed. “Drink the aspirin if you have a headache. If not, then just drink the water. Your mouth must be feeling dry because of the alcohol.”
Her eyes began darting between the items in my hand and at me. Feeling a bit impatient, I moved my hands, motioning her to take whatever. It made her nervous as she moved closer and hesitantly took the offered items from my hands, blushing. I watch her every movement as she slowly puts the medicine inside her mouth and placed her lips near the rim of the glass readying herself to take a drink. Her blush deepened as she noticed me staring at her as she drank the water. I couldn’t help but chuckle as she choked on her drink as she unconsciously held up the glass too high slightly drowning herself. Yeah, yeah, it’s bitchy of me to laugh at her, but hey, don’t blame me since she really looked funny like a drowning fish or something. Well, right now it doesn’t look funny since she’s all red from coughing too much.
Being a goody-goody myself, I quickly stood up, sat beside her on her bed and began patting her back. “Breathe Haruna. Breathe.” It took her for about a minute till she calmed down. Scared the shit out of me since I really thought I’d have to perform the Heimlich maneuver on her or something. Though she really didn’t choke on anything huh.
“You okay now?” I asked as I continue to rub her back.
She nodded her head, her eyes on her lap. “Y-yes. Sorry about that.”
“You don’t have to apologize.” I said as I pursed my lips. I then made my way back to sit on the floor, facing her.
She cocked her head to the side as she looks at me, confused. “Why are you sitting on the floor?” She asks softly.
“Because you always keep your head down and I can’t look you in the eye whenever you do that.” I shrugged nonchalantly. She looked momentarily stunned at my answer as she parts her lips slightly and stares at me. Her eyes began to dart to the side then to me as she blushes faintly. She was obviously trying to hold my gaze but was failing to do so.
I let out a sigh. “Try to focus your eyes on me. I need you to look at me, since we’re going to have a talk.”
She swallowed at that, her wavering eyes trying to lock on mine. “Wh-what are we going to talk about?”
I wasn’t surprised when her eyes widened and she began to blush furiously as she heard me say, “Us. We’re going to have a talk about us, Haruna.”
She stared at me for a moment and I saw fear in her eyes. I can see that she wanted to run and escape, but I kept a steady gaze on her, trying to comfort her somehow. It seems to work as she finally stuttered, “U-us?”
I nodded, thankful that she was trying. Despite the fear she feels, she was really trying to be brave and stay. Seeing that, it made the corner of my lips tugged up slightly. She swallowed again and pursed her lips tight as she waits for me to continue. I indulged her silent request as I softened my gaze to her.
“I want to ask you something about the girl you like.” Leaning a bit closer, I tilted my head slightly to the side and asked the one thing that most people assumed about the girl she likes. The ultimate obvious.
“That girl you like, is it me?”
TBC_____________________________________________________
Next up: Just the next chapter!
Am I being cruel here? No. You may think so, but no I'm not trying to be cruel here.
Honestly, I'm just having a hard time writing that last scene even though I can see it clearly in my head.
Don't worry, I'll give a flashback or something about their talk in the next chapter. No need to spill blood now.
Well...uh...see you guys after a few days again.
Thanks for reading!
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Topic: [MariHaru] Basket Case - Under Construction (HPOV Chap3 Posted) 7/20 (Read 128958 times)