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03 – Sweet PromisesThe sound of cooking and the smell of sweet pastry made my stomach rumble and my eyes open. With a yawn and a loud stretch, I sit up. Sleepily, I head to the source of the noise. Each step I take, the scent becomes more and strong, until my mouth is practically drooling. To my surprise, a small figure stands at the kitchen, humming as she flipped the pan.
“Yuu-chan?” I drowsily murmur.
I see Yuko stop, and then suddenly spin round, pan and spatula still in her hand. She was wearing her large grin, revealing all her freshly brushed teeth. The same smile that I loved.
“Good morning Nyan-Nya…” she trailed off.
I watch Yuko’s eyes drift from my face, down my body. Following her gaze, I realise that I’m only wearing my single nightie. My face reddens and I draw my arms up over my chest.
“Yuu-chan!”
Yuko, shaking her head to rid her perverted thoughts, looked away bashfully.
“Y-You should get ready.” she sputtered, going back to cook the pancakes. “Breakfast will be ready by then.”
I nod and hurry to the bedroom. Her gaze always makes my heart pound, and that is not what I need first thing in the morining.--------------
Later --------------
Returning to the kitchen, fully freshened, ready for work and my meet-up with Mariko, I sit myself at the dining table. I smile as Yuko lays my plate in from of my, stacked generously with pancakes. My grin grows when I see that on top of the pile, Yuko had shaped the syrup into a dripping heart. Much like how my heart melted with Yuko’s attention.
“What’s the occasion?” I ask, waiting until Yuko herself was seated across me with her pancakes.
“No occasion. Since it’s my day off, I thought I would make my girlfriend breakfast before she goes off to earn money.”
I happily giggle, quickly giving thanks for the food, and dig in. I sound my delight as soon as I take a bite, the sweetness exploding my taste buds.
“Yummy~” I drawl.
I watch Yuko laugh, helping herself to the food too.
“Nyan-Nyan…” Yuko voiced after a few moments.
“Hmm?”
I look up from at Yuko, watching her poke her pancakes with her fork. I slightly frown, knowing her habit. It meant she was either nervous or anxious.
“What is it?” I question, worried.
“Well, it’s just… I have to go out later.”
“Okay… And?”
“And it’s with… Hayami-senpai.”
I cough, spluttering as the sharply inhaled air when down the wrong hole. Yuko is instantly by my side, patting my back. It reminds me of what happened to Yuko only yesterday.
“What do you mean?” I choke, recovering from my coughing fit. “As in, you and Hayami-senpai… alone?!” I demand.
“Well…yeah.” carefully replied Yuko. “He just wants to get to know me a bit better and I thought it would be good to broaden my friend circle.”
I couldn’t help but scoff. I stand from my seat, glaring at Yuko who had retreated a few steps back.
“How could you not tell me sooner?” I exclaim.
“I wanted to but Takamina was here yesterday and I didn’t think it was a good idea to talk about it when she was here.” she desperately explained.
“What about when she left?” I angrily insist. “What about the days before? When you had all the chances in the world to tell me that you were going on a DATE with Hayami-senpai?”
“It’s not a date and…I don’t know… I just didn’t know how to bring it up.” whimpered Yuko.
I feel the nasty rage and irritation build inside me. I’m not sure if what was clogging my throat was the tainted pancakes, or the feeling of being betrayed and deceived, but I couldn’t look at Yuko anymore.
“I can’t believe this. First it was the kiss, now this.”
“You saw that?” asked Yuko, surprise and guilt mixed into her voice.
“Of course I did!” I snap. “I watch all your episodes.”
“Nyan-Nyan…” she whined, as if she was actually touched by my devotion.
“Forget it.” I bark. “I have to go now. Just go on your stupid date with your boyfriend.”
“Haruna-”
However, I am already out of the door before I can hear anymore of her excuses. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Atsuko’s shimmering hair flicked back and forth as she looked for her keys. Even though it was morning, and she was rushing around like a terrified chicken, I think she looks amazing. Though Atsuko is beautiful in any form, I like it most when she has her guard down, only letting me see her imperfect and most vulnerable moments.
“I’m sure I left them here…” I hear her mutter to herself, as she flustered around the house.
I smile to myself, letting myself guiltily enjoy Atsuko’s extended company. Perhaps this was a sign for me to ask Atsuko my question, to be unafraid of the possible decline.
“I’m free today at lunch.” I announce.
I hear Atsuko make a sound of acknowledgement from the living room. Taking this as a signal to continue, I add, “And, I was thinking of maybe we could go out to lunch and-”
“I’m sorry Minami, I can’t.”
Ouch. Shot down already. I had expected this, but not for it to be as quick and as painful as that. Upset, I wait for her to explain as she continued to search for the keys, seemingly not noticing my lack of help.
“We have a new member of the cast coming in today and I have to practice my lines with her during lunch, while getting ready for our scene together.” I listen to her explain.
“Okay.” I reply, giving voice to my understanding. “Maybe I could come down to the studio and we can have lunch there?”
“Aha!” I hear her shout as she suddenly pulled the jingling keys from the fruit bowl on the counter.
I can’t help but feel annoyed at her triumph. But now her full attention was on me, and I can see the regret on her face, making my chest ache with remorse for not aiding her.
“I don’t think that will work either.” Atsuko admits. “Everyone will be busy and I might not be able to even have lunch.”
I couldn’t stop the frown from appearing on my face. It was Atsuko’s nice way of saying that I would get in the way. I sigh, my head bowing with defeat. I watch Atsuko step towards me, a saddened expression on her face, probably matching my own. Her hands grip my arms tenderly, stroking them up and down while my hands held onto the table edge I was currently sitting on. I let out an easy exhale, feeling the shivers of delight run through me from Atsuko's seemingly simple touch. However, only Atsuko could cause such a reaction from me, making feel relaxed or alert immediately with a single touch.
“I’m sorry but I’ll make it up to you tonight, I promise.”
With a quick kiss to my lips, which immediately replaced the pout with a smile, I nodded. She grinned, before heading to the door.
“Okay, I’ll wait for you.” I call.
“Okay. I love you!” she returned, before closing the door behind her.
“I love you too.” I softly whisper, to myself.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
My fork stabbed angrily at the teriyaki chicken. Crossly, I shove it into my mouth, chewing loudly, not caring about manners or common etiquette. Then, with a strong gulp without even tasting the succulent meat, I stab again at the thoughtfully placed chicken pieces.
“Did the chicken do something to offend you?”
I flick my eyes towards Mari-chan, who sat opposite me. She has a somewhat look of disdain on her face. Coming to my senses, I put down the fork forcefully, though carefully. I am an idol after all.
“Mari-chan, listen to this.” I finally say. “Guess where Yuko is?”
“Where?” almost sighed Mari-chan. She’s probably tired of hearing me complain about Yuko. But this time, it was serious.
“She’s on a stupid date with Hayami-senpai!” I exclaim.
“Lucky her.” Mari-chan casually replies.
“Lucky?” I almost shout, but realised in time I was in a public place. “How is that lucky?” I hiss instead.
“Well, Hayami-senpai is a large figure in the acting industry. He can help Yuko spread her name, offer her tips and whatever actors do.”
Watching Mari-chan slurp at her ramen, I mull over what she just said. This was not what I expected from this conversation with Mariko. I was hoping for her to understand my situation and to at least sympathise with me. And yet, I hate to admit it, but she is right. Hyami-senpai could be a huge stepping stone for Yuko, lifting her up to more job offers and with dramas carrying higher reputations. However, it didn’t extinguish the flame of envy and aggravation burning within me. And though I trust Yuko with my life, there’s still an inkling of panic.
“But what if it’s really a date?” I anxiously ask. “What if Yuko really falls for him?”
Mari-chan stared at me with an arched eye-brow, as if she couldn’t believe I actually asked what I did.
“This is Yuko we’re talking about? The one that did not give up even though you denied your feelings for ages, until you finally realised what a catch Yuko is? The girl that has loved you for years and still does? The Yuko that basically has a shrine dedicated to you? That Oshima Yuko?”
“Okay I get it.” I surrender.
I play with the remaining chicken, the talk making me lose my appetite.
“But what if Hayami-senpai makes a move?” I ask lastly.
“I don’t think you need to worry. Just believe in her.” advices Mari-chan. “Besides, I’m sure it’s just a harmless meeting.”
As much as I want to believe Mari-chan’s words, I could not help but feel the hint of doubt in my mind. But she was right; I just needed to trust Yuko. And that, I already do. So it’s one step closer to being a more reasonable girlfriend.
However, that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t stop cursing and threatening Hayami-senpai in my head. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The cherry dog flies in the air as I repeatedly throw him up, catching him easily as he descended back down. I finally got back from my schedule, which ended at 9pm. Now, it is 10pm. I’ve been waiting for Atsuko for an hour. And yet, I don’t mind. Even though boredom is an easy thing to contract, it didn’t bother me. Just the thought of Atsuko being able to spend one relaxed night with me is enough.
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1 Hour Later ---------
Scooping at the strawberry ice cream, I watch my One Piece Volume 3 DVD set. However, though it was at a particularly funny part, I didn’t even bother to smile. My mind is preoccupied with too many thoughts, that I’m not even paying attention to the anime.
Perhaps Atsuko is just being held up at work. Probably the new person making lots of NGs, holding up the shoot. Yeah, it must be that.
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1 Hour Later ---------
The empty ice-cream pot landed in the bin with a hollow thud. Throwing the spoon into the sink for me to wash tomorrow, I head back to the couch. I hit play again and continue the current episode. It was a good thing I watched this DVD three times before, otherwise I would not have a clue what was going on. I try to distract my mind from thinking about where Atsuko was, but it doesn’t work.
Was she with her crew-mates, out enjoying herself with her new cast member? Did she forget about her promise?
“She couldn’t have.” I whisper to myself.
Atsuko has never gone back on a promise she made, at least, not to me. Laughing at my ridiculous idea of Atsuko forgetting her promise, I try to concentrate on the television. I chortle when Nami hits Luffy on the head, convincing myself that my laugh was not forced in any way.
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1 Hour Later ---------
1 am. I pick up my mobile phone and press 1, speed-dialling Atsuko. I wait, listening to the phone ring, the ringtone being my solo song. I wait, and wait, and wait, and-
“Atsuko?” I speak, hearing the dial tone go off.
“The person you have called is currently unavailable. Please try again later or leave a m-”I close my phone, my patience running thin, and my anxiety increasing. Though Atsuko sometimes returned late, she usually rang me or at least texted me. I’m getting scared. I’ll send a text and wait one more hour. If I don’t get a reply, then I know something has happened. Please don’t let it be something.
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1 Hour Later ---------
I stare at the message that glowed in the dark bedroom.
I’m not going to be home until later.
Go to sleep without me.
Acchan. Emotionless and distant, like what Atsuko used to be like. I’m not sure why, but this was more painful than not knowing if something happened. The fact that she obviously was fine and seemed to only carelessly reply to my message made me hurt in ways I didn’t know were possible. And when did she start to address herself as Acchan? I curse myself for waiting so long, for no reason. Was I really just fooling myself into thinking Atsuko would remember the fleeting promise she had made this morning? Perhaps I am really just a fool, thinking Atsuko would make time in her now ever-growing busy schedule to make time for me.
Putting the phone on the bedside drawer, I lie in the bed, gazing at the cold and void space across me. I begin to feel the tears of disappointment, frustration and loneliness threatening to fall from my eyes. I manage to stop them, but it didn’t stop my heart from cracking. ‘Be strong Takamina.’ I tell myself. ‘For Atsuko.’ However, even that didn’t seem to cure the awful throbbing in my chest, where my heart is.
Tearing my eyes from the empty side of the bed, I turn, facing my back towards where Atsuko slept. And with that, I feel myself fall asleep, my body heavy with exhaustion. But just before I fall asleep, I think a final thought.
I hope I don’t cry in my sleep.
Topic: How Long Does Forever Last? - Chapter 19 (AtsuMina & KojiYuu) 10/09/2015 (Read 71078 times)