I wanted to update this fic. It has been too long. I hope readers still want to read this
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Merry Go RoundChapter 7 Standing by herself in front of the wall of full-length mirrors, Ai gazed at her reflection broodingly. Who exactly was the woman staring back at her from the reflective surface? It wasn’t her character to blow up at Gaki-san like that. Or for that matter admonish anyone so severely.
Sinking to her knees, Ai dropped her head low and closed her eyes. Recalling the earlier events in the hazy window which had opened up in her mind’s eye, she saw Reina enter the dance studio followed by Risa and Sayumi. Clad snugly over the bunny was Risa’s jacket. The bright green garment was an item they had picked out together and Ai had a similar piece in pink.
What is wrong with me?Digging her fingernails into her palm, it suddenly dawned on Ai the reason for her unpleasantness. Sayumi wearing Risa’s jacket. Yes, that was it. Somehow when she saw the lime green Adidas jacket worn by a person other than herself, a bizarre annoyance sparked up within her. Perhaps if she hadn’t noticed that little detail, Ai wouldn’t have flared up the way she did.
Although she now knew the cause for her annoyance, Ai wasn’t sure why she reacted so callously. The fifth and sixth genners were only sharing clothes. It wasn’t a big deal. In fact, leader and sub-leader did it all the time. Becoming increasingly confused, Ai uttered a strangled cry, venting her frustrations at how a regular dance rehearsal could have gone so wrong.
“Ai-chan! Are you alright?”
Snapping her head up and meeting Eri’s anxious gaze, Ai flushed embarrassedly. She didn’t want anyone to see her strange method of relieving stress, especially not Eri, the person she was dating.
“What are you doing here? Didn’t I tell you to go home?”
Seeing that the rest of the members were in no frame of mind to continue with the remaining dance session, Ai had released them early after Sayumi stormed off dragging Risa with her.
“Being concerned. Let me stay and accompany you?”
Sighing exasperatedly at Eri for turning back to find her, Ai replied.
“Can’t you understand that I need to be alone?”
Shocked by how bothered Ai sounded, Eri bit hard on her lower lip. It was evident she was deeply saddened by Ai’s outburst. Getting up slowly from kneeling beside her girlfriend, Eri squeaked softly.
“Rest well. And, erm... see you tomorrow.”
“ERI! I didn’t mean...”
Feeling tremendously apologetic for yelling at her, Ai shouted for Eri to stop. However, the wounded turtle didn’t reduce her speed and the studio was left silent subsequent to the door slamming shut with her departure. Thumping her clench fist against the polished wood floor, Ai blamed herself for her insensitivity towards someone as vulnerable as Eri.
“I didn’t mean to hurt you. Why can’t you be like Gaki-san? She knows when to let me be.”
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~Flashback~“Sayumin, I don’t think it’s a good idea to leave.”
Struggling to wrench her wrist free from Sayumi’s grasp, Risa tried to reason with the bunny. Abandoning practice in addition to leaving after the heated exchange with Ai was hardly befitting on them as members of Morning Musume. It would be difficult for Ai to present herself as an authoritative leader in future.
“Gaki-san, this situation with Ai-chan can‘t continue. You‘re practically like a little puppy running circles around her. From this day forth, both you and I are going to live for ourselves.”
~End of flashback~The puddles of water accumulated on the ground seeped into her shoes and emitted a soft squishing sound with each step that she took. Balancing the handle of an umbrella with a transparent cover on her shoulder, the twenty year old walked slowly. Her line of sight was focused on the far end of the road but she wasn't paying attention to anything in her path. Taking leisurely strolls was an activity she indulged in whenever she could afford the time and it was a good method to clear her mind and relieve stress when Disneyland wasn’t an option.
Maybe Sayumin is right. I have to stop thinking about Ai-chan. She’s with someone else now. ~Risa's Point of View~ It's raining again and somehow, the rain reminds me of you.
I place my hand over my coat pocket, feeling the small budge inside. Should I call you? I want to but I'm afraid. What do I say when I hear your voice?
A group of chattering schoolgirls brush past me, lamenting about not getting enough rest. Preparations for the upcoming university exams have put a strain on their exhausted bodies.
I see myself in them as I study their tired faces. I have not been sleeping well ever since you and Kame started dating.
I lie awake every night listening to the patter of rain. I wonder what you are doing and whether Kame is by your side.
Are you happy?
It seems that all I have left these days is silence. It has replaced you as my company.
I'm getting weary, tired of being alone. Is there someone else like me? Who is unfruitful in waiting for that special someone?
I had wished for love but falling for you has taught me nothing except the taste of loneliness.
The ending cannot be more obvious. It is clear that even without me, it wouldn't make a difference.
You don't need me, you never did.
How would you react if you knew about my affections for you? If your reply is to apologize, then I don't want to hear it.
Because the one who is loved doesn't need to be sorry.
~End of POV~-----
Four hours had passed from the time an irate Sayumi pulled Risa with her out of the studio. And it had been just as many hours since Reina tried calling her senpai on her cell phone to no avail. Immensely worried when she couldn't contact her, Reina decided to pay her a visit to ensure she was fine despite the massive thunder storm brewing in the distance.
"Tanakacchi, what are you doing here?"
Searching within her purse for the house keys, Risa asked the drenched figure standing outside her home. Reina had been staring at her feet until she heard Risa’s voice. Lifting her eyes to the taller girl’s face, she explained.
"I couldn't get you on the phone. I wanted to apologize. It was my fault that you got into trouble with Ai-chan."
Shaking her head from side to side, Risa assured the younger that she wasn’t to blame. Leading the way into her house, she motioned for Reina to take a seat on the couch whilst she rushed to get her a towel.
When Risa got back, she found Reina with her hands wrapped around her body. The petite girl was shivering and her teeth clattered in spite of her chewing on her lip. Draping the thick material over her shoulders, Risa steered her kouhai towards the bathroom and ushered her inside.
"Take a hot shower, I'll get you a change of clothes."
When Reina reemerged, Risa was waiting for her with a warm mug of delicious cocoa.
"You look cuter than I do in that outfit."
Complaining with mock annoyance, Risa grinned when Reina chuckled gleefully at her joke.
"I can't help being cute. It's just the way I am."
"Am I sensing a revival of Sayumin’s famous line? But I have to admit Tanakacchi IS really cute."
Observing that Reina hadn't combed her hair, Risa ran her fingers through the long copper tresses, untangling the knots within. So absorbed in taming the unruly strands, she didn't notice Reina’s subtle gawking. A faint crimson blush colored her cheeks and her breathing sped up.
Why does your world consist of only Ai-chan? Can’t you see that I’m love with you? 
Topic: Merry Go Round - Chapter 23 (110615) (Read 70340 times)