First, I'm sorry for the frustration I have caused from the last chapter. Onion boy bows in forgiveness.
I honestly hadn't thought that it would be frustrating since when I'm writing this, I'm putting myself in Mariko's shoes.
Yeah, and I'm not really feeling anything when I read my work so...
yeah...
Honestly, I'm a bit happy that you guys are feeling something when you read it
...but it doesn't change the fact that I am still sorry.
Again, I'm sorry.
Second, I'm trying to update fast because I like writing this.
But it does take me days to complete a chapter since english isn't my first language and my head is pretty messed up so...
Third! My replies to commenters:@masokun: You are right! The MariHaru will stay strong.
I'm sorry for torturing you.
And yeah, I feel for Haruna in that chapter. Guess she couldn't take it. Though, it is kinda cute when I imagine her being all jealous.
But then she goes to sadness and...
Honestly, I wish I could update as the wind too but...life is against it.
Anyway, thanks for reading and leaving a comment!
@anonymousdowner: Honestly, I'm jealous that you're barfing rainbows at this. I miss barfing rainbows.
Ah, that word NOTHING. A word that obviously contains a whole lot of something to the poor Haruna.
I'm glad your wrist is better now.
And yeah, I'm pretty sure every MariHaru shippers out there were pretty bummed out of the shuffle but like you said, they are close friends so it's okay. Mariko seems stalkerish towards Haruna so I'm sure the MariHaru pairing is safe.
Anyway, thanks for reading and leaving a long ass comment.
Long ass comments are welcome. I like reading long ass comments.
And you know, that funky panda doing the funky dance? It never fails to make me smile and make me feel weirded out as I look at it. Funky panda is funky.
@RJay: Was it really as quick update?
And my GOD! There is a real person named Saito Kazuhiko?!
<-- Yeah I was like that when I read your comment the first time. Still feeling a bit shocked since I had no idea that there is a real famous(?) person with that name. I actually just made that name up and had another person in mind while writing his character.
It does seem unclear as to what Haruna's nothing is huh. Hmmm. Anyway, thanks for reading and leaving a comment!
@lovemariharu: I'm pretty sure Mariko is going to be Haruna's medicine soon.
And yes, she was a total mess with the whole appearance of Mariko's other bestfriend/dumped suitor.
It's kinda cute, really.
I get the furious mode since I felt that too. But then it left me after about 5 minutes of total rage.
I actually played that scene over and over again as Mariko's shaky speech touched me.
Especially when she covered her mouth, probably letting out a sob as Acchan bowed and thanked them. Shot me right in the heart.
And yeah, I love Haruna's look when Mariko was delivering her short speech to Acchan.
Anyway, thanks for reading and commenting!
@flameeyes: It's better that I had left it TBC than another 3 letter word END.
And, the baby is cute! Good job!
And you edited your comment quickly because of the gifs again, good job!
Thanks for reading and commenting! Nice chatting with you too.
@Suicchin: I'm sorry for the frustrating chapter.
Hmmm. Betty and Mariko releasing their sexual tensions huh. Shall I turn this fic into a smutfest?
Hmmm, I kinda like that.
I'm sorry it still took a week for me to finish this.
This chapter might make you jump on the chair again.
Anyway, thanks for reading and commenting.
@Wmatsui22: I'm glad you found the last chapter interesting.
As a fanfic author, it's nice to hear that what we write brings out different emotions to the readers.
And yes, I will bring more MariHaru goodness in the future. But for now...let's keep it subtle.
Anyway, Thanks for reading and commenting!
@immortal_K: Long ass comments are deeply appreciated.
I get the whole texting in class too when the lecture is boring. I do that all the time.
And yeah, it does seem that I just throw out random stuff huh.
I guess I like throwing stuff.
Honestly, when I'm writing this, because of the different names, I keep feeling that I'm writing a fable or something that is not AKB48 anymore.
The names are just...
Hmmm, I actually want to add more members to this whacked up story, but I have no idea where to put them.
I guess I can worry about that later on as the story progress.
Thanks for reading and commenting! Still waiting for your MariHaru story.
To dear thank you pressers and silent readers, I thank you as well. 
Fourth! I warn!
This is fiction. If I ever offend someone, please feel free to tell me.Lastly! I'm sorry this chapter is messed up. I was pretty messed up while I was writing it. I'm feeling aloof lately so...
Crappy frustrating chapter ahead!
Enjoy!
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many thanks to
yanouchi and
crazywota for the poster
Chapter 9: Cutting fruits is an altruistic deed!Ever wished that you had superhuman abilities?
Yes, yes, like the heroes in Marvel or DC or any other comics that has them wearing their flashy underwear outside their pants; which by the way, I don't get. I mean, why would you want to wear your flashy underwear outside your pants right? Is that, what? For sex appeal? To attract the ladies or what? ...Oh, right. Getting off topic now. Sorry, I just...underwear outside, ugh. It's like Crazy Psycho wanting to hang out with you all the time. It gets you to ask
'WHY?' in bold and capital letters. Yeah, anyway, super powers. Right. I think it'd be cool to have one, don't you think?
What kind of superpowers would I want to have?
That's actually a tough question. I mean, every powers has its usefulness. Say you want the ability to fly. No traffic jams right? Plus you can go to Neverland and stay a kid forever. But then again you're in a jungle and you play pirates with no TV or any other 20th century gadgets around. That's pretty much whacked up huh. Anyway, the Neverland thing is also related to another superhuman abilities; immortality. Honestly, that's one power that I don't want to have. I mean, everyone around you would just die, and that's sad even for someone like me. Though on the bright side, you'd still look young. Tempting, but then, if the world ended, you'd just be left alone. Forever. So...no to that. Time Travel seems pretty cool. Going back in time to warn your young self to stay away from crazy psycho's wanting to be your friend or any other crazies that wants to be your friend. Hmmm, definitely not bad. How about talking to animals? Aren't I talking to animals already? Oh, you mean the furry ones, walking with four legs, those things. No. I don't want that power. I mean, humans -which are also considered animals but we're talking about the furry ones- can be annoying already. If animals were to begin to talk to me, whine about their lives and all that crap then...ugh. No. Just let them be to do cutesy stuff and utter those cutesy sound effects. Mind control is not bad either. If I were to have mind control powers, I'd immediately face my parents and say, 'I'M NOT GAY!' I could also make the crazies stay away from me. Heh. Definitely has its perks. Superhuman strength? No. What the hell would I do with that? I don't want to save anyone from anything. I'm not the heroic type you know. If I had that, I'd only use it to open cans so that I won't have to use a damn can opener anymore. Other than that, no, I can't think of any other thing to use it. Hmm. But then again, I can punch crazies with it huh. Hmmm, I guess it has its perks but...no. That's not the kind of powers I'd want.
So what kind of powers do I really want to have?
I did say I liked the Time Travel and Mind Control, but what I really want right now is to be able to read minds. You know where this is going huh. Yes, that's right. Me, wanting to have the ability to read minds, is all because of Saint Betty. It's always about Betty. It's like, this is Betty's world after all. Yeah I'm using a sarcastic sing song voice wherein I say that in the tune of 'it's a small world after all.' Anyway, the crazies are like, 'Betty is sad because of you,' 'Betty is happy because of you,' 'Betty is Betty because of you.' Okay so that last one definitely has some truth in it, but that's just for me. No crazies were involved in the naming of Haruna as Betty. The credits is all on me, but that really isn't the point huh. I'm just...I'm getting real tired of all that Betty crap, you know. Yeah, I get that she MAY have a crush on me. I mean, it was sort of obvious after I told her we can be friends. But then after Family day, she was just...I don't know. Depress? Yes, I think that's it. She's sometimes look like a walking depression now with her vacant eyes and gloomy sighs. Her smiles are forced and it's...damn irritating even for me. I get the whole forced smiles, that's my thing, but for someone like Betty to do that too? No. That's...that's not her. Yes, she still looks at me, still blushes like someone's red runny nose, but that'll just last a few seconds because then, after blushing, sometimes it'll turn into...a look as she looks down, avoiding my eyes. A look that I have no idea what it means. It's like a bunch of emotions are behind that look she always has besides...sadness. Pain? Guilt? Anger? Fear? ...Longing? ...I don't know.
You see why I'd want to have the power to read minds now? Yes, it's all for Betty's sake. I just want to know...what's up with her. What is she thinking? Why the sudden pull and push? What's with the look she's giving me? What is she trying to tell me with that look? I...I just want to understand her. But then again, I wonder...
...if I were to have such power and I found out what's wrong, what's next? What should I do next?
"Thanks for driving us, Takahashi-san." Crazy Psycho said at the midget driver in front of her.
I sighed and shook my head, saying, "You mean SORRY for driving us."
"No kidding. It's pretty cramped in here. It feels like I'm in a clown car or something." Megaphonic Creepy softly mumbled beside me, moving slightly as she frowned. Her shoulders up as the four of us were seated together. Correction, we're squeezed together in the backseat of what Crazy Psycho calls, 'The Midget Mobile.' Yes, she was the one who said that, not me. She saw the Midget Professor heading towards her car with Fang. She pointed towards the car and yelled, "Quick! To the Midget Mobile!"
Without waiting for our reply, she made a dash towards Midget Professor's car and quickly stepped inside, surprising the two. She explained the whole blah blah make Betty happy and we need a ride thing to the Midget one and tahdah. Here we all are, squeezed in the Midget Mobile's backseat. Like the owner, her car is pretty much a midget as well.
"Uh...yeah. Sorry for driving us when we could have TAKEN A CAB!" Snorlax gave Crazy Psycho a look as she said the emphasized words. Crazy Psycho just held out her hands nonchalantly as if shrugging. Obviously, she can't really shrug what with our shoulders pressed together, so hand gestures would suffice. No, I'm not exaggerating on this.
"Would you stop complaining! It's not like you four gave Takamina a choice!" Fang glared as she looked at us from the front seat. I could only narrow my eyes as Miichan let out a fake cough, letting out, "Friendzoned." which of course, prompted Fang to glare at her. I think I hear her growling too. No surprise there, it is Fang and all.
"It's okay. I'm happy that you guys are volunteering for a good cause. It's quite rare for kids your age to do such a thing." Midget Professor said, smiling through the rear view mirror.
"Actually, for me, this is more like forced volunteering for a whole different cause." I said as I looked at the side. True story. Apparently these three crazies are forcing me to make Princess Saint Betty happy by helping her with her volunteering work that I didn't know of. I seriously had no idea that Betty is doing the good deeds every Saturdays. But then again, it really isn't surprising since Betty is a Goody-Goody-Self-Proclaimed-Nun. It's her mission to save the world and all. It's Super Betty to the rescue. Sarcasm right there people.
Why didn't I say no?
Are you kidding me? I'm clearly outmatched. It's like 4 and 1/2 versus 1 here. I'm no match to the three of them in terms of strength. Snorlax's strength is equivalent to that of two women plus a midget. Mine is just like equivalent to a woman. If you combine Megaphonic Creepy and Crazy Psycho's strength to Snorlax's, that's like, 4 women plus a midget. You see the math there? It's a matter of life and death here and I chose not to have bruises on my skinny body so, I'm just whatever to their fucked up wishes about Betty's happiness.
"Oh, really? You might enjoy it though Shinoda-san. Helping people can make you feel better you know." Midget Professor looked at me through the rear view mirror. "Plus it might help you with your writing for your next paper."
"Doubt that." I mumbled. Fang gave me a look that I replied with an eye roll. Obviously she's not pleased with what I just muttered. Overprotective Fang girl, go figure.
So that uncomfortable ride took about 30 minutes of constant bickering from Crazy Psycho and Fang. What were they bickering about? Well, you know, trivial things about how Crazy Psycho wants to call Midget Professor, Takamina, but, unsurprisingly, Fang was against in and then all the blahs and whatever's between them for 30 minutes. Like I said, trivial things, so yeah, not important. Finally, we reached our destination which is...in front of an unfinished house. I gaped as I stepped out of the Midget Mobile, my shoulder's slumped as I thought of what we're going to do for today.
"You have got to be kidding me." I groaned as I looked at Snorlax who stood beside me, her eyebrow arched up. "She's been doing construction every Saturdays?" I asked.
"Last I heard, she was helping at an orphanage." Snorlax replied, confused.
"And before that, I think she participated in a feeding program." Megaphonic Creepy added beside Snorlax with a nod. Wow. Betty was into all of that? I know I shouldn't be surprised what with her being a Goody-Goody-Self-Proclaimed-Nun, but...wow. Saint Betty sure is...saintly.
"Thanks for the ride, Takahashi-san!" Miichan says from behind us. Turning, I watch her smile at the Midget Professor as she closed the door.
"No problem." Midget Professor said as she smiled back through the opened window. She then looked at the unfinished house saying, "Building a house eh? Looks fun."
"Want to join us?" Miichan asked as her eyebrow moved suggestively. The Midget one turned to look at her companion who scowled, leaning to look at Crazy Psycho as she says, "No."
"I was actually asking Takamina here."
"Stop calling her Takamina!" Fang barked, glaring at Crazy Psycho who rolled her eyes mumbling, "Whatever Friendzoned."
"You know, I've been meaning to ask what that means, Minegishi-san." Midget Professor said as she turned back, frowning a little. Crazy Psycho crossed her arms to her chest, grinning at the blushing Fang. Poor Fang. Crazy Psycho definitely has the upper hand on things. She definitely met her match. I could only narrow my eyes as Fang quickly ordered the Midget one to drive so that they could get the hell out of here. It looked like the Midget one felt a bit weirded out by the command, but shrugged it off and bid us farewell and goodluck, smiling. With our thanks and goodbyes said and done, the two drove off. I could only stare at the Midget Mobile as it gets smaller down the road, thinking how damn lucky they are they aren't participating in this crappy project of making Betty happy. Damn lucky.
"Wh-what are you guys doing here?" A familiar voice stammered nervously. I turned towards the voice and found Betty heading towards us from the unfinished house with an unknown girl following her from behind.
"Haruna-chan!" Crazy Psycho beamed, hugging the confused girl. Her eyebrows furrowed underneath her glasses as she looked at us one by one, until her gaze falls on me. My eyebrow arched up as I looked at her eyes for a second then slowly, my eyes traveled down, sizing up her attire. She was wearing a bandana, her messy hair tied up in a ponytail. The white shirt looked a bit oversized underneath the baggy denim overalls she's wearing, and then it ends with her wearing rubber shoes. All in all, she looked okay, really. Unlike her everyday horrendous clothing that you can somehow relate to Amish fashion, she really looked okay today. I was contemplating on telling her that as I brought my eyes back to hers. But then, she quickly looked away, blushing. No surprise there. Guess she wasn't used to me sizing her up. So much for complimenting her then. Meh, shy Betty is shy after all.
"So, you four must be the new volunteers that would be helping us today." The unknown skinny woman with porcelain skin who was wearing the same get up as Betty said, smiling as she stood beside Betty. She seriously looked like she doesn't have blood underneath that whitish pale skin of hers. Maybe her blood is all white then. Hmmm. Could be. It's either that or she's a vampire which is...nah. I'm just going to go with her blood being white then.
"Ah. You must be Matsui Rena." Miichan said as she removed her hold on Betty, turning towards the other woman, giving her a smile. "I'm Minegishi Minami, the one who talked to you on the phone earlier. Nice to meet you!"
The two gave each other bows and soon enough, me, Snorlax and Creepy were all bowing at Whitey as we introduced ourselves. I don't know if I was imagining it or what but Whitey gave me a wide smile as I introduced myself unenthusiastically to her. Makes me wonder if Betty has been talking about me again. I glanced at her and she looked away again, her lips pursed. Hmmm. I'm thinking yes. Meh, she probably mentioned me since I am her roommate and all. Hopefully she didn't discuss to Whitey about her not so secret crush on me cause that's just...ugh. Oh and yes, I'm going to call Betty's friend Whitey now. It seems fitting really. So after the whole pleasantries and Betty looking a bit uncertain on us being there because she probably thinks we'll end up destroying the house rather than help built it -which is totally understandable except for Snorlax since she looked built for this kind of shit- we all turned towards the house, looking at it as Whitey explains to us the obviousness of what we're up against. Hammering, sawing, hammering and a bunch of sawing until the second batch of volunteers comes and replace us. Ah, I'm predicting body aches later on for this crap. Out of everything Betty does for humanity, it had to be building a house for today. God seriously SERIOUSLY hates me. What have I done to you, oh God, to deserve this kind of punishment?! What?!
"Group huddle!" Crazy Psycho suddenly exclaimed as she looked at the three of us. She turned towards Whitey and Betty as she says, "Excuse me Rena-chan and Haruna-chan. I have to talk to these three first before we can start," with a smile.
"No problem." Whitey said with a smile, her hands clasped together as she talks. Meanwhile, Betty looked at us with her head tilted slightly to the side, confusion across her features. Her confusion is pretty understandable since I am feeling a bit confused myself especially when Crazy Psycho wrapped her arm around my shoulder and Creepy's pulling us slightly down, our backs facing the two nun-like friends. The four of us formed a ridiculous mini circle under Crazy Psycho's command. I could only narrow my eyes as she says what she wants.
"Okay, don't forget, we have to find out why Haruna-chan seems down lately." She whispered to us, her face masked in seriousness. I raised my hand slightly, my eyes still narrowed as I pointed out the obviousness.
"Didn't we already established the fact that I'm the source of her unhappiness?" True. We already discussed this earlier as I was adamantly telling them that with me being here, will only make Saint Betty unhappy. But then they told me about how I make her happy as well so they insisted on me being here. So I make her sad and happy huh? Great. Deadpan tone there.
"Well maybe it's because you did something to her." Creepy said, looking at me suspiciously.
"I didn't do anything to her." Well I did say her name when she weirdly requested me too but...I don't think that has anything to do with depress Betty. Plus, I have no intention of saying that to the crazies. So whatever. Still didn't do anything to her.
"Well I think she's just jealous of Saito-san." Snorlax shrugged.
"I'm guessing that too." Crazy Psycho nodded.
"I haven't met the guy but based on your tales...ditto." Creepy agreed as well.
"Or she could be an addict and is in a path of righteousness which is why she's suffering from withdrawals right now." I shrugged, nonchalantly. Three pair of narrowed eyes looked at me blankly. What? It could happen. There is a famous saying, 'expect the unexpected' you know.
"That sounded like something that I would say." Crazy Psycho pointed out and I just rolled my eyes at that.
"Let's just go with the Princess being jealous as the main presumption here." Creepy said as she waved her hand. Snorlax and Crazy Psycho nodded their head in agreement while I glared at the three, not liking their theory. If Betty is jealous of Smiles then...ugh. This crush thing has definitely gone too far. Should I...do something about it then?
I let out a sigh as I looked at the ground, contemplating on the Betty problem. Only when I heard a honk of a car did I raise my head back to look at the familiar jeep. My shoulder slumped as I gaped at the person coming out of his jeep, carrying cups of coffee, wearing that sickening smile as he walked towards us.
"What the hell is HE doing here?!" Miichan exclaimed looking pissed off as she removed her arms from me and Creepy, looking at Smiles. I glanced at Betty and found her staring at Smiles, giving him a look of...emptiness. Could the crazies theory be right then? Great. If it is, then so much for making Betty happy today. I mean, with Smiles and me being here, it just added her depression levels to high heading to danger.
"Yo!" He greeted, giving us a toothy smile. He then held up what he's carrying as he says, "I bring caffeinated goodies to you all."
"How gay." I deadpan, crossing my arms to my chest, looking at him boredly. He gave me a shrug, smiling.
"What are you doing here?!" Miichan asked as she stepped closer to Smiles who looked taken aback by the glare of his twin.
"I thought you were inviting me to be here."
Three pair of eyes looked at Crazy Psycho, our eyebrows raised as she shook her head in denial.
"No I didn't!" She replied, still glaring at her twin.
"I asked you where you guys are going and you told me what the exact address is and its landmark. Plus, you told me what you guys are going to do and who you were with in complete details." Smiles explained, his brow furrowed slightly. He then shrugged his muscled shoulders as he added, "I don't know about you, but with all that information you gave me, that sounded like an invitation to me."
"I told you all that so that if anything happens to us, you'd know where our bodies are. DUH!" She said as if stating the obvious which...is really not so obvious to normal people, seriously. Crazy Psycho gave him a nasty look as she pulled down Snorlax and Creepy for another huddle. Smiles looked at me, perplexed as he pouted slightly.
"That doesn't make sense."
"In crap talk it does." I sighed and looked at him sympathetically, walking towards him. I grabbed his offered coffee and looked at it as I added, "Have you forgotten that this is Crazy Psycho you're talking to?" as I stood beside him.
He let out a sigh as he shook his head, wearing a small smile. With a shrug and a wink to me, he made way towards the others, offering his caffeine goodies. The corner of my lips tugged up slightly as Crazy Psycho continues to give him a hard time, telling him that he's ruining our plans...or rather, her plans. The poor Buffoon could only scratch his head and offer his sorry to his twin while greeting Snorlax and Betty. He then introduced himself to Whitey and Creepy as I stood a few feet away from them, sipping his offered goodness. It was then I noticed Betty looking at me, her eyes full of emotions locked on mine. I tried to hold her gaze, just so I could figure out what it is that she's trying to tell me, to help her, and at the same time, for me to somehow figure out what I should do next. But then, like other times, she averted her gaze from mine, giving a forced smile at Smiles as he offered her coffee. I let out a sigh as I looked at the brown liquid inside the cup. My brow creased and my hand tightened slightly at the cup that I was holding as I stared at my mirrored image.
Dammit Betty. You really need to get over your crush on me...
...but how...?
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"Something troubling you, Scrooge?" Smiles asked as he glanced at me. Yes, despite Crazy Psycho being pissed off by Smiles sudden appearance and for ruining her plans, she halfheartedly told him that he could stay since we obviously need the man power. He looked ecstatic with that, suddenly picking her up and began swinging Crazy Psycho around like a kid who unsurprisingly began to squeal in delight as well, enjoying the ride. Seeing the two like that, I could only narrow my eyes at their childishness. Miichan really can't stay mad at her twin for more than a few hours. Why? I don't know. She's always like that when it comes to her friends. Anyway, I honestly think Smiles being here is a good thing since he can help us with the heavy stuff. I mean, sure we've got Snorlax who's got a strength of 2 women and a midget but, she is still a girl and all so...yeah. Go Smiles. Plus, c'mon, 6 girls constructing a house with 3 or 2 of them having no experience in such a thing besides hammering? Yeah, like that'll end well. Sarcasm there.
"What makes you think that?" I turned to him, frowning.
"Well you've been pounding that nail for quite some time now." He pointed out as I pound the nail again. "And I'm pretty sure you can't see it anymore what with it buried deep now."
I turned to look at the nail and found that it was in pretty deep. Huh. Look at that. He's right. Whatever. I let out a sigh as I picked up a nail from the floor, placed it on the wood and readied the hammer again to pound it in. Smiles grabbed my hammer though as I was about to beat the nail with it.
"C'mon, talk to me." He sighs as he turned to me fully. I glared at him and grabbed my hammer back from him, offering silence to his request. I began to pound on the blasted nail again, ignoring him as he stares at me.
"Does this have anything to do with your roommate having a crush on you?" He asked, making me falter for a second until I began to hammer the nail again, hammering it twice as hard as I glare at it. I'm guessing Crazy Psycho told him about it the other day. Damn you Crazy Psycho. And damn you Saint Betty!
So what happened? And why does it seem like I'm pissed off at Betty?
Good fucking question, because I am! Just slightly though. It's more like...I'm frustrated. Let me explain. You know about Crazy Psycho's Betty plan right? Yeah, make Betty happy and find out what's shitting her and whatever. That plan is till underway as the three are insistently trying to hang out with Betty as they work, asking her stuff and whatever. What about me? Yeah well, it feels like she didn't want anything from me as she tries to avoid me as we work. Believe me, I was trying to form a conversation with her as per request of Crazy Psycho earlier and well, she just mumbled out an excuse and walked away, leaving me to stare at her retreating back, confused. Can you believe it?! No? Okay, so I tried it again just awhile ago and she did the same. She was being distant with me, saying something about helping Whitey in the other room without looking at me, and just left me alone with Creepy who looked just as confused as me. Yeah, so I get the brush off and decided to leave her be like she wanted and started hanging with the Buffoon who was hammering stuff. Without saying anything, he handed me some nails and a hammer and began hammering away my anger and frustration about Saint Betty. If she doesn't want to talk to me or look at me anymore, FINE! Who needs her and her fucking mood swings. First she tells me she wants to be my friend and now she's being all evasive with me? The fuck right?! God, why do I even bother.
Maybe it's better off that we just...treat each other as strangers, you know. Like this.
"C'mon now, Scrooge. You know you can talk to me right?" He reminded me as I continue to pound my hammer on the wood, the nail getting shorter and shorter as I continue to strike it. Once the head of the nail was locked in place, I let out a sigh as I held the hammer down to the side, letting out, "I try to forget...but yeah, I know," with a shrug.
"A girl having a thing on you again, huh? One word? HOT." He chuckled as his brow moved suggestively at me. I could only roll my eyes at that. Sometimes I forget that he's a man you know.
"You know, when Miichan told me about that, I wasn't surprised. No wonder she gave me that heartbreaking look last time."
"Not funny." I growled as I glared at him.
"I know. It really isn't funny especially when it's one sided and you're on the receiving end of an inevitable rejection." He said, smiling. "I should know, right? I mean, I've been there."
I let out another sigh as I massage my temples. Things are getting so fucked up now. The Buffoon is right, this whole thing with Betty seems pretty similar to what happened to him back then. A friend falls for me, and I ended up hurting him by rejecting his feelings. Same situation, different people...same inevitable outcome. But then, I'm still friends with Smiles despite the heartache I probably bought him. So...could me and Betty...still be...friends?
"So? What's the plan then? You going to reject her too?" He asked, curiously. I stared at him for awhile, noticing his gentle and handsome features as he looked back, waiting. It was at that moment as he tilted his head slightly and creased his brow did an idea came to me that would solve Betty's not so secret crush on me.
"Maybe you should...date her...?" I suggested, my eyes widening slightly at the idea I just came up with. Why the hell didn't I think of that sooner?
"What?!" He cried out as he looked at me like I'm insane. Well...maybe I was insane right now. But that really isn't the point right now. I grabbed him by his wrist, looking directly at him as I say, "Go out with her, just until her crush on me stops."
He pulled his hand away from me, frowning.
"No! Are you crazy?! I don't want to date her." He hissed as he looks around, looking if someone was listening in on our conversation. He probably thought that this conversation isn't appropriate to discuss here as he grabbed my arm and starts to drag me outside the house. Once in a safe distance from the house, he released his hold on my arm as we stood face to face in the sidewalk.
"What's wrong with dating her? Is it her clothes? Her looks?" I asked, my voice getting louder with every question I throw at him, angry at finding out how shallow he can be. "C'mon, she's not half bad. She's pretty for God's sakes. Even I can admit it." Well I can admit it to him, to her...not yet. I think I haven't said that to Betty yet huh.
"I just don't want to play that kind of game. Getting someone to ward off what she feels for you is just...wrong. And it doesn't work that way." He reasoned with a sigh. "If you don't want her, then just say it to her."
"It does work that way. Feelings are transferable you know." I argued, looking at him defiantly. He stares at me for awhile until he shook his head and sighs.
"Somehow, I'm not surprised to hear that from you." He then waved his hand dismissively as he looked at the side saying, "And this discussion about feelings being transferable is not up for debate. All I'm saying is that you should talk to her and reject her if you don't want her."
I let out a groan of frustration as I walked to a tree and sat on the ground, leaning on it with my arms crossed to my chest. So much for the awesome plan I had.
"I've never seen you this affected by someone having feelings for you." He said softly as he crouched down in front of me.
"What are you implying?" I glared at him.
He chuckled, holding up his hands as if in surrender. He then rests his hands to his lap as he sat down on the ground, giving me a small sad smile. "I'm just...wondering if I affected you this way too back then."
"I don't know. I can't remember." I lied as I looked at the side, avoiding his eyes.
"Just talk to her Mariko. You'll feel a lot better." He advised as he stood up, brushing the back of his pants.
"You know I'm still going to insist you into asking Haruna out." I said as I looked up at him. "Like I said, she's really not bad."
He stared at me for awhile, looking bewildered at what I said. It made me frown, not really getting on why he's looking at me like that. Not like there's something wrong with what I said. I mean, I still think him dating Betty would avert her growing affections to me. Plus, she might be good for him, you know. So...it really isn't surprising, right? Why is he looking at me like I've grown horns then? Did I?
"You know her name." He whispered in amazement as he stares down at me. That's it? What kind of fucked up reason is that for him to stare at me like that?
"She's my roommate." I reasoned as I narrowed my eyes. Plus the crazies are pretty much a Haruna's fan club so yeah. But, I don't need to add that, really.
"Miichan was practically living with you and she said it still took you years to call her by her name. It took you almost a year to call me by MY name. While this...Haruna girl, took you what? 3 months?" He said as he looked at me incredulously.
"Are you implying, what I think you're implying?" I glared at him while he shrugged.
"Probably."
"You two are bothersome back then. She's annoying in a way...but not THAT annoying as the two of you." I pointed out as I stood up, brushing the dirt from the back of my jeans.
"Right." He drawled exasperatingly as he looked at me with disbelief. I rolled my eyes at him, slapped his chest hard through his shirt and walked away saying, "Whatever you muscled Buffoon. I don't need to justify myself to you."
"That hurts! And yes you do! You owe me that much!" He groaned from behind me.
I rolled my eyes at that as I continue to head back towards the house saying, "No I don't! I don't need to justify myself to you or anyone else!"
True dat.
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I was a bit pissed off at Smiles for that talk we had, so I decided to hang with Snorlax and help her with the sawing. And by help I mean sitting on the pile of wood as she saws them in half. Yeah well, I asked her if I could be of some help to her and she just grumbled telling me to sit on the damn wood so that it wouldn't move. Best job offer ever.
"Could you move your lazy ass over here? Thanks." She grumbled again, pointing at where she wants me to sit. With a shrug, I sat down where she wants me and began resuming my game on my phone.
"So? Have you found out anything about Haruna?" She grunted while she cuts the wood.
"Shouldn't I be asking that question since...she's pretty much avoiding me." I simply said, wondering if she could hear my spite in my voice. Meh, whatever. Betty could jump off a cliff now for all I care.
"Yeah, Sae told me about that. Kinda odd really."
"You can say that again." I mumbled, frowning at my phone as I failed to cut the damn banana in half. Yes, apparently I'm helping Snorlax by cutting fruits while she cuts wood. Lazy ass, I know, but she can handle the sawing thing. I mean look, she finished cutting it with flying colors. Or rather with sweat trickling down her neck and forehead but whatever. She's good at it. Hurray for Amazon-like-Snorlax. Hurray.
"Maybe you should talk to her." She suggested as she wipes her sweat with a white cloth, turning to me.
"And say what?" I groaned as I turned to her. First Smiles and now Snorlax. I know I should talk to her and all but...the thing is...I have no idea what I should say to her. No, scratch that. I do know what I SHOULD say to her. But...
"Honestly, I don't know either." She said, chuckling.
"Some help you are." I mumbled as I stare at the 'game over' words on my phone. Damn flying fruits.
"Well I could say the same to you." She narrowed my eyes at me, her hands placed on her waist, looking unimpressed. Lazy ass, I know. I shrugged nonchalantly as a reply. She shook her head with a sigh then picked up the wood that she cut in half. She held it towards me saying, "Take this to Saito-san so you could be of use around here."
"Touche." I rolled my eyes and took the offered wood, wrapping my arms around it as I stood up. Grumbling, I began looking for Smiles inside the house, hearing Crazy Psycho and Creepy's voice up on the second floor, laughing. I stopped when I heard Smiles laugh as well. Great. He's on the second floor and I'm carrying this pieces of forestry here on the ground floor. You see the problem here? Sighing, I gently placed the slightly heavy wood on the ground and decided to just wait for the lunk of muscled Buffoon to come down. Yeah, yeah, I'm a lazy ass right now. Whatever.
I began walking around, looking at the unfinished house, wondering how many days it'll take to finish it. The thought of 'why am I building a house for someone when I don't have a house of my own' also came to my mind. That thought made me chuckle softly as I walked towards the back porch. It was then I stopped my wandering as I saw a familiar Saint sitting on the floor with a first aid kit beside her. I couldn't tell what she was doing as her back was facing me. Curious, I walked towards her as quietly as I could knowing she was hell bent on avoiding me. I stopped just a few feet from her as I had a clear view of what she was trying to do.
She was trying to put a band aid on her injured finger.
I would've walked away from it since putting a band aid on isn't really much of a feat, I mean, even Maachan can do that, but she looks like she's having a hard time putting it on herself, and I don't think she put something on it other than wash it. So...I thought that since I'm already doing altruistic deeds, why not offer her my services, right? Plus, maybe this'll get me a chance to talk to her. I mean Snorlax and Smiles advised me to talk to her, regardless of I don't know what the hell I'm going to say to her now, so...yeah. Let's try that then.
"Want some help with that?" I asked as I looked down at the top of her bandana covered head. My lips tugged up as she jumped at hearing my voice. She slowly turned her head to look up at me over her shoulder, nervousness visible in her eyes.
"Well?" My eyebrow arched up as I wait for her answer. I wasn't surprised when she looked away, shook her head and began packing up the first aid kit beside her as she stammered out her response.
"Um...I...I can take care of it myself later on...so um...excuse me..."
I watch as she grabbed the first aid kit with her injured finger protruding, stood up from where she's sitting and began walking away from me. But, you know me, I'm really getting tired of her brush off today, well at least my pride is and that isn't really healthy so, uncharacteristically, after she took only about three steps away from me, I quickly grabbed her arm and stopped her from going further. She looked stunned as she turned her head to look at me. I could see confusion in her eyes and...something else that I have no idea what. Instead of trying to figure out what it is, I just shook my head and looked away, dragging her to where I found her.
"Sit." I commanded as I sat on the floor, my hand now holding her wrist. I was waiting for her to sit beside me and when she didn't, I looked up at her and she's just...staring at me, blankly. I let out a tired sigh as I tugged her slightly, trying to wake her up to wherever her brain is right now.
"Just sit down and let me take a look at that." I coaxed gently, looking her straight in the eye. After awhile of just empty staring, she hesitantly gave in, lowering herself to sit down next to me. I saw her body stiffened when our knees touched, and again, I wasn't surprised when she moved slightly away from me, giving us space. I turned slightly to face her, noticing her eyes resting on my hand that was still on her wrist. She was a ball of wreck in front of me, it was so obvious especially when I saw her twitch the moment our hands touched slightly as I reached out my free hand to grab the first aid kit from her hold. With my lips pursed, I placed the first aid kit beside me and opened it. I removed my hand on her wrist and began to look at the various items inside.
"This won't take awhile. I'm just going to clean your wound, apply the necessary cure for it and then you can go back to avoiding me." I said wearing a tight smile as I look at the first aid kit. No, I didn't say that to her bitterly. No bitterness laced words there. I just stated the obvious to her.
"I...I'm...not avoiding you." She said softly, unsure.
"Not stupid here." I tell her as I reached for her hand. She tries not to twitch, but I felt it the moment I took hold of her hand and slowly pulled it closer to me, our palms facing each other with mine underneath hers. I frowned slightly when I saw the deep cut on her index finger.
"How'd you get this?" I asked, looking at her.
"I...I accidentally cut it while I was sawing awhile ago." She admitted, her eyes to the side as a blush creeps on her cheeks.
"You do know that it's the wood that you're supposed to cut with a saw, not your finger, right?" I reminded her as I narrowed my eyes. She nodded her head hesitantly, the corner of her lips twitching as she tries not to smile at what I said.
"Did you clean it with water and soap?"
She glanced at me then looked to the side again, nodding her head. Well at least she got that right.
"So no ointment then? Just going to bandage it without putting anything on it?" I questioned, my eyebrow raised up as I continue to look at her.
"W-well...yes. Ointment stings so I..."
"You have got to be kidding me." I let out flatly as I shook my head. "Little pain is okay rather than dying from an infection you know."
She replied by giving me a small smile, her eyes downcast to her lap. Here I am lecturing her and she's...enjoying it? Huh. I think she's already suffering from infection right now. With a sigh, I pulled out a cotton ball and dabbed an antibiotic ointment on it.
"Well, you already know this would sting so...prepare yourself I guess." I looked back at her. She nodded her head again and bit her lower lip as she anticipates the pain, her slightly squinted eyes trained on her wound. I couldn't help but raise my eyebrow slightly at how she looks, and I haven't even put the ointment yet. How fucked up that is right? Shaking my head from such thoughts, I gently dabbed the cotton on her cut, feeling her moist soft hand squeeze mine as she winced in pain.
"Just a little more." I tried to soothe her as I continue to treat her not so enormous wound. Once I was done putting the ointment, I looked at her as her whole body seemed to relax.
"Uh, I'm going to cover it up now." I said to which she gave a nod. I stared at her for awhile, waiting and then let out a sigh, pointing out another obvious. "Yeah, so...I need my other hand's help to cover your wound."
She hastily let go of my hand, blushing furiously as she kept her eyes locked on her lap.
"S-sorry." She mumbled.
I pursed my lips, pulling out a band aid from the first aid kit. The sound of me opening it and Crazy Psycho's laughter were the only noise around us as we were consumed in our own thoughts. Well, I think she is as her uninjured hand seems to be gripping her jeans tight. Thinking nothing of it, I told her to hold up her hand and I gently placed the band aid on her wound. She stared at her covered finger for awhile, biting her lower lip in concentration. Wonder what's going on inside that messed up head of hers.
"All done." I said, unenthusiastically as I closed the first aid kit. I turned back to look at her and was slightly surprised to see her looking back at me, wearing a soft smile.
"Thank you."
I nodded my head, offering her a small smile. I stared at her for awhile, wondering if I should say something to her now about her growing feelings for me. But then I suddenly noticed something as my eyes moved down to her lips.
"Uh...you've got a...dirt on your lip." I said as I slowly reached out for her lip, ignoring the nervousness apparent in her features. I pinched her lower lip, making her wince as I tried to get the dirt but it stayed stuck. I blinked as I stare at her lip. Eh?
"Th-that's not dirt, Shinoda-san. It's a mole." She clarifies in a whiny voice, pouting as she rub her lip with her finger.
"No kidding." I let out as she cutely bit her lower lip, looking at me. I couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle at that, finding it funny that I mistook a mole for a dirt.
"Sorry...I just...I actually thought that was dirt." I smiled which she returned, staring at me for awhile.
"I like it...when I see you smiling." She confessed softly, keeping her gaze at me despite the blush that forms on cheeks. "It's nice to see you smiling."
I held her gaze for awhile as she gives me a genuine smile, a blush covering her cheeks. With a smile I honestly replied back, "I should be saying the same thing to you."
She looked momentarily stunned at what I said but then she quickly bounced back, giving me a wide smile. Looking at her like this, it made me remember what I said to Smiles earlier, about her being pretty and well...she is. Betty is pretty, especially when she smiles. I had the sudden urge to say it to her, for her self esteem's sake mind you. So I opened my mouth and was about to tell it to her when I heard footsteps heading our way, followed by a familiar voice.
"Eh? Who left these..." Smiles trailed. He saw me sitting on the porch and shook his head, pointing at the wood that he's carrying. "I'm guessing you were the one who left these on the floor?"
"Your ability to state the obvious astounds me." I deadpan as I narrowed my eyes at him. He rolled his eyes then stiffened when he realized that I wasn't alone. His eyes darts between me and Betty.
"Oh, um...was I...interrupting something?" He asked, looking apologetically at me. I continue to narrow my eyes, completely unfazed as I heard a reply from above.
"Yes, you idiot! You're a ruiner!" Crazy Psycho yelled.
He raised his eyebrow. "What's a urine-r?"
"Get out of there!!" Crazy Psycho and Megaphonic Creepy's voice bellowed from above, startling Smiles as he jumped slightly. Without another word, he quickly made a dash outside the house, carrying the wood that I carried earlier. I let out a sigh then turned back to Betty, not surprised to see her frowning slightly at her lap. I could see clearly how her whole demeanor changed because of Smiles. She looks...distressed, completely different from her smiley self earlier. Seeing this, I was now certain that she is indeed jealous of the muscled Buffoon.
"I...I should get back to work." She said before grabbing the first aid kit beside me and standing up. She then looked down at me, offering me an empty smile as she says, "Thanks for...earlier. I'll...I'll see you later."
Without waiting for a reply, she walked hurriedly away from me. I let out a sigh, placing my chin in my hand as I watch her retreating form, disappearing from my view. So much for boosting up her self confidence then. Urine-r sure has sucky timing.
"Shinoda-san? Are you okay?" A voice said from behind me. Turning to look, my brow creased slightly as I saw Whitey looking at me curiously, just a few feet away from me. How'd she get there? I didn't hear here coming from behind me. Did she like, float or something?
"Uh, yeah. Just dandy." I shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm just taking a rest, you know." Yes, from cutting fruits. Meh, she doesn't need to know that though.
"Oh, I see. Can I join you then?" She smiled to which I just replied with another shrug. Still keeping that smile of hers that is bordering to my creepiness radar, she sat down next to me and looked at the backyard full of nothingness but green grass and trees.
"I'm glad you guys volunteered today. It's nice to finally meet Kojima-san's friends."
I glanced at her, wondering why I haven't seen her before since she too goes to Crackhouse University. Or have I but just forgot? Hmmm. Meh, Crackhouse University is pretty big so...no. I probably haven't seen there before. Yes, I'm going to trust my memory on this one, regardless of how my memory has its auto delete function for needless people and situations.
"I take it she's been talking about us then?" I asked. She nodded her head, smiling.
"She has."
No surprise there. She glanced at me, her teasing eyes boring mine as she added, "Especially you."
Again, I repeat. No surprise there. I did let out a groan though as I covered my face with my hand. I heard a giggle coming out of Whitey.
"She talks very highly of you Shinoda-san."
I moved my hand from my face slightly down as I glanced back at her, curious. "How high?"
"Uh...very VERY high?" She answered, unsure, still keeping that teasing smile of hers. Damn Betty. I'm really not that interesting of a topic yet she continues to tell people about me. What the hell does she tell these people anyway?
"Don't worry. It's all good."
"That doesn't really make me feel better." I sighed, resting my chin in my hand. She let out a chuckle on that.
"I guess it doesn't." She nodded. We were silent for awhile, looking at nothingness. Only did she let out a sigh did I glanced back at her, frowning slightly.
"I've been noticing that she's been...down lately. Do you know anything about that?" She asked, turning her face towards me. The teasing glint on her eyes was replaced with worry. She asks me if I know anything about withdrawal Betty and well...hell yeah I do. Her feelings for me are bordering towards red for danger. I make her happy and at the same time I make her sad. And she's fucking jealous of a Buffoon. That should sum up why she's been down lately. Psh.
But...Whitey doesn't need to know that, really.
"No." I lied, glaring ahead of me. I feel her eyes on my for awhile until she averted it, shaking her head with a sigh.
"I guess she's just nervous about the upcoming concert then."
Okay, so that wasn't on my 'Betty's main problem' list.
"Concert?" I raised my eyebrow at her as she turned to me.
"Uh, yeah. Didn't she tell you that our church is having a concert next week and she's having a solo?" She tilted her head slightly. I opened my mouth then quickly closed it, frowning. I'm feeling a bit stunned as a new information about Betty suddenly flooded my mind.
Betty sings?!
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So, despite the shock from the new added information given to me by Whitey about Betty, and her suggesting me to come to the concert and support Betty in her upcoming solo as a surprise, despite all that, I ended up continuing my altruistic deeds as we wait for the second batch of volunteers. And by doing altruistic deeds I mean slicing those damn fruits while I hang with Snorlax. Yeah, I made a high score on that. Heh. Yeah, yeah, lazy ass, I know. Anyway, only a few volunteers came so we ended up working the whole day to help them. And now, tahdah, we're all squeezed inside Smiles jeep heading back to the dorms all wiped out. Okay, so they're all wiped out and are currently dozing off. I mean, I can hear Snorlax snoring lightly beside Megaphonic Creepy who's currently using my shoulder as a pillow as she mumbles out incoherent things. Crazy Psycho seems to be asleep with her mouth open in front and Smiles just let out his 5th yawn as he drives. Yup, their completely dozing off while I sit here with my arms crossed to my chest, bored to death. What about Whitey? She decided not to ride with us as her friend picked her up. Who? Can't remember. My auto delete function seemed to deem it pointless so...yeah. Deleted.
What about Betty?
I glanced at Betty who's been nodding off towards triple Z land beside me. Yup, she tired too. And yes, she avoided me the whole time after I tended on her wound. She couldn't avoid us sitting together here though as Creepy and Snorlax shove me towards her. How nice right? True friends.
"Blerghpshhh." Creepy mumbled as she nuzzled her face on my shoulder, her arms wrapping itself around my waist. I'm guessing that's the language of her people. Ugh. She better not be drooling or I swear I'll shove her hard towards Snorlax.
"Want me to drive?" I asked Smiles, looking through the rear view mirror as he let out another yawn. He waved his hand dismissively then made a quick turn on a street. Physics seems to take place as the force of the turn made us lean to the side, making Betty's head to rest on my shoulder. Great. Now I have three heads in my body.
I sighed and shook my head. My eyebrow arched up as I felt Betty press herself closer to me, nuzzling her head on my shoulder. I can feel my elbow pressed up to her breasts and well...awkward. Slowly, I removed my elbow and placed my hands on my lap, thinking that it would be uncomfortable to her what with me elbowing her breasts and all. I turned to look at her, my lips parted slightly as she softly whimpered, moving closer to me, her breasts pressed on my arm now and her hand that's on her lap too were touching mine. I continue to watch her, my lips tugs up as her nose wrinkled cutely as a couple of bangs sways on her face. She looks peaceful. So peaceful that I couldn't help but let out a sad sigh as I looked away from her.
Why did I let out a sad sigh, you ask?
Because I'm reminded of the obviousness of my hesitation in regards to rejecting Betty's growing affection. I mean, based on this day alone, I think you already know why I'm hesitating, right? No? It's simple, really.
I just...I don't want to hurt her.
My eyes made its way to the rear view mirror as I felt Smiles staring at me, blankly. That blank stare slowly turns into a knowing look as he smiled sadly at me.
TBC__________________________________________________
Next up: Betty reaches 100% at her concert. Hopefully, I can pull that chapter off since it'll be a spiral of emotions from Betty.
Curious to know. What do you guys think of the pacing of the story? Meduim rare? Well done? I'd like to know.
Thanks for reading!
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Topic: [MariHaru] Basket Case - Under Construction (HPOV Chap3 Posted) 7/20 (Read 128996 times)