Moon Crying@rnd: That makes the both of us. I like selfish Ai too. Urm, no? What’s D&D?
@Sukoshi-chan: At least it’s not a cab this time
@kR: Did you read it in the end? Ahhh, I see you did. *tries to patch kR’s heart back with tape*
@Sticky: *Gasps* Who told you that? The % of my characters living is still higher than them being dead. Yup, the infamous Futarigoto. I have always found the relationship between these 2 very fascinating. And I still do.
@Hart: But I do keep them alive. Why do I get this reputation of killing characters off? I thought most authors do it
@Treykun: Oh no no. I don’t like my readers being sad. But if they get this way after reading my fic and it’s a sad one, then I feel glad that I managed to put the intended message across. Could I pass you some tissue?
@BS: I was thinking more of a lorry driver. But it’s up to you readers to slot whatever you want that baddie man to be driving
Midnight 5@rnd: AI isn’t that scary yet. So I think you can put off the being afraid of her part till later
@BS: Kamei “saw” something that’s why she is running away. This will be revealed in the next chapter
@AA: Can I call you this alwaysYou? It’s easier to type
You like AiKoha? YES!! I was hoping that at least one person approves of this rather strange pairing
@Hart: Aibutt-hime?
Scary Ai IS hawt huh? But then again, when is she not hawt. I’m happy you like the drama. It’s not too much is it? *worried*
@ayase: I hope you dear readers don’t mind me shortening your name. It’s easier to type shorter names ^^; The age gap between Ai and Koha is a little big the reason behind it was explained. Besides, they might not end up together. But who knows until I’ve written the ending
@Sukoshi-chan: Perhaps people in the past don’t like to lock their doors? Oh? You want a AiEri pairing? But that’s in Merry Go Round
EHHHH?!?! Where is that screencap from?
@kR: I love how you reply to my fics too . All the cute emoticons which fit so well
TanaShige OPV@BS: Wow, you liked this that much huh? I’m really delighted.
@pretend-san: YAY! Another reader who likes the OPV. I was afraid it wasn’t good enough
@Sukoshi-chan: My vids can’t compare to yours. I wish you weren’t so busy. Then we would get to see more of your creations ^^
@Hotaru-chan: An idea? Should I be excited about this?
@Sticky: Wah, I didn’t expect you to rewrite the comments. Arigatou!! I really appreciate it! *sniff*
I never heard you speak broken English when we met. Do you? How many dead Risas have you counted so far? Yup, that was Risa’s hand lying on Ai’s body. I checked and double checked to make sure. I even slow-mo-ed the PV to see
When are you reading the rest?
-----
Broken – Onna ga Medatte Naze Ikenai Edition "It's over! Yay!"
I was the first on my feet as I clapped ecstatically to announce the smooth completion of our 42th single. I was happy that the PV shooting was over as it meant I could at last head home for some well-deserved rest. I had to attend the early morning filming for a variety program the next day and I could really use all the sleep I could get.
Although this was part of the reason why I was so excited, the greater part of that enthusiasm stemmed from my anticipation of what I knew would happen next...
-----
"We actually ended early."
"Yep! Let's go for a snack later."
You gushed excitedly, pointing to one of the entrances at the far end of the building where the set had been built.
"There? You wanna go there?"
"Yes?"
Your gaze was filled with bewilderment as you replied, the innocence shining in your eyes so apparent that I was momentarily entranced. Remembering that we were supposed to keep you distracted while the others prepared the cake, I tore my sight from the windows to your kind and beautiful soul and tried to continue the conversation.
"That’s the exit. You wanna leave without changing out of the costume?"
The sudden realization that we were all still dressed in the red and white outfits made you laugh sheepishly. Proceeding to cling onto me as you neared ever so slightly, I suspect you might have leaned completely into my side if not for the shout of happy birthday that someone had suddenly yelled out.
Why have I started to notice how sweet you can be? -----
I trekked up the stairs carefully, all the while mindful to not let the cake I was holding slip from my hands. It was unique, the only one in the whole of Japan. A masterpiece that had to be preordered in advance to ensure its availability.
From the strawberry flavor, to the toppings and even the design painted on it, every single detail was carefully thought out. As I stared down at the picture of the smiling turtle at the corner of the cake, the memories from two weeks ago surfaced in my mind.
~Flashback~ "Want to have dinner after this?"
Posing the question to the young woman sharing my dresser, I waited for her answer as I watched her pat at the thin sheen of sweat covering her neck, a result of another one of our incredibly intensive dance rehearsals.
"Today? I'm afraid I'll have to pass on this one."
"You have plans?"
Standing up and turning away with the pretext of changing out of my own sweat drenched T-shirt, I successfully hid my disappointed expression from you.
"I'm going to order Kame's birthday cake."
~End of Flashback~ How could I forget that day? Or the single moment which shattered my heart. You had chosen Eri over me.
Up till now, the staff prepared all of the cakes presented during work hours. Although you had appeared at my door in the last minutes of my previous birthday, you have never personally designed a cake for me before.
Despite knowing that the effort you put into rushing to my house so late in the night was far superior to a special cake, I could not help but feel jealous that she was almost as important as I was in your heart.
I used to be the only one you saw. Will this remain the same forever? -----
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!"
Jun Jun shouted at the top of her lungs and the cake was brought up to the stage where all the members crowded around me to sing the birthday song.
There were so many candles on the cake, multicolored and crowned with burning flames of amber. I was delighted that everyone took the trouble to plan this for me. But what made me shiver with pure joy was feeling your hand on my lower back. The warmth emitted tingled up and down my spine and I could feel my cheeks heat up with the blush that had crept up upon them.
Blowing hard at the lighted candles, I tried to conceal my redden face by covering them with my palms. I'm certain no one noticed how I kept glancing at the ravishing woman on my right. Even if they did, I guess I could use the camera being there as an excuse for my actions.
"I'm so happy. Thanks you guys! I won't forget this and I don't know what to say."
"That's not surprising. You can be rather oblivious."
The retort didn't come from you, who were well known for tsukkomi-ing me. I was pretty shocked that it was my best friend who had remarked the somewhat cutting comment. Deciding to shrug off the slight bitterness that I had detected, I laughed in response to what could also be interpreted as a poison-tongued joke. Thankfully, you noticed the awkwardness and joined me in easing the tension. Once again, you had come to my rescue and I smiled gratefully at you.
Why do I feel so secure and protected whenever you are around? --
I was slow, too slow to react when I saw how she had hugged you first. Although I too had snaked my arm around you briefly after she did, I knew that only her embrace mattered. It was too obvious, maybe not to the others, but it was crystal clear to me. The way you behaved when she was near, the shy manner you looked whenever she caught your eye, and the special laugh that only sounded when she made a funny joke.
How many years have it been since I've openly confessed my affections for you. Seven? Maybe more. Why aren't I the recipient of all your special traits? Will I ever be the one?
As I watched you steal another glimpse at her, I swallowed hard and closed my eyes, mentally willing for the tears that were threatening to fall to disappear.
I've broken down, I've become undone. This will be the last time I cry for you. -----
This wasn't what really happened during the making of. It's more what my imagination dreamed up ^^;