CHAPTER 6
Mayu Watanabe is starting to wonder if the odds aren't against her. So many times she complained about the childish outfits the wardrobe department was always giving her, to no avail. As important she believes to be in the group - she is not AKB's star for nothing - her words never have the slight effect on the people in charge of the costumes' design. Whereas her eighteen year old best friend - Jurina Matsui to not mention her - didn't need to open her mouth a single time to get the coolest outfits, she was left with the pinkest fluffiest dresses in the history of mankind.
That's why she wasn't optimistic at all when she pushed the dressing room's door, already expecting a dress waiting for her for her first
Rivalry's performance on a television show. However, she couldn't help but pause in surprise in the middle of the room when she discovered two outfits - one white and one black - and no sign of a dress. To make sure she wasn't being delusional she approached her slightly trembling fingers to the incredible sight - taking one hanger then the other to make sure there wasn't a trick somewhere - until she realized her sight was truly not deceiving her. No, no sign of a dress. Was this a miracle? Had her prayers finally been answered?
No. The odds still were against her. That's a fact she discovered a few minutes later, after trying to put on the white pair of pants that she was apparently going to wear, considering her name written on the tag.
Trying being the key word here, because they were so awfully tight, she couldn't manage to pull them all the way up. What did she do to deserve this? Just when she was finally going to wear an outfit that did not involve the color pink or something fluffy, she was completely unable of putting it on. And of course, it was too late to ask for another pair. The performance was in fifteen minutes.
God. The odds really are against her.
Mayu steals a glance at the SKE's ace who entered the room a few minutes before, starting to envy her pair of black shorts. Despite the fact Jurina arrived after her, she was almost completely dressed. She had put on her pair of shorts and her matching black shirt in the blink of an eye, and was now taking a seat to put her flat long black boots on. Even worse, she was accompanying all this effortless act with a soft humming of
Nakama no Uta, a smile plastered on her face. One thing is for sure: her best friend was really happy right now. Too bad she was feeling the complete opposite.
"These pants are so tight!" Mayu exclaims after another fruitless attempt, taking a seat and exhaling deeply in frustration. She figures she probably needs a divine intervention at this point if she wishes to sing her duet with Jurina.
A curious Jurina tilts her head towards her friend, and she watches her as she buries her head into her hands helplessly. "Need any help?"
Mayu glances back at her offer, following her movements as Jurina gets up slowly and approaches. "I'm not sure what you can do. These pants are just too small."
"Or maybe you need to lose some weight," Jurina suggests, an amused smile dancing on her lips at the groan Mayu's mouth immediately produces in reply. "Get up, I'll help you."
The AKB's star follows her instructions - wondering how on earth her friend thinks she'll be able to solve her annoying wardrobe problem - until she sees her slightly bending down and grabbing the hem of her pants that are stuck under her knees. Mayu arches a doubtful eyebrow at her obvious intention and crosses her arms over her chest - truly believing Jurina is never going to be able to gain a single inch - until the white cottony fabric suddenly hits her behind as Jurina pulls it up in one swift movement.
When Jurina straightens up Mayu stares back at her, mouth agape, not believing what just happened. She struggled for almost five minutes, how come Jurina managed to do it in barely five seconds?
"You just need to button it up and you're good to go," Jurina affirms, a small smirk at the corner of her mouth. "Now, what do I get in return?"
"What?" Mayu stammers, still under the shock of this unexplainable thing that just happened under her eyes, before noticing in confusion Jurina's mischievous expression. "My gratitude?"
"Not enough," Jurina shakes her head.
While buttoning up her pants Mayu narrows her eyes at her friend's sudden odd behavior, before understanding where she's getting at at the sight of a pair of lips quickly approaching hers. Thankfully, her good reflexes enable her to cleverly avoid it, and she tilts her head left at the last second.
"Come on," Jurina protests, closely following her footsteps as Mayu moves towards the mirror to check her outfit, "I'll make it quick. You won't feel a thing."
"Is that what you promise all your victims?" Mayu scoffs, tilting her head to the right to avoid Jurina's new attack.
Mayu hears her friend's frustrated sigh but ignores it, her fingers moving to her white shirt when she discovers she missed a button.
"You missed another one," Jurina points out a few seconds later.
"What? Where?" Mayu exclaims, lowering her gaze and desperately failing to see what Jurina is referring to. Suddenly, her peripheral vision catches Jurina's sneaky intention, and she moves away just in time to avoid another kiss.
"Nice try," Mayu rolls her eyes at her friend's stubborn attitude. You would believe years of pushing her away would make her understand it was totally useless to try, but it seemed it was doing quite the opposite. Jurina truly had a wide imagination when it came to stealing kisses. Good thing she was a very resistant girl.
Just when she believes Jurina will try another futile attempt the door suddenly opens, and both girls tilt their head in curiosity. Mayu mentally sighs in relief when she discovers the newcomer is Rena, knowing her presence will allow her the respite she deserves. Indeed, Jurina isn't paying attention to her - her eyes now glued on the older Matsui - and the AKB's star takes this opportunity to grab the white jacket from the hanger and finish getting dressed, knowing she won't need to watch her younger friend's every move anymore.
"Hi," Rena says, responding to the smile Jurina is sending her, before taking the costume waiting for her performance of the new single of the Team Surprise, and examining the matching blue jacket and skirt as well as the white shirt and black tie.
"Hi, Rena. You haven't seen Yuki?" Mayu inquires, casting a look at the clock on the wall. There are only ten minutes left until the beginning of the recording, and she's starting to wonder if the older girl is going to make it. Yuki did send her a text an hour ago to warn her she was going to be a bit late. Apparently, her previous interview got a bit delayed.
"I have not," Rena replies, tearing her eyes away from the costume in her hand, and not missing Mayu's worried expression. "Our song is after your duet. There's still some time."
While Rena gets busy getting changed, Jurina watches her own reflection in the mirror, debating how she is going to do her hair. She enjoys making some changes to her hairstyle from time to time and today, she wants to match her AKB's friend's one. "Mayu, are you going to attach your hair?"
Mayu tilts her head towards her at her words, briefly pondering over her question, before shaking her head softly. "No, I think I'm going to let it down."
"Alright," Jurina nods, checking herself again in the mirror as she starts to carefully brush her long silky black hair in preparation for the performance.
"Your hair is getting pretty long," Rena declares as she takes a seat next to her. "Are you going to cut it?"
"I don't know," Jurina trails off, stealing a glance at the older girl who's now wearing her blue skirt, and buttoning her white shirt. "I was thinking I could let it grow a bit more."
"Are you sure?" Rena exclaims, a bit surprised by her affirmation. She clearly recalls hearing the young girl complaining a few times about how long it was taking her to dry her hair now that it was so long.
"I know, I don't always sound happy about it," Jurina replies as if she could read her thoughts, sending her an amused smile through the mirror, "but the result is worth the effort."
"I agree," Rena murmurs absently, taking a look at her own reflection. Maybe it was because she now was used to it, but she didn't mind anymore the time she needed to spend to take care of her long hair. Not only she believed it suited her features well, it also fitted her costumes perfectly.
A few minutes pass by while everyone silently finishes to get dress, Jurina slipping into her last piece of cloth - a black leather jacket - before she curiously turns towards the older Matsui when she's finally ready.
"What about you? Any big change in mind?" Jurina asks, following Rena's fingers as she's carefully tying the knot of her black tie.
"Maybe," Rena trails off, her attention still very much on the task at hand. "I was thinking of dying my hair brown."
"Permanently?" Jurina's voice pitches up in astonishment. It wasn't the first time Rena tried something new but, somehow, she always came back to her usual style at some point.
"That would be the plan," Rena nods, a smile grazing her lips as she notices her interlocutor's surprise. "But not now right now. Maybe in a few months."
"Alright," Jurina murmurs, extending her hand and running her fingers through Rena's hair gently. "I liked that style you had during that movie you did."
"
Gift?"
"Yes, that one. You looked a bit..." Jurina trails off, retracting her hand and looking for the right word to describe how she felt when she watched her counterpart's role in it. She looked so different from the girl she knew, but in the meantime, she couldn't help but be impressed by her performance. Rena truly was a born actress. "Wild."
"Wild?" Rena chuckles, giving her her full attention now that she's done making final adjustments to her tie. She truly didn't expect such a word to come out of her mouth. Especially not to describe her.
"Yes,
wild," Jurina repeats, emphasizing on the last word. "You know, I think everyone is mistaken when they think Rena Matsui is a sweet innocent girl."
Rena's mouth tugs into an amused smile as she witnesses Jurina's playful expression, accompanied by a soft caress on her knee. She didn't believe she would ever think such a thing, but she kind of missed the flirty Jurina these last few months. As very cute a shy Jurina was, a confident one was more than enticing.
"It's time, Jurina," Mayu suddenly clears her throat, catching both girl's attention. Jurina tilts her head towards the short girl who's now waiting by the door and turning the handle, and a soft giggle escapes her lips at her serious expression.
"Coming,
rival," Jurina singsongs, winking at her playfully.
Rena arches an eyebrow at the exchange, suppressing a laugh when Mayu rolls her eyes at Jurina's cheeky behavior. Her attention gets drawn back to the girl in front of her when she feels two arms encircling her neck, and a kiss on her cheek. "See you later."
Rena responds to Jurina's display of affection with a warm smile, before watching as both friends head out of the room swiftly. A few minutes later - just as Rena was starting to wonder if her AKB friend was really going to make it on time - a slightly out of breath Yuki barges in the room, and Rena listens with amusement to her friend's recent issue with a seemingly very slow taxi driver.
Jurina opened slightly the black curtains of the hotel room, just enough to take a peek outside. Albeit the fact it was only 7:30 am there were already a few people walking down the streets, and Jurina absently followed a few ones - briefly wondering where they were heading to - until her eyes fell on the small park nearby. There were no children to be seen playing on the dark blue slide at such an early time, but her attention got drawn to the large cherry tree standing proudly in the middle of the place. It was that time of the year when people would take pictures in front of its ephemeral pink flowers, and enjoy a picnic under its large branches on the week-end.
The sight was truly magnificent, and Jurina wondered how long it had been since she had been able to really pause and enjoy it. So many times she had passed in front of a blossoming cherry tree over the years, to only briefly glance at it. When did she become so busy she couldn't even partake in such a simple activity? The thought momentarily brought sadness into her eyes but she quickly shook it off, refusing to dwell on it, before she closed the curtains again.
Her footsteps led her back to the bed and she sat on the edge carefully, contemplating the older Matsui who was still sleeping. Jurina was well aware of what she had been missing during all these years, but she didn't have any regret. She loved being on stage and bringing joy to people. It was her reason for getting up every morning. But most of all, she refused to imagine a life without the girl who shared the same surname. They had been through so much together these past seven years. No one knew her better than Rena. But who could have foreseen this unpredictable evolution in their relationship? She loved Rena with all her heart, and she hoped nothing would ever stop this fluttering feeling from filling her chest every time she laid eyes on her.
When, after a while, she finally looked away from her lover's peaceful expression, her eyes absently fell on Rena's red tee-shirt, and her mouth immediately tugged into an amused smile. She had not really paid attention to it the night before - her eyes almost immediately shutting from weariness as soon as her head touched the mattress - but now, she had to refrain herself from laughing at the view. Two humanized trains were - as incredible as it may seem -
dancing together.
The sight was just too hilarious, and Jurina wondered where on earth Rena had managed to buy such a thing. Wait. Didn't she mention a while ago receiving a few gifts from the railway museum in Nagoya? What that tee-shirt part of it? But most of all, where did she keep it hidden all this time? How come she never noticed it before? All her questions stayed unanswered and her amused expression turned into a mischievous one, knowing she had to do something about it. She just simply couldn't let it go.
While keeping a cautious eye on Rena she grabbed carefully her phone that was laying on the bedside table, knowing she had to immortalize such a moment. Unfortunately, it was at this precise moment the sleeping girl chose to stir, and Jurina barely had time to lean forward to take one picture that a pair of eyes fluttered open and looked back at her.
"Jurina?"
The young SKE member hid the phone behind her back swiftly, even though it was already too late. Rena had not missed the faint click of the camera, and she was now slowly taking a seat in bed, confused. "Were you taking a picture of me?"
"Maybe?" Jurina trails off, trying to sound as evasive as possible. She was hoping the older girl would let it go and she slowly retreated from the bed, until Rena caught her wrist abruptly. It seemed her attempted escape had come to an end.
"Why would you do that? I look terrible in the morning," Rena protests, her voice still a bit hoarse from sleepiness, while her other hand fixed her bangs instinctively.
Jurina kept silent but her eyes inadvertently fell onto the two dancing trains. She was trying very hard not to laugh, but a soft giggle ended up escaping her mouth nonetheless. She just couldn't keep it to herself anymore. "I think your fans need to know how truly committed you are to your passions."
Rena arched an eyebrow at her declaration - puzzled - and very much failing to understand what she was referring to, until she glanced down at the piece of clothing Jurina was staring at and it hit her. "No Jurina, you are not posting this."
Jurina tried to back away but Rena was now holding tighter on her wrist, her eyes full of determination. "Why? Are you not proud to be a densha otaku?" Jurina teases.
"I am very proud, but my fans don't need to see me in my pajamas," Rena growls, trying to catch Jurina's phone. Unfortunately, after a few energetic but fruitless attempts, she had to face reality. Jurina was just too fast for her. "Alright, do as you wish."
Rena's hold on Jurina's wrist diminished and Jurina stared back at her in astonishment as she laid down on the bed again. She never truly intended to post that picture, but Rena's reaction was more than unexpected. Was she going to quit so easily?
"You really don't mind?" Jurina asks, curious eyes falling on her as she moves forward and leans over her. Right now, she would give anything to understand what was going through Rena's head, as her expression was completely unreadable.
"If you want to post this picture, then do it," Rena replies, closing her eyes in the apparent intention of going back to sleep.
Jurina's mouth opened to produce an answer but no words left her lips, completely taken aback by the older girl's behavior. Rena was always very cautious of what she posted on her own account, so there was no way she was going to let her leak such a picture. "You're not mad, are you?"
Small brown orbs looked back at her and an innocent smile adorned Rena's pale rose lips. "Of course not."
Jurina didn't fully comprehend the sudden change of heart when Rena suddenly leaned forward to capture her lips. A few minutes ago, she seemed more than eager to retrieve the white device and now, she was passionately kissing her like nothing happened. It didn't make any sense, but all her questions vanished into thin air when Rena gently pushed her against the mattress and started leaving a trail of kisses along her jawline.
Jurina couldn't help but lightly shudder when Rena finally reached her earlobe and softly sucked on it. It was her most sensitive spot, one that Rena had cleverly discovered a few nights ago. She couldn't help a moan from escaping her lips at the overwhelming pleasure. Rena's ministrations were putting her mind in such a daze that she failed to notice the fingers that were moving upwards onto the bed sheet, and sneakily approaching the phone still in her hand. When she finally felt it slipping from her grasp it was already too late, and she barely had time to open her eyes to witness Rena retreating and going through her phone.
"There, deleted," Rena announces, a proud expression on her face as she places casually the phone back into her hand.
Jurina blinked a few times in confusion - trying to understand what had just happened - until it hit her and her jaw dropped. "You tricked me."
"You really believed I would let it go?" Rena smirks, hovering over and briefly tracing patterns on Jurina's chest, before whispering into her ear huskily. "Good thing I know all your weaknesses by now."
When Rena looked back at her mischievously Jurina found herself completely speechless. A part of her wanted to come back at her for what she had done, but her brain - currently filled with both confusion and shock - was incapable of imagining any form of retaliation.
A ringtone suddenly disrupted the quiet atmosphere of the hotel room and Rena tilted her attention towards her phone, getting out of bed. The joyful melody of
Dreams come True's song
Ring! Ring! Ring! immediately came to an halt when Rena stopped her alarm clock. She placed the device back on the bedside table, before gazing at the young girl who was still laying on the bed, completely frozen. "Come on, Jurina. We have a handshake event to attend."
Jurina - lost in thoughts - watched as the older Matsui moved towards the bathroom, not missing her small amused smile just before she passed the door. Jurina was still completely incapable of uttering a single word when she finally sat up a few minutes later. Today, she had discovered Rena Matsui's unexpected manipulative side. It was utterly frightening.
After getting rid of her last piece of clothing Rena cautiously dipped a finger into the water, before turning the tap off and stepping inside the bath when she considered it was finally at the right temperature. A soft sigh left her lips at the pleasurable sensation against her skin and she laid down, relishing the silence of her hotel room as she shut her eyes and tried to relax.
As soon as the handshake event had ended she had joined her hotel alone, knowing Jurina would join her later when her interview would finally be over. Rena had not missed the way the young Ace was far more busy than before now that she was eighteen. Jurina seemed to enjoy it very much - never liking being kept apart from late activities in the past - but this change in her schedule was reducing even more the time they could spend together. This handshake event - as tiring as they always were - had at least enabled them to see each other, thanks to their booth cleverly placed next to each other. Even if the activity evidently prevented them from speaking too much between them, just being close by for a whole day was a luxury they couldn't refuse.
Just as she is beginning to doze off the sound of the front door opening catches her attention and she flutters her eyes open, hearing a few seconds later a familiar voice calling her.
"I'm in here," Rena says, surprised by her slightly hoarse voice. She doesn't miss her sudden sleepiness and she wonders how long she stayed in the bath. The water is still quite warm, but she's well aware of her bad habit of sometimes falling asleep during the activity.
Two brown eyes fall on her as Jurina pushes the bathroom door a few seconds later, leaning against the doorframe as she gazes at her playfully. "Don't fall asleep."
A soft giggle escapes Rena's lips, knowing her hoarse voice has betrayed her current state. To be honest, it also isn't the first time the young ace found her taking a small unintentional nap in the bath. Rena doesn't miss the way the young member slowly lets her gaze wander her nude form through the water, and she straightens up a bit in the bath, extending her hand. "Join me?"
This time, it's her turn to appreciate Jurina's slender body as she more than willingly obliges and undresses, before stepping inside the bath cautiously. Rena encircles her waist gently when Jurina lays down and settles her head against her shoulder. A few minutes pass by as they relish the presence of each other quietly, Rena occasionally letting her fingers travel the girl's body on top of her.
"This is nice," Jurina murmurs finally a while later, intertwining their fingers together. "It's been a while since we've taken a bath together."
Rena frowns immediately at her affirmation. It was common knowledge that a lot of members liked to share a bath together, but she certainly never partook in such activities. That's why she couldn't understand what in the world Jurina was referring to. "Have we ever taken one before?"
"You don't remember?"
"Not at all," Rena retorts.
"I was around twelve," Jurina starts, searching her memory as she's trying to recall more about it. Despite clearly remembering taking once a bath with Rena in the past, some details surrounding the moment are still a bit blurry. "I think it was after the recording of an AKB videoclip. I was in very high spirits that day."
"When are you not?" Rena teases, getting a growl in reply.
"Anyway," Jurina continues, trying to ignore the older Matsui's sudden small laugh, "I don't know how I did it, but that day, you finally accepted to take a bath with me."
"Really?" Rena arches an eyebrow. She clearly remembers the young girl's annoying persistence about it over the years - despite her always immediate refusal - but definitely not relenting to it. "You probably managed to wear me out."
"Maybe," Jurina trails off, a smile forming on her lips at the playfulness in the older Matsui's voice, "but it was different at the time. It was an innocent moment between two friends."
"It still looks very innocent to me. We're only taking a bath."
This time, Jurina frees herself from Rena's embrace and stares back at her, her expression changing into a sulking one. "You know, I'm still mad at you."
"You are?" Rena exclaims, not believing Jurina is still thinking about this morning. Yes, she may have been a bit cruel by using her weak spot against her, but she couldn't take the risk of having her leak such a compromising picture. It was simply inacceptable.
"Alright," Rena leans forward until their lips are merely inches apart. "What are you going to do about it?"
Jurina's expression softens at Rena's husky voice and she gazes down at those tantalizing pink lips - her heart now beating faster into her chest - before claiming what's rightfully hers.
TO BE CONTINUED
Topic: Heartbeat (20/20) + Partners (23/23) + Destiny (41/41 END) [WMatsui] - REPLIES (Read 384811 times)