More Than One Story...[111016 Loving You Forever]

[badsaints]

@rnd: I can't wait for more B&B as well! Though I'm guilty of falling into lurker mode recently. But I still luvz your writing! Please abuse AiGaki more

OMG sadistic Hammy

You should tell AA to stop giving me incredibly sadistic ideas. That girl is good at those.

Uh no way. AA can be a scary Lian What if she bully me? (sorry Mother ) *hides*

Did I ever tell you I had an Eng teacher who thought I had speech problems?

LOL there's definitely something wrong with your teacher


Oooooh yay another happy happy fic TakaGaki got together (and nobody got hammied) I remembered that Takagaki phone conversation and had a wide smile on my face listening to it So so cute. And Ai's accent ftw!

Mou...Ai-chan, why didn't you bring a jacket? Order a warm drink. NOW!

Hmm.... *remembered how fierce Ham Ham can be*

[kRisZ]

DUO

As she stared at the many angry marks inflicted by her very own hands, the perperator dug her nails into her palms, fully regretting her maniacal actions.

EHHH

This is one of those nights I don't know what I'm writing so forgive me?  ^^;

Damn, I thought the above's part of the fic

This fic came about cuz AlwaysAi wanted to read about Ai getting beaten

Tsk tsk tsk 


I love it though.

"Do you want to sleep with me tonight?"

Har Har  lol



Outing

I felt a pair of rough hands clamp down on my shoulders, pushing me to a seating position and various eyeballs glaring at me to stay put.

They have death wish 

"I like you?"

"I sort of suspected it. Well, now that we've come clean with each other, what do you say we catch a Takarazuka concert?"

Ehhhh???!

   

What is wrong with this picture? Oh I know, we're barely 5 seconds into the relationship and already she's making all the decisions! And why didn't she praise me for being heroic and gallant while rescuing her?

USO! What have I gotten myself into >.<

Love it, totally 



Will read the rest next time.

[lil_hamz]

I'm sooooooooooooo sorry for not replying to comments faster. But I've gotten a job so my online moments will be even less than before But I'll still write when I can so don't forget about this thread please. Onegai~~

-----

Doki Dorky
Chapter 2

They were walking one in front of the other towards the student services office where Ai had deposited her luggage following her arrival at the school. The nice lady at the counter had told her to come back for them after her last lesson for the day. Although reluctant, Risa had volunteered to escort Ai in case the mousey girl got herself lost in the numerous winding corridors of the school.

There was no way she was going to risk having the new girl mar her perfect reputation of being the most responsible class monitor in Aidoru High’s history. Sure, she could be flirty and mischievous but she never allowed herself to leave any of her tasks incomplete. Especially one handed to her by her favourite teacher, Abe sensei.

Once inside the air-conditioned waiting area of the tidy office, Risa leaned back against the counter and sipped on her canned drink as they waited for the lady manning the place to appear. Above the rim of her beverage, her eyes never left Ai and she chuckled to herself, finding it amusing that the new girl did not dare raise her head. Aware that she was being watched, the timid Takahashi dropped her head lower, allowing her bangs to hide most of her face from her class monitor.

“Here are your bags and key.”

The friendly woman chirped as she handed Ai her belongings. Noticing an additional visitor in the usually quiet office, she peered intently at Risa through her glasses before continuing her speech.

“Ah Niigaki! You are so nice to accompany Takahashi. Did you already know that you will be sharing a room?”

"What sharing a room? I'm entitled to my own room!"

-----

"I can't believe I have to share a room...with you!"

Despite Risa's continuous grumblings which had not ceased since they left the office, being the gentleman she was (no wonder so many of the school's population fell hard for her), she had grabbed some of Takahashi's bags and swung them over her shoulder. As the taller trailed behind the new girl in the direction of their room, Risa happened to notice the other's butt swaying as she strolled on in front. Stopping every few paces to adjust the weight of her luggage in her hands, Ai bent over a little and inevitably, raised her skirt further up her booty. Staring at the outline of such a fine specimen with mouth agape, Risa gulped at the lump that had formed in her throat.

Stop ogling her butt Niigaki you idiot! Since when were you a butt person??

Shaking her head from side to side, Risa tried to fling away the hentai thoughts surfacing in her mind whilst reminding herself that the country pumpkin who transferred from Seishun Academy in Fukui wasn't her type.

"Can you hurry up and open the door? I'm getting crushed from the weight of your things!"

-----

[Risa's POV]

"Which bed is mine?"

"OMG are you dumb? Obviously the one without sheets!"

Rolling my eyes, I dumped her belongings on the floor next to her new bed and flopped down on my roller chair which was angled to my study desk.

"Can I please have the other bed? You see..I'm"

"NO WAY!"

Jumping up agitatedly from my chair, I yelled in protest, unhappy that you were making demands barely a minute into becoming my roommate. I didn't bother to let you finish your sentence, not caring about the possible reason behind you asking. Somewhat annoyed by your request, I decided to play a prank on you. Levelling my eyes to yours, I stared into them, not breaking eye contact as I leaned in and blew softly at your neck.

"I wouldn't mind it if you want to share... my bed."

As predicted, you stiffen at my words and looked away, refusing to meet my gaze. Since you didn't push me away, I stood my ground, observing you at close distance. From the side, I could see past the glasses and study your features one by one. Your eyes were unusually big, sparkling even and they shined with innocence and curiosity. Your nose wasn't too big or small, it was just the right size for your face, raising a short height above your face. Your lips were thick, blessed with a sweet pink shade and your jaw line was one of the most perfect I've seen. The only other people whom I’ve ever thought of as attractive were Eri and Sayumi. Then again, those two were the most popular seniors in the school for a reason.

Surprised that I felt the sudden urge to kiss you, I found myself closing the distance between us. Keeping my line of sight on the side of your lips, I leaned in. Just as I was about to press my mouth over yours, the room door burst open and two noisy girls stumbled in.

"GAKI-SAN!"

The expressions of jubilant glee on their faces disappeared immediately when they noticed our compromising positions. Takahashi was trapped against the wall while I was practically lying completely over her tiny frame with my lips barely a millimetre away from her face.

"Somebody's been busy."

I shot Sayumi a death glare as she smirked at me in triumph, folding her arms across her chest and resting her body weight fully on one leg. Reluctantly, I pulled away from Ai and turned my body to face my friends.

"What is it you want?"

I barked, a little louder than I intended to. Obviously I was annoyed and frankly, I wasn't sure why I was feeling so irritated. Could I be bothered by how the kiss I had almost shared with Ai slipped away from me at the last moment? But this was just Takahashi. What was the big deal? She couldn't be that important to me could she? I had only known her for one morning!

So caught up in my thoughts, I didn't hear Eri ask a question. It was only when she came up to swipe her hand in front of my face did I realize she had been talking.

"Huh...what did you say?"

My eyes focused back on my friend's face as I stared at her, waiting for her to repeat her sentence.

"I said, do you want to hang out before practice since it only starts 2 hours later?"

“Erm, sure.”

I answered without a second’s thought. Hanging out with my best friends before basketball practice commenced was a regular event and nothing would be out of the ordinary this time. Alas I didn’t expect Eri to extent the invitation to the fourth person in the room.

“Would you like to join us Takahashi-san? I promise it will be fun!”

Mine wasn’t the only jaw that slackened because in the same moment my mouth dropped to the ground, I detected a soft gasp emerging from Sayumi who was standing behind Eri. Transferring my line of sight from Kame who had gone over to tug on Ai’s hand to lead her out the door, I held my breath when my vision fell on Sayumi once more. She was evidently displeased about what had just occurred. Since when was the turtle so friendly towards new students?

Closing my room door and turning the key in the lock, I looked up to see Sayumi staring daggers at the retreating backs of Ai and Eri who were walking down the hallway. Their hands were still linked and Eri was gesturing here and there in an animated manner, presumably pointing out the various classrooms and facilities of the school to Ai.

Jogging a few steps to catch up to the raven haired one, I twirled the ring of keys around my forefinger as I thought aloud.

“Sweet looking, quiet and a total goody-two-shoe. That’s the kind of girl Kame-han fancies isn’t it?”

[rndmnwierd]

Omg, leave it to Eri to mess up the Takagaki Kameshige vibes. Sayu is going to come down on Ai with the weight of a thousand angry bunnies. 

[badsaints]

Oh boy Ai has to deal with a bully of a class rep/roomie as well as a jealous bunny on her first day. Yup, really envy her position right now

So Ai is Eri's type? Will we have AiEri here?

[Sukoshi]

Whoo!  Aidoru High! 

being the gentleman she was (no wonder so many of the school's population fell hard for her), she had grabbed some of Takahashi's bags and swung them over her shoulder.

lol so she's like glass slipper Gaki but as a girl?   Well actually she reminds me more of Taka right now

“Sweet looking, quiet and a total goody-two-shoe. That’s the kind of girl Kame-han fancies isn’t it?”

Oh no!  Possible GakiXAiXEri?....Eeek any combo of the three is like lethal!   

Sayu better save her little Turtle from Hammy san 

[lil_hamz]

100) In Case It Rains


"Oh no, I'm gonna be late.again!"
 
Groaning to myself, I quickened my pace to a brisk jog as I headed to the bus stop where I was supposed to wait for my daily mode of transportation.

"Come on bus, COME ON!"

I muttered softly to myself, praying that the only bus that would ply between my home and work would arrive soon. Why did I have to take such a long time to decide on what to wear this morning? If I was late again today, that would make it the third time this week. I could just imagine the manager's infuriated face glaring at me as he yells at the top of his lungs.

When the bus I was waiting for finally rolled near, I groaned again when I realized how packed it was. I hated crowded places but currently, I didn't have a choice. Either squeeze my way on board, or bear the wrath of a bald superior.

"Excuse me, gomensai"

I apologized and bowed repeatedly as I made my way to the back of the bus. Since my stop was nearer the end of the journey, it made no sense to stand at the exit where I would be constantly bumped into by passengers getting on and off.

Ow! I need a massage badly.

Thinking that I should pamper myself to a well deserved full body massage over the weekend, I didn't notice that a sports car had suddenly served into the lane which the bus was driving along. This resulted in the driver slamming on the brakes and I would have flew crashing into the mass of people to my right side if not for a strong pair of hands which had grabbed onto my arms and prevented me from falling sideways.

When the bus started up again from the near accident, I regained enough composure to speak to my saviour though my voice came out squeaky due to the fright I had suffered and I think I blushed a little from the embarrassment.

"Ariga...tou..."

I admit I can be rather careless and clumsy at times. However, this occasion definitely fell into the ridiculous category as I somehow managed to breath and gulp at the exact same moment. This resulted in my breathe hitching in my throat and I ended up coughing loudly. And the reason for my strange behavior was something as simple as locking eyes with the person still gripping onto my upper arm.

"No problem. Are you fine now?"

"Ye...yes.."

I stammered. Despite not having a mirror on hand, I knew I was blushing as I could feel my face burn when his eyes lingered on me.

"Better hang on tight."

Smiling at me with a lopsided grin, I froze for a second, not knowing how to react. I think I kinda melted while staring into those kind brown eyes which were gazing back at me. After our shortlived conversation, he faced the window again and looked down at his mp3 player intermittently, selecting songs or fiddling with the functions.

Every now and then, I stole fleeting glances at the person standing beside me. For some reason, he attracted my interest and I didn't have an answer as to why I was feeling this way. On closer inspection, I couldn't say he was stunningly handsome. But there was a genuine and friendly aura about him which made him seem like someone I could easily talk to.

At another bus stop further along the way to the Central Business District, a whole bunch of people entered the bus and I ended up getting squashed by a guy who was practically glued to me from behind. Although it was packed, I couldn't see how that warranted enough reason for his hand to brush pass my bum numerous times. I was pretty sure my body language spoke volumes about how annoyed I was with the unnecessary contact. In addition, the frown on my face was apparent for all to see.

Although uncomfortable, I was reluctant to voice out my grievances. I didn't know how I could get this perv to stop harassing me without causing a commotion. What if he insisted that he was innocent, and it was purely the rocking motion of the bus which resulted in him unwittingly touching me? No matter how I racked my brain, I couldn't come up with a good plan. It seems like I was destined to be on the losing end. If the creep shouted or made a lot of noise, everyone would focus on me and remember me as the girl who accused others of molesting her. Biting on my lip to prevent myself from yelling at him, I looked away in the other direction and tried to block out the unpleasant feeling of his rough hands.

Maybe the heavens took pity on me as the person I was so taken with helped cut short my agony. Pushing past me, he squeezed himself in the space between me and that rogue and lifted his arm to adjust the air condition vent. Speaking to the disgusting jerk as he angled the blast of cool air away from blowing at me, he said.

"Isn't it a cold day? I'll turn into ice soon."

Flashing him a wide smirk, the person who helped me a second time winked at me to signal that I didn't have anything to worry about anymore. He would make sure that there was no way for the molester to reach me again. Just as I was floating on cloud 9 about how gallent and helpful my dashing prince was (Yes, I already decided that he was the man of my dreams), I realized that I still didn't know his name.

"I'm Taka...."

Before I could complete my sentence, he annouced.

""Argh, I missed my stop, I gotta go now. See you around!"

With that, he hopped down the bus and started running off.

"Wai...t..."

I murmered, chestfallen that I didn't get to speak to him more or get his name. What if I didn't see him again? I couldn't think of anything else but him that day and needless to say, my closet friend at work noticed the change in me.

"Ai-chan...AI-CHAN!!"
 
A high pitch shriek shattered my eardrums as I was brought back to earth from daydreaming about 'him.'
 
"This is the 6th time today that you've been spacing out. What's worng with you? Didn't get enough rest?"
 
I stared back at my co-worker with a huge grin on my face as I shook my head in reply.
 
"Nope, it's something else."
 
Shooting me a suspicious look, she picked up the plate which the previous customer had left behind and brushed past me to walk to the kitchen.
 
"Whatever it was that happened, it must be something good. I doubt anything can wipe that smile off your face today."
 
Alas, the girl whom I refer to affectionately as Sayu couldn't be more wrong. Due to the nature of our job, it was a daily occurrence that we would have to handle difficult customers. However, the male clients whom I encountered today were much more demanding than usual. There was this particular drunk who wouldn't take no for an answer. He refused to let go of my wrist and kept pawing at my thigh.
 
"Let me have your number."

"It's company policy that we can't solicit with customers."
 
I didn't know if there was such a rule, heck, I don't think any of the staff would care to abide by it even if there was one. Except that I was desperate enough at this juncture to try anything that happened to click in my mind. Unfortunately for me, it didn't work. Just as I was entertaining the thought of escaping but hesitated due to the possible repercussions, someone made the decision for me.

"I'm her brother! There's been an emergency at home, she has to go NOW!"

The next thing I knew, I was pulled by the arm out the door and dragged down the street. Huffing and puffing, I kept my free hand on my chest as I tried to regulate my hastened breathing. Although I used to be a fairly good runner, the last time I did any sprinting was ages ago when I was still in high school. A couple of streets away from the little cafe where I worked, we finally stopped running and I could halt to catch my breath. Sucking in deep gulps of the precious air, I tilted my head upwards to try and see the face of this random person who really wasn't my brother. When I recognized who he was, I was dumbfounded.

"You...."

Using one hand to rub at the back of his neck, the tall and dark stranger laughed sheepishly before cocking his head to the side.

"Was I too rash? Sorry about that. I just couldn't stand the creep touching you."

This time, it was my turn to feel embarrassed. I didn't know how to react to my prince charming saying that he didn't like it when other men touched me. Not daring to look into his eyes, I wondered how long we were going to stand there like complete fools.

"I'm Niigaki. Do you mind telling me your name?"

"I am Ai...Takahashi Ai."

Chewing slightly on my lower lip, I mustered all the courage I had within me to look up at his face. Studying his features intently, I decided that I liked what I saw.

That evening, after calling Sayumi to let her know that I was taking emergency leave for a day and asking her to bring my bag and belongings home for me, I strolled behind Niigaki as he led the way to the bus stop.
 
"I really messed things up huh? Now you have to go home in your uni...form..."

As he said the last word, I could tell that he had a bit of difficulty swallowing his saliva when he took in my appearance in detail. I worked at a maid cafe and naturally my standard attire consisted of a frilly pink and white outfit complete with cute headgear and a lacy g___  (I don't know the term of this sexy piece of thing, so somebody tell me, LOL) around my thigh. As if contemplating something, Niigaki suddenly took off his jacket and wrapped me in it.

"I think this might get you less stares."

I thanked him for the thoughtful gesture as I was indeed getting somewhat uncomfortable with the lusty looks a number of middle aged men were throwing me. I never thought much about wearing the uniform inside the cafe. But walking around in it on the streets was a entirely different experience.

It was purely coincidence when we ended up on the same bus. Apparently we lived pretty near each other. How was it that I never saw him till today still baffles me. On the relatively empty bus void of passengers except for the two of us and an 'aunty,' we sat beside each other in spite of the many vacant seats.

We were shy as we spoke, chatting about the most normal things including the weather, food and what we did. Although I had an enjoyable time with him, there was just one thing bugging me. Did Niigaki have a girlfriend?

Time seemed to fly past as my stop was coming up. Frankly I was reluctant to go. I wanted to spend more time with him as I was afraid I wouldn't be able to see him again. I couldn't just ask for his phone number could I? I was after all the girl. Wouldn't I appear to be 'easy' if I did?

Activating the buzzer to inform the driver that I was getting off, I bid him goodbye as I stood up and walked precariously to the exit.

"Shouldn't you send your girlfriend home?"

"EHHHHH!?!?"

Niigaki's astonished yelp filled the bus as he looked from the aunty to me and back again to the jovial woman.

"As a true gentleman, you should see her home."

Getting up from her seat in the middle of the bus, the overly friendly woman practically dragged the boy to the exit where I was standing. When the doors opened, we were pushed off immediately with her waving at us through the window with a lighthearted chuckle.

"Wow..."

Lamenting to no one in particular, the lanky boy dressed in jeans and boots exclaimed.

"Do you mind? If I see you home?"

I almost laughed out at the comical expression he made. Do I mind? I could jump for joy!

"You don't have to ask if I mind for every thing you know."

"Oh..."

Another equally funny face replaced the previous one and this time I couldn't resist grinning.

"Can I call you Gaki?"

"Yeah sure...I guess..."

We walked side by side towards my house in silence until I asked.

"Are we friends now?"

Taken aback by my question, he answered with a slow smile spreading across his face.
 
"If you don't mind..."

"Stop saying that! That line is banned from now on."

With a soft laugh I did something which I didn't expect myself to do. Tip toeing so that I could reach his head, I whacked the back of it with my hand before running away. His own hand flew to rub gingerly at the spot which I so naughtily smacked before he shouted in mock anger and chased after me.

"I'm gonna get revenge for this. OI! Ai-chan!"

-----

This is the first part of a 2 part-er. As for where the rain in the title comes in, that will be revealed later

[kuro808]

The emergency part made me laugh and I guess meeting for the first time usually doesn't go smoothly but I guess you have to try to make yourself smooth

[rndmnwierd]

g___  (I don't know the term of this sexy piece of thing, so somebody tell me, LOL)

The word I think you're looking for is garter.

This is unspeakably adorable. They're both just so normal, you know, ignoring the gender change bit.  I can't wait for the next part.

[Haruka]

jajajajaja

Doki Dorky is awesome =D

Eri just know how to make someone mad

Jojojojo and In Case It Rains...

I prefered a Raining Day =3

[kRisZ]

Lots of kudos for the overly friendly aunty 

[YumePouk]

 
hehehe the destiny metting for the TakaGaki couple~~
good good aunty 
aaaaahhh can't wait for part 2
keep ur work

[Sukoshi]

"Come on bus, COME ON!"

lol reminds me of Allo! Hello 2

Bus C`mon~

*ponders the main character*

I'm deciding between Ai chan or Sayu (just cause of the massage part)

I stammered. Despite not having a mirror on hand, I knew I was blushing as I could feel my face burn when his eyes lingered on me.

Okay...maybe it's Sayu!  When there's a guy character, I think of Taka, Gaki, or Eric   and seeing as how Ai chan can't be the guy and the girl...I'll think of Ai chan as the guy.

"I'm Taka...."

Ah! and thus I am wrong   But if there's Ai chan, there must be a Gaki!   

lacy g___  (I don't know the term of this sexy piece of thing, so somebody tell me, LOL) around my thigh.

lol I don't know whose asking exactly but that would be a lacy garter belt, Ai chan

lol you know if anyone at the cafe remembers the emergency moment....they'll start to think Ai chan has a brother complex when the two get together

I can't wait to see what happens next.  Perhaps a heavy rainfall with a gallant prince holding an umbrella for two?   

[lil_hamz]

Since it's Risa's birthday, how could I not have a fic ready just to celebrate this occassion? I had hoped to finish the whole fic and post it today but time constraints made it impossible. Still, this is rather long so hopefully it would be enough to satisfy you readers till the next part is completed.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU Gaki-SAN!

-----

99) I Have to Love You ~ Part 1


"Gaki-san! Hurry up!"

"Coming! I'm coming. Just give me one second."

A young lady dressed in a camisole, skirt and boots with a jacket draped over her arm was pacing about in the living room. She didn't have the habit of wearing a watch so she just kept raising her head to glance at the clock hanging on the wall. If they wanted to make it to the office on time, they would have to head out now to avoid the daily morning jam.

Inside the room, the hurried individual was seated on a chair in front of her desk as she waited impatiently for her PC to start up. She was all dressed and ready to leave for work. Except that there was one last thing she needed to do.

"I definitely need a new one. This piece of junk is too freaking slow!"

The desktop finally appeared and she clicked expectantly on the icon that would bring up her MSN program.

AHHH I woke up late today. Got to rush now. Be careful on your way to work. Text you later

-----

"Where were you? Trapped in the bathroom? Or stuck on the toilet bowl?"

Shrugging off the sarcasm with a wide grin, the shorter of the two slung her bag over her left shoulder before looping an arm into her flat mate's.

"Didn't you say we were running late? So what are you waiting for?"

"Don't think that that you are getting off the hook this easily. I still want to know what you have been up to recently."

Noticing their bus approaching in the near distance, Niigaki Risa slipped her fingers into her friends and tugged her in the direction of the bus stop.
 
"I'll tell you when the time is right. For now, we have a bus to catch!"

------

“It’s finally lunch time! I’m famished!”

Plopping down on the chair opposite the one that Risa was sitting in, Kamei Eri exclaimed, digging into her food immediately.

“Ah huh..”

Replying the statement in a distracted manner, the one with the shorter hairstyle murmured.

As she chewed on her food comprising of a hamburger steak topped with an egg, Eri probed.

“Did you get yourself a boyfriend without telling me?”

“HAR?? Boyfriend? Whatever made you think that?”

She answered with an amused look, all the while careful to hide the grin that was threatening to burst out onto her face.

“Well for one, you have been keeping late nights when you used to go to bed at 11 pm sharp. And now you’ve been incessantly texting someone with a silly smile on you face.”

“I have?”

Reluctantly putting down her cell phone on the table next to her plate, Risa picked up the cutlery and started eating to demonstrate that she could live without her phone. It was the person whom she was exchanging messages with that she couldn’t spend a day without.

------

Konbawa Saru-chan! Eaten your dinner?

Yes. You?

I’ve eaten too.

Minutes ticked passed as Risa kept her eyes on the monitor. Staring at the blinking screen, she soon realized that the person she was chatting with was not going to give her a reply anytime soon.

Is Saru-chan feeling okay? Something wrong?

Just tired.

Ahhh I see. Do you want to go to bed early? You should rest.

It’s okay. I don’t want to go to bed yet.

Do you have a dream?

I had one just last night. I dreamt that I needed to use the washroom

I’m being serious Gaki-san, haven’t you thought of what you want to do in the future?

Nope. Saru-chan has? What do you want to do in the future?

I want to be a singer.

EHHH??! Saru-chan can sing? Are you sure?

Once again, the lights on the monitor flickered to a duller shade as no response appeared on the screen.

Are you mad? I was joking. Don’t be angry. Let’s talk about something else. What did you have for dinner? Saru-chan?

I think I’ll go to bed. I’m really tired. Nite.

And with that, the online conversation ended.

“Saru-chan..”

-----

“Gaki-san, are you alright? You’ve been awfully quiet today.”

Sensing that something was off about her friend, Eri inquired, her large eyes filled with concern for the weary looking girl.

“What’s your dream Kame?”

Resting a finger on her chin, the usually slow turtle considered.

“I rarely remember my dreams. But the last one I did remember was about…”

“I don’t mean the dreams you have when asleep. I mean in life, what is your dream in life? The one thing that you want to achieve?”

Taking a sip of water from her bottle of kiwi strawberry flavored Snapple, Eri tilted her head whilst a pondering expression appeared on her face.

“I have not really thought about that. It’s still a little too early?”

“I know.”

Heaving a sigh, Risa slumped further down in her seat. It’s not as if she was the only person who didn’t think about her future. Eri was the same. Most young people these days didn’t know what they want to do until much later. So why did her online friend get so worked up over it? Could it be that she was offended by the joke she made?

Stupid, stupid stupid! Why did you have to go and say that?

Mentally scolding herself, Risa deeply regretted her rashness. She didn’t mean to make such a bad joke nor did she intend for Saru-chan to get upset with her. Somehow knowing that Saru-chan wasn’t happy, made her feel sad too.

Picking up her cell phone that had been silent for the whole morning, she paused her thumb in midair. Should she or shouldn’t she send Saru-chan a message?

Is Saru-chan feeling better today? Take care okay?

Not expecting a reply, the bean set her phone aside and got back to work. Though she didn’t know what her passion in life was, she was still at work and needed to fulfill her duties.

-----

That evening, after taking her dinner and bath, Risa laid down sideways on her bed and gazed unblinkingly at the MSN program currently running on her monitor. She didn’t feel like joining Eri for a girl’s night out with their other friends. All she wanted to do was get online and chat with Saru-chan. Unfortunately, she had not replied to her messages nor did she appear online in her list of contacts.

“Where are you Saru-chan…I’m worried.”

*Beep*

The sudden alert from her cellphone made Risa jump and she clamored to retrieve the gadget left charging on the dresser. Frantically accessing the message section, the excited girl held her breath in anticipation.

Are you home? Eaten?

SARU-CHAN!!! Have you eaten? Have you been well? Don’t make me worried!

As soon as she sent the message out, Risa wondered if she should have replied with what she did. Would Saru-chan find her too abrupt and prying? However, the next message she received put her mind at ease.

Will you be going online?

Practically running over to her desk, Risa clicked on her name to start a new conversation.

I’m online!

-----

That night, the two online friends chatted happily for several hours until Risa decided to broach a topic that she had been dwelling on for some weeks.

Let’s go to the KTV. Saturday… okay?

Why?

So Saru-chan can practice singing? Otherwise glass might shatter if you start singing

You are bad..lol

So you will come?

Maybe another time.

Sigh, ok. I won’t force you. But can I see a picture. You’ve seen mine. Be fair Saru-chan.

Lol, okok. Just one.

When the file was completely downloaded, Risa clicked open the photo and gasped aloud. The girl in the middle of the picture had long straight hair. Her eyes were enormous and sparkled in the most mesmerizing way. But the feature that entranced Risa the most was her smile. It was the most beautiful smile that she had ever seen. And she was certain that she wouldn’t see another that could match up to it. There was one other detail in the photo that attracted her attention. The glowing numbers of 14092009 at the border edge.

-----

*Ringing tone*

“Hello, did you go for lunch?””

Pressing her phone against her ear, Risa asked chirpily.

“Why did you hang up when I answered the call earlier? Baka.”

Breaking into a wide beam, Risa bit on her lip to prevent herself from laughing out loud. She was after all walking in public and chuckling to herself on the phone would seem strange to passersbys. She didn't know why she could still smile after being scolded.

“It rang a number of times but you didn’t pick up. I wasn’t sure if you were busy.”

“Baka.”

“EHHH?!?! Why scold me all the time?”

“It’s fun.”

“What about Saru-chan huh? It’s not the first time you didn’t pick up the phone when I called. Are you busy with your boyfriend?”

“Baka shut up!”

-----

The days turned into weeks and months. Finally September arrived and Risa and Saru-chan have been chatting over the phone and through text messages for a lengthy duration. Checking off the days in her calendar, Risa decided that perhaps she should try asking Saru-chan to meet up again.

Is Saru-chan free on the 14th? Can she leave the day free for a ‘date’

Hmmm…why?

SARU-CHAN! Don’t be so secretive. It’s a Sunday. No work for you right? Just a short meet up? For a meal? I won’t take up too much of your time.

Crossing her fingers as she waited for the reply, Risa hoped and prayed that she would agree. She really wanted to see her at least once. To speak face to face with the person whose messages she looked forward to daily.

Saturday 1 pm.

Okie. Just let me know the place and I’ll be there.

That night, Risa went to bed with a huge grin plastered on her face. She couldn’t wait for the 13th to arrive. Because on that day, she would be able to meet the person she longed to see for so long.

-----

1.15pm.

“Maybe she woke up late.”

1.35pm.

“Is there a traffic jam someplace?”

2.35pm.

4.18pm.

6.05pm.

7.58pm.

Seven hours past their scheduled meeting time but she never came. Dejected and utterly disappointed, Risa felt tears welling up in her eyes. None of the messages she sent to Saru-chan received a reply. At first she was terrified that something bad had happened to her online friend. But slowly, she was beginning to think that she didn’t turn up on purpose. Perhaps she had been playing with her all along and never intended to meet up. Feeling like the biggest fool in the world, Risa slammed her fist on a nearby wall.

“I was stupid to think that you were sincere.”

Walking towards the nearest trash bin, she took one last look at the box in her hands before placing it on top of the plastic container. Proceeding to turn away, she realized that she couldn't bear to leave the tastefully decorated box behind. She had spent days picking out the perfect present for her birthday. Standing by the bright green bin, Risa dialed Saru-chan’s number.

“Please pick up. Please tell me you were held up and couldn’t make it. Please tell me you didn’t take me as a fool.”

One, two, three…

The call rang numerous times but the line was never connected. Giving up completely, Risa began to walk away from the gift she had prepared especially for today. When she was about three meters away from the item she left behind, the phone in her hands sounded. Twisting the device skywards in an instant, Risa’s heart leap with joy when she saw the name of the caller.

“Saru-chan! Where are you?! Did something happen?”

Despite her questions, the caller never spoke a single word. Straining her ears to listen vigilantly, Risa held her breath, afraid that she might miss something if she didn’t pay careful attention.

“…”

“Saru-chan, aren’t you going to talk? Speak to me!”

Still, there was no reply.

Getting increasingly frustrated with her nonchalance, Risa finally lost her temper.

“What do you take me for?! Is it fun to you to make fun of me? To treat me like a fool? Do you know how long I have been waiting here for you?”

Nearing the end of her outburst, the tears finally fell from the ends of her eyes.

"I wish I never met you."

-----

That evening, Risa didn't switch on her computer. Instead, she did everything which she had stopped doing ever since she started chatting with Saru-chan. She flipped through months of backdated magazines, played with the Wii connected to the television in the living room, made some popcorn, watched DVDs and more. Throughout the time she was pottering around their shared apartment, a certain turtle kept her line on sight on her flatmate.

"Aren't you going online?"

"No? Why should I?"

Raising a cocked brow, Eri's expression mirrored her friend's whenever she did something foolish. Risa's behavior was definitely weird and the slightly younger individual couldn't help but feel worried.

"Gakihan..."

"You know what, I think I'm sleeping early. Good night Kamehan."

Escaping into the safety of her bedroom before Eri probed further, Risa fell backwards onto the solid wooden surface when the door swung shut behind her. Feeling her legs go weak, she let herself slide slowly onto the carpet floor. Bringing her knees up to her chest, she hugged them tight and sobbed softly into them.

"Why does my chest hurt so much?"

Pounding a clenched fist against her upper torso, the nineteen year old assumed that her asthma was acting up again. Ever since she was a child, she had been afflicted with the disease. Thankfully it hadn't reached a life threatening level up till now. Nevertheless, Risa didn't realize that the pain she was feeling stemmed from much deeper.

-----

The next few days saw Risa in a zombie-like state. Unable to stand seeing her act this way any longer, Eri dragged her long time friend into her room and pushed her onto the roller chair. Flicking on the switch to start up the PC, she stood her ground and waited until the MSN program started running.

"Talk to her you idiot. Just admit you can't pass a day without chatting with her."

After Eri left the room, Risa remained in a trance like state, staring at the nickname Saru-chan decorated with many tiny hearts. Resting her hand over the mouse, she debated over whether she should initiate a conversation. Would it be too sudden especially after yelling at her through the phone just a few days ago? Although she felt that she should apologize, Risa couldn't really bring herself to do so. The one in the wrong wasn't her. It was the person who stood her up. Despite her grievances, the young woman missed Saru-chan's company. Deciding that she would apologize after all, she scrolled the cursor over her name. Just as she was about to click down on it, a chat window popped up.

Sorry.

"Ehh?"

Surprised that she would apologize, Risa sucked in a breath unwittingly. They might not know each other in real life but Risa understood her online confidante well enough to know that she could be extremely stubborn at times. And admitting she was at fault wasn't something that the older girl did readily.

Although she thought it was strange for Saru-chan to do something out of her usual, Risa didn't ask her for the reason. She figured it would be better to forget about their quarrel, if it can be considered one, for now. No point risking her wrath all over again. Risa didn't think she could survive another few days without speaking with her.

As the night went on, the Risa began to notice a trend. Saru-chan was never someone who wrote a lot. But this time it was significantly less and the time between each reply grew longer with each response.It reached a point where the only word that she replied was hmmmmmm.

Is Saru-chan sick of talking to me? You can just tell me.

Like the first time she made her angry, Risa regretted her rash actions again. Before she could write that she didn't mean it in a harsh way, Saru-chan replied.

I'm tired. Going to bed. Good night.

She logged out immediately and the bean didn't have any chance to stop her from leaving.

"Why are you treating me like this? Why are you so cold?"

-----

20 October 2010.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Gakihan! Happy birthday to you~~!"

Wild applause erupted and shrieks of joyous laughter echoed in the KTV room. The atmosphere was joyful and Risa could see how much effort her friends were putting to make her happy. Yet something was missing. A part of her couldn't be happy no matter how hard she tried. And somehow she knew the reason for it. Someone important to her has not wished her happy birthday yet. Ever since Saru-chan logged out abruptly, she hadn't appeared online again.

"Does she even remember?"
 
Despite the many text messages that Risa sent her at various times of the day, none received a reply. The usually bright and talkative girl was beginning to think that the online friend who had become someone she held close to her heart had grown tired of entertaining a kid. After all, they didn't really see things on the same level. A prime example would be how Risa drifted on through life while Saru-chan knew what she wanted and seemed like the type to work hard towards her goal. It would not be heartless for Risa to forget about a person who seemed so cold and callous in her behaviour. Yet no matter how she tried, she could not get her out of her mind.

What are you doing now Saru-chan? Are you eating and sleeping well?

"Gakihan! We have to leave. Apparently the place is closing!"

Eri's high pitched voice reverberated against her eardrum and brought the dreamer back to earth. Following her friends outside the compound sluggishly, Risa tried hard to not let her depressed mood show through. At the door, a stranger came up to her and handed her a box wrapped in pretty scented paper. Taken aback by the strange gesture, Risa stood frozen in her spot until Eri who was standing beside her nudged her in the rib.

Opening the box hastily, Risa found a green scarf with the word 'Risa' embroidered in a corner. Flipping open the small card sitting atop the garment, the birthday girl saw six words written in a neat handwriting. Thanks. Sorry. Happy Birthday! From: Saru-chan Buried beneath the two items was a bracelet with two charms dangling from it, a monkey and a bean.

Recognizing it as the gift she had prepared for the friend who never appeared for their appointment, Risa felt a tidal wave of emotions assault her simultaneously. Confusion, happiness, anticipation and more choked her up with so much that she couldn't speak. Lifting her head with the intention to question the person to delivered the present, she was met by an empty street void of pedestrians except for herself and Eri.

Frantically fishing out her phone from her purse, Risa dialed the number which she had memorized by heart. The monotonous tone on the other end clawed at her insides, making it excruciatingly painful.

"It's no longer in use..."

[Ada XD]

awwww D:
i could REALLY feel Gaki's irritation xD lol this is actually the first fic where Aichan is pissing me off xD *LE GASP*
I wonder if they'll meet again and why was she acting like that D:
Amazing job as always  I'll be waiting for the second part soon 8D

[rndmnwierd]

Gah! *clutches chest* I so feel Gaki's pain here. To fall in love online, only to have something like that happen. Heartache!

Too bad you couldn't get the whole thing up in time, but I'll patiently await the next part.

[kuro808]

Wow Ai was pretty much what you don't want as a friend although it does bring up something, if there is a next part gotta wait for that but for the birthday, that was rather sweet but again, something is missing 

[fallenxangel24952]

“Baka.”

“EHHH?!?! Why scold me all the time?”

“It’s fun.”

a little TakaGaki time

1.15pm.

“Maybe she woke up late.”

1.35pm.

“Is there a traffic jam someplace?”

2.35pm.

4.18pm.

6.05pm.

7.58pm.

Seven hours past their scheduled meeting time but she never came.

thats long

Getting increasingly frustrated with her nonchalance, Risa finally lost her temper.

“What do you take me for?! Is it fun to you to make fun of me? To treat me like a fool? Do you know how long I have been waiting here for you?”

Nearing the end of her outburst, the tears finally fell from the ends of her eyes.

"I wish I never met you."

"Talk to her you idiot. Just admit you can't pass a day without chatting with her."

Good job Eri

Opening the box hastily, Risa found a green scarf with the word 'Risa' embroidered in a corner. Flipping open the small card sitting atop the garment, the birthday girl saw six words written in a neat handwriting. Thanks. Sorry. Happy Birthday! From: Saru-chan Buried beneath the two items was a bracelet with two charms dangling from it, a monkey and a bean.

Happy

Frantically fishing out her phone from her purse, Risa dialed the number which she had memorized by heart. The monotonous tone on the other end clawed at her insides, making it excruciatingly painful.

"It's no longer in use...

Sad

can't wait for part 2

[Haruka]

Waaaaaaa >o<

Happy Day Gaki-San   *w*

We <3 U   =D

Amazing chapy >o< a little bit sad and stress
that online friend really pissed me off >.>

But well.. I wonder if Saru-chan give her back the gift or just... I don't know o_O
I'm looking forward next chapy =)

[Sukoshi]

Whew, I was holding my breath throughout reading that    I was "almost" certain that you wouldn't kill Gaki or anything, especially in a birthday fic of all things, but I was still on edge the whole time  

Now having said that, I think you killed Ai chan off instead   The no show for the meeting.  the different replies on msn after the no show.  and the returned gift!  Sure it seems like a birthday gift, with the scarf and all, but then you have the bracelet that originally Gaki was going to give to Ai chan...so yeah...returned gift!   

Ah~ I've come up with a couple of explanations of what could have happened. 
Scenario 1.  Saru-chan is actually not Ai chan.  Someone else used Ai chan's picture and sent it to Gaki. 
Scenario 2.  Ai chan goes to the meeting place but gets in an accident and her sister or friend is the one interacting with Gaki now, on Ai chan's behalf, or
Scenario 3.  Much like scenario 2. but Ai chan actually got killed off so her friend is following Ai chan's last wishes and is trying to break it off with Gaki...so that Gaki doesn't get hurt by the truth.

 OH man!  LoL all my thoughts are so bad...must be from all these sad K-pop MVs   

oh lol...I forgot but I also thought of something else while reading.  This thought occurred before the picture exchange but I was thinking it would be funny if Saru-chan was actually a guy   You know how people on the net lie about their gender all the time     Let's call that secret scenario number 4.