Backwards Drama (Wmatsui)
Ch.3 Also known as the day I had my first sleepover
Thursday arrived in a rush. The day of the audition. I felt bad. Daichi and I hadn't made up yet. He didn't show up to pick me up in the morning. I walked to school with Jurina instead. I should have made more of an effort to make up with him, but I couldn’t help it. I had the play to think about. It could wait.
Jurina helped me practice for my audition non-stop. She wasn't lying when she said she was a good actress. I felt intimidated, but it only inspire me to work harder. If I was going to be performing next to such a talented person I needed to give it my all. Still… I couldn't stop being… Nervous. I fidgeted with my hands as I waited backstage. Shinoda-sensei would be deciding the cast so it wouldn't be bias. Nearly everyone was trying out for the princess. I just hope my performance would be good enough.
"Nervous?" Jurina asked from behind. I spun around and nodded.
"Everyone is trying out for the princess. Maybe I should have chosen something else," I answered.
"Hey hey don't go having second guesses now. Besides you don't know unless you try right? I, for one, think you are perfect for the part," Jurina reassured me. I blushed. Jurina had this way of always always saying something that will make me turn red. At least she's had it for the past three days since we met.
"You're just saying that," I mumbled looking at my feet. Jurina clasped my hands. I looked up at her bewildered. The look in her face was so intense. It made my heart beat faster. What in the world?
"Hey I am NOT just saying it. I've practice with you. You are good. You have the lines down. Be more confident." Jurina declared with sincerity. I felt like I was melting. The feeling was strange. I never felt this way before. What was it? My mind began to wander to dangerous thoughts, but I shook them away. I had to focus.
"You're right. Thanks," I thanked with a smile.
She beamed. She let go of one hand, but she was still holding my other hand. I didn't let go either, so we just stood there holding hands. Her hand was soft and warm. Not in a gross way like Daichi was though. His were big and sweaty. I don't mean a little bit sweaty. Like a lot. It wasn't like Jurina's hand wasn't slightly moist, but it was nothing compared to him. I guess it's because she is a girl. I felt my fingers begin tracing her hand unconsciously. Her fingers were long and elegant. Nothing like mine. Mine had always been short and boyish. I hated them. Suddenly Jurina giggled.
"Rena-chan that tickles," Jurina managed between giggles. I quickly flushed becoming aware of what I was doing.
"I am SORRY!" I exclaimed quicky releasing her hand. What was wrong with me???
"Hey it's okay. Don't worry about it. If it makes you less nervous its fine," Jurina offered scratching the back of her head. But I couldn't shake the feelings she thought I was being weird. I sucked a breath to prepare myself for what I was about to say.
"Okay it's just I really hate my fingers. I couldn't help, but notice yours were really slim and nice. I am sorry. I know that's really odd," I revealed. Jurina looked surprised. She inspected her hands.
"Funny I really never thought of that. I guess they are pretty slim," she observed.
"Yeah at least compared to mine. I hate my hands," I admitted. Before I knew it Jurina was grabbing my hand. She stared at it for a couple of seconds before putting it down.
"J-Jurina?" I squeaked surprised by her sudden action.
"Your fingers aren't that bad. It's funny everything about you seems so elegant, but not your hands," She stated with a warm smile.
"You're just trying to be nice," I accused.
"Not in the slightest," she insisted.
"Matsui Rena."
I was next. I was so caught up with my discussion with Jurina I forgot all about the play. It was time. I took a deep breath.
"Good luck," Jurina whispered as I walked down the stage with an encouraging smile. I simply responded with a nervous look.
"Whenever you are ready." Shinoda-sensei called out.
Well it was now or never.
...
Jurina and Airi were waiting for me outside the building by the time I finished my audition. They practically jumped up when they saw me.
"So how did you do?" Airi questioned.
"Do you think you got it?" Jurina asked joining her. I smiled and gave them a thumbs up. The two rejoiced at this.
"That's great Rena-chan! See? I told you that you had it in the bag," Jurina congratulated giving me a hug.
My eyes widen at the sudden embrace, but I returned it all the same. Jurina smelled nice. Like citrus. I wonder what perfume she used. I suddenly realized I was becoming way too aware of everything Jurina. It worried me. A lot. I never had these thoughts about anyone before girl or guy. What did this mean? I must have asked this questions a thousand times. Jurina broke away from the hug.
"Rena-chan are you okay? I thought you would be happy," Airi noted with a strange look in her face.
"It's just… Never mind. It's nothing. Just a thought. I am happy. I think I have a good chance at getting the part," I answered.
I wanted to tell her about these thoughts, but I couldn't with Jurina present. Airi would have good advice. She always did. And right now good advice was what I needed more than anything. Airi had a knowing look in her face. To be honest it sort of scared me. I feel like she could see right through me. However she didn't question me any further.
"I am really happy to you Rena-chan. To be honest I had you in mind when I wrote the script. And Jurina-san here ended up being perfect for the prince. Did you know the prince was supposed to be a girl in disguise?" Airi stated changing the subject. I was relived.
"Seriously? Then I guess I am perfect then," Jurina laughed. They began discussing the play when I heard a voice behind me.
"Rena."
I turned to find Daichi with a bouquet of flowers in his hands. I looked at him in shock. F-Flowers?!?! I definitely wasn't expecting that. Not after our fight.
"Daichi…" I uttered confused by the situation. He responded with a nervous smile.
"Congratulations on your audition!" He congratulated handing me the flowers. I grabbed them hesitantly.
"Thanks," I mumbled unsure of what to make of the awkward situation. Airi tugged on Jurina's sleeve.
"Let's go," Airi coughed dragging Jurina towards the door. I watched at Jurina gave us one final look before leaving.
I didn't really wanted them to leave. I didn't know what to make of the situation. Daichi and I haven't talked in a whole day. Now I was receiving flowers from him. It was much too strange. Much too awkward. And I felt slightly guilty for now trying to make up sooner. It simply haven't been a priority to me. That was horrible.
"So hey," I said unsure of what else to say.
"Hey. I just wanted to apologize. I been nothing, but a jerk these past few days even though I knew you had an important audition coming up. All over nothing. You were just being nice and trying to help someone. I guess I was jealous. I am not used to seeing you give attention to other people," Daichi explained. He was… Jealous… Of Jurina?
"I didn't understand. I knew you had made the time to wait for me, but I couldn't just leave the girl on her own. I guess I should have invited you to tag along, but you seemed so upset so I didn't. I should have answered you calls sooner. I am sorry too," I apologized knowing it was wrong for me to ignore his texts. He beamed at this.
"So we're good?" He asked.
"We're good," I repeated.
Then it happened like it did many times before. He tried to kiss me. Before I knew he
was closing the space between us. Today the instinct to move out of the way was
strong. In fact if I am honest the thought was border line repulsive. I pulled him to a
hug instead invading the kiss.
"You have nothing to worry about. Jurina and I are just friends. I promise."
…
I have never been one to sleep early. I was a night owl by nature. Not to mention the day's events were still in my mind. So naturally at 12:34 a.m. instead of being in bed I was playing Pokémon on my DS. Yes, I was a nerd like that. I was dwelling on that almost kiss with Daichi when I received her text.
Jurina: You awake?
I was pretty surprised to receive a text from her so late, but I was intrigued so I instantly replied.
Yeah. What's up?After that my phone buzz instantly.
Jurina: Do you mind coming out?I raised an eyebrow, but nonetheless typed sure. I opened my window to find Jurina staring at the sky. God. She looked beautiful. I stopped myself. Beautiful? What was wrong with my brain all of a sudden? I seriously needed to talk to Airi.
"Hey I got your text. What gives?" I inquired my voice laced with curiosity.
"Can't sleep. The house makes too many noises. Our apartment in Tokyo wasn't like that," Jurina explained with a sigh. She sounded beyond sleepy. Then I notice there were bags in her eyes. I felt bad for her. I hadn't noticed them until she mentioned the lack of sleep.
"Jurina how long has it been since you slept?" I asked her in a worried tone.
"I haven't slept since we got here. The noises scare the crap out of me. I thought I be used to them by now. I am sorry. Did I wake you up?" she asked with a guilty look. I quickly shook my head.
"I was just playing Pokémon. I am kind of a night owl. I don't usually sleep till 2 am. It drives my mom insane," I admitted with a laugh. Jurina joined in with a quiet musical laugh. She was way more toned down than when we were at school. She must be really sleepy.
"That makes sense. You seem to always be in a bad mood in the morning. Now I know why," Jurina mused.
"I am NOT!" I denied even though deep down I knew it was true. I was surprised the she pick up on it so quickly though. Jurina giggled in a low voice. She sounded way too tired. Could she go on with no sleep? Surely she fall asleep in class or something.
With this in mind these words escape my mouth, "Well I mean if you don't mind you could always try sleeping over here. You can't sleep because you are scared right?"
"Seriously?" Jurina exclaimed sounding surprised. I nodded. I gave the big tree a wary look.
"You said you could get here through the tree right? What do you say?" I asked. I didn't trust the tree, but Jurina seemed so sure she could do it earlier.
"Yeah I can. I don't like to impose, but I am really desperate," Jurina answered shyly.
"It's fine. But don't you dare fall. I don't want this to end up in the front page of the newspaper," I warned.
So that's how Jurina ended up climbing the tree to my room in the middle of the night. I could just picture what the neighbors would think if they happened to look out in their window. Thankfully Jurina didn't fall and before I knew it she was in my room.
"See no falling," she told me with a smirk in her face. I rolled my eyes.
"Well excuse me for being concerned over your well being," I grumbled.
Jurina laughed. I suddenly became aware of the oddness of the situation. Jurina was sleeping over. In my room. I've never had anyone sleep over in my room before. The fact that it was Jurina made me a little more nervous.
"Well I guess I am going to go bring an extra blanket and pillows. You can just feel free to sit down or look around if you like. I'll be right back," I told her.
This was too weird. I hadn't occurred to me until I had Jurina in my room. But at the same time it didn't feel weird. Having Jurina in my room didn't feel unusual. I think that is what is more worrisome. Because if I step back and look at the situation from an outsider's point of view it is definitely strange.
When I went back to the room I found Jurina staring at a picture of me and Daichi when we were kids. I cleared my throat.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," I apologized placing the blanket and pillows on my bed. Jurina quickly shook her head.
"It's no problem. Don't worry about it," Jurina replied.
She seemed embarrassed. It was kind of cute. She was usually so sure and confident. I felt like I was seeing her in a whole different light. But not in a bad way. I grabbed the blanket and pillows from the bed, and began setting up a make-shift bed on the floor. Jurina frowned.
"What are you doing?" Jurina questioned.
"I am setting up to sleep of course," I answered. I never had a sleepover before, but even I knew that having the guest sleep in the bed was the polite thing to do.
"In the floor? No way. I am the one who imposed on you. I'll sleep in the floor," Jurina offered.
"I invited you. You're my guest therefore you sleep in the bed," I insisted. Before I knew it Jurina was sitting next to me with a stubborn look in her eye.
"I am not moving from here so you might as well take the bed," Jurina declared. I began to feel irritated.
"Tsk. I should have known you be this stubborn. But just so you know I am not moving either," I argued crossing my arm.
"Fine."
"Fine."
I am not sure how long we remained like that. Probably a good ten minutes. Jurina may be stubborn, but so was I. Still none of us was going to get any sleep like this. And that defeated the purpose of Jurina sleeping over.
Finally I craved, "How about we both just sleep in the bed and get this over
with?"
Jurina looked at me curiously, "Seriously?"
"Yes! Now come on before I change my mind," I growled making my way to the bed.
Jurina chuckled and followed suit. Soon we were both lying in bed staring at the ceiling. I instantly regretted my decision. My bed was small. There was literally no space between us. I wouldn't be surprised if one of us fell during the night. Stupid
stubborn Jurina. Should have let her sleep in the floor.
"You better not snore," I grumbled. Jurina laughed.
"I don't. I promise," she reassured me. I don't know if it was me, but I felt Jurina was enjoying annoying the hell out of me. I wasted no time voicing this.
"This amuses you doesn't it?" I stated.
"I can't help it. You're funny when you are mad," Jurina replied honestly. I turned away from her.
"Whatever. Goodnight," I hissed. I wasn't really that annoyed, but with each passing movement I was becoming more aware with how close we were. If I let it get to me I wouldn't get any sleep at all.
"Night, Rena-chan." Jurina answered.
I tried my best to shut my eyes and go to sleep, but I couldn't. I was too aware of the extra warmth in my bed. Why did I think this was a good idea? I had never slept with everyone in my life. But there was no going back now. I urged my brain to shut down with no luck.
Then Jurina spoke, "Rena-chan are you still awake?"
I turned around to face her, "Yeah still awake."
Jurina laid on her back staring at the ceiling. She looked thoughtful. I wondered what was in her mind. Suddenly I realized I wanted to know more. I wanted to know more about her. What types of things does Jurina think about? What are her likes? What are her dislikes? I wanted to know everything. The sensation itself overwhelmed me.
"You and you boyfriend. How long have you known each other?" Jurina asked. I thought it was strange, but then I remembered she had been looking at the picture earlier.
"Ah you saw the picture in my wall right? We know each other since grade soon, but we have only been dating for a few months," I explained.
"Childhood friends, huh?" her voice sounded sad. Defeated. I wondered what could be bothering her.
"Is something wrong?" I questioned. Jurina shook her head.
"I am just jealous that's all."
I didn't have the guts to ask her what she was jealous about.