I'm so sorry for not updating for awhile. Been busy.
Ugh...I blame that to the people around me.
I guess this story does lack on TakaAchan moments huh. Thanks for pointing it out! And as for the ribbon...in reality, I somehow blame Akip on that.
Thanks for the thanks, the replies and the pms! Thanks so much!
Chapter 8I raised my eyebrow looking at my phone ringing. It shouldn’t take a genius to know who’s calling me…since she’s the only one who seems to be calling me constantly. Sighing, I hesitantly took my phone and answered it.
“Yeah?”
“Good morning Nami-chan!”
She greeted in her usual perky way. Even without seeing her now, I can tell she’s giving me her wide smile. I couldn’t help but smile slightly imagining it.
“Good morning to you too Ra…uh…Reiko.”
Luckily I remembered I’m not alone. I know it’s no big deal to call her Ray…but I’m just being cautious and all. If I’m with other people and she’s calling me, I call her Reiko. If I’m alone or with the others that know who Reiko is, I call her Ray. It was confusing at first, but I’m used to it now. She’s used to it too.
“I just saw the news today and they said that there’s a 12% chance that it could rain today. Did you bring your umbrella?”
I sighed. I really should get used to this since this is usually how she starts our conversation. When it’s sunny she’ll remind me to use a sun block. And when it’s cloudy, she’ll just say that it’s cloudy. She’s actually my weather girl with the way she calls in the morning.
I rolled my eyes.
“Yes mom. What about you?”
“Oh don’t worry about me. I have Gori-san to pick me up if I want to.”
Oh Gori-san. It must be nice to have a bodyguard. I actually met Gori-san a couple of days ago. We were on break from practicing when Hinata came running to me telling me that bouncer like monster was looking for me. I didn’t believe her really but then the bouncer like monster suddenly started walking towards me. I don’t know if I was just imagining it or what, but it felt like the floor was shaking whenever he took a step. Everyone on the room was quiet as Gori-san approached me. He’s so much like Gori from the Slam Dunk manga that I’m reading. The only difference is…he’s large.
I stared at him in awe as I looked up at him. He looked down at me and asked…
“Are you Nami-chan?”I gulped nervously and nodded. He stared at me for awhile then finally smiled and patted my head.
“Miss was right. You are cute.”At that time, I felt like I was his pet cat as she pats my head. He kept patting and caressing my head like he would a cat for about a minute. I could hear some of the girls smirking and giggling as they watch. Thankfully, Mariko-sama asked Gori-san why he was there. If she didn’t, Gori-san wouldn’t stop from patting my head. Hearing her say his name, I finally knew who was responsible for him being here.
He stopped patting me and held out a bento box for me to take. I stared at it for awhile then looked up at him confused.
“For you. She made it.”I looked at the bento feeling my eye twitching. Ray…made it. If it’s anything like the cake she made that one time…then…
I hesitantly took it and he smiled patting me on the head again. He then bowed and walked out of the room without a word. Everyone started teasing me upon receiving a bento lunch from a fan. I just laughed at them nervously knowing who that fan is and how much bad that certain fan is when it comes to cooking. Asahi and Mariko-sama were patting my shoulder comforting me. They knew how bad Ray’s cooking is. They even told me that I didn’t have to eat it…but I did. Even though I know Ray’s a bad cook…knowing that she somehow made the bento herself for me…it’s somehow flattering. The least I can do is eat it as thanks.
But…the thing is…I can only eat half of what she did. I gave the other half to Hinata who seemed to enjoy it. It made my stomach ache again. Good thing Mariko-sama had some medicine prepared saying that somehow she knew Ray would cook for me sooner or later. And because of that incident…
…I have my own medicine kit now just in case something like that happen again…
“Wait. Are you worried about me not having an umbrella?”
She sounds hopeful that I’m worried. Should I be?
“Well, no…since you have Gori-san and all.”
I don’t think she even needs an umbrella. Gori-san can just bend over to her and protect her from the rain and all. Yeah, I think she can use Gori-san as an umbrella. She can even use him as a house.
Yeah, I’m exaggerating…
“Oh…”
Now she sounds disappointed. Ugh…
“But I uh…can offer you my umbrella if ever you don’t have. I am heading towards Tohto TV and all for a TV recording.”
“What?! You’re going here?!”
She squealed so loud that I had to move my phone away from my ear. I can’t believe that Ray would get excited over something so little like me going over there. I never had that effect on someone before. That’s why it’s making me smile a little.
Thank God she can’t see me. She’ll be all clingy and tease me to death if she saw me smiling at her excited mood.
“Yeah. So if you don’t have an umbrella, I can give you mine. Acchan has hers and we could just share.”
I glanced at Acchan who was sitting next to me. We’re inside a van with our manager up front. She glanced at me holding a cream puff and nodded hearing about the umbrella.
“What? Acchan???”
“Yeah. Acchan and I are in charge of promoting our single in a TV show. We’re heading there now.”
I frowned slightly when she was silent for awhile. It seems her mood had shifted so quickly. Did I say anything bad??
“You’re with…Acchan? And…you’ll give your umbrella to me…then Acchan is going to share hers with…you? Together??”
“Uh…yeah. That’s the…uh…if ever…uh…”
I trailed as I look at Acchan pigging out on the cream puff. She had some cream on her cheeks and even her nose. I waved at her trying to get her attention and she turned to me confused.
“Uh…Reiko, can you hold on for a moment?”
Without waiting for a reply, I grabbed a tissue and wiped the mess Acchan created on her face. I couldn’t help but smirk.
“How did you get cream on your nose?”
“I was just eating it. I’m usually a mess when it comes to eating cream puffs.”
She giggled and I just shook my head smiling. Who would have thought that the face of akb48 would be this messy when it comes to eating cream puffs? After cleaning her up, I patted her head.
“Well, all done now you big baby.”
I smirked. She rolled her eyes and nudged me smiling.
“Thanks mother.”
I smiled and shook my head as I grabbed my phone again.
“Hey, sorry about that. Acchan was just being a messy baby.”
Acchan sticks out her tongue at me making me chuckle. I watch her as she takes out another cream puff from the box that the staff gave us earlier. I know she told me she already ate breakfast earlier...so why is she eating those like there’s no tomorrow? Seeing her like this reminds me of Hinata.
Instead of hearing Ray’s voice in the other line, the sound of the dial tone greeted me. I frowned looking at my phone. Acchan noticed as she holds her third cream puff.
“What’s wrong?”
“I think Reiko got disconnected.”
That or she hang up. But…why would she? There’s no reason for her to hang up the phone. I guess she really did get disconnected. That’s odd though since she never got disconnected before.
“You should call her back. I think she’d like that.”
She said as she took a bite of her third cream puff. Isn’t she full already?
“Nah. I’ll probably going to see her later anyway.”
Yeah, I kinda told Acchan that Reiko is working in Monkey Pro as a staff. She asked me about Reiko one time when Ray suddenly called after practice. I guess she just surprised me by asking about Reiko that that’s the only thing that come to my mind. Not that that’s a complete lie anyway.
“Oh yeah. Monkey Pro’s office is there huh? I don’t think she’ll like it if she saw me though.”
I turned to her frowning.
“Why do you say that?”
“Well, I just get the feeling that she doesn’t like me.”
Acchan said sadly looking at the cream puff in her hand. I somehow get that feeling too since Ray says Acchan’s name like she’s tasting something bitter in her mouth. I’m wondering if Ray was somehow jealous of Acchan. She couldn’t be…right?
Nah…
“You’re just imagining it. There’s no way someone wouldn’t like you. What’s not to like…right?”
I smiled at her reassuringly. I think I’m reassuring her and myself on this. Hopefully Ray doesn’t hate Acchan. She stared at me for awhile then nodded hesitantly. She turned to look at her cream puff giving it a shy smile, a slight blush forming on her cheeks. I find it weird that she would blush easily with what I said. Isn’t she used to being complimented by others?
I stared at my phone again wondering what was up with Ray. Did she really got disconnected? Why am I bothered by it? Ugh…this is what you get for being friends with that girl.
“Hey, Nami-chan.”
I turned to Acchan and was about to ask what when she suddenly shoved the cream puff in my mouth. Luckily she just shoves half of it. She smiled widely as I raised my eyebrow at her.
“Good right?”
I nodded as I chewed the shoved cream puff. Well it does taste good…so I guess I can’t complain about anything.
No wonder she had three of these…
***Meanwhile***“Argh! It’s that Acchan again!” Ray said as she threw her phone to the table. She felt bad that she hanged up on Nami but she just couldn’t take hearing her Nami taking care of Maeda as she wiped cream from Maeda’s face. Nami should have been wiping Ray’s face!
…Not that it needs wiping though…but you get the diva’s point…
She wonders if Nami and Maeda are alone in this TV recording of theirs.
She looked at her phone for awhile then took it calling a familiar number. She waited until the person on the other line picked up.
“Yeah?”
“Where are you?”
“What is it now?” Mariko sighed, regretting not looking at her phone first before answering. Now she’s stuck talking to Ray who obviously wants something.
“Where are you? Please tell me you’re with Nami-chan and heading here.” Ray asked frantically. Mariko tilted her head confused as to why Ray is panicking.
“Well, no. I’ve got a modeling gig today. I think Nami is with Acchan for a TV recording or something.” Now it dawned to Mariko why Ray is acting this way. Nami and Acchan are together…alone. Well not totally alone since the manager is with them. But you get the point.
Mariko moved her phone away from her ear as Ray let out a scream. She sighed and shook her head.
“Does that make you feel better?” She asked Ray once she somehow calmed down a bit.
“No! What will make me feel better is for you to cancel your gig and get your ass here and join them!”
“I think you should just calm down a bit. Relax okay!” Mariko chuckled finding Ray panicking state funny. Mariko knew she shouldn’t laugh and just make her friend relax…but she couldn’t help it. Ray having a panic attack over something so little as Nami and Maeda being alone together is just so funny.
“Are you laughing?! How dare you laugh at a time like this! And how can I relax when they’re alone together?! Where are those two friends of hers anyway?!” Ray said a little louder than usual. Mariko couldn’t help but cringe listening to her.
“If you’re asking about Hinata and Asahi, then they’re doing an event in a mall somewhere for promotion too.”
“And the other 43 members?!” Ray asked as she started pacing around her dressing room. Luckily she asked everyone to get out as she wanted some alone time to talk to Nami, only to find out that Nami was heading this way with Maeda. Together!
“Look. I don’t know what your problem is anyway—”
“Aren’t you listening?! Nami-chan and…Acchan are together!” Ray cut her off abruptly.
She is this close to calling their producer, Akimoto-san and ask him why he would send only two members for promotion when he can deploy as many as he wants what with akb48 having 48 members! Two girls out of 48…and it had to be Nami and Maeda…
God or Akimoto-san is obviously making her suffer.
“Thank you captain obvious. I wasn’t finished talking.” Mariko said rolling her eyes. Panicky Ray is getting ridiculous.
“Anyway, as I was saying…you’re worrying over nothing. You’re there right? And they are going there too. So why don’t you just do something about it yourself. Follow them if you want.”
“I can’t. I have a TV recording myself.” Ray sighed. She suddenly have the urge to cancel it just so she could follow the two.
“Oh. Then don’t you dare cancel that recording just so you can follow them.”
Ray narrowed her eyes. She couldn’t believe how perceptive Mariko is when it comes to her. She just knew her too well…
“Since Nami and Acchan are doing a TV recording…and you are too…if luck is on your side today, then you three might be in the same TV recording.” Mariko said nonchalantly as she looks at her nails. There’s a 10% of that ever happening but she could care less since she’s thinking of going to the salon for her nails.
“You…think so?” Ray asked sounding hopeful. She somehow regrets that she didn’t get to ask Nami what TV show they were supposed to record. If only she didn’t get jealous of hearing Nami and Maeda giggling.
…Yeah right like that’ll ever happen…she’s green like hulk when it comes to Nami and Maeda…
“Yeah sure. Can I hang up now?” Ray rolled her eyes feeling Mariko didn’t care anymore.
“Yeah yeah. Bye.” Without waiting for a reply, Ray quickly hanged up and took a seat in front of the mirror.
She hoped to God or even Akimoto-san that she had the same recording as Nami…just so she can keep an eye on Maeda…
******
God did answer Ray’s prayer as she found Nami in the same studio as hers. But then…God added a little something for Ray just to spite her. Beside Nami stood Maeda and they were greeting Okuma Yuu…the newbie.
‘Don’t tell me he’s here for the recording too?!’ Ray thought as she walked towards them frowning. Yuu saw her from the corner of his eye and grinned. He turned to her and bowed as he greeted her politely when she stopped a couple of feet from them. Nami and Maeda turned as well and were surprised to see Ray standing near them. They bowed and greeted her as well.
Ray gave Nami a slight smile which Nami returned hesitantly as they finished their greeting. She turned to look at Yuu and frowned.
“Why are you here?” She can tolerate Maeda being near Nami…for now, but the newbie being near Nami is an entirely different thing. With him being near Nami, she can’t help but feel the need to protect the girl. She just really hate this guy so much.
Yuu shrugged keeping his smile as he looked at the diva.
“I’m guessing the same as you and them.” He glanced at the two akb48 members and saw that they are watching them curiously. Ray was glaring at him now so it wouldn’t be a surprise that they’re curious to know what’s going on.
Yuu chatted to the two members for awhile asking them questions about their group and their single ignoring the glares coming from the diva. Nami glanced at Ray a couple of times wondering why Ray was glaring at Yuu like she’s telling him to ‘get out’ or something. She remembered that glare from Ray when she pretended to be Kai’s girlfriend in the park. Somehow remembering that brought a smile to Nami’s face.
Ray saw Nami smiling as Yuu talked to them. She frowned slightly as she looked at her worried that Yuu’s charm was getting to Nami. It made her wonder what type of guy Nami likes. Well, Nami is still a girl after all. Genetically that is…
Finally, Ray felt relieved when Yuu excused himself as his manager calls out for him.
“You should stay away from that guy. He may look charming and all but that’s just a façade.” Ray said as she watches Yuu laugh at what his manager is saying.
“Thank you for the advice Ray-san.” Nami said politely which surprised Ray as she quickly turned to Nami. It was only when Nami glanced at Maeda did she realize that Maeda didn’t know that she was Reiko. She suddenly had the urge to bully Maeda as Ray, the top diva.
She couldn’t though knowing that Nami would be mad at her for doing that. But maybe she could be subtle about it.
She turned to Maeda with her arms crossed and eyebrow raised.
“So…you’re Maeda Atsuko.”
“Hai. It’s an honor to meet you.” Maeda said as she bowed smiling shyly.
“I’ve seen you in a couple of magazines.” Well she did buy all magazines that features akb48 hoping to find some articles about Nami. But the articles were mostly about Maeda and akb48 as a whole. She ended up reading those articles about Maeda. She is a little bit curious about her…like what she’s allergic to so she can give it to Maeda as an anonymous gift.
No surprise there. She is Ray the diva and all.
Maeda didn’t know what to say. What do you say to a top diva in Japan when they tell you that she’d read a couple of articles about you? She glanced at Nami who was glancing at her smiling uncomfortably. She decided to copy her smile as she turned to the diva.
“I also heard that you like Kai.” The fact that Maeda declared in the millions of people watching Music 10 that she liked Kai was something that Ray wouldn’t let pass by. Kai is hers. She made that known when she kissed him live in front of the many reporters back then when Persona brought back Wataaru’s relations to Japan. She didn’t like it when someone says that they like something that’s hers. Especially if that something is Kai and that someone is Maeda.
Nami looked at Ray incredulously. She can’t believe that Ray would bring that up especially in front of her. Didn’t she know that talking about her alter ego embarrasses her? Apparently Ray doesn’t know since she’s ignoring the looks Nami is giving her. If she looked at Nami, she’d cave and stop questioning Maeda. She just wanted to know if Maeda is a threat to her or not.
“Oh. Well…yes. But you shouldn’t feel threatened by me liking Kai-san since he obviously has feelings for you.” Maeda said as she smiled at the diva. Now she understood why the diva was somewhat hostile towards her. She was worried about her Kai.
“What?” Both Nami and Ray said as they looked at Maeda. Both were surprised at what the other girl had said. Ray was curiously surprised while Nami was just surprised at the assumption that Maeda made.
“How can you say that?” Nami asked frowning as she looked at Maeda. She was bothered by what Maeda said about her alter ego having feelings for the diva.
“Well, if Kai didn’t have feelings for Ray-san, then he should have clarified that in front of the press.”
“Hmm. Good point.” Ray nodded finding Maeda’s explanation to be reasonable. Kai didn’t acknowledge their relationship to the press, but he also didn’t deny it. He could have denied the whole thing…but he didn’t. He could have stopped it, but he didn’t. That could only mean that somehow…Kai…or rather Nami did have feelings for her! It’s the only possible explanation Ray…and even Maeda could come up with. Ray smiled at the thought.
Nami saw the dreamy look Ray has. She blames Maeda for putting ideas on the diva’s head when she clearly didn’t know the other side of the story. Her or her alter ego’s side of the story. She shook her head and sighed.
“I think he just doesn’t want to make a big deal about it.” That and Saeko-sachou whipped her when she told her that she wanted a press conference just to clarify that Kai and Ray have no relationship whatsoever. She stopped herself from shivering remembering the sound of the whip their Sachou always carry. Unconsciously she rubbed her butt remembering the pain she felt from it.
“I think I like Maeda-san’s explanation better.” Ray smiled widely at Nami who wanted to roll her eyes. Of course Ray would like that explanation.
“Yeah but…didn’t you and Kai-san broke up?” Nami reminded her as she narrowed her eyes at Ray who seems to have been taken aback from what Nami said. Back when Ray finally knew the truth about Kai’s true gender, the reporters were constantly following her asking about Persona. It pissed her off that they kept following her and kept asking her questions about Persona and about Kai. One time she was asked if she and Kai are still going out and she exclaimed without thinking…
“No! I broke up with him!”Seeing the news for a week about their ‘break up’ depressed her even more. She regretted saying those words especially when she realized how much she love Kai regardless of his gender.
“We did…and I regret breaking up with him. So I sought him out and told him…how much I want him back.” Ray said as she looked at Nami smiling sadly. Nami looked away regretting asking that question. It only reminded her of what Ray wants.
Her.
Thankfully, a staff decided to break the awkward silence by telling the two members that their manager is looking for them. They bowed down to Ray and followed the staff leading them to their manager. Nami gave Ray a slight smile as she walked away together with Maeda. Ray stood there looking at her with a sad look on her face…
…and Yuu watching her every move.
********
TwitchTwitchRay’s right eye has been twitching for awhile now at what she’s seeing. Her and Yuu’s interview had ended. Thankfully they weren’t interviewed at the same time. If that would happen, she’d have her usual bitch fit in front of the staff. But could she really do that in front of Nami?
She shook her head and pouted as she watch Nami and Maeda’s interview. They were sitting together on a couch with the two MC sitting in the other side asking them questions. But them sitting together didn’t bother Ray. Well it did but what bothered her the most was that Maeda kept on leaning to Nami whenever she’d laugh or even when she’s just talking. She’s trying not to grit her teeth at the sight of it.
“Well, since it’s your first time in our show…you get to do the ‘smile to the camera’ challenge!” One MC said as he smiled widely at the two. In the challenge, they would let you eat or drink something disgusting or spicy then you have to smile to the camera.
Ray rolled her eyes. She did that stupid challenge of theirs but hers was rigged. They made the audience think she was drinking something gross and she put her acting to the test. She didn’t want to eat anything gross! Ray doesn’t eat anything she doesn’t want! That and she had a temper tantrum to the staff and to Sarukawa-sachou.
But it’s different in Nami’s case. They were briefed on what will happen and they decided to go through the challenge. Somehow, the diva is a bit worried on what kind of food Nami would get in this challenge. She knew that Nami is a strong girl…as strong as a man…a girly man even…but she can’t help but worry about her. She could care less on what Maeda would get. She even hoped that Maeda would get something spicy.
‘Or something poisonous would be great.’ Ray thought as she saw Maeda loop her arm to Nami smiling.
She crossed her arm and watch as the MCs gave Maeda something gross and hesitantly drank it making a disgusting face in front of the camera. She tried to smile but it looked like she’s in pain or something. Nami and the MCs laughed at her. Even some of the staff ended up laughing. Ray just stood there looking unimpressed as she watches the scene. Ray had to admit though…she was a little bit cute with that pained smile of hers…though she wouldn’t admit it out loud. How could she when it’s Maeda she’s complimenting!
Next up was Nami who was given something spicy to eat. She took a huge bite on the spicy food offered to her and a few seconds later began coughing. The MCs laughed at Nami who ended up crying a little.
“You shouldn’t have taken a huge bite on that! It’s full of spices and all.” One MC said laughing a bit. Maeda offered some water to Nami who eagerly drank it all.
‘How dare that MC guy laugh at Nami when she was just being…….Nami!’ Ray thought as she gritted her teeth.
She didn’t know if she was furious at the two MCs for making her Nami cry or to Maeda who was wiping some of Nami’s tears. Ray just stood there watching helplessly. She wanted to go to Nami and see if she’s okay but she can’t what with the recording still going on. She’s resisting the urge to cause a commotion knowing that Nami wouldn’t like it. So she just watched as Maeda comforts Nami.
It was painful for her…to just watch and do nothing. She had never felt this helpless before…
As soon as the director shouted ‘Cut’…Ray quickly went to where Nami is. She was surrounded by the MCs, a few staff members and their manager asking if she’s okay. Ray stopped and stood behind listening.
“I’m fine. It just…caught me off guard how spicy it was.” Nami said as she scratched her head smiling sheepishly.
“Yeah, but you did good job.” One of the MC said as he patted her head smiling. Ray’s fists tighten upon hearing what the MC said to Nami. Good job or not…no one should make her Nami cry in front of her.
A staff in front of her noticed her standing behind him. The staff member gasped and began moving to the side to somehow let her through. Others noticed and let her through as well scared of the look the diva was giving.
Ray moved towards Nami who was surprised upon seeing the diva walking towards her. She gulped when she noticed the pissed off look Ray was giving her. Everyone was silent as the diva stopped in front of Nami looking down at her.
“Are you okay?” Ray asked worriedly as she frowned.
“Uh…yeah. I’m fine Ray-san.” Nami said feeling uncomfortable as all eyes were on them. She smiled slightly trying to ease the anger that she knows that’s building inside the diva. It clearly shows in the diva’s face. She had that bitchy face on again.
Ray studied her for awhile noticing an unshed tear on the side of Nami’s right eye. Seeing that just added fuel to the fire that’s building inside her. She quickly turned to the staff and the MCs who immediately flinched seeing the ominous glare the diva was giving them.
She was about to show them the wrath of the diva when she felt someone tug her dress from behind. She glanced behind her and saw Nami standing up tugging her dress slightly. Everyone gasped as they saw Nami holding the diva’s dress from behind. No one dares to do that to the diva! Not even her manager Sarukawa-sachou! They fear for Nami’s life.
Maeda watches curiously while Yuu stood afar intrigued at the scene unfolding.
“I’m fine…really.” Nami said softly easing her from doing anything rash. She knew that the diva has a temper and she was obviously going to use it to the staff members, but it wasn’t the staffs’ fault. It was her fault for taking a huge bite on the food. So if Ray was going to lecture someone…she should lecture her instead for being reckless.
Ray glanced at her for awhile. She sighed feeling her anger dissolve upon seeing Nami’s determined face.
“Fine. You can let go now.” Ray said coldly as she looked away. She wasn’t angry at Nami…rather, she was somewhat angry at herself.
Nami instantly let go of the diva’s dress and watch as the diva walked out of the studio without a single glance at her or at anyone. It confused her, but she was even more confused when the MCs and some of the staffs surrounds her and began shaking her hand. They began thanking her for saving them from the diva.
“Uh…you’re welcome…” She replied awkwardly. They finally left after a shake off hands and a few pats on her head. Nami sighed and wondered why people kept on patting her in the head.
“Are you really okay though Kawachi-san?” Their manager asked.
“I’m fine. No worries.” Nami said assuring their manager and Maeda who was looking at her worriedly. She somehow felt touched that everyone’s worried about her…
“I’m glad, because if you aren’t okay…I’d be dead to Akimoto-san.”
…except for their manager who seems to be more worried about himself…
Nami shook her head and sighed. Their manager then turned to Maeda.
“Anyway, Maeda-san, you have another interview in about…40 minutes.”
“Hai.” Maeda nodded.
“We need to go to…studio 5 now for preparations.” Their manager said as he looked at his organizer. He then turned to Nami.
“Kawachi-san, since you don’t have anything to do now…”
‘Ouch.’ Nami thought.
“…you can either wait at the lobby ground floor or I can send someone to pick you up and drive you back to the theater. Although, the team practice is at the afternoon…”
“How long is Acchan’s interview?”
“About two hours.”
Nami is torn. She didn’t know what she would do for two hours inside Tohto TV. The best option is to just go back to the theater. But then Maeda is giving her a pleading look like she’s telling her to wait for her. She sighed and shook her head.
“I’ll just wait at the lobby.” She was rewarded by Maeda’s bright smile. She chuckled when she saw it.
“Okay. We’ll see you right after the interview. Let’s go Maeda-san.” Their manager said as he walked away.
“Will you be okay alone?” Maeda asked.
“Yeah. I’ll be fine. I can always find something to do to kill time.” Nami chuckled. Sleeping is first in her list.
Maeda nodded then frowned slightly when she noticed a tear on the side of Nami’s eye. Without thinking, she slowly cupped Nami’s cheek and wiped the tear away surprising Nami.
“You still got…some tears left…” Maeda softly said smiling slightly. She didn’t remove her hand though and softly caressed Nami’s face. She looked at Nami as if mesmerized. Her smile gone...
Nami stared back, caught at the intense look that Maeda was giving her. If a stranger would pass by and saw this scene, they’d probably think that they’re witnessing a romantic scene between two girls. But luckily for them, no one passed by or even bothered looking at the two. Lucky for Nami a certain diva isn’t around to witness what’s happening.
Nami, who as if heard someone narrating what is happening, frowned confused as to why Maeda’s hand is still caressing her.
“A…acchan…?”
Hearing Nami calling her name somehow brought her back to reality as she quickly moved her hand away.
“I…I…” Maeda stammered. A blush began forming on her cheeks. Nami was blushing slightly as well. Both suddenly felt awkward.
“Maeda-san, if you could just hurry...” Their manager said interrupting their awkward moment. They both suddenly had the urge to thank the man for the interruption.
“Uh…yes.” Maeda replied to their manager who shook his head and walked towards the exit.
“You better go before he dies of old age.” Nami joked smiling slightly trying to ease the earlier tension.
“Uh yeah. I guess…I guess I’ll see you later.”
“Yeah…”
Maeda nodded smiling slightly then turned towards the exit. Nami watched her until she was out of sight. She frowned looking at the door wondering….
‘Did Acchan and I…just had a moment…?’
********
“Argh!” Ray growled as she sat down at the chair in front of the mirror. She was in her dressing room thinking of what happened earlier. She was angry at herself for her weakness that is Nami. When she saw Nami pleading for her to stop with whatever she was about to do the staff, she immediately gave in! And well…that is so unlike the diva she was.
‘What…I was…’ Ray thought as she looked at the mirror. Was she…changing?
Frowning, she quickly took her phone out of her bag. She opted to just send a mail to Mariko rather than to call her thinking that the girl might be busy with her gig and all.
“I want you to answer me honestly…am I changing…? Are my feelings for Nami-chan…changing me?”She stared at the message for awhile then pressed the send button. She sighed then stared at herself at the mirror dreading the answer that her friend would say. It bothered her that she was changing…if ever she really was. It bothered her that she now has a weakness when back then she didn’t have one. It bothered her and scared her that Nami is her weakness…
A knock and the opening of the door suddenly brought her attention back. She didn’t want any visitors…besides Nami that is…so she turned towards and glared when she saw the newbie Yuu looking at her dressing room impressed.
“Wow…so this is the dressing room of a diva. Sure is spacious for only one person.” Yuu walked to the middle of the room looking around.
“What are you doing here?” The diva growled. The newbie sure has guts to just come in without Ray telling him to come in. Nobody comes in without her permission!
“I was bored. So I decided to visit my favorite diva.” Yuu said as he sat down the couch. He grinned at the glaring diva.
“Get out!”
“Aww c’mon! I just came here to give you a proposal.”
“A proposal?” She asked curiously. She was curious and at the same time she didn’t want to hear anything that comes out of his mouth. But…curiosity got the best of her…
“Yeah. I heard your latest single didn’t sell as much as your last single…”
True…she barely made it to the top when her latest single came out. She was ahead with only 500 copies. It bothered her really since that never happened before. It worries her that her popularity is slowly decreasing.
“And well…I also need a scandal to further boost up my popularity…”
Ray crossed her arm wary where this proposal is going.
“So…how about you and I hook up?”
Ray stared at him for awhile then started laughing…hard. Yuu knew that somehow the diva would have that kind of reaction. He shook his head and stood up.
“You have got to be kidding me! You and I…hook up!? That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard!” Ray said as she laughed at the proposal. She despised the guy and for him to say that they should hook up was just hilarious to her.
Yuu grabbing her hand and pulling her towards him made her stop laughing. Yuu’s face was only a few inches from her face. His hand squeezed hers.
“What’s so funny? Am I not manly enough for you?” He said softly still with a grin on his face.
“No…you’re not.” She said as she raised her eyebrow grinning slightly. They stared at each other challengingly. That’s how Nami saw them as she walked inside the diva’s dressing room.
“Uh…am I interrupting something?” She asked. Both Yuu and Ray turned to her. Ray’s eyes widen as she saw Nami. She quickly backed away from Yuu and turned towards Nami who was smiling shyly.
“Nami-chan…”
Yuu was surprised to hear the diva Ray call the akb48 member in a friendly way. He didn’t show it though as he glanced at Ray and at Nami.
“I guess I did interrupt something. I’m sorry. I’ll just come later then.” Nami said as she took a step back and Ray took a step forward as if to stop her.
“No need. I’m going out anyway.” Yuu said stopping Nami from exiting. He walked and stopped when he was near the door. He glanced at Ray and grinned.
“Think about it okay?” With that, he opened the door and walked out leaving the two to stare at the door for awhile. Nami then turned to the diva smiling as she scratches her head.
“Sorry if I interrupted you guys…”
“No! You didn’t interrupt anything. You actually saved me from that repulsive man.” Ray said as she sighed.
“Repulsive? Why? Did he…try to do something?” Nami asked frowning. Ray couldn’t help but smile.
“Don’t worry about it.” As much as she was happy that Nami was worried about her, she didn’t want to drag Nami to her problems. And that newbie was definitely a problem.
Nami looked at her skeptically.
“So, what brings you here Nami-chan?” She asked in her perky way trying to change the subject. Nami noticed the sudden change and decided to just give in to the diva. If she didn’t want to tell her, she can’t do anything about it right? So she just held out the umbrella that she’s holding to Ray.
“Well, you said that you didn’t have an umbrella…and well, I thought that what if Gori-san isn’t around when it rains. And so I thought I could lend you mine.” Nami explained looking at the side with a slight blush on her face. It was actually just an excuse…a lame excuse…to see what the diva was up to. She didn’t know what to do while waiting for Maeda for an hour and a half so she thought to visit Ray. But then she remembered the cold tone that the diva used on her earlier and thought that the diva might be mad at her. So somehow…this was also a peace offering to the diva.
Kinda lame really…but what do you expect from Kawachi Nami who was so similar to the girl in the alternative universe that was mentioned in chapter 5.
Ray stared at the umbrella offered to her. She could ask anyone to take her home if ever Gori-san isn’t around. Plus there’s always a car to take her home. So she really didn’t need an umbrella. Still she couldn’t help but feel flattered that Nami was once again worried about her.
Nami suddenly felt stupid as Ray just stared at the umbrella she was offering. Silence is what she got for being nice.
“A simple yes or no would be nice to hear you know…” She grumbled and turned around.
“Oh well. I don’t think it’ll rain anyway…so you don’t really need my umbrella. I’d better go now. I’ll see you later then.” Nami added as she glanced at Ray. She walked towards the door but stopped when she felt the diva’s arms wrapped on her waist pulling her to the other girls’ body.
“R-Ray?” She struggled to break free but Ray kept a firm hold on her. This is what she gets for keeping her guard down on Ray…again!
“L-let go!” Nami said still struggling. She can’t help but compare the strength of Ray to Mariko. Both were skinny and yet they amaze her with their strength. Just what the hell are those two eating?
Nami stopped struggling when she felt Ray sigh.
“Can we just…stay like this for awhile…?” Ray began nuzzling her nose to Nami’s hair liking the smell of Nami’s shampoo.
Nami felt uneasy with the way Ray was nuzzling at her hair but she stood still, freezing up now and then. She tried to relax…but she couldn’t. She then remembered how tired the diva sounded earlier. She decided to just focus on that.
“You’re tired…”
“It seems that Nami-chan keeps worrying about me.” Ray giggled feeling the fuzzy warm feeling in her stomach as she holds Nami.
“Nevermind.” Nami grumbled and rolled her eyes.
“I’m just teasing. I guess…I haven’t been sleeping much these past few days.” Ray sighed and placed her chin to Nami’s shoulder. It’s true, she haven’t been sleeping much what with her busy schedule and all.
Nami glanced at the tired diva who has her eyes closed. She sighed.
“Are you on your break?” Nami asked and felt Ray nod.
“How much time left till your break is over?”
“An hour. I have to go out of town in a little while for promotion.”
They were silent for awhile. Nami was contemplating on doing something as Ray was relaxing by holding Nami. Though her back is hurting a little what with her bending down just to place her chin on Nami’s shoulder. The girl is small compared to the diva and all.
“Are you sleepy?”
“A bit…” Ray answered smiling with her eyes closed. She frowned though when Nami pulled her arm trying to remove it from wrapping her waist. Ray kept her hold not letting Nami break her hold from her.
“Trust me okay. Just let go.” Nami sighed defeatedly. Ray wondered what’s with Nami’s sigh so she hesitantly removed her arm from the girl. She watched curiously as Nami walked towards the door and locked it. Then without a word, turned and walked to the couch and sat down.
“If you tease me for doing this…I’ll get out of the room. This doesn’t mean anything okay?” Nami warned frowning looking at the side. This is embarrassing for her, but the diva clearly needed a break what with her busy schedule and all. And well, this is all she could come up with.
Ray frowned confused not knowing what Nami was talking about. We’re they…going to make out? Thinking about that made her blush furiously. Nami saw it and rolled her eyes knowing what the diva was thinking about.
“It doesn’t involve anything that you’re thinking about. So stop thinking about perverted stuff and come sit next to me.” Nami commanded as she patted the space next to her.
Ray nodded and sat down next to Nami not knowing what the other girl was planning. She was surprised when wrapped her arm to Ray’s shoulder and pulled her towards her. Ray turned to look at Nami when they sat so close to each other. Her heart was thumping so hard when Nami placed her hand on the back of her head and slowly pulled her…
…to her shoulder…
“You can sleep for awhile and use me as a pillow…” Nami said softly to the diva. She removed her hand from the diva’s head not knowing where she would place them. She decided to just wrap her arm back to the diva’s shoulder noticing that that’s the only place she could place it.
“Remember…no teasing or else I’ll walk out! Just sleep and relax okay?” Nami sighed trying to relax as well as she closed her eyes. Ray glanced at her noticing the blush on her face. With Nami’s eyes closed, she didn’t see the brilliant smile the diva gave her. But she did feel the diva wrapping her arms to her waist pulling her closer even though there’s no space to pull anymore.
10 minutes later…the two were sleeping. One was using the other girl’s head as a pillow, her mouth slightly open. The other one was using the other girl’s shoulder as a pillow, a smile on her face as she sleeps.
********
Nami’s POVI sighed while waiting for the elevator to stop at the lobby. I left Ray sleeping at the couch once I woke up. Yeah I fell asleep too. I guess I relaxed too much and fell asleep. That’s not surprising since I easily fall asleep anyway.
I wonder if Ray is awake now? Ugh, I had a hard time disentangling myself from her hold while not waking her up. Luckily she didn’t wake up. When I left her, she had at least fifteen minutes left till her break is over. So…maybe she’s awake now.
Shaking the thoughts away, the elevator opened and I stepped out heading towards the lobby. I stopped when I saw Okuma-san sitting at the lobby smiling at me.
Was he waiting for me…?
“Nami right?” He asked and stood up.
“Hai.” I replied bowing down unsure of why he was speaking to me. Does he want something?
“I notice that you and Ray-san…are friends…”
I frowned not knowing where this was heading.
“I was hoping if you could help me with something.”
“With what?”
I asked frowning slightly.
“Well…I just want to know what kind of flowers does Ray-san like.”
Okay…somehow that surprised me. Though I shouldn’t be surprised since I heard him asking Ray that they should hook up and Ray laughed at him. Yes, I heard that…and no I didn’t eavesdrop on their conversation. The door was slightly open so I took a peek when I heard voices and decided to listen for awhile.
Hmm…that does sound like eavesdropping doesn’t it? Eh…most people would do the same thing anyway.
“So…do you know?”
Somehow that brought me back to reality. Do I know what kind of flowers does Ray like…?
“Uh…no I don’t…”
Does she even like flowers? Somehow the thought of not knowing if Ray likes flowers or not bothers me a bit. It made me realize…how much I still don’t know about her.
“Oh. I thought you might know. Oh well, I guess I’ll just give her roses. Most girls love roses anyway.”
Somehow hearing that offends me since I don’t like roses. Does that mean I’m not a girl? Nah, that just means that I’m not most girls. Yeah…that’s right.
It’s a bit sad to reassure yourself of something…
“Well, thanks anyway.”
He said and smiled then started walking away.
“Uh…wait!”
He stopped walking and turned to me confused.
“Does that mean…you like Ray-san?”
This has been bugging me since I heard him propose to Ray about hooking up. I want to know if he likes her or anything. Ray is a friend of mine…so I want to know if his intentions are pure.
So what happens…if his intentions…are pure…?
He surprised me when he started laughing.
“Like? That like of yours is heading towards love huh?”
I frowned not liking the change in his attitude. He slowly made his way towards me still smiling. He stopped when he’s a few feet from me.
“You’re still a kid. Don’t you know that there’s no such thing as love in this business?”
I stood still as he patted my head.
“Remember that little girl if you want to make it to the top.”
With a last pat on my head, he said later to me and walked away leaving me to glare at him. I knew something was up with that guy the moment I saw him pull Ray towards him. It’s the reason I decided to interrupt their conversation and ask what his intentions are to Ray.
It’s the reason why I suddenly have the urge to do something about it just to protect Ray…
***Meanwhile***“Nami…?” Ray mumbled as she opened her eyes finding herself laid down on the couch cuddling to a throw pillow. Frowning, she slowly sat up and noticed that the girl was gone. She sighed suddenly missing the warmth and smell of the girl.
She stood up and walked towards the mirror checking her appearance. She suddenly noticed her phone and picked it up. She opened it and found a mail from Sarukawa saying that she shouldn’t forget to get to the airport in time. She looked at the clock of her phone and noticed that she still have 10 minutes till Gori-san picks her up. Plenty of time left really.
She then noticed another message from Mariko. She frowned remembering the mail she sent to the girl. She opened the mail from Mariko and read it.
“You’re a couple of months late if you only thought of asking that question now! *sigh* Anyway, that’s how falling in love is right? It changes you. Rather than asking something so SO SOOOO obvious as that…why not ask if it’s worth it. If it is…then you shouldn’t worry about anything. If it’s not…then I suggest you look for another boyish girl and move on. But I doubt on the latter…”
Ray sighed and looked at herself in the mirror. She noticed something on the coffee table that wasn’t there before. She turned and picked up an umbrella. It was Nami’s umbrella. She left it for Ray.
She held it up and smiled remembering how embarrassed Nami looked when she offered her umbrella.
Was it worth it?
‘It definitely is…’ Ray thought as she smiled.
TBCYou know, after writing this chapter, I can't help but miss Hinata.
Topic: [AKB48 x Mendol] The Price of Fame (Nami/Ray, Nami/Acchan) - COMPLETED (Read 159392 times)