-
New fanfic start!
Took me quite a while to come up with this one, so I'm glad I finally got the
first chapter done. Here it is! I hope you guys enjoy it :D
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey! Just smile.
Chapter 1: When I Met You
No - a simple word, with one definite meaning. It bothers me how some people can't understand it when others say "no". So now here I am, cornered into a wall by a first year waaaay too over his head (geez, they're tall this year). Who does he think he is trying to flirt with me? I mean its flattering at first but now it's just getting...
"Uncomfortable?"
I lifted my eyes to stare angrily into my suitor's eyes. Well, no, that wasn't the word I was looking for more like...
"Annoying." I said moving my head to the side and gritting my teeth.
"Tsch." He backed away his head a bit and looked to his friend that was with him. They exchanged looks of annoyance and returned their attention to me.
"Hey, just say yes an-"
"You're wasting my time, will you just let me go? Seriously, take a look at yourselves and then take a look at me, what were you thinking?"
Both of them backed away annoyed. Did I say something bad?
I scratched my head and looked up to the sky in thought and after a while I shook it off and shrugged my shoulders. With a blank look I scanned each of their appearances. Without care I began to walk away, when suddenly one of them spoke up. What's with them, they sure are weird.
"I guess the rumor is true. Kusumi-san hasn't accepted one single date invitation ever since her father, how should I say it... jumped over to the other side?"
I stopped in my tracks and furrowed my brows in disappointment. Why do they always bring this up? I don't reject them because of what happened before. Ever since, not once have I said 'yes' to anyone's invitation! But... it's not like what my father did doesn't affect me.
Slightly, I turned my head around to look at their faces. The look in their eyes was pretty self-explanatory... they think they got me. They didn't have to do anything else. This is more than satisfactory for them. I stared at them. Not with anger or hints of irritation, just the usual blank stare I always have. I shrugged my shoulders and walked away. As I turned around I could hear them becoming confused with what just happened.
Father, how selfish could you be?
*BEEP! BEEP!*
Why did you become weak and take a shortcut?
*BEEP BEEP!*
Whatever.
Although I think that what happened to father had nothing to do with what just happened, I can feel that tiny bit of doubt burning in my chest.
"Ahh!" I threw my hands up in the air and shaked them about. "What are you being sad for!"
That's right. I can't let what they say get to me! So what if my father left this world! I still have my life to live and I'm sure going to live it to the fullest! "Forget about him!" That's right, I have to try my best.
Suddenly I felt a burst of energy running through my veins.
"IT'S OFF TO WORK!" At top speed I ran to where my bicycle was parked, hopped on and began to pedal as hard as I could. Relieving stress like this is the best!
The wind in my hair felt refreshing. As it caressed my skin with the petals it carried from the sakura trees, I began to feel relaxed and soon enough everything that just happened was forgotten in the moment. I tilted my head up and closed my eyes, concentrating on this short feeling of serenity.
Just for this moment let me be in my own world, just until my foot sets upon land again and I return once more.
"KOHARU WATCH OUT!"
Slowly opening my eyes, I saw the blurry image of a motorcycle driver driving towards me. Huh, doesn't he know he's driving on the wrong side of the road?
... oh ... OH!!!
=================================================================
"Goodness, how much of an idiot can she be?" Sayumi, Koharu's coworker at her family's small bakery shop, scratched her head in an irritated manner. Although Koharu had been the appointed store supervisor by her mother, Sayumi began to question such a brash decision. After all, today was the third time she rode her bicylce on the wrong side of the road. "Wouldn't she atleast have more sense to know what side to ride on when the road is empty?"
Settling her head on her two palms, she quietly watched Koharu doze off, moving her head to the side in a curious manner. Seeing how the store supervisor could
change moods so quickly she thought about how that part of her coworker was so, like her.
"Huh, the only time she's quiet." A smile began to creep up on Sayumi and soon enough she reached out her hand to pat Koharu's head. "Even though she's supposed to be working the cash register right now, I can forgive her."
In response to the movement of Sayu's hand on her head, Koharu shifted her head to the right facing her fellow coworker. Sayumi lifted her hand slightly startled at the sudden motion and focused on Koharu's face. "Ge.I almost forgot for a moment how dead she looks while sleeping, with her eyes open and everything." Sayumi searched around for a small piece of cloth, first searching her apron pockets, then her jean pockets until she finally noticed a pink checkered handkerchief hanging off one of the shelves behind the cash register. She tugged on it quickly and placed it on top of Koharu's face.
"YAHO~!" Pushing the doors wide open, creating a strong force of wind, a close friend of Sayu's, Reina, burst through the doors as if she was expecting some sort of huge welcoming party to greet her. With her hands on her hips she scanned the quaint little bakery with a large smile, her eyes twinkling. Throughout the week Reina was busy with schoolwork and part-time jobs. After getting fired from her fourth part time job, Reina thought that it would be nice to visit her friend to get her mind off of things.
"Shhh!!" Sayu said with a frown and a finger over her lips. She knew Koharu should be getting back to work but that thought seemed to have been dismissed.
"Mou, I haven't seen you for a week and this is the greeting I get?" Reina made a mock pouty face while crossing her arms. "What's up with you two? Eh? Why does Kusumi-chan have a cloth over her face?" Slowly lifting the cloth and peeping under it, Reina took a short look at Koharu's face before screaming and backing away towards one of tables behind her.
"If you killed Koharu you should've atleast done a better job at hiding her!" Reina said trying to catch her breath, with her hand over her chest.
Little did the both of them know, that under that pink checkered piece of cloth, Koharu was fully awake. She remained still, blinking a few times to regain the scenes from the dream she had. A dream that was a bit too insistent, repeating itself for the third time that week. She sat still pondering at what it could've meant.
"Off in the distance there was a happy family... suddenly, his voice called out my name." Remaining, in the same train of thought, Koharu gradually lifted her head up. "His voice sounded a bit too real to be just a dream. But, it couldn't have been him, he's dead. Father is dead."
"Huh?" Sayu and Reina who had been preoccupied with catching up on each other, turned to Koharu who was now standing up. For a few seconds they both stayed silent watching their friend look at the ground. As random as Koharu's actions were, the way she stood there, her face in deep thought hinted with frustration, wasn't Koharu-like at all. Becoming concerned, Sayumi decided to speak up walking up closer to Koharu.
"U-umm, Koharu are you ok-"
"Excuse me, I need to go out for a minute." Making her way around the counter and hurriedly past the two university students, Koharu went out of the bakery nearly bumping into the doors before pulling them open. The voice she heard earlier, a voice that sounded so real and so much like her deceased father's, was the thing she was trying to search for. Even though it wasn't there, deep down Koharu wanted it to be there. Soon enough after wandering around aimlessly she arrived at a nearby park, the place where she could always clear her mind.
She looked for a bench to sit on and as soon as she did she dropped her body onto it. Staring at the huge sakura tree in the center of the park, she sighed releasing her stress.
"Maybe I'm just hearing things. Still, why did I get my hopes up when I know he's gone?"
Her focus was still fixated on the sakura tree. She watched it glow from the park lights in the night scenery, making it look majestic. This was her way of taking her mind off of things. To just simply enjoy the atmosphere around her and to ignore whatever problems she was facing. Yet, why wasn't it working this time around?
"Huuu~If everyone at school saw me like this, for sure they wouldn't stop talking about it."
"Hello miss, what are you doing out here by yourself?" Out of the blue, and at a time when not needed a young man about Koharu's age appeared before her. With a grin on his face and his hands in his pockets, he sat down beside Koharu his intentions becoming obvious.
"You should enjoy yourself. Say, how about coming with us?"
"Excuse me, but I would really like to be alone right now." Koharu said firmly. She stood up to leave when she bumped into another person who appeared before her, forcing her to sit back down again.
"Hey, come on we're politely asking you here." Another boy about the same age as Koharu spoke up. Grabbing Koharu's wrist firmly tugging on it, he tried to persuade her to join him and his friend.
Koharu didn't know what to do now. The thoughts she had before and the events happening were a bit too sudden for her to handle. Her mind blanked and all she could do was pull away her hand. She once again stood up to leave and even tried pushing the two away, but they wouldn't let her go. She became annoyed, scrunching up her hands into fists letting out an aura of anger.
"Leave.Me.ALONE. Why are guys like you so persistent? Can't you understand what I'm saying? NO. Get it?" Failure. None of the words she said had an effect on the two. Instead, one of them grabbed her hand and began to drag her to their destination. She gave up, Koharu gave up. She was annoyed at how often this would happen to her at the most unnesessary times. All she could do was state her opposition. "Let me go! Let me go!"
"Shut up and just come with u-"
"A-ano!" The three looked behind them and saw a girl about twenty-years-old or so clutching onto her books tightly.
"I know I shouldn't be speaking, but maybe you should let her go? I mean she doesn't seem like she wants to join you anyway..." She said, speaking up in pity for Koharu. Her medium-length black hair, shined from the light in the park making her seem like she had a halo around her (well atleast to Koharu). Her glasses often slided down her nose bridge making her push them up every while. She seemed shy and delicate, fidgeting with her fingers while she looked up at the three and down at the ground again. Because of her appearance, Koharu wonder why this type of person was her saviour.
"Hmph." The two looked at the girl, one rolling their eyes and the other loosening their grip on Koharu. "Whatever. She wasn't that hot anyway."
Just before the two left, one of them pushed the girl out of the way as an act of annoyance. She fell to the ground, the slightly damp soil dirtying her white skirt. She remained sitting there, in a state of shock. A few minutes before she spoke up, she stood there watching the scene between the three unfold. She debated many times in her mind whether she should act or not and without thinking she let out her voice. Finally, she pushed away her timidness and did something right. The girl felt proud for herself and her shocked face showed her disbelief.
After watching the two boys walk away and turn a nearby corner, Koharu turned her attention to the girl on the ground. She bended down to help her up feeling guilty for what had happened to her. "Are you alright? Sorry for involving you in what happened..."
"I-I... I finally did it!" The girl said revealing her teeth. While still sitting on the dirt she looked up at Koharu and began tugging on Koharu's sleeves repeatedly in excitement. "I finally did it! I finally did it!"
"A-ahh? I-is that so?" Koharu didn't know what was happening to the girl. She raised an eyebrow and began to pull her up. "Well then, I'm happy for you! shy, yet crazy?"
As soon as the girl stood up, Koharu immediately felt the need to thank her. "Is there anything you need? I'll gladly give it to you as thanks! I hope she doesn't ask for anything big."
"Hmm, a cake... If thats fine with you?"
"A cake? OF COURSE IT'S FINE! My family runs a bakery so I can get you one for free!"
"R-really? But it's okay if you don't want to..." The girl lowered her head to the ground, and smiled timidly as she played with her fingers.
"Sheesh, you sure are shy. Don't worry about it and just follow me!" Koharu took the girl's hand and ran towards her family's bakery almost too fast for the girl to catch up. As they were running Koharu stopped and lifted her eyes up. She forgot to ask a very important question first. "I'm sorry I forgot, but what is your name again?" She said turning around while still holding the girl's hand.
"A-ahh, K-kamei Eri desu..." She said hestitatingly.
"And I'm Kusumi Koharu!" Koharu said putting her hand on her hip with a wide grin.
"...Is it okay if we not run? As you can see, my shoe's heel kind of broke off..." Kamei grabbed onto Koharu's arm, using it as support and lifted her leg up to show Koharu her broken shoe.
"Oh I'm sorry!" Koharu bowed multiple times, causing Kamei to chuckle a bit. Seeing Kamei's smile, she felt an unusual feeling. Koharu looked into Kame's eyes. The feeling she felt was undescribable. It was as if time froze and all she could see was the girl before her. Her mind blanked and she began to feel a strange warmth throughout her body, a warmth that she would later find the meaning of. "This feeling is... am I supposed to be feeling like this? WHAT am I feeling anyway?"
Regaining her senses, Koharu blinked her eyes a few times and cleared her throat.
"If that's the case please hold on tight."
=================================================================
The sun shone through the blinds from a nearby window onto my sleeping face. Soon after my alarm went off telling me to wake up. Huh, I thought I reset it to wake me up at ten. No school today for me, or for the coming months to come for that matter.
Slowly, I lifted up my hand and dropped it without care onto my clock to shut the alarm off. I took a nearby slipper and chucked it at the blinds, closing both of them miraculously with one throw. Ahh, that's better. I cuddled into my blanket and tried to sleep again.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8-
"Argh!" I can't fall asleep anymore. I took my pillow and threw it away from me. Stupid sun. Later I need to have a talk with Lin about switching rooms. I think she'd loooove to have the sun wake her up everyday. She seems like a sun person. Sun, sun, sun~ Sunny, sun, sun, sun~!
"Oh well, may as well get up. It's not like I'll get a job by just sitting here." I hopped up off my bed and began to do a few short stretches. After that I went to our small, very cramped bathroom to brush my teeth and take a shower. Suddenly I heard my phone vibrate on top of my nightstand. I wonder who sent me a text?
I went over to my phone rather excited. New texts are always fun to read!
I picked up the rectangular device and flipped it open. "Ah! Reina da."
「 Baka-Jun!! (ｏ`皿′ｏ)。。。
I'm asking you nicely
please don't drop out of school! (＾□＾*) 」
I closed my phone and laid it back on my nightstand. She shouldn't have wasted the effort by sending me that text, it's useless, I'm not going back to school. But maybe I should be thankful that she atleast cares about me.
I began to take off my tank top, when my phone again vibrated. "Mou, she's so persistent!"
I stomped back towards my room again and took off my tank top so that I wouldn't keep getting interrupted. I flipped my phone open, not very excited, and began to read the new message I recieved.
「 Thankful my ass.
Get yourself down here before I have
to drag you myself. 」
"Wha...?" How did she know what I was thinking?!
Whatever. Reina doesn't scare me. I'll do whatever I want to do and right now I'm going job hunting! But maybe I should go explain myse- no Junjun don't let her guilt trip you. Stay strong Junjun! Stay strong!
"Yosh! Today Junjun is going to get a job!" I stood proudly looking up to the sky (err, ceiling) and smiled to myself.
...
Maybe I should go explain myself afterall?
_______________________________________________________________________
-
Eri and Koha interesting
Sayu and Koha interaction is very cold in a way of kouhai-senpai but Jun at the end was funny
-
EriKoha? :shocked Blasphemy! No not, really, but it is very interesting. I'm liking this already and not hide nor hair of Taka or Gaki.
-
:O
I was actually wondering the possibility of EriKoha after watching Yorosen! episode where Eri leaned her head on Koharu's shoulder.
And like rndm said 'very interesting', keep going author-san.
Edit:
There seemed to be a possibility on KohaSayu too, but more on Sayu's part I guess :mon dunno:
"If that's the case please hold on tight."
I hope that meant Koha carried Eri :grin:
I love yankii Reina :rockon:
-
Hey! Just Smile:
Chapter 2 - Me and You?
"Now let's see here..."
I scanned the yellow flyers that covered the windows of a closed store. I moved my head in various directions to get a closer look at all of flyers. After a few minutes of reading a few of them, I put my hands in my jacket pockets and let out a sigh of disappointment sulking my shoulders as I did. I'm willing to do anything, but these jobs involve physical activity too hard for me to handle.
"Ahh!" How about this one! I put my finger on the piece of paper closely reading it word for word. "Miracle Bakery: currently hiring server." I put my finger on my chin and thought about possibly working at such a place. I like food, maybe I'll get some for free? "Jackpot!"
"We have a winner!" It's decided then, I'll go call them right now. But what if I don't get the job? Once again I searched the flyers for another suitable job. In the sea of yellow flyers, I found a hot pink coloured piece of paper sticking out, the flyer close to being carried away by the wind. Atleast someone here is smart enough to use another color but yellow.
I yanked it off and read it. " ♥Moe Moe Nyan♥: currently hiring cute girls for waitressing~." Hey I'm cute! This is a hard decision... getting to wear a cute waitress outfit or free food? Hmm, I'll just take these two flyers then.
After neatly folding the two pieces of paper into rectangles and putting them into my handbag, I began to walk to a nearby cafe. I could smell the aroma of fresh coffee and baked goods. I rubbed my belly and almost as if telling me to hurry up, my stomache grumbled. I put my hand on the silver handle on the glass doors of the cafe and began to pull it open. Just as I was about to enter, my phone rang.
I flipped open my phone and exhaled in an irritated manner. Please don't tell me its- "...Reina."
「Call Rejected.」
"Fine! Be that way! I don't need you at school anyway!" I turned around quickly, my eyes wide open and my mouth hanging, to see the source of the voice angrily storming away. Reina? "R-Reina! Wait!" What is she doing here??
I ran after her and grabbed her hand so that she would stop. She turned her head around...wait what? Why is she crying? I could feel my heart burn with guilt and pity. Was she really that affected by my decision?
"Reina..." I took out a handkerchief from my handbag in a hurry and tried to wipe her face, instead she whipped her head away and released her hand from my grip. She furrowed her eyebrows and gritted her teeth.
"Don't look at me." She cleared her throat and inhaled some air, fluttering her eyelids a bit so that her tears would cease falling. She looked down and exhaled heavily before she spoke up. "DO WHATEVER YOU WANT!" She said, um, yellled, pushing me before she stomped past. Her heels clicked and clacked against the cement sidewalk and she held her hand bag close to her. It was as if nothing happened between me and her, and she was just passing by.
I stood there, watching her disappear into the crowd as I held my handkerchief tightly. I sighed. I don't know what to do anymore. Why couldn't she be cold to me as usual and let me do whatever I want...
I leaned my back onto the cement wall, clutching my handbag close to me. I tilted my head up and began to sort out my thoughts.
She said 'I don't need you at school anyway'... what was that supposed to mean? I shook my head side to side. No way she's- no, she's probably just worried. Then, if she's that worried maybe I should go back to school after all? I mean maybe what I'm doing right now is a bit selfish. But then if I do-
"Junjun. Stop. Just stop."
I can't go back to school. There's no way I'm inheriting that god forsaken company. I sighed and continued to go back into the cafe.
I really didn't mean to hurt you Reina, but for now let me do what I want.
==========================================================
The train entered the subway station and a strong wind came in the opposite direction. The many people that waited for the train, all followed it with their eyes as it moved passed by them and came to a halt. The doors opened and almost immediately, the passengers made their way in. Near the front line of people that piled into the train, was Reina. She watched people go in, hoping there would still be enough space for her. She poked her head up to get a peek at who was already in the train. Seeing that space was being taken up quickly, she grunted and pushed people by as she slided in between them. She surely wasn't in the mood to wait for the next train to come by.
"Stupid Junjun." Reina said as she entered the train, hitting shoulders with people as she walked in.
She held on tightly to one of the poles on the train and gripped it as hard as she could, scrunching up her eyebrows. Sweat formed on her palm from the hold she had, eventually causing her hand to slip and hit the thighs of the woman in front of her. It took her a few moments before she realized what she had done and when she did, her cheeks heated up in embaressment. She bowed many times in apology as the middle-aged woman in front of her gave her suspicious looks.
She resumed staring at the pole in anger, her chin lowered and her eyes lifted up. She focused all her negative energy into the pole, picturing it as the object of her anger. Many people turned their heads at the strange behaviour Reina was displaying. The many eyes that stared at her burned holes onto her back which made Reina look around the train surprised. She faced front and tried to calm herself down.
Reina lowered her eyelids and relaxed her shoulders as she looked at the passing scenery outside the train windows. The sun peaked through the trees that shielded the passing train, the continuity of its rays being broken every so often. Reina looked up once again, and behold the sun was out with nothing to hide its rays. It shined brightly over the city landscape, but only for a moment would it be given to appear as the train station up ahead awaited them. Still, her eyelids were lowered and her eyebrows furrowed.
There was a pain in her chest, a pain she couldn't quite explain. It appeared everytime she pictured the banana loving girl's smile and everytime she thought about it disappearing. Looking at the sun she was reminded of how this girl loved the feeling of the sun shining on her face and remembering this, the pain in her chest only became more apparent.
"Atleast... there won't be anyone to bug me anymore." Reina chuckled at the thought. She tried to convince herself that everything would be alright without Junjun, that school would be just as fun with Sayu and her. She sighed and let her eyes wander around.
" 'friend' " Reina said. She looked up and thought about the word and it's association with Junjun. "A friend. That's why I'm concerned about her..."
After a few moments she ended up laughing to herself awkwardly, almost too loudly. "S-sumimasen, sumimasen." Reina slightly turned around and bowed her head up and down. As she did, something caught her eye.
"Geez Ai-chan, how many times did I tell you to wear a sweater in the morning?" The brown haired girl said as she looked at the girl beside her worriedly. She lightly patted her friend's head and took out a tissue for her to blow her nose on. "Here."
"Dankd, Gaki-dan." The girl took the tissue and tried to quietly blow her nose, as she was too shy to disturb everyone.
"Ah, do you have a mask?" She quickly searched into her handbag, not sure if she had one or not. To her surprise she found one sticking out of a small pocket. She took it out and put it on her friend worriedly, being a bit too rough and hasty as she did.
"Dankd Gaki-dan, but I'm nod dat thick." She smiled shyly underneath the mask and waved her hands infront of her face. In response, the brown haired girl just patted her friend's head again and smiled at her causing her friend's cheeks to heat up.
"You would do the same thing." Reina stood up straight and became fixated on the two, smiling faintly to herself. She felt a strange feeling of nostalgia. When she realized what or rather who caused this nostalgic feeling, she shaked her head furiously to get herself out of the trance.
She took one last look at the two before the bell indicating her stop sounded and the crowd engulfed her. The train emptied and almost as if unnoticingly, it became full again. Reina turned around and hurriedly exited the train before it resumed its journey.
Through the corner of her eye, Risa watched Reina as she made her way out of the train. She saw Reina quite a few times looking at her and Ai-chan, but decided to dismiss it. For quite a while the three of them had taken the same train to their universities, but today was the first time Risa paid attention to her. The way Reina stared at them with such a face caught her attention and in the back of her head she wanted to know more about the girl.
"Gaki-san, Gaki-san!" Ai-chan took a hold of her friend's shoulder and shook it. "Our stop is here." She stood up and waited for Risa to do the same thing.
The both of them made their way out of the cramped train and proceeded to the station exit. The walk to the university was short and was only a few blocks away from the subway station. They went up the stairs, past the people that came down and made their way to their school.
"Ne, Gaki-san? Did you move into your new apartment yet?"
"When will you stop calling me that... Un, last sunday."
"How about we go celebrate?"
"Tonight?"
Ai-chan nodded in reply with a smile.
"Wooooot!! Drunk Ai-chan! Well, what do you think we should do?"
"Let's go out and eat! My treat! Err, don't drink too much though hehe."
"What are you talking about!" Risa chuckled, lightly slapping Ai-chan on the shoulder. "You know I don't drink much. Boo. Always such a party-pooper."
"Whatever you say Gaki-san..."
Both of them passed the entrance gates to the university and made their way to sit near the fountain in the center of the pathway. It was still early, so they had a lot of time to waste before classes started. They found a seat on the borders of the fountain and began conversing. Talking to Ai-chan, Risa couldn't help but feel like there was something she had to do. She focused hard to figure out what it might be, holding her elbow with one hand and putting her finger on her chin with the other.
"Am I supposed to do something tonight?"
"Gaki-san!" Risa felt a tap on her shoulder and looked up. One of her friends that she went to with in highschool and now university, smiled widely at her revealing the little fangs she had. Her black hair shined in the sun, shadowing her face as she looked down.
"Nah."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[The person you are calling is unavailable. Please try again later. ]
"She's still not answering." Eri said, pressing the 'end call' button disappointedly. She held her phone with both her hands and put them on top of her thighs. Looking down, she sighed and played with her fingers. "When is Gaki-san going to get here..."
For almost an hour and a half now has Eri been waiting at their meeting spot and has made six calls. Tonight, both of them had planned celebrating Risa's first time living alone. This night also had a special meaning to it. This night was the night Eri had promised to herself to finally say something she had been wanting to say ever since her and Risa graduated from highschool. Those three sacred words that she never took the initiative to fess up and admit. She was tired of watching Risa from the sidelines, wondering what might have happened if she fessed up.
"Just try one more time." Eri said, staring down on her phone. She lifted the device up to her ear and listened to the numbers being dialed. She waited in anticipation for the voice she had been wanting to hear, causing the ringing tone to take seemingly forever to end. With each passing second she held onto her phone tighter and tighter, until finally the ringing tone stopped and a female voice came through the speakers. Eri relaxed her shoulders and immediately began to speak.
"Gaki-san!"
"Mou~ Gaki-san I told you not to drink too much!" Instead of the voice Eri had been searching for, a different one came through: Ai-chan's.
"Ai-chan?" Eri remained silent and listened in to the conversation between the two.
"Gomen Ai-chan! I'll pay for it later! Oh Kame! What's up?" Still, Eri remained silent. This time in shock.
She pulled away her phone from her ears a little and closed her eyes. "G-Gaki-san, I've been calling you for a while. Why haven't you been picking up?"
"I forgot to switch my phone from vibrate after class. I'm sorry!"
"It's alright." Eri smiled hoping Risa would be on her way over. "By the way, where are you right now?"
"Where am I? I'm here with Ai-chan celebrating! You should come over we're ri-"
[ end call. ]
"She... she forgot."
Eri held her phone tightly and bowed her head. She clenched her jaw from the pain she felt in her chest and forced her eyes shut as tightly as she could.
"How could she forget?" She opened her eyes again and looked up at the sakura tree at the center of the park.
As she continued to look at the pink leaved tree her phone rang. "But, Ai-chan was always more important than me..." Eri smiled to herself sarcastically.
It continued ringing. "So I guess it's my fault for being hopeful."
Still it rang. "It's my fault for thinking about me and you." and it rang, and rang. It took a slight pause and then resumed ringing, up until Eri got fed up and turned off the device.
"A rainbow forms, the winds pick up, the blue sky~♪" Koharu rode on her bicycle singing the tune to one of her favourite songs. It was 7:32 and the sun was no where to be seen, yet still, she had not finished making the last of the delivieries for her family's bakery. Today, her co-worker Sayumi decided to take a day off since she had caught a spring cold, leaving Koharu with the small deliveries she was assigned to do, deliveries she could handle. Rather than snoozing off at the cashier desk like she did today and the days before, Koharu's mother thought of putting her daughter to more use. Koharu welcomed the request with little annoyance and did as she was told accordingly, the problem was she was easy to become side tracked.
"Let us make memories~♪ We can openly show our feelings~♫ and say goodbye to our worries~" She sang as she pedaled leisurely on her bike. The view of the park entered her vision and she smiled at the huge sakura tree in the center. "Good evening, Tree-san!" she said her greetings and resumed singing, "bye, bye, tan tan ta~aahh? It's Saviour-sama!"
Koharu stopped pedaling and let the wheels of her bike continue spinning. She looked at Eri with sparkling eyes and waved. Moving forward on her bike, her smile changed to a frown as she saw how down Eri looked. Completely focused on why Eri had become so sad looking, Koharu lost complete sense of her surroundings ultimately leading her to hit a thick pole up ahead.
"KYA!!" Her bicycle flipped upside down and the small cake she was delivering became untied, flew out of it's container and onto the pavement. Koharu landed on her butt with thankfully no injuries, except with a few scrapes on her hands from rubbing with the hard ground on impact. "Ouch..."
"Kusumi-san!" Eri snapped out of her gaze and rushed over to help Koharu, "Are you alright??" Eri took Koharu's hand and pulled her up.
"Ouch! My butt!" Koharu yelled, her voice making a slight squeaking sound at the end. In response to Koharu's high pitched voice, Eri giggled a little while putting her hand over her mouth.
"That's good, that's good, you're smiling."
Eri just looked at Koharu. Her eyelids were lowered and her face looked nuetral, not really sad like before but not really happy either.
Koharu, made a fake puty face as she looked away from Eri. After looking into space in thought she quickly stood up and stared into Eri's eyes, invading her personal space. Still looking into Eri's eyes with a mock angry face, she... hugged her. Koharu nestled Eri's head into the side of her neck with one arm, while the other was wrapped around her waist. With each passing moment she pulled Eri closer to her, burying her face into her neck.
Eri's eyes were wide open with shock. Being hugged so suddenly like this was unusual for her, especially if it was from people she didn't really know. After a few moments she started to calm down, relaxing her shoulders and accepting how strange Koharu was being.
"Mama said, if someone is sad it's best to just hug them." Koharu quietly said, her voice merely above a whisper. She stroked Kame's hair a few times as they remained in silence. After a few moments Eri closed her eyes and allowed herself to feel the warmth from the embrace. She didn't feel the need to resist, all she needed was comfort. She didn't know Koharu that much, but her personality to attract people took affect on Eri. The silence between the two phased out the chatter of people in the park and the footsteps of people moving past behind them. Eri tried to contain what she was feeling, the crushing feeling of defeat before an attempt. She was slapped in the face with a big attention sign after that phone call and was made aware of something she felt, but wasn't quite sure of: she was forever to remain Risa's friend.
Koharu put her hands on both of Eri's shoulder's and slowly moved her away from her. "What am I doing..."
Koharu paused for a moment and looked into Eri's eyes worriedly. She looked down for a moment and looked up at Eri again. "Let's get you home." Koharu said firmly.
She took Eri by the hand and led her to her bicycle. She picked it up and held it with one hand so that it would stay still. She hopped on and took off the rope that she used for the cake which dangled over the lower second seat of the bike.
Eri didn't speak. She remained silent and shifted her eyes from Koharu to the seat on the bike. She took one last look at the park and frowned. She would rather go home than stay any minute longer in that park. She sat up on the seat, her knees facing to the left closely side by side. Once Eri was comfortable, Koharu started pedaling.
"Please hold on tight... huh?" Koharu felt two arms wrap around her.
Eri hugged her tightly and slowly let her tears fall, her head laid onto Koharu's back. She gripped on tightly to Koharu's shirt and bit her lip so that she wouldn't make any noise by letting out her sniffles. She nuzzled her head further, hiding her face.
"Thank you."
====================================================================
"Tana...ka-san?"
I pushed open the doors to my room slowly and to my surprise Tanaka-san was spread out on my bed eating a bag of chips. I scanned the room and saw that her jacket was tossed onto the floor, along with several empty snack bags. I let my school bag slowly slide off my shoulder and land on the floor creating a soft, muffled thump. Tanaka-san looked at me through the corner of her eye and said,
"Yo." She took her hand and did a salute.
"Yo?? How did you get in??"
"Your mom let me in. I was hungry so I grabbed these." Of course. It had to be mom. She lifted up the bag of potatoe chips to show me. Just like Tanaka-san, making herself feel right at home and taking out whatever she wants. Not that I mind though. It'd just be nice to get some notice once in a while. Well, usually if its like this something happened. I rather not ask, but me and Tanaka-san are really good friends so its sort of my duty I guess. If I ask her who knows how long it'll take for her to spit it out without changing the subject matter. I rather not go through such a long battle.
"What are you doing just standing there?" She patted down on an open space on the bed, motioning me to sit. I went over to sit down.
I sat down on the bed and played with my fingers that were on my lap. I let out some more air and began to look bored, raising my eyebrows without lifting my eyelids. Maybe if I do this I won't have to ask and she'll just tell me.
...
This is taking a while. "Umm, you know, I have to change so if you mind..."
"I don't mind at all." I took a pillow and smacked her in the face with it. She laughed loudly and rolled around my bed to have her back facing me.
"PERVERT!" I laughed.
"Me? the pervert? Reading your diary makes me think otherwise..."
"Y-you, did WHAT?!"
If she read my diary then that means..!
====================================================================
I don't really know what to say about it. I don't really like writing in third person, since I have a tendency to get stuck for words. I'd like to do everything in POV form but then it'd just screw up the storyline and slow down the progress XD
-
I like the story so far, although the GakiKame part was really sad and makes the TakaGaki quite envious.
The 3rd person effect, hmm, it works for me and I can understand where you are coming from but what ever makes you feel comfortable you should follow through
-
I forgot to say black haired Eri+glasses in chapter 1 is :luvluv1:
She bowed many times in apology as the middle-aged woman in front of her gave her suspicious looks.
:lol:
Reina was so cute when she’s angry :D
"A friend. That's why I'm concerned about her..."
:smhid denial, denial...
TakaGaki :grin:
"Good evening, Tree-san!"
Dork LOL
"That's good, that's good, you're smiling."
"Mama said, if someone is sad it's best to just hug them."
:) such a sweet dorky Koha, me love...
Poor Eri...
But yay for Koha being there, dorks stick together! :rockon: XD
The girl at the end...Sayu? :?
I think you’re doing a good job with the 3rd person style. And I’m really liking this whole KohaEri-ness :wub:
-
@pretend_2besome1: Thanks for commenting ^-^ I'm glad you're enjoying the KohaKame fluff so far :D Not a lot of people go for this pairing, so it put a smile on my face to see that you actually like the two together haha.
@kurosawa: Hehe, for once it's GakiKame getting shunned huh? XD Thanks for commenting! :D
Here's the next chapter! :)
Hey! Just Smile:
Chapter 3 - Aisou Warai
===========================================================================
She knows.
I grabbed her by the wrists and pushed her down on the bed. I stared right into her eyes, my expression serious with a hint of fear. My lips quivered a bit before I spoke up, and I could feel the sweat escaping from my forehead. For a short moment I could hear my heart pounding loudly and then I spoke up.
"Tanaka-san. What did you read in there?"
She looked up at me with those big cat-like eyes of hers bewildered by the suddeness of my actions. After reading the situation, she revealed a sly smirk on her face. She turned her head to the side, her bangs covering her eyes making her nose and lips only visible. She spoke up, her voice suddenly switched to being dead serious.
"Everything."
What? NO! If she read everything then that means, she found out about how I like... I gulped and loosened my grip. This is hard for me to even take in, let alone admit! I glanced back at Tanaka-san with shock and fear.
"T-then you know that I..."
She nodded and sat up straight with her back on the wall. I was now sitting on her lap with my legs around her waist. We sat there face to face, when suddenly she moved in closer to me. Her lips were a few centimetres away from mine and I could feel her breath brushing against my lips. She chuckled a little before she spoke up. Her eyelids were low and had a playful look to them. She moved to the right side of my face and slowly moved to my ears while I sat there frozen, my cheeks blushing brightly. I could actually hear my own heartbeat racing faster and faster.
"Aika, have you switched sides?" She said, whispering in my ear.
I stared straight ahead, my breath caught in my throat. There was a burning sensation I felt in my chest area, signaling how Tanaka-san had... hit me, spot on. I didn't want to believe it, I don't want to believe it. I don't want to believe that I'm like her. It's too big of a risk, it's too scary to imagine, it's too... different. What will others think of me?
"No." I pushed Tanaka-san off as I scrunched up my eyebrows.
She looksed at me for a second and chuckled. "Oh really?" Again, she advanced towards me slowly. She lifted her hand up to hold my cheek and brought her lips closer to mine. "So, if I do this, you'll obviously push me away? Ne?" She closed her eyes and lifted my chin up. With each passing millisecond I could feel the pace of my heartbeat quickening. I remained still, my body like stone. My eyes were fixated on Tanaka-san while my mouth hung open letting out short breaths of air. For a few seconds she played with my lips with her fingers, touching them before jumping in.
...But thankfully I had forced myself to snap out of the trance she put me in just in time.
I pushed her away roughly and tried to catch my breath. Immediately I felt anger, "What are you doing!!" I covered my lips in disgust and jumped away from her, falling off the bed and landing on my bottom. Tanaka-san once again laughed wildly, rolling around the bed as she did.
"I wasn't serious!"
"But you know I'm not like that!"
"Aika, I didn't read too much into your diary. It was interesting, but you really don't write anything juicy... I stopped reading after your two page rant of why there isn't enough lion plushies in toy stores. Which was, ummm... interesting."
S-so she didn't read anything recent then! My eyes shot wide open and I released a huge amount of air, holding my chest as I did.
"I'll be back. I just need to go get something to drink." She hopped off the bed and went off with a hearty laugh down the hallway, and down the stairs. As soon as I heard her footsteps descending, I ran towards my diary and skimmed through the recent entries just to reassure myself that what she said wasn't true.
"April 12th: Today me and Tanaka-san went to a pet sho... April 13th: Tanaka-san looked really cute today in her miniskirt and top... April 14th: Tanaka-san held my hand today as we were walking through the crowd today. My face was red as a... April 15th: No Tanaka-san today. I'm really bummed since I wanted to spend more time with her.... April 16th: Tanaka-san said she liked me! I feel really happy for some reason even though she was just thanking me for getting her a new handbag... "
Oh my gosh. This is way past sisterly feeling!!
"I couldn't possibly be what she said. I mean, I can't. This is, this is..." I struggled to get the last word out, "It isn't supposed to be like this."
I can't feel this way for you.
===========================================================================
The apartment unit wasn't the tidiest to say the least. It had signs of forced care, as if the owner didn't want to take care of it. Socks, tank-tops, shirts and other graments were scattered across the living room floor. The green arm chair the owner had was crowded with drinking glasses, chip bags and pop cans. To sum it all up, it was a mess. The moon light came in through the glass doors to the balcony. It lit up the small unit, from the doorway to the open concept living/dining room and kitchen.
Because of the moonlight, Koharu had little trouble finding the sliding doors to the bedroom that were beside the glass doors. Slowly, with Eri's hand still in her's, she led them both to what she predicted to be the bedroom. She slided the doors open and sat Eri down on her mattress. They both sat there in silence with only the sound of Eri's sniffling. Koharu didn't know what to do now. She was usually a loud person, but in these cases she had trouble finding the right words to say.
She tried hard to figure out what to say first when she felt Eri's head land upon her shoulder. A slight pause was heard from Eri and then she resumed sniffling.
"You've been crying for a while now. Smile!" Koharu smiled widely and lifted her hands to pinch Eri's cheeks to form a smile. Her attempt to make the girl before her laugh, failed and only made her feel more awkward with the situation. Koharu looked around worriedly not knowing what to do. She felt like asking about what had happened to Eri but felt as though she wasn't in the place to do something like that. "If I ask her would she even tell me?"
It was well over a few minutes after they had both entered the apartment unit and still they sat in silence. Eri had climbed over the bed and had folded her legs up, hugging them closely to her chest. She crossed her arms over her knees and laid them on top, and after cradled her head into the 'shell' she created. Eri had stopped crying and was now looking at the wall ahead of her.
"Umm, I think I'll take my leave now. Excuse me-"
"You're leaving already?" Eri looked up ahead at Koharu who was now at the bedroom doors with innocent eyes. They were glazed with wetness and were puffy from crying. Being alone was the thing she wanted the least to happen. Even though she didn't know Koharu that well she felt at ease with her and unknowingly she had already seen her as a friend.
Koharu smiled faintly seeing those eyes of Eri's. Those eyes that seemed fragile and revealed sensitivity. Looking at the dark orbs, she began to feel guilty and retreated back to the mattress to sit beside her. Immediately Eri rested her head onto Koharu's shoulder once again, catching Koharu off guard. An electric jolt ran through Koharu making her spine straight and her eyes alert. Her cheeks became red and as Eri snuggled her head onto Koharu's shoulder further, they only became redder. A warm feeling appeared in Koharu's chest and she looked down onto Eri...
"..Oh no, she's about to cry again...!!" Quickly, Koharu turned around to face Eri and in a panicky state she wiped off Eri's tears with the neck line of her red shirt. "A-AHH! Kamei-san! Look at me!"
Eri lifted her eyes to look at Koharu but then quickly averted them.
"Ahh! You're avoiding! Look at me!" Koharu put both her hands onto Eri's cheeks and forcfully turned Eri's head to face her. She closed the distance between them, up until their noses touched. Her eyes were wide with conentration and her cheeks were puffed up. Even though it wasn't even a few seconds yet, Koharu turned her head away embaressed. She backed away from Eri covering her mouth in embaressment and tried to hide how red her cheeks were.
Koharu sat up straight and held her feet together shrugging her shoulders as she did. She looked downward and scrunched up her eyebrows in shyness, her cheeks still glowing with a pink tint. As Eri looked at how Koharu was acting she was suprised and saw how cute and stubborn she was acting. Almost kid like even. Because of this, Eri stopped crying for a while and watched how Koharu's behaviour eventually leading her to giggle.
"EH?" Koharu looked up at Eri who was now laughing as she wiped away her own tears.
"Kawaii..."
"Kawaii?" Koharu gave Eri a blank stare as she pointed toward herself. In response Eri shaked her head left and right, telling Koharu to never mind what she said.
"At first I thought you were an unreliable person but... you proved me wrong."
"Huh?" Koharu was now lost. She didn't know what was happening and why all these comments were being made about her. Eri revealed a smile and once again shaked her head left and right.
"Haha, I guess I'm still wrong."
"No, no, no" Koharu waved her hand in front of her, "I really am a reliable person. Believe me!" Koharu grabbed Eri by the shoulders and shaked her about, only causing her to laugh even harder.
For the next few minutes which turned into hours, the two talked and talked, up until Eri had fallen asleep while Koharu was talking. Her head dropped down onto the soft mattress and there was no sign of her waking herself up again. Koharu took the covers that were laid on the bed and put them over Eri. She got off the bed slowly as to not awaken Eri, and made her way out taking one last look at the girl sleeping contently on the bed.
She sighed before speaking, "I still didn't find out why she was crying." She changed her attention from Eri to the clock and read the time. "10:02pm... I have to hurry and go home!"
Koharu quickly turned around and ran out the door to go back home. She pulled the door wide open and didn't even mind going back to close it again. Nine o'clock was her curfew and now that it was well past it, Koharu expected for there to be an interrogation session once she headed back home. It would have been alright for today if her sister was there - usually she would cover for Koharu when it was like this.
Eri woke up to the sound of Koharu's feet pounding against the floors. Her eyes fluttered open and once she heard Koharu go out the door, the feeling of sadness once again entered her.
Junjun was now exiting the elevator which made a loud 'ding' as it opened its doors. She stepped out with a disappointed and angry expression on her face. Her shoulders were sulking and she only looked at the ground as she walked. The job hunt she was so optimistic about didn't turn out so well. The maid cafe already had filled positions while the bakery needed someone to do heavy lifting, something which she didn't want to do. All the other jobs she managed to find was something she found uninteresting and had little pay and that certainly was a big no-no for her.
She walked down the hallway not paying attention to what was ahead of her and because of that she bumped shoulders with the person who was running down the hall. Junjun staggered backwards and eventually fell down on her bottom. She looked up at the figure that towered over her.
"I'm sorry!" Koharu offered her hand so that she could help her up.
Junjun grabbed Koharu's hand and got up. "Geez, watch where you're going!" Junjun said irritated. Now wasn't the best time to be bumping shoulders with her. "Kamei-san's doors are open. Did this person come from there? Hey you, can you be a bit quieter? People are sleeping at this time."
"I said I'm sorry-"
"Did you just come from Kamei-san's place?"
"Yeah-"
"Did you disturb her or anything? I mean really, Eri is really tired now so stop bothering her. You better not have done anything inappro-"
"Junjun, what are you doing arguing with the neighbours again. Hurry up and get inside!" Linlin peeked through her and Junjun's apartment doors. She had a towel over her head and was drying her hair. Once she opened her eyes she saw a familiar person in front of her. "Koharu!"
"Linlin!" Koharu quickly turned her head to look at Linlin, one of her bestest friends at school, or more so one of her fewest friends at school. Although Linlin was supposed to be graduating this year, her third year, she was held back due to her transfer to Japan three years ago when her father got a new job. Even though she didn't know Japanese at the time Koharu took the initiative to get to know her, leading Linlin to admire her. Up until now they've been the best of friends, despite everyone turning their backs on Koharu due to her father's suicide.
"Please excuse cousin Jun, she's usually not like this- huh? She's not here? Oh well.... YOU! Hurry up and get in here!" Linlin grabbed Junjun's hand and dragged her back into their apartment unit. She shut the door behind her and let out a heavy sigh. "I'm guessing the job thing didn't go too well."
Junjun sat on the floor and crossed her arms, shaking her head in answer.
"That's probably why you're being so irritable tonight... Well, why don't you just go back to school? Then your Dad can restore your credit cards and you would be allowed to go back to your condo."
"I don't want to~" Junjun laid her back down on the carpeted floor and spread her arms and legs about without care.
"You've always been afraid of responsibility, even though you're so tough..." Linlin stepped over Junjun and walked over to her room. "And one more thing. You need to stop being so overprotective of Kamei-san."
"We're not talking about her are we?"
"Still, I overheard your conversation with Koharu back there. Someone is a bit paranoid, ne?"
"Shut up~" Junjun flipped over and rolled up into a ball. "Just making sure that she's not being bothered or anything." Junjun stared into space and began to feel that something wasn't quite right. "The door... that girl didn't close Eri's doors!" Immediately, Junjun got up and dashed towards the balcony. She slided the doors open and went over to the railings.
"Oi, Junjun! What are you doing now? You'll hurt yourself!"
Ignoring Linlin, Junjun climbed over the balcony railings and stood on top of them. With perfect balance she stepped over into Eri's balcony a few units over. Thankfully they were only on the third floor. If Junjun had dropped her injuries would be far less worse than if she dropped off from the seventh or tenth floor.
"Excuse me Eri. I won't be able to lock your doors from inside so..." Junjun quietly tiptoed into Eri's apartment and went over to close the door, making her way past garbage, clothes and random text books that were laid across the floor. She shrugged her shoulders to prepare herself for the loud squeaking noise the lock would make when turned. After successfully locking the door without waking Eri, she again tiptoed back to the balcony but stopped when she saw Eri sleeping on her bed.
Curious, she made her way over. She bent down to look at Eri's face with a smile on. That smile turned into a frown after seeing a trail left behind by tears that had went down Eri's cheeks. She lifted her hand up and held Eri's cheek lightly. "Gaki-san didn't show up did she?" With a painful smile on her face, Junjun caressed Eri's cheeks.
As she scanned Eri's appearance she noticed that there were signs that Eri had been holding onto her phone earlier on as it was right beside her hand. Junjun picked up the white cellular device and opened it up. "Six calls. That's it?" While the communication device was still in her hand, it began to vibrate indicating that she had recieved a new text message. A text message from Risa.
"When will you stop hurting Eri like this?" Junjun opened the message and began to read it:
「 Kame are you alright?
Why did you put down the phone so suddenly?
Please let's talk。I can't help but feel you're
mad at me for some reason。
I'll be there in a few minutes。 」
Junjun closed the message and began to dial a number. Risa's number. "Niigaki-san, Eri said to meet up at the park. She'll meet you there. Don't ask just go." Junjun closed Eri's cellphone and laid it on the nightstand beside Eri's bed. She exited out the balcony and stepped over to her apartment. She landed on their balcony safely and was greeted by an angry looking Linlin.
"What are you doing! You could've slipped and fell and cracked your head!"
"Nag, nag, naggity, nag- Gotta go!" Junjun ran across the living room and went out the doors. She opened the door and the elevator was there and conveniently, the doors were open. Junjun went in, pressed the button for the lobby and waited patiently.
Risa got off the bus that stopped a few short walks from the park. She held her handbag with her hand and tucked in her hair behind her ear with the other. The evening wind caressed her cheeks as she walked and her skirt nicely flowed along with how it moved. Stopping at the a streetlight on the edge of the park, Risa stood there waiting for Eri to come meet her. She poked her head out in various directions to try and see if she was coming.
"Niigaki-san."
Risa surprised, turned around hoping to see Eri. Junjun was there instead.
"Junjun? Where's Eri?"
"She's not coming." Junjun stared at the ground.
"Eh? Where is she?"
"Please just leave." Junjun said in a flat tone, taking Risa off guard. "Kamei-san doesn't need you. People that constantly hurt her."
Risa became confused with what Junjun was saying and how she was acting. "Constantly hurt her? Wait, what? What do you mean? Where's Eri?"
"You make act sharp, but you're so dense. I don't have the right to say this, but please leave Eri alone for a while." and with that, Junjun turned around to head back home leaving Risa stunned with a dumb look on her face.
"You know, I called Eri over here to talk. Why are you popping up and getting involved."
Junjun angrily turned back around and walked right back up to Risa. "You really are DENSE today. It's all because of you-"
"I know that! That's why I came here to talk to E-"
"If you really knew then I doubt you would be here in the first place."
"What do you mean?"
"It's because of you Eri has to have that painful look on her face everyday she comes home from school, why everytime she sees you and Takahashi-san together she can never have a proper smile. But everyday, she keeps trying hard."
Risa stood there listening to what Junjun said. She took in everything she was told and thought about it. After a few moments she spoke up once more, "I still don't get what you're trying to say." Risa lifted her eyes to meet Junjun's intense stare. They both stood there exchanging stares and eventually Junjun resumed going back home letting out a heavy sigh. After a few steps Junjun paused and spoke up with her back facing Risa.
"Do you care about Eri?"
"She's my friend, why wouldn't I?"
"Then what were you and Eri planning to do today?"
Risa remained silent, digging deep into her memory trying to remember what it was.
"Exactly. I have to go. Eri is your best friend, please take into consideration what she's feeling. Excuse me."
Junjun walked away with her hands in her jacket pockets. In the corner of her eyes she noticed bits and pieces of what seemed to be cake. She followed the the short trail with her eyes and was lead to a cake that had it's center cracked into two and it's bottom flattened. Junjun stared at it for some time and tried to make out what was written on the top in green icing.
"Co-congrraatula...? Congratulations... Iigak... Risa." Junjun's eyes widened and she looked back at Risa and scoffed. She then resumed walking back to her and Linlin's apartment unit, forming balls with her hands in her pockets as she released her frustrations.
"Don't make me regret giving up on her."
================================================================
"Okay everyone~!"
I sat up straight in my seat as I paid attention to the teacher waiting for everyone to quiet down. After everyone settled, he cleared his throat and began to speak.
"It's that time again. Anyone have a nomination for class rep?"
Class rep? Hmm... I moved my head to the right to face Koharu. She was off in dreamland again, as if there were little fairies above her head and she was following them with her eyes. She sure is peculiar, but hey! I like her that way. Maybe she should try out for class rep!
"Hey, hey you think Kusumi-san should do it?"
I heard a few students that were sitting behind me whispering among theselves. Interested, I listened in.
"She's messed up. Don't ask her... did you hear about what happened to her dad?"
"Yeah but!-"
"But nothing! You just like Kusumi-san thats why you're thinking about nominating her."
I swear, students at this school are so big mouthed. I shifted my eyes to see if Koharu heard what they were saying. Turns out she was just looking into empty space like usual. I laughed a little at this part of Koharu.
I remember a year ago, before her father died everyone used to look up to her. Everyone was scrambling to be her friend, showering her with compliments. Now look at all of them. Where are they now? Where are all their compliments? They're all hypocrites and only want to be friends with someone for superficial reasons.
"Hmph." I know Koharu can handle being a class rep. What does she have to do, turn the lights on and off at the beginning and end of the day? I got up from my seat and looked around the class who's eyes were all on me. "Ahem... I-I, nominate Koharu for class rep!"
"Alright, that's one for Kusumi." The teacher wrote Koharu's name on the board in chalk. Everyone else slowly moved their gaze to Koharu, some shocked, some dissatisfied, some confused, others disgusted. Most of them were girls. Most of them were her so called 'friends' once upon a time.
"Linlin! Linlin! What are you doing!? I don't want to be class rep!" Koharu whispered, tugging my uniform sweater sleeve repeatedly trying to get my attention. The expression on her face was worried and I could clearly see that she didn't expect what I did.
I gave her a smile before speaking, "I believe in you Koharu. You can do it!" I sat down and she watched me do so with her mouth hanging open. She calmed down, gulped and sat up straight facing forward.
"I refuse to acknowledge this nomination. Erase her name off the board please." A tall girl in the back of the room with brown hair got up and glared angrily at me and then Koharu.
"Someone with a family background such as her's isn't fit to lead others."
"Take her out!"
"Yeah!"
I curled up my fists in anger with each word that came out from each girl's mouth.
"Now, now everyone. Someone has voiced their opinion-"
"Take her out! Take her out! Take her out!" One student started pounding on a desk, motioning the others around him to follow what he was doing. Soon enough most of the class had been chanting the same words he was chanting. The teacher looked around confused and frightened with the situation, pushing up his glasses as he backed away. It all seemed too overwhelming to him. The girls who had suggested for Koharu to be taken out in the beginning began to throw crumpled pieces of paper at her and then snickered among themselves.
I don't know what to do... I got her into this, it's all my fault for doing something unnecessary. I looked at Koharu worriedly and she just...
She just looked back at me with a huge grin on her face.
"I-its alright Linlin. You believe in me."
She has a huge grin on, but her voice... it sounds like she's about to break down into tears.
"What dumbass would even think of voting for that bitch anyway."
And, and.... off she went. Koharu ran out of the classroom, wiping her tears away with her arm.
========================================================================
-
I can't believe I almost miss the update, sorry :sweatdrop:
I know, but I just think of the dorkiness that will ensues with those two which made me think KohaKame would be fun to see :lol:
I stopped reading after your two page rant of why there isn't enough lion plushies in toy stores. Which was, ummm... interesting.
Wut? XD
I thought at first it's gonna be ReiJun, but now it seems there's a chance for ReiKa too.
To sum it all up, it was a mess.
So very Eri :lol:
Eri snuggled her head onto Koharu's shoulder further
:wub:
"At first I thought you were an unreliable person but... you proved me wrong."
Don't underestimate her dork power XD
Koharu took the covers that were laid on the bed and put them over Eri. She got off the bed slowly as to not awaken Eri, and made her way out taking one last look at the girl sleeping contently on the bed.
:heart: but she left a sad Eri alone :(
:doh: Risa, Risa, why are you so dense...
"Don't make me regret giving up on her."
:O
Most of them were girls. Most of them were her so called 'friends' once upon a time.
:roll:
Koharu classmates are so cruel :smhid
Author-san, please keep the KohaKame fluff going coz I'm loving it :grin:
-
CHAPTER 3.5 : School Days
=======================================================
After erasing Koharu's name off the board, our teacher, Takeuchi-sensei, collapsed in his chair behind his desk and wiped away the sweat on his brow with his sleeve. He looked extremely stressed with the current situation, but not an ounce of care was found in his expression. He grabbed his bottle of green tea and began chugging it down his throat while some of the liquid escaped from the corners of his mouth. Everyone around me talked among themselves with what had happened, some of the boys behind me seemed a bit angered with the treatment the girls in classroom had given to Koharu. If some of the other boys weren't dating these hags, then for sure they wouldn't have done this to Koharu. Cruel treatment that resulted out of ignorance and lack of compassion.
"Linlin why did you nominate that girl anyway?" One of the girls who had suggested for my nomination to be taken out threw a crumpled piece of paper at my head. I caught the crumpled ball, and threw it back at them. I scanned her appearance quickly with disgust, scoffed and ran out of the classroom.
I ran after Koharu, the snickering and laughter in the classroom fading out as I paced down the hallway. I pushed my legs as hard as I could and held out my hand to catch Koharu's. Once I got a hold of her hand I yanked her back. She stopped running and tried to pull her hand away from my grasp, letting out words that were incomprehensible, mixed in with her sobbing. After a long battle, I finally let go of her hand letting it drop to her thighs.
I didn't know what to say... my guilt silenced me and I could say nothing to make her feel better. All of this was my fault. If I hadn't nominated her things wouldn't have escalated to this. Even though both of us know this, why isn't Koharu blaming me for anything? Shouldn't she be scolding me for doing something so brash, so inconsiderate?
"Linlin stop." I immediately lifted my head up to look at the back of Koharu's head. She had stopped crying and was now just wiping her tears away with her fingers. "Thanks."
Thanks? Why...? What does she mean? I didn't do anything deserving of a 'thank you'. She was mad just now, at me! Koharu turned around and stared at the ground in thought. Sniffling occasionally, her eyes wandered around still fixated on the white tiled floor. After a few moments of silence, she crossed her arms and marched back to the classroom with a small pout on her face.
"I'M FIRED UP!" She had a huge grin on her face... this is bad. Real bad. Whenever Koharu is like this its unpredictable as to what she's going to do. I thought she was sad just now! Now she's marching back into the battlefield? Oh well, questioning her actions is a waste of time. She probably won't listen to me anyway.
I closely followed behind Koharu, my hands held together nervously. At first I thought I was being brash but now look at her! I smacked my forehead with the palm of my hand. She might cry but she certainly doesn't let up...
Koharu slid the classroom doors making a loud 'bang' once the door hit the wall. Everyone turned their attention towards us in surprise. I peeked my head in behind Koharu and looked around the classroom worriedly. In the corner of the classroom sat three girls, who were huddled together everyday and sat at the same spots everyday not following the seating plan Takeuchi-sensei had given us. Since the teacher is too weak to try and seperate the three he leaves them be, even during lessons when they became too loud and disrupted the class.
No one else tried to make eye contact with them since they all had unpleasant stares. Meeting with their gaze would mean for a hellish highschool life if they found you interesting. Their yamanba style made them even scarier with their tanned skin, colorfully dyed hair, short skirts and outrageously customized uniforms which broke several of the school's uniform regulations. Although they weren't completely classified as delinquents, their attitude certainly made them seem like it. Everyone 'affectionately' called them the 'Yamanba three' . These three girls were also the same three who wanted my nomination to be removed.
"Why did she come back. Her face really ruins my day." I heard one of my female classmates say.
Koharu pretended not to hear anything and marched right up to the board. She slammed her hand on the green chalkboard, making everyone slightly jump out of their seats. Their was silence in the room before she spoke up. "Whether you like it or not, I'm your class rep!"
Idiot. Such an idiot. I NOMINATED her not made her the frickin' president. I slapped my forehead once more and made my way over to my seat with my head down. I put my head down on my desk and "happily" tried to savor the awkward silence in the room. Behind me, at the very back of the room, sat the 'Yamanba three'.
As the Koharu tried to persuade Takeuchi-sensei to let her become class president by shaking him about, I became curious as to how the three reacted to her reappearance. I listened in to their conversation-
"This girl just doesn't give up." a voice that belonged to Okada Yui said. She wasn't mean but who else would she follow now that their previous groupie leader, Rika Ishikawa graduated (finally). After seeing Ishikawa-san off on her graduation day, she, along with her other groupie member both immediately turned to the scariest looking girl in school after Rika.
"Relax no one's going to vote for her." said Miyoshi Erika, Yui's other fellow 'yamanba three' groupmate.
"I don't know about that." Yui said.
"So many of the boys in this class are attached to her", Erika said and then sighed, "there's more boys than girls too."
"What do we do Miki?" Yui asked.
Fujimoto Miki. A total mean girl but once you get her started she'll start drop the chitchat and get on with the fist fighting, no not slapping. The two looked to Fujimomto-san for anything they were going to do, whether it be clothing, who to be involved with, even where they go. "Let her become class vice prez."
"WHAT?!"
"By the time I'm done with her, she'll be transferring out of here."
The three giggled. I could hear someone getting up from their seat behind me and walk to the front. Miki got up in front of the board and raised her hand up, her eyes revealing a mischievous glint in them.
"I nominate myself for president!" Miki smiled brightly but everyone on the other hand seemed to be a bit uneasy with her nomination, many of them shifting their eyes to another direction or scratching the back of their necks as they put their heads down.
"Is that so? W-well, if everyone has no other suggestions let's get voting." Takeuchi-sensei, slowly got up from his seat his arms trembling a little and walked to the front nervously. "I'll just assign vice president..." I heard him mutter as fiddled with his fingers.
Koharu walked back to her seat embaressed with her head down. After being so optimistic and actually wanting to become class prez, I guess receiving a cold shoulder like this is embaressing.
"Wait a minute sensei, as for vice prez I think Kusumi-chan would suit the job." Miki said, her hands still on her hips.
Koharu turned around with hope shining in her eyes, smiling like the naive person she is. If only she knew what Miki was planning on doing.
Takeuchi-sensei sighed heavily and wiped the sweat that came down his brow with his sleeve. His expression changed from being nervous to being just plain annoyed. "You kids... you take a class vote much too seriously! Fine whatever! Fujimoto is class president and Kusumi is vice president. No votes! Thats that!" he picked up a piece of chalk from the ledge on the board and began to write today's lesson on the board, "I need to find a new job..." I heard him mutter under his breath once more.
Things are only going to get harder for Koharu here. Considering how air headed and naive she is, she wouldn't think wrong of anyone, not even Miki. Its the one thing I like about her yet at the same time, dislike. But if Koharu has put her mind on something then she won't let up. Even I can't do anything to change her mind. All I can do now is be prepared to fight. The year ahead of us is going to be a hell of a roller coaster ride.
The rest of the day went on smoothly, classes went by without interruption. Koharu remained quiet with an aura of happiness around her. No one bothered to whisper behind her back. I suppose seeing Miki's "seal of approval" has got them all shaked up. Just because Miki seemingly treated Koharu well they immediately connect affinity between the two. From this, Koharu now has a temporary border around her from teasing. Soon enough it was lunch time and as usual only me and Koharu would sit together. None of my other friends would sit beside me as long as Koharu was there, which is actually their loss to be honest.
Because of this I suggested that me and Koharu sit outside for lunch today. It was beautiful outside and fresh air was just what I needed after everything that happened. Ahh, too bad today I forgot to grab the lunch Junjun made for me...
"Koharu, you wait here. I'm just gonna go to the school store for a bit."
"Eh? What for? Just have some of mine!"
"It's alright Koharu." I would probably finish it all before her anyway.
"Your cousin didn't make your lunch today?" Hearing that kind of makes me ashamed for myself!
"Junjun did, it's just that I forgot it."
"Junjun... was that the person from yesterday?" I nodded my head and looked down at Koharu.
"So she knows Kamei-san does she..." Koharu turned away from me, her gaze changing as if she was in deep thought, as if she were looking far away or something. I tried waving my hand in front of her but she wouldn't look up. I'm assuming she knows Kamei-san but I don't get why she seems so deep in thought about Junjun's connection to her. I continued to analyze her appearance in curiosity. Out of no where I noticed she began to blush. Maybe it's not Junjun she's thinking about here.
"Umm, well I have to get going now before the store runs of soba bread." I quickly ran towards the direction of the school store, leaving Koharu in deep thought. Seriously, I don't know what happened between her and Kamei-san, but the way she's acting reminds me of the expression Junjun would make whenever I would mention Kamei-san. Could that mean! It could... I have no problem with these types of relationships, but it seems sudden to me. I'm probably overreacting.
Once I got to the school store I groaned at the mass amount of students that gathered around the hallway. There was something different about the way they gathered though. They weren't pushing or shoving to grab whatever they could get from behind the cashier, rather, their focus was on something else. They weren't even in front of the school store! The boys were cheering on as they pumped their fists into the air while the girls huddled close to their buddies in concern. I peeped my head in an open space and saw two girls being crowded into a corner by Fujimoto and her gang. One girl, who I predicted to be a first year was hiding behind some other girl who stood in front of her.
I continued to peep my head to see what was happening. Suddenly the girl in front of the first year pushed Fujimoto as she wiped her mouth, I couldn't see her face though. The students kept moving about so my view shifted a lot. I could see Fujimoto's feet shuffle backwards and then push forward, as her arms moved upward with her hands in fists. She punched, but missed. I watched with amusement. Its rare for Fujimoto to get into an actual fight with physical contact, just what happened here? Her usual mind manipulation and taunting didn't work? Or worse, did she aggravate someone and they actually chose to fight back? Pushing my way through the crowd, I tried to see who the other person was. Seeing a glimpse of the clothes they were wearing, the sparkly star earrings they had on and the flashy brown hairstyle they had, one person immediately popped up into my mind...
"Tanaka-san? TANAKA-SAN!! what are you doing!?" Why would Tanaka-san be at my school?
I looked at Tanaka-san in curiousity and shock. She made quick eye contact with me and because of that she recieved a punch in the jaw. She fell backward, causing the first year behind her to catch her. Tanaka-san dropped the soba bread she was holding onto the ground and charged forward, her sharp nails shining and ready to be used for any face scratching that was needed. I looked back at the school store to see if there was any soba bread left. There wasn't.
================================================================
Sorry for not updating in a while. There haven't been many chances for me to update, so this is how far I got ^^;
-
Update! :cow:
Sorry author-san, I'll comment after I read this.
-
Argh! Crap on a stick! (quote from someone) :P
I can't believe I have yet to comment on this fic! *slaps self*
well first off, it's a school themed story which I love so that's great there. Next having both TakaGaki and KameMame is a dream come through! Although Risa is such a j**k for forgetting about Eri like this. Poor turtle :(
So reading up till now, my guesses as to how everyone will be linked goes like this.
Takagakikame
RenAiJun
KameMameJun
EriKohaLin
I'm not sure how Aika, Sayu and Miki will fit though. Let me find out soon. Yep, that's a hint to update :P Arigatou~
-
Update! I'm so glad I'm getting closer to having everything come together. It'll be hard (and long...) but I'll feel so relieved once everything is settled :P
Next POV will be Ai-chan's. If you notice, you can easily tell who's POV is next by looking at the color indicating the member's color ;) Once I go through everyone I'll be recycling through everyone again, but in different order.
Hey! Just Smile:
Chapter 4 - Fear
====================================================================
Junjun struggled to shake off the grip of her family's security guards off her arms. Her hands were put behind her back, pinned down one on top of another by one of the guard's hands. She scoffed as she looked at Kato, one of her family's bodyguards, in annoyance as he firmly yet gently pushed her forward into the black limousine. She didn't have time for this, especially since she had a job interview at a private school coming up within an hour. Junjun knew what this was all about, she just didn't expect her father to use such force upon her. For the past few weeks she's been let off scot free with only a few failed attempts at cellular communication with her by her father. She was always daddy's little girl, though she never fully abused that.
She ducked under the roof of the vehicle, and proceeded to go in. Sitting down on the red seats of the limousine, she crossed her legs and quickly yanked away her hands from Kato. Junjun crossed her arms across her chest and sighed heavily as she closed her eyes.
"Hurry up and just hook up the video connection. I don't have all day." Junjun rolled her eyes and motioned for Hiro, the other bodyguard, to do as she said.
"Your father is dying madam. I think it's best not to bo-"
"Buubuu~ I know you suck at lying Hiro and my father is even worse at it. If he really was dieing then why on earth did you have to push me into the car as if you were arresting me?"
Hiro remained silent, keeping a stern look on his face contrary to the embarrassment he felt. "Yes, madam." Hiro bent over to push a button on the ceiling. Within a few seconds, an opening in the ceiling of the vehicle opened and a thin screen slid down for everyone facing it to see. The screen opened showing a number pad. He dialed the number for Mr. Li's office on the touchscreen and laid back into his seat as they waited for a connection.
Mr. Li, Junjun's father, appeared sitting in his office chair with a cigar in his mouth smoking happily as his secretary draped herself over him, circling an area on his chest with her finger as she giggled playfully. Junjun coughed, not wanting to see any more of her father and his playmate go further into what they were doing. Li jumped, the girl on his lap falling onto the floor with a loud 'thud!', and stood up with his hands flat on his desk.
"C-chun!"
"Still the same old pervert I see." Junjun cleared her throat and began to speak in chinese, "Haven't I said no already?"
Calming down, Li dusted himself off and sat down in his leather office chair, totally forgetting about his secretary on the floor with a broken heel. "Ahem... I know you're having a hard time with such a burden put upon you. But, please, just come home. You're just making things harder for you by doing this."
Junjun chuckled slightly, "Home? I'm not a part of the Li family anymore aren't I? and for pete's sake, I'm 22 years old I can take care of myself. "
Li sighed, and folded his hands across his desk. "Chun, there's no one else who can take over. You know your brother is too sickly to take over my position. It's better if you stay at home. That way your duties-"
'Duties'-Junjun became irked when she heard that word. With that, she didn't want this conversation to go any further.
"If I remember correctly, you said on the day I ran away 'you're not a member of the Li family anymore!' " Junjun waved her hands in the air in imitation.
"..." Li scratched his chin, "I-I didn't mean-"
"OH YES YOU DID!" Junjun went up closer to the camera on the screen, "So wouldn't that mean I don't have responsibility for that company of yours?"
"CHUN!"
"End of conversation! Driver stop the car!" The car came to a slow stop and immediately Junjun pushed Kato out of the way to exit the car.
"CHUN!" Li grabbed the monitor on his desk and shook it. Once he saw Junjun had left, he sank back into his seat and stared at Hiro and Kato in anger. He began speaking, switching back to japanese, "Why didn't you two stop her?! and YOU! Matsumoto! Don't stop the car unless I say so!"
Junjun ran away relieved. She began to estimate how long it would be until her father thought of some other way to permanently capture her and drag her back to their mansion. What would he do next time? Put her out with a gas mask? Tie her up and drive her back to the mansion? Take away her inheritance? Well, Junjun didn't care about that. He could give it away for all she cared. Li was turning 65, not quite that old, but seeing as he was easily burnt out and becoming easily sick he thought of passing his company on. Rather than just having one of his corrupt employees become the head, he thought of putting it into the trustworthy hands of his own children. If he were to die, he would die happily knowing that his company and children were off well. Junjun on the other hand, just saw it as stupid-another one of her father's decisions made without actually thinking. She didn't want power, she liked to follow, to care for others and watch from the sidelines. Being a leader was something she dreaded to think about or rather feared. What if she messed up? What if the company fell because of her? Junjun wasn't ready for that kind of stress and every time she thought about failing, Linlin's words would repeat themselves over in her head: "You've always been afraid of responsibility, even though you're so tough...".
"Tough? I eat too many sweets, act like a burikko all the time and get into childish arguments." Junjun pouted her lips, "I'm not tough. Don't say that."
She marched on forward and looked around her. The driver didn't drive that far. It seemed as if he only circled the area a few times, stopping in front of her apartment by coincidence. Junjun grunted at how far she would have to walk. She mumbled angrily under her breath and marched forward toward the school, which a few minutes ago was only 10 minutes within reach. She passed through the park and remembered what happened the night before.
"I wonder if that Niigaki-san remembered now."
Junjun bent down to touch the pavement, specifically the spot where Risa's cake had dropped last night. The spot had been cleaned, looking as clean as it was before the cake dropped unto it. She moved her hand back and forth while she touched the stone, then drew it back to rest on her knees.
"Should I be grateful that they didn't meet?", Junjun closed her eyes and shook her head "No. Kamei-san wanted to confess. I shouldn't be happy. She became hurt."
Junjun stood up and resumed walking to the private school nearby. She crossed the street and looked at the display in the windows of the bakery across her. Her mouth began to water at the sight of three delicious cakes in the window display. She began to think the place was familiar and remembered that it was the place she had wanted to work in, "Miracle Bakery". Junjun sighed and closed her eyes at the thought of all the free cake and pasteries she could have had.
"Ahh!"
Immediately Junjun opened her eyes in surprise to see Eri exiting the doors of the bakery, dropping her bag as she did. As if on instinct, Junjun ran up to Eri. She picked up Eri's purse and in the process grabbed the bag of sweets she was holding as well to lighten her load.
"Oh, Junjun!" Eri looked up at Junjun, her eyeglasses sliding off her face and landing onto the floor.
In awe Junjun stared at Eri. It was rare that Junjun would ever see Eri without glasses, this being one of those few times. Her face without the glasses made her face sparkle and her eyes that were often hidden behind her glasses, were now noticeably alluring and charismatic. Junjun blushed furiously and tried to turn away but couldn't. She grabbed the glasses Eri had now picked up off the ground and held them away so that she could look at her longer. Usually Eri didn't wear much makeup, most of the time all she had on was a bit of eyeliner. Eri stood there, increasingly becoming embarrassed with how Junjun was looking at her.
"Niigaki is definitely spoiled." still Junjun stared at Eri, now in sadness, "If only you didn't love her." Junjun dropped her arm and gave Eri her glasses back. She watched Eri as she put them on hurriedly, getting her hair caught in the hinges a few times. "If only I didn't care about how you felt about her." Junjun gave Eri her purse again, putting up a slight smile then letting it drop again into a frown. "Maybe if I did that you would like me instead."
"U-umm, J-Junjun you've been quiet for a while now. Where are you heading to?" Eri said, pulling at the ends of her hair that became stuck in the hinges of her eyeglasses.
"Who am I kidding." Junjun began chuckling, causing Eri to look up at her puzzled. Shaking her head with a forced smile, Junjun grabbed Eri's hand and began walking to the school with her. "You have nothing to do today right?"
"Not really. There's some schoolwork I have to do but I don't really think I'll get to it."
"Mind waiting for me after my job interview? It won't take long." Junjun smiled at Eri, giving her one of the most angelic smiles she had. One of those smiles that made it hard to refuse whatever she was asking. Reluctantly, Eri nodded slowly. Although she had nothing to do today, all she wanted to do was go home, watch tv and spend the rest of the day eating and sleeping. She found it interesting why Junjun would want her to wait for her. Did she need to talk about something?
"What position do you want?"
"Me? Well they said they needed a substitute for english."
"I don't think you have any of the requirements or training for it though..."
"Well, worth the try right? It's only english anyway." Junjun looked down at their hands. She noticed that she was holding onto Eri's hand rather tightly. She wanted to let go but she wanted to savor the warmth of Eri's hand in hers. "How about you? What did you buy?" Junjun focused her attention on Eri again, praying for her not to let go.
"I didn't really buy these. A woman in the store gave me these for free seeing how hungry I was. She seemed air headed but was real nice!" Eri smiled up at Junjun, jiggling her hand in Junjun's as she happily told her about the woman. Junjun smiled in response and began to feel her face getting hot.
"Then what were you doing in there then?"
"Well, there's this girl." Eri started to blush, which Junjun noticed, "I went over to give her something as a thank you for helping me out last night."
Junjun began to feel her heart sink. She remained silent and swallowed a few times. For Eri to blush like that for Risa was something Junjun became used to, but who was this other person she should be worrying about?
"She wasn't there since she's at school, so I just left it with her mother-that woman."
"Last night? It couldn't be that girl could it?." Junjun walked up to the doors of the school, letting her jealousy and the thought of Koharu slip her mind. She pulled the handle with her other free hand, letting Eri go in first. Still, Junjun hoped that Eri wouldn't let go and thankfully she didn't. Amazed, Junjun grinned like an idiot.
Junjun lead the both of them through the hallway. She was unfamiliar with the building and had trouble finding where the staff room was. As they passed through, many of the students in the hallway stared at them strangely making Eri feel uncomfortable. Eri let go of Junjun's hand and for a brief moment Junjun became disappointed. Right after Eri let go she hugged Junjun's arm close to her, staring at her feet as she walked. Junjun became surprised and straightened her back. She began to stare into space while she walked and totally forgot about which direction she should go. Eventually she bumped into someone in front of her and woke up.
There was a huge gathering in the hallway in front of the school store. Many of the students were pumping their fists into the air yelling as they did. The both of them stood watching in curiosity, when suddenly Junjun heard a familiar voice,
"Tanaka-san? TANAKA-SAN!! what are you doing!?"
"Linlin? Reina?" Junjun turned, releasing Eri's hold on her arm. She poked her head up in search for Linlin's voice. "Kamei-san, please wait here a moment." Junjun pushed through the crowd searching for Linlin and Reina and eventually she ended up being in the front. Turning her head to the right, she noticed Reina and Miki fist fighting. "Amazing how there isn't a teacher to break this up." Junjun did a quick glance and went on with her business and in a few moments realized who she saw. She did a double take, her eyes growing wide at seeing Reina clawing Miki in the face with her sharp nails.
"I wonder what happened here." Junjun stood and watched with a blank expression. "I'm sure she can take care of this. No need to jump in... yet." She moved her focus from Reina to the first year behind her. "I know this girl. Reina's friend right?"
"Junjun!" Linlin grabbed Junjun by the arm and dragged her near her. "What are you doing here!"
"Junjun?!" Reina immediately stopped and let her hands drop from Miki's face on to her sides. She looked at Junjun in surprise, her mouth gaping open as she tried to form words.
Miki wiped her lips with her arm and smirked. "Bitch get back here, we're not done yet." She rolled up her sleeves and slowly marched towards Reina, preparing to give her the hardest punch she could give. Junjun noticed Miki's movements and widened her eyes in surpise.
Quickly, Junjun moved forward and pushed Miki's hand out of the way. She raised her hand up to punch her in the face but remembered that she was applying for a job at this school. She let her hand fall and instead caught the next punch Miki delivered and twisted her arm, putting it behind Miki's back.
"Itai! Itai! Itai! Let me go!" Miki said, yelling in pain.
"Alright, alright everyone break it up." The school's principal, Mitsuo Terada, marched through the pathway the students had made for him. The male students groaned in disappointment, retreating back to their classrooms. The girls sighed in relief and did the same. Linlin hurriedly followed the others in fear of being involved with the situation. Back at home she would ask Junjun why she was at her school. Terada put his hand on his hip and with his free one massaged his eyebrows in irritation. Junjun let go of Miki, gave Reina a sympathetic look and mouthed the words "It's alright now." Junjun went over to Eri who was clutching on to the bottom of her shirt and took her hand, holding it with her fingers in between hers. Reina watched the two and rolled her eyes in disgust.
Miki, Reina and everyone else that was left in the hallway bowed with their heads down. They all knew they were in trouble.
"I'm assuming you're the new job applicant yes?" Terada looked towards Junjun, who raised her head up and nodded. "If you and your friend could wait in the staff room please. Just go down the hall and turn left. First room you see." Terada smiled at the two and waited for them to leave before dropping the smile. He gave the four students and Reina a deadly glare.
"You three!" Terada moved in towards the yamanba three with his hands on his hips. "In my office."
"But-"
"Don't even try explaining. It's very much obvious who started all this." Terada motioned the three to start walking by waving his hand ahead, while he tapped his foot on the floor. He looked to Reina and the first year beside her and smiled.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Mou, Tanaka-san you should've just let Fujimoto-san have the last soba bread!" Aika whined, kicking a rock that was in front of her towards the grass beside the walkway she stood on.
"But she started it! I already said she could have the damn bread..." Reina said and crossed her arms.
Today Reina had no classes to go to and decided to pay Aika a visit. Since Reina knew Aika was at school, she thought it would be okay to visit her there. Former alumni were allowed to pay visits anyway. Home was silent with no brothers or parents to bug her. Watching TV became boring when there were only re-runs being shown. All she was left with were her thoughts and all she could think about was what happened two days before between her and Junjun. Every time she remembered her crying over Junjun she would roll around her bed, stuffing her face into her pillow screaming "Baka Jun!" until she felt satisfied. Every time she thought about her possibly falling for Junjun she rocked back and forth as she held her pillow close to her, repeatedly saying "To-mo-da-CHI!!" followed by hysterical laughter.
Reina trusted Aika. She counted on her to listen to what she thought, to take her mind off things. Of course Reina had other friends, but none that would listen to her like Aika did. Sayu was always trustworthy, but sometimes the girl had too much of a habit of talking to herself. Although her and Aika had an age difference of four years, Reina was always amazed by how mature the teenager was.
Aika sighed, "Why are you even here? How-"
"I wanted to see you." Reina fiddled with her fingers and tilted her head up to look at Aika.
Stiffening up her back, Aika's cheeks became rosy. She coughed a little and took a seat beside Reina on the bench, "W-well, it's good that Junjun-san was there to stop Fujimoto-san."
"I was doing fine on my own!" Reina stood up abruptly, towering over Aika. "I didn't need Baka-Jun's help!"
"Baka-Jun?," Aika backed away a little, staring up at Reina in surprise. "Is this why you're here? Why you suddenly appeared in my room last night? Did you and Junjun-sa-" Before Aika completed her sentence, Reina threw the soba bread she held in her hand at Aika's face. The bread wrapped in plastic then landed on her lap.
"Hurry up and eat, your lunch period ends in twenty minutes."
"How will I ever know whats on your mind if you don't tell me." Aika threw the soba bread back at Reina, hitting her back in the face, "I'm willing to listen Tanaka-san. I'm right here. We've been friends since we were kids, don't you trust me?"
"I do, I do. What I'm feeling right now... I don't know if I'm ready to talk about it. " Reina took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. She stretched out her legs and rocked her feet side to side on her heels, "I just wanted to see you..." Reina paused slightly and looked up at Aika, "I need you Aika. Just talk to me."
"Why is she being so honest now?!" Aika stared at Reina, forcing on a blank impression to hide away how embarrassed she was. When Reina turned away with a stubborn look, Aika loosened and put on a warm smile "Tanaka-san..."
"Aika!" Hagiwara Mai, one of Aika's friends at school in the same grade, ran towards Aika waving her arms in the air. "Makoto-sensei wants to see you! Something about being class president."
Aika turned around to take a look at Reina once more. She gave her an apologetic look before saying, "Wait for me after school." Aika began to follow Mai, taking her soba bread, when she felt Reina grab her arm. She turned back around and focused on Reina's hand and then turned her attention to her face. "I'll be here. I promise. Just wait for me 'kay?"
"Aika..." Reina watched Aika run off, "What do I do for 4 hours!?"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After an hour long interview, Junjun bowed politely to the school's principal, Terada, and was ushered out the doors of the office. She took a short look at the staff room after she exited the office and was overwhelmed just by looking at all the paperwork on the desks. Becoming unsure of wanting a job as a substitute teacher Junjun began to walk out towards the hallway, meeting Eri who sat on a chair near the doors. Junjun apologized for the long wait and waited for Eri to stand up. Eri waved her hands in front of her and shook her head in denial. For the past half hour she had fallen asleep waiting for Junjun. Thankfully the staff room was empty enough that no one would have noticed her.
"You seem tired, maybe we should do this another time." Junjun put her hands in her pockets and shrugged.
"It's alright. It's still early." Eri lifted her hand up and checked the time on her watch. "Yup, see it's still 1:35!" She smiled brightly and tilted her eyeglasses up.
"Nope. Not enough time at all." Junjun forced a smile. "Thats not enough time to release your full potential." She scratched the back of her neck and let out a small smile.
Junjun put her hand on the cold metal handle of the doors. She slowly began to pull the doors open with her small smile still in place. Just as she was about to pull the doors fully open she had noticed that she left Eri behind. Junjun lifted her head up quickly to see Eri looking down the hall, her attention totally captured. She began to walk up behind Eri and tried to look for what had her attention so captured.
"That girl?" Curiously, Junjun looked at Koharu in her gym uniform as she stared out the large windows in the hallway, her chin on top of her palms. After a while, Junjun focused her attention on Eri, who, for some reason began to look mesmerized.
Koharu watched her gym class out on the field, playing a short game of soccer. She had a calm look on her face, which matched her small smile perfectly. The open window let in wind that gently blew her hair away from her face, occasionally drawing it back in the opposite direction. When someone would try to kick a goal in the net, she lifted her chin off her palm, letting her jaw drop in amusement. When the game had ended, she made her way back to the field to rejoin her class, stretching her arms as she did.
Koharu let her arms drop when she was done and noticed a familiar person waving at her.
"Kamei-san!" Koharu began to run towards Eri, who had a wide grin on her face, which again Junjun noticed. "What are you doing here?"
"This must be who she was talking about." Junjun began to retreat slowly, leaving the two alone to talk. Once she had turned around and was far enough from the two she whispered to herself, "Another time I guess."
Junjun walked leisurely on the pathway beside the school, swaying her arms by her sides back and forth. A rock was on the pathway a bit up ahead. Junjun noticed it and kicked it ahead of her. Sighing, she took a seat on a bench on the other side of the stone walkway opposite the grass. Lifting her head up, she noticed that Reina was in front of her. She had a soccer ball held up in front of her, ready to kick it into the field. After making sure where she would hit the ball by swinging her leg back and forth, Reina finally kicked the ball sending it flying upwards into the sky. She stood up tall and grinning, proud of how high she kicked up the ball. The ball arched over the field, slowly descending to fall into a group of trees. When the ball finally disappeared into the bushes of the trees, she fell to her knees and exclaimed cries of disappointment.
"AHH!" Reina plucked some grass and threw it in front of her. She watched it fall to her lap.
"Hahaha!" Junjun laughed, covering her mouth so that Reina would not notice her, though it didn't work since Reina turned around annoyed.
"Go away."
"I can't yet."
"Well, whatever. I'm not talking to you remember?"
"Eh? But you never said that right?"
"..."
"I see... the silent treatment." Junjun lifted her eyes to look at Reina who was now sitting on the grass with her back turned and legs crossed. Junjun sighed and looked around her, scrunching up her eyebrows because of the brightness of the sun.
"Go away. You said you're not coming back to school right? So go away."
"But I'm not at school."
"I don't care. Just leave me alone. I don't want to see you right now."
"I can't leave yet. Eri is still inside."
"Ughh. Calling her by her first name?" Reina adjusted her bangs, "Who cares just go."
"But Eri is still inside. I can't leave her there."
"Stop calling her by her first name. You're not even that close." Reina looked over her shoulder and glared at Junjun.
"You don't like her do you?"
"..." Reina crossed her arms and faced front.
"Are you jealous?"
"No... I'm not." Reina let her blushing calm down before speaking, "Why are you here anyway?"
"I had a job inter-"
"Forget it and go back to school."
"Forget it. I'm not talking to you anymore." Junjun stood up and began to leave Reina.
"Why are you being so stubborn!" Reina stood up and made balls with her hands. "You're so selfish!"
"..." Junjun turned her head around and gave Reina an apologetic look. "...I'm sorry."
"Then come back to school."
"I can't."
"Why not?"
"I just can't!"
"You're not making sense Junjun. What do you mean you can't?"
"Why don't you just be understanding and support my decision?"
"Because your decision is stupid."
"Agh! It's like talking to a kid!" Junjun began to storm off.
"Ne, ne," Reina ran up to Junjun and began to speak as Junjun tried to walk away hurriedly, "you do everything for Kamei-san but you can't even do this one thing for me, your close friend."
"What you're asking for is too much." Junjun paused, "Even if Eri asked me this, I wouldn't do it."
"ARGH!" Reina grabbed Junjun's arm and dragged her back roughly, "Tell me, WHAT is soooo BAD about going back to school? Huh? Tell me!"
Junjun paused slightly looking away from Reina, her eyelids low. She closed her eyes, opened them again and looked at Reina, "What would happen is too scary Reina." Junjun put on a fake smile, "I'm too..." Junjun shook her head, "Nevermind."
Reina let go of Junjun's arm and looked at the ground while Junjun walked off. She became confused and somewhat guilty. The expression Junjun had on her face before walking out was filled with anxiety and unsureness. When Reina saw this she began to pity her friend. Maybe she just didn't know enough of Junjun's reasoning and became a bit too selfish. All she thought of was her own needs. Even though she thought she was thinking for what was best for Junjun, all she really wanted was for her to feel secure. This was the needy part of her, the part of her that took her guts to admit and sometimes never noticed. Just why does she want Junjun back at school so much? They're adults after all, they can visit each other anytime. She realized that the deeper she thought about the issue. But why didn't that settle with her or comfort her insecurities about Junjun leaving school?
"We never hang out anymore." Reina put her hands in her jacket pockets, "She never calls me." She still looked in the direction Junjun left, "The distance between us will only grow bigger."
Yes. That was it. That was exactly why. It reassured Reina a little, but still, there was an unsettling feeling in her heart and the more she thought about it, the answering becoming clear to her, the more frustrated she got. Not yet. She didn't want to admit it yet, but it became annoying that she couldn't, that it was always nagging at her to fess up.
"She's... she's not my friend anymore," Reina swallowed hard. "Junjun is more than that."
==================================================================
-
Wow, this story is really taking off. I really like how neatly you've managed to connect everyone together and the relationships between them all.
Moar Takagaki. Yay.
-
Yeah this story is getting intresting, really like the junRei story so far a nice different take from other junrei stories i've seen, good job at keeping all the different stories goin, I havent struggled to follow it at all! :thumbup
-
some of the boys behind me seemed a bit angered with the treatment the girls in classroom had given to Koharu
So not all of them are bad :)
:O
The yamanba three are Miki, Yui, Erika? Didn’t expect that.
fist fighting, no not slapping.
XD I guess that suits Miki.
Miki and Reina fight! So cool that Reina was actually fighting her, but I like it more when the yankiis stick together like a family :yep:
Ah so it was Aika.
"What do I do for 4 hours!?"
:lol:
It seemed like the relationship gonna be real complicated :nervous
I’m waiting for KohaKame relationship to develop more :thumbsup
-
^Haha, don't worry you'll get ur KohaKame fix soon, it might take a while but it'll be soon XD For now enjoy some KohaSayu :ph43r:
@oddball: Seems that many people don't like JunRei at all so I'm kind of surprised to see you commenting on that part of the story :P But thanks! :D
@rndmnweird: Thanks! Glad to see its neat enough to understand lol.
@lil_hamz: Close guesses! If I mentioned Linlin was straight you probably would have been closer :P
Hey! Just Smile:
Chapter 4.5 - Our Days
“Ai-chan, Ai-chan wake up.” I woke up squinting and rubbed my eyes. After caressing my cheek a few times, she lifted my bangs up and gave me a peck on the forehead. I blushed smiling and wrapped my arms around her neck to give her a kiss.
“G’morning Gaki-san.” Moving my head forward, I kissed her on the lips and grinned mischeviously, wanting more. She put her hand in front of her lips. Ehhh…
“Not now Ai-chan,” Gaki-san grinned embarrassed. “We’re gonna be late. If you don’t want the press suspecting anything, you better leave ahead.” Gaki-san hopped off the bed and did a stretch, allowing me to get a good view at her backside.
“Hehe...”
“You're quiet but you're actually a pervert aren't you? Get dressed." She took her shirt that was hanging off the nightstand and pulled it on top of herself. "Remember to close the blinds before you do that.”
“Then why didn’t you just close the blinds last night when we did that?” Gaki-san straightened up her back and began to gradually arch her shoulders. Hah, got her spot on. After a long pause she began making her way to the shower. No response, not even a reaction?
“Ah, you dodged the question again!” I picked up a pillow and threw it on the ground, pouting.
I pulled on my sweater nearby and put it on myself. I got up and walked over to the bathroom. Gaki-san was standing at the sink, checking through her phone with a worried expression on her face. I sneaked up behind her, taking a peek at what she was looking at. Repeatedly, Gaki-san scrolled down her messages inbox and then again at her call history list. There were a few texts in her inbox from what I saw and a few calls on the history list, but none that she seemed to be expecting.
Laying my chin on her shoulder, I wrapped my arms around her waist. ”What are you doing?”
“It’s nothing.” She snapped her phone closed and lifted my hands off of her. “It’s just Kame…” Gaki-san pulled her shirt over her head and threw it back into the bed room.
My breathing stopped momentarily. I felt a pang in my chest and stared down at the ground wide eyed. “I-is that so?”
“Don’t worry Ai-chan it’s not what you think.” She opened the glass door to the shower. Taking my hand, she yanked me into the shower roughly, causing the automated water systems to turn on. “You’re my number one.” With my back against the wall, Gaki-san put a hand on the wall and kissed me deeply.
The suddenness of everything caught me off guard, momentarily causing me to forget about my concerns with Kame. I told myself to believe in Gaki-san and forgot about it completely. They’re just friends anyway.
=============================================================================
The two walked side by side, looking around the market place for the store they intended to go to. Lots of people passed them by, all rushing to buy what they needed. There was a sale today at the market and whenever there would be a sale everyone knew to be quick. If you weren't quick enough to get there early, then chances were that the item you wanted to buy would be sold out and Koharu and Sayumi fully understood that.
Sayumi clutched the grocery list in her hand and gritted her teeth in frustration. There was an item on the list that Koharu's mom had wanted the both of them to buy but it seemed like it wasn't to be seen in the marketplace anywhere. Sayumi began to consider the option of going back early and showing up with more than half the items on the list bought.
"Sayu, over here! Here!" Koharu grabbed Sayumi's hand and rushed over to a nearby store table. "That's the ingredient Mom is looking for!"
Nearly tripping, Sayumi followed Koharu. She stared nervously at their hands while they ran and blushed. Gripping Koharu's hand tighter, Sayumi squeezed her hand bag closer towards her and gulped. They both arrived at the store table outside of a fruit shop, still holding each other's hand. Smiling, Sayumi brought herself closer to Koharu and leaned on her shoulder while looking at the fruit on the table. There was a strange warmth forming on Koharu's arm, something soft. She turned her head and looked down on Sayumi surprised.
"Is there something wrong?" Koharu asked.
Sayumi shook her head, and while still holding Koharu's hand, picked up an orange with another. There was something nostalgic about the air between them today. It made Sayu reminisce and look back on their previous memories together. Being beside Koharu made her feel happy and looking back on how this happiness came to be, Sayumi became pleasantly surprised with how short the time seemed since their first encounter.
*******Flashback*********
Michishige Sayumi, a first year university student, walked down the street after going to karaoke with her friends. It wasn't long since she left and parted ways with her friends, the tune they last sang together still lingered and before she knew it she began to hum that song out loud: Namie Amuro's "Body Feels Exit".
She sang the first few lines out loud and by accident her voice cracked. Sayumi stopped and scanned the area to see if anyone heard her. Sighing in relief, she stretched and resumed making her way home. The loud bustling of the city traffic would have covered her anyway, at least she thought.
"Speaking of which, its kind of weird that the streets are empty at this time." Sayumi paused for a moment in thought. "Suspicious..."
Just as Sayumi resumed walking, she noticed a girl, not much younger than her at the front of an alleyway with a middle aged man. Sayumi scanned the girl's uniform. She wore a grey cardigan, a red bow tied under her white blouse's collar and her skirt plaid in red and white, indicating that the girl was from a local private school nearby. The man rubbed his hands together and held up a piece of paper in mid air, grinning at it mischieviously. Suddenly Sayumi's instincts kicked in. Something about the man did not suit well with her and although she knew it wasn't any of her business, she hid behind a wall and listened in to their conversation.
"Thank you for signing Koharu-san. You've been a great help!" The man did a 90 degree bow and grabbed the girl before him by the wrist leading them into a nearby old apartment building.
"K-koharu..." Koharu shook her head, ignoring the fact that the man had called her by her first name, "So, what type of modelling work do I do?"
"Oh, don't worry. I think you'll find it to be... very pleasurable." The man snickered, wheezing a bit as he did. Roughly, he began to push Koharu into the building.
"This is bad." Sayumi thought. Instantly she rose up and grabbed Koharu by the hand, pulling her in the opposite direction. "Ah there you are! Your sister has been looking all over for you!" Sayumi did a quick bow and ran off with Koharu in her grasp.
Koharu, puzzled, followed Sayumi as the ran away from the man. She had no idea who this person was or what she was doing ruining what she thought was going to be her potential modelling career. Increasingly, with each step they ran, Koharu became angry and eventually yanked her hand away from Sayumi.
"What are you doing... I'm not even your sister," Koharu shook herself off and glared at Sayumi, "I would have gotten my pay right away if I went in!"
Dumbfounded, Sayumi stared at Koharu. She felt a bit of guilt building up within her, but she figured that the girl didn't know what she was getting into. "Don't you know what they were planning?" Koharu gave Sayumi a blank stare, "they would have raped you and paid you after. Haven't you heard of these types of people? That guy was really shady looking!"
"No he wasn't." Koharu crossed her arms and scratched her nose in stubborness, even though she was now fully aware that Sayumi was right.
"THERE YOU ARE!" The two of them turned to face the source of the voice. Ritsuo, the man they saw earlier, was now chasing after them with two burlier looking men. He waved a piece of paper in the air and pointed at it. "You signed the contract Koharu-san. You can't turn back now!"
"Tsch, this is bad. Come on!" Sayumi grabbed Koharu's hand and ran away. They both crossed the street, the light close to turning into a bright red flashing hand. After they crossed they both continued to run down the next street and seeing that they had lost sight of Ritsuo and his men, they hid in an alleyway squatting behind some trashcans. For a few minutes they both remained there until Sayumi saw that the coast was clear. When she turned to Koharu, Sayumi found that she had comfortably nestled her head onto her shoulder.
"This girl... I mean really, what the hell." Sayumi sighed and shook Koharu gently to wake her up, "Oi, wake up, wake up. They're gone now."
No response.
"HEY!"
"Hmm?" Koharu woke up and rubbed her eyes. She took Sayumi's hand that was offered and pulled herself up.
"Well, I guess this is goodbye." Sayumi bowed politely and dusted her skirt off, "Don't get into any more shady deals okay?" Walking away to the nearest subway station, Sayumi waved with her back turned, leaving a half smiling Koharu behind. "It won't be my fault if they kill you tomorrow."
Walking, Sayumi couldn't help but feel some sort of guilt nagging at her. Occasionally she would turn around to look at Koharu walking away in the opposite direction. She stopped for a minute and watched the girl walk farther the opposite direction of her, just until she would see that she disappeared from her sight. Once, twice, three times Koharu looked over her shoulder in fear to look at Sayumi. She clutched onto the edge of her school shirt and shuffled forward with the same look, giving off the impression that she didn't want to leave yet, well at least not by herself.
Sighing, Sayumi jogged forward to catch up to Koharu. She stood by her side and let out a small smile, "If you wanted me to walk you home you should've said so." Sayumi grinned widely and slapped Koharu on the arm jokingly.
Koharu rubbed her arm, embaressed, and looked at Sayumi with puppy eyes. She shrugged her shoulders, keeping the same embaressed smile, and chuckled. Koharu was glad that Sayumi noticed how afraid she had been to go home by herself, but at the same time ashamed. Troubling a total stranger and now making her go home with her seemed like asking for too much. The both of them continued to walk on, a welcoming silence surrounding the both of them. Glancing at Sayumi every so often, Koharu mustered up the courage to speak up.
"I-I'm Kusumi Koharu! Nice to meet you!"
*********************
"Saaafe~!" Sayumi dashed into the train cart, happy that the doors had not closed yet. Seeing as there were no seats available, she made herself comfortable standing near the doors.
"Wait!!" Sayumi turned her head to see the girl she met yesterday, Koharu, to be hurriedly making her way down the stairs. Just as she finished coming down she tripped, falling on her bottom.
"That girl again." Sayumi sighed and looked on worriedly at the girl. Nervously she would turn away to ignore her, forcing herself not to care but with each passing second she fiddled with her fingers a bit and switched her gaze from the floor to Koharu. She contemplated whether to help her out and at the last second, hurried out of the train frowning. Sayumi held out her hand for Koharu to take, and pulled her up, nearly being dragged down due to how weak she was.
Feeling a cold breeze suddenly brushing up against her, Sayumi turned her attention to the train that was now leaving. Sayumi didn't get mad at Koharu though, a little irritated yes, but not enough to be mad. It was her decision to help her out afterall.
"You again!" Koharu took the hand offered to her and pulled herself up. She leaned on to Sayu, who led them to a seat on the platform. Koharu didn't say much, but her expression gave off an impression of her being annoyed, though in reality she was ashamed for having to trouble the same person twice. Taking a quick glance at the expression Koharu was making, Sayumi's heart burned with a quick flash of sadness. Was she the one that was bothering Koharu with constantly helping her? Maybe this was too much for her? Sayumi forcefully smiled, hiding how irritated she was with how much of a saint she decided to be today. Sitting down, she began to take out a bandaid from her school bag. Peeling off the sticker, she crumpled the paper packet it came in and put it in her pocket. "Here," Sayumi handed the bandaid over to Koharu who put it over the scrape on her hand, "good thing you didn't scrape your knee."
"Yeah." Koharu grinned brightly at Sayumi and looked down on the bandaid. "Oh look! Seems the train is here. Fast huh?" Koharu smiled and made her way over to the train. She waited until everyone got off and once there was a clear opening she quickly made her way in, "Bye bye!" Waving goodbye, Koharu stood behind the doors of the closing train doors. "Sorry but I can't be late for the hundredth time today. I'll find a way to repay you, somethingsomething-san. Promise." Koharu did a quick bow, rising up before the doors would close on her neck.
"Eh? Goodbye already? Not even a thank you?" Sayumi who had missed her train, stood watching dumbfounded, "I mean really," She shrugged her shoulders and sighed not noticing that the train was already leaving, "Crap, now I'm reeeal late."
With the next days that came, Sayumi began to see more of Koharu and was surprised to find out that they took the same train together in the mornings. Although Sayumi saw Koharu most of the time, the two never talked much. Only when Koharu would get into trouble would Sayumi be lured into appearing before her and helping her. Sometimes Koharu would on purpose, sleep on the train and miss her stop on the way home and when she did, Sayu became conscious, forcing herself to see that the girl made it back safely to the next platform back despite the thought of her bothering Koharu. On other times, Koharu would be lured in by guys that hit on her, whenever Sayumi would catch this she didn't waste her time saving her.
As time went on, these nuisances made Sayumi think the girl was cute whining and always acting needy. She found a strange attraction forming within her towards Koharu which made her think that helping out the girl wasn't that bad afterall, even if she doesn't say thank you. She felt like she wanted to take care of her, even if she thought it was a nuisance to Koharu. Eventually Koharu noticed that Sayumi was always there for her and finally she forced herself to properly talk to Sayumi, and before the both of them knew it they were waiting for each other at the train stations everyday, making sure they left together at all times. To Koharu, this was repaying Sayumi for always taking care of her.
*********************
Around the corner? Nope. Behind that pillar? Nope. Where is she?
Poking her head around, the girl in her braided pigtails, Sayumi, searched for Koharu. It's been almost two weeks since Sayumi last saw her and now she was beginning to get worried. The only place her and Koharu would ever meet up at and socialize would be here, at this train station. This was their friendship's lifeline. Pathetic now that she thought about it. They rarely met up to go somewhere together and because of this Sayumi was fully aware of the possibility of the both of them not seeing each other again. What if she moved? What if she decided to take another route? Koharu hasn't been answering her phone at all, making Sayumi worry. She didn't remember how to get to Koharu's house or where her school was. All this made her fear for the worst. What if they wouldn't meet again? On top of worrying, Sayumi made herself feel guilty for being such a bad friend and not even bothering to ask for any of these types of questions. They had become such good friends too.
"Don't worry she'll be back soon." Sayumi reassured herself. "She's probably busy with school and club activities or something."
Koharu didn't tell Sayumi anything before she suddenly disappeared. It's been half a year since their first encounter, shouldn't she sort of know whats happening with her friend? Especially since she's developed such a fondness towards the girl.
Sayumi felt a sharp pain in her heart. Lately she's been noticing that a lot when she thought about Koharu. It was a pain that she didn't hate, but rather liked. The feeling aggravated whenever she would remember the times she had with Koharu at the station. How they first met, how unreliable Koharu was, the laughter... how Sayumi began to miss that smile.
Yes, her smile. Sayumi had been thinking about that a lot lately, or more like it crept into her thoughts suddenly. Another thought always seemed to follow... the thought of being together with the girl, sounded impossible or more like absurd to her at first but with each time she thought of it, it began to seem more normal and fitting than anything else.
Fondness. No, that's not the word. Like? Want?
It's want isn't it?
"It's that." Sayumi stepped forward to the opening doors of the oncoming train, "I-I..." Sayumi gulped, "I like you."
The doors of the train opened and the people in it poured out passing Sayumi as they went. Bowing her head, Sayumi held the handle of her schoolbag tighter, looking at the ground as if there was something beyond it, searching. 'I like you.' it didn't make Sayumi cringe, it made her feel happy.
Chuckling, she took a step forward into the train,
"Where are you idiot." Sayumi dropped her smile and let her eyes wander, staying in the same position.
*************************
「He took his own life.
The rope. The blood. His body hanging up in the air.
His mouth hanging open.
The letter.」
"W-why?" Sayumi hugged her knees close to her body, "Why didn't you tell me you were going through all this?"
「 She hasn't been herself at all lately.
Everyday she asks me, "Wasn't I enough-weren't we enough for him
to stay?"
Through a shaky voice that's what she asks me.」
"Honestly. I wouldn't know how to comfort you, but...."
「And I-I don't know how to answer her.
I know my daughter.
That smile, it's a clever cover for how fragile she is.」
"...If you're that fragile let me be the one to keep you together."
Sayumi let her leg slide down to the floor while she laid her elbow on top of the other leg, holding her head. Slowly tears rolled down her cheeks from the burn she felt in her chest. The grief Koharu went through, somehow Sayumi felt it too. She didn't go through anything like that, but she felt beating at her chest. She sat there, remembering the conversation she had with Koharu's mother once when she had finally found her way to their residence.
「I have to stay strong for her, even though I'm not.
She has so many questions. I fear she blames herself.
School. She hasn't been attending it for weeks.
She wants to isolate herself.」
"Blaming herself..." Sayumi, wiping away her tears, sat there legs spread out with her back against the wall. In silence she let her emotions settle down and began to wonder what else Koharu was feeling at this time. She reflected Koharu's mother had told her the time she finally got around to looking for their residence, and instantaneously a memory came to her. The face Koharu made during their second encounter at the train station which seemingly expressed disgust, might have had another meaning than what Sayumi had originally thought. Putting her chin to rest on the palm of her hand she dug deeper into why that face spoke so loudly to her.
"Never did you say thank you, but you were aware of your own incapability." Sayumi held in her tears. "It's not your fault Koharu."
*********************
The neighbourhood was quiet with the occasional barking of a dog. The city traffic could be heard from the surrounding parameter of the neighbourhood with cars honking and whooshing past by from destination to destination. The Kusumi residence, usually filled with a warm atmosphere inside and out, was unusually quiet for the past month. Everything was the same, things were in the same place, the same people were in the neighbourhood yet despite this, it was totally different.
Sayumi had only been in front of this house once, but already she could feel the distinction in mood from before and now. The place reeked with the feeling of death.
She had been standing outside the house for a while, waiting for Koharu to come back from a convenience store near by. Leaning against a lamp post, Sayumi stared at her purse she was clenching. Nervously, she began to mentally prepare herself for her first meeting with Koharu in a month. In a month her love for her had not faltered nor changed.
THUD! CLANK!
"M-michishige-san." Koharu stared at Sayumi wide eyed. Sayumi was the person she least expected to visit her. Koharu had only few visitors since her father's death, Linlin and Sayumi some of the few. All the friends she thought she had didn't seem to care much to inquire about her, and Koharu was fine with that. She rather be alone for a while.
"Kusumi-chan." Sayumi smiled awkwardly and stepped forward to talk to Koharu. Instead of greeting Sayumi with glee and the utmost warmth like she usually would, Koharu picked up her bag of snacks she bought and walked past Sayumi, bumping shoulders with her.
"Wait!" Sayumi who was initially shocked, snapped herself out of it and grabbed Koharu by the wrist, "I need to talk to you."
"Michishige-san, I know you mean well, but," Koharu yanked her hand away from Sayumi, "Leave me alone." Unleashing one of her best glares, Koharu walked back towards her house.
"I'll talk to you right here then." Sayumi pushed her body up against the gate Koharu had now locked after going in and held onto the bars.
Koharu sighed and shrugged her shoulders, "Do whatever you want."
"I missed you Kusumi-chan."
"You're lying. You're sick of me aren't you? I'm troubling you aren't I?" Koharu said, her back still facing Sayumi.
"Sick of you? Troubling me? What are you talking about?" Sayumi paused for a bit and grinned, "You made me smile the most!"
Koharu didn't move. She didn't blink or take a step forward; she stood there her heart burning as it breathed with relief and felt strange contentment. It was as if something had been lifted from her chest and made her want to smile. She couldn't handle the sensation and she fought to keep back her tears. Letting air out, her voice trembling slightly, Koharu opened her mouth and then covered it with her hand to stop her from sobbing. Shaking her head wildly to stop herself from what she was about to do, Koharu turned around to look at Sayumi her eyes looking as if they were questioning the nineteen year old.
"I was wondering where you were." Sayumi said, letting her smile drop to an even smaller smile.
"Michishige-san, just, just leave me alone for a while. Please." Koharu said with a faint grin, her eyes watery. She resumed making her way back into her house and as soon as her back was turned her tears rolled down her cheeks.
Still looking at Koharu walking away, Sayumi said in a quiet voice, "Koharu don't blame yourself."
Koharu closed the door once she got in and with her sleeve wiped tears. She laid the items she bought on top of the kitchen table and hovered above them, her hands flat on the table supporting her upper body. She took a few moments and inhaled and exhaled.
After a while, quickly she moved to her windows and took a peek outside wondering if Sayumi was still there. Seeing that she wasn't Koharu retreated back to the kitchen and took a seat near the table. Many things ran through her mind, her encounter with Sayumi, her father's death, the people dearest to her, her life... she began to think clearly for once since that day. Koharu began to reconsider how she's been going about life lately.
Change. The word echoed in her mind many times. Looking around her house, every corner, every wall, every thing reminded her of him. She couldn't just expect herself to completely forget about her father but she began to think it was time to try, the time to move on and continue living happily. At first she rejected the idea, but when she thought about living the way she has been for the past month it only made her disappointed in herself.
Koharu gulped, "The first step starts at the train station."
********End Flashback**********
-
I knew it! I sensed something from Sayu at chap 1
Oh I do enjoy some KohaSayu, I like this pair :D
But for this fic I'd love to see KohaKame happen :)
-
Here's the fifth chapter. It's been sitting in my computer for a month now lol Sorry I haven't been able to update faster.
Hey! Just Smile:
Chapter 5: The Time is Now
She put her hands behind my back and hurriedly pushed me out of her apartment. With great resistance I held onto the posts of the doorway so that she could stop. Putting even more force into her push, she used her legs to give her more strength but after seeing that it was futile she used my weakness.
"Alright Ai-chan. If you won't hurry up out of here, I'll... I'll have to do this!" Gaki-san moved her hands from my back to under my arms and began tickling me.
"Ahahahahah!!!" Hysterically I began to laugh, holding my arms down my sides as I jumped up and down kicking my legs. "Argh, mou!" In one swift movement she pushed me out of her apartment and closed the door.
"I can't go with you Ai-chan. It would be too suspicious."
"It's not. You're just paranoid Gaki-san."
"I just don't want any rumours starting about us."
I sighed, "Or maybe you're just scared. Y'know, of what people will think of us."
"Ai-chan, imagine if it got out that we're dating." She took a long pause. I heard her shuffling her feet from behind the doors. "It would be bad for your career. Your dad would freak, I mean..." I kept quiet, irritated. "Are you willing to risk it all? For us?" She opened the door slightly and hid behind it.
Again I sighed deeply, "You're overreacting," I took her hand. "No one will find out. Nothing bad will happen."
She looked at me, doubting my answer. I scratched the back of my head hopelessly and let it drop down to my thighs. "Gaki-san, even if something bad did happen, I'll make a way. I'll still stick with you." Putting on the best pouty face I could, I stared into Gaki-san's eyes.
She shrugged her shoulders in defeat and picked up her handbag that sat behind the door. Pulling the handles of the bag to her shoulders, Gaki-san took out her keys that were in her skirt pockets, walked out and locked the doors.
We both walked out of the apartment buildings together and continued to walk towards the train station entrance. Not once did she hold my hand, or lock her arms around mine - obviously she's still worried. Shouldn't I be the one to worry? I'm the one with the career in entertainment. She doesn't have to worry about anything. Usually I do enough worrying for the both of us. She's always reassuring me, making sure everything's fine but this time I'm the one doing all that.
The both of us arrived at the train station and made our way to the platform for the train that would lead us to our university. Within a few moments the train arrived, bringing about fast winds. I noticed Gaki-san grabbing my arm, pulling me forward as the doors opened. Hurriedly, we both got in, thankfully grabbing a seat saving us the trouble from having to stand.
I made myself comfortable in my seat and rested my head on top of Gaki-san's shoulder. Looking down at her lap, I noticed she pulled her phone out again and began to check through her inbox and history list. How many times has that been this morning?
"If you're that worried about Kame, just visit her or something." I said almost sounding annoyed.
"Really? You'll be fine with that?" She lowered her head to look at me surprised. She didn't go because she thought I'd be jealous? That's just-
"It's not that I'm jealous but... I have to come with you." Alright maybe I am a bit jealous.
Gaki-san chuckled and pinched my cheeks, "You're so cute Ai-chan." I scrunched up my eyebrows at the remark and looked down at my linked hands in shyness.
Gaki-san hasn't realized something yet, something so crucial about her relationship with Kame. It's the very reason why Kame hasn't been making contact with her and avoiding her at school. Kame has been loving Gaki-san for the longest time now, yet this girl here is just too dense to realize it yet. I feel that I rather not have Kame be honest and reveal her feelings for Gaki-san but of course I won't stop her. I know it's selfish of me, but I'm scared. If Gaki-san found out about Kame then, then... she'll leave me won't she? I'll be alone won't I? I don't want that to happen.
"Ai-chan? Our stop is here." Gaki-san got up and waited for me to do the same thing. Slowly I rose and followed behind her.
I won't blame or get mad at Kame for saying what she needs to say, if she says it, but I hope she fails.
======================================================
Kame stretched her arms while she walked onto the university grounds and by accident dropped her glasses. After stretching she bent over to pick them up and hurriedly made her way to class.
It's been a few weeks now since Risa ditched her that night and since then she hasn't been able to face her properly. Whenever she remembers how hurt she felt that night she became angry at Risa. She knew Risa was worried about her through the mass amount of text messages and phones calls she received, yet not once did she reply to any of them. If she did, it would only bring about both pain from Risa and anger towards her. In honesty though, Eri really didn't know why she was feeling like this when she knew Ai-chan was dating Risa in the first place.
"Ai-chan! Where are you?"
Eri turned her head to look at the source of the voice, Risa. Eri stood there, her mind blank and her heartbeat fastening as she looked at Risa.
Ai-chan ran up to Risa as she emerged from the crowd that walked across the street. She gave
Risa a hug, jumping on her. Seeing this, Eri turned around not wanting to see anymore.
"I guess I still haven't gotten over her." Just then, her thoughts were filled with Koharu, her smile, the feeling of being in her embrace. Eri looked forward and wondered why she suddenly thought about the bakery delivery girl. She shook her head to get rid of those thoughts.
Risa felt someone staring at her and Ai-chan a while ago and when she turned around, the first person she saw from a distance was Eri.
Risa stopped grinning like an idiot, the corners of her mouth gradually coming down, and looked at Eri walking away, holding her head. When she saw her, immediately her feet moved on their own and she rushed towards Eri, Risa gently pushing Ai-chan to the side.
"Eri!" Risa quickened her pace, causing Eri to turn her head around and quicken her pace. Risa began to run, her face showing how irritated she was at Eri. "ERI!!!"
Quickly making her way through people along the walkway, Eri ran away from Risa, trying her best to avoid all possible contact with the girl. She disappeared into the crowd and made a turn, thankfully losing Risa.
"Geez, whats wrong with that girl?!" Risa stopped running, gritting her teeth together and scrunching up her eyebrows. She sighed and turned around to see Ai-chan walking up to her.
"Was that Eri?" said Ai-chan as she sneaked her arm around Risa's. Noticing that her girlfriend was not paying any attention to her and had continued to look in Eri's direction, she became annoyed. "Come on we'll be late for class." She grabbed Risa's wrist roughly and dragged her along to their next class together.
Ai-chan was Risa's girlfriend and yet a lot of the time to her Eri seemed to be more important than her. If Eri would call Risa in a middle of a date needing help, Risa wouldn't hesitate to rush to her side and dismiss herself. Whenever she came along with them for outings, sometimes Risa wouldn't even pay attention to her or include her in their conversations. Ai-chan had enough of this. She was Risa's girlfriend not Eri.
"Ai-chan stop, I have to talk to Eri." Risa stopped walking and looked at the back of Ai-chan's head
"Why?" Ai-chan stayed put not turning around to look at Risa. Her face clearly expressed anger, but as she did not want to worry her girlfriend she remained facing in the opposite direction.
"I'm worried about her. Since the time in the restaurant when she hung up on me, she hasn't talked to me." Risa looked at the ground with a sad expression, her hand slipping out of Ai-chan's grasp.
"Eri. It's always Eri." Ai-chan faced Risa, forcing on a smile, and yanked her hand away from Risa's in annoyance. "I'll be waiting in class." She said sweetly.
"Ai-chan..." Risa knew Ai-chan was angry behind her grin, but she wondered for what reason. Temporarily ignoring Ai-chan's strange behaviour, she made her way to Eri's first class for the day, hoping that she wouldn't run away from her again.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The wind caressed her cheek as she walked on the pavement outside the university grounds, her short black hair swaying back and forth. The leaves of the branches of trees above her rustled with each stronger blow of the wind, the light from the sun softly coming onto the ground in little speckles. Eri breathed in the air, trying to calm herself down from what just happened with Risa.
She sat on one of the benches near the university's eating area, swinging her feet back and forth from the ground to the air, and stared at the other side of the road where the crossing lights were. Suddenly she felt like going home. She wanted to go as away from this place, away from Risa, but most of all she wanted to see Koharu. The longer she sat there, her desire to see Koharu increased, her thoughts becoming filled with her. Up she got, padding herself off and taking her books with her.
"Kusumi-chan..."
Just when she made the first step to the crosslights, Eri felt someone grab her by the wrist. Surprised she turned around and saw Risa panting heavily, bent over trying to catch her breath.
"Eri...! W-wait!" Risa said her breathing fast. Classes had now begun, so the area around them was now empty. "W-where are you going? You still have class!"
"Class..." Eri thought about the word and laughed, turning around to go over to the crosslights. Just as her love life suffered, so did her studies. None of her courses went well, her grades close to failure. She had no plans as to what career she would venture into and with her current grades, dropping the courses, even dropping out itself became a possibility for Eri.
"Hey! Don't walk away when I'm talking!" Risa looked up and jogged towards Eri. When she caught up, she grabbed her shoulder. "We have to talk!"
"What?" Stopping, Eri looked at Risa trying to hold back from giving her a glare.
"You've been avoiding me. Why?"
"Avoiding you? What do you mean?" Eri tapped her feet and crossed her arms, looking away from Risa pretending to be clueless.
"That time when I was on a date with Ai-chan, you called then hung up-"
"Date?"
"Yeah, date. Me and Ai-chan went out that night." Risa started grinning like an idiot.
"Right." Eri looked away from Risa and rolled her eyes. After a few moments she spoke up again, "Do you remember we had plans that night?" She said in a quiet voice.
"What plans?" Risa said, giving Eri a questioning look.
Eri smiled faintly and tried to hide her anger that would eventually erupt at the girl before her. "Risa..."
"...what?"
"YOU'RE AN IDIOT!!!" And with that Eri stormed off to the crosslights once more as she tightened her grip on her books, leaving Risa with a stunned expresssion.
"What?" Risa began to wonder why she was being insulted but when she noticed Eri walking away she yelled after her. "Why are you angry at me!!"
Eri stopped and asked herself the same question "Why am I angry at Gaki-san? ...Isn't it myself I'm angry at?" Eri tightened her grip on the books she held to her chest. "Always second place, never getting what I want, never being able to say what I want to say. Always watching from the sidelines." She took a deep breath and hugged her books closer to her. "Even if I do something now, nothing will happen. But... it's now or never."
Eri exhaled and then took in another deep breath as she turned around with her eyes tightly shut. Once she faced Risa she opened her mouth and hesitated before speaking. It took her a few seconds before gathering the courage to finally say those three words she had been wanting to say.
"I LIKE YOU IDIOT!!" Eri opened her eyes and looked at Risa, breathing heavily.
Risa's arms dropped to her sides and her handbag dropped to the floor. She stood there in utter shock complete with a mouth gaping open.
Eri smiled faintly, "Thats what I wanted to say to you. What I wanted to say after we celebrated getting your own place." Eri hid her face from Risa, her bangs covering her eyes.
Remembering now what Eri was telling her about, all the preparation they had made together, everything they said they would do, Risa felt ashamed for herself. "Eri... Please, forgiv-"
"THAT'S, all I wanted to say." Eri made her way to the cross lights and just when she got there the lights changed color, letting people cross the street. She took one last look at Risa before crossing. "I said it... and as expected, nothing changed. Ai-chan's still the lucky one and I'm still the friend."
Quickly, Eri ran to the other side of the street before the lights changed. "Even though I know that, I feel happy just for saying those three words." Once she got to the other side, she kept on running, off towards the train station.
As she ran her heart burned and slowly tears filled Eri's eyes. Eventually they rolled down her cheeks, coming off her chin and drying in the air. She laughed when she realized what she was doing and she wiped off her tears.
She constantly kept thinking about Risa but the more she ran, the more those thoughts were mixing with those of Koharu. "Koharu... where are you?"
============================================================
I leaned back on a tree, my legs barely keeping my body from sliding down. I breathed in, then out while I tried to get my mind organized.
Looking up to the sky, the conversation between me and Junjun a few nights ago repeated itself in my mind. Well at least the important parts.
"Then what were you and Eri planning to do today?"
I smacked myself in the head. If Junjun, a girl who can barely remember anything know about that day, then how pitiful am I? I'm Eri's best friend for goodness' sake.
"It's because of you Eri has to have that painful look on her
face everyday she comes home from school, why everytime
she sees you and Takahashi-san together she can never have a proper smile."
Again I slapped the top of my head and stopped on the ground in a fit. No wonder everyone keeps telling me I'm dense. But... Eri, she must have really been in pain. How could I have been so stupid? I'm always so busy with Ai-chan that I never have time for Eri.
"Kamei-san doesn't need you. People that constantly hurt her."
'People that constantly hurt her'... that'd be me huh.
"AHH!" I ruffled up my hair in frustration and stomped on the ground. I squatted and looked down at the ground.
I don't know what to think anymore. 'Kame-san doesn't need you.'... that doesn't necessarily mean I have to stop being her friend. Just because I'm dating Ai-chan doesn't mean I have to give her up, we don't have to stop being friends. I mean it's not my fault she likes me!
"But what do I really feel about kame?" I took a nearby twig and suddenly my hand began to draw a heart on the dirt on its own. Halfway through it, I realized what I was doing and stopped, threw the stick farthest away from me, got up and stomped on the drawing with great force.
What kind of question is that?! Of course I don't feel anything! Ai-chan is the one I love, and only her!
"Risa, don't let those words get to you. It'll just make you feel something thats not even there. 'I like you' shouldn't effect what you feel towards Eri."
Picking my bag up, I got up and dusted myself off. I turned around and noticed a head poking out from behind one of the buildings.
"Ai-chan? What are you doing there?" I used my hand and shaded my eyes from the sun to get a better look.
Knowing that she couldn't escape and that if she did I'd chase after her, Ai-chan came out with a nervous grin.
===========================================================
With Junjun, Eri and Linlin's grads coming up I'm having second thoughts about continuing this... *sigh* Iunno, it feels so weird to think of continue writing this fic knowing they're going to graduate. Better finish this up before December 12th I guess, already have the whole story sorted out lol.
-
Oh dear Poor Gaki did'nt even reralize that Eri liked her till she told her :doh:
Hmm she seems really upset about it but she still love's Ai-chan more, I hope they can soir it out between them!!!
-
Update!! Expect another one within a week ^_~
Hey! Just Smile:
Chapter 6 - Where My Heart Lies
Hesitating she moved forwards to me, her hands linked to each other tightly. I looked her in the eyes directly meeting hers, yet whenever our eyes met she would just avoid my stare. If she’s acting like this, she definitely saw what just happened, no question about it.
“I was worried so I came to check up on you.” Ai-chan pulled on the ends of her shirt and shuffled her feet, letting out a sheepish grin. “Eri finally said it huh.”
I sighed. Yup, I was right. Seeing her act all nervous and embarrassed after seeing Eri confess is making me feel nervous myself, even when I have nothing to be nervous about! Wait... so she knew too?! Am I really that dense?
Calmly I responded, “I had no idea she felt that way.” I scratched the back of my head, trying to act hide how uneasy I was feeling.
Ai-chan nodded, her eyes still avoiding looking at me, and licked her lips. She smiled faintly and was calm but something wasn’t right--is she angry? shocked?
I don’t know what she’s thinking about what happened, but for some reason I feel like I have a lot of explaining to do. Instead of asking Ai-chan about it though, I took her hand in mine and led the both of us back to class.
Right now I don’t even want to talk about Eri’s confession. I’m still trying hard to take everything in.
We approached one of the entrances that would lead us back to our class. I wrapped my hand around the silver metal handles and pulled the door open. I walked in with Ai-chan’s hand still in mine yet she wouldn’t budge an inch. Worried, I turned around.
“Ai-chan?” I turned around to see her staring down at the ground, seeming to be deep in thought.
“What did that mean to you?” My mouth hung open for a second as I tried to swallow the question.
“Ai-chan are you seriously asking that?” I furrowed my eyebrows and let go of her hand. Backing up from the door, I let the glassed door swing back to a slow close.
“W-Well I don’t know! Lately you’ve been focused so much on Eri and, and-” She said, waving her hands around making gestures.
“She’s my best friend and I haven’t heard from her in almost a month, nor have I seen her, so of course naturally I would worry about her.” I sighed and folded my arms trying to keep calm, “What? You thought just because I’m worrying about my friend that I love her?”
Ai-chan kept silent for a while and looked at the ground. She didn’t seem like it but I could tell she was getting annoyed.
“...she just told you how she felt, Gaki-san. You’re her best friend sure, but after what happened won’t you start to look at Eri differently?”
“Ai-chan, you’re my girlfriend, Eri’s just my best friend. I mean I’m caught off guard from what happened but its not like I look at Eri any differently. After what Eri said did you think that I would leave you like that?”
“No, but... I’m afraid.” I opened my mouth to say something but was too taken off by what Ai-chan said to speak. All I could do was mouth meaningless words.
“She’s always on your mind. Sometimes it seems as if you enjoy yourself more with Eri than me. When we’re out together you treat me not as your girlfriend but as if I’m just someone you know. The way you treat Eri, I kind of feel you put her over me. What if.. what if your feelings change for me?”
I remained silent, taking in everything Ai-chan said. I unfolded my arms and slumped my shoulders, sighing. I moved in closer to Ai-chan and made her look at me in the eyes.
“....Soooo.... basically you’re afraid Eri is gonna take me away from you? Is that it?” She nodded. I nearly fell backwards trying to hold back my laughter. “Ai-chan!” I slapped her in the side of the head jokingly and looked at her who was now caught off guard from my reaction.
“Eri is like my sister, “ I put a hand over my mouth and looked away from Ai-chan, trying to hold in my chuckles. “I don’t look at her as anything but that.”
I lifted my eyes up and quickly glanced at Ai-chan. Her cheeks were red and she was twiddling her thumbs. I stifled a laugh. “If it seems as if I’m not enjoying myself with you, you’re wrong. It hurts for you to say that.” I did a fake pout and walked up to her, looking at my feet with my hands behind my back and took her hand in mine.
Walking to the center of the walkway that branched off into three different directions, I took Ai-chan with me and placed her in front of me. I moved my face closer to hers, my lips grazing hers. Wrapping my arms around her neck, I spoke in a whispering voice and smirked, “I don’t intend on leaving you.” I looked at her lips. They were glossed over with lip gloss and seemed moist. “Jealous Ai-chan is so cute.” I tugged on her bottom lip with my teeth and then after kissed her, my arms still around her neck. I pulled her in closer, and pecked her on the lips a few times and then after that I pressed my lips hard onto hers.
I broke apart after a few moments to see what expression Ai-chan had on. She was completely spaced out, and breathing hard, stunned. I would rarely kissed her out in the open like this, where the chances of someone seeing us were high, so I suppose she would react like this. I wiped my lips.
“What? didn’t think I had guts?” Before I could get a response, Ai-chan moved forward, kissing me on the lips. I nearly fell over and tripped on a twig on the ground, but caught myself, breaking the kiss. Grinning, I looked around us shyly. Both of us were staring at the ground or away from one another, our cheeks both red.
Ai-chan cleared her throat and put on a serious face, “Yeah do that when everyone is still in class. Some guts.” Ai-chan, still looking at the ground, walked back to class and grabbed my hand hard, pulling me along. She did a quick glance at me, and smiled sheepishly. “Come on lets get back to class.”
Laughing, I jogged a bit to be by Ai-chan’s side as she was walking too fast. Grinning I looked at Ai-chan’s embarrassed, yet happy face and then down again at our linked hands and remembered... Eri.
Me and Ai-chan are happy, but what about Eri?
==========================================================================
Eri sat on the bench in front of the sakura tree in the center of the park. She patiently waited for Koharu, thinking that she would still encounter her even though school for high school students had already started. Whenever she needed someone to talk to, recently she noticed that she ran over to Koharu the most. Other than that, lately she noticed had been spending more time with the girl as well.
Koharu was easy to talk to and could make Eri forget about whatever she was worried about. Just the bakery girl’s sunny attitude made it easy for Eri to want to spend time with her and even though their ages differed it was easy for the both of them to become friends.
Lifting her head up, Eri checked to see if anyone familiar would be passing by. Finally she noticed near one of the streetlights Koharu getting off her bicycle seeming annoyed. Amused she decided to stay put and watch Koharu a little bit more before moving in on her.
“Dammit! I’m already an hour late for school!” Kicking her bike, Koharu put her hands on hips and gritted her teeth together. She bent down and looked at the pedals of her bike. It seemed to be fine so she turned her attention to the wheel to see what the cause for her bike not working was, yet she found nothing. Becoming fed up she pulled on the pedals in hopes of if fixing itself somehow but then after seeing it did no good she got up and kicked her bike, the bike falling over.
Eri laughed at Koharu’s simple mindedness and decided to give her a call to check up on her. She took out her cellphone and pressed the speed dial number for Koharu’s phone. She continued to look on at Koharu who was now hurriedly trying to find her phone and upon finding it opened it and answered.
“Hello...” Koharu said her voice sounding disappointed.
“Having trouble with your bike? Kicking it won’t do it any good.” Eri said laughing.
Looking around, the bakery girl searched around for Eri, wondering how she could possibly be able to know what was happening. “Kamei-san, where are you?”
Shading her eyes from the sun, the seventeen year old searched for the girl in question.
Eri got off her seat and ran over to Koharu, suddenly filled with excitement. Turning off her phone, she stuffed it into the pocket of her short-shorts. Completely unaware that Eri was fast approaching her, Koharu looked at her phone and wondered why Eri hung up. As she began to put her cellphone back in her bag, she nearly fell over from the sudden impact of Eri jumping onto her back and wrapping two arms around her neck. Surprised, Koharu could hear Eri’s giggling clear in her ear.
“I’m right here.” Eri said whispering into Koharu’s ear with a grin. She jumped off Koharu’s back and put her hands behind her. Koharu turned around.
“Kamei-san! Eh? What are you doing...?” Looking down at the shorter girl, Koharu realized that she didn’t have her glasses on. “Your glasses?” she said making two circles with each of her hands and putting it on top of each of her eyes, pretending to be wearing a pair herself.
Now that the younger girl brought it up, Eri noticed she wasn’t wearing them and touched her face to check. The last time she remembered having them on was during the train ride here when she took them off multiple times to wipe away her tears.
“Your eyes...” Koharu moved her face closer to Eri’s, “They’re red. Kamei-san... have you been crying again?” Scrunching up her eyebrows, Koharu showed worry for Eri.
Instantly Eri remembered Risa and the surprised look she had on her face when she told her how she felt. She shook her head to rid of those thoughts and replied, “I-It’s nothing. I’ve been scratching them a lot since they’re dry. It’s fine, really.” Grinning, Eri waved her hands in front of her.
“Something’s not right. I can feel it. Even though she’s smiling I can definitely tell there’s something wrong.” Koharu thought. Forgetting about school and how mad her mother would be at her for skipping school, Koharu got on her bike and checked to see if the pedals were working by turning them a few with her feet. They were.
Holding her hand out for Eri to take, Koharu spoke, “Come on, let’s go.” Smiling warmly, Koharu waited for Eri to take her hand and after a few silent moments the shorter girl took it and got up on the lower second seat of bicycle.
“Are you sure?”
“To be honest, I really didn’t feel like going to school today. I think a day off is just what I needed. How about you Kamei-san?” Koharu said turning her head to look at Eri.
Eri laughed and gave a nod and with that Koharu started pedalling towards one of her favourite places--the beach. Sensing that Eri had a lot on her mind, it was a good idea to bring her to the beach where she herself could always clear her mind and relax at. It wasn’t that far from the area they were in too.
Snaking her arms around Koharu’s waist, Eri linked her hands and squeezed Koharu’s waist, resting her head on the taller girl’s back. “Just being with you makes me happy.” Eri said in a quiet voice.
Eri held onto the front of Koharu’s shirt and tightened her grip on the clothe. She buried her face into Koharu’s back, wanting to feel warmth from the taller girl. Her heart felt heavy the more she relished in the warmth from embracing Koharu. Risa... just remembering her face filled her chest with so much pain and before she knew it she was trying hard to hold back from unleashing her tears. She knew she had to start forgetting Risa but she didn’t think it would be so hard.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Koharu took her feet out from her shoes slightly and kicked them over to the side, the pair landing on the sand. Pulling on her socks she took them off and dropped them on top of her shoes, squishing her toes in the sand.
Spring was still young, so the air was still cool and not that many people were to be found. There was quiet between the two of them, only the sound of the waves and the squawking of seagulls surrounded them. Eri watched Koharu tread on the sand as she enjoyed the feeling of the moist, cold sand in between her toes.
Being here with Koharu like this, gave Eri a sense of peace and soon enough she found herself focusing on the sounds of the waves. It was relaxing and took some of the pressure she had off her chest from thinking about Risa. Koharu stopped walking and looked at Eri who was closing her eyes and tilting her head upwards, the corners of her mouth forming a small smile. Closer she walked towards Eri and did the same thing, gently putting her hand in the shorter girl’s and intertwining their fingers.
Surprised at the sudden warmth she felt in her hand, Eri opened her eyes and looked up at Koharu. She wondered why she was being so quiet and calm, different from how she usually was--a hyper loud talker.
“Whenever I have something on my mind I come here,” Koharu started walking nearer to the water, Eri following closely behind, with their hands still connected. When she got close enough for the water to touch her feet, she let go of Eri’s hand, bent down and waited for the water to return and touch her hand. “Kamei-san its still morning and you seem so down already.”
Using her finger Koharu drew a simple smiley face in the wet sand. When the water came back and washed it away, she stood up and padded her hand dry on her blue plaid uniform skirt. She didn’t expect an answer from Eri--she wouldn’t force it out of her. Koharu decided to wait until Eri felt like telling her about it but for now she looked like she needed to smile. So, while Eri was busy staring at the water in thought, Koharu grabbed her hand and dragged her into the water, her whole body becoming wet.
Shocked and completely soaked, Eri touched her wet garments and then looked up at Koharu. She wanted to get mad, but seeing the goofy face Koharu was making, instead she chased after her, dipping her hands in the water and pushing some out in the bakery girl’s direction.
“Kyaa!!” Koharu shrieked as she was felt the cold water splash onto her back. Eri yanked her backwards and Koharu fell into the water, completely becoming submerged. When she got up she frowned at Eri who was now running away from her and frantically trying to get out of the water before she would get dragged back in.
“Kamei-san! Get back here!”
Giggling with excitement, Eri turned to look at Koharu quickly, “No Way!”. Once she was at a far enough distance from Koharu, Eri stopped to catch her breath and shook her head to get rid of excess water. When she stood up straight, she could hear heavy footsteps quickly approaching her and before she could react Koharu tackled her to the ground.
Eri laughed hard when they had both collapsed onto the ground, Koharu hovering above her using her arms as support. Seeing how happy the older girl was, Koharu let out a chuckle, showing her teeth.
“Cau~ght you~” Koharu did a peace sign and put it in front of her face. Eri stopped laughing a bit, her laughs reduced to little chuckles, and did a fake pout.
Koharu was now so close to Eri, so close that the university student could clearly feel her breath brushing against her skin. Becoming shy, Eri turned her head away from Koharu, her smile slowly disappearing.
“Why...” Putting her hand on top of her chest, Eri looked up at Koharu shyly, “Why do you always know how to make me smile?”
“Don’t you feel...” Koharu folded her sand covered arms and used her elbows to support herself up. She leaned in closer to Eri, her eyes looking down at the older girl’s lips. “that Kamei-san should smile more often?”
Once again there was silence, only the waves to be heard. Around the two of them time stopped and only they existed and as if by some spell, Koharu moved her face closer to Eri’s their lips close to touching.
“What am I doing?!” Suddenly, Koharu regained herself and her eyes shot open, backing away nervously. “I-I mean...! Y-You know you should smile--ah, see!” Koharu took two fingers and put them on the corners of Eri’s mouth, moving them upwards to make a smile. “N-ne! Waratte?”
Koharu did a fake grin in hopes of hiding how nervous she seemed. She got off of Eri and scratched the back of her neck, crossing her legs. Eri touched her mouth, her lips still tingling from the slight touch of Koharu’s. Her cheeks heated up when she thought of sharing a kiss with Koharu, but when she looked up to see the younger girl kicking sand and ruffling her hair in embarrassment she laughed a bit.
“Thank you, Koharu.”
Koharu stopped what she was doing and quickly glanced at Eri, her face turning even redder. She face front once more and twirled her finger in the sand.
“Un.”
=============================================================================
I pulled out a magazine from under the counter and raised it above the the counter surface, dropping it down with a light ‘plop!’. Chewing on my ice mint flavored gum, I began turning the pages, not reading a single word of any of the articles. I’m only interested in looking at the pictures anyway.
“This girl seems cute. Wahh! She has such nice legs too... maeda atsuko?”
There was silence in the bakery, smells of sweet pastries filled the air. I focused on the magazine I and smelled in the aroma and just as I was about to lick my lips in desire for a sweet treat, I heard the door slowly creaked open and the wind chimes move accordingly. Turning my attention to the white door, I noticed a black haired head peeking out from the little opening, checking to see if anyone was inside. It was Koharu.
Isn’t she a bit early to be coming home from school? I lifted my wrist watch and checked the time to see it was only 2:00 in the afternoon. I sighed upon finding out Koharu had skipped school for the third time this month and looked down on my magazine once again, flipping the pages.
“Do anything fun? It’s still 2:00. Usually when you skip you come home at the time school ends.” I said in an uninterested tone. “It must have been no fun today huh? No wonder you’re coming home early...”
By the time I finished my sentence, Koharu pushed the door open fully and stood up straight seeing that it was only me in the store and not her mother. Relieved that she wasn’t caught skipping, she rested her elbows on top of the counter, her head on top of her palms. “Today was a fun and awesome day thank you. So Sayu... why are you so early for work?”
“Classes ended early today, ‘manager’-san.” I said in a sing song, yet bored voice, “I have to ask though, why on earth do you have your gym uniform on?” I scanned her appearance, my eyes narrowing in curiosity.
“It was the only dry piece of clothing I had in my school bag.” Koharu said, lifting up her school bag and putting it on the side of the counter.
“And why would you need a dry piece of clothing?” I said in questioning voice, closing the magazine and sliding it to the side near the cash register. “Don’t tell me...”
“I went to the beach and got wet!” Koharu grinned, her voice gradually rising to a squeak. My mouth hung open a bit at the sudden response, but then I laughed at Koharu’s innocence. As straightforward and confident sounding as a Koharu answer can get.
I did a half smile and shooed her away with my left hand. “Alright, alright. Go up and change before your mom returns from the market to find you here.” I took my magazine and slid it in front of me again, opened it and went to the page I was previously at.
Before I could look down at the page though, I noticed that Koharu hadn’t budged since I told her to go change. Lifting my eyes to look up at Koharu’s face, I saw that she was staring down at the magazine I was ‘reading’, yet she seemed like she wasn’t focused on it at all. Her expression was serious, like she had something she really wanted to tell me. I haven’t seen Koharu this deep in thought for a while. I wonder what she’s thinking about? Maybe she’s just spacing out like usual?
“Sayu, how do you know...” She paused for a brief minute to turn away from me, seeming nervous as she twirled her bangs with her finger. “How do you know you like someone?”
“Haha!” I laughed. What a naive question, isn’t she seventeen now? Is she really asking these types of questions? So naive, so innocent, so...
...wait, what?... WHAT. I stopped laughing and nearly choked on the gum I was chewing. “Koharu has someone she likes?!” I said surprised, covering my mouth to muffle my near shouting voice.
Th-this can’t be happening...
===================================================================
-
DIBS! Will come back tomorrow and reread the story so that I can better comment.
-
Aww Gaki and Ai are still together and Ai is Ok with Eri saying she liked Gaki :D
Eri and Koha, hmm intresting I wonder what sorts of feelings Eri has towards koha, but does Koha really like Eri, poor Sayu :cry: having Koha ask her when you know you like a girl, fight Sayu fight!!!
What's happening with Jun and Reina btw???
-
Arghh I'm so stressed over this fic @.@ Too much inspiration is a bad thing isn't it? :lol:
But, I have chapter 7 done so here! ;D
Hey! Just Smile:
Chapter 7 - Unleash, Release, Retract
I covered my mouth in shock, and blushed at my sudden outburst. Am I already too late?
I cleared my throat and folded my arms. May as well ask the question now. "Jaa, who is this person?" I stooped over the counter and rested my chin on my palm. I waited for a response from Koharu who was having trouble answering my question.
"Well actually, you know this person. She's come by here a few times remember?" She paused and fiddled with her bracelet before answering, "K-Kamei Eri?" I could visibly see her gulp. She has it bad for her doesn't she? Seeing her so nervous about this, there's no doubt about it.
I drummed my fingers on top of the counter in thought. What should I do now? Clearly she's asking me for some sort of advice when really I'm the last person who would want to help her get with someone else. Agh! Should I be a good usa-chan and give her advice or take out my poison tongue? B-but this is Koharu! I can't do anything that would hurt her feelings but...
"Sayu?" Koharu tilted her head to the side and snapped her fingers at me. "So?"
"You admire Kamei-san right? She did save you from those guys that kept hitting on you, so why wouldn't you? and I guess she's... c-c-c-cute..." I struggled to get the last word out, then I cleared my throat. "A-Anyway, so that would lead you to really look up to her right? So I'm thinking that you don't really like her, but just really admire her! Yup thats it! I mean you can honestly confuse yourself between the two! Trust me!" I laughed nervously and clenched my hands. That was advice right? Not exactly good advice, but hey.
"But... I kind of feel that its way past that."
I sighed, "What makes you think that?" I asked, my voice hinting irritation at what Koharu said.
"I don't know." She shrugged her shoulders. "Whenever I see her it’s like nothing else matters anymore. I would do anything for her just to see her smile." Koharu started smiling and she seemed as if she was looking far away. "There's never a time when she's not on my mind... I've never felt like this for anyone else."
I felt my heart sink just then. That means... I'm nothing to her huh...
"But what do you think Sayu?"
What do I think? I remained silent, still hurt from knowing that Koharu doesn't think of me in the way I want her to think of me as. I wanted to walk away and just sulk in my misfortunes, yet I felt like I still had something important to say, something I should say. "I know how you feel."
"Eh? Why, Sayu do you have someone you like?"
Instantly I could feel my cheeks becoming red and my heartbeat increased. If I wasn't so nervous I swear I could have felt sweat trickling down my forehead. I looked at Koharu who was intently staring at me. Now I regret not taking the chance to walk away.
I nodded reluctantly, "I do."
"What! How come you didn't tell me?" Just then, I felt my eye twitch.
"It’s you.” Koharu’s eyes shot open and her mouth was gaping open, as if what I said was the most scandalous thing ever.
“I mean Yuuuuu...Ko Haru" I said, laughing awkwardly at my stupidity. “Yuuko Haru, ahahah... ha... ha.”
"Oh good,” Koharu put a hand over her chest and stepped back to breathe, “I thought you meant me!" I reached for my magazine and began to crumple the front page, releasing my frustrations. “I would’ve died if you said that!” She then started to laugh.
I crumpled the front page of the magazine completely and ripped it off, still smiling. Why Sayu?! Why!? It was such a perfect opportunity to tell her directly how you feel and then! and then! I mentally kicked myself in the face. Myyyyy gawd... Now I’m getting mocked. Great. If I tell her how I feel she’ll die? Just dandy.
I rested my head on top of the counter and covered my head arms. "Koharu..."
"Yes?" Koharu stopped laughing and tried peeking in on my shielded face with that cheerful grin and those googly eyes of hers.
"Just go upstairs and change."
Confused for a few seconds, Koharu reluctantly replied with a ‘yes’ but then quickly changed her expression to cheerily skipping upstairs to her room to change. I remained in the same position, resuming mentally kicking myself in the head at not taking the chance to tell Koharu how I felt. I looked back at the past months since I decided I loved Koharu and realized how I’ve done nothing about it. Pathetic. Now Koharu is close to being snatched away by someone else and I haven’t even managed to tell her how I feel. Can I really handle just standing by and watch her being taken away? Can I really handle Koharu being with someone else?
“Noooooo.” I said, replying to my own thoughts while groaning.
“Sayu~!” Koharu came down the stairs, dressed a bit better than she usually would. I scanned her appearance and raised an eyebrow. That was fast, but why is she dressed so nicely?
“Are you... going... somewhere?” I said pointing at her clothes, my eyebrow still raised.
“Yeah, me and Kamei-san are going shopping. We just went home to change that’s all. Mind not telling my mom that I skipped school?” Koharu asked putting her palms together and bowing.
She skipped school just for her and they both went to the beach together... Is Kamei-san that important to her?
Can I really handle just standing by and watching her being taken away? Can I really handle Koharu being with someone else?
NO.
“Not if you take me with you~” I replied to her request, pouting and crossing my arms.
Koharu shot back up, surprised, “B-but Sayu you still have work! If my mom comes back to find out that you’re not here, she’ll fire-“
“Don’t worry, there’s that new part timer coming in today right? She’ll be here in a few minutes. Even if Sayumi gets in trouble Koharu-chan will cover for me right?” I said using my cutest, sweetest voice possible, complete with a wink and peace sign. “You won’t let your buddy usa-chan down right?” I added pouting.
Slouching, Koharu sighed and frowned, seeming as if she didn’t want to take me along. “Come on.”
I ran around the counter clapping in glee. Koharu took my hand in hers unenthusiastically, and we walked out the bakery together. I giggled in happiness as I hugged Koharu’s arm closer to my body.
=================================================================
The sun was now setting. People rushed from one point to another to go home, the streets filled with tired and hungry people. Junjun and Linlin chatted among themselves in their native dialect while they walked down the sidewalk, their shadows becoming long.
Linlin nodded along to what Junjun was saying while chewing on the anpan bun she didn't have the chance to finish from lunch that day.
Junjun sighed, "That school isn't the same anymore. When I was there, it wasn't exactly peaceful, but now it’s a nightmare! No one even listens to authority anymore. Kids these days..."
Linlin took another bite from her anpan bun and replied with her mouth full, "Authority? Don't you mean you just suck at teaching? You've also never worked a day in your life, y'know being a pampered rich girl and all." Linlin swallowed her food in and soon after took another bite from her anpan bun. "It's a miracle how you got that job as a sub, and for my class."
"Wait, didn't I say I would pay for half the rent and pay for the groceries too?" Junjun added, whining.
Linlin stopped walking and looked up at Junjun with disbelief. "Now that’s just ridiculous." She then laughed through her nose, making a snorting sound and shook her head. Linlin walked ahead of Junjun who stood still annoyed, and continued to shake her head, laughing.
Pouting, Junjun followed Linlin, angrily stomping through. Catching up to be by the shorter girl's side, she lifted her head up and sighed in defeat. Her eyes wandered through the crowd of people going to and fro, when finally she noticed someone familiar.
"Linlin! Linlin!' Junjun grabbed the back of Linlin's shirt and pulled her in front of her. She bent over slightly and hid behind Linlin.
"Whatever it is you're hiding from, hiding behind me isn't doing a very good job of covering you. You're too big." Linlin laughed, only to feel Junjun hit the back of her head hard. "Oww!!" Linlin rubbed the back of her head in pain, Junjun nudging her to walk forward.
Linlin frowned as she quickly turned her head to look at Junjun. Rubbing the back of her head she faced forward and smirked at the sight of who it was Junjun was hiding from. "OH TANAKA-SAN!!" Linlin waved her arms in the air and yelled over to Reina who was walking down the opposite side of the sidewalk. Reina looked up, her eyebrows rising, to see who it was that was calling her.
"Shh!!!" Junjun covered Linlin's mouth, muffling the girl's voice.
When she quieted down, Junjun let go of her. "Geez, what did you fight about now? There's, like, never a time when you aren't fighting. You guys sure are weird friends."
"Iunno, at first she got mad about me quitting school and then—"
"You didn't tell her about the thing about you becoming the company president did you? I'm sure if you explain it to her she'll understand. But, Junjun... I have to say the way you're going about it is very childish of you."
"What?" Junjun said becoming annoyed.
Linlin ignored Junjun and continued, “It’s pretty weird though for Reina to get that mad about you quitting school. I would’ve expected for her to actually just scold you shortly then shrug it off. Most of the time she acts as if she doesn’t even want you... there...hmm, maybe... oh my gosh, is it possible?—No way!!— Maybe Tanaka-san...!” Linlin shut up abruptly and looked up at Junjun with a playful smirk, knowing something that the older panda didn’t.
“What do you mean? What are you smiling about?” Junjun said raising an eyebrow.
"Noooothing~ Welp! No use talking to me about it," Linlin got behind Junjun and put her hands on the taller girl's back, "Go sort things out!" Linlin said grinning as she pushed Junjun forward with the most force she had. “TANAKA-SAN OVER HERE!!” Once again she lifted her free hand and waved it frantically in the air for the cat like 20 year old to notice.
“Stop that!” Junjun’s cheeks began to show a bright shade of pink before she shook Linlin off her back. “Wait where are you going??”
“Get me something at the bakery!” Linlin ran off towards their apartment, leaving Junjun to sort things out with Reina by herself. “I’m totally rooting for you two. Ohohoho.” Linlin said to herself quietly and giggled, her hand covering her mouth.
Although sometimes childish and boy-like, Linlin had a strong want for others to get along with one another, especially for her friends and family. Helping Junjun make up with Reina seemed like the right thing a friend would do.
Reina emerged through the crowd of people walking in the opposite direction and nonchalantly greeted Junjun, cleverly disguising how awkward she felt just walking up to the taller girl. When she saw that Linlin wasn’t there, her legs became weak and she felt like dashing past the older foreigner. Gulping, Reina tried to avoid making eye contact with Junjun who was equally feeling awkward about meeting her under such circumstances.
“R-Reina... what brings you here? I mean, don’t you live near the other side of the city now?” Since Junjun was uneasy in Reina’s presence, she had trouble getting her words out and instead wound up sounding angry.
Right then, Reina’s mood changed to being a mix of nervousness and irritation, “If you didn’t want to talk to me why bother calling me over.” She said rolling her eyes and frowning. “Now if you excuse me I have to get going.” And with that, Reina began to push Junjun out of the way and resume making her way to Aika’s house.
“W-Wait!” Junjun grabbed Reina’s arm and pulled her back, earning a few strange looks from the shorter girl and the people around them. “I know we haven’t been talking these past few weeks since our argument...” she started looking down, her grip on Reina’s arm loosening, “There’s a lot I haven’t told you about; why I decided to quit school and why I’ve been acting really stubborn about it lately...”
“Uhhmm, Junjun? There’s someone behind you.” Reina said pointing behind Junjun.
“Huh?” Wondering who it was, Junjun turned around and saw a familiar face—one of her father’s lackeys, Hiro. Knowing what he had come to her for, her stunned state of mind immediately changed to that of warning and by instinct she grabbed Reina’s hand and began running back up towards the school. “Come on Reina run!!” Caught off guard, Reina stumbled on her first few steps, one of her heels slipping from her foot. Now scared about being captured by the burly looking man, she took the fallen shoe from the ground and threw it at Hiro’s head, the sharp heel of the shoe directly hitting in between his eyebrows.
“Gahh!!” Hiro bent over and held his head in pain. When he looked at his hand he was surprised to see spots of blood on it. In a whining voice he called out to Junjun, “Madam~! I have only come to retrieve you. That was absolutely unnecessary!” Ignoring his bleeding forehead, he went after Junjun, his speed slightly slowed and his steps heavy.
“Jun carry me!” Reina tugged on Junjun’s sleeve.
“What!?” Junjun stopped to turn around, her eyebrows rising up in surprise at the strange request.
“If I go down you’re going down with me!” Confused, Junjun hesitantly bent over and offered her back for Reina to climb up on. As Reina climbed onto her back, she looked back at Hiro who was now fast approaching them.
“What are you doing?! Go!” Reina slapped the back of Junjun’s back to get her moving.
“Geez, have you gotten heavy?? I haven’t carried you since high school and now you weight a ton!” Junjun tried running at top speed but the noticeable weight added onto her back caused her steps to become heavy and slow down. Not wasting time to look behind them, she forced her legs to move under the extra weight. Junjun noticed the uneven distribution of weight on her back, making it difficult for her to run. “Can you hold on properly?? If you fall I can’t afford to waste time by picking you up again! Like this-“
While running, Junjun took Reina’s hands which were loosely placed on top of her shoulders and wrapped them around her neck. “Put your head beside mine. You’ll strain your neck moving your head so far away from mine.”
Blushing, Reina snugly tightened her grip around Junjun’s neck and moved her head so that her cheeks would be touching Junjun’s. She hoped that the older girl couldn’t feel the warmth from her now red cheeks.
“Back in high school I didn’t really mind riding on Junjun’s back but... I feel so conscious about it now.” Reina remained quiet, relishing in the feeling of being so close to Junjun and closed her eyes. She could hear Junjun panting and at the same time her heart beating in her ear. “If me and you became lovers, would I always be able to feel this warmth?”
---------------------------------------------------------------
Peering through the glass display cases belonging to one of the department store’s many make up brands, Sayu began to choose which makeup kit she liked the most. Living by herself in the city, she had many expenses to take care of. Make-up and clothing were never paid much attention to and were only thought of when she had extra money laying in her wallet.
Beside the self proclaimed usa-chan, Koharu and Eri stood beside one another, exchanging their recommendations of concealer, blush and lip-stick. Various shades were spread out one of the glass display cases in front of them and some were held in hand. They both talked amongst themselves which due to Sayu’s jealousy, sounded flirtatious. Sayu sighed at how she had been shunned and left to amuse herself. Although she had said to herself that she would do something about the increasingly intimate two, she found herself having trouble breaking into their conversations. Only having met each other a few weeks ago, the two seemed as if they had known each other forever, causing Sayu to become envious.
“U-Uhhmm!” Sayu raised her voice slightly to get their attention, yet it had no effect. Koharu and Eri yapped on about what shade of lipstick would best suit the nicknamed turtle.
Pursing her lips together, Sayu turned around and laid her chin on top of her palm, drumming her fingers on top of the display case. “Is that...?” Sayu narrowed her eyes to get a better look at the pair of friends looking at clothing. Despite one of them wearing eyeglasses and a hood, Sayu immediately recognized who it was and jumped. She tugged on Koharu’s sleeve repeatedly to get her attention.
“Koharu look! Isn’t that Ai-chan?!” Sayu squealed in happiness, “Even in real life she still looks so cute~” Sayu added, her eyes twinkling with admiration at the rising, young actress.
“Hmm? Sayu is she waving at you?” Koharu said, her eyes widening in surprise.
“EHHHH!” With her mind now completely focused at her favourite idol, Sayu ran up to Ai-chan with glee, her squeals filling the department store.
Eri ducked her head from behind Koharu to see what her and Sayu were excited about and saw Ai-chan waving at her. Shy, she smiled and waved back. When she saw Risa walking beside her, her smile faded and she hid her face.
Ai-chan put a finger over her lips to tell Sayu to be a little quieter in order not to draw attention. She laughed, scrunching up her nose and walked up to Sayu. Ai-chan bowed and likewise Sayu did the same thing, soon after giving her favourite idol a hug. An unknown adrenaline rush had filled Sayu and before she knew it she immediately began spilling all the details of her fandom to Ai-chan.
“Koharu?” Eri hid behind Koharu, holding onto the taller girl’s sleeves. Koharu looked down at Eri wondering what it was she wanted. “Can we go to a different store? There’s that new one down stairs; let’s check it out.” Eri said, quickly glancing at Risa who noticed and in return gave her a concerned expression.
Unexpectedly seeing Risa like this after she had just told her how she felt that morning caught Eri off guard. She had promised herself that she would forget about Risa but to see her constantly like this made it difficult for her to do so.
Sensing the abrupt change in Eri’s mood, Koharu looked back at Risa and thought that she might have had something to do with it. The look of concern Risa kept giving Eri and the multiple times Eri glanced back told Koharu that something big must have happened between the two, an event connected as to why Eri seemed so down in the morning.
“Is she the reason for why Eri was crying?” Koharu took one last look at Risa and nodded. She began walking, “Let’s go. Sayu probably forgot about us by now.” She said laughing.
“Eri!” Risa emerged from Ai-chan’s side and rushed towards Eri. Koharu turned around, yet Eri remained stagnant. “I need to talk to you. Please don’t keep running away from me.”
Eri slowly turned around her, face emotionless, and looked up at Koharu who stood glaring at Risa. “Koharu, please excuse us.” Eri said now staring directly at Risa.
“Only this time.” Koharu walked past Risa and bumped shoulders. When they stood side by side, she gave her a quick glare before changing it into a smile for Ai-chan. “Don’t do anything stupid now.”
Once the seventeen year old had left and went over to Ai-chan and Sayu, Risa began speaking. “I know you’re feeling down, but you don’t have to keep avoiding me like this.”
Eri smiled faintly, “I need time Gaki-san,” she paused, “Meeting you already... it’s making it hard for me to get over you.”
Risa’s eye shot open wide and her heart sank. Somehow she felt sad, “But Eri we’re still friends right?” Risa searched Eri’s eyes for an answer and yet found nothing. The girl before her remained silent with her head down. “Eri we are still friends right?”
For a few moments Eri remained silent before answering, “I need time. Just—for now—leave me alone.” Eri began walking over to Koharu who was keeping a close eye on Eri from the corner of her eye while she exchanged emails with Ai-chan.
“Eri!” Risa called out to Er. Eri stopped walking, her back still to Risa, “It was really painful—that month you ignored me. Not talking to you or seeing you hurt a lot... So please, hurry and come back to me.”
Eri laughed sarcastically. Even though she knew Risa only saw her as a mere friend, the way she sounded right then made it seem as if they were together. She felt happy, but the feeling felt bittersweet. “You have Ai-chan right? Don’t do anything to make her jealous now.”
“I’m sorry—“
“Sorry? For what? Don’t say sorry as if you regret being with Ai-chan.” Eri began walking towards the entrance of the department store. She knew it was rude to suddenly just leave Koharu and Sayu, but the mixed emotions she felt of sadness and pity for herself was enough for her to ignore that fact. “I confessed knowing I would be rejected. Remember Gaki-san, Ai-chan is your girlfriend not me.”
Risa nodded slowly, reflecting on what Eri had said, and watched as she walked away from her and moved to the entrance of the store, leaving the four behind. Turning around, she looked at the ground with loneliness in her eyes, and went back to where Ai-chan and the rest of them were.
Sayu chatted on with Koharu and Ai-chan. Even though she was extremely excited about finally being able to meeting her idol Ai-chan, she couldn’t help but listen in on Eri and Risa’s conversation as well with interest. Several times she also caught Koharu sneaking in glances at the boke and tsukkomi pair. It annoyed her that Koharu was looking out for Eri like that, but to her it made the whole situation even more interesting. Having heard most of the details of Eri and Risa’s conversation she learned a very juicy bit of info about Ai-chan that not even gossip magazines such as Friday knew about.
“That person Niigaki-san and Ai-chan are dating?” Sayu giggled to herself making sure Ai-chan didn’t notice. She stopped when she realized something else. “And Kamei-san confessed to Niigaki-san but got rejected? That explains why she’s all over Koharu.”
Sayu moved her eyes and looked at Koharu chatting pleasantly along with Ai-chan. “Koharu... she’s just using you.”
=============================================================
-
Hmm so is Jun going to tell Reina why she dropped out of school, I hope she does to clear up the mis-understandings bwteenthem, it seems as though lin has figured that JunRei is on even if they haven't yet!
I wonder if Eri is just using Koha to get over Gaki, Koha seems to like Eri though which would make it worse if Eri is using her, Sayu you fool you should of told Koha you like her when you had the chance!!!
Poor Eri still seems really cut up over Gaki, I hope they can work it out....
-
OMG!
Sayu you idiot!! :cry:
But even if she did tell Koha her feeling, I don't think sayukoha would happen. Damn, Koha is in love with Turtle :(
I want sayukoha to be together.... :cry:
-
Oh man, Sayu likes Koha, Koha likes Eri and Eri is trying to get over Risa! Somehow, I don't think Sayumi is going to be very understanding.
-
Wah~! Everyone thank you for the comments! :D I'm really grateful for the feedback. Not replying to any of those since every time I do I end up giving out spoilers by habit XD
I have chapter 7.5 here. I know its annoying to get them in parts, but I just like giving out constant releases lol.
Chapter 7.5 check it yo yo!
Hey! Just Smile:
Chapter 7.5 - My Not So Hidden Secret
===========================================================
Junjun stopped running and bent over to catch her breath. She collapsed from running for so long with me on her back and wiped her sweat off her brow.
I hopped off and felt embarrassed. I'm not that heavy am I? I took another look at Junjun as she panted. Nope, Junjun just hasn't been working out lately.
"You didn't have to carry me this far. I would have been fine walking a bit."
Junjun stood up straight and wiped at her mouth, "Really? Then why did you ask me to carry you in the first place..." Her eyes wandered down to look at my feet worriedly. "Umm... I'll repay you for the shoes. I promise."
"Enough about my feet!" I cleared my throat, "Now who was that and what did he want with you?"
"Hiro? He's one of our family's guards. He came to take me back home since you know, I ran away from home."
Run away from home? This I haven't heard about at all. Just what is up with Jun lately? "No I don't know about that. Just like the million other things you haven't been telling me about."
Junjun sighed, before sitting on the grass. "You know my Dad right? Well, he's handing the company down to me and... I just don't feel up to it." she raised her knees up and rested her arms on top of each knee. Her eyes filled with melancholy.
"Why don't you just do it? You'll be rich, your future's pretty secure and—"
"That’s not it!" Now she seemed somewhat annoyed, "Everyone's been telling me that, but there are responsibilities that come with such an opportunity. What of my freedom? For sure I'll have none of that once I inherit of my company. Other than that... I'm afraid." She said, her voice becoming quieter near the end.
Afraid? What’s there to be afraid of? She'll have the control of hundreds of people, ready to move at her every request. She'll have power, is that not enough for her to be happy about?
"Sure I'll still be rich and everything, but never have I had to make decisions for anyone else. If I become the owner and I mess up, won't everyone blame me? Won't people be hurt? Affected by my decisions? I'm not ready to face that, nor do I want to, to be honest. Controlling people may be good for someone like you Reina, but for someone like me... no."
I took a seat beside Jun on the grass and hugged my knees close to my body, taking in everything she said. I reflected upon my own attitude towards how Jun's been acting lately and suddenly felt ashamed.
I got angry at Junjun just like that without even asking her properly what was going on. I’m such a... bad friend.
“What exactly does not going to school have to do anything with this?” I feel so stupid for asking that.
Jun crossed her legs before answering, “All the courses I’ve taken, I was forced to take. None of those actually reflect on anything I WANT to do. If I go back it’ll just show my parents that I’m not serious in all this rebellion business. You know, since I’m not as pro as you.”
My eyebrows irked at the last comment. Rebellious? I guess you could say that, but somehow I get the feeling she’s hinting at my old yankee ways.
“If that’s your reason for quitting school, you’ll never come back will you?” I plucked some grass and pursed my lips together. Thinking about seeing Jun less, made me feel sad as much as I hate to admit it. But the more I ignore this feeling the more I feel annoyed at myself.
“Reina, do you...” Junjun cleared her throat, “I mean, you’re not... missing me are you?”
Instantly a strange anger filled me and my cheeks became red, “Miss you?! Don’t be silly.”
“But, that time in front of the cafe. You said ‘I don’t need you at school anyway!’ and then when you turned around you were crying.” Junjun smirked and quickly glanced at me.
I remained quiet, not sure how to respond to the comment since what she said was all true. I don’t know why I started crying then, the tears just fell. Remembering that, I kind of feel stupid for crying.
I looked at Junjun shyly and saw that she was smiling at me, her eyelids low, like she felt bad for me or something. Did Junjun think I was stupid for crying?
“It’s alright to say things like ‘I miss you’ once in a while Reina. It doesn’t mean you’re weak or stupid.” She said with sense of warmth, “If you’re not honest about how you feel, there’ll be a time where you’ll regret not being honest sooner.” Junjun looked down at the grass, sadness once again filling her eyes. It seemed as if she remembered something, or rather, someone.
Junjun may act childish most of the time, but these moments are one of those times where she actually acts her age. I sat still and let her advice sink in.
“Even though I’m not at school, just call me and we’ll hang out!” Junjun said with a grin and scooted over closer to me. She ruffled my hair up, still grinning. I slapped her hand away jokingly, a smile creeping up on me. I tried to force it down and hide my face from Junjun who was searching my eyes for the glimmer of happiness she wanted to see.
She moved in even closer, her eyes closed and her lips looking ready to kiss. Caught off guard, I pushed her away on instinct and hid my face. That was... s-so s-sudden. I put my hand over my chest and felt my heart beating rapidly.
“Rei...na?” Junjun kneeled and poked my arm. “Are you okay?”
“BAKA!!” I got up quickly and shoved her towards the ground. I felt extremely embarrassed to the point that I actually covered my face with my hands. Why does she always have to do that so suddenly!
Junjun got up and dusted herself off, “Huh. Weird, I’ve done that tons of times yet I’ve never seen you react like that.” She said, laughing. “I wasn’t even really going to kiss you haha!”
I peeked through my fingers to look at Junjun and saw that she had begun walking ahead. Nervous, I walked up to catch up with her, looking at my feet as I walked on the grass. She turned her head to look at me and smiled warmly.
“Promise we’ll hang out more?” I said, not trying to sound like I was pleading.
“That’s surprising.” Junjun said, her smile dropping. She then faced front. “Usually you act as if you don’t want me near you.”
“Is that what you thought?” For some reason I felt sad hearing Junjun say that. Although I do a clever job of hiding how I feel, I would’ve at least expected Junjun to know what was fake from what was real.
“No.” Junjun laughed and stopped walking. She looked up at me earnestly, “Reina’s easiest to read.”
I stood still, stunned. Easy to read? Me? Really? Does Junjun really see through me that easily?
Even though in this situation I would be annoyed... I feel really happy to hear that.
So happy.
========================================================
Note: I switched Reina's color to blue since they don't have light blue to select lol. Junjun's navy blue now :P
-
Yankii love, she's so...TsundeReina~! :lol: :lol: Ah... I'm lame...
-
So Jun told Reina why she's nnot going to school anymore and Reina feels bad about how she didn't listen to Jun's reasons. :cry:
It's really quite sweet to watch Reina act all nervous infront of Jun, like getting all funny when Jun leaned in toward her :wub: I hope Jun figures out that Reina likes her soon!
-
Sorry everyone for not updating... school has started so I'm sad to say I won't be updating as frequently, but I'll try. With volunteer work, schoolwork and extracurricular activities popping up its hard to make time for fanfics :nervous
I have chapter 8 here though! :D Quite long in my opinion haha. I don't like writing long chapters but oh well XD
Hey! Just Smile
Chapter 8: Nobody Nobody but... me?
"Today was so tiring! Mou."
With a few baked treats encased in a small cardboard box carried within a paper shopping bag in hand, Junjun proceeded to make her way to the cramped apartment she shared with Linlin. Before making her way home, she went over to the bakery near their neighbourhood, owned by the Kusumi family. Knowing that Linlin would be very displeased with her had she not bought a single baked good, she forced herself to use her last bit of strength and comply with the younger girl's request. Maybe at least seeing her younger cousin's smile upon eating the sweets would be worth her efforts.
"What was she babbling on about today." Junjun fished for her access card to the apartment building given by Linlin in her pants pocket before opening the door to their complex and making her way in.
She thought about how Linlin had that look of shock when talking about Reina, as if she knew something that Junjun didn't. The playful smirk Linlin had on replayed itself in her mind before Junjun's eyes widened at knowing what her younger cousin was hinting at.
["Fine! Be that way! I don't need you at school anyway!" "R-Reina! Wait!" What is she doing here??
I ran after her and grabbed her hand so that she would stop. She turned her head around...wait what? Why is she crying? I could feel my heart burn with guilt and pity. Was she really that affected by my decision?]
"Reina couldn't possibly be..." The panda put the card back into her pants pocket and felt the metal of her keys graze her skin, still caught in her train of thought.
[“Even though I’m not at school, just call me and we’ll hang out!” I said with a grin as I moved myself closer to her. I ruffled up her hair, still smiling, and she slapped my hand away jokingly like I knew she would. I could sense she was happy from the way she tried to force her smile down everytime it came up. Knowing this, I searched her eyes for that happiness I knew was there. Messing with her, I tried to kiss her, although I wasn't going to really do it.
She pushed me away slightly and looked away from me, her bangs hiding her eyes.
“Rei...na?” I kneeled and poked her arm. “Are you okay?”
“BAKA!!” She got up suddenly and pushed me towards the ground. Once she got up she covered her face, looking embaressed.]
"It's not impossible..." Junjun said aloud as she jingled her keys in her pocket a bit. "I mean, she was acting weird today as well. But then again weird behaviour doesn't exactly mean she particularly is in love with me. Reina wouldn't think of me in that way."
She proceeded onto the elevator in the lobby and pressed the button for their floor. The foreigner shook her head to rid herself of the thoughts that one of her closest friends had taken interest in her and buried them in the back of her mind. Even if that notion were to be true, Junjun already had someone else she had her heart set on--the turtle living in the very messy apartment unit next a few doors to her's and Linlin's.
Even if she had given up on trying to confess to Eri, knowing that she had her love set upon Risa, Junjun never stopped loving the turtle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The hallway outside of Eri's apartment was dimly lit. The windows at the end of the hallway let in the orange glow from the now setting sun, some of it focused directly onto the side of Eri's face as she sat with her knees up in the air outside her unit's doors. For the past half our she sat there staring at the opposite wall, not wanting to step foot inside her home for fear that only loneliness would engulf her. With no one to keep her company and not many friends to call over, the turtle had little sources to go to for support, especially now that the person she relied on the most had become someone she couldn't even face.
But then there was her. The girl who she instantly mixed well with. She made her smile and although many saw the seventeen year old as unreliable, to Eri she proved herself to be most reliable. Eri laid her head back on the wall and smiled as she thought of Koharu.
"Please forgive me for leaving you like that." Eri thought, feeling regret for up and leaving the younger even though Koharu had gone out of her way to spend time with her.
"Kamei-san?" Junjun walked over to Eri with a curious look. Laying her bought items on the floor gently with her keys tightly in her grasp, she took a seat beside Eri who looked up at her with a weak smile. "What are you doing here?"
Eri shook her head, "Just thinking. I didn't... really want to go inside yet."
Junjun scanned Eri's emtionless expression, trying to read what it was she was feeling. Usually when Eri acted like this Junjun would suspect that something happened between her and Risa. Moving upon her hunch, she went ahead and asked Eri about it, trying to touch on the subject as lightly as possible in compliance with Eri's feelings about her friend.
"This isn't because, you know, of anything that happened with you and Niigaki-san is it?" Junjun asked, folding her legs and clasping her hands together to rest them on top of her lap.
Eri laughed through her nose, "Heh, you had to ask?"
"Is there something that happened?" Junjun said, turning her head to focus her attention on Eri.
"I said it. What I wanted to say but as expected, nothing changed." Eri paused and looked down at her fingers, "But you know Junjun, even though its painful, I'm glad I said it. Now I can throw these feelings aside." Eri exhaled and lifted her head up to peer out the window from where she sat. From there she could get a good view of the cloudless, orange stained sky.
"They're nothing but touble anyway." Eri said, with a hint of disappointment.
"Then you definitely can't stay here by yourself." Junjun grabbed Eri's hand, "Come on."
Eri looked up at Junjun with surprise, before standing up herself, "Eh?"
"You've been sitting here because you didn't want to be alone right?" Junjun stared directly into Eri's eyes with great concern, "Well I'm here now."
Right then Junjun wanted to quickly pull the short haired girl into a tight hug, but she restrained herself from doing so, afraid of how awkward the atmosphere between them would get. Intertwining their fingers together and giving Eri's hand a reassuring squeeze, Junjun quickly paced towards her and Linlin's apartment with Eri.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
「Sorry I left so suddenly. I... got a bit of a headache so I decided to go home.
Will you forgive me for being late?」
Koharu finished reading the text from Eri the fifth time since she got it and snapped her phone shut.
"Too bad Kamei-san suddenly had to leave..." Koharu said disappointed. She sagged her shoulders as she kicked her feet forward.
"But today was such a gooooooooood day!!" Sayumi squealed with glee. Being a huge fan of Ai-chan, she could hardly believe that she had met one of her favorite actresses in such a common place. She was definitely going to be talking about this for a while.
"Yeah, yeah. But Kamei-san--"
"Oh Koharu cheer up! It's not everyday you get to meet someone like Ai-chan." Sayumi said looking up at the sky in a dreamy state, her hands clasped together.
"She was just like any other person. I don't get why you're so worked up about meeting her." Koharu shrugged.
Sayumi dropped her smile abruptly and frowned, "And I don't get why you're getting so worked up about Kamei-san leaving." She pulled the straps of her handbag up to her shoulders and walked quickly past Koharu.
Koharu became angry at what Sayumi said. She had already told her about how she felt towards Eri. Couldn't she have been more considerate as to what she was feeling right then?
"She's not that great anyway." Sayumi added crossing her arms. Her voice sounded a bit too harsh.
"Why are you being so mean all of a sudden..."
"I'll be straightforward about this--" Sayumi sighed and swiftly turned to face Koharu, "I don't like her."
Koharu's mouth slowly gaped open and her eyes grew wider. She was taken back by Sayumi's sudden statement and began wondering why she would say this. Afterall, what had Eri done to make Sayumi dislike her?
"You... you like her. R-right?" Sayumi gulped, forcing herself to say something she maybe shouldn't. Koharu avoided her stare and nodded reluctanlty. "And you think she might like you as well right?"
Not that the thought hadn't crossed her mind, but Koharu never really fully considered that the older turtle would possibly reciprocate her feelings and thus she blushed when an image of her and the older happily hand in hand popped in her mind.
"Well she doesn't. She doesn't feel anything for you. You're just someone to take her mind off of her."
"Her?" Koharu asked, furrowing her eyebrows when she remembered Risa at the department store.
"You didn't know?" Sayumi knew she shouldn't be saying something like this when it could potentially hurt Koharu but it was too late to stop her mouth from running. "Kamei-san's previous love--you met her today, along with Ai-chan. Apparently she's confessed to her yet got rejected."
"Niigaki-san..." Koharu stood still and recollected her thoughts of Risa. The tension between Risa and Eri, how eager Eri seemed to get away from the two and the sadness Eri showed. Koharu searched the ground, confused, and balled her hands into fists slowly. All those times Eri would run to her with a smile... was it all because she needed to get her mind off of Risa and not because she wanted to see her? Thinking of it in that way made Koharu's heart sink. What was she to Eri she began to wonder.
"All this time together Niigaki-san was the one she was always thinking about. Of course... what was I thinking that it was me she wanted to see, the one she was thinking about."
Without thinking, Koharu began to move her feet towards Eri's apartment a few blocks away, leaving Sayumi behind. She stuffed her hands into her pants pockets and with a determined, yet sad look on her face and hurriedly walked over to the older turtle's apartment building.
"Koharu? Koharu where are you going!"
Yet she did not stop and the further she went, the tiny increase in anger she felt with each step. But she couldn't go far, not with Sayumi grabbing her wrist and yanking her backwards with such force impresive for the usa-chan.
"Don't go to her!!" Sayumi yelled, her voice almost screaming. Koharu turned around slowly, surprised, and saw that Sayumi was staring down at the ground annoyed. "Stay with me..."
"Huh?" Koharu was taken by surprise by Sayumi's sudden voice change to that of a needy, helpless girl. For a moment there she began to think that what Sayumi said earlier wasn't just her ears playing tricks on her.
"Don't keep going to her. Always chasing after her, wanting to see her. She doesn't care for you Koharu. Accept that." Sayumi had her head down, holding onto Koharu's wrist for dear life, not wanting the dubbed miracle girl to run away again. Koharu looked at Sayu and then back at her wrist, and settled down, walking over to be beside Sayumi in defeat. She wanted to break free from Sayumi's grip and run over to where Eri was, but she couldn't force herself to do so and thus Sayumi's words sunk deep into her. Koharu took it all in, her view on her relationship with Eri totally fogged, leaving her utterly confused whether she should continue to see Eri.
A feeling of possessiveness began to rise up within Sayumi rather unexpectedly. Thinking about someone else being with Koharu before she could irked her immensely and subconsciously she had already decided that she had to stop the turtle and miracle girl from becoming any more intimate, no matter how much it collided with her want to see Koharu happy.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Linlin peered eerily at the two friends snuggled up on the couch rather closely and shook her head in disapproval.
Eri sat on the couch in a ball, her head snuggled into the crook of Junjun's neck as she slept soundly after her long chat with Junjun. The older had her arms wrapped around the turtle's shoulder with a white, cotton soft blanket enveloped comfortably around the both of them. Junjun tilted her head to rest on top Eri's as she flipped through the channels on tv with a look of disinterest.
"Don't try and hide that pervy smirk of yours." Linlin said, narrowing her eyes as she sat hugged her knees in the opposite corner of the couch.
"What smirk?" Junjun took the two ends of the blanket and pulled on them seeing that Eri's legs were shivering from the cold air from the air conditioner. "If you're expecting something to happen, you're not gonna see it."
"You're just playing around with Eri aren't you? You see she's heartbroken then you pull that old trick--"
Junjun turned her head swiftly to glare at Linlin, "I wouldn't play with Eri, EVER. I may flirt with other girls a lot but I wouldn't dare think of treating Eri the same way."
Linlin's eyes widened at Junjun's sudden outburst. "So what are you going to do about Eri? Tell her yet?"
Junjun shifted her eyes around and then glanced down at Eri sleeping. "I... I can't. It's too sudden. It's all in the timing Linlin. Telling Eri how I feel now when she's heartbroken is kind of... bad, isn't it? Low?"
Linlin stiffled a laugh, "Alriiight, but you better hurry before Koharu takes her away..." Linlin said, quieting her voice near the end of the sentence.
"What was that?" Junjun asked, raising her eyebrow in curiosity.
"Noooooothing." Linlin waved her hand in front of her and focused back onto the television. "Oh! Oh! Stop it on that channel!" Linlin hopped off her seat and ran over to sit in front of the television, "Chopper is so cute! Oh I think I've seen this one already! Oh well, better to watch it for the fifth time!"
Junjun chuckled at how childlike Linlin appeared and then looked down at Eri who was squirming to get into a more comfortable position in her embrace. When she stopped moving, her hand was on Junjun's hip and her head slid down to the taller girl's chest. Somewhat startled at the movement, Junjun instinctively pulled Eri in closer and wrapped her other arm around her waist, her chin on top of the turtle's head. She closed her eyes and remained still, savouring the warm feeling of hugging the person she loved most close to her. Eri felt small in Junjun's embrace, soft and delicate.
"Niigaki-san had her chance now it's mine." Junjun thought, her eyes still closed and her chest heating, "I may not be able to say it right now, but I'll definitely show you how much you mean to me."
Fluttering her eyes slowly, Junjun opened her eyes and stared at Eri sleeping peacefully. She took her hand and patted Eri on the head lovingly and then faced forward towards the television.
"Whoa!" Junjun jumped slightly, "What are you staring at me like that for!?"
Linlin glared at Junjun with the intensity of million suns and squirmed her eyes to show even more disgust at her older cousin with the black haired girl in her arms. She pulled her upper lip up and gritted her teeth, shaking her head with the same disapproval from before.
"Do.Not.Want." Linlin stood up off her seat on the floor and shuffled over to the kitchen with tiny, slow, steps, giving Junjun suspicious stares. "Even though they looked cute like that, I don't want them together. I rather have Junjun with Tanaka-san."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Miki leaned back on the wall near the window ledge, her elbows resting on top of the ledges as she looked through the pictures she had taken yesterday with her phone. Occasionally she along with the rest of the yamanba three would skip school and spend their time in the local pachinko parlour where they would play the pretend slot machines. Yesterday though, they decided for a change of scenery and went to the beach instead, but left early due to boredom.
Stopping at one particular picture, Miki analyzed the picture and scoffed at the familiar girl captured. Her grip on her cellphone tightened and her palms became sweaty. Staring at the picture, Miki began to reminisce, her heart aching. Although cruel and hateful on the outside, Miki was not oblivious to the feelings of love. Even she had her fair experiences of being blissful... and her fair experiences of being heartbroken.
"I said I wouldn't remember you anymore, yet here I am thinking of you... hating you with each thought."
Lifting her eyes to look for the said girl, she searched the students in the hallway until she found who she was looking for. Seeing that the said girl was now just entering the building Miki glared at her.
"Oi." Miki nudged Yui for her to turn around. Once she did, Erika did the same. Miki tilted her chin upwards signaling for the two to motion towards the intended target.
Casually they walked up to the unaware victim, their blonde highlighted hair flowing behind them while they moved forward, their hands on their hips.
"Oi, you. Yeah you, don't be actin' all surprised. Turn around!" Erika took a hold of the girl's shoulder and turned her around roughly. Yui stepped over to the side to make way for Miki.
"Ku.su.mi.sa~n." Miki called out to Koharu sweetly and waved her phone in the air, the picture she was previously looking at still displayed. Koharu focused her attention on the photo and once she recognized what the picture was her eyes immediately widened.
"Skippin' school fer a date? Tsk, tsk. That ain't very good now is it?... mind explaining it?" Miki shoved her cellphone into Koharu's face for her to see the photo more clearly.
The captured photo was of one from a distance, of Koharu on top of Eri drenched, seemingly making out with the girl.
"The hell you've been doin'? You more of a freak than I thought you were."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: I won't be doing POV's for a few chapters. So far the only one I haven't done a POV on is Eri lol.
-
Damn, lots happening here. Sayu seems to be intent on controlling Koha, Jun is trying her best and being slow to figure out Reina's feelings and everyone, even sweet Lin, has their own agenda.
-
definatly a busy chapter Jun is starting to think that Reina might like her but is being slow and dosn't really believe that Reina likes her, or that Reina could like someone like her, plus she still has feeling for Eri, it's sweet that Jun will wait to tell her for a while rather than tell her when Eri may make a rash decision.
Sayu is obviouly jealous of Koha and Eri and so uses Eri's love for Gaki to make koha thaink that perhaps Eri might just be using her, perhaps Sayu was right to tell koha this in a way as Eri dosn't seem to be in love with Koha but Koha has feelings for Eri, even if Sayu did it for her own benefit, it is a bit worrying how possesive Sayu is becoming however.
why is Lin so keen on having Jun and Reina together, is it just because she really wants the two to be together or does she perhaps have her own motives for wanting them to get together?
-
I'm behind a few chapters, must catch up!
"YOU'RE AN IDIOT!!!"
Whoa, Eri exploded at Gaki-san. Though I'm glad she got that out of her chest.
Oh, Eri's starting to think of and search for Koharu :D
Yay for KohaEri moments :wub:
I like how Koharu could cheer up Eri with her simple way, the Koharu way XD
JunRei was funny.
Koharu walked past Risa and bumped shoulders. When they stood side by side, she gave her a quick glare before changing it into a smile for Ai-chan.
:O didn't expect Koharu to react that way.
"Do.Not.Want."
LOL I'm so liking Linlin
Naw, bad usa-chan! But I felt bad for Sayu, normally I would go for SayuKoha pair but I couldn't in this fic, I wanna see KohaEri more :sweatdrop:
Nooo Miki! Don't make any more troubles for the poor girl, ack.
And don't stop this fic because once they graduate then fanfic's one of the things left where we could see (read) them.