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This thread will contain one-shots written by Louise-sama.
Entry 1: Tough and Rough
Jurimayu | Angst ; Romance
If there was anything at all that would help her avoid this, she would do it. But leaving right now wasn’t an option for her. Twisting the doorknob, Jurina braced herself. She is about to break her down further than she already was.
Stepping into their house, she spotted her at the dining table. She didn’t even glance at her. That alone told her just how badly she was struggling. To make it worse was the last thing she wanted to do. Unfortunately, life was cruel as it was also the first thing that was about to happen.
Jurina joined her in the kitchen, standing next to where she was seated.
“They cut off the phone service.” Mayu suddenly spoke, not even looking up from the paperwork she was doing.
“You’re kidding,” Jurina said, although she knew what she said was true. She suddenly felt guilt sinking through her. This really is going to be harder than she thought.
“Nope,” she shook her head. “We forgot to pay the bill.”
When Mayu said 'forgot' she really meant ‘couldn’t.’ They had been struggling paying off their bills for the past few months and finally failed paying last month’s.
Now it seemed they were paying the price.
Jurina was never good with dealing bad news, so she carefully thought how to say it. She clenched fer fist and spit the news she had been dreading to tell her.
“I,” she drew a deep breath “I got laid off today.”
Mayu is strong. She could have cried – Jurina wouldn’t have blamed her – but she didn’t. Instead she shook her head in disbelief, uttering a plain: “No.”
This recession was really taking its toll on everyone, but Jurina felt the effects weighing on her harder than anything else ever had. To see Mayu shut her eyes and rest her head on her hands, evidently suffering through it all, was the worst thing Jurina could’ve seen in that moment.
She listened to her sigh, and then watched as she looked up at her. Their eyes met for the first time since she arrived home.
“We barely even had enough money for food when you had a job.” Mayu said softly.
It was true. With all their income going to bills and both their schooling, good meals were left a privilege.
“I’ll find a new one soon,” Jurina promised.
“That’s not gonna be easy.”
There was something in Mayu’s tone that set Jurina off. It wasn’t like she was mocking her, but no faith was evident in her voice. She had always been optimistic, but now she sounded like she had given up.
That’s why Jurina couldn’t help it when her voice raised and tone sharpened in her reply. “You don’t have to tell me!”
Immediate regret flooded her when she caught Mayu glance at her. Her eyebrows knit together and there was a shining film over her eyes as she gazed at her.
Mayu hated it when Jurina yelled, and Jurina hated making her feel the need to hate.
“Sorry,” she apologized sincerely.
Mayu’s gaze lingered a few extra seconds before she told her, “No, it’s fine,” and turned back to whatever she was working on.
Jurina finally realized what it was that she was writing on. “Is that your resume?”
Mayu only nodded.
“You looking for a new job?”
Mayu was holding a fairly stable job right now but if she could find something with better wages, Jurina would support her transfer fully. “Actually, I’m looking for a second job.”
But Jurina wouldn’t support this one.
“No.” Jurina spoke firmly. “You’re not working two jobs.” She wouldn’t let her.
Mayu gathered her things from the table and headed out of the kitchen, Jurina trailing shortly behind her.
“We don’t have much of a choice now that you lost yours.” She spoke, again in the same hopeless tone.
Jurina bit her tongue to keep from cursing. “Look – It’s not my fault I was fired.”
“I never said it was.”
“That’s what you meant.”
Their voices were calm but cold enough to say that something was building up.
Mayu had been heading to the bedroom, but Jurina cut in front of her to block the doorway. She attempted a side-step past her, but failed.
“Don’t put words in my mouth.” Mayu said.
“Well then quit putting so much pressure in me!”
And just like that, she broke down Mayu’s previous strength. With Mayu, it was hard sometimes. One minute she was holding her ground and the next she could barely stand. She desperately ran her hand through her hair.
“Don’t think you’re the only one feeling pressure!” Her voice cracked, close to tears. “You think I like this life? No, I don’t! I hate it!” She almost said she ‘regretted everything’ but she managed to stop herself. That would be too much.
Jurina hated fighting with her, but sometimes, it can’t be helped. They hardly ever fought because there was nothing to fight about in the first place. But with the way things were going lately, arguing was how she blew off steam. Surely that was the same for Mayu.
“Same goes with me, Mayu!” The raising of her voice was inevitable. She was yelling now. “I hate worrying about things are gonna work out. Or if they ever will!”
For the second time in the past five minutes, she gave her that look—the look of pure, irrefutable sadness. It killed her to see Mayu look so upset. Jurina felt a pang of regret strike her once again.
“Don’t yell,” was all she said, but it was enough to hear the soft pleading her request held.
Now Jurina was frantically thinking of what else to say. She could just stay and finish it now, but she knew her frustration was too much to contain and would end up yelling again. She didn’t want that. She can’t afford to hurt her more. So instead, she shook her head and headed down the hall towards the front door.
“Where are you going?” Mayu asked, still grounded at the same spot. However, Jurina wasn’t calm enough to reply without snapping. So she left without a word.
Jurina entered the local bar three blocks away from their home. All she needed was a few hours to calm down. The bartender set the full glass in front of Jurina, who picked it up then set it back down. She shouldn’t be drinking but leaving it was just another waste of money.
She thought of Mayu. She was sure that, now that she was alone she could allow herself to cry as openly as she wanted. They said it was healthy to cry, but the idea of her alone, shedding bitter tears was almost too much to bear.
They didn’t plan for this. Who would plan on being poor and working minimum wage just to feed themselves? All Jurina could ever think of now was that she could have listened to everyone who had told the moving in together wasn’t a good idea.
She was sixteen and Mayu was nineteen when they moved in together. Now they were four years older. Both were paying their way through university and on top of bills and food.
She admitted it now, moving in together at such a young age was stupid, but at the time it seemed like a great idea. It’s a new adventure, they said. Now, it was left a burden. Things went fairly well the first two years, where they held up good jobs and managed their money responsibly. When the recession hit, Jurina was fired. Eventually, she picked up another job in labour but today that role ended as well.
Slowly, things had changed. They were no longer living together. Instead, they were surviving together.
Earlier, when Mayu told her she was going to apply for a second job, Jurina didn’t mean to snap. It was just the idea of her working two jobs while she failed to hold up her only job was unfair. She would rather swallow her pride and admit to her parents that they were right about not moving in together than watch Mayu balance two jobs, school, and their relationship. She can’t afford that.
Maybe this was all just a test of their relationship. Mayu was the girl for her; she was sure of it. But maybe there was some greater power up there that wanted them to suffer to prove it. If there was, this was a cruel way of testing them.
“Hey. You gonna drink that?”
Jurina noticed that an older woman had pulled up a stool next to her during her time of daydreaming.
“Uh…no.” She replied, sliding the glass to her neighbour.
The older woman chugged down the half of the alcohol before asking, “What’s got you all beat up?”
Jurina hid her eyes with her fringe. Was she really that obvious? Probably. She would bet that she had never looked so pathetic before. It was odd, but with this stranger questioning her, Jurina felt an overwhelming need to let it all out to confide in someone. After all, this woman did ask.
“My girlfriend is at home, probably crying.” Jurina started slow. “I can’t even be there because I hate seeing her upset. I was laid off for the second time in six months and we’re dirt poor. I can’t even spare enough money to buy her something nice…something she deserves.”
Saying those words was like a weight lifted from her shoulders. The power of speech was incredible. She realized it now.
The woman beside her chuckled, “You’re poor? I’m the one ripping drinks off a broke kid.”
Despite her situation, Jurina grinned. “Nah, don’t worry about it.”
“I wasn’t.”
She grinned again, appreciating the woman’s blunt honesty.
“Life’s gonna throw you curve balls,” the other woman started. “You just gotta suck it up and deal with them.”
“It’s tough.” Jurina was actually thankful this woman was sitting here with her. Not only did it feel relieving to finally share her situation with someone. It was also nice to feel…successful next to a thin, thirty year-old woman ‘ripping drinks’ off a twenty year-old. “I want to prove that we can do it.” She added, hearing the purpose in her own voice. “To our parents, to me and to her.”
“I feel you.”
The strangest sense washed over Jurina. She felt like this woman could really relate to her and truly understood what she’s going through.
“Mind telling me about her?”
No one had ever asked her to describe Mayu before, so the woman’s request came a little surprise. It wasn’t like it’s hard to describe her. The problem was that there was too much to tell.
“She doesn’t listen to anyone,” Jurina started. “But so selfless that she keeps every burden to herself. She’s competitive and smart. She’s probably the strongest person I know. But when she cries…” she bit her lower lip before continuing, “she just lets it all out.” She paused, trying to figure out how to finish. “She’s unlike anyone else. She’s all I ever wanted.”
The older woman playfully pushed Jurina and smiled. “You ever tell her all that?”
Jurina didn’t reply, ashamed of her answer. Yes, she’d told Mayu all of that before, but not nearly enough. They didn’t really talk so much anymore as they argue out their frustration. Their days of pure fluff and romance were long gone.
A silence took over them where they sat still. At least fifteen minutes must have passed when Jurina realized she had found the calm that she had been searching for. It was probably time to head home. She rose from the stool and started heading away when the husky voice of her confidant spoke up a final time.
“Hey,” she called out. “I’m not the smartest person around, but take this from a worn out woman like me.”
“Things might seem hard now, but if you work at it, they’ll get better.” She paused to drink the last of the alcohol in front of her before continuing. “That girl sounds special. Don’t let one little rough patch screw up a good thing. I did, and look at me.” She added as she gestured at her thin figure.
To be honest, Jurina found her beautiful. She could have mistook her as a model if it wasn’t for her unruly hair and dress.
“Don’t just hang on; move forward and fight.”
Jurina smiled and turned around to face the door. “Next time I’ll see you, I’ll be the one ripping drinks off you.” She started walking away, leaving the waving hand of the older woman unseen.
That was a piece of advice she knew she’d hold onto forever. Things were hard, fighting to pull her and Mayu down. Well, they would just have to fight back harder. And suddenly, Jurina exactly knew how to start.
Her talk with the woman in the bar gave Jurina some insight on what had been missing lately. Something that she and Mayu desperately needed but hadn’t made the time for since this entire mess started.
She knocked on their bedroom door before opening it. Peeking inside, she saw Mayu curled up on the bed. Her eyes still red from her previous crying. After a moment she pushed the door open fully.
“Hey.”
Mayu looked up instantly, her gaze resting on her expectantly.
“I want to show you something.”
There was no argument this time. Instead, Mayu just stood up and followed her out the door and down the hallway. Upon reaching the living room, she froze.
Jurina didn’t really do much other than tidy things up and set out two wine glasses with a bottle of champagne, but Mayu’s expression told her it was more than enough. No, Mayu was never crazy about romantics, but she was still a girl and it was natural for her to grow emotional at such an act.
“What is all this?” Mayu asked quietly as Jurina gave her a damp rose – one Jurina picked from the neighbourhood since there was nothing left from her remaining money she bought with the champagne. Jurina circled around to the table and picked up the champagne.
“Well, lately, everything has been focused around work and money.” She told her, impressed at the reaction she had gotten out of her. Mayu continued staring at her in complete awe. “We’ve been so busy with everything that we barely have time to just talk anymore.” Jurina smiled at her when she started giggling despite the previous depression existing between them.
“So tonight’s just about us.”
For a while Mayu just stood at the other side of the room, keeping eye contact with her. Finally, she joined her by the couch and picked up one of the wine glasses.
Jurina cracked open the bottle and poured them both a glass before taking a seat next to her.
“So what got you to do all this?” Mayu asked in a soft voice – one that Jurina hadn’t heard in quite some time.
Jurina grinned, finding the answer funny herself. “A heartbroken woman at a bar.”
Raising an eyebrow, Mayu giggled. “What?”
“Well, long story,” Jurina answered simply.
“Hmn,” Mayu took a sip of her drink and made a face. “And where’d you get this?”
“I stole it from the widower next door.” Jurina joked as she whispered and pointed her thumb outside the door.
“You’re feeding me wine you stole from a widower?” Mayu eyed at her with a tiny smirk playing on the edge of her lips. “What kind of girlfriend are you?”
The two broke out in laughter. It was incredible. Jurina felt some of the tension between them slipping away and it was back to the way things were. Not completely, but better nonetheless. Just hearing Mayu joke like that again was enough to tell her tonight was the smartest thing she could’ve done right now.
“So what exactly was it about this woman that got you to set all this up?” Mayu collected her lips to make a pout. “Are you cheating on me now?” she narrowed her eyes.
Mayu had a way of sending Jurina into silence with her playful expressions. After working through her loss of words due to her innate cuteness, Jurina answered. “No way,” she pinched Mayu’s nose with her free hand. “She just helped me realize how important it is to take time for stuff like this.”
“Oh, yeah?” Mayu teased her.
“She asked me to describe you.”
Again, she wore that cute expression. “And what did you say?”
Jurina recounted to her what had come out of her mouth in the spur of the moment. With each word, she watched Mayu’s eyes reflected joy and contentment. She had never heard any of that in a long time.
“You know, you’re pretty great yourself.” Mayu winked once she finished and offered her a wink.
Despite the bliss they were feeling now, there was still a lingering sadness in both of them. It was all the stress that had been welling up. Of course it wouldn’t be that easy to overcome because of one peaceful night. But for the first time they felt like they could beat it. And now, that was all that mattered.
“I’ve missed times like this,” Mayu told her earnestly. “I forgot how relaxing it was to forget about our problems.” She set her glass on the table and adjusted herself to lean on Jurina.
Jurina responded by wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Many people wouldn’t even consider it real intimacy, but Jurina knew, it meant the world to Mayu just to have her arm offered – the comfort of her, simply being there.
“I’m sorry for earlier,” Mayu said quietly. “I was stressed and taking it all out on you.”
Jurina didn’t like Mayu taking the blame for something that was partially her fault too. “No, I shouldn’t have snapped at you.”
“I hate fighting.”
Jurina looked down to see a tiny pout formed on her lips. She would want to talk about this further but resisted herself. Not now. “How are you?” It was a simple question, but she realized that it was always left unasked on many situations.
“Better.” Mayu replied. “You?”
"I feel great," Jurina shifted slightly to face Mayu, “so great that I'm scared of what tomorrow will bring us."
Their eyes stayed connected for a few seconds. Jurina's eyes were longing and Mayu can't help but stretch out her arms, inviting the other girl to an embrace. "Come here."
Jurina promptly collapsed to Mayu's arms and entrusted their weights to the couch. Mayu ran her fingers through the taller girl's hair and pressed their foreheads together. Their breaths mixed together like an alluring fragrance.
"Don't worry." Mayu gently spoke. "From now on, we will bring our own tomorrow."
The city lights retreated and the streets were immediately engulfed with silence. Mattresses shared the exhaustion of the broken and the whole as they drift off in sleep. The rustling of swaying leaves served as the lullaby of the troubled and weary. Stars shone with the laughter of sneaking lovers at night. The breeze tugged every corner cold.
But neither felt cold that night as they cuddled on the same couch. Using their arms as blankets, they comforted each other. Mayu's gentle humming echoed through the room, washing away every trace of doubt and fear in Jurina.
Jurina had fallen for Mayu once and it was like she was being granted the pleasure of experiencing it all again; and it felt amazing.
Just like the first time.
FIN
Awesome readers do comment.
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The atmosphere in this fic is so deep, I can feel that just like everything happen to me. I like fairy tales, but I like this realistic type of fic.
This is a really beautiful love and a strong relationship, and it's so fit for JuriMayu.
Thank you for writing this OS!
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It's so touching T-T
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Replies:
Thank you, Kiri-el-san. I gotta agree. Slice-of-life fics are the best. :thumbsup I'm glad you found JuriMayu fitting for this. :fap I really had a hard time picking.
I'm glad you liked it kahem-san. :)
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CenNezu OS #1 | Rated T for uh...violence
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Wounds | Louise-sama
“You’re an idiot.”
Center rolled her eyes. “Thanks Nezumi. That makes me feel so much better,” she said sarcastically.
“You’re an idiot and you know it.” Nezumi stated firmly while pouting. She drew her fingers close to Center’s face and carefully pressed the cotton ball she’s holding against the bleeding wound. “Seriously, I never expected such reckless act from the future Rappappa president.” Center whined and made a face at the girl wearing a hoodie jacket.
“Com’on, Nezumi. Is this the best way to comfort someone who just protected you?”
Nezumi forcefully dabbed the cotton ball on an open wound. “Ouch!”
“You were so cocky, thinking you can take on thirty yankees.”
“I got Team Fondue to help me.”
“They only managed to take on eight from the girls,” she wiped blood from Center’s cheeks with a towel. “Gekikara and Otabe could’ve been better aides,” she silently added.
Center hinted the change of tone in Nezumi’s voice. She placed her hand on top Nezumi’s cleaning hands. “Why are you bringing up Gekikara and Otabe?” Nezumi stopped for a few seconds then retracted her hand.
“You just fought another outsider! And not just one, but thirty! Not to mention that five of them were men. Let me remind you that they are all in hospital now, thanks to you and me! What do you expect me to say?” She yelled at her, wondering which part of her foolish act that she did not understand was plain stupid. Center and Nezumi had been getting along for quite a while now. She knew too well that Nezumi’s serious when she raised this voice. This time however is not one of those days that Center will step back from this argument. She knew too well what she was doing and she did not regret it at all.
“I saw those guys touch you! Do you expect me to just stand there and do nothing?”
The small room of Center’s house was now filled with an uncomfortable silence. For the first time she felt relief that she is living on her own. No one can listen to their vivid conversation. Team Fondue who was with them, previously, escaped from the room when they felt the death glare Nezumi sent to Center.
Center decided to ignore Nezumi’s slightly guilty expression and examined her own wounds. She had received few blows on her face, and cuts on her arms and legs. Her knuckles are still swollen from the continuous punching. There were neither fractures nor dislocations. She had a sprain in her ankle though. She thought back to the damage she caused to her opponents and silently giggled.
“What’s so funny?” Nezumi raised an eyebrow and withdrew the cotton ball from Center’s wound. She had guessed what the other girl was thinking, and did not look amused at all by her smug expression.
“Just wondering if those yankees would still be breathing if you had not stopped me.”
Nezumi rolled her eyes in frustration, giving up on refuting her logic that made no sense to her. “Stupid yankee soul,” she muttered, “Always makes you believe that fists can solve everything.” She picked up bandages and covered small cuts on Center’s arm. Nezumi hated fighting; she only likes winning.
Center just laughed, and Nezumi sighed, wondering why her best friend would act like the legendary Yuko back in her days. She suddenly stopped her actions at the thought of Yuko’s fate.
“I mean, it’s very sweet of you to stand up for me, Center,” she said as she nervously glanced at her shoes, “but fighting like that because of me…you know I don’t like that.” She finished; her cheeks slightly pink now. She turned away to avoid looking at the other girl.
The taller girl looked at her with a blush of her own. “You know I hate reckless fights too,” Center spoke slowly as she refused to make eye contact with the smaller girl, “but I have to when…I found a reason to do so.”
“You do realize that after this fight, another war might stir up between Majijo and Yabakune. And in case you have forgotten, we just made an armistice between our schools as fresh as two weeks ago!” She took a glance at Center, trying to read the emotions in her raven eyes that she was attracted to. “I hate it that your name as the next Rappappa president was stained because of a petty fight over me.”
*flashback*
A faint echo of a ringing bell ended the school day at Majisuka Jyogakuen. The yankee students hastily broke out from the corners of the school building while cheering loudly. It was as if a trumpet was blown after the enemy in a bloody battle waved their white flag in retreat. Some were pacing slowly; others were rushing, searching for a subject of their burning fists.
Watanabe Mayu, or Nezumi as they call her, is not one of those ferocious yankees. With the capture of Maeda Atsuko, the reason for taking over Majijo had dropped. They were entrusted by Maeda as the Next Gen Rappappa; a deal that hit their pride. They were working hard as Tsu No Ji Rengou to overthrow Maeda and Otabe’s Rappappa but it was as if a slap on their faces when Majijo’s top was freely handed to them.
She was strolling out from the school building and into a park near the school. Today, she and her partner decided to vary their after-school time. Before, they would just comfortably stand there on top of the school building, feeling the breeze of an approaching night time. She always loved the panoramic view from above. Her eyes can set on any point at the same time. When her hand stretched out, everything would look like on top of her palm. Not that she cared anymore. Ever since their confrontation at the school gym, everything else, without her friend, is meaningless. She learned how to trust and be trusted; to care, for herself and for others, and to be cared for; perhaps, she knew…about love. For the first time in her life, someone trusted her, cared for her, loved her, and would never leave her.
She patiently waited for this person. How could she describe her? Medium-length, silky, jet-black hair frames her lustrous, pretty face. Beneath those flowing bangs is a pair of raven eyes; sharp and true. Lips curve like a cat’s as she smiles. It favours her that she seldom flashes her smile; she most of the time get lost in her smile. She has a strong stature. Her feet are steady and arms are firm. She has a strong grip. There is a dependable aura surrounding her like a chivalrous knight. Her beige cardigan covers her flawless skin and flows with the wind as a remarkable cape of a hero. She is considered as the strongest among the second years; a subject of affection of many, of both sexes; favoured and respected of both their kouhais and senpais. Her name is Matsui Jurina, a.k.a. Center.
Without admitting to anyone, Nezumi knew that what she feels for her is more than just the love of friends; fondly, certainly, undeniably. But as much as she wanted to keep Center by her side, she’s scared as hell at the thought of rejection. She firmly decided to keep it to herself.
“Nezumi.” A hand waving in front of her face snapped her from her train of thoughts.
“Huh?” She jumped, only to find Kanburi standing in front of her with a tiny smile on her face.
“I’ve been calling you out for a few times but you did not respond at all. Is everything alright?” concern was evident on her tone.
“I’m fine; just thinking about…stuff.” Nezumi did not feel like explaining her thoughts. Kanburi is the only one from their class who Center interacts with, aside from her. She decided to change the topic. “Anyway, why aren’t you with the other Team Fondue members?”
Kanburi hesitantly let the subject go. “Center…” she mumbled. Nezumi felt something stirring on her stomach. She doesn’t hate Kanburi at all, but the special treatment she’s receiving from Center pisses her off.
“She asked me to look after you while she’s not here yet,” she trailed her sentence.
In one quick remark, her worries were swept away. She doesn’t need to feel jealous at Kanburi at all. After all, Center never fails to show her concern for her. She let out a laugh.
“A guard? You know I’m more capable of protecting myself than you could protect yourself,” Nezumi joked.
Kanburi smiled. “Right. But I have to try if we are to be the future guards of Rappappa—your Rappappa,” she shyly emphasized. Nezumi just stared at the sky, mentally reaching out for the funny-looking clouds.
“Anyway, where’s Center?”
“She was with Otabe and Amakuchi,” Kanburi replied. “I think they were discussing about Center’s recruitment to Rappappa.”
Nezumi closed her eyes and bit the inside of her cheek. If she is to name persons she gets jealous with the most, it will be Otabe and Gekikara (Amakuchi). Center would sneak the two other girls’ names in most of their conversations; she fights alongside them when they ask her to; her eyes would trail at them when they pass by. Sometimes she wished she was as strong as them, just to divert Center’s attention to her. But Nezumi hates violence. She even doubted that she possesses a yankee soul.
“You two are amazing. No wonder Maeda entrusted you the top,” Kanburi smiled at Nezumi. Nezumi just glanced at her without a word. “Center once told me that she really wanted to reach the top.” Kanburi continued. “I wonder how you feel about it. I remember that you plan to take the top together, right?”
Nezumi slightly frowned and looked down. “I don’t plan to accept Maeda’s request…without Center.” Kanburi, slightly guilty, blinked and averted her eyes. There was a brief silence between them.
“Oh. What are you pretty girls doing here?” a man’s voice called their attention. He is wearing a yankee uniform. The two girls noticed four other men with the same clothes approach them.
“Ah. Majijo students. Do you girls know them?” another man asked the girls behind him.
“Ofcourse, Tsumuji. That one’s the infamous Nezumi.” A girl wearing a Yabakune uniform showed up. Nezumi doesn’t recognize her as one of their Teppen. About 24 more girls showed up; wearing the same Yabakune uniform with pride. Nezumi and Kanburi looked at each other with nervousness.
“Ah…the traitor, eh?” another man with a bandana spoke.
“Yes Yuu. She mercilessly used our Teppen for her selfish agenda.” A girl answered and narrowed her eyes to Nezumi. The two parties silently exchanged glares to each other.
“Heh? What’s this atmosphere? Your schools are in an armistice now, aren’t they? Majijo and Yabakune should be friends from now on,” one of the boys chuckled.
“That’s right. Let’s leave the past behind,” Yuu said while getting in between them. “How about we drink to celebrate this friendship? What do you say?” he gave a look at Nezumi and to the other girl.
“Thank you for your offer but we refuse,” Nezumi answered the man with slight annoyance to her tone. Murmurings can be heard from the girls around her. Yuu had the most appealing face among the five. She hinted that these yankee girls follow him because of this.
“Now, now. It’s impolite to turn down a friend’s request, right?” a pimping man named Tsumuji gestured to Nezumi.
“We’re not friends,” Nezumi coldly spit the words.
“Then let’s start our friendship tonight!” he cheerfully answered, slightly taunting Nezumi. “We have a lot of surprises in store for you.” He toothily grinned.
“I’m not interested,” she answered loud enough to stir the reaction of the pool of girls surrounding them.
“Are you sure? Your new friends here will make sure to pleasure you with all ourselves.” Yuu rested his arm on Nezumi’s shoulder.
“I don’t want that sort of pleasure you have in your filthy mind!” she shouted as she forcefully removed the man’s arm on her shoulder.
“I’m so pissed off that tongue you have. We can crush you, right here and right now, you know.” A girl snatched Nezumi’s free hair; her eyebrows slightly twitching. It seems like she’s holding a great grudge on her by her flushing face.
“Don’t touch Nezumi!” Kanburi gathered all her guts and yelled. Her eyes closed and hands closed tight enough to shake.
“Step out of this, Kanburi,” Nezumi warned her. She tried to think of a plan. They are obviously outnumbered. Surely, they can’t fight these yankees. The armistice imposes trouble too. But she is also not one to gamble their safety and integrity by hanging out with them. She suddenly regretted her bickering towards them.
“Who the hell are you?” the girl asked.
“Didn’t you hear? I’m Kanburi. I am a future guard of Rappapa!” she pointed a finger at the girl. Suddenly, she felt embarrassed at her words.
The girl released Nezumi. “Don’t make laugh,” she pushed Kanburi down and signalled two other girls to kick her fallen figure. People noticed the dramatic scene and started to pile up.
“Kanburi!” Nezumi ran to her but two boys blocked her. Lust can be hinted in their eyes. Yuu groped Nezumi’s butt who jumped in shock. “Don’t touch me!” she warned as she made a fighting pose.
“Stop resisting already.” The boy wrapped his arms around Nezumi. She struggled as the boy tightened his grip.
Kanburi, still on the ground, rolled over and swept the boy’s foot. Nezumi found it an opening and elbowed the boy’s stomach then kicked in between the boy’s pants. “Ah!” he fell to his knees.
Nezumi helped Kanburi to stand up. But the other boys separated them. She resisted and was thrown to the ground. The suffering man recovered a little and stood up. He hurriedly approached Nezumi.
“You little bitch!” Yuu raised his hand to hit her, and Nezumi was sure she could not escape in time. His fist looked bigger by every split second to her eyes, and when she blinked again, a loud sound echoed in the park, and the boy was on the floor, his eyes raised in surprise.
Before Nezumi could fully comprehend what had happened, she saw a flowing beige cardigan in front of her, and a familiar girl was now holding the collar of the boy’s uniform. She held him up and spoke in a dangerously cold tone.
“What did you call her?”
There was no mistake in that voice. Out of nowhere, the strongest among Majijo’ sophomores — Majijo’s future Teppen, Center — had appeared and came to her rescue, protecting her from harm.
Just like the millions of times she had done so.
“I dare you to say that again.” Center’s voice was firm, and she threw the boy at a nearby post lamp. The spectators quickly moved aside as the huge figure was tossed to their side, but the man recovered quickly to see who had attacked him.
“Ah, you’re that rumoured Center. It’s not a good time to fight me, you know.” He smirked. Center took a couple of steps back to stand in front of Nezumi, looking at her carefully. She gave her a nod to show that she was alright and not hurt. Center smiled at her briefly. It was one way of nonverbal communication that the two had managed to learn.
Yuu ignored their brief exchange and continued, “If you don’t want to break your armistice with Yabakune, you better not engage in fights with us. I heard that Rappapa is yet to choose you as the next President. Fighting us will stain your name, you know. Of course, you wouldn’t want that.”
Kanburi gritted her teeth in frustration. She made a promise to Center that she will make herself useful by protecting her closest friends; but here she is, being rescued by the one whom she is supposed to guard. She is yet to prove herself that she is not the weakest member of Team Fondue. She wanted to fight too, but fighting these yankees might break the treaty and ruin her friend’s dream. She glanced around her surroundings and found a frightened Nezumi and a furious Center in a pool of thirty yankees. She looked at the girl who pushed her down standing beside her, only to receive a death glare from her.
“What are you looking at?” she spat. “We’re not finished yet, you know,” she lunged forward and threw a punch at Kanburi which she blocked. The girl threw another punch and successfully landed on her jaw. She pulled back and closed her eyes, preparing for another punch when…
“Human missile!” The attacking girl was thrown to the ground by Lemon. Kanburi immediately looked around to find the attackers. “Don’t hurt our friend!” Docchi yelled.
“Docchi!” Kanburi cheered.
“What are you doing, Kanburi?”
“Stand up, you’re embarrassing our group!” Tsuri shouted. Kanburi nodded furiously and stood up. Docchi, Tsuri, Toshima, and Lemon joined her.
“You will look weak if you try to hide your strength, boss!” Toshima winked at her.
“Eh?” she raised an eyebrow. She and Team Fondue knew that she was neither the boss nor was trying to hide her strength at all.
“Strength? But that girl was easily beaten up a while ago, right?” a Yabakune student asked her comrades. “Yeah, but who knows? Maybe she was just fooling around by hiding her true strength!” another suggested. “Let’s watch out. These girls might look idiots, but they might have monsters inside them too!” another girl warned
Kanburi was amazed. She never thought these Yabakune girls were this dumb to buy her friends’ words easily.
“So they really landed a punch on you, eh?” Toshima crunched her fist.
“Then hitting them would mean just returning the favour, right?” Lemon flexed her fingers.
“Crap,” the girls stepped back. “Who are they anyway? Team Hormone?” one of the Yabakune girls asked.
“Oi. Don’t compare us to our senpais,” Tsuri crossed her arms. “We are…Team Fondue!” they confidently made a pose.
Kroo…kroo…
The Yabakune girls scratched their nape.
“On second thought, let’s go to Center and Nezumi…” they whispered to each other.
Meanwhile…
Nezumi swallowed hard, waiting what Center is yet to say.
“After seeing what you did, do I look like I care?” Center spat as she ran her right hand through her hair, signaturely. Nezumi’s heart skipped a beat as she saw Center’s all-knowing before-fight ritual. She clung to Center’s arm, urging her not to, but Center shoved her off.
“Stand back, Nezumi, or you’ll get hurt.”
Nezumi knew that tone—the same tone she used when she’s about to fight all-out. Team Fondue came running to their direction, sensing trouble. They managed to pull Nezumi away despite of her protests. She only eyed Center carefully and hoped that she would not do something stupid, as to take away her rights to Rappapa.
‘Center was the sensible one, right? She would not be as irrational as the other yankees, right?’ She tried hard to convince herself.
“I saw you touching Nezumi with my own eyes. And you also tried to hit her.”
Everyone noticed the increasing tension between the two, particularly the frighteningly icy voice of Center. It was the first time Center was seen confronting a harasser of Nezumi. When someone tries to harass her, she would try to control her temper and just impose a deadly glare to scare them off. But now it was different. He touched her. He tried to hurt her. Her. Her best friend.
“No one can touch my Nezumi like that!”
She wasn’t even aware of the way she phrased that sentence, or the gasps from some of the girls nearby, or the gasp from Nezumi herself.
Yuu chuckled. “I was merely being friendly, you know? Besides who are you to decide whom Nezumi can be friends with? It’s not like you’re her boyfriend or something.” Yuu taunted. “Sorry. That came out wrong. You’re not even a boy in the first place!” He added.
The whole Majijo and even other yankee schools knew that Center and Nezumi are close friends, inseparable enough to mistake them a couple. Center could feel her temper rising, and her cheeks now flushed with anger. How dare he insult her sexuality?
“Unless you two are really dating, like the rumours go…”
Yuu was clearly provoking her to hit him, Center thought, as he clearly wanted Center to lay her fist on him, then a blood bath can flow afterwards. Her fists are shaking now for contemplating. If she could just get this man draw the first blood, then she can no longer worry about holding back.
“Center, don’t!” Nezumi pleaded from behind as she could feel her dependable aura replaced by a heavy one. All she’s hoping for is Center to back out from the scene. She could feel the guilt resurfacing as the image of Majijo’s top keeps popping to her head—Center’s ultimate goal—she can’t let it slip from her hands.
“Just curious. Nezumi sounded sexy while yelling your name. Was it the voice that turns you on? Did it sound different from what you hear if you’re doing anything sexy at night?”
That did it. Center could not hold back and wait for his first punch anymore. She ignored Nezumi’s cry and dashed forward, throwing determined punches at the tall figure at full speed. While Yuu knew that she would strike, he did not expect the girl to be that quick, and he was thrown to the ground again. Center was not done yet. She kicked him in stomach and feet, making sure he will have trouble standing up. She straddled his waist and continued punching his now bleeding face.
Team Fondue took this time to attack the watching Yabakune girls. They are throwing one girl aside and kicking and punching the other way.
As Yuu was down, Center now dealt with the four other men who were not as intimidating as their leader. In less than three minutes, the four were lying on the floor – moaning in pain – to the cheers of the crowd watching the scene. Two of them had their arms twisted, and the other two were beaten up badly as Center repeatedly hit them in the face and stomach without mercy. Center turned her attention to the cornered Team Fondue. She rushed towards their enemies and simultaneously attacked them.
Not really minding what might happen after the fight, she showed them why it’s not wise to fight an elite yankee from Majijo, with the help of Team Fondue.
Center was busy helping out the Team Fondue members to stand up when Toshima shouted, “Center, behind you!”
She turned around and saw Yuu, thrusting a knife at her direction. She was suddenly paralyzed from the glimmering blade inching towards her. Not shutting an eye, she saw the blade fly away from Yuu’s hand and fell to the ground. Nezumi was the one who threw a kick at Yuu’s hand.
Not fully recovered from shock, she received a strong punch on her face and got her arm grabbed. She was then thrown to the floor. Yuu straddled her waist and clutched her neck, trying to suffocate her. Nezumi dangerously hit his nape and turned him aside. Center got up and returned the beating.
Yuu was pinned against a nearby wall. Center kept punching his face and stomach. Yuu tried to resist by grabbing her wrists and kicking her side but Center quickly broke out of it and hit his nose. Blood started to drip from his nose and had trouble standing up. His vision started to blur. Finally, his knees gave up as Center was about to give him a last blow, only to be pulled back by Nezumi.
Nezumi grabbed Center’s arm and screamed. “That’s enough, Center. Stop it. I beg of you.”
Center stopped but she was too angry to look at the girl pulling her arm. She then averted her eyes to her side, finding Team Fondue who was giving her disapproving eyes. Their enemies were now on the floor, pleading for their salvation.
It took Center a minute to let rationality control her mind and dropped her arms on her side, as she felt Nezumi’s arm shaking.
She was about to answer Nezumi when Otabe called to her. “Center.”
Center turned to her and found Gekikara beside her. She looked straight to her eyes as if conveying her side of the story. Otabe just nodded. She need not explain what happened. Otabe knew her that well.
“I’m sorry for the trouble caused by our Center. Please tell your leader we are ready to bear responsibility of our actions.”
“Never mind that,” one of the Yabakune students spoke as she helplessly clutched her stomach out of pain. She got quite a beating from Team Fondue that she couldn’t stand anymore. “We’ll let it pass, but first…”
“Take us to the hospital,” Tsumuji finished.
Gekikara turned to the boys who were stopping blood dripping from their broken noses. She was a little disappointed that she failed to witness such a fight. She turned to Center who was now being nursed by Nezumi. She knew how strong Center was but only now did she know how much Center cared for Nezumi – as a friend, or even more.
“Are you alright?” Nezumi asked her.
Center clutched her pained shoulder but managed to joke around. “When was I not okay when you’re beside me?”
Nezumi rolled her eyes and helped Center get up. “I’ll take you home.” She carried Center by her arm around her neck. She mentally cursed to herself. This day which was supposed to be a great day for both of them became a total disaster. She knew she had been a despicable person before but she changed. If this was a way of paying the price of those betrayals and lies, Center was not the price. Nezumi wouldn’t allow it.
“Center,” Otabe called out again. This time, Nezumi glanced at Otabe too. “About the future of Rappappa. I think we need to discuss about it further.”
Nezumi nervously stole a glance at Center’s eyes. What was Otabe talking about? Rappappa. Discuss. Will Center be rejected to enter Rappappa? Was that because of today’s incident? If what she thought was right, it was all her fault.
“Let’s go.” Center spoke, stopping Nezumi from blaming herself further. They started walking down the alley, leaving the others behind.
*end of flashback*
Center smirked at the memory of her fight. It was the first time she had really fought a male yankee, and she felt good about it. It was a good experience to fight alongside Team Fondue too. She was sure Nezumi will never leave her but felt relieved when Nezumi joined her fight to save her.
“It wasn’t a petty fight,” Center continued as Nezumi raised a disapproving eyebrow at her.
“It’s worth it.”
“Which part of fighting is worth it, Jurina?” Center noticed the change of her tone. She only addressed her with her real name when she was completely annoyed. “Losing your dream or getting others hurt?”
Nezumi watched Center carefully, her arms folded across her chest. She always thought that fighting is foolish. Both parties get hurt, but in the end, only one wins. She also hated getting protected by others, knowing that she can’t really return the favor. She’d rather be alone than bearing responsibility of others getting hurt for her sake.
Center looked at the girl sitting next to her bed, and then shifted her glances on her hand. Pondering the best way to answer her question, she finally gathered her courage and decided to let her best friend know—why she didn’t care less about the consequences when she saw what happened and rushed to the scene to save her.
“You are.”
She replied clearly as she smirked slyly. She reached for Nezumi’s hand, grabbed it, and pulled her down to the bed she was sitting on. Nezumi let out a surprised squeal and found herself, now looking into a pair of raven eyes that sparkled with determination. Center leaned down to shorten the distance between their faces. Nezumi widened her eyes, and was very aware of the position they were in now. Center was practically kneeling over her with her back on the bed. Anyone who happened to walk in now would mistake they are about to kiss, or worse. She couldn’t help but quiver in that thought as heat rushed to her cheeks.
Was she going to…?
“I’m sick of hiding my feelings anymore. Not after this. And even if you will hate me later, I am still going to say it.” Center said without blinking as she gazed at the girl lying under her, trying to decipher what lies behind her eyes. Nezumi gasped as she saw how determined Center is now.
“Ever since our first meeting, I had always been watching over you. Wherever you go, whatever you do, my eyes never left you. I can take on the whole world, I can abandon the top, if it means keeping you beside me.”
“Don’t say that.” Nezumi said weakly.
“I mean it.”
“Prove it.”
“I think I already did.”
Nezumi refused to make eye contact with Center. It kills her to see those eyes of pure concern while she’s being devoured by her guilt.
“Your reputation was stained.”
Center carefully tilted Nezumi’s head to face her. She whispered to her reassuringly. “Nothing was stained.”
“What do you mean?” Nezumi asked, confused. “Rappappa—”
“I declined Rappappa.” Center cut her in midsentence. Her sentence was left echoing in the walls of her own room as the other girl was dumbstruck at the moment.
“What?”
“It’s true that I want to take the top. But what’s the point,” Center paused to look down on the confused girl, “if you’re not there with me?”
Nezumi’s blinking synchronized with her heart’s fast beating. “Proves how an idiot you are.” She attempted to get up but stopped upon hearing Center’s words.
“I decided to be a bigger idiot.”
Center fixed Nezumi’s fringes as she stared at her.
“Center?”
“I said we were friends.” Center started. “But what I really wanted is more than that.”
Nezumi sneaked her stare on Center. She knew this is getting somewhere. She was feeling excited – too excited that she was near to losing her mind.
“Do you remember the many times I said I love you? In case you’ve forgotten, I want to remind you again.” She caressed Nezumi’s cheeks with the back of her hand and this sent jolt of electricity to the smaller girl.
“I love you, Nezumi.”
Center inched her head closer to Nezumi’s. Nezumi swallowed her spit nervously as she took note of their proximity. She shut her eyes, completely surrendering to the pair of lips attracting her own. Hair strands fell to her, brushing her face. Inhaling the intoxicating scent of the girl above her, she prepared herself for the possibilities. But before there was any contact, Center had pulled away.
“I’m sorry. I bet that was disgusting for you.”
Center looked away and covered her quivering lips with the back of her hand.
What was that? Nezumi’s heart was beating fast as if it will explode any moment if prolonged; heat was rushing through her skin to the point of getting dizzy; she was sure she felt an imaginary steam escape from her ears – these feelings were alien to her. And she knew that Center felt the same when she saw her face, beet red. Was she blushing?
Then her thoughts recalled what Center specifically told her two minutes ago. I love you, Nezumi. She forgot that she hadn’t responded to her confession yet. Center loves her. She feels the same. It seemed impossible before, so when she finally uttered the words, it came a little surprise for Nezumi. She carefully thought for the right way to answer though her mind was completely blank at the moment. She was surprised herself how the wise Nezumi was out of words. However, Center wasn’t as patient as she slowly shifted from her position and approached the end of the bed.
“Don’t worry. I’m not expecting you to return my feelings.”
Nezumi didn’t know what spirit of confidence came over her as she tugged the hem of Center’s cardigan to stop her. Center was the most surprised when Nezumi grabbed her by the collar and pulled her into a kiss. The contact was soft despite being rushed. More than surprised, Nezumi can feel tension on the other girl. She tried to calm her by cupping her neck.
Every second felt like eternity but they moved their lips patiently nonetheless. They started brushing their lips smoothly but it got harder and longer. They remained lip locked until they tasted Center’s blood. Nezumi pulled away and found Center’s amused eyes.
“My answer,” Nezumi started as she catched her breath, “I hope…it didn’t disgust you.”
“Not at all.” Center replied as she licked her lips, tasting the saliva they shared and the smudged blood from her broken lips. She can’t help but smile at the awkwardness of their situation.
“I love you too, Center.” Nezumi finally said. She locked eyes with Center and followed her stare until she felt the weight of Center’s stare on her own lips. She unconsciously licked her lips and swallowed hard. She can still feel the tingling sensation on her lips. And she silently hoped to feel it again.
Declarations are unnecessary. She proved it when she heard the bed creaking as Center inched closer to her. She knew what was to come. And she raised her head, expectantly.
Neither did they know that Team Fondue never left Center’s house and was just listening to their conversation the whole time outside Center’s room. They were peeking from the slightly open door of the room. The two girls were really busy arguing that they forgot to close the door.
“I always knew Center had it in her,” said Docchi as she witnessed the two declare their love to each other.
“But to think Nezumi would…” Tsuri said as the other Team Fondue members resisted laughing.
“They were just waiting for each other after all.”
Toshima leaned away from the door and scratched her head. “But if they refused to join Rappappa, then what will happen to us?”
“I wonder.” Kanburi joined her.
They returned their gazes on the two figures inside the room when they heard more creaking and a loud thud on the wall.
“Video recorders, maybe?”
Lemon suggested as she brought out her phone from her bag. The other members grinned evilly and did the same.
FIN
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Ah...pardon its mainstream.
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I like the feeling what I feel when I read your fics. I can't explain it better, but I really like your fics. :)
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Reply to kiri-el-san:
Thank you! I feel flattered. :oops: I think it's not because of my writing but the story itself. :yep: I'm glad you liked it.
Entry 3: I Do | I'm Not
KumiNon | Angst ; Romance
Kumi’s P.O.V.
“Why did I fall in love with you?”
I always ask that to myself. Whether out loud or just in my mind. I always seek for answers.
You know I hated books. But one day, I went to the library and tried all helpful resources I can use for answers. Alas, none was useful.
I consulted my teacher from my high school. You know, the one I always mention to you? She was my favorite teacher. I sought for comfort but all she said was, “That’s okay. Just find another girl.” Frankly, all my respect for her faded instantly after hearing that. How can she say that so casually to someone who is still expecting?
I attended preschool for 3 years, elementary for 6 years, junior high school for 3 years, high school for 3 yeas, and another 4 years for college. I studied for that long but never once did I learn how to deal with love.
“Why did I fall in love with you?”
That was your last words to me. It was left hanging in the chilly breeze under the moon, just like the hanging bridge we were standing on. You asked me with your cracking voice and through your teary eyes, I swear I saw your broken heart and weeping soul.
I am desperately searching for answers, but so were you that night. I was the only one who could help you but I left it unanswered — cruelly, coldly, deliberately. Then I thought, maybe it’s okay if the world turns its back on me — just to silence my conscience, just to redeem myself.
Maybe you think I was stupid back then. Not just for that night, but for the millions of times I screwed up. I thought so too. But right now, I feel more stupid — standing here, knocking at your door, twisting the cold knob, marveling at the girl of my dreams in her wedding dress — forcing a smile because I should have been your partner.
I saw you raise your head from the large mirror in front of you. You turned around and faced me with surprised eyes and wide smile.
“Kumin?”
I stepped forward to get recognized.
“You came!”
You ran and hugged me. I wonder why you hugged me so tight. It felt surprisingly alien to me. You usually just embrace me lightly. But this hug was protective. Are you scared? Because your heart pumped so fast.
“What made you change your mind?”
I have a lot of answers. Your beautiful smile, your warm eyes, your radiant skin, your warm touch, your sweet scent, your cute voice, your silky hair, your soft lips. But I wouldn’t answer any from it.
I passed by the wedding reception. It looked so planned and expensive. I learned from our friends, from all over the campus, from your diary even, that this was your dream. But I never heard it from you. Are you happy now? Will you be happy after this? Because I think I won’t.
Then somebody joined us in. She said to get ready and you said, yes. You gave me one last look before walking out. This was the second time I saw that broken expression of yours.
Did you hear that? My heart just crashed to the ground. I wouldn’t pick it up. Instead I want to pound it even more.
You’re slipping away, just like I’m slipping my sleek chance of hope.
I’m sorry. I’m not that brave enough to grab you by the hand to stop you. So I gathered all my courage to my words.
Forgetting all morals, I said this:
“Kanon, is it too late?”
You stopped and spun around. I never saw you so happy.
And then I woke up.
I hope I’m not yet late.
=====================
This is supposed to be a one-shot but I might turn this into a short series depending on what the readers think. What do you say? :/
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please keep going! :cry: me want happy ending please DX
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Read this on your blog the other day. It feels incomplete when you've only shown us Kuumin 's POV, so I humbly request a continuation of your kuminon os.
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Isn't the Background of the KumiNon is from the song of Tohoshinki "Doushite. . . ." ("Why Did I Falling Love With You,?). . . Natsukashiiiinaaa (How NostaLgic). . . . Arigatouu. . . It's very good anyway. PLease Contineu. . .
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arrow of tears and excitement hits me...
please do continue...
what you write is amazing~!
(Kuu-san!!! sobs... (;.;)
And for the JuriMayu one:
Ooh, wonder who's that lady. Soooooo nice nyaaa~ smiles...
And for CenNezu:
hehe... that's so kawaii and kakkoii and awesome! And Lol, Team Fondue, they're great sometimes~
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KUMINON :twothumbs :twothumbs
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Please continue this! I need an happy ending and very soon because my kokoro can't stand any more ; ;
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I have decided! :yep:
fuu_kun: Yes, I decided to continue this. Happy ending? Hm, we'll see.
qr.rina: Thank you. I intentionally left this hanging to tease the readers.
lahika: That's right! Thank you for noticing that. I heard the song last year, and I loved the PV. I'm glad you liked it.
Shinoki: This Kuminon OS is so dramatic, isn't it?
Who knows who that lady is? It got you into thinking, huh?
For the CenNezu one, yeah. Thank you. I'm not that good in action-themed stories, so I'm glad you found it cool. And lol Team Fondue nailed this one.
Saeseki: Thank you. I wonder, are you a KumiNon shipper like me?
LittleTina: Oh...I'm sorry for your kokoro, but it may take a while. You see, I adapted this from Tohoshinki's Doushite -- it had a tormenting sad ending. So let's see how this one ends.
While waiting, you may want to answer a poll that I have created in my wordpress blog (http://louise48sama.wordpress.com/2013/11/10/louise-sama-birthday-treat/). Thank you awesome readers! :bow:
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i ship KUMINON :cow: :cow: :cow:
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Reply to saeseki:
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/yoyocici/JFBQ00241070914B.gif) Yay! KumiNon! FTW
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/047.gif) And here's the 2nd part! Sorry for the delay. But I hope you like it. (http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/yoyocici/JFBQ00224070614A.gif)
Entry 3.1 I Do | Do I
KumiNon | Angst-driven; Half-assed Drama; Forbidden Romance
"Come on, Kuumin. This will be fun!" said Airin while tugging my sleeves.
I sighed and turned away from her. "Last time you said that, we were thrown outside the bar."
"Isn't that fun?"
"That wasn't fun at all!" I yelled. I bet that was loud enough to silence my insisting friends.
I sighed and looked past the window. It was but another boring Thursday at the university. I can see from the corner of my eyes that they were whispering again—probably, about me. They were always setting me up on blind dates with someone. This time, they were planning to go on a mixer party and asked me to tag along.
It wasn't that I wasn't interested in the opposite sex—I do. It was just that, I wasn't that ready to fall in love again. Not after my misfortune with my ex-lover, Kizaki Yuu.
Our love started sweet and blissful. One that everyone would never mistake to end up a sour candy. But it had. He left me. Why? I've been searching for answers these past ten months. And I was never successful. Just thinking about him wakes my solitude up.
"Maybe this time will be different—this guy will be different," Rena said in a very convincing manner. Where, when, or how she got that skill, I wasn't sure myself, but it never failed to take effect on me.
If only I knew back then, I could risk my life to acquire it too. Just to convince myself to move on. Just to convince myself that the world keeps on moving even if it was all over for us. Just to convince myself that there are lots of better persons out there, waiting for me.
Because I just can't. It's hard to convince yourself to just bury your love forgotten just because your lover chose to break you. I needed someone to do it for me. I needed someone to help me. I needed to move on.
I believe it was Spring when I decided to open my heart.
I anxiously straightened my skirt while waiting for our respective dates to arrive. They were late for ten minutes. I didn't know what came over me to agree with this. I just knew that I was about to face another dilemma of forcing my laughs and faking my smiles for the entire evening. I wiped my sweaty hands with my skirt. This always happened when I was nervous with something. And yes, I must be awfully nervous at this point. All I was hoping for was to not end up freaking out my date tonight. Then three faint figures grew bigger in my sight as they slowly approached us.
"Hi girls! Sorry we're late," greeted three men about our age.
There was a brief silence between our parties. And I swear I heard my friends' racing hearts as we beheld these handsome boys.
"Kyaa!" my friends squealed while shaking and nudging each other.
Akarin approached them and linked arms with the one who had the most manly features. "It's okay Nishishi-kun! We barely arrived too," she said while tantalizing.
"Told you—they're hot." Airin whispered against my silently-flushing ears.
I examined them once more. If only I wasn't so nervous that day, I could have squealed like them too.
"I guess," I dumbly replied.
"Wait a sec," Akarin interrupted. "Where's Keita-kun?"
Keita-kun. I almost forgot about him. Akarin said he was supposed to be my date but it seemed he wasn't around.
"About that..." Nishishi-kun started.
"Keita had an upset stomach." One named Jun, bluntly finished his friend's words, earning smacks from the others. He rubbed his dirty blonde hair and raised a brow at them. "I just told them the truth!"
I heard Rena giggle beside me. Her eyes were so fixed on him like nobody was around. Upon further examination, I noted that he was the most charming among the four. I guess Rena found interest in him.
"I'm sorry for our Jun. But...yeah. He won't make it because of that. So we brought his cousin instead," said one of the boys. I heard his name was Churio. Funny name but a cute smile.
At that time, I thought I was saved for the night. My frantic heart relaxed a bit. But they brought a substitute. And my heart beat increased tenfold. Then, Jun pulled you from somewhere and you nervously stepped forward. And when I faced you—to my surprise—you were a girl.
"Hi, I'm Kimoto Kanon." Those were your words as you bowed politely before me.
I can clearly see how my friends laughed and face-palmed from the background. But I stood there, not blinking; not turning away; eyes connected with yours. I don't know why, but when I saw you, I felt relieved. Then involuntarily, I felt the corners of my mouth curve up slowly.
Is it too wrong to say 'it was love at first sight'? Because I think it was.
We reached the karaoke bar—the one that I haven't seen in ten months. We occupied a booth and separated in pairs. Rena was with Jun, Airin was with Churio, and Akarin was with Nishishi. Awkwardness took over us and we occupied the cornermost side.
We sat right beside each other. But because of the silence, it felt like we were universe apart. Suddenly, I doubted if staying was a wise choice. Then you tugged me and asked me to sing a duet with you. In the middle of the song, the others sang along too. But the world seemed to stop, and all I can hear was your sweet voice. For how long did I stare that moment, I don't know.
"Drink! Drink! Drink!"
My friends, together with their dates, dared you to gulp down a glass of beer. You looked so nervous. Slowly, you stretched down your hand and reached out for the glass. When you lifted it up, you were shaking so badly that I can hear the ice ticking against the walls of the glass.
You looked at me intently and I smiled at you. I did not intend to be one of the bullies. The truth was, I wanted to tell you to drop the glass if you can't. Maybe you misunderstood me or maybe you just wanted to impress me as you clutched the glass tighter and chugged on it in an instant, earning cheers and whistles from the others.
"Are you all right?" I asked as I rubbed your back.
"I'm fine. It's just that...it was my first time."
That was when I really noticed you. I stared at your face intently and I noticed how your complexion glimmered differently than the first time I saw you. Your dimples showed and I could only pray that you didn't notice my blush. It was washing my focus away, my consciousness, even. Somehow, it got me jealous. Why did you have such youthful features? And then I realized...
"Wait...how old are you?"
My mind was too pre-occupied a while ago that it never occurred to me that you were underaged.
Mesmerized? Maybe.
I sensed your uneasiness so I volunteered to walk you home. It was getting late, anyway. We walked down the block to your home. It was not that distant though I silently wished it was longer. I never really liked long walks but there were rare times that I enjoyed it and secretly treasured it—those were the times when I was with my previous lover.
That night, I really intended to start up a conversation but all I had in mind were my memories with him. That would just be too awkward for you, considering that you were only an innocent sixteen—never really dated; never been into a relationship.
Perhaps it's safe to say that it was an awkwardly silent walk.
"I'm sorry," you suddenly spoke.
Worried, I asked you what was wrong. You wore this apologetic expression that pricked my heart. Maybe you thought I was boring.
"I guess I'm that boring," you said.
Cute.
I felt my cheeks flush.
"No. I should be the one saying that."
You gently shook your head and smiled. "I promised Keita that I would keep his date's company while he was gone. I hope I made you happy even a bit."
"You did. I'm happy," I assured you.
I never told you this, but that night, I was praying that you should stop flashing your smile. There must be something behind it that I couldn't think straight. My heart was pounding real hard against my chest that all I've been thinking about was,
I hope we could hang out again.
"I hope we could hang out again."
I stopped and turned around, unbelieving that you said exactly what was in my mind. What came next surprised me the most—standing on tiptoes, you pressed your lips quickly on my cheek.
It was brief and soft—unbelievably soft.
"Good night, Kuu-chan!" you winked and triumphantly ran away.
I must had looked so dumb for you as I remained there, grounded on the same spot, fingers touching the area where the sweet, tingling warmth remained, watching you rush to your door and entered with your victorious smile.
For the first time after ten months of solitude, I squealed inside my head.
My Spring ended sweet and warm as Summer waves hinted my skin.
"After that, Jun invited me inside his house!"
"Kyaa!"
"Churio asked me out on a date!"
"Kyaa!"
"Nishishi-kun and I bought matching shirt!"
"Kyaa!"
After that night—I don't know how—but it seemed we got closer to each other. Perhaps my friends noticed this too.
"..min. Kuumin," Rena called.
"Oh. What?" I snapped.
"We asked you what happened after the mixer," Akarin answered.
"Were you listening?"
"Sorry...I spaced out," I apologized and scratched my head.
"That's what we thought," they exchanged stares at each other.
I shrugged my shoulders and returned my attention to my phone.
Airin was peeking past my shoulder. "And who are you texting?"
"Non-chan," I replied quickly without turning away from my phone. I didn't even notice how I phrased that so casually. Or when we started calling each other with nicknames that we named each other.
"You mean...Keita-kun's cousin?"
I tilted my head in confusion. "Yes. Why?"
Rena shook her head defensively. "Nothing. We're just not used to see you respond to your mails..."
"...eagerly," Akarin added.
"...and with a smile on your face."
I stopped pressing for a while as I glanced at my friends' goofy smile. Come to think of it, mailing was not something I usually do. I turned away, feeling that I might explode any minute in embarrassment. Then they started teasing at me.
"Someone's getting sooooft..."
We started sending mails to each other and I learned the drill: on your 20 minutes ride to school, during lunch breaks, on your 20 minutes ride back home, 8:00 PM after you finish your homeworks.
We did it so often but I never got tired reading and responding. Your mails were so refreshing and I feel like I can never get enough of it.
"Kuumin, faster! We'll miss the train!" yelled Akari.
"Coming!"
When I reached downstairs, my friends welcomed me with questioning eyes and opened mouths. "What are you wearing?" Airin asked so fast that it sounded more like a command.
"What?" I asked.
"Why would you wear heels in the beach?" she said, pointing at my footwear.
"I thought...I told you I already have plans for today?"
"Oh..." they looked at each other.
How did it begin—I wanted to know—when we started seeing each other like a couple? Even if we never were.
You often invite me to your house whenever Keita was around. Shop for things that you said Keita finds cute. Even drag me to places where you loved to go when you were kids. You said you will set us up, but it never seemed to me that way. Little did we know that we started using him just to hang out more often. It was shamefully selfish...yet exciting.
We were never a couple. But my friends were unbelieving. They started to get suspicious and I was afraid. So one time, I changed our plans and visited Rena's house instead. Airin and Akarin were there too.
I found out, you weren't very good at old maid. Whenever you get the joker, you wore this sad expression. When it was taken from you, you would beam so bright. You were so obvious—I had no chance but to always get that joker out of your hands.
But I never knew why I had to do that.
"Why do you always take Non-chan's side?" Airin said as she slammed her fist against the table.
I laughed at her funny expression. "What? Did you just call me unfair?"
"No, I'm saying you have your favorites."
"That's not true. I'm fair to all of my friends. You're just a loser in old maid."
"I wouldn't have lost if you didn't save Non-chan..." she said as she shed her tears on Rena's shoulder. "Rena...Kuumin was a meanie..."
"There now, Airin, don't cry..." Rena whispered as she patted her back. It was her third loss in-a-row already.
"Airin was right, you know." Akarin yawned and propped her head on the table. "You're kind to everyone but the way you treat Non-chan is different from how you treat us."
Really?
This kind of talk is making me embarrassed. I turned to face you and noticed that you were uneasily fidgeting...with a blush on your face.
Was I really being that obvious?
It was a Saturday when my friends invited me to a dinner. They were gathered up at the opposite side of the table with their unusual serious expressions. Last time I checked, the airconditioner of the restaurant was turned on. But there was something in the atmosphere that made me sweat—cold sweat.
"You don't have to hide it from us." Airin started while the others nodded slowly.
"We're you're friends," Akari said.
The atmosphere was getting dense. Even the weight of their stares was getting heavy, making me avert my eyes. I can sense this talk was getting somewhere.
Rena grabbed my hand. "We're not one to judge." She stared at my eyes deeply.
Then Akarin assaulted me with their main point. "Do you love her?" It came straightforward. But to me, her words were swiftly and playfully running in and out of my ears.
Her question was left echoing against the walls of the quiet restaurant. Some customers were looking at our direction and started whispering between each other.
What could they be thinking? I didn't know. I didn't want to know.
But their piercing eyes were wide and talking.
I am a girl. You are a girl.
That's what they wanted me to know.
I know.
And I hated I had known.
"She does not see me like that." That was all I can answer.
Was I wrong? Answering on your behalf? Saying something I wasn't sure of? Because you never gave me something to be sure of. Not yet. But deep inside, I was waiting for it.
"What if she does?" they asked.
What if you do? I didn't know. I didn't really care at the moment. I was having fun with your company these past two years. And in a few months, you would no longer be a high school student, and you would start thinking about your career.
And then you would leave me. Though I hoped you wouldn't.
We beheld the colorful city lights from this bridge. The breeze of the night grazed our ticklish skin just right. It was perfectly tranquil without the passing cars. Our lamps were special—the moon and the stars. I felt like royalty, owning the night.
Please...
If there was a Holy Man listening, I didn't want it to end.
I'd risk my life for any interruptions. But then you started asking about good universities. I named several good universities, all found in Nagoya. I recommended our university too. It was one of the top universities in Japan after all.
But then you said something that I had been dreading to hear.
"Kuu-chan, I'm going to Tokyo."
You were right beside me, but it still felt lonely. I stretched out my arms and caught your hand, holding it captive under my own. I knew this time would come. I had rehearsed lots of replies that I could say. But when you finally said it, I never thought I'd black out. This painful feeling in my chest caught my tongue.
You rested on my shoulder and tightened our hands. Knowing your soft heart, I was sure you felt guilty bringing that up. But then your next words caught me more off guard.
"Kuu-chan. Do you believe in love?"
Do I?
If I had answered that night—can you tell me—what could have changed? If I knew it then, maybe, just maybe, I would have poured everything on you.
But I never said anything. How could I, when I was hurting this much?
I thought you'd get angry. But you didn't.
You got up and drew air inside. You tugged my shirt and I turned around, obligedly.
Next thing I saw were your long lashes, eyes closed shut. Your weight fell over my lips. Instantly, your sweet scent filled my lungs, and it was a spell unto me.
If this was a sin—I didn't know if this was—but I wanted someone to tell me it wasn't. Even for once. Even for a brief second. Even for a faint yes.
I'd like to hear it.
Please...
Let me hear it.
Because under that romantic moon…
I kissed you back.
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I Do | Part 2: Do I | つづく
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Rants and blabbers:
| *Experimental fic* | *Deliberately playing with genres and themes* | *Awful* |
After reading, you might feel like (http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/8dcf9699.gif). I know it was awful, but I'd like to read your comments.
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/875328cc.gif) Keep awesome.
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(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/063.gif) A lot of thanks for -gibson-mayulover, BbSis, and qr.rima for leaving a thank you. I love visiting my threads and see someone appreciate my posts. I feel so happy...
Before I resume with my series, I'll let you have another experimental fic. Note that the emotions in this OS actually occurred to me, and I feel good overcoming it. Enjoy!
Entry 4: Bridge
MariHaru OS
"Are you sure you want to do that?"
Turning to her right, Haruna saw a woman approaching her steadily. Messy short hair, a lollipop between her lips, and she noticed that the woman was thickly dressed. It was a cold morning after all, but she had been to occupied with her emotions to even notice that she was shivering. The chilly breeze blew her hair across her face. She wanted to tuck the stubborn strands of hair away but dared not to let go of the railing.
The woman was now standing next to her, casually leaning against the railing. "Miss, if you think you are Wonder Woman, please wake up. This is not a dream."
She sobbed a little, blinked at the woman and then at the sight below her. "And who might you be?" she managed to choke out.
The woman took a glance past the railing. "Just a passerby," she said, looking at her calmly. "They call me Mariko-sama. Don't ask me why. Honestly, you can call me anything. I don't really care. But I'm Mariko. Hello."
She blinked twice, frowned and turned away. "I'm sorry but I don't know you."
"Yeah, I know. I don't know you too," said Mariko as she threw her lollipop stick into the river below. Haruna watched as it grew tinier, and finally disappeared into the violent waves. She swallowed hard and blinked away a few tears.
"Go away," she said, squeezing her eyes shut.
Mariko chuckled. "Do you think you own this bridge? You don't. You can't shove me off like that," she said as she brought out another lollipop from her pocket.
"Then walk away already," Haruna said.
"Excuse me?"
"Isn't that what passers-by do? Pass by? So what are you leaning there for? Just walk away. Walk away. Please," Haruna pleaded.
"Hm, I can't do that. Sorry."
Haruna was frowning again as she turned to look at Mariko. She was sucking her new lollipop in her mouth. She paused in the midst of sucking as she caught her glare. She smirked and licked the lollipop while staring at Haruna.
"Do you want a lollipop?" she asked while shoving the lollipop to Haruna's face.
"Not if it came from your mouth." She answered, totally annoyed. Much to her surprise, Mariko grinned...charmingly.
"Why not? Afraid of catching a virus? You're gonna die anyway. Why not make the most out of your remaining moments, right?"
"Wha—?"
"You're standing on the wrong side of the bridge. You're going to kill yourself, right?" Mariko taunted. She was casually smiling though this is not the time to smile. She knew what this is about. Mariko was actually challenging her to jump off the bridge.
"What—do you think I won't do it?" Haruna snapped.
"I didn't say that. I'm saying that you're afraid." There was smugness in how she said it. It sounded like as if she was witnessing someone attempting to end their life everyday.
"So...?" Mariko waited, still shoving the lollipop through Haruna's face.
"Here," she extended it closer to Haruna. "It's tangerine. The taste of heaven."
Haruna paused to stare at the dangling lollipop and found her hand reaching for it when—"Oops!" it slipped through her hand and fell to the bridge. Terrified of falling over, she quickly grabbed the railing, whimpering a little as she blinked away fresh tears. She tilted her head back and squeezed her eyes shut, as if praying to the heavens above.
"Oh, gosh! Oh, oh. God, no!"
"See? I told you, you're afraid."
Haruna opened her eyes to stare at Mariko's victorious face. She had momentarily forgot that there was a complete stranger standing next to her. Deep down, she felt a little thankful that someone was next to her at the moment.
"Oh yeah? But I'll still do it."
Mariko dropped her smile and turned around. "Stupid," she whispered.
"Do you think jumping off this bridge will end your misery?"
"Yea—"
"No it won't!"
Haruna glanced at her, completely silenced at Mariko's shout.
"You think this will end everything, but in reality, it won't." Mariko was not looking at her, instead, she was eyeing down the river, looking serious for the first time she had spoken to her. "When you jump—if you jump, of course—your body's gonna hit the water so hard. It would hurt like hell. Then again, maybe you'd wish you're in hell because the water's gonna be freaking cold, you won't be able to believe it." She paused and glanced at Haruna who was also looking down on the river with a frightened expression.
"And then your lungs are gonna scream when you inhaled the water—your nose will hurt like it's nobody's business, with all that water..."
Tears started rolling down Haruna's cheeks rapidly, and she couldn't even look at the river below.
"And that's not even the worst part of it," Mariko went on. "I mean, perhaps dying would be the worst part of it—but no, I don't think so. The worst part is when you wake up in a hospital room, weeks after you decided to kill yourself. Then there comes the embarrassment—believe me when I say it won't leave you alone. You'd think, 'why did I even think of ending my life, I'm so stupid.' Then everyone's gonna look at you with pity eyes and—looking at your parents will be the hardest thing to do because, they were thinking that they lost their daughter and—"
Haruna started sobbing and Mariko stopped. She looked at her and pulled out another lollipop to stuck in her mouth.
"You don't know what I'm going through..." Haruna choked out, voice totally cracking.
"You're right. I don't know," Mariko said as she turned around to lean against the railing again. "But just like they say, speaking it out will make things lighter."
Haruna blinked rapidly, fighting off more tears that threatened to escape her eyes again.
"I may not look like it, but I know what it feels. Trust me. I completely understand what's going on your head right now." Mariko was smiling right now, although it seemed like a sad smile.
"What happened?" Haruna asked meekly.
"Nothing much. I was accused of killing my own lover. Would you believe that?"
"...And?" Haruna dumbly asked, encouraging the other woman to continue.
"I jumped off from this same spot."
Haruna remained silent. Her face relaxed a bit with Mariko's statement. She does know what Haruna was going through. "...What happened?"
"I hit the waters, silly. Almost drowned. A day after, someone found my body on the riverbank. I was hospitalized. I thought my parents didn't care, but..." Mariko paused, "...when I woke up, they were there...weeping. Definitely tore my parents' hearts. Quite a drama, huh?" she chuckled.
"I was kicked out of the university."
Haruna started as Mariko paused to listen attentively.
"I failed all my classes. I can't even tell my parents, because, I think they're gonna kill me. I was accused of being my teacher's mistress. His wife hates me. His daughter hates me. Yuko cheated on me with my best friend. My landlord hates me. Everyone hates me! No matter what I do, everything's so messed up, I can't—I can't—I just..." Haruna paused, swallowed the stubborn lump on her throat hard, and blinked away some more tears. "And they all kept saying that there's a way out of this, but they were all lying. There're lying—there isn't any way out."
"You know, I beg to differ."
Haruna looked over at the tall stranger. She had managed to pour out her feelings to the lady, a complete stranger, and it didn't even feel weird for the first time. It felt like they had known each other for so long. She had been a very good listener without even trying. All those conversations she had with her parents and friends were useless and yet, right here, right now, this conversation seemed to be working, and this Mariko was just a complete stranger.
"When you jump," Mariko started, her voice was gentle, "it's over for you, but not for the others in your life. You think your parents would simply go, 'Oh, she's finally gone!' and forget you just like that? You think all your stuff—your pictures, your clothes, I dunno, Mr. Blanket—would simply disappear from your room, like you've never existed? No. Definitely not. When you die, it would be over for you, but not for your family and friends. They will be left in pain. It's unfair, don't you think?"
Haruna stared at her. A complete stranger, with an unbelievable love for lollipop.
"This is not the way out," Mariko said kindly. "It's not. Trust me. You might be thinking, 'when I die, everything will be alright'—but that's not true at all, is it?"
Haruna shook her head, crying even harder. "No, it's not!" she sobbed heavily. "It's not, it's not! God, what am I doing?"
Mariko threw her lollipop to the waters. She wasn't even done with it yet, but tossed it anyway and straightened up. "I was thinking of getting an ice cream. They said it tastes better when you're cold after a morning walk—even better than tangerine lollipops."
Haruna laughed a weak laughter after this—and the world was suddenly much, much brighter.
"So." Mariko extended her hand to her. "Ready to come back to the 'sweeter side of the bridge?'
She took Mariko's hand—Mariko's warm hand—and stretched her other hand to be pulled by the not so strange stranger. Her feet reached the ground and she suddenly felt warm and secure.
"Yuko must be stupid, wasn't she?" said Mariko as she tugged Haruna's strands of hair to her ears.
Haruna allowed the sweet sensation of Mariko's skin softly brushing with hers. "Yeah."
"Shall we get you ice cream?"
Haruna beamed and shook her head. "On second thought, I think I'd settle for your lollipop."
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Louise-sama | Bridge | MariHaru OS | END
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Next update would be either Home or Call. Also watch out for my SayaMilky OS.
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' Yuko cheated on me with my best friend '
I wonder...
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ahh.. Bridge got posted here as well, thank you :heart: please make more MariHaru :bow: It's amazing how words can heal wounds and save a life isn't it?.. and let's add tangerine flavored lollipops on the list XD
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Omg! Sorry for just commenting!
Jurimayu» Aww they are so sweet! The sroty is so touching! :D
Cennezu» It feels like your OS is the next story of MG2. I love it so much! And I'm glad Center and Nezumi have the feeling of being more than bestfriends :) <3 So sweet!
I love JuriMayu/Cennezu so much! I hope you'll make the next story of thia Cennezu OS ^^
Mariharu» I love it! I love how Mariko understands Haruna eventhough she's just a stranger! But, the ending is not complete, I think. I mean, it will be better if you give me the next story of this OS since I want to see them together. Oh you know that?! :/
And thank you so much for the OS!! ;) Do your best for the next OS!
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Because I love replies:
AshuraX:
Yuko cheated on me with my best friend. I'm guessing that you already have an idea about that. Lol. I love Yuko so much and I felt like choking when I wrote that.
BookSniffer:
Thank you for leaving a comment here as well! Yeah...words are powerful. My friends call me an introvert, the fact that I rarely speak my mind. But I found out that it's better to breathe out your problems, allowing the wind to take it somewhere--anywhere but in your own mind. And lollipops--I love them so much.
And if you could continue your 'A gaze that was never returned', I'd raise my full support on that!
michiyo48:
Thank you for liking the JuriMayu and Cennezu fics. I love them too!! If you're interested in MG2 fics, esp. CenNezu, I know some great fics!
I have an impression that Mariko and Haruna understand each other so well. I'm sorry that it seemed incomplete. This wasn't meant to be a romantic fic anyway, but more like friendship. I can write a sequel of this OS, I pray. I still have fanfic series to update, so your request might take a looooooong time to fulfill. Sorry. But if you could wait, then I'LL TRY.
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You shall never understand the sentiment of their love! >A<
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You shall never understand the sentiment of their love! >A<
Omg don't curse me yet. Lol.
This is the shortest shot I could ever write. This is teasingly short. No, don't get me wrong. I don’t promote cheating. This is just some warm up for my Breakeven.
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Entry 5: Game
JuriMayu OS # 2
Mayu always thought that good girls should stay away from bad ones because you will only get hurt in the end. Or as her father would prefer, she should just stay away from all girl hunters out there; but they both know that wasn’t going to happen.
Jurina knew she was going to the party. It was Mayu’s sister’s birthday after all; and as she sat on the pristine white couch looking indifferent to her surroundings, her heart stuttered when she saw the girl. ‘I wasn’t waiting for her,’ she told herself, just like ‘I wasn’t watching her smile.’ Her gut churned and she took another swig of vodka.
Mayu knew Jurina was going to be there and she certainly didn’t dress up for her. Maybe that explains why she was wearing a cream lace tank, paired with black faux leather leggings, and an expensive nude pumps. She knew she looked far beyond good. ‘It had nothing to do with her,’ she convinced herself. Even though she hesitated for a second when she saw her before stepping up and saying hi. Knowing her luck, she had to have noticed.
Eyes narrowing, Jurina saw through her facade. She knew Mayu hated crowds. She was socially awkward—adorably awkward—even though she was pretty and so sweet that it made her teeth hurt. Jurina didn’t like sweet things. No. She didn’t like beautiful girls with twintails and who loves anime, who makes her stomach churn and makes her want to punch every single person standing two feet near the girl.
’Be calm. Keep your cool. She has a girl friend who is the permanent kind. The kind who is in it for the long run and maybe one day, be her lifetime partner,’ Mayu thought. And Mayu knew she doesn’t have the right to feel an ounce of jealousy because she has her own girlfriend. A good girlfriend who loves her with all her heart and doesn’t cheat which is good enough for her.
Their eyes meet briefly and Mayu sips on her sangria while Jurina finishes her vodka. Jurina stands up and her shadow engulfs Mayu’s short stature. Mayu wonders how unfair it all seems and moves closer.
”We really have to stop meeting up like this,” Mayu said while grinning.
Jurina closed in on her until Mayu could feel her body heat and smell her perfume. She smelled like summer citrus. Zesty, simple, and everything she always craved for. Mayu closed her eyes for the room seemed spinning and all she wanted to do was lay her head on the girl’s chest and just rest.
Jurina gestured to the couch. “You should sit down,” her voice rumbled. Deep and husky just like Mayu had expected.
She smiled. Maybe she could blame it on the alcohol later.
”Let’s play a game, Jurina.”
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Louise-sama | Game | JuriMayu OS | END
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Nice and you're right. it's too short. XD
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Aww Louise-sama you made another fic of JuriMayu.. Thanks! I love you!! ^^*kk I'm glad that you also like JuriMayu, is it your OTP? :D
Oh yeah of course I'm interested in CenNezu fics. Please tell me!! *bow
And about yoyr fanfic, Bridge. I thought it was a romantic fanfic. I always think about romantic fics when it comes to my OTPs -__-" lol hmm thats okay if cant make the sequel of it. Dont force yourself! But if you want to make it.. Please do your best!!! ^.^
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Konoe: Yeah, it's definitely short! It was just out of the blue, actually. But next time, I'll do longer ones.
michiyo48: 'Game' was taken over by Yuu-kun! :3 Yeah! JuriMayu's my OTP. I'll pm you the list of those fics though maybe you found them already.
Bridge wasn't supposed to be a romantic shot as I said. But if you really mean to wait for a sequel, I promised yanouchi to do its continuation with sort of 'romantic' theme. So for the mean time, I wrote another MariHaru.
I present to you a product of my lonely Dec. 26.
Entry 6: Thin Walls
MariHaru OS # 2 ft. Matsui Jurina
Sometimes, all it takes is a knock on your door in the middle of a stormy night to realize what had been missing in your life. That was what happened to me.
I heard a loud knock at my door. Maybe Jurina forgot her keys again. I got up from the couch and dragged myself towards the door. The abrupt awakening from slumber made my eyelids seem heavy, leaving them half-lidded. I didn't bother to peek through the peephole and skipped to turn the knob open, only to reveal someone I never thought I would see at my door step.
It was raining heavily outside, and on her, the rain looked like diamond shards, damping her long, brown hair. But as I looked down at her unusual stiff stance, I don't think that mattered to her right now. This is getting pretty odd.
I could tell she had been crying and it was obvious that she was just trying to hold back her tears. Somewhere inside me, a voice was pleading for me to close my eyes. It shook me to see her like this. I wonder, was this how she looked like when we broke up?
Probably.
No.
Definitely, she looked this helpless.
"I-Is Jurina here?" she asked me while blinking hard, averting her eyes the moment she met my surprised ones briefly. After a few failed attempts to hide her face, she averted her stare down to her damped stiletto heels—which I bet is killing her, now that her outfit is ruined.
"Um," I tried to regain eye-contact with her but she was constantly avoiding my gaze. "It's cold out here. Why don't you get inside first?" I offered and opened the door wider for her. Raising an eyebrow at her, I impatiently waited for a response but she didn't move an inch from her spot, signifying her disapproval on the idea.
"Haruna..." I groaned, "it's raining. Are you really trying to get yourself sick?"
She sighed in annoyance and glared at me. "Is Jurina home?" she asked again, this time, with a firm, sure voice and I could perfectly tell how hard she had tried to mask her near-to-breaking-down-voice. It wasn't the fact that she had those puffy, red eyes, or the glistening film that masked her pain—it was more than that. Maybe she was just too easy to read. Or maybe, dating her for a year and making her cry every night made me good at reading her. I couldn't possibly tell which one was it.
"Still as stubborn as always, I see," I muttered before forcefully pulling her inside before she even had a chance to retort back a knowing complaint. She jerked inside, not trying to mask the confusion in her face.
"Hey, what are you doing?!" she yelled, almost tripping on her own feet. She stepped inside with much hesitation and restraint. She was so drenched by the untimely summer rain that my hand was now soaked from the dripping water from her arm. I looked past my shoulder and found her hair, flat as a damp squib, and her mascara was beginning to smudge.
I released my grip from her. "I'll get you something to wipe yourself. Wait here," I ordered her before walking towards the closet to pull out a towel. Knowing Haruna, she would want the prettiest one. And luckily for her, I'm keeping a fluffy, pink towel. I lazily closed the closet with my foot and walked back to her.
I found her by the door, staring at an old mood lamp nearby. The faint light emanating from the lamp illuminated her soft, pained expression. One that only I got to see when she wanted to say something bad about her day. I haven't seen that in a while. If it wasn't too ironic, I'd like to say that I want to see that again everyday. Maybe she already noticed that it was the same lamp that we bought together on our fifth month. It wasn't until now that I actually noticed that it was still there.
I approached her slowly. "Here," I handed the towel while she squeezed her clothes lightly, extracting the rainwater from the fabric.
"You should sit down," I motioned her to the couch, and as she stared blankly at it, I realized the reason for the sudden twinkling of her eyes.
It was the couch where we stepped out of the friendship line and admitted our love for each other; the couch where we used to cuddle while watching her favorite dorama; the couch where we shared our sloppy, first kiss; the couch where I counted all her moles under her shirt; the couch where she sang her favorite lullaby for me after losing in janken; the couch where we slept in each other's arms; the couch where we found each other's sensitive skins; the couch where I pinned her back against and she ripped my favorite shirt out of excitement.
It was the couch where I slammed her back during our first fight; the couch where I shouted at her, and she shouted back for the first time; the couch where I saw her cry countless times; the same couch where everything ended, like a firework vanishing in the night sky after exploding.
For all the sweet memories we shared on that couch, the bitter ones remained the heaviest, bringing up unwanted distance between us.
She shook her head, regaining her hostile look.
"Seriously, Haruna. Have a seat. Jurina should be home soon from work," I said dully. Still failing to convince her to bite my offer, I ran my fingers through my hair—it was a habit when I'm frustrated. True enough, I was frustrated and near enraging. She never really changed. She was still hard to convince after all these months. I paused and started to think.
"Or if you want, you can wait inside her room." I quickly said as soon as I had thought of that option. After all, I wouldn't want to stay silent with her in my living room for the whole moment that my sister hadn't arrived.
She didn't say anything in response but she proceeded to remove her nude stilettos and left them on the mat. After wiping her arms and body, she brought the towel to her damp hair and wrapped it around.
"Where are my slippers?" she asked me.
I blinked at her, warily. Her slippers? Were they still here? She must had noticed my lost look as she spoke.
"I just presumed that you still have them since this used to be my towel," she said as she pointed at the initials embroidered on the edge of the towel.
"You didn't notice, did you?" she asked, and I thought I heard a bit of sadness in her voice. I didn't want to lie and I know I wouldn't be able to lie to her either.
"To be honest—no. I didn't," I admitted and she sighed.
"That's what I thought."
I walked back to the closet and searched for her slippers if they were still there where I last recalled. I found them at the back, hidden from the light and sight of anyone. Her pink, fluffy slippers. The ones that she originally bought for me. But because she felt comfortable wearing it, she traded her favorite beanie instead, with the addition of a searing kiss. The beanie was thrown away by herself when she smelled an 'unfamiliar scent of another girl'. I told her that it was just because I changed my shampoo but she insisted that I had been cheating on her. I could had laughed at the stupidity of the memory, but tonight wasn't a good time.
As I stare at the pair of slippers, I started to wonder why I still kept her things inside this closet. It was full of her stuff that she brought during countless sleep overs.
Have I really moved on or am I still expecting something out of us? Because even now, I could still remember every detail of her—her fragrant scent, her tickling touch, her sweet smile, her knowing stare, her soft lips against mine. I don't know. All I know is that I shouldn't be the one chasing the lost catch. I was the one who ended it up. I was the one who pushed her out of the door while she clung to my body in resistance.
I took out her unexpectedly free-from-dust-slippers and placed them on the floor, right in front of her feet.
"Here," I told her and glanced at her sad expression. "You need anything more?" I asked. I honestly wanted to make up to her in any way I could, but I didn't know how.
"No," she replied flatly.
I was never acquainted to her one-word answers. Either she still hates me or she was not in a good mood. I wonder if she would cry once she got inside Jurina's room. To cry herself to sleep—that idea pinches my heart. Oh, how I pity her right now.
She made her way to Jurina's room and she did not bother to look back in the process. All she did was open the door and close it squarely behind her. I could hear the click it made when she locked the door. God, I felt bad for not loving her the way she wanted me to.
I could hear her crying, the sobs and the struggle for precious air. Were the walls always this thin? I stared at the closed the door and I can't help but wonder why she was crying. Did she always cry like this when we were still together? With such audible pain? With gushing despair? Was she always wallowing in sorrow because of me?
Whenever I think about the two of us... I don't know... We just don't mix well like we—everyone had expected. Maybe we weren't really meant for each other. When we used to date, it felt like we were strangers—in love with someone we thought we knew. It went fair, really. But then we carried our own perfect picture of love around, and we found out that we weren't the ones in it. She hadn't given up her fantasy—I hadn't either. We had grown up divergent without knowing it.
Even though she doesn't want to believe me, I still do care for her. I always had. Always will. She is really someone special in my life and I am grateful for all the times that we were together.
Last time I heard from Jurina, Haruna started dating again. Yuko even told me the girl's name but I couldn't remember. Was it Takamina or Bakamina? I'm not sure about that. I wonder if the girl was the same reason why Haruna was crying. She is just the sensitive type, and if her lover isn't careful towards her, she would easily cry. It is one of her best traits, I think—the fact that she can cry so freely. I always thought it was cute. But it was more of a double edged sword since I hated to see her cry.
I walked closer to the door. From outside, I could hear her light sobs. With all the muffled sounds, she was probably crying into a pillow, not because she was hiding. Knowing Haruna, she probably wanted to be held. She hated the feeling of loneliness. She was never good at handling it and could never stand it.
She was alone and it made me want to protect her. Just like when we were a little younger, I remember promising that I'll always be there for her. I hated breaking my word, especially because I know what it's like to be alone. How cold it can feel, how dark it seems. How weak one can get and how hard it is to back up. She was just so weak and fragile like a delicate flower during winter. All she probably wanted was a warm hand on her shoulder. Maybe that explains why she was desperate to come all the way to my house despite the rain—she needed company. She must be hugging the pillow more for support, and to wipe her tears, clenching to it because loneliness is devouring her soul.
And here I was—standing outside my sister's door—regretting the choice of sending the once, other-half-of-me to my sister's dependable hope.
Wasn't I suppose to protect her from all of this? Didn't I tell her that I would? Didn't I promise her company no matter what? I remember it clearly. Haruna never broke her promises to me, but I broke mine. What a shame.
I ghosted my fingertips on the doorknob, gently pushed my ears against the door and heard her light whimpers. I was deliberating in my mind whether to knock first or barge in, considering that I have a spare key to Jurina's room.
In the end, I decided to observe courtesy and knocked. "Haruna, do you need water?" I called from my current spot and didn't get a response. I asked her again, knowing that she still doubts my concern, and she yelled 'no.' I heard how she sniffed and choked on her own word. She didn't try to hide it as if intentionally to worsen the guilt I was feeling.
"Can you open the door?" I carefully asked. I knew she was probably going to say 'No! leave me alone.' But I knew I had to try.
I heard the front door open. I turned around and found Jurina standing there and putting away her umbrella.
"Who's here?" she asked me, "and why are you at my door?" She hung her coat and removed her wet sneakers in the process.
"Haruna's in your room," I told her and moved away from her door.
Jurina shot a surprised look towards me and marched to the door right away at the mention of her name. She tried to open the door but it was locked. "Haruna?" she called. Her voice sounded much softer than mine, rich of pure concern and care. I could hear Haruna stumble and she opened the door quickly. She rushed to Jurina as if she was her salvation. It was the complete opposite reaction to mine. I saw how Jurina's face softened at the sight of her. She walked inside and hugged her at the door frame, hushing her cries, whispering the assurance that everything will be fine now that she was there. She didn't seem to mind her cold body as she squeezed tighter. Not too long after, they went inside and closed the door behind them.
I heard Haruna cry once more, much louder than before, pouring out everything she was holding back a while ago. She relied on Jurina's shoulder to cry on.
Probably, my sister's hands are comforting her right now, wiping away her tears and holding her into a warm embrace.
Suddenly, I got into thinking, when did it turn out like this? When did my younger sister take all my broken promises and kept them for me? When did she grow the shoulders Haruna had always wanted me to share?
She makes me so proud yet makes me feel so ashamed of myself.
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Louise-sama | Thin Walls | MariHaru OS # 2 | END
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December 26 wasn't the best day for me. Instead of drowning myself in a pool of regrets, I decided to vent it out on this one. I just finished it overnight, but.. ╮(╯▽╰)╭ I hope you found it to your liking. Thank you for reading!
And you know, Yuko's graduation doesn't really help me to write Breakeven because I'm really affected like crazy...
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Hey fellas! This is actually my first AtsuMina oneshot so please bear with the awkwardness of my writing.
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Entry 7: AtsuMina
AtsuMina OS | Louise-sama
As the two of them waved and walked away from a group of fangirls that they had run into on their way home from shopping, Takahashi Minami already knew the types of things that those same girls would spread around as soon as she and Maeda Atsuko turned their backs. She was used to it, as was her friend, that people would always mistake them for being a couple. And if they already know that they weren't, like Minegishi Minami and Shinoda Mariko for instance, they were also used to them saying that it was only a matter of time before the two of them 'finally' got together.
They were only just down the street from Atsuko's apartment and as she chatted with Minami on the clothes that they bought together, as the fashion geeks Mariko and Kojima Haruna advised them to buy, she felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. She checked it while she was laughing at one of her companion's another yet useless jokes. Her laughter died and her smile soured after reading the text message that she had been sent. It was from one of those fans that they had ran into, and it was wishing her good luck on her date with Minami.
As AKB48's Captain and her natural gentleman antics, Minami had always been more popular with girl fans. Atsuko remembered a moment a few months prior when fans from a handshake event whispered to her that if Minami was to have a girlfriend, they would be glad if it was her. She denied that she was dating her, but even then, a picture spread around social networking sites the next day that she and Minami had romantically embraced one another on the backstage. They did in fact hug each other. They always do that. But not in a romantic sense.
Minami had considered asking her why she was frowning but then shrugged and figured that if it was important, she would tell her later. Atsuko always did when it was of significance, and Minami would return the sentiment as well. Atsuko entrusted her anything and everything, so did she to her, and Minami had always thought it was annoying when no one believed them whenever they said that they weren't an item.
Atsuko glanced at Minami who was looking at her quizzically, and then shrugged her own shoulders just as she had. "Don't be surprised if someone asks you how our date went later," she chuckled.
Minami paused to think for a moment and then nodded, not surprised if those girls they had ran into had already spread around that they caught AKB48's 'face' and 'The Captain' strolling romantically through the city, with arms linked together and fingers intertwined. They were in fact, strolling, but it was more of Atsuko clinging to Minami's arm for more heat on a winter evening. "It's fine by me as long as our overrated picture won't end up on international news."
Minami had lousy jokes but Atsuko laughed on this one, remembering that five weeks beforehand when a picture of her, licking Minami's chocolate-coated finger, ended up on national TV and earning uproars from their fans all over the world. They were called for a press conference and Minami had been flushed and tense the whole time while reporters flooded them with intriguing questions.
"You know," Atsuko began, "your fangirls is going to use this as more evidence that you and I are 'destined' to be together."
Minami snorted a laugh, being familiar with the sentiment that AKB48's Ace and Captain should be together. As years went on, lots of fans had been more vocal about it, even starting up their pairing's fanclub—AtsuMina as they call them.
"They also said that there are millions of people in the world that want us to be together, so that tells you how much of what they say that you can believe," Atsuko continued. Atsuko wouldn't have minded so much, but one of their 'shippers' included the airhead princess of the group—Haruna. Particularly since Minami had held a crush on her before.
Millions might or might not be an exaggeration but Minami did agree that there were people out there who lived vicariously through her relationship with Atsuko, as true as it was or not. "Oh, millions aren't that much," Minami said as she smirked, "but if there are billions of folks out there who wanted us to be together so bad, then...why not, right?"
Atsuko shot her a look of surprise. "Seriously?" she sounded more hopeful than unbelieving. She was waiting for Minami to laugh it out or say that she was joking but her serious expression told her that she was anything but. Her throat went dry and she just wanted to bury her face on the snowy road for her cheeks were suddenly burning hot.
It was then that they stopped in their tracks, having reached the entrance of Atsuko's apartment. Minami had considered walking her up, but decided against it since a lot of her neighbors are one of the primary sources of their pseudo-intimacy photographs leaking on the internet. Instead, she gave the taller girl a hug goodbye and then turned to leave hurriedly.
Atsuko waved after Minami—a little unsatisfied on how their talk ended up—and waited until she was no longer within her line of vision before she walked to the elevator and went inside her sanctuary. She dropped her shopping bags in her room and went straight to the kitchen, looking for her favorite munch in her fridge. She passed by a note saying, "Minami, don't dare to touch my favorite pudding in the fridge or I'll kiss you on your butt!"
She remembered posting it when she invited Minami to sleepover once but only now did she realize why it was still there. Below her note was Minami's reply, saying, "Sorry Acchan, I tasted your pudding and it was really awful. I threw it away for your own good so don't bother looking for it. My butt's waiting for your kiss though."
She giggled and walked to the living room, slumped on the couch, allowing her tiring yet fun day to weigh her down. "I wonder if Minami still recalls that note," she said to herself as she took a spoonful of her pudding in her mouth. She never really recalled doing that punishment to Minami. "Not that I wanted to kiss her butt!" she yelled to herself as the thought entered her mind.
She opened the television and browsed through the channels. She sighed when nothing seem to earn her interest, then she saw her laptop on the coffee table. Tempted, she reached for it and logged in to tumblr, only to be welcomed with images of her and Minami a while ago, tagged with 'AtsuMina forever <3'. It had reached 46,936 notes in just twenty minutes! "Fudge, those girls," she laughed. She knows she shouldn't be laughing, but her pudding made her feel so light.
Once, twice, thrice in her life, Atsuko had also toyed with the idea that perhaps being with Minami romantically wouldn't have been so bad, but the thought of it couldn't help but make her burst into laughter back when she considered it. She did think that she and Minami were soul mates, but not in the romantic sense. They were partners and best friends, who faced the same pressures and hardships as two of the front figures of AKB48, but Atsuko would always see Minami as the little girl she met before, who loves ribbons, and who cries easily. She would always be there for her, just as Minami would always be there for her, but what they had was, for her, too cute to be called love.
If only Minami could bring her gifts and roses, maybe...she would've think of it otherwise.
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EXTRA
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[ Atsuko scrolled through her dashboard and she found out that the post was from bakaminalovesatsumina. She was one of their 'shippers' whom Atsuko had followed because she had been posting lots of pictures of her and Minami wherever they go. Strange.
"Another one? How did she get this picture of me in the fitting room?" she asked herself until she heard a knock on her door. She immediately closed her laptop and dashed to open the door and she saw a familiar girl with a ribbon tying up her hair, holding up a stalk of rose for her.
"Minami?" she asked, surprised, "Why did you come back?"
"Have you seen our pictures yet?" Minami asked while grinning.
"Yeah," Atsuko scratched the back of her head, "it earned lots of notes already."
"That's good," Minami said while beaming.
"Good? You're good with it?" Atsuko asked bewilderingly.
Minami turned to her left then right, checking if there are people around. "If it reaches a billion notes, will you be mine?" she whispered.
"EH?" Atsuko jerked on her question.
"A billion worth of notes should be enough for us to make it real, don't you think? bakaminalovesatsumina would be so happy," Minami said as she gave a wry smile.
"Wait, are you that bakaminalovesatsumina from tumblr?!"
"What? So it actually took you this long until you realized?"
"I had guessed it long before. Because you've been posting pictures where only the two of us had gone," Atsuko answered. "I just can't believe that all this time, I had been mailing you...how I am desperately...in love with your dimples."
Minami laughed. Atsuko had indeed mailed her a few times that she found Minami's dimples charming. "So what's your answer? Wanna try our luck?" she asked nervously as she crossed her fingers on her back.
"Yes, that wouldn't be so bad..." Atsuko answered shyly, biting the insides of her cheeks.
"Did I hear a yes?" Minami taunted.
"Yes. Let's do it!" Atsuko exclaimed.
"Really?" Minami loosened her tensed fingers and wrapped her arms around Atsuko. "That's great 'cause I don't think I could ever look at you the same way if you rejected me!"
Atsuko, on the other hand, had been smiling involuntarily and she found herself hugging Minami back, feeling their hearts pounding fast hard against their bodies.
Minami pulled back and handed Atsuko the rose she had been holding. "Can I come in? I brought your favorite pudding," she motioned to the bag carrying the pudding.
"Speaking of pudding, I think I know how to earn a billion notes," Atsuko winked at her.
"So you really wanted to be with me after all, huh?"
Atsuko pulled Minami inside her apartment and closed the door behind them while she pinned Minami against it. Instinctively, she kissed Minami on her cheek and searched for ear to whisper something.
As Minami was resisting her giggles of pleasure with lips grazing her sensitive skin below her ear, her eyes grew wide upon hearing Atsuko's proposition.
"EH? A KISS ON MY BUTT?!" ]
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Louise-sama | AtsuMina | AtsuMina OS | END
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BILLION THANKS FOR READING THIS ONESHOT!
This is just a fanfic. Don't mess up with facts. :)
This fic is what I deem remarkable because this is where I decided to be open with other pairings. As a lot of you know, I'm a die-hard JuriMayu shipper, and lately, MariHaru. I realized that I had been missing a lot of good stories because I wasn't into the pairing involved. I'm sorry for being immature.
From now on, I'll start to read other fics too even if it's not my OTP.
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Louise-san i really like your fic >.< and when you continue kuminon os? I will wait~
and why don't you post "Tasty" os here? I will re-read again if you post in here ehehe :3
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Eh? Well, thank you so~! :D The truth is, I'm stuck with my series. *nervous laugh* f^_^; I only have one reason for my super late updates though: SCHOOL.
I don't think Tasty is appropriate here because ...I think it violates rules of the forum. It doesn't contain smut but somehow it does. You know where to read it though! (⌒▽⌒)
I don't know when I could update the KumiNon. Right now, Home and Breakeven take over my life. So for the mean time, let's wait, OK? :D
Kami-oshi: Matsui Jurina
Oshi: Watanabe Mayu, Oshima Yuko, Yamamoto Sayaka, Yokoyama Yui
OTP: JuriMayu, SayaMilky, MariHaru, KojiYuu, YukiRena, MaYuki, WMatsui, YuiParu, SayaYui, AtsuMina
*ON BREAK FROM TUMBLR*
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louise-sama I have read this fic on tumblr and now you're posted it in this forum. thanks ^_^
I really like this fic ^_^ please make more Atsumina :)
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Thank you amachan! I actually posted the AtsuMina here first though. o(^▽^)o Even though I like Atsumina, it's hard for me to portray them in my fics so I tend to leave writing them to good authors out there. So... My next AtsuMina may take a really long while (or maybe there will be no next time (o_o) oops!).
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After i read this, i don't know why my ear became red hahaha :mon sweat:
Is this really your first Atsumina?? You know it is really Great story!! :on GJ:
I really like this fic !! :mon inluv:
and I hope there will be another Atsumina :mon cute:
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I can't wipe the smile off my face and its ALL YOUR FAULT!!! :on thumbb:
I really like it, a lot! At first, I really thought you were just gonna go down the friend road, but I'm glad they gave each other a chance :shy2:
Even though it is a one-shot, I would really like to see where their relationship will go, now that they are official :luvluv1:
You should really write more on AtsuMina, it is always fun to read another's point of view on them, except for the drama/angst/sadness ones :err:
look forward to your future work :hee:
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Thank you KaoriChan! (^o^)/
Oh, why did they turn red?! Lol. Can't handle that AtsuMina goodness, eh? Yes, this is the first one. You see, I'm not that familiar with the nature of their relationship so it's quite hard for me. Haha. Keep hoping that there'll be a next time then. :D
Thank you lezperv!
*･゜ﾟ･*:.｡..｡.:*･'(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)'･*:.｡. .｡.:*･゜ﾟ･*
I'd be glad to see that smile on your face though lol.
Well, I did intend to keep them friends but decided against since I thought that this might be the last AtsuMina shot that I'll write.
Do you mean a sequel? f^_^;) Give me time to think it over.
Why won't you like drama/angst? They're fun to read too, you know. Haha. And too bad because that's my usual genre~
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Thank you KaoriChan! (^o^)/
Oh, why did they turn red?! Lol. Can't handle that AtsuMina goodness, eh? Yes, this is the first one. You see, I'm not that familiar with the nature of their relationship so it's quite hard for me. Haha. Keep hoping that there'll be a next time then. :D
Thank you lezperv!
*･゜ﾟ･*:.｡..｡.:*･'(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)'･*:.｡. .｡.:*･゜ﾟ･*
I'd be glad to see that smile on your face though lol.
Well, I did intend to keep them friends but decided against since I thought that this might be the last AtsuMina shot that I'll write.
Do you mean a sequel? f^_^;) Give me time to think it over.
Why won't you like drama/angst? They're fun to read too, you know. Haha. And too bad because that's my usual genre~
Woh, why is it the last AtsuMina shot? You make it sounds like you'll really never ever do it again :OMG:
Yeah, I guess I'm requesting a sequel from you lol :P
It's not that I don't like it, its just... sooo full of sadness and drama, its too much, ya know? I don't mind reading good ones, but sometimes author just writes the angst/drama out of nowhere, like "WTF happened?" how did it get from lovey dovey cute stuff to mad/hating/cheating stuff? Also, cuz I don't like being sad >_>
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hahahahahahaha we have to be billions of fans for this couple...
i want to say that they are meant to be but only the time knows....
but i believe in atsumina FOREVER!!!
thanks
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Entry 8: Roses
WMatsui OS | Louise-sama
Few steps away from me, you stood confidently on your sneakers.
I saw roses dangling on your newly polished fingers.
The roses were red like the pure love you offered.
You brought them to your nose, sniffing a lungful of sweetness one can muster.
The street lights flicked open as the sun was hinting its retreat.
You started walking towards me and I stirred inside in defeat.
The twinkling in your eyes was too warm.
And I knew why it’s worth the alarm.
"You've been more beautiful than I last saw you," you said.
Not faking a smile, I blushed and stepped forward instead.
Every growing inch that you take dictates me impulses of impossible ties.
I summoned all my courage to look up to your eyes.
I saw your gaze and I knew it wasn't for me.
A gust of wind blew as you walked pass through me.
"I missed you, Jurina!" squealed someone from behind.
I didn't even have to turn around.
I know for sure, behind me was the twin-tailed girl that you found.
The world fell silent as the two of you held each other.
I heard your laughter and it sent me shivers.
I heard how you slipped a ring on her finger.
On the ground, the tiny roses fell.
Just like how I turned your love down last December.
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Louise-sama | Roses | WMatsui OS | END
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Thanks for creating these fics m(_ _)m
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Original post: http://el-works.tumblr.com/post/128536252720/she-misses-her
Summary: Jurina is broken after Rena’s graduation. Mayu attempts to comfort her and she’s friendzoned…or not.
Entry 9: She Misses Her
WMatsui/JuriMayu OS | Louise-sama
It’s almost midnight. I can’t believe I lost track of time during my date with Yukirin. We went to this karaoke that she likes; it’s been so long since we hung out together.
I missed her.
She offered me to stay the night in her apartment but I insisted that I should leave. As I turn my head to the convenience store across the street, I saw a familiar face with the famous Cheshire grin—except she’s not grinning.
“Jurina?” I called her.
She raised her head from the ground she’s been staring blankly at and smiled a little. She doesn’t look so good—except for the oversized pullover that she’s wearing, which looks really good on her.
I walk to her side.
“What are you doing here? And…” I pointed at the can she’s holding, “is that beer?”
“Relax, Mayu-chan, it’s just coffee. Why would I be drinking beer?”
“I wonder,” I smile as I narrowed my eyes at her.
Her smile faded and looks away.
“Wanna grab ice cream before I walk you home?” she says.
“Sure but are you really walking me home?” I reply as I try not to act excited.
She laughed and led the way.
After finishing our ice cream, we exited the convenience store and took my route. I shouldn’t be surprised that she’s walking me home since she’s a sweet girl but right now, she looks really down. I wonder if this is about Rena’s graduation.
“How are things going on with Rena-chan?”
“Good,” Jurina nods. She went silent for a moment before finishing her sentence. “We still talk.”
“That’s good to hear,” I tell her. It’s a relief. I thought she tuned bitter over it.
Jurina is smiling now. She looks much better when she flashes that smile.
“We were on the phone before you saw me in front of the convenience store. She told me she missed singing and dancing with the group.”
“That’s sweet. We miss her too,” I smile.
She looks away and slides her hands inside her pockets. The streetlights are soft on her skin. She wears a straight face. Her eyes speak of solitude. This is what Rena sees every time they walk home together—or not. Maybe Rena only sees her cheerful side because Jurina is always happy around her. And Rena is the reason behind this expression of Jurina’s.
I wonder if she’s comfortable talking about Rena’s graduation or not. I want to know how she’s feeling.
“How are you coping up?” I ask her.
Jurina’s face softens at my question. I think I see her eyes, misty.
“It’s harder than I thought it would be,” she answers.
“My new neighbor loves melon pan as much as her. I don’t understand why she had to stand outside her apartment while she eats the bread. I smell it and I remember her. The bearded guy in the convenience store earlier was eating spicy noodles. I remembered her. I remember her in roses. I remember her in kissing couples,” she says. I cannot miss the tear that drags down her face as she speaks.
“It’s like I remember her in everything I see, I hear, I taste, or smell,” her words went on, “…or in cute girls I walk home at night.”
Cute, huh.
I rub my cheeks. I feel it burning at her last words.
She stopped walking.
“I know I’ve shown her my support with her decision but… don’t you think it’s a little selfish of her…?” I hear her voice crack.
“Jurina…”
I wrap my arms around her. I’ve never seen her like this before. The moment she sobs, I hug her tighter. Her larger hands drag across my back and she pulls me closer. Hugs sure do wonders. You feel warm. You hear her breathing. It’s comforting. You smell each other and hear tiny whispers gratitude. You look up and see her looking back at you.
For a moment, I was lost in her eyes.
Until a passerby shouted at us, “Get a room.”
The magic was gone and Jurina pulled away.
I fight back the disappointment within me.
“I’m sorry you had to see me cry, it’s embarrassing,” she says as she scratches her head.
I shook my head and touched her wide shoulder.
“It’s… cute,” I tell her.
She stares into my eyes and I hold her gaze.
“Aren’t you a sadist,” she chuckles and pokes my forehead.
We laugh and continue walking.
I’ve witnessed a lot of members graduating from the group. It’s hard to imagine that I have to do it too. One day, I’ll hear 48 and I can only smile because that was the largest turning point of my life. I made a lot of friends here. It’s sad. I don’t feel like leaving.
“I feel like everyone is leaving me…”
Jurina whispers. She glances at me, as if waiting for affirmation.
“I’m not,” I assure her.
Her face beams a little.
“Not until I’m the number one,” I say.
She laughs. I laugh at her laugh. I just find it cute. Everything about her is. She looks at me. She’s confusing me sometimes.
“Wanna take the top together?” I suggest and wiggle my brows.
“What—like Center and Nezumi?” she grins.
“It feels a little weird though. How can Wota be the top, right?” I tell her and she laughs.
“I’m not gonna lose to you, Mayu-chan,” she says. She looks a lot serious than before. “I’ll definitely be the number one, for Rena-chan.”
I force a smile. I think Jurina made it clear on the last part.
“I won’t lose to you too,” I answer her with the same seriousness.
She smiles in content.
“I better get going,” she says.
I didn’t even realize that we were already standing in front of my apartment. Time sure flies when you’re with someone you like.
We said our goodbye’s to each other and I thanked her for walking me home. I watch her walk away. She looks so strong on the outside but she hides a lot of fears inside her.
“Jurina,” I call her and she turns around. “I’m always here if you need to talk.”
That’s right. I’m here for her, even if she doesn’t like me back. After all, we’re still friends.
Jurina nods.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” she waved her hand and walked away.
I was hoping I could get another hug or something but, who am I kidding. I realize that I’m not the princess in her story.
I walk to my door, slowly.
“Mayu-chan,” I hear her call me and I spin around.
“Even when I cry?” she asked. It took me a second to register what she said.
“Even when you cry,” I assure her.
Her eyes find mine. I find hers. We gaze at each other from a distance. Like the sun and the moon.
“Let’s take the top together,” she yells.
She flashed her dimple.
Her dimple and her charming smile.
Before I could even react, she hopped away from my view.
Her sweet giggles echo to the empty street.
I think I need to wash my face with ice immediately. It burns.
I cover my curved lips with my hand.
How unfortunate that she only needs one person and she’s not me.
I grabbed my phone and dialed Yuki’s number.
“I changed my mind. Meet me outside your apartment in 30. I’ll bring beer.”
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Louise-sama | She Misses Her | WMatsui OS | END
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Louise-san you back with another JuriMayu fanfic.. Yeah.. :w00t:
But its so sad, Mayu.. :cry:
Please make another fanfic about them, I'm always love your fic about JuriMayu.. :bow:
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“I changed my mind. Meet me outside your apartment in 30. I’ll bring beer.”
Epic Final!
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Thanks a lot to those who left comments. I'm forever grateful.
Entry 10: Plain Ceiling
A sequel to Thin Walls
MariHaru Ft. Matsui Jurina | Louise-sama
It’s a quiet evening, one of those rare lazy days with nothing remarkable to do. I rest my head on the couch while the TV continues to run the AKBingo program. It has been long since Jurina announced that it’s her favorite show because she gets to see her adorned AKB48 idols, Matsui Rena and Watanabe Mayu. My sister is smiling like a teenage boy upon seeing her crushes play danso. I silently begin to question her humor.
Somewhere in the middle of the gag show, a thought enters my mind.
I turn to my younger sister whose eyes are still glued to the TV.
“Do you still talk to Haruna?” I ask, even though I’m sure that she still does.
Jurina’s curious eyes make their way to mine.
“Yeah,” she replies, “why do you ask?”
I know that she finds it odd—even I would.
I stretched my legs and rested them on the coffee table.
“I still find it weird that you’re bestfriends with my ex,” I admit. She looks at me weirdly.
I raised a brow at her.
“What?” I ask.
“She had always stayed the night here while you were still together. And we have the same tastes in music. It was bound to happen,” she explains.
“I guess you’re right,” I answer plainly. It’s true that they hit it off the moment they met.
I turned my head back to the TV screen even though I’m not really watching the show.
“Why did you ask, anyway? You’ve never asked about Haruna before.”
Oh, no. There goes my sister’s persistence.
“Something just entered my mind, is all,” I try to convince her but fail.
“Pray tell,” she nags.
“Nothing, really,” I answer with a shrug, “I just came across something that reminded me of her.”
Her eyes have not moved from my face, totally abandoning her favorite show.
“Like what?”
I glare at her in annoyance.
“It doesn’t concern you,” I warn her and I saw her flinch.
“It sure does now. Why is it so hard for you to tell me?”
“Because it’s not important.”
Jurina smiles at me like she has just hit a jackpot.
“If it isn’t so important then tell me.”
She sure knows how to push my buttons.
“I just came across a picture of her while cleaning, that’s all.”
“We still have that picture of the three of us displayed on the fridge,” she counters, invalidates my reason, “why now?”
“I don’t know. I just did. Jeez, Jurina, you’re pissing me off,” I groan and she finally gave up.
“Fine, old lady. But if you’re really concerned about her, she’s doing great with her modeling career—and I dunno if this is surprising but she’s hitting it off with Yuko.”
I know the part where Yuko landed a contract with the leading modeling agency in Japan but to think Haruno is dating Yuko…
“Yuko never mentioned about dating Haruna,” I carefully say, not wanting to give off the wrong signals.
“She doesn’t have to tell you. You’re over now.”
“Thanks for reminding me, little sister. Really appreciate it,” I reply with sarcasm and Jurina laughs. “I just thought she’d tell me. You know—girls’ code.”
Jurina shrugs her shoulders.
“Maybe she’s just waiting for the right timing,” Jurina tries to comfort me.
“When I date someone, I always tell her right away,” I argue. Somehow, I feel like Yuko did me wrong. “And this is Haruna we’re talking about. She’s my ex.”
A small smirk creeps on Jurina’s face.
“Are you jealous?” she teases.
“I’m not jealous that my ex-girlfriend is dating my bestfriend,” I answered flatly.
“I can’t tell when you’re being sarcastic.”
I sigh at my own childishness. Yuko is my bestfriend. I’m sure she doesn’t mean any harm.
“They suit each other well,” I repeatedly convince myself.
I cannot see my sister’s face so I cannot tell whether she agrees or not. I’m a jerk so she probably does though.
“And if they’re right for each other, Haruna would finally get married the way she always wanted to.”
“Marriage? Haruna?” Jurina asks.
I glance at my sister and back to the ceiling.
“She’s always wanted to get married,” I rephrase, “not a day went by that we didn’t talk about it.”
“She never brought it up with me,” Jurina admits.
Strange. We always talked about it. Haruna even designed her own wedding dress. I remember her beautiful face when she showed it to me.
“She probably wanted to marry you.”
I take a moment to register what Jurina has said.
The memory of Haruna naked on top of me the night she told me she wants to get married to someone who could make her come thrice—I made her come five times that night.
The memory of Haruna practicing how to cook because she said she wanted to be a good wife—she cooked my favorite dish.
The memory of Haruna writing her wedding vow that she never let me read—I secretly did and saw my name.
Haruna on a wedding dress.
Haruna without a dress.
I miss her.
I miss Haruna.
I miss taking care of her.
I miss being taken care of her.
I smile despite the ache in my heart.
“Shame, you lost a good girl,” Jurina sympathizes with me. She doesn’t have to. At least I know that once upon a tragic fairy tale, she rooted for me. And I’m just grateful for that.
I pat the top of her head and turned to the TV advertisement where Haruna shows up in a wedding dress.
“You’re right.”
Jurina steals a glance at me while I stare at the ceiling. Plain, despite my obsession with glamour—something that Haruna and I have in common. I realize how boring it is. No wonder Haruna complained so much about it before.
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Louise-sama | Plain Ceiling | MariHaru OS | END
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