Yep new chap is here!

And I'm sure it again will be like "WTF?" But the next chap will be from Reina's POV so don't worry

also don't worry about the new facts cos everything will make clear eventually

I wouldn't start anything with intention to leave it behind just like that
The gift
“Here you are.” Miki walks in to the room and hands me...
“Pink?” I look surprised touching the fluff.
“Is this a problem?” She asks putting away her cup of coffee.
“No, not really.”
She’ll look perfect in this...
“Ai-chan are you drooling?”
“Huh? Ano...” I hastily take a sip of coffe ignoring her comment. She sits against me on her leateher, beige sofa and observes me closely.
“Are you sure you want to give her this?”
“You think it’s a bad idea?...”
I was thinking hard about what to buy her on her 19th birthday, I didn’t want to give her something trivial. Necklaces, pendants or rings she has plenty of these. Things like clothes she’ll probably get from other members. I’m sure no one will give her something like this...It matches her rebel side...I can’t wait to see her face when I’ll hand it to her...
“Well, if you ask me I think it’s an awesome idea...but I’m surprised that you are the one who chooses a gift like this...”
She was so shocked when I explained to her the reason of this unexpected visit. She rubbed her eyes in surprise and asked me three times am I serious...But thankfully she agreed to give it to me...And now she stares at me, waiting for any kind of comment but I just smile mysteriously...
“Seems like I wasn’t appreciating you...”
Yep, that’s right Miki...Maybe if you stayed longer in the band...
“But anyway how did you know that I have...”
“ Yossy is very talkative after she gets drunk...” I cut off answering calmly.
“Right I forgot...”
A petite smile appears on her face and her eyes stuck motionless like she would remember something just now. Suddenly, a quiet squeak resounds and the doors behind me open. A tall man enters the room and, by chance, snaps Miki out of her thought . I quickly put my gift into my purse.
“Tadaima.”
“Okairi.” He comes up to Miki and gives her a kiss.
Man and woman in love...That’s how it supposed to be, right? So, why does it look so awkward? Miki with a man? The biggest groper and player in whole H!P left the band for a man? I don’t get it...She told us she loved him but I don’t belive her...However why would she lie?...
“Oh and you must be Takahashi-san. Shouji Tomoharu desu. Hajimemashite.”
“Hai...Hajimemashite.” We exchange polite bows.
He seems to be nice but it doesn’t change the fact that it’s weird to see him with Miki...
“Ok, so I’ll leave you guys alone. I don’t want to bother you.” He winks at Miki and closes the door. I look at her bright smile...similar one she used to give Yossy...
Why do I feel it’s not right for her to act like that towards him?...
“Don’t look at me like this...” She snaps changing her attitude by 180 degrees.
“Gomenasai.” I look down.
Somehow, I feel sad that she is no longer with us...She could be mean, she could harass us but she would always help you if you asked her for something...You could count on her just like on Yossy...
“Look, it’s more complicated than you think...” She sighs taking bite of a cookie.
“You don’t have to explain...It’s none of my business...” I mumble.
To be honest, I would like to hear an explanation but it’s not like she’ll tell me something...
“Yeah, that’s right.”
Just like I predicted...
“Anyway, how much I owe you?”
“Oh forget it. Let’s say it’s also a gift from me...”
“Thanks.” I smile kindly.
I’m not really angry at her...After all, it’s her life and it’s up to her what she will do with it. Besides, Yossy has forgave her already...
“You know I’m pretty sure that Yocchan has a purple version...”
“Purple?”
It’s great color for her! I need to get it...
“Yeah...So, anyway have fun.” She winks at me, grinning slyly and making me blush.
Oh you don’t have to worry about that...
* * *
I stand in front of Yossy’s doors thinking that maybe I should phone her first and inform her that I’ll come...
Oh well, it’s too late now. I just hope she is at home.
I ring the doorbell and hear some vague noises coming from the inside which change into sound of approaching steps. Finally, the door opens and...
“Rika-chan?”
“Ai-chan?”
“Rika-chan?”
“Ai-chan?”
“What are you doing here?” We ask simultaneously (well, maybe I said it a little bit quicker). She stands before me in a blue, dressing gown with messed up hair without a make up even though is... twelve p.m?!
“Who is it?!” A scream from inside the house breaks an awkward silence that fell between me and my senpai.
“Ano...It’s Ai-chan!” Rika informs Hitomi still giving me a wary look. I peer behind her back to see what is going on.
“Ai-chan!” She sticks her head out from behind the frame door. “Give me a second.”
“A, gomenasai. Come in.” Rika moves aside and finally I’m able to enter the house.
“Ai-chan what brings you here?” Yossy asks trying to do something with her tousled hair. She also looks pretty messed up in these well-worn jeans and stretched blouse.
“Oh right! I came for this....” I take out the gift from my purse. “Miki told me you had the purple copy....” I state grinning.
“Yossy...is there something you want to tell me?..” Rika examines the object in my hands.
“Oh...Ano...Miki must have left it here...” She flushes trying to explain herself. “But why you...”
“I want to give it to Reina....She has birthday party today.” I respond innocently ignoring their shocked and surprised expressions.
“Ok...I see...Wait here I’ll go look for it...” I nod and wait for her in the corridor with Rika.
“So... you are with Reina...”
“Mhm...”
And you are with Yossy?... I would like to ask her that...But I don’t know if I’m not reading between the lines...Maybe she just slept over...they are friends after all. Besides, Rika turned down Yossy once...
“I knew something was between you two.” She states proudly. I just smile sheepishly wondering how long it will take Yossy to find...
“I’m back! Here you can have it.”
Great the purple version is even better...but wait a minute...What’s up with those two? Giggling all of a sudden...
I blink in disbelief as Yossy grabs Rika from behind and snuggles her face into her neck, not paying attention to my presence.
I cough hoping it’ll bring them back to earth.
“Oh right, you don’t know yet since well...we decided about that yesterday...Ano...we go out with each other...” Hitomi grins leaning her chin on Rika’s shoulder.
Ee?...But how...? Rika has...It doesn’t make any sense....
What’s more the vuden member begins to kiss my ex-leader....
Ok, maybe it isn’t as awkward as seeing Miki kissing that guy but still it’s surprising...
“Haven’t you turned her down?” I blurt out.
“It was a long time ago, nee?”
Hey! You were suppose to answer me not smiling charmingly at Yossy putting your hands under her shirt and...Geez...
“Whatever...”I mutter and leave them alone to let them have their fun.
So, the Prince and the Princess eventually end up together, huh?...And they lived happily ever and after...
* * *
I get off the elevator and quiet music reaches my ears. It becomes louder as I’m approaching Reina’s door...It’s...Hyokkori Hyoutan-jima?!
What is going on there?
Driven by my curiosity, I bring my ear closer to the door. I hear giggles, squeales, talks...To sum up.... a lot is happening out there...
Wait, hasn’t she said that she invited only Eri, Sayu and Gaki? I’m sure they wouldn’t make so much noise. Well, I won’t find out what is going on unless I come in...
I knock but somehow it doesn’t work or I used not enough strentgh...I knock again this time with my fists and this time... it worked. Reina opens the door and greets me with...”I’m-fed-up-please-kill-me” look on her face.
“What’s wrong?” I ask confused by this not welcoming expression.
“Nothing. Everything is perfect...” She says with ironic grin on her face.
“Perfect?” She takes my hand and pulls me into the dark room where everyone are already enjoying themselves...And immediately I understand what she has meant by her previous look...Sayu gropes tipsy Eri in the corner...Nakazawa is picking up...Aika?! God, she has found another victim....Gaki is calmly sitting on the sofa, sipping juice, checking something in her phone...Next to her sits...Abe-san?! And what she is doing here?...JunJun and LinLin are shouting something in chinese, grinning and running around the room...Guess, they are already drunk...
Reina closes my dropped jaw...
I’m trying to comprehend the whole situation but it’s useless...
“Why they are here?!” I shout as the music is at full volume.
“I would also want to know this!”
“Have you tried the trick with banana?!”
At least we would get rid of the demon...
“It doesn’t work anymore!”
Right I forgot...After she found a banana flavoured liquor she healed her banana phobia...
“Come on!” Reina takes me to the kitchen where is a little bit quieter.
“Nakazawa bring them. I’m sure Eri and Sayu sold us out. And yet I thought it would be a peaceful evening...” She sighs leaning against the table, crossing her arms.
No good, she shouldn’t be sad on her birthday...
“Hey, cheer up, they will leave eventually...” I tug her shirt drawing her closer to me. She reluctantly admits I’m right with a small, cute smile.
“I have a gift for you.”
“Gift?Oh, you shouldn’t have to.You know I’m alright with just being with you...”
“Really?So, I’ll keep it for myself.”
“Eto...I mean if you already...”
“Just joking.” I giggle.
She is so sweet... I know she loves getting presents but won’t admit to that.
I reach to my pocket and hand her a pink box with red ribbon.
“Ano...” She opens the box.
Just as I expected...How I love to surprise her...
“I couldn’t decide which color give you so I took both.”
“Fluffy?...And pink...And purple...”She looks at me rising her eyebrows in disbelief and cracks up laughing.
“Where did you get these?”
“Yossy and Miki helped me a little bit...” I try to hide my shyness and act cooly but I end up blushing and rubbing nervously the back of my head.
“And you are totally serious with this?” I nod enthusiasticlly in respond to her question.
“You are crazy you know.” I roll my eyes at her.
“Of course I am...crazy about you...”I prove this with my kiss...Surely, it wouldn’t end with only one kiss and we would proceed with proving our feelings for each other if...someone didn’t enter the kitchen...
“Ano...Sorry to interrupt you guys, but I thought you would like to know that Eri and Sayu went to your bedroom...” Nacchi explains herself timidly.
“Shit!” Reina jerks pushing senpai out of her way.
Hope she’ll be in time casue if not...another shock awaits her...
“Gomenasai. Seems like I picked the wrong moment.” I flush looking down.
Yeah, you did...but I won’t tell you that since you’re my senpai.
So, I just shake my head in denaial.
She giggles and takes place next to me.
“You probably wonder why I’m here, huh?” She directs her gaze at me like she would be accusing me of something.
Though I’m not sure if she wants me to deny her words or confirm. Well, of course I wonder why. After what she has done to Reina’s friend is rather awkward to see her here not to mention that it’s a little bit insolent to show up here just like that...But I can’t tell her this...
“I’m here cause....I thought I would meet Maki here...”
To meet Maki? She came to Reina’s birthday party hoping Gocchin would be here?...I don’t get this...
“But if you want to meet Maki...”
“Then why don’t you just go to her?” She cuts off.
Maybe I shouldn’t be asking...However it’s not Miki...I won’t end this conversation by saying: “You don’t have to explain. It’s none of my buissnes”... It’s an opposite situation...I feel that she wants me to ask her questions....She wants me to listen to her...It’s like a confession...
“Cause I’m a coward Ai-chan...I wanted to meet her on the neutral ground, not fullly facing her...Just to make sure she’s alright...”
Alright?...How she is suppose to be alright after what you have done to her?...
“To be caught in such a stupid way...Why he had to come in that moment?...”She looks at me with these blurry eyes like expecting me to say something.
Fate can be cruel...First, it gives us years of happiness and then, in one second, it turns our life into hell...Now I also feel down...
“He gave us an ulitmatum...Or we stop it, and they would make sure about that or we’re fired and finished in this buisness...I still remember her piercing gaze...Although she didn’t say a word it felt as if she would shout to me...take my hand and leave with me!...why don’t you tell them you’ll leave with me?!...” Tears run down her cheeks.It’s like she has just moved back in time and reexperienced the whole situation again but from outside observator’s point of view. She looks so miserable that I myself want to join her in crying.
“You all think that I’m a monster leaving her like that...but what good would meet her with me? She is young and talented...It’s better for her to leave Upfront since they didn’t fully appreciated her...She will be a great singer and forget about me eventually...”
I’ve never thought about this like that...Gocchin’s solo career is incomparably bigger than Nacchi’s. She was second after Aya and she had everything to be greater than the greatest idol of HP….But if Natsumi left with her it would be the end of everything for both of them...Perhaps, Gocchin didn’t take this into consideration and felt betrayed by her which turned out not to be true...She did it cause she wanted to protect her, she didn’t want to bring her troubles cause...
“I really love her Ai-chan...I really do love her...” Her face is soaked with tears. She falls into my arms and we slide down to the floor.
“Nacchi...” I whisper, feeling salty drops falling down my cheeks.
I was wrong about her…She’d never told anyone cause she hoped that if no one had known it would last forever...
“Ai-chan...” She lifts her wet eyes to meet my face. “Don’t make the same mistake as I did...”
Wha?...What does she mean? To be more careful?...
“It’s ok now when you are both young and in the same band but…don’t be fooled by that...” I look confused at her serious face.
Why is she telling this to me? I don’t undersatnd...She doesn’t mean that...
“Ai-chan! Is it ok to make out like that with Nacchi on your girlfriend’s birthday party?” Nakazawa opens the door of the kitchen and glares at us with her bloodshot eyes.
“Come with me or I‘ll tell Reina about everything.”
“Nakazawa-san!” I shout at her as she drags me out of the kitchen.
Gah! She always chooses the worst moment for her appearance. She thinks that since she is the oldest she can do whatever she wants...
Of course I don’t have enough strenght to resist her so I’m back into the noisy room.
But as soon as she lets go of me and begins to seductively sing to our poor Aika, I quickly turn around to get back to the kitchen. But to my surprise Nacchi stands just before me, smiling and handing me...a grapefruit?
“Want some?”
What the...?And they say that I’m weird. But being in a deep depression one minute and cheerfully eating a grapefruit next is perfectly normal, right?
“Wah! Stay away from me!” Yuko jumps onto the sofa like she would just notice a mouse on the floor or something. But she isn’t that drunk to see white mice…and she isn’t pointing at the floor...She points at…Nacchi?...Has she completely gone mad?
“Yuu-chan is everything ok?...” Natsumi asks her fellow generation friend approaching her.
I think it never was ok in the first place...
“No,no,no don’t come any closer!” She waves her hands in panic.
What has she drunk?Why is she reacting like that to Abe-san?
I observe closely Nacchi but there is nothing to be afraid of. It’s just the same cute Nacchi she knows then why...Wait...
I concentrate my gaze at Natsumi’s hand in which she holds peeled yellow fruit.
Don’t tell me she redirected her phobia from bananas to grapefruits?!
Before I begin to reconsider how stupid and impossible my theory is I take the fruit from Nacchi’s hand and decide to check this experimetally...
“Want some?” Smiling cheerfully I reach out my hand to the terrified leader of HP.
“AHHH!!!”
Everyone in the room watch stunned as Yuko runs out of the appartment throwing her hands into the air…
So after all I was right....But it’s even worse than it was with bananas or maybe it was because she was drunk?...Well, anyway I finally was able to get rid of her...
“Ano...I’d better go after her before someone will see her and she’ll end up in a hospital for mentally ill...” Nacchi proposes still staring at the door through which Yuko left the room seconds ago.
“Yeah better go...” I giggle taking piece of the sour-bitter fruit.
To think that once I was in love with that person...
“I also have to leave...My dad came to pick me up.”Aika puts on her jacket probably relived that it’s all over and she won’t meet Nakazawa quickly again.
Hope her dad didn’t have a close meeting with our “grapefruit phobic”.
“Wait Mistui. I’ll leave with you.” Gaki quickly grabs her stuff and hastily puts on her coat.
“Already leaving?” I thought she would stay and we could talk a bit since she looked pretty down when I came, so I wanted to ask if everthing is alright.
“Yep.You probably want to stay alone with Reina and I don’t want to bother you.” She puts her hand on my shoulder.
“Gaki-san...” I wonder if she really is ok with that...Lately, we haven’t spent much time together. I don’t want her to feel like I would be neglecting our friendship.
“Don’t worry about me. I’m a bit sad cause Koharu-chan couldn’t come as she has an important exam at school tomorrow, but I’ll be fine you know me.” She winks at me smiling warmly.
Guess, she is right.. Well, at least I hope so...
I give her a goodbye hug and exchange knowing smiles.
After the two of them LinLin and JunJun come up to me. They babble something in chinese . I just nod repeating “hai” pretending that I understand them. But the only word that I’m able to figure out is “Reina”...They probably want me to give her theirs regards...
“Ok.Come you two. We’re coming back to home...” Risa takes them with her and I’m left alone in the room humming Egao Yes Nuudo..
“Anata dakedo watashi emio suzuni tsuyoku shiteyo taskette...”
Wait… there is no taskette in the lyrics...Oh well, I must have made a slip of the toung...
“Anata dakedo taskette...”
Huh?It’s not in the song...
I turn down the volume.
“Taskette Ai-chan!!!!”
Reina?! Crap I forgot about Eri and Sayu!
I burst into Reina’s bedroom.
“Ai-chan! ” My girl cries out to me desperately.
Eri is holding Reina’s hands behind her back while Sayu is reaching to her shirt. They both freez as they notice me.
“Ai-chan...” Reina sobs quietly.
She looks so...desperate, harmless and innocent right now...She gazes at me with her hazy eyes, blushing slightly and breathing rapidly...I feel strangely turned on by this whole view...
“Nee, Leader want to join us?” Eri smirks leaning her head against Reina’s.
Crap! She read through me...I shouldn’t be staring like that when my girlfriend is obviously being harassed by those two...
“Leave her alone.You are drunk and she is your friend and moreover my girlfriend.” I try to sound threateningly. They look at each other, nod and realese her.
“Gomenasai~.” They both bow their heads in shame.
I know they would never do that if they were sober but it’s terrifying how they change after alcohol. And thanks to who all that happened? Of course thanks to Yankee queen...
“Don’t apologize to me but to Reina.”
“Goemenasai Reina~.” She nods at them sobbing and trembling.
Gosh, what have they done to her?...I don’t want to think what would happen if I came in few minutes later.
They leave the room not even swaying…. Are they really drunk?...
“Yuu-chan come for us...” I hear as Sayu whines to her cellphone in the corridor.
We made a deal with Yuko once. She can bring alcohol and even get drunk everyone but then…she must take care of them and safely escort to their houses. It was Kaori-san’s and Nacchi’s idea to make such a deal in order to preserve stories like “Drunk Morning Musume members seen on the streets”.And since Nakazawa-san maintained that there is no party without alcohol she had to agree.
I sit down next to Reina as she squeezes tightly her pillow.
“It’s alright. Nakazawa will take them in a while.” I stroke her head placing it on my chest.
“Ai-chan…never leave me alone with those two…when they are drunk...” She mumbles quietly.
Poor Reina… she has no chances against those two...I also wouldn’t have alone....No matter how tough she is and how harsh she can be, she would never hurt them even in self-defence...The only thing she could do was to cry for help...I must seriously take consequences for Eri’s and Sayu’s actions. They overdid this time....
“Ano...Reina...” I begin sheepishly not sure if she already got over her shock.
“Nani?”
Good her voice doesn’t sound waverily anymore.
“What presents others gave you?” She takes her head out of my arms and looks at me slightly amused.
“You sooo don’t want to know...”
Seems like not only my gift was so orginal and surprising...