i hope my delay is still forgivable.. to my dear readers please accept my sincerest apologies
i was so scared of the thought that i almost lost my drafts when i updated to ios 8... yes, i'm only using my phone in writing (in courtesy of werdsmith lol) thank God i was able to back everything up
this is the 3rd to the last chapter of my zenpen... please let me finish kojiyuu's story here first... then for the last two chapters, i'd be focusing back mainly on atsumina... i plan to finish zenpen before october ends... i promise myself to close this story before i jump to another arc (though i'm itching to write my new couples already lol)
by the way, i find it very tiring to write troubles and dramas... they weren't my forte anyway... so let's try to go back and end this chapter to some lovey-dovey moments and sweetness lol
When the Time StopsChapter 20 Kojiyuu Special Part 2Ne, Yuuchan... why are you being so unfair? Do you know how irresistively... incredibly cute you were earlier? And when you opened your mouth and started to sing... I thought I almost lost it. I felt like my heart was falling harder and harder for you. Your voice touches the deepest part of my soul that nothing else in this world can reach. It's like a long lost part of me has been found. If you only knew how hard it was for me to control myself...
"Kojima-san? Are you listening?" It was Jiro beside me who spoke, then I came back to my senses.
"Ah, I'm sorry. Are you saying something, Jiro?" I asked back. I suddenly remember he's actually in our house right now.
"I was just saying that you were always carrying a cat here in your photos." He said as he takes a look at my childhood photo album.
"I've always had a pet cat since I was a kid." I explained.
Why did I end up with this guy here again? I know I'm supposed to be with Yuuchan, not him. I only have a year left before I leave for Paris and yet here I am spending my time with someone else. Twist of things suddenly happened and it all started weeks ago...
-
It was after class when I saw Matsui-san walking alone with her head down along the school corridors. I really find her a good person, I wonder why she looks upset.
"Matsui-san? Are you alright?" I approached her.
"Kojima-senpai?" She turned her face up. I noticed her eyes are red.
"Have you been crying? Is there something wrong?" I asked with genuine concern.
"N-No... I-I'm alright..." She faced away again. I'm not very much convinced with her answer.
"Look... maybe I'm not the person who can totally cheer you up, Matsui-san. But as your senpai, I just wanted to help and make you feel a little better. So, can you tell me now what's wrong?"
"It's... Mayu-chan." She finally answered. "Sometimes I can't understand why she does things that she knows will hurt me the most..."
"What happened?" I was thinking maybe they fought over something.
"Well.. uhm.. you see.. Mayu-chan and I are close to each other in a special way. It just hurts when she's denying of us."
Special way? So they're like Takamina and Aachan, I thought. I have no idea of what Watanabe-san actually did and I didn't bother to ask for more details. I just tried to gave Matsui-san an answer as positive as possible to cheer her up.
"She might have her own reasons." I said. "People are oftentimes mistaken of their selfishness. But there's always another side of it. We must also try to look at it the other way around. As for Watanabe-san, maybe she's just protecting you or something."
"Mayu-chan is protecting me? Knowing her and her tsundere side, that might be true. But even that's the case, she still owes me an apology! I won't talk to her unless she says sorry!" She pouted like a kid.
I secretly smiled. I find her stubbornness very cute. Reminds me of Yuuchan somehow.
"Anyway. Thank you, Kojima-senpai... I'm feeling a lot better now." She said.
"That's good to hear, Matsui-san."
"Please call me by my first name. Oh! Before you leave! I think this belongs to you..." She gets something inserted from her notebook. And I was surprised to see it was actually a photo of me.
"E-Eh? Where did you get this?" I instantly asked.
"Some boy accidentally dropped it. I'm pretty sure he has a huge crush on you."
I have a stalker?
"Also... Kojima-senpai, you're good friends with Seito kaichou, aren't you?"
"Yes, why do you ask?"
"Well, apparently... that boy who took this photo of yours is causing trouble to your friend. I just think maybe you can help her."
"Takamina's in trouble? What is it about?"
"I believe I shouldn't be the one telling you what happened. I suggest you talk to her and ask her personally."
After that, Jurina-chan and I parted ways. She said she still has a dance rehearsal to attend to. I looked at the photo she gave me. What is it to do with Takamina? I went then to the student council office to see Takamina. I saw her and Aachan inside. They're fighting? I overheard what they're arguing about. It was because of someone who took their photo kissing. The first thing that came to my mind is that boy Jurina-chan mentioned earlier. Aachan cried and walked out of Takamina.
"A-Aachan?" She saw me when she opened the door, but she just ignored me and walked away.
"Takamina?" I walked inside.
"K-KOJIHARU.....!!!!!" She cried out my name when she saw me. I can't do anything but offer my shoulders for her to cry on.
That night I kept on thinking of how to help my friends. They've always been good to me and accepted me. I pulled out our group picture from my wallet and look at their happy faces. It was taken from last year's field trip. Takamina and Aachan are in trouble because of that boy, I can't see them suffer like that. I need to do something.
The following day I talked to Jurina-chan again and asked her the details of what actually happened.
"Jiro is the photographer of our school newspaper team. We can't convince him to take down Seitou kachou's photos. He said he accidentally discovered her romantic relationship with Maeda-senpai by just following you." Jurina-chan told me.
I see... Why am I starting to blame myself?
"I don't mean it's your fault, senpai! That boy's just a total creep!"
"Ne, Jurina-chan. Do you think I can convince him to delete those photos?"
"I heard from Mayu-chan that he's desperately in love with you. Maybe you can use that as an advantage to convince him."
I'm decided. I'll do anything to help my friends resolve their problem and get them back together. Jurina-chan and I later went to the school newspaper team's office to convince the boy once more.
"K-KKKojima-san?!" He seems really surprised to see me infront of him.
"Jiro, isn't it? I'm here to talk to you about some important matter." My tone sounded serious.
"I'm sorry... but if you're going to ask me about the photo... I don't know if I can help you with that." He answered like he already knew the reason why I came.
"I can't believe this! Even your ultimate crush isn't enough to convince you!" Jurina-chan shouted. "Let's go Kojima-senpai, we're only wasting our time here!"
"Matte! You know this is crucial for me. My deadline is up and my credibility as a member of the newpaper team lies here. If only there's something else more interesting to submit, then I'm saved." He explained.
Does he mean a replacement for the issue?
"Oh! That's right, it's you! Matsui Jurina!" He jumped off his seat.
"Nani?" Jurina-chan looks confused.
"Can we invite you for an interview and photoshoot?" He asked.
"Watashi?! Why me?"
"You didn't know? Your popularity rating is much higher than Maeda-san when she was a freshman. You and your dancing skills are famous! You just have to answer some questions, and this will be a sure hit to your fans inside the campus."
"W-Whaaaaatt?! Are you serious?"
"I guess this is the only way we can help
each other. Please think about it." He offered.
"For Seito kaichou and Kojima-senpai... Fine, I'll do it!" She finally accepted his offer.
"Are you sure about this, Jurina-chan?" I don't want to force her on something she doesn't want to do.
"I wanted to help my seniors. Consider this as my graduation gift." She giggled.
"How about Watanabe-san?" I asked again.
"I think she'll understand. There are things that I should decide on my own. She wouldn't mind... I guess?"
And the deal was closed. Two
weeks after, the photos were not released. But it doesn't mean that Takamina and Aachan are already okay. I guess their main issue is not only about those photos but something more.
To: Jurina-chan
I saw the newspaper and you really look good on there. Did you and Watanabe-san talk already?
From: Kojiharu
To: Kojima-senpai
Thanks, senpai. I didn't know that it was very tiring. And Mayu-chan, she's still ignoring me!
From: Jurina
To: Jurina-chan
Talk to her already! Anyway, Jiro invited me out. What do you think I should do?
From: Kojiharu
To: Kojima-senpai
The photos weren't still deleted yet, I'm afraid we just happened to delay the posting of that issue. Can you bear with him a bit more?
From: Jurina
"Nyannyan... who are you texting?" It was Yuuchan trying to take a peek on my messages.
"Nothing, Yuuchan." I turned my phone away.
"Mou~ can I see?" She insisted.
"No. It's private!"
Why do I feel like I'm cheating on Yuuchan? It's not like I'm exchanging messages with a guy. It was only Jurina-chan! But why do I feel so guilty?
"Why is everyone here so busy? You and everybody else!" She asked.
"Eh? Ah, which reminds me. Have you already chosen a university, Yuuchan?"
"Haven't thought of it. I should be discussing it with Takamina but I can hardly talk to her lately."
"Give Takamina some space, you know she's not doing well with Aachan right now." I told her.
Then I brought out my phone again and sent Jurina-chan one last message.
To: Jurina-chan
We need to get those copies and delete them all. I'll try to do something about it.
From: Kojiharu
I went out our room first when classes ended and told Yuuchan I can't walk home with her today. I proceed to meet Jiro and personally tell him that I agree to go out with him. This is only to befriend him for those photos. But I didn't know that Yuuchan followed me.
"Y-Yuuchan!! W-Why are you still here!?" I asked out of my surprise.
I saw her eyes in disbelief with what she's witnessed. This is wrong, but I can't tell her my plans because I knew she won't agree. I invited her to walk home with us together but she just went away and left me. I'm sorry, Yuuchan...
The following day, Jiro and I went out. I can't tell if I can call this a date, it was just too ordinary. I totally felt nothing when I'm with him. I wished Yuuchan is rather here... then suddenly...
"Y-Yuuchan??" I was just thinking about her few seconds ago, then now she appeared.
I noticed she's with Watanabe-san. So, they're close now? I felt a little jealous thinking she's alone with my Yuuchan. I excused myself and grabbed Yuuchan to the side. She then told me she did followed us because she doesn't trust Jiro. My heart skipped a beat when she said that. Was she only trying to protect me? Or was she jealous? I asked her why and then she answered...
"Because I'm your friend!"
That's right... I'm just her friend. What the heck am I thinking? She never said she sees me more than that. I'm so stupid to assume that our closeness might mean something else. I left with my self-disappointment and went back to Jiro.
That next Monday, Yuuchan told me to meet her at the music room after class. I was wondering why because we've never been there before. When I entered the room, I started to hear Yuuchan's angelic voice. She's singing to me and Watanabe-san is on the piano. This the first time Yuuchan sang not in acapella. The piano melody and her voice soothingly goes along with each other. The moment was so breath taking for me and I almost cried because of the overwhelming feeling she's bringing.
When she finished her song, I asked her what's that for. I eagerly waited for her answer, hoping she'd say that she feels the same way for me too. I patiently waited... but she didn't say anything. I was such a fool to convince myself that she thinks of me more than friendship. I realized that those things are too much to expect from her. I started to turn away and without thinking I suddenly compared her to Jiro, saying that I like him because he's honest.
-
And here I am now, still can't get over with what happened earlier in the music room. I'm sitting next to Jiro on our sofa, and yet my mind is full with thoughts of Yuuchan. He and my mom are both photographers. He asked me if he can meet my mom this evening, that's why he's here in our house. I know I'm being unfair to him, he's the person I'm with right now but I'm obviously thinking of someone else.
♪As cherry blossom wind blows my hairI’m unable to hide a single sigh as I walk home alone♪Someone's singing outside? That voice...
♪On the night my dream lost its destinationI told myself, everything is fine, while closing off my heart♪I knew it was her... I immediately ran outside to see her.
♪Please listen to me, moon in the skyI look up, fighting back the tears♪Yuuchan? She's on her headphones and... is she drunk? She then looks at me.
♪Bearing the song of a light petal snowYou’re a princess from a fantasy land♪"YUUCHAN!!!" I ran to her as she fell on the ground and passed out.
This is my fault. Yuuchan became like this because of me.
"Oshima-san's still a minor, isn't she?" Jiro followed me. He noticed Yuuchan's current state and tried to help.
"Don't touch her!" But I only shouted at him.
"Kojima-san?" He was shocked with my actions.
"Jiro, I'm sorry. I can't continue this anymore! The truth is... I'm in love with someone else!!!" There I said it and it doesn't matter if he hates me now.
"I know." He smiled.
"Huh?"
"Because I've been watching you for a long time, Kojima-san. Ever since that day you transferred to our school. I was there when you were alone during your first days. I wanted to get near you but I don't have much courage. But then, one day you started to smile. Yours was the most beautiful smile I have ever seen. I wanted to capture that smile, that's why I became a photographer. Though I know that smile already belongs to someone else... to your most special one." He's looking at Yuuchan as he was speaking.
"Don't pity me, I'm actually grateful. I never imagined that I'd be given a chance to get closer to you and can able to talk to you like this." He continued. "Here, take it. This is the original and the only copy left of Takahashi-san's photos."
"Jiro... I'm..." I don't know what to say to him as he handed over the memory card.
"You're such a good friend, Kojima-san. They're lucky to have you. It's my pleasure that you shared your precious time with me. Hontou ni arigatou gozaimashita!!!" He bowed before me then left.
Jiro's one of the nicest guy I met. I hope someday he finds the right person for him.
I carried Yuuchan inside our house, heading to my room. I gently laid her on my bed. I called her parents over the phone and told them that Yuuchan would be staying for the night. I can't let them see her like this. I stared at her sleeping face.
"Baka, Yuuchan." I said as I touched aside some strands of her hair from her forehead.
How dare you to get drunked, your small body can't even handle alcohol. I watched her peacefully sleeping on my bed. She looks so cute, I probably can't no longer control myself.
"Pay back time." I whispered.
For being such a saddist, torturing me with your sweet voice over and over again. For missing you this much, that I can't even stop thinking about you. For letting me guess what's really inside your heart, hopelessly wishing it's me. For making worry, seeing you drunked infront of my house! Why did you do that in the first place? And lastly, for that kiss you stole from me before when I was also sleeping. Why was it only on my cheeks? But don't worry, I won't just copy what you did. I'd make sure it will be a much sweeter revenge. Because this time, I want you to let me... steal our first kiss.
I leaned closer to her... until finally I close the gap between our lips. Her lips are so soft... it has a strange sweet taste. Was it the alcohol? If it is, then now I understand why people are addicted to it. Or maybe it was her lips? God, it was so addicting... I pulled myself out, before I drown myself to this new sensation.
"Sweetdreams... my Yuuchan." I softly said against her ears. I lie next to her on my bed and tried to put myself to sleep.
I woke up before her the next morning and prepared myself for school. It was only Tuesday and we still have classes to attend to.
"Ughh... My head hurts... Where am I?" Finally, Yuuchan's awake.
"My bedroom." I answered, giving her a smug.
"N-Nyannyan?! How did I get here?"
"You were drunk last night. What the heck were you thinking? You're just a minor!" I yelled at her.
"Sorry, I can't remember a thing." She apologized then she gave a long pause. "By the way, how's you and your boyfriend?"
"Baka. Did you actually think I have a boyfriend?"
I opened my laptop and inserted the memory card which Jiro handed me last night.
"This is why I went out with him." I showed her the pictures.
"Takamina and Aachan kissing?!"
"It's the reason why they're not in good
terms right now. I planned to get these photos and delete them so that our friends won't worry about these anymore." I explained.
I saw Yuuchan smiled and gave off a sigh of relief.
"Say, Nyannyan... I'm just wondering. While you're together, did you guys also... kiss or something..." She asked nervously.
"Hmm... let me remember... Well, one thing I know for sure is that... I did gave up my first kiss..."
"EEEEEHHH!!!??" Yuuchan screamed.
"I didn't say it was with him though."
"Then with who?!"
"That's a secret, ofcourse." I teased her.
"Mou~ Nyannyan's unfair!"
"Why? Is Yuuchan jealous?" I smirked.
"I-I'm... not..." She faced away.
So cute!!! I suddenly kissed her on her cheek. "There... Happy now?"
Yuuchan frozed like a statue. Her face is bright red. She's touching her cheek where I planted the kiss.
"Ne, Yuuchan... we must help Takamina and Aachan get back together..."
She's still not moving.
"Yuuchan are you listening?"
"Un... ofcourse! But can I take a day off first? My head still hurts. Can we just sleep on your bed all day?" She went back to bed and covered herself with my pillow.
Was she actually tempting me? Honestly, it was very convincing. I really... really wanted to but we can't. God, I need a high-dose of self-control here.
"You can't! We have classes today! Your parents delivered you a set of clean uniform. So, get up now and fix yourself! I'd be waiting downstairs."
I gave her a medicine for her headache. We ate breakfast together before we leave for school.
"Yuuchan, osoi... we're late! Wait, are you feeling better now?" I asked before she rides her bike.
"Just a little..." She answered.
"Hop in... but just this once, okay?" I offered her a ride.
Biking to and from school with her like this everyday is one of my memories with Yuuchan that will be tattooed forever in me. Maybe Jiro's right, there's only one person who can bring out the happiest smile out of me. I can never this be happy without the most special person in my life. Because my so-called happiness..... it only belongs to Yuuchan.
TBCkojiyuu!!!!! i'm crying.....
and finally my atsumina for the last two chapters!
i already missed writing them...
thanks for reading!
Topic: ZENPEN: When the Time Stops [AtsuMina - COMPLETED] (Read 68698 times)