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Here is a bonus update. I'm still going to update this Thursday. Douzou~
Things That Mix - 48G FanficMiyawaki Sakura (I)IT HAS been a week since Maru has become one of the photographers of AKB48’s theater performances. Her works are all splendid. She was able to capture the pure cuteness of the members in her every shot. There’s not a shot to be trashed. Whenever her photos are being uploaded in the net, the initials MMG are on the bottom left part of the picture with AKS on the right.
As someone who changes her place every time, she has also gained notice from the fans. They all know that she is the trending #MysteriousMaskedGirl. There were fans that have tried to take picture of her but her pictures turn out weird or blurred every time. She is now being rumored as someone who, for the sake of taking magnificent pictures, sold her own reflection. That’s the reason why no one can take a proper picture of her.
Maru doesn’t work every time it is Team K’s day to perform. No one knows why but she always receives a call from the class that she’s attending every time Team K is performing. All the members of the said team are all waiting for her to take pictures of them.
Despite being a little popular with the members and some of the fans, Maru is also rumored of not having a very good relationship with the members. She only speaks to Paruru, Myao and Yui. She also talks to Milky and Sayaka but they are rarely seen in the AKB Theater that’s why they are exceptions. Other than them, she never talked to anyone else.
Another Team A stage has been to an end. Everyone was packing up and cleaning the theater. Everyone is with their friends preparing to go home. Miyawaki Sakura, originally from HKT48 was alone doing her own stuff. She has been a kennin in AKB for a long time now but she still hasn’t made friends with most of them. Her relationship to them is either senpai-kouhai or just a fellow member. After that there is none. She can’t call anyone her friend. She even admitted it in the HKT48 Documentary.
Everyone is chatting around with their own circle of friends while she’s being left alone in one corner. Being pushed by the management is also hard for her. It is one of the reasons why she can’t easily attach herself to anyone. Suddenly being the center of the 43rd Single and becoming one of the double center of Team A’s 「Set me Free」, together with Paruru is something that a lot of members and fans cannot accept. Why? Because basically she isn’t originally from AKB.
She is tagged as the Destroyer of AKB– Destroying the current one in order to create a new one.
Despite the attention she is gaining, she also finds working with no friends a little troublesome.
The dressing room’s door suddenly opened and a certain masked, bespectacled girl came in. Everyone fell silent while looking at her. On her hand was a phone with a cute cat strap.
“Sorry, I saw this at the rest room. I wonder if it belongs to someone in here.”
Sakura immediately recognized the phone because of the strap. She raised her hand.
“I-It’s mine.” She stammered.
Maru walked to where she is sitting and handed her the cellphone.
“A little scattered brain, are we?” Maru started which made Sakura flinch an eyebrow. “What if some random fan was the one who picked this? Luckily the restroom is exclusive for the staff and members.”
Sakura just looked at her with her mouth open. It has become one of her trademarks. Someone she doesn’t know is lecturing her.
She was even more surprised when she felt a palm on her head. Gasps from the other members can be heard. Maru just patted her head.
“Take care of yourself. Here.” Maru handed her a chocolate drink in a pouch. “It’ll help you clear your mind.”
That’s all and she walked towards the door. She bowed to the other members and looked at Paruru who was obviously in shock with what she did. “See you in a while, Haruka.”
And then she left. The dressing room was then filled with clatters. Every member was giggling at what they saw.
“That was just cool, isn’t it?”
“That was a little tsundere-ish but somehow so romantic!”
“Maru-san patted her head and handed her a drink. Why does it always have to be Miyawaki? Maru-san doesn’t talk to anyone but she talked to Miyawaki and treated her like that.”
Sakura felt her heart beat fast when she heard her name. Someone’s being jealous of her again? Does being treated kindly by that certain girl something to be envied?
“But isn’t Maru-san also sweet with Paruru-san? She just said, ‘See you in a while, Haruka’. She called Paruru-san with her real name!”
“It’s the first time I heard Maru-san’s voice! I hope she will also have a word with me. I wonder how she looks.”
“I bet, Miyawaki will see her face in a bit.”
Sakura cannot stand it anymore. She stood up from her seat and carried her bag.
“Otsukaresamadeshita.”
That’s all and she left. She didn’t even take the chocolate drink with her. Paruru noticed Sakura’s action but she chose not to say anything. She understands her well. Being pushed by the management will bring you one thing for sure—being hated by other members. Fame is not guaranteed, but being hated is.
Paruru was once the pushed one. She knows how terrible it is to have the entire spotlight on you together with the title of being the ‘future ace’. What a heavy burden it was.
------
IN THE MORNING, they had a shooting for the promotion of the 45th Senbatsu Sousenkyo where the girls are seen running. All the girls who participated at the shoot are all considered the future 48G aces. (I’m not actually sure about the participants though.)
The General Manager, Yokoyama Yui was also there. As expected for the soukantoku, she’s doing her job pretty well. It’s the first SSK with her as the GM anyway. She has to do well.
All the members have to do is run and there are cameras in every corner. After running they will get interviewed in the finish line. The last one to run was Sakura. She readied herself so that she will be able to run nicely, not her Evangelion way of running.
She ran well as she practiced although her arms circled a little midway. She was surprised to see who is with the camera man in the finish line. It was Maru with her DSLR focused on her. After the interview with the camera man, she went to rest on a shade away from the others. Sports isn’t really her forte. Her athletic skills are nothing compared to Jurina’s.
“So you can really run normally.”
She suddenly jerked after hearing that voice. She looked up to see that it is the masked girls with round glasses. She suddenly remembered the scene yesterday when some members started talking ill about her because of this girl. Sakura ignored Maru.
Maru opened a can of chocolate drink. It was the same brand as the chocolate drink she gave to Sakura yesterday. “You want some?” She asked the HKT ace but she was ignored once again.
Sakura heard gulping sounds. Maru is drinking the chocolate drink which means she has her mask off. She immediately looked up to the girl to see her face but to her dismay the girl’s nose and eyes are covered with the mask.
“What’s up with her? It’s too hot today but she’s still wearing a mask and those arm bands.” Sakura thought. She shook her head, discarding the thought that she wants to see Maru’s face. She closed her eyes to take a little rest.
“Hey, you two! What are you doing out there? Come here and take a rest at the tent.” That was Yuihan waving at them from the tent. Sakura responded to Yui’s call and stood up. Before she even took her third step Maru spoke, “Don’t overwork yourself.”
Sakura turned to her but didn’t look straight to her eyes.
“I don’t know why you are suddenly being nice to me but… please stop treating me differently from the others. It doesn’t help me at all.”
Maru didn’t respond a word. She just looked at Sakura’s poker face. Sakura gave a bow and then left. She ran to the tent and was welcomed by Yuihan.
“Hey, Maru-chan! Come here!” Yui called her again.
Maru just raised her right hand up and nodded. She stayed at the shade and checked her camera. The most recent photo she captured got her attention. It was Sakura running but looking a little shock while staring directly at her direction. Her eyes and mouth were wide open.
“Why a reaction like this?” Maru asked herself curiously.
------
MARU just got out of the shower room when her phone buzzed. Her hair is wet making it look a little longer. She went to open a can of root beer before she dropped herself at the sofa and focus her attention on her phone. It was Paruru who sent her a message through LINE.
(I’m too tired to make the conversation like what I did before so bear with me, please?)
Haruka: Good evening Hoshi, have you already eaten your dinner?
Maru raised her eyebrows after reading the short message of the salty queen.
Hoshi: It’s already 10:30 in the evening. Of course I have already eaten dinner.
Haruka: Oh, I didn’t notice the time. We are just about to take our dinner.
Paruru sent Maru a picture of her with her dinner. She’s currently on a shooting of her drama called ‘Yutori desuga nanika?’ She sent another picture together with her co-stars.
Hoshi: Your dinner is late. You guys should eat on time, especially you.
Paruru smiled with that ‘especially you’ at the end of the sentence.
Haruka: Don’t worry; I had some chocolates during short breaks. I didn’t run out of energy at all. Thanks to your advice. J
Hoshi: Good. You’ll not grow fat with that because you are using your energy continuously. Trust me.
Haruka: You sounded like my guardian. Haha. Can I call you?
Hoshi: Aren’t you busy? You should take this time to relax.
Haruka: Don’t worry. It’s pack up already.
Hoshi: If that’s what you wish Ojou-sama.
Soon after she sent the last message her phone started ringing. Maru picked it up.
“Haruka?”
Paruru’s heart jumped in excitement after hearing the first word from Hoshi. It is something that will give her more energy enough for her to keep going for another six hours.
“Hello? Haruka? Are you there?”
“Yes, I’m sorry I just swallowed my food first.” Paruru lied. She was actually at a daze for a moment that she wasn’t able to speak. “How are you? How was today’s work?”
“I just got out from shower.” Maru answered while drying her hair with her towel. “Today’s okay as well. I got to work with Soukantoku-san and the others. After that I went to a lecture. How about you? How’s your day?”
“It was also okay. The story is nearing its end. It’s really interesting. I got to work well today and I got praised by the Director.”
“It’s nice to hear that. You’ve already grown as a real actress.”
Paruru smiled to herself. Being praised by her Hoshi brings her joy as well. Really weird. She suddenly remembered the main reason why she called. She took one deep breath.
“Hoshi…” she called. “I heard from Yuihan that you were all over Sakura-chan at today’s shoot. Is that real?”
“Ah? That girl?” Maru paused a little which made Paruru thrilled in suspense. “The girl from HKT, right? She seems like she doesn’t have a lot of friends in AKB that’s why I’m trying to help her.”
“You’re the one to talk?” Paruru laughed at the other line. “Thank you for taking care of Sakura. I know that she’s having hard times but I just don’t know what to say to her. I’m not a good senpai to start with.”
“Oh,” Maru said in a teasing tone. “So the Legendary Salt is worried about Sakura, huh?”
Paruru puffed her cheeks. Here goes Hoshi again.
“I’m sure you puffed your cheeks, right?” Maru laughingly teased her from the other line.
“Eh? How did you know?” Paruru asked.
“I just know. Haruka is so cute when she puffs her cheeks.”
Paruru smiled sweetly. She felt blood rushed in her cheeks. She looked around her if others can see her. Good for her everyone is busy doing their own stuffs.
“I have one more question Hoshi.”
“Go on.”
“Is Sakura-chan your oshimen?”
“Eh?!” Maru shook her head in disbelief. “I thought you are going to ask something important. Why are you so curious about my oshimen?”
“I just want to know if it is Sakura-chan or not.”
Maru released a sigh. “It’s not her. I told you, if I see my oshimen I might not be able to talk. Do you want me to tell you who she is? I don’t really mind.”
“No, no, no. I don’t need to know who she is now.”
“You’re weird, Haruka.” Maru laughed.
“You too, Hoshi.” Paruru snickered. “Okay, have a good—“
“Wait, are you hanging up?”
“Yes, why? My manager already gave me the signal.”
“Are we going to see each other tomorrow? Tomorrow… there will be a handshake event, right?”
Paruru’s heart was once again shook by Maru’s words. Her tone even felt like she really wants to see her. Paruru felt like jumping.
“I’ll be there of course. There are still people who want to meet me anyway.” She tried her best to keep her voice calm.
“Okay, I’ll bring you some chocolates tomorrow. Take care in going home. See you tomorrow.”
“Yes, see you tomorrow. Good night, Hoshi.”
“Good night, Haruka.”
After the good night greetings, Paruru hung up. Biting her lower lip, she hugged her phone and started walking towards her manager.
“You seem to be in a good mood, Paruru-chan.” The manager noticed. “What’s up?”
Paruru just shook her head and flashed a super cute smile.
“Let’s get home fast. There’s a handshake event tomorrow.” *another extra cute smile*
After the conversation with Paruru, Maru opened her chatroom with Hiroko. She then left a message.
“Hiroko-san, how are you? I’m doing fine. I decided to help the people around me. I wonder if I’m doing well. I just don’t know how to really express myself. Working as a photographer is really fun especially I’m working with AKB. It’s all thanks to you and your family. I think I’m finally living. I’ll work hard as well tomorrow. Wish me luck.”
Her message went that way. She messages Hiroko every night to avoid giving worries to her guardian. She knows deep in her heart that she’s already attaching to these people. Her instinct tells her to start making distance but her inner child wants to try trusting. Someone with a past like hers has lost the ability long time ago but can that be developed?
It didn’t take long before she received a reply from Hiroko.
“I’m glad to know that from you, Neko-chan. Sleep early if you have a work tomorrow. Ae-ri’s busy studying for the entrance exam but we’ll see you soon. Good night my Neko-chan~O(≧∇≦)”
Maru smiled and closed her eyes. She rested her back at the sofa.
“Somehow, this feels nice.”
--------
“WOW, so this is how the legendary handshake event looks like.”
Maru whistled looking at the huge amount people flocking in that place. It’s still an hour early before the event starts but the place is almost full with people who want to meet their idols.
Speaking of the idols, they are already preparing at a certain tent. Some are busy with their make-up, some are having their breakfasts and some are just busy taking pictures to be uploaded to their social media accounts. The atmosphere of the place seems really nice. Everyone is on high spirits.
Togasaki spotted Maru and went near her. Maru immediately greeted him. “Ohayo gozaimasu.”
“Ohayo, Maru-chan. I’m counting on you today as well.”
He tapped her in the shoulder and immediately left. Looks like he really is a busy person. He’s like a father to all those girls; busy preparing all the things for his babies.
Maru jerked when she suddenly felt an arm arced around her neck. She looked back to see a smiling Sayanee.
“Long time no see, Maru-kun. Did you miss your Saya-papa?” Sayaka greeted her while raising her eyebrows up and down.
“Distance please. You might kill me with your chin.”
“Hora!” Sayaka messed Maru’s hair. “You’re just like your Mama; always teasing me with my chin!”
“You’re so lively this early, Sayanee?” Both of them looked at the back to see Yuihan with her hands in her waist. Standing behind her is Paruru.
“Don’t abuse my child right there.” Yui said to Sayaka.
Maru shook her head. “Here they go again.”
“Your child? This is my child right here.” Sayanee tried to mess Maru’s hair but the latter was fast to swat her hand away.
“Do you want to decide who the father is with a battle?” Yui suggested. “If you got more people in your line than mine then I’ll surrender my fatherhood. If I got more then stop claiming to be Maru-chan’s father.”
“Hey, hey, hey! Aren’t you having goose bumps with your terms? Stop deciding about my—“
“Fine, Yuihan!” Maru released a heavier sigh after being ignored by Sayanee. “I’ll accept the challenge like a real father! But first let’s go get something to eat for now.”
“Okay! I’m starving as well.” Yui looked at Paruru. “You want to join us for breakfast?”
Paruru shook her head. “I’m fine. I had breakfast at home.”
Yui then turned to Maru. “How about you, Maru-chan?”
“I’m also fine. I already ate.”
“Okay!” Sayanee then arched her arm to Yui. “Let’s go Soukantoku-san~”
“You’re just trying to be cheerful because Milky is not here, right?”
“Shut up, Soukantoku-san.”
“You called me Soukantoku but you told me to shut up just like that?”
Maru and Paruru just watched the two dorks go away.
“Those two are really into the role of being my father, huh?”
“Seems like they.”
Maru then turned to Paruru. She was not able to notice it earlier because she was standing behind Yui but Paruru is out-of-this-world gorgeous today. Her bangs are swept away from her face with a braid and her hair is beautifully and naturally down. Her cute one piece outfit completes her doll-like fashion.
Maru wasn’t able to speak for a moment. Although Paruru isn’t her oshimen, the fact that her weakness is cute girls will never change. All people who like idol groups are like that, aren’t we?
“Hoshi?” Paruru called her, more of a whisper. The dazed masked girl snapped back to reality.
“You look a lot more beautiful today, Haruka.” That sentence slipped from her tongue. She immediately bit her stupid tongue after saying that; cursing herself for being into cute girls.
Paruru’s cheeks got tinted with red. She didn’t know why but she just wanted to look at her best now that she’s going to meet a certain eye-glassed girl.
“Well, you won’t be in the top 100 most beautiful women on earth if you aren’t beautiful.”
Maru finally got her cool back and pulled something from her bag. It was a pack of chocolates. She reached for Paruru’s hand and handed it to her.
“In case you need more energy for today.” She smiled at her and as usual patted her head. “I’ll take your pictures during the event so smile a lot, understood?”
Paruru nodded in affirmation.
“Good, see you around.”
Maru was about to go when Paruru halted her by pulling her arm.
“U-Uhmm… You want to go around with me? It’s still a little early isn’t it?” The beautiful lady suggested. Maru noticed the different vibe Paruru is exceeding.
“O-Okay.” Maru stammered. “I also have to familiarize myself with the venue.”
Paruru smiled at her so sweetly. They walked around while talking of small things. The members who see them are either surprised of being taken by storm as if a royal couple is walking right before their sight. Maru has already taken a lot of titles. One of it is being an Ikemen-like lady. She doesn’t talk a lot to them but when she takes their pictures they all get excited at some point. Seeing her with the immovable ace, Shimazaki Haruka, feels like a hot topic among members. Well, no one can blame the girls from shipping girls to girls. They aren’t allowed to fall in love in the first place.
They were walking near some members when Sakura came rushing. She arrived a little late which is very unusual of her.
“Sakura-chan, ohayo.” Maru was surprised to hear Paruru greeted first. Normally, she’s the one who returns the greeting. The salty queen has some people close to her, hasn’t she?
Sakura stopped before her. Chasing for her breath she greeted back. “Ohayo, Paruru-san.”
“You’re a little late today. What happened?”
“Oh, she’s acting like a real senpai.” Maru thought to herself.
“I overslept a little. I slept late because of the Show Room. Sorry Paruru-san, I have to go ahead.”
“Wait.”
Sakura turned back. She was surprised to see a flying chocolate bar towards her but she was fast enough to catch it. It came from Maru.
“You don’t have time for breakfast now. You can have that as a substitute.”
The members seeing them started to giggle but Sakura misinterpreted it as sounds of murmurs against her. She looked at the chocolate in her hand before marching towards Maru. She stretched her hand to return the chocolate.
“Sorry, I don’t eat chocolates.” Sakura stated without looking straight to Maru.
“Oh, my bad.” Maru received the chocolate back. After that Sakura ran away.
All the other members started to talk about her for real because of what she did to Maru’s kindness.
“What’s with Miyawaki? Last time I saw her she was munching some chocolates.”
“Receiving chocolates is like a love confession and rejecting it is like a love rejection. Why did she do that?”
“Hey.” Maru called out to the gossiping girls. “Who wants this chocolate?”
The girls shrieked with joy and all of them raised their hand. Maru just threw them the chocolate and turned her back to them. She didn’t bother to see who won over it.
“That’s a nice way to silence gossip.” Paruru stated, smiling to her Hoshi.
Maru smiled back at her. Even though she is wearing a mask Paruru knows that she smiled.
“Ne, Haruka. Since you are that captivating this early morning, ‘want me to take picture of you? Something that you can upload to twitter or instagram?” Maru suggested.
Paruru’s smile widened. “Sure. Would you also take a two-shot with me?”
Maru laughed but then her expression changed. “Hell no.”
TBC
note: this is just a fanfic so don’t take this seriously.
