The Unfinished Story - Chapter Twenty (Part 4)
xXxXx
It’s been an interesting time so far - more interesting than Daiki expected it to be since Rei turns out to be so much easy to hang out with. It didn’t take him long before he can have a casual conversation with her. She’s just naturally his type of person to talk to and hang out with - it’s like there’s really no difficulties since they pretty much have so much in common, it surprises them both.
Inoo was with them all this time though Inoo just enjoys listening to Daiki and Rei talk. It’s funny that they even like the same book and movies. In a way, you’d think they’ve known each other for so long.
Eventually, there was a that huge flash up front - a projector is on the works, and its showing them the current time. It’s like new year… then again it’s not. “Ah… there it is…” Inoo spoke, pointing at the clock, “They do this every year… Last year, they put up the clock an hour early…”
“It’s like New Year…” Daiki uttered.
“I wish my school would hold more stuff like these…” Rei followed, then she blinked and took her phone out. “Hai…” she said, nodding and Daiki didn’t really feel it right for him to watch her take her call so he and Inoo randomly talked. But he can’t really help overhearing what Rei is talking about. “Right now? Here?” She asked, and Daiki looked at her - she’s now looking around, as if trying to find someone. “But you said you’re not coming….” Her voice trailed off, soon enough she ended the call and looked around again.
“Looking for someone Rei-chan?” Inoo asked, noticing their new friend looking a bit anxious - it doesn’t seem like in a bad way though…
Rei smiled shyly and nodded, “My boyfriend said he’s here as well…”
With that, Daiki and Inoo’s eyes were suddenly wide as heck, “YOUR BOYFRIEND?” Inoo asked - more like, he cleared this one out. Daiki’s not sure why, but he felt so relieved he felt like his knees were gonna fall apart. At the back of his head, he can’t help but hear himself laughing - what the hell is wrong with this guy?
“We had a little fight the other day…” Rei’s words were trailing off… “See, he goes here…” It’s funny how she’s suddenly all over the place, not really as organized with her words as before, “I’m feeling nervous…”
“Why?” Daiki asked, curious to hear this story. It’s like he’s suddenly interested in Rei in a totally different level. “Your fight I mean… what’s the matter?” he tried to ask in way that he’s not too prying - Inoo looks as curious as he is.
Rei fidgeted a little, then looked around as she answered, “Well… we weren’t really having much time together lately, then when we were talking… we both kind of snapped…” She laughed a little, “Then I told him I’m going to this Christmas Party, and he got so mad because he told me ages ago he couldn’t attend…”
Inoo chuckled, “Relax Rei-chan…” he patted her shoulder. Her nervousness is so evident with her way of speaking.
“Why couldn’t he attend?” It was Daiki who asked - then a flash of Line-chan in the café this morning zoomed in on his head like mad.
“He and his family were off to Osaka…” Rei’s voice got even tinier, “It’s not like I have to sulk at home just because he’s not around…” she then pouted, “My mom noticed and she told me to just attend tonight.” Her smile was bright again, “And I’m really glad I did because I met you guys…”
“You hear that Dai-chan?” Inoo asked, pointing at Daiki, “It’s not like you have to sulk just because she’s not around…”
“Daiki-kun’s girlfriend is on a vacation as well?” Rei asked, looking curious herself and Inoo shot a look back at Daiki as if saying he’s leaving all the talking to him from here on.
Daiki’s eyes widened a bit, he can feel his cheeks burning, “EH? Ah… no… no…” he started stuttering, “I… I don’t have a girlfriend…” suddenly, there was a change in his tone, “S-she’s not my girlfriend…." Yet… A part of him wishes he could utter that last word out loud.
With the slightest voice of that last part of his sentences, Inoo and Rei burst out laughing, Daiki can only feel his face explode like a volcano. He then acted like he’s mad at them but Rei just patted his shoulder, “Sorry Daiki-kun… it’s just that… the way you said it…”
“IT’S SO HILARIOUS!!!!” Inoo has tears on his eyes as he keeps laughing.
“No! It was cute…” Rei countered, hitting Inoo lightly. “Don’t let him get to you.” She smiled, as Daiki just rolls his eyes, but his face is still so hot - him wearing a mask doesn’t really help. “But really… I thought you have a girlfriend…”
Inoo, who just finished battling with his laughter, looked at Rei in disbelief as he heard her say this, “REALLY?” he asked, pointing at Daiki again who tried shoving his hand away from his face, “This guy?” he chuckled, “Does he really give off that aura?”
Rei nodded, “Totally… I mean, he’s a perfect gentleman, he’s nice to talk to, but there’s… a reserved feeling… I’m sorry, it’s weird talking about these things…”
“Women’s instincts…” Inoo said, putting a hand under his chin. “What about me?” he grinned.
“You look like you’re not sure if you wanna commit to anybody.”
“Ah… that’s fast.” Daiki uttered, and Inoo had a straight face - this made Daiki laugh right on. “SHE GOT YOU YO!”
Rei was waving her hands, “It’s not like it’s a bad thing… Gomen ne Inoo-kun…”
Inoo, mocking a hurt face, “Women…”
With this, the three resumed talking about Rei’s boyfriend and how he’s probably around there somewhere since he said he didn’t really go to Osaka with his family as planned. “Well, it’s impossible to really look for him.” Inoo said, after getting a bit tired stretching their necks. “Not with everyone with masks on.”
“Sou ne…” Rei uttered, looking at her phone.
“What’s his name? He’s probably someone I know…” Inoo asked, “If he’s in your batch that is…”
“Kojima Daichi.” Rei answered.
“Oh…” Inoo pouted, “Wait… I think…” then he throws his hands up, “Nope… my ever so epic student directory inside my head tells me I haven’t met him…”
“I think I know that guy.” Daiki answered. “Our teacher in Computer Science weirdly list names via first-name first, I’m sure I saw his name.” He sounded like things are registering in his head suddenly.
“Oh, so you’re classmates then.” Rei uttered, “Well, I do find it a bit weird the first time I heard Inoo-kun call you ‘Dai-chan’…” she laughed a little, “At first I thought you guys are a couple.”
“WHAT?” Daiki and Inoo scowled at the same time and Rei just kept laughing.
“Well, it’s because that’s how I call my boyfriend… Sorry…” She giggled and on goes Inoo and Daiki about asking Rei if they do give off a weird ‘couple’ aura - Rei suddenly loved teasing them.
Soon enough, Inoo said he felt like eating something so he excused himself and left Daiki and Rei talking about random things again. As he walk over the buffet table, he can’t help but keep on challenging himself bow many people he can really recognize even with their masks on - really, this whole masquerade thing sure is interesting, but wearing a mask for this long is kind of annoying. He pulled his mask up a bit, rubbing the sides of his eyes a little, then puts it back on. It amazes him how most people still keeps it on.
All over the place, lots of different kinds of masks can be seen - people were given the liberty to design it anyway they want. They were all given the same base-mask, and it’s up to you what you wanna add or whatever else you feel like doing to it.
As for Inoo, since he’s not really the type to do so much trouble, he just painted his with silver, making it look kind of metallic-like. Daiki didn’t even bother doing anything to his, so his was just plain white. A lot of people seem to have put some efforts into their masks, some didn’t do anything to them (like Daiki) but the default look of it looks presentable enough anyway. Rei painted hers with Pink and she puts some little glitters on it - it looks simple yet classy. Inoo noted that one guy who painted his mask bright red it’s creepy… a girl walked by with her mask attached with some ridiculous long orange feathers, some with wires sticking out…
Upon finally getting his few slice of cake and some fruits, Inoo went back to their spot and saw Rei talking rather excitedly to someone over her phone and Daiki has his back turned.
Inoo walked over to them, and as he stood, he dropped his spoon and poked on Daiki, asking him to hold onto his plate for him.
But Daiki wasn’t really taking his plate. “Oi Dai-chan…” Inoo irritatingly spoke, frowning as he looks at Daiki. “Dai-chan?” he asked, and Daiki just stood there, staring back at him. He can’t really tell the complete reaction on his friend’s face since they’re wearing masks remember?
“Dai-chan?” He asked, and Inoo almost dropped his plate, shocked hearing his voice different. “Who?” the guy - apparently, not Daiki, looked at Rei then pointed at Inoo.
“Ah… no, no…” Rei, finally back with them, holding her laughter, “Inoo-kun…” She said, smiling sheepishly and holding onto that guy beside her. “This is my Dai-chan…”
Inoo blinked, and he felt like some jelly fish stung him the moment he felt someone tap behind him. He turned around and almost shrieked - here stands another ‘Daiki’ in front of him. “Dai-chan?” He asked, and Daiki laughed. “Woah, what’s going on here?” Inoo asked, looking suspiciously at Daiki and that ‘Daiki’ Rei is holding onto.
Rei laughed, Daiki did too, and this other ‘Daiki’ as well. Soon, Rei took off her ‘Daiki’s mask, revealing a totally different person. “Inoo-kun… This is Kojima Daichi…” she smiled as Inoo nodded.
“It’s scary how you guys look alike with your masks on.” Inoo uttered, shaking Daichi’s hand.
“Their tuxedo’s look almost the same too, ne?” Rei followed.
“And the hair as well.” It was Daichi who said this, and Daiki, Inoo and Rei all laughed
“Guys with hairs like these look awesome…” Daiki even followed, and this made Daichi offer up a high-five to him making Inoo and Rei roll their eyes.
It was an interesting moment, and soon Rei puts back her boyfriend’s mask, saying he’s probably the only one without it, and soon all four of them were talking.
Daiki and Inoo learned a few more things about Rei and Daichi, and Daichi even said he does know Daiki from class as well. When they came to the topics about couples and how Daiki and Inoo seem to not have dates, Daichi uttered, “I thought you and that girl beside you during class are dating…” He asked, looking at Daiki. “I don’t know her name, but that loud one…”
“Asuka-san…” Inoo said, with a bright smile. “Is she kind of this height, with kind of brownish hair, and always in frilly clothes…” His grin was then evident.
Daichi held his laughter, “Yeah.. yeah… that’s her…”
“No, she’s not my girlfriend.” Daiki’s voice was firm - straight. If things were said in this manner, everyone would sound scary.
“Not yet…” Rei added, “Is she the one you’re planning to confess to?” her question came out so innocently.
“OH NO…” Daiki was quick to dispel the misunderstanding. “No, not her.”
“That Asuka-san… she annoys me sometimes when she keeps trying to butt in during lectures…” Daichi felt more at ease with them so it seems, “Sorry, had to say it.”
“Oh… please, tell us more.” It was Inoo who said this, and soon enough Daichi was telling them about his little ‘problems’ with Asuka.
Eventually, even with Daichi’s humbleness, Rei blurted out to them that he’s actually a real geek when it comes to computer programming, so that explains why he finds Asuka annoying. To him, it’s like Asuka is trying her hardest to make it look like she’s the best. “I mean, it’s true she’s really good and all that… But it annoys me that she has to shove it to our faces every day in class.”
Daiki can only nod. “She helps me, but yeah…”
“Oh sorry… She’s your friend…” Daichi sounded sorry alright - this guy is definitely Rei’s boyfriend - they give off the same aura.
Daiki was quick to just brush the little awkwardness, “She’s… okay…”
“She’s had a few interesting episodes with this guy even out of class hours.” Inoo said this, nudging at Daiki, making Rei and Daichi looking rather curious - Daiki rolling his eyes. And with that, Inoo started telling some random Asuka moments - it just doesn’t fail to amuse anybody who hears about her… erm… determination.
xXxXx
Half an hour and soon it’s midnight. Louise and Ryosuke went for the Yamadas spot so that Louise can come pick Raido up. The moment they got there, Louise felt a little awkward realizing this the first time she’s going to meet Ryosuke’s family.
“I think they’re right over…” Ryosuke stretched his neck a bit, “…there…” he said, then he frowned, “Umi-chan…” he uttered, pointing at his family’s direction.
Louise, not really good at looking at things far away especially without her glasses during night, just grabbed onto Ryosuke’s sleeves and pulled him towards the spot he was pointing at.
The moment they got there, eyes were on both of them. “Ah. They you are…” Anne spoke, “We were wondering where you’ve ran off to…” She said, smiling at the old couple and apparently, this new couple now sitting with them - along with two daughters and… “Ah… Yamada-kun…” Anne greeted at him as well.
Louise and Ryosuke were silent for a few seconds, staring back at the people looking at them. “Obaa-chan… Ojii-chan…” he uttered, “Umiko-san…” he then looked at Anne and Jiro, “You guys know each other?”
Anne, looked around her and then to Jiro, then to Louise, then back at Ryosuke, “Oh ho… So you’re that only grand-son they were talking about!!!” Anne said, and this made the Yamadas laugh. “Ah… That's why their surname sounded familiar" Jiro wisphered something like he was talking about Ryosuke a while ago, but Anne just pretended she didn't hear him, then she continued, "The world is tiny…”
Raido then runs up to Louise as she picks him up, and Misaki was just about running after him. “Thank you for taking care of him…” Louise uttered, and Misaki just smiled at her - she looks exactly like her brother, only with longer hair.
Soon enough, Louise and Ryosuke settled on their spots, pretty much next to each other, with their families around them. “Well…” Ryosuke uttered, wrestling a little as Raido tries to snack on his sleeves, “This is interesting…”
“Where have you been anyway?” Anne asked, nudging at her daughter, “One moment you were here, next thing we know you and Raido were gone.”
“Your phone’s dead as well.” Jiro added.
“Ah…” Louise uttered, nodding to herself, “I was walking around talking to Yuto, then I tripped and dropped my phone.”
“Oh. You didn’t hurt yourself dear?” It was dear Yamada-grandma who said this - she looks genuinely concerned, and there’s that gentleness in her that seems familiar to Louise.
“Luckily Yama-chan… Erm… I mean, Yamada-kun, was there, so I’m okay.” Louise smiled, looking shyly at Ryosuke who seems to shot her back a look that says he’s not sure what she’s trying to play.
Soon enough, everybody were busy talking about random things, and then they were talking about family stuff - it was easy for Anne and Jiro to dispel the thought that they’re still a couple - the Yamadas were very accepting and not too prying about it - a good way to deal with things as such…
As for Louise, she’s been stuck with Misaki and Chihiru, along with Ryosuke and the three dogs - the sisters were pretty much caught up in asking Louise every single thing they can think of - whether its about their brother or not. Misaki also told her that they saw her earlier today when she dropped Ryosuke home, then came the topic of her transferring to Horikoshi on such short notice, and with her being friends with Ryosuke’s friends.
“You’re really lucky Umiko-nee-chan…” Misaki uttered, “I mean… You’re friends with nii-chan’s friends.” She smiled, “Never mind nii-chan, but most of his friends are pretty popular even in my school.” Right off the bad, Louise felt like Misaki’s comfortable with her already (oh come on, she addresses her as a nee-chan. Poooof)
Louise frowned, “They are?” she looked genuinely surprised, “Hoh…” her eyebrows raising a bit
Chihiru put a thumbs-up towards Louise’s direction, “I have the same expression when I first heard this.” She then looked at her brother, “I mean, look at him and his friends…. They’re mostly… I dunno, a bunch of guys doing normal things.”
“You’re old. You’ll never understand teenagers like us Nee-chan…” Misaki pouted
The sisters then started bickering and Ryosuke was just shaking his head. “It’s… everyday life for me.” He said, as if stating the obvious.
“But really… most of my classmates know Nii-chan and Chinen-kun because they play soccer. I hear some of them know Okamoto-kun because he sometimes volunteers at some English-tutoring thing…” Misaki then looked like she’s still has a bunch to say, then soon, “And pretty much everyone’s fond of Yuto-kun since that band of theirs on that Foundation day of yours!”
Louise looked curious, “You mean, with him playing the drums?”
“Yuto’s like her best friend…” Ryosuke supplied, receiving a more curious and enthusiastic stare from his sister. “What?” he asked, and soon he watched as Misaki leaned closer to Louise - making Louise pull her head backwards a bit.
“N…n-nani?” Louise eventually asked.
“You’re Yuto-kun’s bestfriend?” She emphasized on the last word, blinking dreamily at Louise. “I mean… for real?”
Louise looked at Ryosuke and Chihiru perhaps asking for some help, but they were just looking back at her, “Erm… do… do you like Yuu-chan…? I mean, Yuto….k-kun?” Louise wasn’t sure how to use her words. Did she ask it right? Was it even okay to ask something like that...? But what the heck, it has escaped her mouth anyways...
With this Misaki blinked a few more times before she got back that good distance between her and Louise and she laughed so hard. After trying to calm down herself, “No… no… nii-chan’s friends are pretty much additional brothers to me… Yuto-kun treats me like a little brother sometimes though...” She grinned
"Because you act like a guy..." Ryosuke uttered
Misaki just shot him a look, “ANYWAY..." she glared at her brother for a split second, and she went back to her normal cheerful self, and continued saying, "I was reacting as such because of something else…”
“Stop beating around the bush Misaki.” Chihiru uttered, even hitting her sister lightly on the shoulder, “If you’re gonna say something , just say it. It’s annoying the way you let your words hang…”
“I don’t.” Misaki pouted, then she grinned back at Louise. “It’s just that… There’s something I heard about Yuto-kun’s… bestfriend.” She said this, raising her eyebrows at Louise.
“You do nothing but listen to gossips at school.” Ryosuke murmured this and he got a smack on the arm by Misaki. “WHAT IT’S TRUE! You’ve said nothing but you heard this, you heard that…”
“Well, what about Yuto-kun’s bestfriend?” It was Chihiru who suddenly asked. It seems she’s interested to know more anyways.
Sticking out her tongue to her brother one last time, Misaki then turns to Louise and she smiles sweetly - more like, she’s feeling fluffy all of a sudden. “They say Yuto-kun has waited for so long for that special someone…” she said, nudging at Louise. “…and that someone is his bestfriend…. so they say…” she let her words hang a little, and the reaction from Louise, Chihiru and Ryosuke was just silence, “You have been away for some time, ne Umiko-nee-chan?”
Louise nodded, “Some few years…” she’s not sure why she feels like she doesn’t really wanna hear the rest of what Misaki would say, but she just sat there still.
“So you’re saying Yuto-kun’s been waiting for her all this time?” Chihiru said, a smile coming across her face. “It sounds like a love story… you know, those drama ones…” she looked at Louise who’s looking pretty reactionless Chihiru figured she’s probably in a bit of a love-shock, “Wow. You really are a lucky one…” She said, hitting Louise’s leg lightly as if jolting her back into reality.
Louise blinked and just frowned with the statement though, “I see nothing too special to be honest.” She said, her voice fading as if trying to brush the topic away.
“That explains why he left his dogs with her…” Apparently, as Chihiru said this to Misaki, the sisters were already lost in their little conversation, that Ryosuke was the only one to notice Louise feeling a bit uneasy. He’s not sure why, but he can just tell. “Ne Umiko-chan, do you like Nakajima-kun?” Chihiru then asked, making Louise blink in surprise
“Yes.” She said this quite casually, a little too quickly to be honest that Ryosuke felt his breath stuck.
“Ah… hayai…” Misaki uttered, “So you do like him!”
“Yeah. A lot.” Louise looked at them as if she’s shocked they’re asking her this, “I also like Keito, and Chinen-kun, and…” she chuckled, “and Yama-chan too.” She grinned, “I like all of them. They’re my friends…”
Chihiru and Misaki almost felt like hitting their faces on the ground - feeling a bit stoned and blank for a few seconds. Ryosuke was in a bit of a shock as well but he regained his senses fast enough that he was soon laughing and Louise was laughing with him. “You guys are weird…” Misaki soon uttered, apparently giving up trying to get a good scoop from Louise while Chihiru was shaking her head - she can’t believe the denseness of this girl.
For some reason, Louise found herself walking away from the rest of hers and Ryosuke’s family. Ryosuke followed her though - but they didn’t go too far off.
“That was some nasty way of trying to get yourself out of the hot-seat.” Ryosuke uttered, as they looked up at the sky - waiting for the fireworks that’ll go off any minute now.
Louise chuckled, “Too obvious huh?” she said as they both laughed. “I can’t think of anything else, I had to at least try.”
Ryosuke was shaking his head, “It came out really cheesy, and stupid, and dense, and…” he looked at Louise, “So ‘not you’.”
She went laughing Ryosuke felt it was contagious and contenting. “Not ‘me’ huh?” still looking up at the sky she continued, “Now, when did you know what’s ‘me’ and what’s not, huh?” she can’t help that sweet smile forming on her lips as she asked this.
Ryosuke shrugged, “I dunno.” He smiled too, wondering where the fireworks are, “I guess I just do.”
xXxXx
The countdown starts - the mark of the last fifteen minutes before Christmas has started, and that creatively projected digital clock stares at everyone.
Daiki held onto the only thing that gives him as much comfort as he really wishes to have - that iPod touch that he got from Line. It seems like ages ago, they stood at this exact same spot, out here in this balcony, and she shoved this little precious thing to him - along with this little penguin charm he keeps close every single time he holds this device.
Inoo was nowhere to be found, or more like Daiki wanted to welcome Christmas by himself than with anyone. He’s done well since the party started, but that doesn’t really mean he’s okay… not entirely. To his relief, it seems everyone’s busy waiting for the time - it’s funny how it feels a lot like New Year - perhaps it’s how they celebrate it here in this university. The people here sure do things a bit different than the others.
To his right, he can pretty much tell that that couple standing a few steps away were Rei and Daichi - new found friends. And it’s just when he looked at them that Daiki eventually realized he’s surrounded by couples - some of them perhaps those he knew for when his eyes past by, a few waved, some nodded - but with the ridiculous masks on, it’s impossible to tell… and the heck does he have the patience to do that now.
So not really liking the atmosphere all of a sudden, Daiki decided to discreetly walk away. But maybe bad luck’s stuck with him at that very second, for when he turned, a girl holding a well-filled fruit punch spilled her drink on Daiki.
Rei and Daichi were quick to his side, as the girl apologizes infinitely. She then takes off her mask and Daiki can only stare at her. It was Asuka.
“I’m really, really sorry…” It seems, by the way she acts, that perhaps she doesn’t know yet that it’s Daiki. She takes out her handkerchief and started wiping near his collar and Daiki just immediately but simply push her away - he’s not sure why he didn’t really say anything… it feels like he doesn’t wanna talk. His voice would give away who he is, and who knows how this girl might act afterwards.
“You okay?” Rei asked, handing Daiki her handkerchief but Daiki didn’t accept it either.
“I’m, really, really sorry…” Asuka repeated, bowing over and over.
“It’s fine…” Finally, Daiki said, as quickly as possible - wishing he didn’t really sound as much as himself. “Hold this for me will ya?” He eventually turned to Daichi, handing the guy his iPod and cellphone, evident how Daiki holds tight onto that little penguin (every single detail that Asuka might catch must be hidden) - they’re both kind-of sticky, Daiki managed to wipe them off clean on his white tuxedo.
As if Daichi reads the situation, he quickly shoves Daiki’s devices inside his own clean, and dry pocket as Daiki just swiftly moved away from them.
“Do you think you’re friend’s gonna be okay?” Asuka turned to Rei and Daichi the moment Daiki left.
Daichi looked at Rei before he spoke, “Yeah he’ll be fine.”
“Don’t worry, he’s not mad.” Rei smiled, as if reassuring Asuka. But what Asuka said next made Rei feel like taking her words back.
“It’s just that, he was spacing out.” Asuka smiled, as if making fun of Daiki, “But I do admit I am at fault as well… but yeah, he’s partly to blame too.”
This time, Rei gave Daichi a look, and immediately Daichi just grabbed his girlfriend and just moved away, telling Asuka to forget about it and that it’s all fine. As Daichi and Rei were alone, “You know that girl?” Rei asked, glaring towards where Asuka stood, some group of girls now with her - it looks like they were talking about the little incident.
“She’s the one Arioka-kun and I were talking about…” Daichi whispered, motioning his girlfriend to just stop looking back at Asuka. “You think she’s the type Arioka-kun would like…”
“Oh… and all hell breaks loose…” Rei rolled her eyes and Daichi couldn’t help it but just hug his girl tight - it’s this side of her he likes, wherein she can be mean but only when she has to and rarely notices that she is.
Two minutes till Christmas, and everyone’s pretty much outside, or have their spots on the balcony.
A little commotion has stirred as people slightly move away while someone tries to get through the crowd as quickly as possible.
Asuka frowned as this person walked pass by her, those gold glitters on this stranger’s skirt making her envy but she’s not sure why. Curious, Asuka followed his little commotion-creator, and ended up at the edge of the balcony, this girl suddenly stopping just behind a guy wearing a white tuxedo - his hair… couldn’t be more familiar to Asuka.
The entire surrounding was silent as the fireworks started, one color after the other - the once clear and silent December sky suddenly turning into a vast canvas of neon flowers in the sky.
Asuka blinked as she saw that girl with the golden-glittered skirt, dropped her hands to her side; Asuka hearing that little ‘chink’ as that small penguin charm hit her tulle skirt.
For some reason, she directed her eyes to that guy in a white tuxedo, his hair as brown and as perfect as Asuka remembers it every day - and her eyes were wide as she watches him, kissing a girl in front of him, her pink chiffon dress dancing with the wind. She felt a pang… and she knew that girl with the golden-glittered skirt felt it too.
“Line…-chan…?” Someone spoke. A different kind of coldness swept through Asuka’s body as she turned to her side, hearing that voice she knows very well, calling that name she hates the most. She couldn’t be wrong… this voice could only belong to him, but how can he be behind her when he’s a few feet in front of her kissing another girl?
Her hands were shaking, because at this moment, the girl with the golden-glittered skirt slowly turned around to face the person who just called her - this girl, this person who created an instant commotion, eventually showing Asuka her face.
It was indeed Line.
---
She can feel her hands numb as Line stare into those penguin charms dangling out of this guy’s pocket. Her face feels like its burning, and her eyes can’t seem to even blink, until, “Line…chan…?”
Her whole world felt like it stopped as she heard this voice call her name. She stared at that person in front of her, her little precious penguin still attached to this guy’s pocket, but he’s still kissing this girl in front of him, how could he manage to call her?
She felt like her mind was playing tricks on her, so to confirm, she just stood there frozen for a few more seconds, then slowly, she turned around.
And there he stood… that white tuxedo Inoo has perfectly described for her, that mask he said was of plain color, but she didn’t really need to look for it - Daiki’s face was out in the open, right there, his eyes are staring at hers. “Da…Dai-chan…” she uttered, but she didn’t really hear anything. Her voice felt dry - what with seconds ago she thought her whole world suddenly turned.
Daiki took a step, then a couple more, and eventually he’s in front of her - a little effort on either of them and they would be able to touch each other - but Daiki just stood there, and Line did the same. “You… You came…” Daiki uttered, soon enough he blinked, and Line was sure she saw some tears he brushed away completely. “And… but… how…”
Line took some deep breaths, its like one is trying to catch up with the other as they both just chuckled at this weird air suddenly filling their heads and throats - as if all is a trick, and things are all just hallucinations of their minds, “…I…” soon Line just threw her hands up in the air, “Argh, this is so suffocating!” she took a deep breath then looked at Daiki, “I was just… well… the HInamis, they drove me back here as fast as they could… and Ayu and Tama… and the dress…” Line stuttered, as she worked with her words, “And then K-Kei-chan… he told me I’d find you here… and that white tuxedo… and the penguin…” she motioned to where that guy in the same white tuxedo stood a few minutes ago with his girl in a chiffon dress - apparently they’re not there now. Line raised her hand, then dropped them to her side as if giving up - things are just so crazy in her head right now. “I just don’t know…” She finally managed to uttered this, but its more like a whisper, “I thought… I t-thought that was you…”
He’s not sure why, but even though he knows she was having a hard time talking like that, every single second of it just gives little thuds to his suddenly petrified self. Eventually, Daiki just smiled, wiped his eyes quickly once again, “But it wasn’t me… it was a…. Eeh…. Long story.”
“I know, right?” Line spoke, as if suddenly feeling tired - it sounds like a person who just finished a marathon. Everything must’ve been physically, mentally and emotionall tiring for her. “Aaaaaahh… I don’t know…” She held onto her chest, she can feel it still as heavy - like adrenaline just wouldn’t tone down just yet.
Daiki bit on his lower lip, then just smiled at her, the fireworks just about ended - a few mellow and huge ones came off as if eating the entire sky. The last one went off just now - it’s color is of bright white, almost like it scattered little suns, for a split second, everything looked brighter, and to Daiki… it’s more like things were just glowing. And as Line looked up at him, he held onto her hand, “Merry Christmas, Chibikko.”
Line chuckled, it’s just now she remembered, “Oh right.” She uttered, and this made Daiki laugh as well, “Merry Christmas Dai-chan.”
xXxXx
“AAAAAAAAAAHH!!!” Louise held her scream as Ryosuke, for the nth time, managed to find her first before everyone else - well, the only ones playing are her, Ryosuke, Misaki and Chihiru.
These four silly… erm… kids, or so the adults chattering away on their spot refer to them, decided to play some weird hide and seek while the old folks keep the talks going; gosh, they just don’t run out of things to talk about.
“I think it’s really unfair that you keep picking on me!” Louise pouted, hitting Ryosuke lightly as they wave at Misaki and Chihiru.
“We’re getting some drinks!!!” Misaki yelled back - it was faint to Louise and Ryosuke’s ears but they just wave back at her and Chihiru and watch those two walk away.
“You’re so lucky, having siblings like them…” Louise uttered, as she and Ryosuke settles down on a nearby tree, looking up at the now quiet sky - it was ridiculously loud and bright and colourful a few minutes ago. Now, since its twenty minutes past midnight, the fireworks are over, and it’s now the 25th. A number of families still decided to stay at the park since the snow didn’t come as predicted.
Ryosuke just laughed at her statement by the way. “It has ups and downs.”
“Life means ups and downs.” Louise drew some scribbles on air, as if ECG lines, “You know how those hospital machines on dramas show a person’s life line?” she grinned, “It goes, toot! Toot! Toot! Tut!” she repeated this sound a few more times of varying pitches as much as she could manage, and Ryosuke just laughed. “What? It’s a great analogy. Ups and downs means you’re alive.”
“Okay, okay…” he nodded, smiling at him as if he’s not convinced.
“I’m trying to sound smart here.”
“You don’t have to, you’re already smart without trying.”
“That doesn’t really sound like a compliment.” She then hits Ryosuke again, really, it’s ridiculous.
Then silence came a little too differently - it’s like they just decided not to speak. After a few more minutes, Ryosuke sighed, “Tell me something…” he uttered, sounding more serious than he’s been the entire time they’ve been together tonight. “Do I look like I always try too hard?” he grinned, making himself look silly obviously on purpose.
Louise frowned, “Why say that?”
“Just answer it…” He said, lying down on the grass.
“No.” Louise said.
“Really?”
“You ask then you’d question….” She shook her head in disbelief. “Personally, no one can really tell whether you try too hard, or not try at all.” She paused, pulling some grass beside her, “It all depends on what you think. You tell yourself if you think you try too hard. And besides, try too hard on what?” she asked, looking confused.
“…Nothing in particular…” Ryosuke uttered, as if brushing the thought away.
“Hmm… Being perfect, am I right?” She waited for a response but he just looked at her - his face with mixed expression. “Ehem…” she mocked a serious face, “Yamada Ryosuke… captain of the soccer team, invited to join the J-League but doesn’t really know what he wants for himself. He tries so hard to please others, makes himself look good in front of everybody and ends up agreeing to things even though he doesn’t really want them.”
“WH-WHA?” Ryosuke had a completely weird-out face. “Now how did you know all that? And no… scratch that, WHAT WAS THAT?”
Louise just grinned, “Your sisters told me.” Quickly Ryosuke just smiled as if he’s been busted, “Don’t worry, if it helps you feel better, I threatened them to tell me everything they know - so leave them out of it.”
“Why ponder? What’s it to you?” His words came too serious than he intended, “Sorry… I didn’t mean…”
“It’s okay, I do have some habit of sticking my nose into other people’s business.” She quickly replied, and soon she bowed, “And I’m sorry for doing so…” she then looked away from him as she spoke, “But to answer your questions, first off… Yeah you’re right, there’s nothing in it for me. But I don’t do things just ‘cause I have something to gain from them. If you really wanna know, I asked because you just couldn’t tell me straight. I can tell its bothering you, and the dark aura of your problem emanates all over the place, it gets contagious.”
“You’re actually trying to have a serious talk, right?” Ryosuke confirmed and soon both him and Louise were just laughing. “I don’t get how you do that, you mix everything with jokes…” Then as if a switch suddenly was on, “Just like with Akihiko and them… You take it so lightly as if things aren’t… affecting you.”
Louise’s laugh faded and she looked at Ryosuke with a contented smile on her face, “Because they don’t.”
“Huh?” He asked, not sure what she’s referring to.
“The things that they do… they don’t really affect me.” She sounded so sure of it, Ryosuke feels like Louise is just kidding but the look on her face says that she means what she says.
“But…” Ryosuke uttered, “Why?” this was all he could think of asking. There was so much confidence and sureness in Louise’s eyes that he can’t help but want her to explain what she says. It’s like she’s talking a different language that he wants so back to decipher.
Louise let out a little chuckle, “You might say I’m too full of myself,” She looked at him and as Ryosuke rolled his eyes she just laughed, “Okay, you already thought I’m like that a million times, I’m sure…” she then looked up at the sky again, “But to be really honest, I have no idea…”
“You’re not making any sense…”
Louise shrugged, “It’s like… even though they took my shoes, my sketching tools - oh and thanks for giving me back my sketchbook and pencil the other day - and all that…” she quickly inserted these things Ryosuke can’t help but chuckle, “anyways… I guess, no matter how hard they try, if I think to myself that I don’t really care about what they do, then there’s no way it can really affect me. Do you get it?” She looked at if she’s seeking for that sign of understanding she hoped she’ll see in him. "I talk too much, ne?" she chuckled, "It's fine if you don't really get it... or pay attention or...w-whatever..."
This is the first time she’s talked about herself like this, and even though Ryosuke doesn’t really know how, he feels like he knows what she said but not really. "Umi...chan..." This came out louder than he intended - it was meant to be a silent voice in his head but Ryosuke uttered this - with that tone, mixture of surprise and concern perhaps...
“You know what, change topic…”
“No… no…” Ryosuke quickly followed, “I get it… I just… don’t feel like anybody is really capable of doing such a thing as that… you know… holding things in.”
“I don’t.” Louise grinned, “Hold it all in, I mean..." She sounds like someone admitting to horrendous deeds, "I sketch their ugly faces and let my dog rip their cartoon heads apart.”
“You’re really scary… In a different way.” With this, they both just laughed. At least now, it seems like even if it sounds selfish, as of this moment, Ryosuke felt less guilty about not being able to help Louise when he thought she needed help the most - because apparently, she’s not really the type to think she needs it. And Ryosuke isn’t sure why he just feels like she loves being understood the way she is - that they both know they both understand whatever gibberish they’ve just attempted to talk about now.
---
And just a few feet from afar, “I’ll just have to make sure if affects you the next time…” Akihiko uttered, and soon enough she just walked away - she threw out something that looks like remains of a broken phone - oh wait, that was Louise’s phone that she left on that little drop she fell on a few hours ago.
______________________________________
I know... even I feel like it wasn't finished properly, but I'll do my best to make it up to you guys and come up with a good follow-up. Right now, my brain just can't take it anymore... T^T
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING AND BEING HERE! <3 *bow bow bow bow*