The Unfinished Story - Chapter Five
Title: The Unfinished Story
Author: aemrith
Pairing: Yamada Ryosuke/OC, Arioka Daiki/OC, Nakajima Yuto/OC
Rating: PG
Genre: Romance, Friendship, Family
Warning: LONG chapters and may take a while to update.
Summary for Chapter Five: It's one interesting Saturday for Line and Louise. Line-chan gets to go to Akihabara with Inoo and Daiki while Louise gets to visit Hakkeijima Sea Paradise with Yuto, Raiya, Keito... and two more? Oh yeah, and time to meet someone new, again. Yosh!
A/N: I won't be posting for a while after this chapter since i've got some school work to catch up onto. Nonetheless, i'll try my best to update as soon as my schedule gets cleared up.
Chapter Five - Something tells me I’m right!
Previous Chapter…
Louise shook his hand and smiled. Having a closer look at this new guy, only one thing came into Louise’s mind; ‘he’s cute and kind-of… pretty.’ “Um… yeah… Umiko Louise, nice to meet you.”
Chinen still has his smile before they let go of each other’s hand. Then after a little pause he stated, “Anata wa hontoni kireida.” Yamada’s and Yuto’s eyes widened at Chinen’s bold and direct statement. Not really knowing how to react, Louise just stared at him. Strange enough, he looked like he really meant what he said.
xXxXx
It was an awkward moment, but Louise didn’t really feel like it was. After a few seconds of silence, Louise said, “Ne? Ah… thank you I guess.” With a casual smile, her unique way of thinking of things creates a lot of difference.
Chinen smiled back. “Gomen ne if that was a little sudden, I sometimes just blurt things out.” Sheepishly, he bowed.
Shaking her hands in front of her as if telling Chinen there’s nothing to be sorry about what he said, “Everybody does that sometimes.” Louise uttered in agreement.
“Tell you that you’re really pretty?” Chinen’s sudden statement sounded really innocent, as if what he just said was not much of a great deal; but for Yuto, and Yamada, it seems a little too bold to handle.
“So, where are you guys going?” Yamada suddenly interrupted, capturing Yuto’s and Louise’s attention. He was addressing the question to them though.
Keito and Raiya arrived before any of Yuto or Louise responded to Yamada’s question. Raiya, upon seeing Yamada smiled and ran towards him. “Yamada-ni!” he exclaimed.
“O-ra. Raiya-kun!” Yamada replied, putting up a hand for Raiya to tap. It’s like their high-five thing.
Raiya -knowing what to do- just did their usual greeting and said, “Ohayo!”
“So you’re with them. I didn’t see you far back. Ohayo Keito.” Yamada ended with a nod and a smile on Keito’s direction.
“Ne, Yamada-ni, where are you going?” Raiya responded.
“Oh, I just got back from training camp. How ‘bout you guys?”
“Oh, we’re going to Hakkeijima Sea Paradise!! We’re gonna watch the dolphins again!” (Uwaaah! They get to go to Hakkeijima Sea Paradise… So, Lucky!)
“Oh, sugoi.” Somebody uttered, but it wasn’t Yamada. Raiya looked at the person who spoke and he exclaimed “Pretty far, demo… hontoni sugoi Raiya-chan.”
“U-wa, Chinen-ni!?”
“Didn’t quite see me, ne? So, your nii-chan’s bringing you to Hakkeijima today huh? Lucky.” Chinen playfully elbowed Raiya.
“Yeah! And I asked Rui-chan (apparently, Raiya made up his own nickname for Louise) and Keito-ni to come with us. You should come too!” The boy exclaimed excitedly.
Upon hearing the idea, Yuto quickly followed saying, “Yeah, It’ll be a lot more fun!” He was obviously sharing his brother’s excitement.
“Umm…” Yamada uttered while Louise and Keito waited for whatever else is to happen.
“Hai! Hai! We should go with them, ne?” Chinen was referring to Yamada when he asked this. Yamada, surprised it seemed, looked at Chinen.
When he saw Chinen and Raiya’s expression, he felt speechless. Not to mention, with Yuto beaming on his peripheral view as well. Not sure what to say, he uttered, “Why are you asking me? I don’t mind.”
“Yay! We’re off then!” Chinen and Raiya exclaimed at the same time and Raiya pulled Chinen to the ticket booth.
“I’m gonna go buy my ticket too.” Yamada excused himself, directing to no one in particular.
Yuto, Keito and Louise waited near the boarding area; Louise was sitting on the waiting bench and she was fishing out something from her body bag. Not really sure what she was looking for but it seems like’s she’s found it when she got hold of something then she smiled.
“You forgot something Ruu-chan?” Yuto was the one who spoke; he took off his headphones and let them hang around his neck. Louise took note that she’ll probably buy herself one of those headphones soon.
She looked up at Yuto; towering over her, kind-of-skinny. Haha! “Ah, nope.”
“Oh. It’s great that Yama-chan and Chinen gets to join us. See, you’ve met Yama-chan… Chinen's nice too and yeah, you won’t feel left out. Well, not that I’m saying you might, it’s just that…”
Yuto left his words hanging and Louise waved a hand over his face. “Iiyo, don’t worry too much about it. I’m just thinking, the more the merrier. It’s nice to meet new people. Besides, your brother looks ten times more excited than how he was a few minutes ago.”
“Well, he’s pretty close with Yama-chan and Chinen too, so yeah.”
Louise nodded and uttered, “I can tell.” And soon Yamada and Chinen were being pulled by Raiya towards the rest of them.
“Train’s here.” Keito uttered and Louise stood up.
In a few seconds, they were all inside the train, and as mentioned, it was a Saturday and there were quite a lot of people. Upon entering though, there were two vacant seats. A quite old lady entered the train along with them and they offered her one vacant seat right away. Yamada pulled Louise to the only vacant seat left. Upon sitting, Louise looked up and Yamada and Yuto were the ones standing in front of her; they were holding onto handles/bars.
With quite a number of people, it felt a little like they’re sardines in a box. Louise saw Raiya got hit on the face by a giant guy’s backpack, and Yuto pulled his brother closer to him. Louise took Raiya’s forearm, pulled him a little towards her and she sat Raiya on her lap.
The eleven year old boy, being an eleven year old felt a little shy at first, but it took him only a little while to just be thankful. “Arigato, Rui-chan.” He whispered.
“Doitashimaste.” She smiled and she held onto a handle bar, the same bar Yuto was holding onto. When she looked up, Yuto was smiling at her.
“Sankyuu Ruu-chan.” He uttered, well that was English, and Louise smiled.
She said, “It’s really no big deal. I mean, Raiya’s light, not like some skinny-giant I know, ne Rai-chan?…” Raiya tried not to laugh too much, but Yuto retorted and said that he’s being bullied again, and this made Raiya burst out of laughter; just seeing his brother look pissed, kind of makes him wanna laugh hard. Yamada was listening to them talk, and he occasionally laughs. Keito had his earphones plugged and he was looking out the window, while Chinen was on the phone.
xXxXx
Beforehand, Line mentioned that she wanted to buy lens for her camera. Inoo thought right away that they should head for Akihabara. So then that Saturday, the trio went out for the Electronics World, Akihabara District.
Walking around Akihabara is like walking in a huge Electronics Shop… no more line walking inside The World of Robot Masters(?) or so that’s what Line thought. Every corner, side, you-name-it, there’s tons and tons of gadgets, games, whatever else you can think of that regards technology. There are stalls that sell all kind of cables; probably all kinds known to man.
Looking through windows, Line spotted all those game consoles and its accessories; including Play Stations, Wii, Xbox and so much more. Laptops, TV’s, players, she can’t say how huge of selections Akihabara has.
They stopped in front of this huge store; the only one Line’s pretty familiar with. Even though they’re hungry, Daiki insisted that they go in. Upon entering, Line felt like she’s back in Winnipeg for a short while. The set up, and how the gadgets were arranged were very similar as to that in Polo Park, only, this one’s a lot bigger. What store is this? Well, it’s non-other than the famous Apple Store.
Daiki and Inoo were looking at the new iPad, and Line absent-mindedly walked around. She can remember when she went to Apple to get her iPhone just a few months ago.
“Ne, Isn’t this what Line-chan has?” Line heard Inoo spoke. He and Daiki were behind her. When she looked their way, he was holding an iPod Touch “U-so… ¥33,000!”
“EH?” Daiki looked over to see for himself the price Inoo was talking about. He pulled out Line’s iPod Touch (haha! It’s still with him) and compared it to the one Inoo was holding.
“My iPod Touch’s cheaper. Mine is this one.” Line approached and explained. Then she pointed out at the 32GB’s price. “Mite…”
“Ah… Still, ¥26,000 wow…Oh yeah, before I forget. Hai…” Daiki handed Line her iPod Touch.
“Oh, you’ve transferred the songs already?”
“Hai. Arigato!”
Line smiled, “You’re welcome. If I get hold of new songs, I’ll let you know right away, ne?”
Daiki’s smile was just great, and Line find it funny when Daiki said, “I feel like I’m gonna miss the penguin more than the iPod Touch itself.”
“Really, Dai-chan? The penguin?”
“What?” Daiki had a funny expression, Line just shook her head in disbelief and Inoo rolled his eyes.
The three headed outside and walked a little bit more before stopping at a shop that shows camera’s and lenses. Line said she wanted to take a look inside and Inoo went in with her.
Inside, they were entertained right away by an old man, who looks like those typical, professional, photographers. He told them that this shop is a studio as well.
“I’m actually looking for some lenses…”
“There’s umm, something… here…” The old man spoke, handing Line something. Inoo leaned in closer to take a look.
“What’s that for?” Inoo interrogated; he might be an aspiring architect, but photography was not really on top of his list
“They’re Lenses. For better zoom… others make shots at an angle look effortless. It depends on which type.” Line uttered while looking at the lens she has in her hands. ‘It’s not this one.’ She thought to herself and returned the merchandised to the nice old man. “Thank you though.” She uttered when the man apologized for not having what she was looking for.
When they stepped out of the shop, Daiki was there standing; Line noticed how he’s wearing a grey version of his jacket from yesterday, and still today, he has his Nike shoes on. He probably heard them coming so he looked their way, waved a hand, while the other was holding onto a grandé cup which Line figured would be… “Hot chocolate again, Dai-chan?” Inoo uttered.
“What?”
“It’s pretty warm today you know.” After saying this, Inoo fixed his light sweater and his body bag. “Yosh, where are we off to now?”
“Did you find the lens that you wanted?” Daiki asked and the three of them started walking.
Since it’s a Saturday, the street was filled with people; mostly teens their age and Line recognized some of them, probably classmates and so.
While walking, the trio spotted another gadget boutique. They stopped in front of it and Daiki said, “Well, maybe it’s here. This one looks a little… I mean, a LOT bigger than the last one.” He was referring to this huge store in front of them.
Line said nothing and went inside; this time Daiki came inside with her and Inoo was on the phone, standing outside.
Upon entering, Line didn’t know where to look first. There were so many things she’s not sure what to pay attention to. The ones on the front display were other canon cameras, and some other brands. She saw her own camera too.
An assistant, wearing a uniform (well, much like how it is at every shop) smiled and greeted them. He told Daiki to be a little careful with his drink and Daiki bowed apologetically. Line turned on an aisle and Daiki quickly followed her.
There, Line saw a vast selection of lens. She looked at some of the price tags, and carefully examined the sample gadgets on display.
On the other side, standing behind Line, Daiki was looking at some lens as well. Then he saw a collection of lens placed inside a glass cabinet. He leaned closer for a better look on the tags and said, “Oh. 70-300mm… isn’t this what you wanted Line-chan?” Line told him and Inoo earlier that day what she was specifically looking for. Although, they don’t know much, they insisted to help her find it.
When she heard Daiki’s statement, Line made her way beside Daiki. He pointed out to the thing, but Line already had her eyes fixed on it.
“Ah… excuse me…” Daiki uttered, leaving Line for a bit and when he came back, there’s an assistant with him already. “We’re interested in this one. May we see?”
Line’s attention was still on the lens, and she blinked a little when the guy opened the cabinet. Daiki held her shoulder and pulled her a little to the side. “Oh.” That was all she could utter.
Smiling, Daiki tapped Line’s shoulder. “You’re spacing out!”
“No. No, I’m not.” Line made a face that says, What are you talking about?
“Here you go.” The guy assisting them said, handing out the lens to Daiki or Line, not really sure who to address to. The guy had a friendly smile on his face; Daiki thought that he looks pretty cool; with a hair a little longer than his, and of light shade of brown. He read the name tag and it says “Tegoshi.”
Line looked at it then held it. “Thanks…” She was looking at it in every angle, checking some details she’s familiar with. Daiki, knowing nothing much, looked as well. The assistant, let’s call him by his name-tag, Tegoshi, was just there waiting.
“We just got them. Very few stocks, I must tell you. So few, I bought one right away.” Tegoshi said, upon waiting a little while Line was still looking at the lens.
“Sugoi… they’re pretty expensive…” Daiki was the one who replied. He finished his hot chocolate and held onto the cup.
Tegoshi nodded and beamed, he seemed excited about what he has to say, “It was pretty costly, but it’s worth it. I’m taking hundred more pictures now, it’s so much easier to use for zoomed-in shots.”
“Oh, you should talk to her then. She’s nuts about photography.” Daiki pouted at Line’s direction. She’s still looking at the lens.
Why she’s speechless, is because Line was occupied with the things she’s gonna take shots of once she gets this lens. She’s targeting the view of the sky up on her dorm room, and also the view from below. She’s also trying to catch up with the falling and changing of the color of the leaves. And finally, her best subject in mind at the moment was a Japanese Maple Tree; to re-do her “ruined” first photo. After thinking about those things, Line focused her eyes on the price tag that says ¥158,000
Daiki called out Line’s name, but Line was too busy computing about how she’s gonna pay. Apparently, her mom was strict enough about her allowance and said that she is to receive ¥10000 (CAD$100) every week.
‘So far, I have ¥50000 with me… hmm, by tomorrow, I’ll get my allowance for next week… so that makes it 60000 then…’ Her thoughts were cut when she felt her cheek. “Ite!” Line had a death glare and she saw Daiki. He was pinching her. “Nani?!”
Daiki laughed and pinched a little harder before letting go. “Welcome back Line-chan!”
“Urusai naa…” She pouted then said “Nani? Nani?”
Daiki smiled and introduced her to Tegoshi. “Tegoshi-san here asks if you need any assistance…” he raised his eyebrows, along with pressing his lips together to a tight smile.
Line frowned a little, and after a while she realized that they are still at the store, and that she is about to make a purchase. Before her mind sets off thinking about her allowance again, Line shook her head and bowed apologetically to the new guy.
Upon looking at him clearly now, Line noted how this guy resembles a bunny or a hamster; which of those animals really, she can’t even tell. To break off the silence, Tegoshi spoke, “Is there anything I can help you with?”
She held the lens out to him and said, “Well…” she let her words hang, and Daiki struggled to look at the price tag of the lens she’s holding. When Line continued saying, “I’m planning on buying this actually…”
Daiki, after seeing the price and hearing what Line said, had his jaw-dropped expression, and exclaimed, “Uso!” His eyes were wide and he checked the tag again… “158,000!!!”
Tegoshi was not that surprised, judging by his expression, but he kept it a little calmer than Daiki. “Well, that’s great.”
“I have one problem though…” Line completely handed the lens back to Tegoshi, while Daiki was extra careful when he touched. “Give me a sec…” she pulled out her iPhone from her bag, and checked for the time. It’s currently ten thirty-two in the morning, so that means it’s around nine-something back at Winnipeg. After punching in some numbers, Line excused herself a bit and walked a little to the side, leaving Tegoshi and Daiki.
“Jugo-man hassen yen… (158,000)” Daiki was uttering this in disbelief. Tegoshi nodded; he does agree that the amount was pretty surprising.
“It’s even more expensive than the cameras itself… demo… lenses really add a lot…” this was Tegoshi’s line and Daiki nodded with a hint of disbelief.
“I’m kind of happy I’m not into these kinds of things. Or else I’ll be a beggar in no time…” Daiki uttered under his breath and Tegoshi chuckled; he did say that he understands what Daiki meant.
After a while, Daiki looked at Line; she has her back turned and seemed to be waiting on the phone still. He walked closer and heard Line say, “Hello? Ma… Mama?”
Tegoshi excused himself for a while saying he’ll just get something and that he’ll be back soon. Daiki nodded at him and waited near Line. She was talking, and Daiki wasn’t intending to eavesdrop, but then again, he was curious as to what he heard.
“Hindi po, pero kasi magandang mabayaran ko na nang buo ngayon, para wala na ‘kong iintindihin. (Not really, but it’s better if I pay it with full amount now so I don’t have to worry about it later on)” Interested, Daiki listened a little bit more. He watched Line nod and then frown before continuing the conversation. After a good while, Daiki noted Line’s smile. “Okay! Bilin ko na siya ngayon ha? Ha? Sabi mo yan ha. Walang bawian.” (I’ll buy it now, okay? Ne? ne? You’ve already agreed to it. You can’t take that back) There was a slight pause, “Thank you! Labyu! Ja-ne!” When she hung up her phone, she noticed Daiki leaning closer behind her. “Dai-chan?”
“Ah… a-no…” quite unsure what to say, he continued, “Ah… that wasn’t English, wasn’t it?” he looked a little sheepish, like he’s a little embarrassed to asked. He feels like he’s so ignorant.
Realizing the situation, Line chuckled a little and smiled. “Nope. That’s Tagalog. It’s how we call our Language back at Philippines. I’m a Filipino, you see…”
“Oh. Hai! You did mention that. Kakkoi… so you know more languages? Ne?”
“Um. San (three)” Line nodded and looked for Tegoshi
“Ne? Ne? You think you can teach me that Tanalog? Ah…” he was looking at the ceiling thinking of what the right word is. “Taragalog… e-to…”
Line laughed and corrected, “Tagalog, Dai-chan...” She saw Tegoshi look their way and she waved at him.
Daiki was repeating the new word he just learned and after a while, Tegoshi was back with them. “So, how may I help you?” his smile was as nice as the first time he saw them.
“Ah, hai!” Line nodded, and Daiki was a bit pre-occupied by the language thing.
xXxXx
“Okey… bye-bye.” Inoo shoved his phone inside his pocket. He’s been waiting outside this huge digital shop Line and Daiki went into. He had a call from his cousin, so he decided to not come inside. He peeked in a little, and saw Line seemingly talking to someone on her phone, and Daiki was behind her. Since he couldn’t tell what’s happening, although it seems like they won’t be back out soon, he walked towards a near convenience store to get something to eat. Walking around Akihabara, it makes him kind of hungry.
He bought himself some onigiri, taiyaki and an iced tea and walked back near the digital shop then waited outside. While munching on his food, Inoo noticed a bunch of guys in his statistics class. There are three of them; one of them his seatmate. When they passed by, Inoo didn’t really put any effort of greeting, though he didn’t exactly ignore them either. His seatmate, with a smile, approached him. “Oh, Inoo-chan.” He brushed off his kind-of long, brownish hair away from his face and his tiny eyes were like a line while he smiled.
Inoo greeted back, “Takaki-kun.”
“Shopping huh?” Takaki said, referring to the bag Inoo was holding; it was Line’s gift to him though.
Not really wanting to say anything much because Takaki’s companions arrived, Inoo just nodded.
“Oh yeah, you’ve met these two right? They’re in our class too. Makoto-san, and Miyura-san.” Takaki introduced his friends, and Inoo heard his mind talking to him saying that he already knows them, and that they’re pretty annoying.
Side tracking a little, in Inoo’s Statistics class, there are about two hundred students; of course, it’s a lecture session, therefore lots of people. And where Inoo usually sits, these two guys sit right behind him. During class, these guys will keep talking non-stop about random gibberish stuff, and even though he doesn’t want to listen to them, Inoo ends up hearing them converse all the time. This is one of the factors why he couldn’t concentrate much in class. Takaki usually tells them to hush up but the guys put up a big front, as if saying ‘You’re not the boss of me! ‘
Avoiding looking at the two, Inoo uttered. “Hai.”
“Ne, I’m really worried about the next test on Stat, I feel like I failed the first one.” As usual, Takaki was the only friendly person among these three. While Takaki and Inoo talked, the other two were talking on their own, and started lighting some sticks (cigarettes). Inoo frowned for he hated smoke.
Waving a hand over his face, Inoo kept the rest of his food and tried to talk to Takaki normally. “Well, it was hard, so don’t worry.”
“Inoo-chan, uso… You’re smart…”
“No, I swear. That exam was way over my limits.” One guy blew his puff towards Inoo and Takaki’s directions and Inoo glared his way. Takaki noticed this and called his friend’s attention.
“Teshima-baka! (Makoto’s first name is Teshima)” this was Takaki’s complaint, but the Makoto guy just shrugged and looked away and when he faced Miyura, they laughed a little; Inoo figured they were making fun of Takaki. Quite annoyed, Inoo kept his mouth shut.
xXxXx
Line and Daiki were on the other side of the counter with Tegoshi, doing some final paper work for the lens.
“Well I did tell you we have very little stock, right? This is actually the last one we have left, well… the other one is the one on display…” This was Tegoshi’s lines as he puts all the necessary papers (manual, warranty, etc.) and the receipt in one envelope. “Oh yeah, hang on a sec. I still have something for you…” with that Tegoshi left them.
Line was looking at the lens’s box, probably reading stuff. “So, our Line-chan is rich, huh?” Daiki’s remark was not serious; it’s more like he’s saying he finally realized something he’s supposed to realize a long time ago.
“Hah? Pffft… No…”
“Hontoni?”
“Hai, honto… My parents are… probably, but not me.” She answered with confidence and in all honesty, humility. She looked like she really meant what she said and that it’s not some kind of a joke.
Daiki can’t help but chuckle a little. “That’s a pretty convincing answer.”
“Because it’s the truth! Let’s stop the topic about money please?”
“You’re a rich girl…”
“Urusai na…”
“Princess Line-chan? Ne?” This time, Daiki was really just making fun of her. He noticed how bit-by-bit, Line’s getting annoyed. For someone who always get picked on like Daiki (well, by Inoo and Line) a little counter-attack wouldn’t be that bad.
“Daiki-baka! Say that again, and I’ll kick you!” Line was actually glaring at him now.
It’s weird but Daiki and Line sometimes get along weirdly like this. Soon, Tegoshi was back carrying a camera bag. “Yo! You get this for free, ne?”
“Oh, really??? Arigato!”
“Sugoi Line-chan.”
“Che!!” Line’s expression kind of surprised Daiki a little, because it didn’t sound like it was English, or Japanese; weird thing is that, it sounds like some other expressions, yet it sounds new. “Don’t talk to me.”
“Oh, oh… are you having a fight?” Tegoshi was actually whispering this to Daiki only.
Daiki chuckled and whispered back, “Nah… I don’t think so… Although this is the first time I’ve seen her like this. I find it funny.” He ended with a little chuckle and Line looked their way; as if she knows what they’re talking about.
“Shikashi… Is there anything else I can do for you today?” Tegoshi’s now addressing to both Line and Daiki.
Putting the camera bag inside the huge paper bag where her Lens’ are, Line smiled and shook her head and said, “Nope. Thank you very much for all your help!” she ended with a bow. Daiki raised his eyebrows as if sending Tegoshi a message. Tegoshi just chuckled and Line bid goodbye.
Before they actually leave the counter, Tegoshi remarked. “You two should make up, okay? No fighting. It’s bad in a relationship, ne? Have a great day!”
Daiki and Line looked back at Tegoshi with identical, shocked, faces. It’s a good thing there’s not much people on that side of the store. When they saw Tegoshi, he’s already helping a new customer, and Line and Daiki stepped outside.
“What was that guy talking about?” Line uttered, she still has that kind of surprised expression.
Daiki looked at her and it’s as if he’s just realized something. “Eh??? Ano…” Recalling some conversations a while ago, he continued, “He must’ve thought that we were going out!”
Line stared at Daiki and laughed. “What was he thinking?”
“I have no idea…” Daiki answered. They laughed and outside, the afternoon was pretty bright. After staring at the sky for a split second, Line knew what was coming. She opened her mouth a little for a good sneeze but then…
xXxXx
Inoo was having a conversation with Takaki when the Makoto guy stepped in the scene and was pointing at his wristwatch. “Oi Yuya, we gotta go…”
“Why don’t you guys go on ahead then?” Takaki was merely suggesting a good point, or so that what Inoo thought.
“You’re treating us out for lunch today, baka!”
Inoo kept his mouth shut, also because he doesn’t like how stinky the guy smells. ‘Kusai… Kusai… KU-SA-I!’ Upon shouting this inside his head, Inoo noticed Makoto looking at him.
Makoto was about to say something when he heard someone exclaim.
“UWAA! KORE WA… KUSAI! (It stinks!)” Line slaps the air in front of her. It was a loud complaint followed by some coughing.
Daiki, irritated by the smell as well but was quite surprised by Line’s outburst, looked at her. Line was too busy glaring at the smoke and trying to track where it came from that her head got a little hot. When she saw Daiki looking at her, she exclaimed, “WHAT IS IT!?” in English, then quickly followed it, by “ah… I mean, nani?? Nani? Doushite? (what?? What??? Why?)”
Not really sure what to say next, Daiki just had an even more indescribable expression.
Realizing how her temper got the best of her, Line rubbed her forehead -probably to soften the creases that formed- and said, “Gomen ne, Dai-chan…”
Inoo, Takaki and the two other guys were looking at Line and Daiki. “Pfft” It was Inoo’s attempt to hold back a laugh and Daiki and Line approached him. “Line-chan, Dai-chan, this is Takaki-kun. Statistics buddy…” Inoo introduced them.
“Nice to meet you.” Takaki greeted, a little shyly.
“Oi, Yuya, hayaku ne! (Hurry up Yuya)” The two guys were on their way when they called out to him. They seem to be a lot older than Takaki. The Makoto guy has his eyes on Daiki and Line.
“Ah, hai! I’m coming! Uzaken (he uttered this loud enough only for Inoo to hear) … I’ll see you around guys! Nice meeting ya!” It was an awkward situation and Line thought this Takaki guy handled it perfectly. She instantly thought that a few minutes ago, Takaki was already kind of torn between those hoodlums, and them.
Inoo, Daiki and Line watched for a while before Takaki and his companions took a turn and were gone from their site. “Those three are all in my Statistics class, although it’s just Takaki-kun I’m friends with. The other two… don’t even ask.” This was Inoo’s statement, as if answering an unasked question.
Line nodded and coughed a little bit before sighing. “Sorry, I guess I was a little too bold.”
Inoo laughed and said, “You were great! I couldn’t have said it any better.”
“Seriously, what do they get from that?” Line’s remark got nods from Inoo and Daiki.
“So, I see you guys got something…” Inoo was referring to what Line bought.
“Oh, hai! Line-chan here got her Lens. And they’re really expensive..”
“O-ra… You have lots of money, ne Line-chan?”
“Honto honto! Like probably this much!” Daiki was stretching out his hands.
“Damare! Chigayo!” Line was poking Daiki. “Don’t listen to him.”
“Oh, hai-hai! Whatever you say Line-chan. Daiki-urusai…”
The trio started walking the streets of Akihabara once again. “So, we got your lens. I say that’s a great thing! Yosh, we’re mission accomplished!” Inoo stated with much enthusiasm. “So, where are we off to now?”
They stopped walking and leaned on the side street fences, Inoo said he has to tie his shoelaces. While Inoo hunched over his shoes, Line heard a stomach grumble. She knows that it wasn’t hers, so she turned her attention to Daiki, who was standing right beside her. She chuckled a little and looked at Daiki. “Daijobu Dai-chan?”
Daiki looked at her -embarrassed, haha- and he rubbed his belly. “Suitai…”
Inoo heard Daiki’s line and he stood up, looked at Daiki and laughed. “That was your stomach!? Wow. You’ve got some singer there, ne Dai-chan?”
“Shut up! I really am hungry… That hot chocolate didn’t help…” Daiki had his head down as if he’s about to cry. Inoo kept making fun of him and Line laughed too.
After a few minutes, Line heard another stomach rumble.
Daiki exclaimed right away, “That wasn’t me!” and shot a glare at Inoo.
Inoo, taken-aback, frowned and held his tummy. After a few seconds, it rumbled again. “U-so!”
Daiki laughed out loud and Line did so too. “Kei-chan!!! That was you! Wahahaha!” (XD. Daiki’s probably thinking… ROFL.)
“U-so! No way! I’m not hun-…” before he could end his statement, Inoo’s tummy rumbled again. Daiki and Line couldn’t stop laughing… “Uwaa…” that was all Inoo could mutter after a while.
Line wiped little laugh-tears and faced her buddies. “Since we’re all hungry…” she stopped laughing now. “And you guys were such great buddies. Let’s go eat! My treat!”
“Eh? Majide?” Inoo uttered.
“Demo…” Daiki was a little hesitant
“There’s no need to be shy. Iku iku!” Line pulled the two and they looked for a great place to go to. “Hmmm, anybody with suggestions?” With that statement, the three walked around more.
xXxXx
It takes a minimum of forty-five to fifty-five minutes travel to get to Hakkeijima Sea Paradise if you’re from Yokohama Train Station. Louise sighed remembering this fact. They’ve been travelling for just ten minutes as of the moment. Raiya was now sitting beside her, and the train got a few spaces than before. It seems quite a number of people went off at the first stop.
As the train kept running, Louise looked at the scenery outside the windows. Raiya was busy playing (which Louise noted to be a Nintendo Game Boy DSi) Mario; he’s been showing her what level he’s in.
Yamada, Yuto and Keito were all still standing, while Chinen got a seat on the opposite side. Busy looking at the windows as well, Louise noted how Chinen looks so much younger than he really is. She can’t really believe he’s the same age as her and the others. Not really meaning to, she was staring at Chinen and the guy noticed this. He smiled and bowed towards her, probably to break off the awkward atmosphere, and Louise returned the gesture with an apologetic bow.
“So then you guys will be going off to the semi-finals soon, huh?” not that occupied with the windows anymore, Louise heard Yuto talk.
Yamada nodded, pulled his back pack higher (he only has one strap on) and spoke, “More training, more training, more training…” he ended shaking his head
“It’s okay. You get to be cool and all, ne?”
Yamada looked at Yuto as if he’s saying something ridiculous. “You still think being a player is all about coolness, huh?”
“Well, not really, but you can’t take that away.”
Yamada shoved a hand inside his pocket. He shrugged before saying, “I guess you can say that.” There was a beep and Yamada pulled his cellphone. It’s much like Yuto’s although it is of color red. Yuto’s phone is white. He flipped it open and checked at his message.
Upon seeing this, Yuto remembered something. “Oh yeah, what was that favor you were gonna ask about? Sorry, I slept a little too early last night.”
Yamada was done reading his message and he looked at Yuto, with his mouth half-open. “Ha?” After a while, he spotted Louise looking out the window; then he looked back at Yuto. “Oh that, no it’s okay. You don’t have to worry about it.”
“Are ya sure?”
“Un.” Its Yamada’s usual expression, well, it’s mostly like his own version of yes, accompanied by a nod -with his lips pressed together forming a line.
Twenty minutes passed and there’s even less people. Yuto gets a seat beside Raiya and Yamada got a seat beside Louise.
After looking at her phone for the time, Louise sighed softly and leaned on her seat. “So I see you’re on the soccer team…” it’s a random obvious statement, Louise thought, but then again anything is fine if you wanted to open up a conversation.
“Un” he uttered, of course with a nod. “I was away for a few days from school ‘cause of it too…” he ended with a chuckle
“Thankful, huh?”
“Not quite, but I’d be lying if I say I’m not.”
Louise laughed. “I hear you’re an excellent student so I see no reason why you should be worried.”
Yamada looked surprised, “Ore? Excellent student? Now, where did that come from?”
“Yuu-chan… I mean, Yuto-kun… and the rest of the class I guess…”
“Nani?” Yuto overheard his name and peeked.
“Betsuni.” Louise uttered and Yamada chuckled.
“Oi, oi, you guys can’t talk about me behind my back.” Yuto was trying to poke Louise but since Raiya’s in between them, he can’t really hit her hard.
Raiya, concentrating on his game, pushed his Onii-chan’s hand away from his face. “Nii-chan! I can’t see!”
Louise and Yamada laughed while Yuto and Raiya argued a little. “Let’s switch, ne?”
“But I wanna sit next to Rui-chan!”
“We’ll if you stay there, I’ll keep bugging ya.”
“Yuto, bully…” Keito uttered from the opposite side. He seems to be watching and listening to them. Yamada followed saying that Yuto really is a mean onii-chan and Louise just laughs at them being silly.
Finally, after a few convincing efforts, Raiya switched places with Yuto, under the condition that Yuto buys him any snack he wants once they get to Hakkeijima.
Now to Louise’s right sat Yuto and Yamada to her left. They started talking about the things that Yamada missed and how most of them are not to be worried about. Once in a while, they talk to Keito and Chinen on the other side, who kept interjecting whenever they feel like it.
The trip went on and as the train stops, the people inside gets lesser and lesser. There’s about twenty minutes more before they get to their destination and Louise can feel her tummy shouting for some snacks.
“Ya hungry?” Yuto asked. He was looking at her with his usual “Yuto” expression; you know… that face that says he wants to know what he wants to know.
Louise smiled sheepishly and nodded. “I don’t think breakfast this morning was really heavy. I didn’t think the ride would be actually this long.”
“Haha…Gomen ne… Didn’t I tell you?” Yuto spoke and then opened Raiya’s backpack which is still behind his brother. Raiya has his head on Yuto’s lap now, since the boy fell asleep. He took out what appears to be a pack of Oreo cookies and handed it to Louise.
“That’s Raiya’s!” Louise was whispering, not wanting to wake Raiya but she made sure she stresses her point that Yuto’s taking something that’s not his.
“Nah, it’s for whomever else. Raiya keeps bringing food but he usually end up not eating them. We’ll be there soon, demo… I’m hungry too…” he opened the pack and started eating. “Hayaku ne (Hurry up)”
Louise frowned, as if saying that Yuto’s being bossy, and soon took her piece. Yuto offered some to Yamada but Yamada was asleep as well. His left hand’s resting over his stomach, his right elbow is on top of his left hand and his face is covered with his right hand.
“Guess they all dozed off. We’re about ten to fifteen minutes away.” Yuto spoke in between his munching. “Ne Ruu-chan, it’s your first time going there right? Hakkeijima Sea paradise, I mean…”
“Ah, yep.” She took a whole cookie in her mouth. “Is there like a big aquarium, somewhat, that kind of stuff?”
“Uh-huh!” Yuto nodded earnestly. “You’ll love it. It’s like you’re underwater.”
“Oh. I guess that’s cool.”
“There are rides too! I dare you to take the most extreme, ne?”
Louise raised her eyebrow. “How extreme are we talking about here?”
“Umm… You’ll see when we get there.” When Yuto smiled, Louise can’t help but laugh out loud. She hushed herself quickly and bowed apologetically around her. “What’s with you Ruu-chan?”
Still holding her laughter, Louise grinned and pointed at her teeth. “Yuu-chan, Halloween’s not ‘til the end of the month.”
“Ha?” Yuto turned around to check his reflection on the window behind him. He smiled and faintly saw his teeth that are covered with chocolate. When he saw this, he couldn’t help but laugh as well then he covered his mouth. “You’re mean! You should’ve told me!”
In between laughter, Louise was saying, “But you laughed at yourself too…”
“You’re the real bully here Ruu-chan.” Yuto muttered while trying his best to clean his teeth.
“Ah… Soudano? (really?)” She replied as if annoying him.
xXxXx
“Hmmm… Bu-ff-et… oh, buffet? Eat all you can. Ah, iku ne?” Line stopped in front of a restaurant and read the sign. “This one looks good… ya?”
“Oh, IDOL? I hear it’s great, demo, it’s really pricy.” Inoo uttered then started reading the menu placed outside.
Looking at the pictures, Daiki replied, “Ah… it looks like you are to cook your own food…” Daiki stopped talking for a while and exclaimed, “¥3000!? Ah, Line-chan?”
“Iku na! Suitai…” This was Line’s statement before entering and Inoo and Daiki shrugged before following her.
Inside, Line felt another surge of familiarity. The place is much like the Asian Cuisine restaurant back at Winnipeg; where the concept of all-you-can-eat and cook-your-food is also applicable.
“This looks just like a restaurant back in Winnipeg…” She uttered and a waiter was on her aid. “Oh, for three please. Arigato.”
Daiki and Inoo were looking around; the scenery’s not that new since a lot of Japanese restaurants are like this; the thing is, some of them -including the one they’re in now- are just a little too expensive especially if you’re a student. “Ne, Line-chan… So we’re really eating here?”
“Yep. My treat, remember? You guys better eat a lot though, okay?” Line chuckled and took her seat. “So, we’ll be having this combo… or this one? Take your pick.” With a smile, Line asked while Daiki and Inoo looked at the options.
xXxXx
“Onii-chan, I want taiyaki. Oh, and mocchi. And I want some cotton candy as well.” Raiya was saying this as if it was Santa’s long list of Christmas gifts. Yuto kept walking as if he’s not hearing him. “Nii-chan, are you listening?”
“ha? Oh, hai, hai!” Yuto shook his head before being pulled by Raiya to the nearby food stand. As promised, Yuto bought him every single thing that he asked for. Then upon walking, Yuto asked, “You sure you’ll finish all of those?”
Raiya was already feasting with his taiyaki. “Uh-huh…Dwon’t wor-ry, ‘bout me…”
Louise was watching Yuto and Raiya and she can’t help but think how Yuto spoils Raiya a lot. She laughed at the thought. Not really feeling a little “at home” yet with everyone -including Chinen and Yamada- Louise felt the need to stay close to Yuto and Raiya. Since Keito’s been hanging out with Chinen and Yamada since they got off, Louise felt like she can only feel less tensed with Yuto and his brother.
It’s not that she doesn’t wanna get to know Yamada and Chinen, Chinen in particular, but it’s just that they’re in a place where she knows no one that much and she feels like she can’t fit in properly yet.
Looking around, Louise noted how there are lots of people today. She quickly remembered the weather forecast this morning. Oh yeah, nice weather. That means… lots of people.
Mesmerized by the place, Louise while keeping in pace with Yuto and Raiya, looked around a lot. She’s so amazed by everything especially the thought that the whole Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is kind-of separated from the rest of the city -much like it’s an island of its own.
Noting every single thing that makes her smile, Louise realized that the wonders this place can give to her eyes are just infinite.
After loving the place, her attention was then set on the people. She probably forgot that she’s in Japan; well since the weather’s nice, there are a lot of people dressed up for a summer-ish day. She remembered how some people in Winnipeg say Asian Fashion on moments she looked at some girls wearing these cute overalls, skirts, shorts, those cute curls and buns etc.
Then she looked at herself and laughed. Clearly, I look like an outcast. She’s wearing a black shirt with a Popeye with nerdy glasses print that also states “I <3 NERDS” and some casual skinny jeans paired with her favourite black and white Converse shoes. To top it off, her hair’s on an effortless pony-tail that says, “I don’t have time to fix myself” all over it. The thought just made her laugh inside her head.
“We should ride this one first!” That was Chinen who spoke and Louise saw him pointing at this tall, and I do mean TALL, tower-like structure. She looked up and saw a part of it literally “drop” as if it was an elevator released all of a sudden.
The impact made her blink then she read the sign, “BLUE FALL”
“Yep. A hundred and seven meters high. Chinen insists we ride this one first.”
Louise looked up, way up as her eye can see and covered her sight from the blinding light of the soon-afternoon sky. “That’s some height.”
“So, are ya up for it?” Yuto was about to say something again but Keito, Chinen and Yamada approached them.
“This guy here is so persistent.” Keito uttered, shaking his head.
“There are tons of other rides here, less heart-racing. Can’t you wait till later Chinen?” Yamada sounds like he’s scolding him.
“I have no problems riding that one first.” Raiya said straight up and then he started eating his cotton candy and hands Yuto the mocchi saying he’ll eat that later.
Yuto shook his head in disbelief, wrapped the mocchi and placed it inside Raiya’s backpack. “Well, it’s up to you guys. I’m okay riding anything.”
“Yama-chan, are you scared?” Chinen blurted out
“What? No.”
“Then it’s all settled, we ride this one first. Well, if it’s okay with Umi-chan that is.” Chinen was looking at Louise.
Louise pointed at herself before saying, “Me? Ah… I guess its fine.”
“Are you sure you’re not scared?” Yuto raised his eyebrows as if saying that Louise should just back away.
Louise shook her head. Chinen then exclaimed, “YOSH, so it’s the BLUE FALL first then. Yaay!” he, along with Raiya falls in line. The others followed.
Yamada was staring at the top of the high, crazily high thing then he took off his eye glasses and rubbed his eyes. “Chinen’s crazy when it comes to things like this.” He was talking to Keito.
“I know. Honestly, I’m quite hungry so I don’t really care about the rides.”
Yamada laughed. “Hai, I agree with you.”
“Although, I think it’s smarter to ride this one with an empty stomach than a full one.”
“I agree once again.”
They kept talking and Yuto and Louise were behind them.
After maybe a few minutes of waiting, they’re just one more batch away before it’s their turn. Yuto faced Louise and said, “Ne Ruu-chan, are you sure about this?”
Louise was checking on something inside her bag before making sure it’s tightly zipped up. She looked up at Yuto with both eyebrows raised -as if surprised- and replied, “Huh? Oh, yeah.”
“Aren’t you scared?” Yuto has this confused face.
“uh… no, I don’t think so…”
“They look pretty scared.” He pointed out at a group of teenagers, probably their age that are on the farther front. In that group, Louise spotted a girl looking nervously at the tower. She looks kind of pale and Louise thinks she’s gonna cry soon. “Aren’t you supposed to be scared?”
Louise chuckled at Yuto’s words, “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Yuto looked up as the batch before them was dropped, and soon it’s their turn.
Buckling up on their seats, Yuto checked upon where Raiya is and Chinen kept telling him that he shouldn’t worry. Louise noted how Raiya sounded pretty excited.
Louise left her bag on the ground before she sat in place. After she was buckled in, she realized that Keito was sitting to her right.
“Are there lots of rides like these back in Canada?” It’s seems like its forever since they last spoke, but Keito’s English was something she’s very glad to hear.
“Actually, there’s almost none. Well, in the city where I came from. I haven’t ridden any as of late.”
“When was the last time you rode one?”
“Um… I dunno, five years ago?”
“That long ago? Are you sure you’re okay riding this?” Keito sounded surprised and concerned at the same time. The machine started moving and Louise felt like she’s in an elevator going up. “Seriously Umi-chan, you should’ve told us.”
“Told you what? I’m perfectly fine on riding these kinds of stuff, trust me.”
“Yeah, but five years ago? That’s a long time ago. You might’ve taken it fine back then, who knows how you’ll take it now!?”
“Well, we’ll find out if I’m still good at handling extreme rides, ne?”
Keito shot her a look of disbelief and the machine stopped.
Looking at the view in front of her, Louise was taken aback. If she thinks the place was amazing the moment they got there, now, from where she is, Hakkeijima Sea Paradise seemed like a little patch of heaven. The view was breath-taking.
The wind blew and Louise felt really nice. In a split second, she forgot that she’s in a ride that is about to drop them any second.
“Ruu-chan!” It was Yuto who called her. He’s sitting to her left.
She didn’t look but she answered, “Yuu-chan!”
“Sugoi ne?!”
Louise was about to shout a loud “Yes” back, but it seemed like a millisecond, and she felt like she’s being pulled down by the earth. It was a long, sickening fall, and while she’s falling, Louise felt herself actually being elevated from her seat. Everything was silent, deafening silence that is. She kept her eyes closed and when she opened them, she realized that the trip wasn’t over just yet, so she shut her eyes quickly and soon she felt everything stop.
When she opened her eyes, she expected everything to look crazy. Surprisingly, everything looks fine. Assistants un-buckled their belts and they were directed to the exit.
Upon stepping on the ground, Louise breathed deeply, took her bag and felt someone grab her forearm. It was Yuto
“Daijobu?” He asked when they finally got out on the grounds again.
Louise looked at him for a second and she nodded. “I’m fine, thanks.”
Yamada was rubbing his temples and he puts his glasses on again. “Seriously, that ride always gets the best out of my hearing.” He then taps his ears. “Ah, Daijobu Keito?”
Keito looked like he was spacing out and Yamada clapped his hands over his face. Keito blinked and moved his mouth like a squirrel munching on a nut. “Oh… what just happened?”
“Ha! Rai-chan took it better than you guys, you should be ashamed of yourselves!” Chinen and Raiya did a high five and Yuto said that Raiya had his eyes closed the whole time and that he covered his eyes.
“No! You did that onii-chan!”
They all laughed and Louise was feeling a little better. She must admit she felt kind-of sick, but it’s not like she needed to throw up or something.
They walked around the grounds, and Chinen was able to convince them that they should ride one more before eating lunch. This time, he was pointing at some kind of a fast moving -like a futuristic speed rollercoaster.
“I don’t think I wanna ride another one for now. I feel funny.” Louise smiled sheepishly.
“Are you okay Rui-chan?” Raiya looked worried.
“Hai, hai, daijobudesu. I just need a tiny break.”
Yamada spoke, “I think I’ll pass too. My head’s aching.”
“Oh, doushite?” Chinen asked.
“Yamachan daijobu?” Keito followed.
“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s because of the glasses, I’m sure. And I’m hungry. You guys just go, ne?” Yamada took a seat near the rollercoaster. “We’ll wait over here.”
The rest agreed and said that they’ll be back right away. Yuto was thinking of staying with them but with Raiya insisting on him to come along, he couldn’t say anything else.
While Chinen, Yuto, Keito and Raiya were on line, Louise and Yamada waited; and while waiting, Louise looked around to brush away the airy feeling in her head. As she glances everywhere, she was captivated by the view of the huge Ferris wheel from where they sat. With the sun shining blinding rays behind it, the silhouette the Ferris wheel has was just incredible. She took her sketch pad out (apparently, that’s the thing she keeps checking on inside her bag), and with her trusty charcoal pencil she started sketching.
Yamada was watching her and he can’t help but be amazed at how fast she draws her messy strokes. He decided not to say anything for he saw the concentration in her eyes.
After a while that seemed like a blink of an eye, Louise was about done with her work. Although it still needs some finishing touches, the shape, shade and silhouette was there. “That’s just awesome.” Yamada uttered.
“Huh?” She looks like she’s forgotten he’s there. “Oh, heh… not really.”
“No? But it is.” He looked at her work once again and said, “Really.”
“It’s weird, sometimes I just feel like ‘OH! I have to draw that!’ and then my hands just work their way to it.”
“That’s some talent.”
“I heard you’re pretty good too. Wanna give it a shot?” Louise offered her sketch pad and charcoal.
Yamada looked at her for a moment and pointed at himself, “Ore? Nah…”
Louise insisted and placed the sketch pad and pencil on his lap. “I guess I really wanna know if you’re as good as they say. The one you draw back at drawing class, I didn’t get to see it fully anyways…”
“Um… Fine…” with that Yamada started sketching. His lines were more defined and less messy than Louise and that’s why his drawing seemed very interesting to her; it’s as if each and every line of his is a sure line.
With much interest and curiosity as to what he’s drawing, Louise kept watching.
The line on the roller coaster was pretty long, and it took a while before Yuto, Chinen, Keito and Raiya were near their turn. Since they can see Yamada and Louise from afar, Chinen watched the two.
Since Chinen was first on their line followed by Yuto, he pointed out to Yamada and Louise; so that Yuto will look their way. Then suddenly, he said something that made Yuto jolt a little. “Are you jealous, Yuto-kun?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Isn’t she your girlfriend?” Chinen has this devilish grin on his face again.
“I told you already, she’s not.”
“U-so…”
“Chinen-baka…”
“They look good together, ne?”
“I dunno. Why ask me?”
“I smell jealousy.”
“Urusai!” Yuto was a little loud than intended and some people looked his way. Chinen laughed at him and Raiya told him to keep it down.
Keito and Raiya were talking about some random video game; Yuto can hear them talking. Although his eyes were at Yamada and Louise’s direction; why, he can’t really tell.
“You like her…”
“Why do you insist on that Chinen?” Yuto sounded annoyed.
“Sometimes I just get hunches. Believe me, you’ll see. One day you’ll tell me that I’m so right.”
With disbelief, Yuto shook his head and soon it was their turn to ride the roller coaster. Before sitting, Yuto saw a glimpse of Louise and Yamada looking over something from afar. He could tell Louise was smiling, and why he suddenly felt weird, he doesn’t even wanna know.
Please leave a comment. As one author once said in a fanfiction i read about years ago... "Reviews [Comments] are like food for the author." I can't find his/her account now, so yeah... can't completely credit that person, but nonetheless, comments really feed an author's imagination and confidence towards his/her story. so if you may, please do leave a comment and voice out what you think. thanks! ^_^
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Of course for easier navigations. Here are the links for the previous chapters:
Chapter Four - Part 1 | Part 2
Chapter Three
Chapter Two
Chapter One
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Have a great day minna! :)
Author: aemrith
Pairing: Yamada Ryosuke/OC, Arioka Daiki/OC, Nakajima Yuto/OC
Rating: PG
Genre: Romance, Friendship, Family
Warning: LONG chapters and may take a while to update.
Summary for Chapter Five: It's one interesting Saturday for Line and Louise. Line-chan gets to go to Akihabara with Inoo and Daiki while Louise gets to visit Hakkeijima Sea Paradise with Yuto, Raiya, Keito... and two more? Oh yeah, and time to meet someone new, again. Yosh!
A/N: I won't be posting for a while after this chapter since i've got some school work to catch up onto. Nonetheless, i'll try my best to update as soon as my schedule gets cleared up.
Chapter Five - Something tells me I’m right!
Previous Chapter…
Louise shook his hand and smiled. Having a closer look at this new guy, only one thing came into Louise’s mind; ‘he’s cute and kind-of… pretty.’ “Um… yeah… Umiko Louise, nice to meet you.”
Chinen still has his smile before they let go of each other’s hand. Then after a little pause he stated, “Anata wa hontoni kireida.” Yamada’s and Yuto’s eyes widened at Chinen’s bold and direct statement. Not really knowing how to react, Louise just stared at him. Strange enough, he looked like he really meant what he said.
xXxXx
It was an awkward moment, but Louise didn’t really feel like it was. After a few seconds of silence, Louise said, “Ne? Ah… thank you I guess.” With a casual smile, her unique way of thinking of things creates a lot of difference.
Chinen smiled back. “Gomen ne if that was a little sudden, I sometimes just blurt things out.” Sheepishly, he bowed.
Shaking her hands in front of her as if telling Chinen there’s nothing to be sorry about what he said, “Everybody does that sometimes.” Louise uttered in agreement.
“Tell you that you’re really pretty?” Chinen’s sudden statement sounded really innocent, as if what he just said was not much of a great deal; but for Yuto, and Yamada, it seems a little too bold to handle.
“So, where are you guys going?” Yamada suddenly interrupted, capturing Yuto’s and Louise’s attention. He was addressing the question to them though.
Keito and Raiya arrived before any of Yuto or Louise responded to Yamada’s question. Raiya, upon seeing Yamada smiled and ran towards him. “Yamada-ni!” he exclaimed.
“O-ra. Raiya-kun!” Yamada replied, putting up a hand for Raiya to tap. It’s like their high-five thing.
Raiya -knowing what to do- just did their usual greeting and said, “Ohayo!”
“So you’re with them. I didn’t see you far back. Ohayo Keito.” Yamada ended with a nod and a smile on Keito’s direction.
“Ne, Yamada-ni, where are you going?” Raiya responded.
“Oh, I just got back from training camp. How ‘bout you guys?”
“Oh, we’re going to Hakkeijima Sea Paradise!! We’re gonna watch the dolphins again!” (Uwaaah! They get to go to Hakkeijima Sea Paradise… So, Lucky!)
“Oh, sugoi.” Somebody uttered, but it wasn’t Yamada. Raiya looked at the person who spoke and he exclaimed “Pretty far, demo… hontoni sugoi Raiya-chan.”
“U-wa, Chinen-ni!?”
“Didn’t quite see me, ne? So, your nii-chan’s bringing you to Hakkeijima today huh? Lucky.” Chinen playfully elbowed Raiya.
“Yeah! And I asked Rui-chan (apparently, Raiya made up his own nickname for Louise) and Keito-ni to come with us. You should come too!” The boy exclaimed excitedly.
Upon hearing the idea, Yuto quickly followed saying, “Yeah, It’ll be a lot more fun!” He was obviously sharing his brother’s excitement.
“Umm…” Yamada uttered while Louise and Keito waited for whatever else is to happen.
“Hai! Hai! We should go with them, ne?” Chinen was referring to Yamada when he asked this. Yamada, surprised it seemed, looked at Chinen.
When he saw Chinen and Raiya’s expression, he felt speechless. Not to mention, with Yuto beaming on his peripheral view as well. Not sure what to say, he uttered, “Why are you asking me? I don’t mind.”
“Yay! We’re off then!” Chinen and Raiya exclaimed at the same time and Raiya pulled Chinen to the ticket booth.
“I’m gonna go buy my ticket too.” Yamada excused himself, directing to no one in particular.
Yuto, Keito and Louise waited near the boarding area; Louise was sitting on the waiting bench and she was fishing out something from her body bag. Not really sure what she was looking for but it seems like’s she’s found it when she got hold of something then she smiled.
“You forgot something Ruu-chan?” Yuto was the one who spoke; he took off his headphones and let them hang around his neck. Louise took note that she’ll probably buy herself one of those headphones soon.
She looked up at Yuto; towering over her, kind-of-skinny. Haha! “Ah, nope.”
“Oh. It’s great that Yama-chan and Chinen gets to join us. See, you’ve met Yama-chan… Chinen's nice too and yeah, you won’t feel left out. Well, not that I’m saying you might, it’s just that…”
Yuto left his words hanging and Louise waved a hand over his face. “Iiyo, don’t worry too much about it. I’m just thinking, the more the merrier. It’s nice to meet new people. Besides, your brother looks ten times more excited than how he was a few minutes ago.”
“Well, he’s pretty close with Yama-chan and Chinen too, so yeah.”
Louise nodded and uttered, “I can tell.” And soon Yamada and Chinen were being pulled by Raiya towards the rest of them.
“Train’s here.” Keito uttered and Louise stood up.
In a few seconds, they were all inside the train, and as mentioned, it was a Saturday and there were quite a lot of people. Upon entering though, there were two vacant seats. A quite old lady entered the train along with them and they offered her one vacant seat right away. Yamada pulled Louise to the only vacant seat left. Upon sitting, Louise looked up and Yamada and Yuto were the ones standing in front of her; they were holding onto handles/bars.
With quite a number of people, it felt a little like they’re sardines in a box. Louise saw Raiya got hit on the face by a giant guy’s backpack, and Yuto pulled his brother closer to him. Louise took Raiya’s forearm, pulled him a little towards her and she sat Raiya on her lap.
The eleven year old boy, being an eleven year old felt a little shy at first, but it took him only a little while to just be thankful. “Arigato, Rui-chan.” He whispered.
“Doitashimaste.” She smiled and she held onto a handle bar, the same bar Yuto was holding onto. When she looked up, Yuto was smiling at her.
“Sankyuu Ruu-chan.” He uttered, well that was English, and Louise smiled.
She said, “It’s really no big deal. I mean, Raiya’s light, not like some skinny-giant I know, ne Rai-chan?…” Raiya tried not to laugh too much, but Yuto retorted and said that he’s being bullied again, and this made Raiya burst out of laughter; just seeing his brother look pissed, kind of makes him wanna laugh hard. Yamada was listening to them talk, and he occasionally laughs. Keito had his earphones plugged and he was looking out the window, while Chinen was on the phone.
xXxXx
Beforehand, Line mentioned that she wanted to buy lens for her camera. Inoo thought right away that they should head for Akihabara. So then that Saturday, the trio went out for the Electronics World, Akihabara District.
Walking around Akihabara is like walking in a huge Electronics Shop… no more line walking inside The World of Robot Masters(?) or so that’s what Line thought. Every corner, side, you-name-it, there’s tons and tons of gadgets, games, whatever else you can think of that regards technology. There are stalls that sell all kind of cables; probably all kinds known to man.
Looking through windows, Line spotted all those game consoles and its accessories; including Play Stations, Wii, Xbox and so much more. Laptops, TV’s, players, she can’t say how huge of selections Akihabara has.
They stopped in front of this huge store; the only one Line’s pretty familiar with. Even though they’re hungry, Daiki insisted that they go in. Upon entering, Line felt like she’s back in Winnipeg for a short while. The set up, and how the gadgets were arranged were very similar as to that in Polo Park, only, this one’s a lot bigger. What store is this? Well, it’s non-other than the famous Apple Store.
Daiki and Inoo were looking at the new iPad, and Line absent-mindedly walked around. She can remember when she went to Apple to get her iPhone just a few months ago.
“Ne, Isn’t this what Line-chan has?” Line heard Inoo spoke. He and Daiki were behind her. When she looked their way, he was holding an iPod Touch “U-so… ¥33,000!”
“EH?” Daiki looked over to see for himself the price Inoo was talking about. He pulled out Line’s iPod Touch (haha! It’s still with him) and compared it to the one Inoo was holding.
“My iPod Touch’s cheaper. Mine is this one.” Line approached and explained. Then she pointed out at the 32GB’s price. “Mite…”
“Ah… Still, ¥26,000 wow…Oh yeah, before I forget. Hai…” Daiki handed Line her iPod Touch.
“Oh, you’ve transferred the songs already?”
“Hai. Arigato!”
Line smiled, “You’re welcome. If I get hold of new songs, I’ll let you know right away, ne?”
Daiki’s smile was just great, and Line find it funny when Daiki said, “I feel like I’m gonna miss the penguin more than the iPod Touch itself.”
“Really, Dai-chan? The penguin?”
“What?” Daiki had a funny expression, Line just shook her head in disbelief and Inoo rolled his eyes.
The three headed outside and walked a little bit more before stopping at a shop that shows camera’s and lenses. Line said she wanted to take a look inside and Inoo went in with her.
Inside, they were entertained right away by an old man, who looks like those typical, professional, photographers. He told them that this shop is a studio as well.
“I’m actually looking for some lenses…”
“There’s umm, something… here…” The old man spoke, handing Line something. Inoo leaned in closer to take a look.
“What’s that for?” Inoo interrogated; he might be an aspiring architect, but photography was not really on top of his list
“They’re Lenses. For better zoom… others make shots at an angle look effortless. It depends on which type.” Line uttered while looking at the lens she has in her hands. ‘It’s not this one.’ She thought to herself and returned the merchandised to the nice old man. “Thank you though.” She uttered when the man apologized for not having what she was looking for.
When they stepped out of the shop, Daiki was there standing; Line noticed how he’s wearing a grey version of his jacket from yesterday, and still today, he has his Nike shoes on. He probably heard them coming so he looked their way, waved a hand, while the other was holding onto a grandé cup which Line figured would be… “Hot chocolate again, Dai-chan?” Inoo uttered.
“What?”
“It’s pretty warm today you know.” After saying this, Inoo fixed his light sweater and his body bag. “Yosh, where are we off to now?”
“Did you find the lens that you wanted?” Daiki asked and the three of them started walking.
Since it’s a Saturday, the street was filled with people; mostly teens their age and Line recognized some of them, probably classmates and so.
While walking, the trio spotted another gadget boutique. They stopped in front of it and Daiki said, “Well, maybe it’s here. This one looks a little… I mean, a LOT bigger than the last one.” He was referring to this huge store in front of them.
Line said nothing and went inside; this time Daiki came inside with her and Inoo was on the phone, standing outside.
Upon entering, Line didn’t know where to look first. There were so many things she’s not sure what to pay attention to. The ones on the front display were other canon cameras, and some other brands. She saw her own camera too.
An assistant, wearing a uniform (well, much like how it is at every shop) smiled and greeted them. He told Daiki to be a little careful with his drink and Daiki bowed apologetically. Line turned on an aisle and Daiki quickly followed her.
There, Line saw a vast selection of lens. She looked at some of the price tags, and carefully examined the sample gadgets on display.
On the other side, standing behind Line, Daiki was looking at some lens as well. Then he saw a collection of lens placed inside a glass cabinet. He leaned closer for a better look on the tags and said, “Oh. 70-300mm… isn’t this what you wanted Line-chan?” Line told him and Inoo earlier that day what she was specifically looking for. Although, they don’t know much, they insisted to help her find it.
When she heard Daiki’s statement, Line made her way beside Daiki. He pointed out to the thing, but Line already had her eyes fixed on it.
“Ah… excuse me…” Daiki uttered, leaving Line for a bit and when he came back, there’s an assistant with him already. “We’re interested in this one. May we see?”
Line’s attention was still on the lens, and she blinked a little when the guy opened the cabinet. Daiki held her shoulder and pulled her a little to the side. “Oh.” That was all she could utter.
Smiling, Daiki tapped Line’s shoulder. “You’re spacing out!”
“No. No, I’m not.” Line made a face that says, What are you talking about?
“Here you go.” The guy assisting them said, handing out the lens to Daiki or Line, not really sure who to address to. The guy had a friendly smile on his face; Daiki thought that he looks pretty cool; with a hair a little longer than his, and of light shade of brown. He read the name tag and it says “Tegoshi.”
Line looked at it then held it. “Thanks…” She was looking at it in every angle, checking some details she’s familiar with. Daiki, knowing nothing much, looked as well. The assistant, let’s call him by his name-tag, Tegoshi, was just there waiting.
“We just got them. Very few stocks, I must tell you. So few, I bought one right away.” Tegoshi said, upon waiting a little while Line was still looking at the lens.
“Sugoi… they’re pretty expensive…” Daiki was the one who replied. He finished his hot chocolate and held onto the cup.
Tegoshi nodded and beamed, he seemed excited about what he has to say, “It was pretty costly, but it’s worth it. I’m taking hundred more pictures now, it’s so much easier to use for zoomed-in shots.”
“Oh, you should talk to her then. She’s nuts about photography.” Daiki pouted at Line’s direction. She’s still looking at the lens.
Why she’s speechless, is because Line was occupied with the things she’s gonna take shots of once she gets this lens. She’s targeting the view of the sky up on her dorm room, and also the view from below. She’s also trying to catch up with the falling and changing of the color of the leaves. And finally, her best subject in mind at the moment was a Japanese Maple Tree; to re-do her “ruined” first photo. After thinking about those things, Line focused her eyes on the price tag that says ¥158,000
Daiki called out Line’s name, but Line was too busy computing about how she’s gonna pay. Apparently, her mom was strict enough about her allowance and said that she is to receive ¥10000 (CAD$100) every week.
‘So far, I have ¥50000 with me… hmm, by tomorrow, I’ll get my allowance for next week… so that makes it 60000 then…’ Her thoughts were cut when she felt her cheek. “Ite!” Line had a death glare and she saw Daiki. He was pinching her. “Nani?!”
Daiki laughed and pinched a little harder before letting go. “Welcome back Line-chan!”
“Urusai naa…” She pouted then said “Nani? Nani?”
Daiki smiled and introduced her to Tegoshi. “Tegoshi-san here asks if you need any assistance…” he raised his eyebrows, along with pressing his lips together to a tight smile.
Line frowned a little, and after a while she realized that they are still at the store, and that she is about to make a purchase. Before her mind sets off thinking about her allowance again, Line shook her head and bowed apologetically to the new guy.
Upon looking at him clearly now, Line noted how this guy resembles a bunny or a hamster; which of those animals really, she can’t even tell. To break off the silence, Tegoshi spoke, “Is there anything I can help you with?”
She held the lens out to him and said, “Well…” she let her words hang, and Daiki struggled to look at the price tag of the lens she’s holding. When Line continued saying, “I’m planning on buying this actually…”
Daiki, after seeing the price and hearing what Line said, had his jaw-dropped expression, and exclaimed, “Uso!” His eyes were wide and he checked the tag again… “158,000!!!”
Tegoshi was not that surprised, judging by his expression, but he kept it a little calmer than Daiki. “Well, that’s great.”
“I have one problem though…” Line completely handed the lens back to Tegoshi, while Daiki was extra careful when he touched. “Give me a sec…” she pulled out her iPhone from her bag, and checked for the time. It’s currently ten thirty-two in the morning, so that means it’s around nine-something back at Winnipeg. After punching in some numbers, Line excused herself a bit and walked a little to the side, leaving Tegoshi and Daiki.
“Jugo-man hassen yen… (158,000)” Daiki was uttering this in disbelief. Tegoshi nodded; he does agree that the amount was pretty surprising.
“It’s even more expensive than the cameras itself… demo… lenses really add a lot…” this was Tegoshi’s line and Daiki nodded with a hint of disbelief.
“I’m kind of happy I’m not into these kinds of things. Or else I’ll be a beggar in no time…” Daiki uttered under his breath and Tegoshi chuckled; he did say that he understands what Daiki meant.
After a while, Daiki looked at Line; she has her back turned and seemed to be waiting on the phone still. He walked closer and heard Line say, “Hello? Ma… Mama?”
Tegoshi excused himself for a while saying he’ll just get something and that he’ll be back soon. Daiki nodded at him and waited near Line. She was talking, and Daiki wasn’t intending to eavesdrop, but then again, he was curious as to what he heard.
“Hindi po, pero kasi magandang mabayaran ko na nang buo ngayon, para wala na ‘kong iintindihin. (Not really, but it’s better if I pay it with full amount now so I don’t have to worry about it later on)” Interested, Daiki listened a little bit more. He watched Line nod and then frown before continuing the conversation. After a good while, Daiki noted Line’s smile. “Okay! Bilin ko na siya ngayon ha? Ha? Sabi mo yan ha. Walang bawian.” (I’ll buy it now, okay? Ne? ne? You’ve already agreed to it. You can’t take that back) There was a slight pause, “Thank you! Labyu! Ja-ne!” When she hung up her phone, she noticed Daiki leaning closer behind her. “Dai-chan?”
“Ah… a-no…” quite unsure what to say, he continued, “Ah… that wasn’t English, wasn’t it?” he looked a little sheepish, like he’s a little embarrassed to asked. He feels like he’s so ignorant.
Realizing the situation, Line chuckled a little and smiled. “Nope. That’s Tagalog. It’s how we call our Language back at Philippines. I’m a Filipino, you see…”
“Oh. Hai! You did mention that. Kakkoi… so you know more languages? Ne?”
“Um. San (three)” Line nodded and looked for Tegoshi
“Ne? Ne? You think you can teach me that Tanalog? Ah…” he was looking at the ceiling thinking of what the right word is. “Taragalog… e-to…”
Line laughed and corrected, “Tagalog, Dai-chan...” She saw Tegoshi look their way and she waved at him.
Daiki was repeating the new word he just learned and after a while, Tegoshi was back with them. “So, how may I help you?” his smile was as nice as the first time he saw them.
“Ah, hai!” Line nodded, and Daiki was a bit pre-occupied by the language thing.
xXxXx
“Okey… bye-bye.” Inoo shoved his phone inside his pocket. He’s been waiting outside this huge digital shop Line and Daiki went into. He had a call from his cousin, so he decided to not come inside. He peeked in a little, and saw Line seemingly talking to someone on her phone, and Daiki was behind her. Since he couldn’t tell what’s happening, although it seems like they won’t be back out soon, he walked towards a near convenience store to get something to eat. Walking around Akihabara, it makes him kind of hungry.
He bought himself some onigiri, taiyaki and an iced tea and walked back near the digital shop then waited outside. While munching on his food, Inoo noticed a bunch of guys in his statistics class. There are three of them; one of them his seatmate. When they passed by, Inoo didn’t really put any effort of greeting, though he didn’t exactly ignore them either. His seatmate, with a smile, approached him. “Oh, Inoo-chan.” He brushed off his kind-of long, brownish hair away from his face and his tiny eyes were like a line while he smiled.
Inoo greeted back, “Takaki-kun.”
“Shopping huh?” Takaki said, referring to the bag Inoo was holding; it was Line’s gift to him though.
Not really wanting to say anything much because Takaki’s companions arrived, Inoo just nodded.
“Oh yeah, you’ve met these two right? They’re in our class too. Makoto-san, and Miyura-san.” Takaki introduced his friends, and Inoo heard his mind talking to him saying that he already knows them, and that they’re pretty annoying.
Side tracking a little, in Inoo’s Statistics class, there are about two hundred students; of course, it’s a lecture session, therefore lots of people. And where Inoo usually sits, these two guys sit right behind him. During class, these guys will keep talking non-stop about random gibberish stuff, and even though he doesn’t want to listen to them, Inoo ends up hearing them converse all the time. This is one of the factors why he couldn’t concentrate much in class. Takaki usually tells them to hush up but the guys put up a big front, as if saying ‘You’re not the boss of me! ‘
Avoiding looking at the two, Inoo uttered. “Hai.”
“Ne, I’m really worried about the next test on Stat, I feel like I failed the first one.” As usual, Takaki was the only friendly person among these three. While Takaki and Inoo talked, the other two were talking on their own, and started lighting some sticks (cigarettes). Inoo frowned for he hated smoke.
Waving a hand over his face, Inoo kept the rest of his food and tried to talk to Takaki normally. “Well, it was hard, so don’t worry.”
“Inoo-chan, uso… You’re smart…”
“No, I swear. That exam was way over my limits.” One guy blew his puff towards Inoo and Takaki’s directions and Inoo glared his way. Takaki noticed this and called his friend’s attention.
“Teshima-baka! (Makoto’s first name is Teshima)” this was Takaki’s complaint, but the Makoto guy just shrugged and looked away and when he faced Miyura, they laughed a little; Inoo figured they were making fun of Takaki. Quite annoyed, Inoo kept his mouth shut.
xXxXx
Line and Daiki were on the other side of the counter with Tegoshi, doing some final paper work for the lens.
“Well I did tell you we have very little stock, right? This is actually the last one we have left, well… the other one is the one on display…” This was Tegoshi’s lines as he puts all the necessary papers (manual, warranty, etc.) and the receipt in one envelope. “Oh yeah, hang on a sec. I still have something for you…” with that Tegoshi left them.
Line was looking at the lens’s box, probably reading stuff. “So, our Line-chan is rich, huh?” Daiki’s remark was not serious; it’s more like he’s saying he finally realized something he’s supposed to realize a long time ago.
“Hah? Pffft… No…”
“Hontoni?”
“Hai, honto… My parents are… probably, but not me.” She answered with confidence and in all honesty, humility. She looked like she really meant what she said and that it’s not some kind of a joke.
Daiki can’t help but chuckle a little. “That’s a pretty convincing answer.”
“Because it’s the truth! Let’s stop the topic about money please?”
“You’re a rich girl…”
“Urusai na…”
“Princess Line-chan? Ne?” This time, Daiki was really just making fun of her. He noticed how bit-by-bit, Line’s getting annoyed. For someone who always get picked on like Daiki (well, by Inoo and Line) a little counter-attack wouldn’t be that bad.
“Daiki-baka! Say that again, and I’ll kick you!” Line was actually glaring at him now.
It’s weird but Daiki and Line sometimes get along weirdly like this. Soon, Tegoshi was back carrying a camera bag. “Yo! You get this for free, ne?”
“Oh, really??? Arigato!”
“Sugoi Line-chan.”
“Che!!” Line’s expression kind of surprised Daiki a little, because it didn’t sound like it was English, or Japanese; weird thing is that, it sounds like some other expressions, yet it sounds new. “Don’t talk to me.”
“Oh, oh… are you having a fight?” Tegoshi was actually whispering this to Daiki only.
Daiki chuckled and whispered back, “Nah… I don’t think so… Although this is the first time I’ve seen her like this. I find it funny.” He ended with a little chuckle and Line looked their way; as if she knows what they’re talking about.
“Shikashi… Is there anything else I can do for you today?” Tegoshi’s now addressing to both Line and Daiki.
Putting the camera bag inside the huge paper bag where her Lens’ are, Line smiled and shook her head and said, “Nope. Thank you very much for all your help!” she ended with a bow. Daiki raised his eyebrows as if sending Tegoshi a message. Tegoshi just chuckled and Line bid goodbye.
Before they actually leave the counter, Tegoshi remarked. “You two should make up, okay? No fighting. It’s bad in a relationship, ne? Have a great day!”
Daiki and Line looked back at Tegoshi with identical, shocked, faces. It’s a good thing there’s not much people on that side of the store. When they saw Tegoshi, he’s already helping a new customer, and Line and Daiki stepped outside.
“What was that guy talking about?” Line uttered, she still has that kind of surprised expression.
Daiki looked at her and it’s as if he’s just realized something. “Eh??? Ano…” Recalling some conversations a while ago, he continued, “He must’ve thought that we were going out!”
Line stared at Daiki and laughed. “What was he thinking?”
“I have no idea…” Daiki answered. They laughed and outside, the afternoon was pretty bright. After staring at the sky for a split second, Line knew what was coming. She opened her mouth a little for a good sneeze but then…
xXxXx
Inoo was having a conversation with Takaki when the Makoto guy stepped in the scene and was pointing at his wristwatch. “Oi Yuya, we gotta go…”
“Why don’t you guys go on ahead then?” Takaki was merely suggesting a good point, or so that what Inoo thought.
“You’re treating us out for lunch today, baka!”
Inoo kept his mouth shut, also because he doesn’t like how stinky the guy smells. ‘Kusai… Kusai… KU-SA-I!’ Upon shouting this inside his head, Inoo noticed Makoto looking at him.
Makoto was about to say something when he heard someone exclaim.
“UWAA! KORE WA… KUSAI! (It stinks!)” Line slaps the air in front of her. It was a loud complaint followed by some coughing.
Daiki, irritated by the smell as well but was quite surprised by Line’s outburst, looked at her. Line was too busy glaring at the smoke and trying to track where it came from that her head got a little hot. When she saw Daiki looking at her, she exclaimed, “WHAT IS IT!?” in English, then quickly followed it, by “ah… I mean, nani?? Nani? Doushite? (what?? What??? Why?)”
Not really sure what to say next, Daiki just had an even more indescribable expression.
Realizing how her temper got the best of her, Line rubbed her forehead -probably to soften the creases that formed- and said, “Gomen ne, Dai-chan…”
Inoo, Takaki and the two other guys were looking at Line and Daiki. “Pfft” It was Inoo’s attempt to hold back a laugh and Daiki and Line approached him. “Line-chan, Dai-chan, this is Takaki-kun. Statistics buddy…” Inoo introduced them.
“Nice to meet you.” Takaki greeted, a little shyly.
“Oi, Yuya, hayaku ne! (Hurry up Yuya)” The two guys were on their way when they called out to him. They seem to be a lot older than Takaki. The Makoto guy has his eyes on Daiki and Line.
“Ah, hai! I’m coming! Uzaken (he uttered this loud enough only for Inoo to hear) … I’ll see you around guys! Nice meeting ya!” It was an awkward situation and Line thought this Takaki guy handled it perfectly. She instantly thought that a few minutes ago, Takaki was already kind of torn between those hoodlums, and them.
Inoo, Daiki and Line watched for a while before Takaki and his companions took a turn and were gone from their site. “Those three are all in my Statistics class, although it’s just Takaki-kun I’m friends with. The other two… don’t even ask.” This was Inoo’s statement, as if answering an unasked question.
Line nodded and coughed a little bit before sighing. “Sorry, I guess I was a little too bold.”
Inoo laughed and said, “You were great! I couldn’t have said it any better.”
“Seriously, what do they get from that?” Line’s remark got nods from Inoo and Daiki.
“So, I see you guys got something…” Inoo was referring to what Line bought.
“Oh, hai! Line-chan here got her Lens. And they’re really expensive..”
“O-ra… You have lots of money, ne Line-chan?”
“Honto honto! Like probably this much!” Daiki was stretching out his hands.
“Damare! Chigayo!” Line was poking Daiki. “Don’t listen to him.”
“Oh, hai-hai! Whatever you say Line-chan. Daiki-urusai…”
The trio started walking the streets of Akihabara once again. “So, we got your lens. I say that’s a great thing! Yosh, we’re mission accomplished!” Inoo stated with much enthusiasm. “So, where are we off to now?”
They stopped walking and leaned on the side street fences, Inoo said he has to tie his shoelaces. While Inoo hunched over his shoes, Line heard a stomach grumble. She knows that it wasn’t hers, so she turned her attention to Daiki, who was standing right beside her. She chuckled a little and looked at Daiki. “Daijobu Dai-chan?”
Daiki looked at her -embarrassed, haha- and he rubbed his belly. “Suitai…”
Inoo heard Daiki’s line and he stood up, looked at Daiki and laughed. “That was your stomach!? Wow. You’ve got some singer there, ne Dai-chan?”
“Shut up! I really am hungry… That hot chocolate didn’t help…” Daiki had his head down as if he’s about to cry. Inoo kept making fun of him and Line laughed too.
After a few minutes, Line heard another stomach rumble.
Daiki exclaimed right away, “That wasn’t me!” and shot a glare at Inoo.
Inoo, taken-aback, frowned and held his tummy. After a few seconds, it rumbled again. “U-so!”
Daiki laughed out loud and Line did so too. “Kei-chan!!! That was you! Wahahaha!” (XD. Daiki’s probably thinking… ROFL.)
“U-so! No way! I’m not hun-…” before he could end his statement, Inoo’s tummy rumbled again. Daiki and Line couldn’t stop laughing… “Uwaa…” that was all Inoo could mutter after a while.
Line wiped little laugh-tears and faced her buddies. “Since we’re all hungry…” she stopped laughing now. “And you guys were such great buddies. Let’s go eat! My treat!”
“Eh? Majide?” Inoo uttered.
“Demo…” Daiki was a little hesitant
“There’s no need to be shy. Iku iku!” Line pulled the two and they looked for a great place to go to. “Hmmm, anybody with suggestions?” With that statement, the three walked around more.
xXxXx
It takes a minimum of forty-five to fifty-five minutes travel to get to Hakkeijima Sea Paradise if you’re from Yokohama Train Station. Louise sighed remembering this fact. They’ve been travelling for just ten minutes as of the moment. Raiya was now sitting beside her, and the train got a few spaces than before. It seems quite a number of people went off at the first stop.
As the train kept running, Louise looked at the scenery outside the windows. Raiya was busy playing (which Louise noted to be a Nintendo Game Boy DSi) Mario; he’s been showing her what level he’s in.
Yamada, Yuto and Keito were all still standing, while Chinen got a seat on the opposite side. Busy looking at the windows as well, Louise noted how Chinen looks so much younger than he really is. She can’t really believe he’s the same age as her and the others. Not really meaning to, she was staring at Chinen and the guy noticed this. He smiled and bowed towards her, probably to break off the awkward atmosphere, and Louise returned the gesture with an apologetic bow.
“So then you guys will be going off to the semi-finals soon, huh?” not that occupied with the windows anymore, Louise heard Yuto talk.
Yamada nodded, pulled his back pack higher (he only has one strap on) and spoke, “More training, more training, more training…” he ended shaking his head
“It’s okay. You get to be cool and all, ne?”
Yamada looked at Yuto as if he’s saying something ridiculous. “You still think being a player is all about coolness, huh?”
“Well, not really, but you can’t take that away.”
Yamada shoved a hand inside his pocket. He shrugged before saying, “I guess you can say that.” There was a beep and Yamada pulled his cellphone. It’s much like Yuto’s although it is of color red. Yuto’s phone is white. He flipped it open and checked at his message.
Upon seeing this, Yuto remembered something. “Oh yeah, what was that favor you were gonna ask about? Sorry, I slept a little too early last night.”
Yamada was done reading his message and he looked at Yuto, with his mouth half-open. “Ha?” After a while, he spotted Louise looking out the window; then he looked back at Yuto. “Oh that, no it’s okay. You don’t have to worry about it.”
“Are ya sure?”
“Un.” Its Yamada’s usual expression, well, it’s mostly like his own version of yes, accompanied by a nod -with his lips pressed together forming a line.
Twenty minutes passed and there’s even less people. Yuto gets a seat beside Raiya and Yamada got a seat beside Louise.
After looking at her phone for the time, Louise sighed softly and leaned on her seat. “So I see you’re on the soccer team…” it’s a random obvious statement, Louise thought, but then again anything is fine if you wanted to open up a conversation.
“Un” he uttered, of course with a nod. “I was away for a few days from school ‘cause of it too…” he ended with a chuckle
“Thankful, huh?”
“Not quite, but I’d be lying if I say I’m not.”
Louise laughed. “I hear you’re an excellent student so I see no reason why you should be worried.”
Yamada looked surprised, “Ore? Excellent student? Now, where did that come from?”
“Yuu-chan… I mean, Yuto-kun… and the rest of the class I guess…”
“Nani?” Yuto overheard his name and peeked.
“Betsuni.” Louise uttered and Yamada chuckled.
“Oi, oi, you guys can’t talk about me behind my back.” Yuto was trying to poke Louise but since Raiya’s in between them, he can’t really hit her hard.
Raiya, concentrating on his game, pushed his Onii-chan’s hand away from his face. “Nii-chan! I can’t see!”
Louise and Yamada laughed while Yuto and Raiya argued a little. “Let’s switch, ne?”
“But I wanna sit next to Rui-chan!”
“We’ll if you stay there, I’ll keep bugging ya.”
“Yuto, bully…” Keito uttered from the opposite side. He seems to be watching and listening to them. Yamada followed saying that Yuto really is a mean onii-chan and Louise just laughs at them being silly.
Finally, after a few convincing efforts, Raiya switched places with Yuto, under the condition that Yuto buys him any snack he wants once they get to Hakkeijima.
Now to Louise’s right sat Yuto and Yamada to her left. They started talking about the things that Yamada missed and how most of them are not to be worried about. Once in a while, they talk to Keito and Chinen on the other side, who kept interjecting whenever they feel like it.
The trip went on and as the train stops, the people inside gets lesser and lesser. There’s about twenty minutes more before they get to their destination and Louise can feel her tummy shouting for some snacks.
“Ya hungry?” Yuto asked. He was looking at her with his usual “Yuto” expression; you know… that face that says he wants to know what he wants to know.
Louise smiled sheepishly and nodded. “I don’t think breakfast this morning was really heavy. I didn’t think the ride would be actually this long.”
“Haha…Gomen ne… Didn’t I tell you?” Yuto spoke and then opened Raiya’s backpack which is still behind his brother. Raiya has his head on Yuto’s lap now, since the boy fell asleep. He took out what appears to be a pack of Oreo cookies and handed it to Louise.
“That’s Raiya’s!” Louise was whispering, not wanting to wake Raiya but she made sure she stresses her point that Yuto’s taking something that’s not his.
“Nah, it’s for whomever else. Raiya keeps bringing food but he usually end up not eating them. We’ll be there soon, demo… I’m hungry too…” he opened the pack and started eating. “Hayaku ne (Hurry up)”
Louise frowned, as if saying that Yuto’s being bossy, and soon took her piece. Yuto offered some to Yamada but Yamada was asleep as well. His left hand’s resting over his stomach, his right elbow is on top of his left hand and his face is covered with his right hand.
“Guess they all dozed off. We’re about ten to fifteen minutes away.” Yuto spoke in between his munching. “Ne Ruu-chan, it’s your first time going there right? Hakkeijima Sea paradise, I mean…”
“Ah, yep.” She took a whole cookie in her mouth. “Is there like a big aquarium, somewhat, that kind of stuff?”
“Uh-huh!” Yuto nodded earnestly. “You’ll love it. It’s like you’re underwater.”
“Oh. I guess that’s cool.”
“There are rides too! I dare you to take the most extreme, ne?”
Louise raised her eyebrow. “How extreme are we talking about here?”
“Umm… You’ll see when we get there.” When Yuto smiled, Louise can’t help but laugh out loud. She hushed herself quickly and bowed apologetically around her. “What’s with you Ruu-chan?”
Still holding her laughter, Louise grinned and pointed at her teeth. “Yuu-chan, Halloween’s not ‘til the end of the month.”
“Ha?” Yuto turned around to check his reflection on the window behind him. He smiled and faintly saw his teeth that are covered with chocolate. When he saw this, he couldn’t help but laugh as well then he covered his mouth. “You’re mean! You should’ve told me!”
In between laughter, Louise was saying, “But you laughed at yourself too…”
“You’re the real bully here Ruu-chan.” Yuto muttered while trying his best to clean his teeth.
“Ah… Soudano? (really?)” She replied as if annoying him.
xXxXx
“Hmmm… Bu-ff-et… oh, buffet? Eat all you can. Ah, iku ne?” Line stopped in front of a restaurant and read the sign. “This one looks good… ya?”
“Oh, IDOL? I hear it’s great, demo, it’s really pricy.” Inoo uttered then started reading the menu placed outside.
Looking at the pictures, Daiki replied, “Ah… it looks like you are to cook your own food…” Daiki stopped talking for a while and exclaimed, “¥3000!? Ah, Line-chan?”
“Iku na! Suitai…” This was Line’s statement before entering and Inoo and Daiki shrugged before following her.
Inside, Line felt another surge of familiarity. The place is much like the Asian Cuisine restaurant back at Winnipeg; where the concept of all-you-can-eat and cook-your-food is also applicable.
“This looks just like a restaurant back in Winnipeg…” She uttered and a waiter was on her aid. “Oh, for three please. Arigato.”
Daiki and Inoo were looking around; the scenery’s not that new since a lot of Japanese restaurants are like this; the thing is, some of them -including the one they’re in now- are just a little too expensive especially if you’re a student. “Ne, Line-chan… So we’re really eating here?”
“Yep. My treat, remember? You guys better eat a lot though, okay?” Line chuckled and took her seat. “So, we’ll be having this combo… or this one? Take your pick.” With a smile, Line asked while Daiki and Inoo looked at the options.
xXxXx
“Onii-chan, I want taiyaki. Oh, and mocchi. And I want some cotton candy as well.” Raiya was saying this as if it was Santa’s long list of Christmas gifts. Yuto kept walking as if he’s not hearing him. “Nii-chan, are you listening?”
“ha? Oh, hai, hai!” Yuto shook his head before being pulled by Raiya to the nearby food stand. As promised, Yuto bought him every single thing that he asked for. Then upon walking, Yuto asked, “You sure you’ll finish all of those?”
Raiya was already feasting with his taiyaki. “Uh-huh…Dwon’t wor-ry, ‘bout me…”
Louise was watching Yuto and Raiya and she can’t help but think how Yuto spoils Raiya a lot. She laughed at the thought. Not really feeling a little “at home” yet with everyone -including Chinen and Yamada- Louise felt the need to stay close to Yuto and Raiya. Since Keito’s been hanging out with Chinen and Yamada since they got off, Louise felt like she can only feel less tensed with Yuto and his brother.
It’s not that she doesn’t wanna get to know Yamada and Chinen, Chinen in particular, but it’s just that they’re in a place where she knows no one that much and she feels like she can’t fit in properly yet.
Looking around, Louise noted how there are lots of people today. She quickly remembered the weather forecast this morning. Oh yeah, nice weather. That means… lots of people.
Mesmerized by the place, Louise while keeping in pace with Yuto and Raiya, looked around a lot. She’s so amazed by everything especially the thought that the whole Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is kind-of separated from the rest of the city -much like it’s an island of its own.
Noting every single thing that makes her smile, Louise realized that the wonders this place can give to her eyes are just infinite.
After loving the place, her attention was then set on the people. She probably forgot that she’s in Japan; well since the weather’s nice, there are a lot of people dressed up for a summer-ish day. She remembered how some people in Winnipeg say Asian Fashion on moments she looked at some girls wearing these cute overalls, skirts, shorts, those cute curls and buns etc.
Then she looked at herself and laughed. Clearly, I look like an outcast. She’s wearing a black shirt with a Popeye with nerdy glasses print that also states “I <3 NERDS” and some casual skinny jeans paired with her favourite black and white Converse shoes. To top it off, her hair’s on an effortless pony-tail that says, “I don’t have time to fix myself” all over it. The thought just made her laugh inside her head.
“We should ride this one first!” That was Chinen who spoke and Louise saw him pointing at this tall, and I do mean TALL, tower-like structure. She looked up and saw a part of it literally “drop” as if it was an elevator released all of a sudden.
The impact made her blink then she read the sign, “BLUE FALL”
“Yep. A hundred and seven meters high. Chinen insists we ride this one first.”
Louise looked up, way up as her eye can see and covered her sight from the blinding light of the soon-afternoon sky. “That’s some height.”
“So, are ya up for it?” Yuto was about to say something again but Keito, Chinen and Yamada approached them.
“This guy here is so persistent.” Keito uttered, shaking his head.
“There are tons of other rides here, less heart-racing. Can’t you wait till later Chinen?” Yamada sounds like he’s scolding him.
“I have no problems riding that one first.” Raiya said straight up and then he started eating his cotton candy and hands Yuto the mocchi saying he’ll eat that later.
Yuto shook his head in disbelief, wrapped the mocchi and placed it inside Raiya’s backpack. “Well, it’s up to you guys. I’m okay riding anything.”
“Yama-chan, are you scared?” Chinen blurted out
“What? No.”
“Then it’s all settled, we ride this one first. Well, if it’s okay with Umi-chan that is.” Chinen was looking at Louise.
Louise pointed at herself before saying, “Me? Ah… I guess its fine.”
“Are you sure you’re not scared?” Yuto raised his eyebrows as if saying that Louise should just back away.
Louise shook her head. Chinen then exclaimed, “YOSH, so it’s the BLUE FALL first then. Yaay!” he, along with Raiya falls in line. The others followed.
Yamada was staring at the top of the high, crazily high thing then he took off his eye glasses and rubbed his eyes. “Chinen’s crazy when it comes to things like this.” He was talking to Keito.
“I know. Honestly, I’m quite hungry so I don’t really care about the rides.”
Yamada laughed. “Hai, I agree with you.”
“Although, I think it’s smarter to ride this one with an empty stomach than a full one.”
“I agree once again.”
They kept talking and Yuto and Louise were behind them.
After maybe a few minutes of waiting, they’re just one more batch away before it’s their turn. Yuto faced Louise and said, “Ne Ruu-chan, are you sure about this?”
Louise was checking on something inside her bag before making sure it’s tightly zipped up. She looked up at Yuto with both eyebrows raised -as if surprised- and replied, “Huh? Oh, yeah.”
“Aren’t you scared?” Yuto has this confused face.
“uh… no, I don’t think so…”
“They look pretty scared.” He pointed out at a group of teenagers, probably their age that are on the farther front. In that group, Louise spotted a girl looking nervously at the tower. She looks kind of pale and Louise thinks she’s gonna cry soon. “Aren’t you supposed to be scared?”
Louise chuckled at Yuto’s words, “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Yuto looked up as the batch before them was dropped, and soon it’s their turn.
Buckling up on their seats, Yuto checked upon where Raiya is and Chinen kept telling him that he shouldn’t worry. Louise noted how Raiya sounded pretty excited.
Louise left her bag on the ground before she sat in place. After she was buckled in, she realized that Keito was sitting to her right.
“Are there lots of rides like these back in Canada?” It’s seems like its forever since they last spoke, but Keito’s English was something she’s very glad to hear.
“Actually, there’s almost none. Well, in the city where I came from. I haven’t ridden any as of late.”
“When was the last time you rode one?”
“Um… I dunno, five years ago?”
“That long ago? Are you sure you’re okay riding this?” Keito sounded surprised and concerned at the same time. The machine started moving and Louise felt like she’s in an elevator going up. “Seriously Umi-chan, you should’ve told us.”
“Told you what? I’m perfectly fine on riding these kinds of stuff, trust me.”
“Yeah, but five years ago? That’s a long time ago. You might’ve taken it fine back then, who knows how you’ll take it now!?”
“Well, we’ll find out if I’m still good at handling extreme rides, ne?”
Keito shot her a look of disbelief and the machine stopped.
Looking at the view in front of her, Louise was taken aback. If she thinks the place was amazing the moment they got there, now, from where she is, Hakkeijima Sea Paradise seemed like a little patch of heaven. The view was breath-taking.
The wind blew and Louise felt really nice. In a split second, she forgot that she’s in a ride that is about to drop them any second.
“Ruu-chan!” It was Yuto who called her. He’s sitting to her left.
She didn’t look but she answered, “Yuu-chan!”
“Sugoi ne?!”
Louise was about to shout a loud “Yes” back, but it seemed like a millisecond, and she felt like she’s being pulled down by the earth. It was a long, sickening fall, and while she’s falling, Louise felt herself actually being elevated from her seat. Everything was silent, deafening silence that is. She kept her eyes closed and when she opened them, she realized that the trip wasn’t over just yet, so she shut her eyes quickly and soon she felt everything stop.
When she opened her eyes, she expected everything to look crazy. Surprisingly, everything looks fine. Assistants un-buckled their belts and they were directed to the exit.
Upon stepping on the ground, Louise breathed deeply, took her bag and felt someone grab her forearm. It was Yuto
“Daijobu?” He asked when they finally got out on the grounds again.
Louise looked at him for a second and she nodded. “I’m fine, thanks.”
Yamada was rubbing his temples and he puts his glasses on again. “Seriously, that ride always gets the best out of my hearing.” He then taps his ears. “Ah, Daijobu Keito?”
Keito looked like he was spacing out and Yamada clapped his hands over his face. Keito blinked and moved his mouth like a squirrel munching on a nut. “Oh… what just happened?”
“Ha! Rai-chan took it better than you guys, you should be ashamed of yourselves!” Chinen and Raiya did a high five and Yuto said that Raiya had his eyes closed the whole time and that he covered his eyes.
“No! You did that onii-chan!”
They all laughed and Louise was feeling a little better. She must admit she felt kind-of sick, but it’s not like she needed to throw up or something.
They walked around the grounds, and Chinen was able to convince them that they should ride one more before eating lunch. This time, he was pointing at some kind of a fast moving -like a futuristic speed rollercoaster.
“I don’t think I wanna ride another one for now. I feel funny.” Louise smiled sheepishly.
“Are you okay Rui-chan?” Raiya looked worried.
“Hai, hai, daijobudesu. I just need a tiny break.”
Yamada spoke, “I think I’ll pass too. My head’s aching.”
“Oh, doushite?” Chinen asked.
“Yamachan daijobu?” Keito followed.
“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s because of the glasses, I’m sure. And I’m hungry. You guys just go, ne?” Yamada took a seat near the rollercoaster. “We’ll wait over here.”
The rest agreed and said that they’ll be back right away. Yuto was thinking of staying with them but with Raiya insisting on him to come along, he couldn’t say anything else.
While Chinen, Yuto, Keito and Raiya were on line, Louise and Yamada waited; and while waiting, Louise looked around to brush away the airy feeling in her head. As she glances everywhere, she was captivated by the view of the huge Ferris wheel from where they sat. With the sun shining blinding rays behind it, the silhouette the Ferris wheel has was just incredible. She took her sketch pad out (apparently, that’s the thing she keeps checking on inside her bag), and with her trusty charcoal pencil she started sketching.
Yamada was watching her and he can’t help but be amazed at how fast she draws her messy strokes. He decided not to say anything for he saw the concentration in her eyes.
After a while that seemed like a blink of an eye, Louise was about done with her work. Although it still needs some finishing touches, the shape, shade and silhouette was there. “That’s just awesome.” Yamada uttered.
“Huh?” She looks like she’s forgotten he’s there. “Oh, heh… not really.”
“No? But it is.” He looked at her work once again and said, “Really.”
“It’s weird, sometimes I just feel like ‘OH! I have to draw that!’ and then my hands just work their way to it.”
“That’s some talent.”
“I heard you’re pretty good too. Wanna give it a shot?” Louise offered her sketch pad and charcoal.
Yamada looked at her for a moment and pointed at himself, “Ore? Nah…”
Louise insisted and placed the sketch pad and pencil on his lap. “I guess I really wanna know if you’re as good as they say. The one you draw back at drawing class, I didn’t get to see it fully anyways…”
“Um… Fine…” with that Yamada started sketching. His lines were more defined and less messy than Louise and that’s why his drawing seemed very interesting to her; it’s as if each and every line of his is a sure line.
With much interest and curiosity as to what he’s drawing, Louise kept watching.
The line on the roller coaster was pretty long, and it took a while before Yuto, Chinen, Keito and Raiya were near their turn. Since they can see Yamada and Louise from afar, Chinen watched the two.
Since Chinen was first on their line followed by Yuto, he pointed out to Yamada and Louise; so that Yuto will look their way. Then suddenly, he said something that made Yuto jolt a little. “Are you jealous, Yuto-kun?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Isn’t she your girlfriend?” Chinen has this devilish grin on his face again.
“I told you already, she’s not.”
“U-so…”
“Chinen-baka…”
“They look good together, ne?”
“I dunno. Why ask me?”
“I smell jealousy.”
“Urusai!” Yuto was a little loud than intended and some people looked his way. Chinen laughed at him and Raiya told him to keep it down.
Keito and Raiya were talking about some random video game; Yuto can hear them talking. Although his eyes were at Yamada and Louise’s direction; why, he can’t really tell.
“You like her…”
“Why do you insist on that Chinen?” Yuto sounded annoyed.
“Sometimes I just get hunches. Believe me, you’ll see. One day you’ll tell me that I’m so right.”
With disbelief, Yuto shook his head and soon it was their turn to ride the roller coaster. Before sitting, Yuto saw a glimpse of Louise and Yamada looking over something from afar. He could tell Louise was smiling, and why he suddenly felt weird, he doesn’t even wanna know.
Please leave a comment. As one author once said in a fanfiction i read about years ago... "Reviews [Comments] are like food for the author." I can't find his/her account now, so yeah... can't completely credit that person, but nonetheless, comments really feed an author's imagination and confidence towards his/her story. so if you may, please do leave a comment and voice out what you think. thanks! ^_^
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Of course for easier navigations. Here are the links for the previous chapters:
Chapter Four - Part 1 | Part 2
Chapter Three
Chapter Two
Chapter One
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Have a great day minna! :)