The Unfinished Story - Chapter Six (Part 2)
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 Six: Daiki and Inoo in a fight!? Meanwhile, Louise gets to see what confession in Japan is like, haha!
Summary in general: ouise had to go back to the place she never thought she'd have to see again; while Line finally gets a chance to set foot on her dream land. What is it that Japan has for them?
Chapter 6 - Gosh, no violence please!? [Part 2]
xXxXx
Raiya was approaching the table the same time as Chinen and Keito. Louise was finishing her first pizza, and Yamada was half-way through his. The two were talking about the differences between school communities in Japan and in Canada.
“So, you think wearing uniform is better?” Yamada was the one who asked the question. Chinen heard him say this before he sat beside Yamada. Chinen smiled at Louise and then looked at Yamada as if he’s listening to him.
Louise wasn’t able to answer right away for Raiya was kind of not sure whether he should sit or what, seeing that there’s only one vacant seat left. Of course, with a group of six, having a table with four chairs obviously won’t fit, right?
Keito spoke, “Go on Raiya, sit down already…” he sounded casual, as if he’s always like this to the boy -impatient but not really, it’s more like Keito’s used to pushing Raiya a little before he does something.
It was just wonderful when the people occupying the table next to them stood up already. They appear to be done eating and gestured to the standing Keito and Raiya that they’re free to sit.
“Arigatogozaimasu!” Raiya was cheerful enough into thanking the strangers and he took the seat that was near Louise, but on the other table. Keito sat opposite to Raiya, a little to the right of Yamada.
At the moment, all five of them are now occupying two tables capable of sitting four people. Chinen’s sitting on Yamada’s right, Yamada sitting opposite Louise; to the other table just next to them, Raiya was sitting on Louise’s right, and Keito opposite Raiya, sitting to Yamada’s left. (Confusing, I know… but please just bear with it. I hate describing things! Not something I’m gifted with ya see?)
Louise smiled as Raiya looked so happy about getting a seat. Keito offered Raiya some French fries and the kid ate right away. For a moment, Louise thought Keito looked like Yuto the second. Brushing off the thought and noticing that Yamada was kind-of quiet, she spoke, “So, you were saying?”
Apparently, Yamada wasn’t really just being quiet. He was finishing his pizza and was busy gulping some iced tea. He excused himself and wiped his mouth with a napkin before answering, “Oh yeah… uniforms… so, do you like it better, going to school I mean, while wearing uniforms?”
Chinen looked at Yamada with a not-so-sure face. He’s probably thinking why he’s asking the question but Chinen didn’t say anything.
Louise took a sip of iced tea before saying, “Before, I didn’t really care. But now, I’d say I love having to wear uniforms…” it was an honest thing, actually.
“Uniforms make us look equal, ne?” Keito was the one who followed then he took his big BURGER bite.
Yamada was nodding his head and Chinen spoke, “Oh yeah. Umi-chan studied in Canada. Wasn’t it difficult to have to think about what to wear every day?”
In all fairness, Chinen’s question was very relevant, more so, it was something Louise felt excited about in answering. “It’s very stressful. If you’re the kind of person who cares a lot about what people will think of your appearance.” After saying this, Louise paused a little, thinking that she might’ve sounded like she’s preaching.
“Well, do you care about how people see you?” It was Yamada who asked
“No…” it was more like an apathetic answer; much like saying “Like I care” shorter version.
“Pffft…” Chinen held his laughter. “For a girl, you’re pretty different…”
Yamada shot Chinen a look and asked perhaps in behalf of Louise, “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Chinen straightened his face a little before explaining, “Well, no offense… but… aren’t girls supposed to be a lot concerned, or conscious about how they dress, or dolling themselves up?” making sure that his thoughts are not misunderstood.
Again, another relevant remark from Chinen, and this time Louise thought of being just straightforward, and say whatever she thinks she should say. Regardless of all the things she thought she’d say, the only stuff that left her mouth were, “Well true, but perhaps not for everybody.”
Chinen looked satisfied and Yamada looked like he just wanted to change the topic. Something tells Louise that Yamada didn’t like the way Chinen was handling the conversation.
There was a brief silence and Chinen is now eating his second slice of pizza when Louise abruptly said, “Oh, yeah… by the way. Thanks…” indirectly to Chinen and Yamada
Chinen just took his bite and looked at her quite confused. “For what?”
“Umm, the pizza…” Louise felt a little embarrassed. Was Yamada just lying to her then?
But her thoughts were brushed away when a flash of recognition showed on Chinen’s face. He smiled and swallowed before saying, “No problem.”
“Oh… I should’ve gotten something for you too!” Keito sounded disappointed.
The thought was nice enough and Louise made it sure that Keito was appreciated. Soon, they all looked at Raiya as he complained, “Nii-chan’s taking forever…”
“Yeah, where is Yuto?” Chinen uttered and all heads turned towards the Ramen stand. Yuto was carrying a tray with two bowls in it. He was walking kind of slow, trying not to spill the ramen; Louise figured it to be pretty darn full.
When Yuto got to the table, he looked at everyone. “Why are you all staring at me like that? This is just for Raiya…” he spoke, saying that everyone looked like they’re going to beat him up for not bringing their food in time. He then took the seat right next to Raiya and handed his brother his chopsticks. “…and Ruu-chan, this is for you…”
“Huh?” Louise was caught off-guard as Yuto was about to give her the other ramen. “Whoa… wait…”
Yamada was chuckling, Chinen was smiling.
“So, am I the only non-gentleman here who thought wisely that perhaps this young lady with us didn’t really ask anybody to buy her something?” Keito sounded betrayed, but at the same time Louise heard the sarcasm and wits in his statement.
“Okay Keito… that was just too ‘wisdom-y’ for anybody…” Chinen’s make-up word made Louise chuckle a little but then she focused her attention on Yuto.
“Really Yuu-chan, you shouldn’t have… I mean, Yamada and Chinen bought me some pizza too…”
“Eh??” Yuto looked surprised but quickly shoved it away. “So you’re eating their pizza, but not our ramen?”
“Oooooohhhhh….” Keito sounded like he’s booing someone, but it was more like something a crowd would say in an awkward moment of a TV show.
“I told you we should have asked her what kind of ramen she likes.” Raiya spoke before slurping some noodles.
Louise didn’t really want to make a big deal out of the situation so she took the ramen. “Give me that. I’ll eat this anyways, there’s no need for you to be all dramatic Yuu-chan… seriously…”
Yuto smiled like he’s making fun of her then he took his sandwich from Keito’s tray. “Oh… where are my fries?”
“Uhrg? Umm..Arsk Rai-chran…” Keito was chewing something inside his mouth and Yamada tapped his shoulder, saying that he should swallow it first before speaking.
“Raiya…” Yuto looked like he was glaring.
Raiya, tips of the chopsticks inside his mouth, looked up at his brother before shrugging.
Louise just laughed along with Yamada, Chinen and Keito.
At the moment, Yuto was now starting to eat his meal, Keito and Chinen are half-way through, and Louise felt like she’s eating at Raiya’s pace, although a little slower.
Honestly she’s very full, with two huge pizzas, and a stomach like hers, having to eat a bowl of ramen at the moment isn’t really a smart move. But the thing is that it would be a little awkward not taking it; Yuto already looked awful when she said she already ate something that was given by someone else.
Upon taking some several scoops, Louise can feel her mouth going against eating more. To drive off the funny feeling her stomach gives off whenever she’s full, Louise tried to keep the conversations going.
“So, do you guys usually go here then?” It was a futile topic, but it’s better than nothing.
“Umm, mostly during summer. Sometimes, like days like this of fall…” Yuto answered before taking a sip off his drink.
“Recently, I just go whenever Yuto and Raiya go.” That was Keito’s answer.
Chinen was finishing his drink so Yamada spoke, “Well, I haven’t been here lately. Last time was so long ago. We went here with some sempais…”
Upon hearing Yamada’s answer, Chinen quickly added, “Oh! With Dai-chan and Inoo-chan?”
Louise obviously not sure who they’re talking about, kept quiet as the group fussed about the sudden topic.
Yuto appeared to be done with his meal followed, “Wait, that felt like ages ago…”
“I can only remember Inoo-chan near to tears…” Keito was about to laugh
“That was when Inoo-chan was about to move right?” Chinen supplied
“Actually, I’ve met them. A few days ago…” with Yamada’s remark, the boys shot questions after questions.
Feeling a little left out, but not in a bad way, Louise looked at her phone. Raiya was sipping from his drink then looks up at her. “I wasn’t there and I’m not really sure if I know those people that they’re talking about.”
Louise chuckled. This kid’s just too cute to be true, even his words and sensitivity is amazing. “They sound like great sempais to me.” She replied. Raiya looked at her, smiled and she noticed some stain on his cheek. Louise took a napkin, and knowing that Raiya’s already big enough to take care of himself, she handed him the napkin and pointed at her cheek, indicating the spot Raiya should be wiping off.
Funny enough, the boy just wiped off his entire face and Louise laughed a little when the stain kind of just smudged more. She then decided to clean it off herself, asking Raiya to hold still. It was some sauce she saw Raiya and Keito feast over while eating fries and it appeared to have dried a little. Raiya was cute enough to not look embarrassed; instead he looked like he’s fairly happy about someone taking care of him like this.
“Oh… Rai-chan found another mom, huh?” Chinen teased.
“Bleh…” Raiya just stuck his tongue out. Soon Louise was done and she just has this smile on her face. It’s true it’s not a big deal being an only child, although sometimes, she thought that having a younger brother or sister would be nice.
“I wish I have a younger sibling. That’d be nice.” Louise heard herself uttering out of nowhere.
“Some fun being an only child huh?” Keito followed. Of course, being an only child himself, he might know exactly what she meant. “I mean, I borrow Raiya sometimes… ne Yuto?”
“Uh-huh.”
Chinen and Yamada were just listening. Then Yamada spoke after realizing, “Oh, Umiko-san’s an only child?”
Louise nodded and the gang talked about how painful and fun it is to have some siblings. Here, Louise learned that Chinen has an older sister and Yamada has both an older and a younger sister.
Time flies and the group decided it’s time to get back to the real thing about this amusement park.
They all stood up and agreed that the next destination would be the huge aquarium. Raiya looked superbly excited. Louise was walking beside Raiya who kept telling her about the fishes and different kinds of things they would see in the aquarium. Just in front of them were Yuto and Keito arguing as to where the shortest way to the aquarium is, while Yamada and Chinen were behind them, talking to each other as well.
Yamada and Chinen stopped walking when a group of girls walked in front of them.
Two girls stepped forward, the shorter one apparently pulling her friend.
“Go on Mariya-chan!” whispered a girl. She’s standing beside her friend, whose way taller than her and with long hair. It was probably the first time Louise has seen such a pretty girl - It’s weird admitting a girl is pretty when you’re a girl yourself; but this girl is just different. She’s just too beautiful; you can’t help but feel a pang of enviousness. She looked like those magazine models. Actually at the moment, she looks like a girl cropped out of the magazine and was given life. Not really realizing that she’s been staring, Louise noted the girl’s outfit: her white long sleeves paired with some checked skirt, and to top it off, she has some fashionable boots on. Despite the warm weather, the girl looked perfectly fresh - not a hint of stress from the day’s heat.
“Rui-chan…” it was Raiya who shook her arm and Louise blinked before looking at the kid right beside her. He was now looking at Yamada and Chinen as well - of course, looking at the girls too. “Who are they?”
Louise managed a shrug before hearing Yuto and Keito call out to them. Soon, the guys were standing beside them, looking at Yamada and Chinen a few steps back. “What’s going on?” Yuto spoke, landing a hand on Raiya’s shoulder and looking at Yamada’s direction.
“A confession…” Keito spoke in English. The statement was short and simple that Louise was sure Yuto and Raiya understood what he said.
“Oh… right, I totally forgot that that’s how it’s done here.” She heard herself replying to Keito without looking back at Yamada. “So, how is it again? The girl confesses… then what happens?”
Nobody replied and Louise looked instantly at Yamada and Chinen’s way. The tall, pretty girl, she assumed named Mariya, was handing out something to Yamada.
Surprise and confusion is what she thought Yamada’s face is showing at the moment. He seemed like he didn’t know what to do or say, didn’t know who to turn to. For a moment, Louise saw a different Yamada - different to the one who always seemed so sure and knows what he’s doing. The Yamada right now was a stranger.
“Oh… Hey Keito, isn’t that…” Yuto uttered, then probably decided to not continued his statemetn. Raiya stepped a little closer and Yuto held him back. “Rai-chan, where do think you’re going?”
“Yama-chan looks like he doesn’t know what to do! That’s a really pretty girl; he should say something, ne nii-chan?”
Keito laughed before standing in front of Raiya. “Well, better tell that to Yama-chan later, okay Rai-chan? Don’t forget to let him know that.” Then Keito leaned closer to Yuto and whispered, “I know what you’re thinking… That’s Nishiuchi Mariya-san isn’t it?” Louise has heard them, but she didn’t really get to understand much.
Yuto nodded and turned his attention to Louise when she said, “Isn’t it awkward for them, having people like us, watch?” she was motioning Yuto and Keito to look away. “I mean, for a girl… I think it’s…”
“Umi-chan’s probably feeling weird. Things like this don’t happen often from where she came from.” Keito spoke as if answering an unasked question. Apparently, he and Yuto were making it look like they don’t know much; but in actuality, there’s something else going on with all this.
“Oh, he accepted it!” The three teens looked back at Yamada and Chinen’s way when Raiya mentioned this. Yuto saw Yamada holding onto what looks like a letter, and Mariya-san bowed a little before she ran off with her friend. Chinen patted Yamada’s back as if telling him something, then ruffled his hair.
Louise noted how Yamada still look a little… different. She expected him to look flushed, with red cheeks or holding back a smile, but something tells her he looks confused still, as if he’s thinking of something else.
Keito and Yuto rushed towards Yamada while Louise and Raiya followed. She didn’t think guys would fawn over confessions like this.
Yuto was elbowing Yamada while saying, “Well, well, Yama-chan… what’s gonna happen now?”
“Is she for real?” Keito uttered and Chinen and Yuto shot him a look. “Well, don’t take my question differently…”
Yamada let out a little laugh and he shoved the envelope inside his bag.
“Aren’t you gonna read it?” Chinen asked, obviously curious.
Yamada smiled sheepishly. “In front of you guys? No way!”
“You’re just too shy. I didn’t know Yama-nii is a coward.” Raiya blurted this out without control and the three other guys laughed. Yamada locked on Raiya’s neck and was faking on choking him, while Yuto tried slightly to stop him.
“I’m gonna kill this kid!” Keito and Chinen were laughing as Yuto, Yamada and Raiya were struggling.
Louise was pretty amused by this scene. It was just now that she realized she’s the only girl in the group, and thought of how she might look like in front of other people. Five guys, well, four guys and one kid, plus a girl. What do they look like? Some Hana Yori Dango group? She shuddered, thinking of the once famous manga-turned-to-multiple-language-drama she learnt from some of her Filipino relatives. She shook her head recalling some stories about it told to her by some of her cousins. The thought of having just one girl, and many guys kind-of indirectly fawning over her, makes her feel awkward before. To her, it seems too fantasy-like; to be the only girl surrounded by rich, popular, and of course, handsome guys, pfft, that’s too much of luck. But now, looking at these people in front of her, she thought maybe it wasn’t too fantasy-like and luck-based after all.
Unknowingly she looked around; with no particular reason, she studied her surroundings. There were some girls looking their way. It might be just her conscience going nuts, but she thought she saw them whispering while looking at her. Again she asked herself, ‘What do I look like with them?’ Impatient and irritated by these sudden useless thoughts, Louise shook her head and turned her attention back to her companions.
“Oh, Umi-chan…” Chinen spoke; it’s as if it’s just now that he’s seen her. “Daijobu?”
“Huh?” Louise was surprised to be asked such question. She hurriedly nodded and smiled, “Hai… daijobudesu… nande?”
“Oh…You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Yuto added.
“I doubt that…”
“Oh, Umi-chan’s probably thinking about how girls confess. You know, she’s from abroad, so maybe, she isn’t accustomed seeing it. Culture shock…” Keito explained. He was nice enough to lay out some possible cards for her. But Louise knows deep down that she’s not that shocked about the confession; she knows about it, actually. I mean, to be born in Japan and kind-of grow up in Japan- she’s not alien to the idea. Maybe it’s just a little shocking seeing it done. On top of it, Yamada’s expression had a little lasting impression on her mind. ‘Why does he have that face? What’s with that?’ she heard her mind talk to her but her outer ear brought her back to reality when Keito called out her name. “Ne, Umi-chan?”
Unsure what to say, she nodded earnestly. She turned to Yamada, and maybe an attempt of ice-breaker, “Umm… should I say congratulations then?” it turned out to be an attempt of humour for others. Also, her question caught even herself, off guard.
The group was pretty quiet, soon they all laughed. Yuto spoke first, wiping some tears on the sides of his eye, “Kawaii…”
“What? I think I was serious about the question.” She felt a little irritated. What are these monkeys laughing about?
“I know you were. I’m not sure why they’re laughing either.” Yamada spoke, finally after quite a long while. Louise only noticed now that he wasn’t laughing.
Keito cleared his throat before answering, “It’s just that… The way you asked it, and the timing… laughs… Sugoi Umi-chan…”
She rolled her eyes and turned to Chinen indirectly. He was now done laughing as well and he fixed his eyes on Louise. “You know Umi-chan… I think we should congratulate him once he answers back to the girl.”
Louise turned to Yamada. “I still don’t get how confessions of love work here in Japan… I’m lost…”
With that, the group laughed louder. This time, Yamada was laughing along too. Louise noted how he’s stomping his foot a little and waving his hand over his face as if fanning away some invisible thing. Yuto placed a hand over her shoulder and the group decided to head to the aquarium, back to their route a few minutes before all the confession thing came up.
Yuto now has his arm over her shoulder and while walking, Louise heard him say, “We’ll explain it to you then. Don’t worry Ruu-chan.” He smiled then kept walking, retaining his arms on her shoulder. Raiya stood beside Louise and he glared at his brother. Not really sure what’s going on, Louise rolled her eyes as the group kept walking.
xXxXx
Akihabara, Akihabara, the word just kept playing and playing inside Inoo’s head as they walk and walk and walk. After the great treat from IDOL, the trio decided to walk the streets of Akihabara more, being more amazed by the vast variety of things the place has to offer. Line and Daiki were fawning over some foreign CD’s which Daiki was pretty thrilled about buying but after Line told him that she can download every song for him, his smile was like that of a child being promised for a new toy soon.
The late afternoon felt nice since it wasn’t the usual hot and humid atmosphere. Tree after tree, Line depicts the differences in their amount of leaves, how one tree looks a lot skinnier than the other, or how one looks leafier than its neighbour. Daiki was looking at a sky when he said something that sounded like, “It’s a little embarrassing, but can I borrow your notes Line-chan?” and then at the moment he was waiting for a reply…
“Ah! Nest!” Line was pointing at a tiny bird nest resting on a branch of a nearby tree on the street. Daiki, obviously startled, looked at what his friend was pointing at. “Sugoi… They’re so tiny…”
“Ah… yeah…” not really sure if Line was listening to him, he repeated his question.
Line, now starting to walk again but her head still glued on the nest looked at Daiki the moment he kind of called out her name.
“Are you even listening?”
“Ah… bubble tea! Huh? Oh…” she noticed that Daiki looked a little pissed. Laughing a little to herself, Line bowed apologetically. “Sorry… a friend of mine always tells me I have an attention span of a sparrow. Eh… umm… so, you were saying?”
Upon hearing her explanation, Line couldn’t say if Daiki believes her or not. He has this face of disbelief and amusement combined -if you can imagine that look. Then he laughed a little before saying, “Uh yeah, the notes. I was wondering if I could borrow your notes from Asian Civilizations and History…” he now looks a little shy, as if not sure if he’d said it the right way. Line was about to say something when Daiki somehow followed a statement: “Oh yeah, and you’re friend’s right. You turn your head away the moment you see something.”
“Eheh…” she felt sheepish, but not silly. “I did warn her about it. Guess I forgot to warn you. Oh, where’s Kei-chan?”
Daiki looked around and their other friend, who was walking beside them a moment ago, seemed to have disappeared into thin air. “Where is he?”
The two looked around for a bit before Daiki offered on calling him. While waiting for Inoo to answer, Line felt her sudden urge for bubble tea. Despite being full with the day’s lunch, there’s this overwhelming thirst for the tasty drink. She pointed at the bubble tea store and Daiki understood what she meant; he nodded and she ran her way inside the store while Daiki started speaking. “Hello? Kei-chan? Kei-chan?”
xXxXx
“Yamete!” Takaki jumped into the group of guys fighting.
Inoo heard his own voicemail playing but he couldn’t answer it. Among the four that were fighting, there’s this skinny, long haired guy that stared at Takaki, the moment he entered the scene. Long-haired guy (for lack of better and reasonable names) looked with eyes that say ‘You’re next’ and Takaki braced himself. Long-haired charged at him and Takaki shielded himself by crossing his arms over his face.
The others, whom Inoo recognized as Makoto and Miyura, started again to fight against the other guy. This other person was someone Inoo has never seen before. He’s about Takaki’s height, but his body mass is obviously a lot more. He has a shaved head and Inoo noted a tattoo on the guy’s forearm.
It’s like watching some fighting scene in a movie, but Inoo soon realized how real it was when Takaki come landing down near his feet. His friend was holding onto his stomach as he tries to stand up again; something he was able to do with less difficultly, but Inoo noticed him winced. Upon seeing Inoo, Takaki tried to tell him to stay away from what’s happening but I guess his warning didn’t reach Inoo’s cognition. The moment Takaki was a little distracted, trying to get up and tell Inoo to leave, that was when Long-haired guy decided to be a damn backstabber and approached Takaki with a fist. He was about to punch Takaki right at the back of his head when Inoo pulled Takaki out of the way.
Of course, Long-haired guy was pissed and Inoo knows well that he’s next. The guy was pretty much their age; he only looks older because of his rubbish (again, lack of better word) appearance. Irritated, Long-haired flung himself towards Inoo and was met by Takaki’s defense. Soon, the guy had a successful hit at Takaki making him fly off and ended up kissing the ground. Inoo was a little tensed when his friend didn’t move much after.
Watching Takaki crash, Inoo only heard one line inside his head. I’m dead. He swallowed nothing but felt like he swallowed an elephant, felt his guts tighten, and tried to put a face that says he’s no darn coward. Just friggin’ annoyed he got into the mess.
With Takaki out of the way, Long-haired guy glared at Inoo. His look was that of anger, perhaps impatience, but Inoo wasn’t afraid. Or so that’s what he kept telling himself after hearing the same line of ‘I’m dead’ over and over. This long-haired creep and Mr. Bald-y (Yeah, let’s say Inoo still had the mind to make funny names for these hoodlums) seem to be people with brain problems, or so he thought. Of course, he doesn’t zero out the possibilities that annoying Makoto and Miyura might be the cause of this fight; but at the moment, the cause does not matter. What matters is how he’s going to get rid of this chimp... oh, chomp.
There were people slowly crowding to the side and Inoo hated every part of it. Why are these people just watching? Umm… somebody call the police? Little troubled here, can’t you people tell? Unfortunately for Inoo, with that slight distraction while looking at spectators, Long-haired guy (being ever so fair) hit him square on the face. He braced himself for another hit by shutting his eyes and was surprised when he felt nothing.
When he opened his eyes, Long-haired guy was a good foot away, and someone was standing in front of him. It was Daiki.
“What the heck’s happening here? Who are you?” Daiki was shouting; it’s as if the long-haired guy is deaf.
“Eh!? Dai-chan…!? Where did you come from!?” Inoo was about to tell Daiki to not get mixed up, but like Takaki, he was too late. Daiki was already on a fist fight with Long-hair. “Baka!” Inoo shouted before looking around. He seems to be looking for someone, but his head’s in a blur for a moment. Obviously, he’s looking for Line-chan but the situation tells him to stay where he is and help his dumb friend, who -just like him, got mixed up in a mess they’re not even supposed to be in.
After much introspection, rolling his eyes, Inoo tried to help Daiki by holding onto Long-haired but his grip wasn’t firm enough and Long-haired, apparently more irritated, gave more effort on tossing him aside, ignoring Daiki for a moment. This guy’s surprisingly strong, ne? Inoo straddled a few feet away, feeling the cut just to the right side of his mouth. He brushed it with the back of his arm and cursed after feeling the pain. Okay, that hurt!
How did they get entangled to this mess anyway?
xXxXx
“Ah… Dai-chan…?” Line was confused to see neither Daiki nor Inoo in sight. She’s holding onto a drink tray containing three different flavoured bubble teas. She tiptoed to see whether they’re walking close or a little far by, but was distracted by some people running towards a corner. They seem to be in frenzy, as if some celebrity’s on the street. Curious, she followed them.
Line kind of thought she was dreaming upon seeing the scene unfolding when she turned on that corner. People were now gathering to the sides, whispering as five guys become the center of the stage. Line quickly thought of 911 and was about to dial it on her phone when she recognized familiar faces…
Makoto and Miyura were recognized as the annoying smokers, and she saw the guy named Takaki who looked like he’s trying to smile but couldn’t while holding onto his side. Line walked into the scene more, some people trying to stop her, some just watching her.
Line didn’t really intend to get her nose into the thing deeper, although, she saw the familiar white jacket, those yellow Nike shoes… and that height…. Dai-chan? Upon recognizing Daiki, he was instantly hit square on the face, she let out a “SHIT!” and for the first time, Line felt her throat tighten. She tried to step inside the imaginary circle and felt someone held her back.
Irritated, she scowled, “What the…efffff!! Those are my friends, let go!” she could feel her cheeks burning, pulled her arm and forced her way into the circle.
Miraculously, with full force and enter, she was now inside this said imaginary circle formed by the spectators, trapping the boys fighting in the middle. There was a loud hit, and Line saw Inoo straddling to her side. His mouth was bleeding and he wiped it with the back of his hand.
Line was about to say something to Inoo when she heard a familiar voice, in pain.
“Ite! Ite!!! What the!?” It was Daiki. She looked at where the sound came from and saw that Daiki’s hair was being pulled by some long-haired washed up hobo with nasty piercings that looked like they were put there by stapler. Wincing at the thought of the guy’s appearance, Line quickly focused her attention back to Daiki. He’s now all red and was trying to pull the hideous hands off his head.
Not thinking twice, well, only having the ugly face of hobo guy in her head, Line glared towards hobo guy’s way and uttered…
“HOLD THIS SH*T.” Line shoved her stuff, including the tray of bubble teas, onto Inoo’s chest. There was about a heartbeat of a pulse, before Inoo was startled when Line started running.
“YAAA!!!!” this was her exclaim while heading towards long-haired creep. Her first instinct was to take his hands off Daiki’s hair so she slapped his hand, much like how a mother would slap a child’s butt. Long-haired, apparently distracted, looked at this small girl trying to be a hero.
Line was now facing the guy, and she thought readily how his face looks a lot worse up close. Noticing that he hasn’t let go of Daiki’s hair, Line pulled the guy’s hand hard.
“Ouch!!” Daiki protested and was soon free from the guy’s hand. “Line-chan!” he sounded a little annoyed. He saw that Long-haired guy is staring at his friend. “Hey you!”
It’s as if she’s glued in place, Line felt like the guy’s stare was eating her. He looked like those monsters on movies when the lead character faces the climax and is face to face with the killer/ghost/whatever else you can think of.
Luckily, Line’s attention span isn’t as normal as others. As Long-haired was still staring, Line faked a smile, as if saying… “Ehehe…” and with all her might… she looked at the guy’s legs, smiled showing all her teeth -for a moment time seemed frozen- then…
Chuk…!
With full force, Line kicked the guy’s shins. It sounded feeble, tiny, and useless yet after about a matter of millisecond, hobo slash long-haired guy exclaimed in anger, held his injured shin, and gave Line the creepiest death glare she’s ever seen.
Line smiled sheepishly, she can feel her smile-showing-all-teeth grow wider, and just like how it was done in cartoons, she hastily pulled Daiki saying, “RUN!!!!” and started running away.
Long-haired was about to pursue them when numerous ‘Prrrt!!! Prrrt!!!’ was heard. Line and Daiki looked back quickly and thank goodness, police was on the scene.
“Kei-chan!” Daiki called out and Inoo was already behind them.
The three kept running, and running, soon Line was surprised that Daiki was now the one pulling her.
They stopped finally, upon reaching a park, but Line couldn’t tell if they’ve passed by it before. Who cares, right? What’s important is they were out of the scene.
Panting, Inoo bent a little, resting his hands on his knees. Huff, huff, huff, was all Line could hear. Even she herself was surprised at how fast she ran and how exhausted she suddenly felt.
Daiki was still holding onto her hand when his panting slowed down and he stood up straight. He looked around, as if checking if they have been followed. There was some few seconds of awkward silence, before Inoo started laughing.
Laughs… “Phew! That was some… something, huh?” his panting was gone now and stood up straight.
Line could feel Daiki’s hand gripping on hers. “Line-chan baka!”
She thought it’s silly if he starts scolding her about interfering. I saved your butt bud! But before Line could answer, Daiki released her hand and rubbed his hair.
“When you pulled his hand, I thought my hair would come off!”
Surprised, Line just looked at him before saying, “Wait, I pulled his hand, not your hair!”
“That guy didn’t let go of my hair!”
Inoo and Line laughed out loud while Daiki pouts and kept complaining about his sore scalp.
“Oh… I wonder how your friend is… what’s his name? Takaki-kun?” When they stopped laughing, Line raised the thought.
Inoo froze for a moment and shrugged. “I’m pretty sure he’s okay. The guy had had some serious beating but all I can see from him was some minor wincing.”
“I’m sure you cried when you had that cut” Daiki was pointing at Inoo’s cut lips.
Upon hearing the comment, Inoo glared at Daiki and wiped his lips. It was still bleeding a little, and he answered, “So much talk from a guy who winced merely because some strands of his hair are being pulled.”
“HEY! He had a handful of my hair!”
“Oh… hai hai…”
Inoo and Daiki started bickering and Line just laughed to herself. Since it seems she’ll be staying with these two for a while, maybe it’s not that bad that she’s getting used to their (sudden) cat-and-dog fights.
The trio started walking again deciding that it’s probably wise to head back to the campus. They were on their way to the train station, and while walking, they were washing away and remembering the sudden kind-of action-y afternoon they surprisingly had. Inoo and Daiki were walking just about one step ahead of her. She can hear them talking about the fights, how the bad guys seemed familiar but not, and they were interrupted when Line chuckled.
The train station was not that far, so it seems. They were soon inside and Line couldn’t help it. Her chuckles became laughter… her laughter grew louder.
Daiki stopped walking and looked back at her. Inoo volunteered on getting ticket for them. Daiki now stood beside her and asked, “What are you laughing at Line-chan?”
Line tried to halt herself. Inoo was now standing in line for buying some tickets. She looked at Inoo’s way, still not answering Daiki’s question. Daiki was about to ask again, when Line called out… “Kei-chan!”
It was almost Inoo’s turn when he looked back at them.
“Nice bag…”
Inoo frowned then at that moment, he realized he was carrying, well, more like wearing, Line’s bright yellow bag over his shoulder. And to top it off, he was still carrying the tray of bubble tea; oh… did I mention the bubble tea’s colors were yellow, bright green and pink?
Inoo was about to run back to Line to give her back her stuff when the ticket receptionist spoke, “Can I help you ma’am?”
He looked back at Line and Daiki, but they were laughing their heads out. The receptionist looked at him, and as if not wanting to argue, he uttered… “Umm, three for Tokyo please…”
Desho! ^_^
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Links for previous chapters
Chapter Six - Part 1
Chapter Five
Chapter Four - Part 1 | Part 2
Chapter Three
Chapter Two
Chapter One
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Please leave a comment if you may... write anything you think of! what do you think of the story so far? Who do you want to end up being together? what do you think's going to happen next? Fill me in, ok? thanks guys! have a nice weekend!
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 Six: Daiki and Inoo in a fight!? Meanwhile, Louise gets to see what confession in Japan is like, haha!
Summary in general: ouise had to go back to the place she never thought she'd have to see again; while Line finally gets a chance to set foot on her dream land. What is it that Japan has for them?
Chapter 6 - Gosh, no violence please!? [Part 2]
xXxXx
Raiya was approaching the table the same time as Chinen and Keito. Louise was finishing her first pizza, and Yamada was half-way through his. The two were talking about the differences between school communities in Japan and in Canada.
“So, you think wearing uniform is better?” Yamada was the one who asked the question. Chinen heard him say this before he sat beside Yamada. Chinen smiled at Louise and then looked at Yamada as if he’s listening to him.
Louise wasn’t able to answer right away for Raiya was kind of not sure whether he should sit or what, seeing that there’s only one vacant seat left. Of course, with a group of six, having a table with four chairs obviously won’t fit, right?
Keito spoke, “Go on Raiya, sit down already…” he sounded casual, as if he’s always like this to the boy -impatient but not really, it’s more like Keito’s used to pushing Raiya a little before he does something.
It was just wonderful when the people occupying the table next to them stood up already. They appear to be done eating and gestured to the standing Keito and Raiya that they’re free to sit.
“Arigatogozaimasu!” Raiya was cheerful enough into thanking the strangers and he took the seat that was near Louise, but on the other table. Keito sat opposite to Raiya, a little to the right of Yamada.
At the moment, all five of them are now occupying two tables capable of sitting four people. Chinen’s sitting on Yamada’s right, Yamada sitting opposite Louise; to the other table just next to them, Raiya was sitting on Louise’s right, and Keito opposite Raiya, sitting to Yamada’s left. (Confusing, I know… but please just bear with it. I hate describing things! Not something I’m gifted with ya see?)
Louise smiled as Raiya looked so happy about getting a seat. Keito offered Raiya some French fries and the kid ate right away. For a moment, Louise thought Keito looked like Yuto the second. Brushing off the thought and noticing that Yamada was kind-of quiet, she spoke, “So, you were saying?”
Apparently, Yamada wasn’t really just being quiet. He was finishing his pizza and was busy gulping some iced tea. He excused himself and wiped his mouth with a napkin before answering, “Oh yeah… uniforms… so, do you like it better, going to school I mean, while wearing uniforms?”
Chinen looked at Yamada with a not-so-sure face. He’s probably thinking why he’s asking the question but Chinen didn’t say anything.
Louise took a sip of iced tea before saying, “Before, I didn’t really care. But now, I’d say I love having to wear uniforms…” it was an honest thing, actually.
“Uniforms make us look equal, ne?” Keito was the one who followed then he took his big BURGER bite.
Yamada was nodding his head and Chinen spoke, “Oh yeah. Umi-chan studied in Canada. Wasn’t it difficult to have to think about what to wear every day?”
In all fairness, Chinen’s question was very relevant, more so, it was something Louise felt excited about in answering. “It’s very stressful. If you’re the kind of person who cares a lot about what people will think of your appearance.” After saying this, Louise paused a little, thinking that she might’ve sounded like she’s preaching.
“Well, do you care about how people see you?” It was Yamada who asked
“No…” it was more like an apathetic answer; much like saying “Like I care” shorter version.
“Pffft…” Chinen held his laughter. “For a girl, you’re pretty different…”
Yamada shot Chinen a look and asked perhaps in behalf of Louise, “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Chinen straightened his face a little before explaining, “Well, no offense… but… aren’t girls supposed to be a lot concerned, or conscious about how they dress, or dolling themselves up?” making sure that his thoughts are not misunderstood.
Again, another relevant remark from Chinen, and this time Louise thought of being just straightforward, and say whatever she thinks she should say. Regardless of all the things she thought she’d say, the only stuff that left her mouth were, “Well true, but perhaps not for everybody.”
Chinen looked satisfied and Yamada looked like he just wanted to change the topic. Something tells Louise that Yamada didn’t like the way Chinen was handling the conversation.
There was a brief silence and Chinen is now eating his second slice of pizza when Louise abruptly said, “Oh, yeah… by the way. Thanks…” indirectly to Chinen and Yamada
Chinen just took his bite and looked at her quite confused. “For what?”
“Umm, the pizza…” Louise felt a little embarrassed. Was Yamada just lying to her then?
But her thoughts were brushed away when a flash of recognition showed on Chinen’s face. He smiled and swallowed before saying, “No problem.”
“Oh… I should’ve gotten something for you too!” Keito sounded disappointed.
The thought was nice enough and Louise made it sure that Keito was appreciated. Soon, they all looked at Raiya as he complained, “Nii-chan’s taking forever…”
“Yeah, where is Yuto?” Chinen uttered and all heads turned towards the Ramen stand. Yuto was carrying a tray with two bowls in it. He was walking kind of slow, trying not to spill the ramen; Louise figured it to be pretty darn full.
When Yuto got to the table, he looked at everyone. “Why are you all staring at me like that? This is just for Raiya…” he spoke, saying that everyone looked like they’re going to beat him up for not bringing their food in time. He then took the seat right next to Raiya and handed his brother his chopsticks. “…and Ruu-chan, this is for you…”
“Huh?” Louise was caught off-guard as Yuto was about to give her the other ramen. “Whoa… wait…”
Yamada was chuckling, Chinen was smiling.
“So, am I the only non-gentleman here who thought wisely that perhaps this young lady with us didn’t really ask anybody to buy her something?” Keito sounded betrayed, but at the same time Louise heard the sarcasm and wits in his statement.
“Okay Keito… that was just too ‘wisdom-y’ for anybody…” Chinen’s make-up word made Louise chuckle a little but then she focused her attention on Yuto.
“Really Yuu-chan, you shouldn’t have… I mean, Yamada and Chinen bought me some pizza too…”
“Eh??” Yuto looked surprised but quickly shoved it away. “So you’re eating their pizza, but not our ramen?”
“Oooooohhhhh….” Keito sounded like he’s booing someone, but it was more like something a crowd would say in an awkward moment of a TV show.
“I told you we should have asked her what kind of ramen she likes.” Raiya spoke before slurping some noodles.
Louise didn’t really want to make a big deal out of the situation so she took the ramen. “Give me that. I’ll eat this anyways, there’s no need for you to be all dramatic Yuu-chan… seriously…”
Yuto smiled like he’s making fun of her then he took his sandwich from Keito’s tray. “Oh… where are my fries?”
“Uhrg? Umm..Arsk Rai-chran…” Keito was chewing something inside his mouth and Yamada tapped his shoulder, saying that he should swallow it first before speaking.
“Raiya…” Yuto looked like he was glaring.
Raiya, tips of the chopsticks inside his mouth, looked up at his brother before shrugging.
Louise just laughed along with Yamada, Chinen and Keito.
At the moment, Yuto was now starting to eat his meal, Keito and Chinen are half-way through, and Louise felt like she’s eating at Raiya’s pace, although a little slower.
Honestly she’s very full, with two huge pizzas, and a stomach like hers, having to eat a bowl of ramen at the moment isn’t really a smart move. But the thing is that it would be a little awkward not taking it; Yuto already looked awful when she said she already ate something that was given by someone else.
Upon taking some several scoops, Louise can feel her mouth going against eating more. To drive off the funny feeling her stomach gives off whenever she’s full, Louise tried to keep the conversations going.
“So, do you guys usually go here then?” It was a futile topic, but it’s better than nothing.
“Umm, mostly during summer. Sometimes, like days like this of fall…” Yuto answered before taking a sip off his drink.
“Recently, I just go whenever Yuto and Raiya go.” That was Keito’s answer.
Chinen was finishing his drink so Yamada spoke, “Well, I haven’t been here lately. Last time was so long ago. We went here with some sempais…”
Upon hearing Yamada’s answer, Chinen quickly added, “Oh! With Dai-chan and Inoo-chan?”
Louise obviously not sure who they’re talking about, kept quiet as the group fussed about the sudden topic.
Yuto appeared to be done with his meal followed, “Wait, that felt like ages ago…”
“I can only remember Inoo-chan near to tears…” Keito was about to laugh
“That was when Inoo-chan was about to move right?” Chinen supplied
“Actually, I’ve met them. A few days ago…” with Yamada’s remark, the boys shot questions after questions.
Feeling a little left out, but not in a bad way, Louise looked at her phone. Raiya was sipping from his drink then looks up at her. “I wasn’t there and I’m not really sure if I know those people that they’re talking about.”
Louise chuckled. This kid’s just too cute to be true, even his words and sensitivity is amazing. “They sound like great sempais to me.” She replied. Raiya looked at her, smiled and she noticed some stain on his cheek. Louise took a napkin, and knowing that Raiya’s already big enough to take care of himself, she handed him the napkin and pointed at her cheek, indicating the spot Raiya should be wiping off.
Funny enough, the boy just wiped off his entire face and Louise laughed a little when the stain kind of just smudged more. She then decided to clean it off herself, asking Raiya to hold still. It was some sauce she saw Raiya and Keito feast over while eating fries and it appeared to have dried a little. Raiya was cute enough to not look embarrassed; instead he looked like he’s fairly happy about someone taking care of him like this.
“Oh… Rai-chan found another mom, huh?” Chinen teased.
“Bleh…” Raiya just stuck his tongue out. Soon Louise was done and she just has this smile on her face. It’s true it’s not a big deal being an only child, although sometimes, she thought that having a younger brother or sister would be nice.
“I wish I have a younger sibling. That’d be nice.” Louise heard herself uttering out of nowhere.
“Some fun being an only child huh?” Keito followed. Of course, being an only child himself, he might know exactly what she meant. “I mean, I borrow Raiya sometimes… ne Yuto?”
“Uh-huh.”
Chinen and Yamada were just listening. Then Yamada spoke after realizing, “Oh, Umiko-san’s an only child?”
Louise nodded and the gang talked about how painful and fun it is to have some siblings. Here, Louise learned that Chinen has an older sister and Yamada has both an older and a younger sister.
Time flies and the group decided it’s time to get back to the real thing about this amusement park.
They all stood up and agreed that the next destination would be the huge aquarium. Raiya looked superbly excited. Louise was walking beside Raiya who kept telling her about the fishes and different kinds of things they would see in the aquarium. Just in front of them were Yuto and Keito arguing as to where the shortest way to the aquarium is, while Yamada and Chinen were behind them, talking to each other as well.
Yamada and Chinen stopped walking when a group of girls walked in front of them.
Two girls stepped forward, the shorter one apparently pulling her friend.
“Go on Mariya-chan!” whispered a girl. She’s standing beside her friend, whose way taller than her and with long hair. It was probably the first time Louise has seen such a pretty girl - It’s weird admitting a girl is pretty when you’re a girl yourself; but this girl is just different. She’s just too beautiful; you can’t help but feel a pang of enviousness. She looked like those magazine models. Actually at the moment, she looks like a girl cropped out of the magazine and was given life. Not really realizing that she’s been staring, Louise noted the girl’s outfit: her white long sleeves paired with some checked skirt, and to top it off, she has some fashionable boots on. Despite the warm weather, the girl looked perfectly fresh - not a hint of stress from the day’s heat.
“Rui-chan…” it was Raiya who shook her arm and Louise blinked before looking at the kid right beside her. He was now looking at Yamada and Chinen as well - of course, looking at the girls too. “Who are they?”
Louise managed a shrug before hearing Yuto and Keito call out to them. Soon, the guys were standing beside them, looking at Yamada and Chinen a few steps back. “What’s going on?” Yuto spoke, landing a hand on Raiya’s shoulder and looking at Yamada’s direction.
“A confession…” Keito spoke in English. The statement was short and simple that Louise was sure Yuto and Raiya understood what he said.
“Oh… right, I totally forgot that that’s how it’s done here.” She heard herself replying to Keito without looking back at Yamada. “So, how is it again? The girl confesses… then what happens?”
Nobody replied and Louise looked instantly at Yamada and Chinen’s way. The tall, pretty girl, she assumed named Mariya, was handing out something to Yamada.
Surprise and confusion is what she thought Yamada’s face is showing at the moment. He seemed like he didn’t know what to do or say, didn’t know who to turn to. For a moment, Louise saw a different Yamada - different to the one who always seemed so sure and knows what he’s doing. The Yamada right now was a stranger.
“Oh… Hey Keito, isn’t that…” Yuto uttered, then probably decided to not continued his statemetn. Raiya stepped a little closer and Yuto held him back. “Rai-chan, where do think you’re going?”
“Yama-chan looks like he doesn’t know what to do! That’s a really pretty girl; he should say something, ne nii-chan?”
Keito laughed before standing in front of Raiya. “Well, better tell that to Yama-chan later, okay Rai-chan? Don’t forget to let him know that.” Then Keito leaned closer to Yuto and whispered, “I know what you’re thinking… That’s Nishiuchi Mariya-san isn’t it?” Louise has heard them, but she didn’t really get to understand much.
Yuto nodded and turned his attention to Louise when she said, “Isn’t it awkward for them, having people like us, watch?” she was motioning Yuto and Keito to look away. “I mean, for a girl… I think it’s…”
“Umi-chan’s probably feeling weird. Things like this don’t happen often from where she came from.” Keito spoke as if answering an unasked question. Apparently, he and Yuto were making it look like they don’t know much; but in actuality, there’s something else going on with all this.
“Oh, he accepted it!” The three teens looked back at Yamada and Chinen’s way when Raiya mentioned this. Yuto saw Yamada holding onto what looks like a letter, and Mariya-san bowed a little before she ran off with her friend. Chinen patted Yamada’s back as if telling him something, then ruffled his hair.
Louise noted how Yamada still look a little… different. She expected him to look flushed, with red cheeks or holding back a smile, but something tells her he looks confused still, as if he’s thinking of something else.
Keito and Yuto rushed towards Yamada while Louise and Raiya followed. She didn’t think guys would fawn over confessions like this.
Yuto was elbowing Yamada while saying, “Well, well, Yama-chan… what’s gonna happen now?”
“Is she for real?” Keito uttered and Chinen and Yuto shot him a look. “Well, don’t take my question differently…”
Yamada let out a little laugh and he shoved the envelope inside his bag.
“Aren’t you gonna read it?” Chinen asked, obviously curious.
Yamada smiled sheepishly. “In front of you guys? No way!”
“You’re just too shy. I didn’t know Yama-nii is a coward.” Raiya blurted this out without control and the three other guys laughed. Yamada locked on Raiya’s neck and was faking on choking him, while Yuto tried slightly to stop him.
“I’m gonna kill this kid!” Keito and Chinen were laughing as Yuto, Yamada and Raiya were struggling.
Louise was pretty amused by this scene. It was just now that she realized she’s the only girl in the group, and thought of how she might look like in front of other people. Five guys, well, four guys and one kid, plus a girl. What do they look like? Some Hana Yori Dango group? She shuddered, thinking of the once famous manga-turned-to-multiple-language-drama she learnt from some of her Filipino relatives. She shook her head recalling some stories about it told to her by some of her cousins. The thought of having just one girl, and many guys kind-of indirectly fawning over her, makes her feel awkward before. To her, it seems too fantasy-like; to be the only girl surrounded by rich, popular, and of course, handsome guys, pfft, that’s too much of luck. But now, looking at these people in front of her, she thought maybe it wasn’t too fantasy-like and luck-based after all.
Unknowingly she looked around; with no particular reason, she studied her surroundings. There were some girls looking their way. It might be just her conscience going nuts, but she thought she saw them whispering while looking at her. Again she asked herself, ‘What do I look like with them?’ Impatient and irritated by these sudden useless thoughts, Louise shook her head and turned her attention back to her companions.
“Oh, Umi-chan…” Chinen spoke; it’s as if it’s just now that he’s seen her. “Daijobu?”
“Huh?” Louise was surprised to be asked such question. She hurriedly nodded and smiled, “Hai… daijobudesu… nande?”
“Oh…You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Yuto added.
“I doubt that…”
“Oh, Umi-chan’s probably thinking about how girls confess. You know, she’s from abroad, so maybe, she isn’t accustomed seeing it. Culture shock…” Keito explained. He was nice enough to lay out some possible cards for her. But Louise knows deep down that she’s not that shocked about the confession; she knows about it, actually. I mean, to be born in Japan and kind-of grow up in Japan- she’s not alien to the idea. Maybe it’s just a little shocking seeing it done. On top of it, Yamada’s expression had a little lasting impression on her mind. ‘Why does he have that face? What’s with that?’ she heard her mind talk to her but her outer ear brought her back to reality when Keito called out her name. “Ne, Umi-chan?”
Unsure what to say, she nodded earnestly. She turned to Yamada, and maybe an attempt of ice-breaker, “Umm… should I say congratulations then?” it turned out to be an attempt of humour for others. Also, her question caught even herself, off guard.
The group was pretty quiet, soon they all laughed. Yuto spoke first, wiping some tears on the sides of his eye, “Kawaii…”
“What? I think I was serious about the question.” She felt a little irritated. What are these monkeys laughing about?
“I know you were. I’m not sure why they’re laughing either.” Yamada spoke, finally after quite a long while. Louise only noticed now that he wasn’t laughing.
Keito cleared his throat before answering, “It’s just that… The way you asked it, and the timing… laughs… Sugoi Umi-chan…”
She rolled her eyes and turned to Chinen indirectly. He was now done laughing as well and he fixed his eyes on Louise. “You know Umi-chan… I think we should congratulate him once he answers back to the girl.”
Louise turned to Yamada. “I still don’t get how confessions of love work here in Japan… I’m lost…”
With that, the group laughed louder. This time, Yamada was laughing along too. Louise noted how he’s stomping his foot a little and waving his hand over his face as if fanning away some invisible thing. Yuto placed a hand over her shoulder and the group decided to head to the aquarium, back to their route a few minutes before all the confession thing came up.
Yuto now has his arm over her shoulder and while walking, Louise heard him say, “We’ll explain it to you then. Don’t worry Ruu-chan.” He smiled then kept walking, retaining his arms on her shoulder. Raiya stood beside Louise and he glared at his brother. Not really sure what’s going on, Louise rolled her eyes as the group kept walking.
xXxXx
Akihabara, Akihabara, the word just kept playing and playing inside Inoo’s head as they walk and walk and walk. After the great treat from IDOL, the trio decided to walk the streets of Akihabara more, being more amazed by the vast variety of things the place has to offer. Line and Daiki were fawning over some foreign CD’s which Daiki was pretty thrilled about buying but after Line told him that she can download every song for him, his smile was like that of a child being promised for a new toy soon.
The late afternoon felt nice since it wasn’t the usual hot and humid atmosphere. Tree after tree, Line depicts the differences in their amount of leaves, how one tree looks a lot skinnier than the other, or how one looks leafier than its neighbour. Daiki was looking at a sky when he said something that sounded like, “It’s a little embarrassing, but can I borrow your notes Line-chan?” and then at the moment he was waiting for a reply…
“Ah! Nest!” Line was pointing at a tiny bird nest resting on a branch of a nearby tree on the street. Daiki, obviously startled, looked at what his friend was pointing at. “Sugoi… They’re so tiny…”
“Ah… yeah…” not really sure if Line was listening to him, he repeated his question.
Line, now starting to walk again but her head still glued on the nest looked at Daiki the moment he kind of called out her name.
“Are you even listening?”
“Ah… bubble tea! Huh? Oh…” she noticed that Daiki looked a little pissed. Laughing a little to herself, Line bowed apologetically. “Sorry… a friend of mine always tells me I have an attention span of a sparrow. Eh… umm… so, you were saying?”
Upon hearing her explanation, Line couldn’t say if Daiki believes her or not. He has this face of disbelief and amusement combined -if you can imagine that look. Then he laughed a little before saying, “Uh yeah, the notes. I was wondering if I could borrow your notes from Asian Civilizations and History…” he now looks a little shy, as if not sure if he’d said it the right way. Line was about to say something when Daiki somehow followed a statement: “Oh yeah, and you’re friend’s right. You turn your head away the moment you see something.”
“Eheh…” she felt sheepish, but not silly. “I did warn her about it. Guess I forgot to warn you. Oh, where’s Kei-chan?”
Daiki looked around and their other friend, who was walking beside them a moment ago, seemed to have disappeared into thin air. “Where is he?”
The two looked around for a bit before Daiki offered on calling him. While waiting for Inoo to answer, Line felt her sudden urge for bubble tea. Despite being full with the day’s lunch, there’s this overwhelming thirst for the tasty drink. She pointed at the bubble tea store and Daiki understood what she meant; he nodded and she ran her way inside the store while Daiki started speaking. “Hello? Kei-chan? Kei-chan?”
xXxXx
“Yamete!” Takaki jumped into the group of guys fighting.
Inoo heard his own voicemail playing but he couldn’t answer it. Among the four that were fighting, there’s this skinny, long haired guy that stared at Takaki, the moment he entered the scene. Long-haired guy (for lack of better and reasonable names) looked with eyes that say ‘You’re next’ and Takaki braced himself. Long-haired charged at him and Takaki shielded himself by crossing his arms over his face.
The others, whom Inoo recognized as Makoto and Miyura, started again to fight against the other guy. This other person was someone Inoo has never seen before. He’s about Takaki’s height, but his body mass is obviously a lot more. He has a shaved head and Inoo noted a tattoo on the guy’s forearm.
It’s like watching some fighting scene in a movie, but Inoo soon realized how real it was when Takaki come landing down near his feet. His friend was holding onto his stomach as he tries to stand up again; something he was able to do with less difficultly, but Inoo noticed him winced. Upon seeing Inoo, Takaki tried to tell him to stay away from what’s happening but I guess his warning didn’t reach Inoo’s cognition. The moment Takaki was a little distracted, trying to get up and tell Inoo to leave, that was when Long-haired guy decided to be a damn backstabber and approached Takaki with a fist. He was about to punch Takaki right at the back of his head when Inoo pulled Takaki out of the way.
Of course, Long-haired guy was pissed and Inoo knows well that he’s next. The guy was pretty much their age; he only looks older because of his rubbish (again, lack of better word) appearance. Irritated, Long-haired flung himself towards Inoo and was met by Takaki’s defense. Soon, the guy had a successful hit at Takaki making him fly off and ended up kissing the ground. Inoo was a little tensed when his friend didn’t move much after.
Watching Takaki crash, Inoo only heard one line inside his head. I’m dead. He swallowed nothing but felt like he swallowed an elephant, felt his guts tighten, and tried to put a face that says he’s no darn coward. Just friggin’ annoyed he got into the mess.
With Takaki out of the way, Long-haired guy glared at Inoo. His look was that of anger, perhaps impatience, but Inoo wasn’t afraid. Or so that’s what he kept telling himself after hearing the same line of ‘I’m dead’ over and over. This long-haired creep and Mr. Bald-y (Yeah, let’s say Inoo still had the mind to make funny names for these hoodlums) seem to be people with brain problems, or so he thought. Of course, he doesn’t zero out the possibilities that annoying Makoto and Miyura might be the cause of this fight; but at the moment, the cause does not matter. What matters is how he’s going to get rid of this chimp... oh, chomp.
There were people slowly crowding to the side and Inoo hated every part of it. Why are these people just watching? Umm… somebody call the police? Little troubled here, can’t you people tell? Unfortunately for Inoo, with that slight distraction while looking at spectators, Long-haired guy (being ever so fair) hit him square on the face. He braced himself for another hit by shutting his eyes and was surprised when he felt nothing.
When he opened his eyes, Long-haired guy was a good foot away, and someone was standing in front of him. It was Daiki.
“What the heck’s happening here? Who are you?” Daiki was shouting; it’s as if the long-haired guy is deaf.
“Eh!? Dai-chan…!? Where did you come from!?” Inoo was about to tell Daiki to not get mixed up, but like Takaki, he was too late. Daiki was already on a fist fight with Long-hair. “Baka!” Inoo shouted before looking around. He seems to be looking for someone, but his head’s in a blur for a moment. Obviously, he’s looking for Line-chan but the situation tells him to stay where he is and help his dumb friend, who -just like him, got mixed up in a mess they’re not even supposed to be in.
After much introspection, rolling his eyes, Inoo tried to help Daiki by holding onto Long-haired but his grip wasn’t firm enough and Long-haired, apparently more irritated, gave more effort on tossing him aside, ignoring Daiki for a moment. This guy’s surprisingly strong, ne? Inoo straddled a few feet away, feeling the cut just to the right side of his mouth. He brushed it with the back of his arm and cursed after feeling the pain. Okay, that hurt!
How did they get entangled to this mess anyway?
xXxXx
“Ah… Dai-chan…?” Line was confused to see neither Daiki nor Inoo in sight. She’s holding onto a drink tray containing three different flavoured bubble teas. She tiptoed to see whether they’re walking close or a little far by, but was distracted by some people running towards a corner. They seem to be in frenzy, as if some celebrity’s on the street. Curious, she followed them.
Line kind of thought she was dreaming upon seeing the scene unfolding when she turned on that corner. People were now gathering to the sides, whispering as five guys become the center of the stage. Line quickly thought of 911 and was about to dial it on her phone when she recognized familiar faces…
Makoto and Miyura were recognized as the annoying smokers, and she saw the guy named Takaki who looked like he’s trying to smile but couldn’t while holding onto his side. Line walked into the scene more, some people trying to stop her, some just watching her.
Line didn’t really intend to get her nose into the thing deeper, although, she saw the familiar white jacket, those yellow Nike shoes… and that height…. Dai-chan? Upon recognizing Daiki, he was instantly hit square on the face, she let out a “SHIT!” and for the first time, Line felt her throat tighten. She tried to step inside the imaginary circle and felt someone held her back.
Irritated, she scowled, “What the…efffff!! Those are my friends, let go!” she could feel her cheeks burning, pulled her arm and forced her way into the circle.
Miraculously, with full force and enter, she was now inside this said imaginary circle formed by the spectators, trapping the boys fighting in the middle. There was a loud hit, and Line saw Inoo straddling to her side. His mouth was bleeding and he wiped it with the back of his hand.
Line was about to say something to Inoo when she heard a familiar voice, in pain.
“Ite! Ite!!! What the!?” It was Daiki. She looked at where the sound came from and saw that Daiki’s hair was being pulled by some long-haired washed up hobo with nasty piercings that looked like they were put there by stapler. Wincing at the thought of the guy’s appearance, Line quickly focused her attention back to Daiki. He’s now all red and was trying to pull the hideous hands off his head.
Not thinking twice, well, only having the ugly face of hobo guy in her head, Line glared towards hobo guy’s way and uttered…
“HOLD THIS SH*T.” Line shoved her stuff, including the tray of bubble teas, onto Inoo’s chest. There was about a heartbeat of a pulse, before Inoo was startled when Line started running.
“YAAA!!!!” this was her exclaim while heading towards long-haired creep. Her first instinct was to take his hands off Daiki’s hair so she slapped his hand, much like how a mother would slap a child’s butt. Long-haired, apparently distracted, looked at this small girl trying to be a hero.
Line was now facing the guy, and she thought readily how his face looks a lot worse up close. Noticing that he hasn’t let go of Daiki’s hair, Line pulled the guy’s hand hard.
“Ouch!!” Daiki protested and was soon free from the guy’s hand. “Line-chan!” he sounded a little annoyed. He saw that Long-haired guy is staring at his friend. “Hey you!”
It’s as if she’s glued in place, Line felt like the guy’s stare was eating her. He looked like those monsters on movies when the lead character faces the climax and is face to face with the killer/ghost/whatever else you can think of.
Luckily, Line’s attention span isn’t as normal as others. As Long-haired was still staring, Line faked a smile, as if saying… “Ehehe…” and with all her might… she looked at the guy’s legs, smiled showing all her teeth -for a moment time seemed frozen- then…
Chuk…!
With full force, Line kicked the guy’s shins. It sounded feeble, tiny, and useless yet after about a matter of millisecond, hobo slash long-haired guy exclaimed in anger, held his injured shin, and gave Line the creepiest death glare she’s ever seen.
Line smiled sheepishly, she can feel her smile-showing-all-teeth grow wider, and just like how it was done in cartoons, she hastily pulled Daiki saying, “RUN!!!!” and started running away.
Long-haired was about to pursue them when numerous ‘Prrrt!!! Prrrt!!!’ was heard. Line and Daiki looked back quickly and thank goodness, police was on the scene.
“Kei-chan!” Daiki called out and Inoo was already behind them.
The three kept running, and running, soon Line was surprised that Daiki was now the one pulling her.
They stopped finally, upon reaching a park, but Line couldn’t tell if they’ve passed by it before. Who cares, right? What’s important is they were out of the scene.
Panting, Inoo bent a little, resting his hands on his knees. Huff, huff, huff, was all Line could hear. Even she herself was surprised at how fast she ran and how exhausted she suddenly felt.
Daiki was still holding onto her hand when his panting slowed down and he stood up straight. He looked around, as if checking if they have been followed. There was some few seconds of awkward silence, before Inoo started laughing.
Laughs… “Phew! That was some… something, huh?” his panting was gone now and stood up straight.
Line could feel Daiki’s hand gripping on hers. “Line-chan baka!”
She thought it’s silly if he starts scolding her about interfering. I saved your butt bud! But before Line could answer, Daiki released her hand and rubbed his hair.
“When you pulled his hand, I thought my hair would come off!”
Surprised, Line just looked at him before saying, “Wait, I pulled his hand, not your hair!”
“That guy didn’t let go of my hair!”
Inoo and Line laughed out loud while Daiki pouts and kept complaining about his sore scalp.
“Oh… I wonder how your friend is… what’s his name? Takaki-kun?” When they stopped laughing, Line raised the thought.
Inoo froze for a moment and shrugged. “I’m pretty sure he’s okay. The guy had had some serious beating but all I can see from him was some minor wincing.”
“I’m sure you cried when you had that cut” Daiki was pointing at Inoo’s cut lips.
Upon hearing the comment, Inoo glared at Daiki and wiped his lips. It was still bleeding a little, and he answered, “So much talk from a guy who winced merely because some strands of his hair are being pulled.”
“HEY! He had a handful of my hair!”
“Oh… hai hai…”
Inoo and Daiki started bickering and Line just laughed to herself. Since it seems she’ll be staying with these two for a while, maybe it’s not that bad that she’s getting used to their (sudden) cat-and-dog fights.
The trio started walking again deciding that it’s probably wise to head back to the campus. They were on their way to the train station, and while walking, they were washing away and remembering the sudden kind-of action-y afternoon they surprisingly had. Inoo and Daiki were walking just about one step ahead of her. She can hear them talking about the fights, how the bad guys seemed familiar but not, and they were interrupted when Line chuckled.
The train station was not that far, so it seems. They were soon inside and Line couldn’t help it. Her chuckles became laughter… her laughter grew louder.
Daiki stopped walking and looked back at her. Inoo volunteered on getting ticket for them. Daiki now stood beside her and asked, “What are you laughing at Line-chan?”
Line tried to halt herself. Inoo was now standing in line for buying some tickets. She looked at Inoo’s way, still not answering Daiki’s question. Daiki was about to ask again, when Line called out… “Kei-chan!”
It was almost Inoo’s turn when he looked back at them.
“Nice bag…”
Inoo frowned then at that moment, he realized he was carrying, well, more like wearing, Line’s bright yellow bag over his shoulder. And to top it off, he was still carrying the tray of bubble tea; oh… did I mention the bubble tea’s colors were yellow, bright green and pink?
Inoo was about to run back to Line to give her back her stuff when the ticket receptionist spoke, “Can I help you ma’am?”
He looked back at Line and Daiki, but they were laughing their heads out. The receptionist looked at him, and as if not wanting to argue, he uttered… “Umm, three for Tokyo please…”
Desho! ^_^
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Links for previous chapters
Chapter Six - Part 1
Chapter Five
Chapter Four - Part 1 | Part 2
Chapter Three
Chapter Two
Chapter One
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Please leave a comment if you may... write anything you think of! what do you think of the story so far? Who do you want to end up being together? what do you think's going to happen next? Fill me in, ok? thanks guys! have a nice weekend!