Idlip - Ch 3/4
Idlip
Part three
***
When we got into his place, it was already nightfall. He immediately removed his coat and crawled into his bed. He was fast asleep. I sigh in pity as I lie down beside him. Poor guy, I roll over closer to him and stroke his hair. He had a slight fever.
Do rich kids get sick that fast?
I touched his eyebrows, the scar was there. Indeed, I can say, this is really Ryo, our best friend. I closed my eyes. I’m tired. I want to take a nap first.
.
.
.
.
But wait, something’s not right. I hastily sat down.
.
.
.
Oh shoot! I forgot Yamapi! Oh no! He must be worried sick, and I’m a dead meat now. I stood up and went to find my things. “Shoot! Shoot! Shoot!” I mutter as I went outside his room, and immediately pull the door knob. I hope I didn’t woke him up, because I believe I slammed his door.
---
I grip my hands and swallowed hard. I was standing at the middle of this street lamp, few more steps and I will face my death. I promised him that I’ll be back after lunch, but what time is it? It’s already PAST lunch time. It’s already past DINNER time.
Oh no! No. No. No! How come my feet drags me closer to the entrance door? Noooooo!
Okay! Enough Airi, calm down, I told myself many times. Yeah, I know I’m over acting. I’m just scared because I foresee this will lead into resentment between us. I open the entrance door, it seems like no one is around even the landlord.
I sigh with relief. Thank heavens. I went straight to the stairs where there’s only light lighting the whole floor. But before, my dream of having this peaceful escaped… I swear to my ancestors… from my peripheral vision… I saw someone or something moved. I gulp…
My insides were trembling so do my eyes and hands, I’m already afraid of Yamapi yet at this very point of time, there’s something haunting me which adds on my anxiety.
I told myself that I won’t look at that direction, but I DON’T KNOW! My body keeps on reacting against me. I shut my eyes, slowly, I look to that course, and I peek with one eye.
god, this is so crazy. I huff and fully open both of my eyes. I grin wide, as I saw Yamapi standing in akimbo position. “Hi.” I said, enthusiastically as I could, addition to that I raised my hand, a little. Slowly, he made his way out of the darkness. I could see his face much clearer. He looked at me, straight in my eyes but he wasn’t talking. I swallowed hard.
“So this is your definition of after lunch?” he asked, sternly.
“Uh…. I have an explanation?”
“And you didn’t even call me?”
Gasp. Speaking of call, uh-oh, I forgot to claim my hand phone from that lady at the information. “I have an explanation for that again.”
He nod once and tilt his head on the side as he lean against the wall.
.
There, I explain everything, from the top but I forgot to mention about Ryo, ‘cause he already shown signs of exhaustion by yawning many times and stretching his hands upward. The outcome was okay, he was angry but after the explanation part, he cooled down. I find it strange, he was just my best friend, yet he was acting stricter than my dad.
He’s way over protective, and I promised that I’ll make up to him.
---
The next day, I went to the office to retrieve my hand phone and to present my drafts to the line managers. As for the results, it went well and I got my phone back. They advice that I should talk to Ryo, about the production, when will it start and etc., but Ryo didn’t report to work today, he was on sick leave. I suddenly felt guilty as I came to know that. It was my entire fault. I wish I could feel exculpated from this.
.
Same day, after I got out of the office which is today, I went to the nearest fruit stand to buy him fruits-number one source of vitamins, afterwards, I went to Ryo’s place, to check him out and report to him about the presentation.
I pushed the door bell; a woman in mid fifties, dressed in a maid’s uniform opened it for me. She eyed at the basket I was holding and gave me an uneasy smile, she asks, “Who are you?”
I’m not stupid to think that she’s not an au pair. Today was our first meeting; I didn’t saw her last night or any maids. We were completely alone, just the two of us, me and Ryo. “My name is Ito Airi and I’m looking f---”
“I see…. So you’re the girl whom young master was calling out.”
I let out a weak laugh and my eyes roam around as I don’t want to have a direct eye contact with this lady because she looks rigorous, I said, “I guess so.”
She roll her eyes and smirk before she turn around and walk, “you said you’re name is Ito Airi? he was calling for this Ito Airi girl, then based form your tone you’re having second thoughts if it’s you or not, unbelievable… For Pete’s sake.” Then she shook her head. I felt embarrassed at the same time hurt again, why do people around Ryo have the same attitude? They’re all cold. I pout, I don’t want to make this issue, big; but my head will explode any minute now, full of exasperation. She turns around and looks me with a single brow raised. “I thought you’re going to visit the young master?”
“Y-yes m-ma’am, I’m here to visit him.”
“Then what are you doing there outside the door?! Follow me! Pronto!”
I quickly dash closer to her. But not that close, I was following her. Then I notice things that I didn’t perceive last night: his place was extremely enormous, lots of things which are totally organized, from samurai to matchbox toys. We climbed on the stairs just like we did last night, and she knocked on the door. I heard Ryo laughing loudly, I wonder why.
“Oh shoot!!! Die!!! You zombie, die!!!” he blurted out, my curiosity and anxiety reached its highest peak, I wanted to know what’s going on.
“Young master it’s me Maruko.”
“Come in.” Ryo responded in an audible voice. Maruko-san obeyed what he said, she opens the door. The lights were off and the only light was coming from the television. To my surprised I saw Ryo slumping around his bed, his head and body were covered with blanket furthermore he was playing his PS3.
“Eh?” I whisper. My eyes wanted to pop out from its socket and my jaw drop opened, I was worried for no reason? Look! He was more energetic than I am! Maruko-san looked at me and giggles a little. Then she utter, “Young master, you have a visitor.”
“Wait. I’m still playing.” Ryo glance at us and back to the screen, “if that’s about business prob---” he stopped and gaze back to our direction. This time he was in moment of astonishment. Unintentionally he let go of the controller, and his mouth hang opened. Without delay, he turned off the television, rolled on his bed as he pulls his blanket at the top of him and coughs many times.
“I’ll leave you kids alone.” She smiled and exited his room. I placed my things over his side table. I crossed my arms and walk proudly closer to him and sat at the edge of his bed. He continued with his agenda of playing sick.
“Wow, I never thought playing play station and howling around are covered by ‘sick leave.’” I try my best to act, annoyed, but deep inside I wanted to burst and laugh.
“No… Airi…” he coughs again. “I’m really sick.”
“My time and effort were wasted.” I huff and stood up, not facing him. “I better go home now.”
“Wa-wa-wa-wait!!! Airi!” he pulled my hand, I smirked. “Last night, when you left, my mom called me, and she was worried sick so she went here even if it already late. We went to the hospital; I was confine for the whole night. Early today, I was discharged, they said I’m already okay and I should just rest, so here I am.” I’m impressed. I salute her biological mom; she really must love his son.
“Then I really should go now. You’re perfectly fine. You even went at the hospital. There’s no reason for me to stay.”
“Airi…” he pleads. I smile an evil one. “Stay here. Please?” I bit my lips, I don’t know if I’m blushing or what. But I’m thankful he doesn’t see my face.
I turn around back to him. “Alright… but I won’t stay late like yesterday.”
“Okay… so do you have anything for me?” He was looking side by side, peeking at something at the table. “You know what they say; an apple away keeps the doctor a day.”
I laughed aloud as I hold my tummy. I sigh and wipe the tip of my eye, “Nope. Never heard of that phrase before, but I only knew this: an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
“Oh yeah, you’re right.” Then he let out a cackle. “Sorry. My mistake. Stupid.”
“It’s okay.” I laughed again. I walk closer to the table and get an apple. I rinse it first at his bathroom, before I hand it over to him.
“Here” I said, by the time his hand touched it. He immediately took a bite.
He swallowed first and says, “thanks.”
“Don’t mention it.” I shrug. “So how are you?”
“Better, now that you’re here.” I don’t know what to say. I want to fight the urge of blushing. “How about you?”
“I’m good.” I confess truthfully. ‘Thank for asking and for turning the question to me’ my conscience wants to say aloud. But I continue, “They said I should go here to discuss with you the production. By the way they’ve approve on it" I grin proudly.
“That’s good, enough of those productions blab. Ne…. I haven’t asked you this question. Now that you’re here at Tokyo, where do you stay? And when did you arrive?”
That reminds me. “I’m currently staying at Pi’s place.”
“You what?!” He shrieks out, I was taken aback, but he was smiling. “I didn’t know Yamapi’s here at Tokyo.” He shook his head and laugh in breathless anticipation.
“Yeah… their family moved here after our high school graduation…” I sigh. “Why do you guys have to leave your best friend alone?” he didn’t answer. His room suddenly became hushed.
“…but I didn’t break my promise right?”
“Nope. You didn’t.” I smiled until my cheeks hurt. Then I poke him, “I was just kidding. See? The three of us have reunited again.” I giggle. Then he took a bite of his apple again. “How about we set a dinner for the three of us? So that you guys can meet again and the three of us could have our REAL reunion?”
“Cool! That would be fun. Just like the old times.” He grins to his self. I’m happy to hear that from him. Even after several years, he didn’t really forget us. We’re still his best of friends. “Sure, I’ll anticipate that. You should set the date and place.”
I stayed at his place for a while; we talk about many things, our plan for the reunion, about us, what happen to him, to me, and to Yamapi. It was fun to have a good and long talk with him, for that I didn’t realized the eleven years of absences can be summarized for hours.
On the other hand, I realize that we totally missed half of our lives together, and I hope during my stay here, we can make up for the loss time.
---
Few days after, as I promised to Yamapi, I went to his school. I ask his co-teacher on his whereabouts, they said he’s currently teaching. So I sneak inside the building. I’m looking on my sides every now and then, caused I’m invading their territory and the teachers think I leave their premises.
Not…
I peep at the every window of every classroom that I passed by. None of them were Pi’s class… until I saw a guy having perm and dyed hair.
I didn’t waste any time, I open the door and say, “Yo!”
His mouth hanged open and the book he was holding fell on the table. He removed his eye glasses and asks, “What are you doing here?”
“Did you forget what I said the other day?”
“You said many things. We talk almost every day.”
“I said I’ll make it up to you. Remember? So… surprise!” I gave him the bento (lunchbox) that I cooked and wrap earlier this morning.
His students starts to tease us, they were howling and clapping at the same time. He took it from me and raised it in front of his class. Again, they started to squeal.
“Sensei (teacher) is she your girlfriend?” one of his students asks.
I immediately interrupt and answer, “No. We’re just friends, the BEST of friends.” I emphasized the word best and I put my arms across his shoulders.
“If you two are just friends, then why do you have to visit sensei and give him a lunch?” another student asks. I wanted to smirk, why so many questions? Suddenly the bell rang. It signals lunch time.
“Class dismissed.” He said lowly. I took his hand and pull him outside. For the last time, his students yell in joy.
.
We went up to the roof top and sat at the shady part as we eat our pack lunch together.
Nom. Nom. Nom.
“Do you remember back in high school we got late on our Math class because we ate at the rooftop?” he ask. I laugh as I reminisce that moment. We were given punishment after that. We cleaned that one-fourth of the field.
“Yeah. That was crazy, and they were so exaggerated to give us that punishment.”
Our chuckle harmonized with each other. Until I heard him coughed, he got choked on his food and starts to tap on the floor. I started to get perplexed, I immediately hand him the nearest bottle of water that my hand touches.
“Easy…” I said and started to slap his back. “The food won’t run away from you.” I giggle.
“You really surprised me there.”
“Well… I got another surprised for you.”
“Nani? (What)”
“I found Ryo!” I said with full enthusiasm and I clasp my hands together. He pursed his lips, but his eyes were wide open in disbelief. I feel like he was controlling his breath. “To be honest… I didn’t actually find him; it’s more of mere twist of fate… it can either be coincidence.”
“Ehhhhhhh?! How did that happen?”
“Uh… he’s my boss.”
“Eh?! You’re boss?! Then that means his real parents are rich!”
“Super rich, I can say. They own a company, remember?”
“Sugoi! (amazing) so how was he?”
“I heard from his assistant that he was kind of popular to the opposite gender and he was a player.”
Hohoho.
His laugh sounded like that, I got irritated. He said, “Well Airi, it’s a nature for girls to be attractive on men…” He cleared his throat and tugs his clothes.
“So you admit that you’re a player too?”
He frowned. “We’re talking about attraction not being a player.”
“Yeah. whatever.” I said and roll my eyes.”Anyway, he said he wanted us to have or reunion again.”
“He better should ask. See, he leaved us for years, I cannot even remember his face nor how many years he left.” He gnaws his rice and pinch of another beef. I hand him the water in case he might got choke again.
I told him about Ryo’s plan. He agreed on it. We would have a dinner, the day after tomorrow.
---
That day finally came and I only got few days more to stay here at Tokyo. I guess I have to spend my time more wisely. We ate a Chinese restaurant because Pi suggested it. Ryo didn’t mind, so do I. the table that was reserved for us was for four people, I dash and hurriedly sat on the on the chair across the other two chairs.
Why?
Because I don’t want to have this feeling of being confuse on whom shall I sat next to. I don’t want the other friend to resent towards me.
I move the chair beside me, at the middle. Ryo sat opposite to me. Pi, got no choice, he smirk first and pull the chair and moved closer to me. This time I grimaced. What’s the point of moving it away from you, when your friend moves it back to its original position?
The utensils were served first followed by the viands. Ryo pluck his handkerchief and started to rub a spoon, and then he handed it over to me. “Thanks.” I mutter and smile. He just smiled as for his reply.
Pi and Ryo do the most chit chat together, but I still listen. It was nice to catching up. They or sometimes we (when I butt in during their conversations) talked about what happened since the last time we saw each other, their work, health, other friends during childhood days, and what we want.
.
I stretch my hands upward and slowly going to the sides. I placed my hand at the top of rails. Pi, gets a tissue. He raised my right hand a bit and wipes the rail. I look at him confusedly. He shudders and says “dust.”
I smiled and jolted him. He laughed and asks, “What?”
This time I quiver, I beam and bit my lower lip first. I answer, “Nothing.”
“You’re so odd…” we were smiling at each other. “You were jolting me then your reason is nothing? Weirdo”
“I’m not weird!” I protest.
“Yes, you are indifferent. Bleh~” Then he stuck out his tongue.
I punch him on his arms and laugh loudly. I look at Ryo; he was staring at us and was smiling. I suddenly felt embarrassed, because me and Pi were acting like a child in front of him. He was way contrary to us. Ryo, on the other hand, by just looking at him, you can easily tell that he is a professional.
“I’m getting jealous” Ryo confess.
“Eh? Nande? (Why)” I choke and ask.
“Cause you guys seems to have a good relationship. I wished me and Airi could do that.”
Pi and I looked at each other and let out a faint laugh. Then we glanced back at Ryo. Then he said, “There’s nothing to be jealous of. Its just me and Airi grew up together and we spend half of our lives together that’s why we’re that close.”
“Yeah… Yeah… so… we really are the best of friends. Right, Pi?” I said. I hope we convinced Ryo with our statements. Yamapi nodded and took a zip of his soda.
Ryo shift his stare and look at Pi, he open his mouth and ask, “Have you ever thought of, having Airi as your girlfriend?” I let out a faint laugh again. I felt uneasy with his question. I look at Pi; he was smirking to his self. I look back to Ryo; his arms were crossed together, and he was smiling with full confidence.
.
I remember way back in high school, most of our schoolmates plus our teachers ask us, ‘why don’t you guys take your relationship to the next level?’ of course, we always say the acronym BFF (best friends forever), and we promised to ourselves that we will be like that for the lives.
Hopefully.
But I’ll let you on a secret, during our final year at high school, Yamapi and I didn’t attend our class. I forgot what subject it is, but we stayed at the library. We sat at the most conceal part of the room, facing the bright and wide windows. Yamapi fell asleep as we pretend reading those books. He was facing my direction; I stare at his face for a while. My index finger drew and traced his face towards his jaw line.
I bent forward and kissed him on his cheeks. He smiled and I heard him started to grit teeth his together. I don’t know why I did that but he was so adorable to resist! Especially when he is sleeping… After that I told myself two things: first I won’t fall in love with him. Second, the thing I did, would be a forever secret and a memory to me ONLY. It wouldn’t escape from my mouth.
.
“Well… ah---”
Before he could answer, I pretend to yawn, and I did it very loudly. I got their attention. I stood up and say, “It’s getting stuffy here. I want to go home.”
They shrug and I turn around and started to walk.
---
Ryo pulled over his car in front of Yamapi’s apartment.
“Want to go inside and have some beer?” Pi asks.
I interrupt, “No, you guys shouldn’t drink when you’re driving.”
Ryo chuckled and say, “She’s the boss.” I shudder and smile as I open his car and step outside.
“Thanks for the dinner.” Pi said.
“Anytime.” Ryo respond. “Bye Airi, goodnight.”
“Bye. Thank you again. Keep safe.”
“I will. Sweet dreams.” Ryo smiled at me. The two of the, just nodded to each other. It was like they were saying goodbye with those actions.
We wave goodbye to him as he drove his car away.
---
After our first dinner, we’ve always set out either lunch or dinners together. It was constant until my second to the last day at Tokyo. We spent most of our times together, in short we make up with the time we loss.
I’m surely going to missed that.
---
This is my last day at Tokyo. Tomorrow, I’ll be flying back to Okinawa. My work is already done. It went successful; in fact I wasn’t expecting that I would get that kind of salary. I’m thankful, caused I finally got money for Okaa-san’s (mother) hospital bills.
The two weeks trip was fugacious.
Yesterday was my last day of work. I stayed home to prepare my stuffs, Pi didn’t either go to his work he said he’ll help my pack my things. But he went to the convenience store for a while. Out of the blue, my phone rang. It was Ryo.
“Hello?”
“Hey. Meet me downstairs. I have something to tell you.” The line went dead, I swiftly when outside and obey what he says, then I saw him standing, I immediately skip closer to him. We greeted each other and I ask,
“So… what are you going to say?”
I was waiting for an answer, as an alternative he pulled me closer and hugs me. “I’m going to Miss You.” He said calmly and seriously.
“I’m gonna’ miss you too.” I utter followed by light chuckle.
“I have a confession to make before you leave me again.” He pulled me away. I took a step backward and smile at him. “Actually… I never treated you as a best friend… even before.” I got hurt from his confession. The curve on my lips started to get straight. I wanted to cry, but I grip my hands just to withstand the pain. After years of friendship and waiting, the truth finally came. I guess, ‘what you don’t know won’t hurt you’ is bona fide. I wished he didn’t say it. I wished he just kept it to his self. “I don’t want to miss this opportunity, so I’m gonna say what I really wanted to say, Ito Airi…” I swallowed. His pauses make me anxious. “I like you…. I never treated you as my best friend, because I like you.”
I smiled awkwardly; I don’t know what to say. I’m SPEECHLESS. I mean come on, who wouldn’t feel awkward on this situation? Your best friend who got ‘missing in action’ for years confess to you? I need help. Please somebody save me from answering his sentence.
I heard footsteps. More of a running sound. I tiptoe and look at the entrance.
“Airi!” Pi shouted, he was catching his breath. Ryo looked at the direction from where the voice came from. I sigh in relief. He’s the right guy whom I was waiting for.
“Tomohisa.” Ryo greeted him.
“Oi Ryo.” Pi looked at him and responded with a nod.
His gaze met mine. Come on, Pi, saved me from this awkward moment. He walks closer to us and he held me by my shoulders. I shrug. “Airi… I have something to tell you.”
“What?” I laugh breathlessly. This is odd, why do these guys always have the same line, ‘Airi, I have something to tell you’ blah blah.
He closes his eyes and exhale. “It’s kind of hard to explain and kinda’ personal, let’s just talk inside, just the two of us.”
“What? You can say anything in front of Ryo and me. We’re friends right?”
He puff out once more. “Yeah, we’re friends. Best of friends, which what you usually call it. But I realized something, us… we… you… me… I don’t want to be just friends. I want to us to be MORE THAN JUST FRIENDS. I like you Airi. Maybe I wasn’t aware of this feeling back in high school. But now, I totally realize it. I really like you Airi.”
I smile faintly. Uh-oh. That wasn’t the statement that I want to hear. It worsened the situation-our situation-my situation.
I look at Ryo, from somehow his facial expression become sturdy. He was shooting glares at him, Pi. His eyebrows got furrowed. He started to walk closer to us. While Pi’s eyes were directly focus on me.
Yabai.
---
Yabai = not good.
Okaa-san = mother
Sugoi = amazing/cool
Bento = lunchbox
Sensei = teacher
Nani = What
Nande = Why
---
10.20.09
11.16pm