Idlip - Ch 2/4
Idlip
part two
***
I never thought Tokyo would be like this. I look up, my eyes wonder in excitement, joy and somewhat dread. I know Tokyo is busy city, that’s why people are like this, they don’t mind people like me who look ignorant staring at those large buildings, large LCD’s and lots of lights.
“Itai! (Ouch)” I yelp in pain as I land my butt on the sidewalk.
“Watch it!” someone who was wearing a suit shouted as he look back to me for a split second then turn back his gaze on the road again. He didn’t even bother to step down from his bike. I rub my knees, followed to my elbow. It hurts.
Suddenly, I felt my hand phone vibrate. I plucked it out of my pocket and didn’t dare to look at the LCD on whoever called me. I immediately say,
“Hello?”
The other line responded, it makes me nervous as hell, when he said, “What show are you up to on the middle lane of Tokyo?” I started to look around. It makes me anxious as I always spot people holding their phones near their ears. I gulp, I find the courage to remove my hand phone away from my ears and I look to the screen, I sigh in relieve, it’s Yamapi.
“Hi.” I said.
“Hey, did I scare you?” he replied. I tiptoe to find him. How could I possibly see him, when there are big crowds here? “Hmm... Maybe not, cause I see your smile from this great distance.”
“Where are you?”
“I’m quite near to you, but it seems that you’re trap in your own world that is very far away from me… but you look prettier than the last time we saw each other.”
I bit my lower lip and blush. I suddenly realize I’m not a sixteen years old to feel this. I’m already twenty four. “Thanks.” I utter still smiling. “Are we going to play hide and seek along this crowdie place?”
“Count up to ten.” He said.
One
Two
Three… I started to turn around.
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Ni--- I shrug, my heart starts to beat very fast. Someone held by my shoulder, it made my nervous. I turn around, I smirk and huff. I hate to say this, but stupid him, he made me vulnerable. He flipped down his phone and wink at me. I lower my head and shook it.
“Aren’t you going to give your old buddy a massive hug?”
I look up and step closer to him. I hug him on his waist; I’m not that tall to reach for his neck. “Thanks for temporarily adopting me.”
“What are friends for?”
I felt his hands wrap on around me. We stayed in same position for like seconds but it felt like minutes. I noticed people are staring at us. I released my grip from him and step backward. He waved his hands sideways on the air. I mouthed, “People are staring at us.”
“Let’s go.” He answered back. He gets my bag from me and carried it. I loop my arms around me, like we always do during junior high school days. “So, to whom will you send your masterpiece?”
“What masterpiece?” I laugh a little and continue, “It’s just a piece of draft plan for the new container of the products of Nishikido Corp.”
“Whoa!” he stopped walking and faces me, “big-time! One of the biggest companies at Japan asks you to design their products? Cool! I can smell a celebration after this.”
“Ha! You wished! Hmm… but let’s see the outcome of my presentation tomorrow. I hope it’ll suit their taste.”
“Whatever the results are, you’ll still be Airi, the greatest artist for me.”
“Awww… thanks…. I wished I could stay here for a long time”
“Yeah, me too… When will you be back? At Okinawa?”
“After a week or two.”
“Oooh… then that means, we won’t get to see each other after a long time again?”
“Perhaps… I don’t know…. How about this time, you visit us there?”
“Why not?” He grinned. “Sure, I’ll go there when I’ve clear my schedule.” He said with a tone of delight. Yamashita Tomohisa or better known as Yamapi, my best friend, the guy whom I was standing next to, was a math teacher at one of those exclusive all-girls high school. I don’t know why he chose this kind of profession when he graduated in Law. I also wonder, if the students in his school go nuts. Hmm…
---
“Here we are!” he exclaimed afterwards he open the lights. I was surprised to see his apartment very tidy. Contrary on what I’d imagine, presumably a man’s apartment is very filthy, as if they didn’t mind the opposite genders opinion.
His apartment was way different; it’s cozy and really neat. The location was convenient. It was located at the mezzanine floor of the building, on the last door near the side veranda.
“Wow!” I shriek in amusement. He lead me towards the living room, I sat on the floor while he went to the kitchen. “I bet your girlfriend slash maid’s past time is to clean your place.”
He looked back and stared at me seriously and blankly, “Single and ready to mingle.”
I cover my mouth. That is so frank yet funny. “Ditto. Besides, Love weren’t my priority now.” He strides closer and sat beside me. He place two can drinks on the table, one cola and one beer.
“Then what is your priority?”
“To get my work accepted on tomorrow’s presentation.” I showed him a wide smile. “So that I can help on our family’s need. Especially, now that okaa-san (mom) is in the hospital.”
“If things wouldn’t work out on tomorrow event, I’ll len--- ”
I gave him a half smile, “You know otou-san (dad), he doesn’t want us to rely on anybody’s help. He wants to preserve our dignity.”
“Your dad hasn’t change eh? He’s still the scary man that all of us were scared of.” He blurted a weak laugh. I nodded. Yeah, our family is quite famous, because of dad’s action. What do you expect from a former army?
“Ne…” I spoke in a low tone as I place my right hand on his knees. “Have you heard any news about Ryo?”
He shook his head, “nope, not a single word.”
“Do you think he still remember us?”
“That is a question that I cannot answer… Perhaps not, maybe yes.”
“I concur.” I huff and continue, “A decade has already been passed. I assume, he had forgotten us already… and add to that, maybe Tokyo have creep his memory…. So nada for us”
“If he had forgotten you, me or us, don’t worry. Even if the world would turn upside down today or tomorrow, you still have me.”
Wow. I’m speechless at the same time very amuse. I’m happy and thankful that Tokyo didn’t changed my best bud, he’s still the caring Yamapi whom I admire and treasured.
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I close my eyes and breathe heavily. This is it. I’m standing in front of the entrance door of the Nishikido Corporation; I swallow hard, nervousness kept on attacking my puny character.
“Call me whatever the outcome is, I’ll immediately fly on your way.” Yamapi’s last sentence rung on me, I open my eyes, exhale and smile. I push the door, and looked around. Where is the information desk? Where is it? Where?
Aha! I walk closer to it, there was a lady wearing a black suit on at the desk, I smiled at her instead he wince at me. I cleared my throat and utter, “I have an appointment with the… uh… Mr…” uh? What was his position and name? Oh god. This is so embarrassing. I scratch my head and awkwardly smiled at her. Uh… think… think… Airi, think!
“Don’t you know whom you’re going to meet?!” she shrieked. My hands started to shake. I was taken aback, honestly. Ho-hum…. Why does she have to shout at me? I bit lip; I don’t want to cry in front of her. “Hello??!!! Miss are you with me?” She rose up from her sit. She waves her hands in front of my eyes. I shrug and wipe the tip of my eye. “Fine…. Fine! Just don’t cry here, okay? I might get fire on my job.” I smiled apologetically at her. I didn’t know that tears have already flown from my eyes. “What’s your name?”
“Ito Airi.” She looked at her pad, thoroughly looking at it. She stops and taps her pen twice at the paper.
“Oh… right. Right. Mr. Nishikido leaved a message that he had an appointment with you.”
“You mean the owner of this company, directly wants to talk to me??” My eyes grew larger. I wasn’t prepared for this. I don’t know if I raised a tone to her or not.
“Uh-huh.” She said. I let out a weak laugh. She moved her eye glasses and smirked at me. “His room is located at the thirteenth floor.”
“Okay… D-domo arigato (Thank you)…” I bow in front of her. I started to move my stiff my body. I step a few. I already saw the elevator.
“Miss!!! Wait!” I look back, she was waving her hand. I run back to her, with lips pursed. “You have to leave you hand phone here.”
“Ah…” I nodded to show that I understand the situation, even though I find it weird. What’s the point of leaving your important belongings? What if there’s an urgent or emergency? I smiled at her for the last time and started to walk briskly.
---
When I reach the thirteenth floor, there was only one room, and there’s no doubt that it’s his office. I knock three times, and stood there still.
I lean on the wall and wait for the door to open. But it seems like nobody heard my knock, I stand on the door again, I close my fist and lifted my right hand. I exert a force on the air; advancing on the wood door, before it reached the flat area, the door opened. A big guy, wearing an attention catcher colored polka dots scarf, with leather jacket and colored mustard jeans surprised and open the door for me. “Excuse me?” he asks over. I wanted to laugh aloud, but that would be mean. I wasn’t expecting that kind of tone, I was anticipating for a muscular one, instead what I heard is, a voice of a gay person. Not gay-happy, but homosexual. I don’t judge his sexuality, but it doesn’t suit his brawny built. “Are you one of the girlfriends of my boss? Or one of those girls he slept with? I’m sorry dear, but he’s too busy, come again later or tomorrow.”
“Uh…” Before I could say anything, he already shut the door in front of me. What a rude person and what a jerk and an asshole boss. Girlfriends? So does that mean, that his boss collects and collect and select? Why do rich brats always have this nature? I hate those kinds of men. But the irony is, those kinds of guys are scattered on the society now, you don’t even know who the boy next door type is.
I exhale again and knock at the door once again. After a few seconds, it flew open, “WHAT?!” I was flabbergasted, when the same guy-gay shouted at me. I pouted, I need Yamapi now!! I really want to cry. Why do these people on this place are ill-tempered?
“The receptionist downstairs says I go up here. My name is Ito---” My voice is getting hoarsely.
“Ooh… the artist... Pardon my previous actions; I thought you’re one of his crazy stalkers slash girlfriends… My boss is waiting for you, but he’s quite busy now. Come in…” From where I was standing I can see his back, and a light coming from his laptop. I walk inside, his office doesn’t give the impression of an office for me, and it looks like a five-star hotel room. We stood behind him. “Sir the artist is here.”
He was talking in fluent French nodding at the same. His head swung around, and utter “hi” to me. I just smile. For a split second, he turns his head on our direction. I saw his jaw dropped. My brows got wrinkly. “Have we met before?” he asked. But somewhat he does look familiar.
“Uh… I don’t think so… this is my first time at Tokyo… and I just arrived yesterday… ”
“Tsss… those same words… I think I heard it a thousand times already.” The assistant commented, and rolled his eyes. I smiled.
“Are you sure? I really think I’ve seen you before. What’s your name?”
“Ito A---”
“MANAGER!!! Will you stop flirting with her and continue talking to that French executive?” he stomp his feet, he was getting irritated to his boss. I timidly cover my mouth. Nishikido-san just grin and… winked at me before he went back to that French guy.
“Ito-san, kindly sit first.” He ushered me towards the couch, few feet away from manager. “Feel at home.” He gave me a half smile and walk away. I sigh and look my wrist watch, it’s already ten in the morning, thank heavens I already ate before I went here. I place my plastic case on the coffee table and smile.
This might take long but patience is a virtue.
---
“Miss… Miss…” I stir up when someone called me; add to that, that someone was tapping my cheeks. I open my eyes. To my surprised it’s….
“Manager!” I shrieked. I immediately sat down; he was kneeling in front of me. He chuckle breathlessly. I look around, and immediately look back at watch, not good. Not good. It’s already two in the afternoon and I fell asleep. I took four hours nap. “I…. I…. I’m s-s-sor---”
“No… No…” he shook his head. I look around, where is his nosy assistant? “I should be the one apologizing to you. I kept you waited; and maybe I disrupt your tight schedule.”
“Sir… it’s really okay… about the pre---”
“Yosh!!! Okay, let’s go, I’m hungry. I haven’t eaten anything.” He stood up and immediately pull and my hands, luckily I was able to get my stuff before I was truly drag by him.
What an odd man.
---
There, I find myself sitting opposite to him in this fancy restaurant. I don’t know what had happened. I don’t know why I let this boss of mine hauled me and dine with him.
I swallowed a few, to be honest this moment is quite awkward for me. First, I barely know him. Second, he’s my boss. Third and last, from what I’ve heard from his assistant, this guy in front of me is a flirt towards women’s, and I don’t want to be one of his victims.
“Sir… about the designs…”
“Let’s not talk about business now, I’m currently eating, we’re currently eating.” I nodded in accordance. He’s right; it’s rude to talk about this kind of things while eating. But… how can I start dealing with my own stuff? “And also… I have a name; my parents gave me one, so stop calling me sir.”
“Hai. (Yes)” I lower my head. Is it my fault if I don’t know his name? Besides he’s my soon-to-be boss, it would be inappropriate if I don’t address him as any formal names.
“The name is Ryo. Nishikido Ryo.”
Ryo? What a coincidence! He had the same name of our other best friend. I smiled and murmur his name with delight.
“Hmm?” he asked while he was chewing his food. I got embarrassed; I didn’t know he heard me.
“Nandemonai (nothing)”
“How about you… I haven’t got the chance to know your name earlier… so what’s your name?”
“Ito Ai---” Before I finished completing my short name, he signals me to wait. His hand phone rang. He let go of the fork and stood up. He went somewhere and answered his call.
I smile a wicked one. I can eat now, I wouldn’t feel any discomfort. I wiggle around my chair while I started to nib my foods.
---
When I got out of the restroom, I look around, he’s not here.
The waitress stood in front of me and utter, “Miss… if you’re looking for your boyfriend, he said he’ll wait for you outside.”
“Thanks.” I smiled and turn around. I started to walk. Then her statement process in my mind… boyfriend? What boyfriend? Hell no! I swung my head back to her, “uh… he’s not my boyfriend.” I start to stride again going outside.
.
I saw him looking at the road. “Yo!” I poke him from his behind and laugh.
“Hey…” he greeted me.
“I’m sorry, if kept you wait.”
“It’s okay. I understand… girl stuff.” I open my bag and get my draft. I hand it over to him and he took it. “So this is your design?”
“Uh-huh.” I said confidently. I hope my confidence won’t vanish.
“What’s your name again? We always got interrupt when that topic came out.”
“Airi. Ito Airi.” From the very moment I spoke my name, he held my arms and stood dumbfounded. He blinks his eyes twice, later his hands were crawling upward to my shoulder.
“Are you really my Airi?” he rapidly pull my hand and hug me tight. My face slam on his chest, he was caressing my hair. “Airi…? Do you know how much I miss you? I used all my power just to find you, in the end I failed… yet, you’re here standing in front of me. Do you know how happy I am to see you again?”
“Sir…”
“Hmm?”
“I---I c-can’t b-breathe…” I said bluntly. He chortle and release his firm grip from me. He looks at me with those mesmerizing eyes. I tilted my head on the left, my brows got wrinkly. I scan his face thoroughly. Hmm… Who’s this guy?
“Hey… Airi! It’s me Ryo! Your childhood friend… Ring a bell?” I studied his face, he somewhat resemble my childhood friend.
“Ryo?” I ask in disbelief.
“Yeah.” He nodded in enthusiasm. He squeezed me once more, this time I loop my arms around his waist. “Airi, I really missed you.”
“I missed you too. I thought you’re already dead.” I fool around.
“Ouch! That’s quite mean.” He move back and said it with those puppy eyes.
I giggle. “I’m just kidding! If you’re dead, I’m sure that news will be spread around our place…. But I’m happy that you’re not….” I realize he’s still holding on my design, what if it gets crumpled? I started to get jitters. I let go of my hands from him, he was still holding me. “Uh… Ryo?”
“Airi?”
I swallowed hard. “Uh… my draft? If we continue to stay in this position… it may… get crumple?”
“Oh… yeah… right… I’m sorry…” he slowly let go his hands, but his eyes were still locked with mine. I might get melt, sooner or later.
Suddenly a gush of wind stroked us. My drawing which he was holding was blown by the wind and it landed on the road. I made a small tantrum and scratch my head, “Ohhhh…. My drawing…. I only have one copy. ” I pouted. He looked at me with sorry written on his face.
Ryo shifted his stare on the road started to move his feet. I look at my left, unexpectedly there was an upcoming van, “RYO!!” adrenalin rush took over me, I pulled his coat.
The vehicle has swerved its way and the driver even sworn to us. Both of my hands were holding his elbows and as well as him, he was holding my elbows.
Our proximity was extremely close. We stare at each others gazes. I could feel his breath on my cheeks. It was rapidly altering with inhale and exhale.
Another gust of the cold breeze strikes us. I shiver. I saw my paper being waft by the air; I let loose of my hands from him and just looked at my paper being carried away. Out of the blue, the rain starts to pour. I felt his hands entwine with mine, he started to run off without a choice I was force to run along with him.
“What are we doing?!” I ask shouting.
“Aren’t we running at this street to get back your drawing?” he turn back and faced me, I smiled at him. The feeling was inexplicable. It was fun running along with him on this rain, at the same time I felt secured.
The running seems endless, until the paper landed on the middle marble ball inside the fountain, and then we stop running as we stood in front of the fountain. I sigh in disbelief and let go of his hands. I was so irritated at myself, why didn’t I make a spare one? Now I’m doom to die.
The rain slowly turns into a drizzle. I look back at him, to my surprised he was removing his socks from his feet and he dips his feet on the water.
“Cold… Cold… Cold…” he said loudly and very fast. I giggle.
“Ryo… it’s okay… you don’t need to push yourself, it’s really okay… you don’t need to get that.”
“This is your only copy so that means its precious to you.” He was halfway on the center. I hear him mutter those horrific words, cursing how cold the water is.
“Ryo… it’s REALLY okay… I can make a new one for you. Just come back here, it’s dangerous you might get injured or what.”
He raised the paper and waved it in the air, grinning. I cover my mouth, is this guy real? I mean, come on! The weather is really chilly, and then he did that just that gets my work? I indeed salute him. He made his way back to my direction, groping the floor.
All of the sudden, I heard myself scream. Ryo slip and fell on the ground but he was able to raise his hands upward and say, “It’s safe! We’re safe! Your draft isn’t wet!” he was soaking wet by the time he got out of the fountain.
“A-a-are you okay?”
“Airi…. It’s cold… let’s get out of---” before he could continue his sentence, he sneezed. “Here….”
He shook his head. “Alright… alright…” I grinned.