Prisoner of Love (fanfic)- Chapter 6-B
To read previous chapters, they can always be found here!
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Chapter 6-B: His/Her Departure
With a slight push from her, Sho broke their kiss. It was soft and sweet. But for some reason, there was some resistance that came from her. Was this because he waited too long? That he put too much priority on work, his family than pursuing her? No. Sho knew that Selina understood why he had chosen that path. She won’t take that against him. So why?
He smiled gently. At least he was not the only one affected. Selina was breathing a little bit fast. Even though she pushed him away, her hands remained on his chest. It was not resisting at the moment. He softly caressed her cheek.
Sho wasn’t a bad kisser. Selina had a couple of kisses here and there but not one compared to the tenderness that he had displayed at that moment. He comforted and at the same time, made her feel treasured. But why did it feel wrong? Maybe they were just taking things too fast. They had just reunited and after all these years of thinking that he would finally kiss her, maybe it was too much of a shock for her. That’s what it was, right?
Selina smiled shyly. “I am not going to be that easy, Sho.”
Sho had to laugh at that. “Nothing is ever easy with you, Sel.”
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Sho and Selina was back at her apartment getting ready for the night. Chri had suggested to go clubbing that night at the new place that opened downtown. It was like a welcome party for Sho. They also invited Malvika and Ayumu which they would meet up at the bar.
That night, Selina wore a black corset patterned with black roses and lace on the bust. She finished the ensemble with a pair of red heels and skinny jeans. Her hair was put up into a tight bun but had wisps of hair escaping from the base of her neck. She was trying to close her necklace when Sho’s fingers took over hers.
“Are you wanting to break some hearts tonight?” Sho teased. She laughed and turned around to face her friend. He was sporting a white v-neck shirt paired with a leather jacket. He had a pair distressed jeans to match his top and leather shoes. It was rare to see him so laid back in appearance. She pinched his cheek. “You don’t look too bad either, chipmunk.” He pouted at the nickname. “Let me just get my purse and we should be good to go.”
Before she could venture away from him, Sho lightly grabbed on to her wrist. She turned to look at him.
“Hmm?”
Sho wanted to confirm it with her, make it final. That they were going out. That they were exclusive. With her looking that lovely, he was sure that someone would make a move on her. At this very moment, he felt very protective towards her. Even if things were unclear between them. After that date, they didn’t act awkward towards each other. But he did feel some sort of invisible wall come up between them. She never mentioned anything afterwards and everything appeared like normal, even if it wasn’t. For once, Sho did not know how to solve this problem. She waited for him to say something. He didn’t and let her go.
Selina looked at him oddly. They had always been both honest to each other. Lately, there were times that she caught her friend looking at her, almost on the verge of saying something. But Sho never did. She was also at fault. Since their kiss, Selina tried hard not to think that anything was different. This was still the same Sho, her friend and confidant. They were childhood best buddies. But they weren’t children anymore. And with that kiss, Selina knew Sho expected more. What she didn’t know herself was why she hesitated to reciprocate his feeling for her. And why she was anxious if Jun ever knew. She glanced at the clock.
“We’ll be late if we don’t get a move on.”
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The club was indeed crazy that night. There was already a line forming outside with people wanting to get in. Fortunately, Chri always had her crazy hook ups that Selina and Sho only had to mention their names to gain entry. Inside, it was more crowded. They wondered how such a place could hold so many people. The dance floor was located at the center of the room. All the tables and booths encircled the dance floor so one can get a good look at the dancers. Several of the upper booths are a little bit more secluded and provided curtains for privacy for the VIP people. That is where they found Chri and Pi. Pi was looking very fine, his usual self. Chri has donned a metallic silver dress that was off shoulder paired with black booties. Tonight, her friend had her hair down. Chri was definitely ready to party. Sho went off to get them their drinks when Malvika and Toma arrived. Toma was sorting the grungy boy look with torn jeans and top jacket denims. Malvika, on the other hand, wore a tight, long-sleeved one piece red dress that covered her front but left her back pretty open. When Sho returned with their drinks and said his greeting to the newcomers, one more person appeared.
“Nishikado-san and Ayumu-san can’t make it tonight. So, they sent me instead,” Jun offered in explanation.
Selina had to take a double look at him. Jun had trimmed his hair and styled it that gave him an edgier look. He was wearing a white v-neck shirt on the inside paired with a black silk blazer that had military style buttons on each side. He wore grey jeans with black boots. Gone was the cafe waiter or the normal Jun she had always seen. Their eyes met briefly and both acknowledged each other with a nod. With everybody accounted for, the party began. Chri grabbed both Selina and Malvika to the floor. As Sho suspected, the trio attracted plenty of attention. Even if the girls got asked on the floor to dance with another guy, surprisingly none of them do so. Sho was sitting on the table drinking his soda while Jun had a beer on his hand. With all the background music, it was indeed a little bit difficult to talk. Sho had to lean over the other guy so that Jun could hear him.
“Matsumoto-san, arigato for all that you did the other night,” Sho started.
Jun really did not want to talk about or be reminded of that evening. He would have not even show up to this club if Nishikado-san had not asked him politely. Well, Jun can’t even blame the guy. He didn’t know a thing. He disliked the clubs, the crowds and the anonymity of it all. It was not his kind of fun or relaxing. He rather be home, listen to some music and read a book.
“So I would assume everything went well?” he asked but really did not care for the answer.
Sho gazed at her fondly. Would he really consider the date a success? With things being left as it is right now, maybe not yet. But it is a start. “Yes, it did. Again, if I didn’t have your help, then it might not have gone as smoothly as I planned. I’m not very good at this kind of stuff.”
Jun looked at the person beside him. He wasn’t saying this to get his sympathy. Somehow, Jun understood what it felt like to be awkward in front of the person one liked. But he cannot bring himself to wish the man well. Not when he, himself was wishing for something else.
Sho put out his hand. “If there is anything I can help you with, all you need to do is call.”
Jun took his hand and shook it. Words are empty and can easily be said. He really wondered if Jun can rely on Sakurai Sho’s word.
Before Sho could talk more, his cellphone rang. He excused himself. The man returned a few minutes later with a frown on his face. He glanced over the dance floor but couldn’t locate Selina at the moment.
“I hate to do this to Sel, but I just had a business emergency come up. I need to go back to my hotel to take care of it.” Sho ran his fingers through his hair. “I can’t find Selina right now so I can explain to her. I need to go now.”
Pi and Toma overhead what Sho said. “Its ok, man. We’ll take Selina home. We’ll let her know.”
Relief was evident on Sho’s face. “Thank you. It was nice meeting you all.” With that, he was gone.
With him gone, Jun was somehow able to relax more. He was able to chat more with his co-workers before, even share jokes on past experiences. When the fifth song finished, the girls eventually came back to the table. Selina immediately noticed Sho was not at the table.
“Hey, did anyone see Sho?” she asked.
Pi answered for her. “Yeah. He apologizes for leaving early but looked like he had an emergency.”
Her face fell. “Ah. Oh well. Thanks for telling me, Pi.” She was definitely disappointed. She avoided looking at Jun and just shook her head. Selina had an idea why he had to leave and it wasn’t his fault. But she couldn’t help feeling abandoned. After that, it just went all downhill for her. She started drinking more alcohol and flirting more openly with strangers. She was committed to NO one and NO one is going to just leave her like that.
Just then, a popular song came on. Selina grabbed Pi’s hand and almost dragged him to the dance floor. Malvika and Toma looked at her worriedly. It made her all the more determined to have a good time. It started with this dance with Pi.
“Come on, Pi. I heard from Chrissy here that you’re the bomb with this dance! Dance with me!” she shouted over the noise.
Pi started to get uncomfortable. “I won’t dance with you Sel until you get permission from Chri,” he firmly said.
Selina turned to her friend. “I promise I won’t do anything dirty with him. So just one dance?” she cajoled.
Chri crossed her arms. “No,” she flatly rejected.
Selina laughed. “That was a good one, Chri. Come on! Its just a dance. Don’t be a prude!” Her voice started to rise in tone.
“I said no, Sel. I mean it.” Chri gave Pi a pointed look. Pi slowly but firmly took Selina’s hand off his wrist and sat beside his girlfriend. He did this, not only because Chri asked, but Pi knew that Selina acted drunk.
Selina can’t believe what he did. What Chri did. Her cheeks flushed in anger. She turned to Toma. “Will I need to ask Malvika’s permission too, huh, Toma?” she snapped.
“That’s not right, Selina-san,” Toma warned. Toma might be a person who tolerates a lot of things but once you anger him, there’s no going back. Malvika put a hand on Toma, visibly calming him a bit.
“Sel, maybe its time to go,” Malvika suggested.
Selina threw her hands up in disgust. “You are a bunch of losers! All of you! Selfish bitches!”
Chri cannot help herself. She stood up and slapped Selina right across her cheek.
Jun had just returned from a bathroom break when Chri did that. Everybody in the table was silent. Selina grabbed her purse and ran out of the club.
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“Selina! Selina! Wait!”
She heard his voice but cannot stop for him. For some reason, those heels had survived two blocks of almost running. Until she reached an uneven pavement. Her heel got caught on a crevice that caused her to fall.
Jun can barely keep up with her. She must have been doing marathons on those heels. But when he saw her fall, he almost blew past her.
Selina managed to get int a sitting position. She was relieved that she had the foresight to wear jeans tonight. No scrapped knees but just bruised hands when she braced herself when she fell.
“So where’s the next party that you’re so excited to go to that you had to run? Jun asked.
She gave a snort. This was not the time to tease her. Great. A broken heel. And the shoes were her fave Blhaniks. She had to save most of her allowance at that time to even to be able to afford one. Selina loved shoes. Her father does not. She sighed. “There’s no other party. I just wanted to be left alone,” she softly replied. Ditched by her date, a ruined shoe and then Matsumoto had to see her like this. The night couldn’t go any worse, can it?
He saw the broken shoe and the blooming red imprint of a hand on her cheek. She looked utterly defeated. Jun held out a hand and assisted her to a standing position. “Come on, I have an extra pair of sandals in my car. They might be a little big on you but it would do for now.”
“Why don’t you just take me home, Matsumoto?” she asked dejectedly. All Selina wanted to do was just to lay down underneath her covers and just disappear.
Jun didn’t answer her at first. When they got to his car, Selina did change into his slippers that weren’t too big at all. Selina also spotted a denim button down shirt that she insisted on changing into. She leaned to the side of his car. “Just take me home.”
He shook his head. “You said you wanted to party more right? Well, we can do that on our own, if you like?” She did look a little bit tired but thought maybe it was more of because of what happened tonight. And for some reason, he didn’t want her to go home feeling like that. But if she insisted once more, Jun would not argue. He just wanted to do something, anything for her.
Selina sighed. If he insisted. “Sure, Matsumoto. Whatever you have in mind.” It wouldn’t hurt to indulge him a bit since he did help her out.
“First, call me Jun.” It was the first step he could think of. To be closer to her.
Selina laughed. “What? No more name calling?” Jun pouted and she laughed once more. “Just kidding. Jun then.” She held out her hand. “Hi, Jun. I’m Selina, nice to meet you.”
Jun smiled. She laughed. It was a start. He took her hand and asked, “Are you hungry?”
Turned out they started the party at a ramen place. Even at that time of the night, the place was still packed with the club crowds and some of the salarymen that worked late. They ordered each a ramen and a plate of gyoza. Without the Sho in between them or the cafe, Jun and Selina started to relax towards each other. The party started with 20 questions. His favorite color: white, black and blue. Hers? Black and red. Hobbies? He liked to read. She liked to sleep. They were both slowly discovering each other. They might not agree in every little thing but they also found some common ground between them. Next on the agenda was the arcade. Jun hated to be embarrassed in public. He refused to do those para-para dance machines. He did very well on the Street Fighter ones. Selina convinced him to do those purikura as a souvenir for the night. Jun told her that he had one last thing to show her. They both got into his car and drove just for an hour outside the city. Then he led her towards a grassy knoll. It was actually a night time view of the area they just had been.
Selina took a seat while Jun brought a pack of beer. He handed one to her as he sat down beside her.
“Kampai!” they both said as they toasted.
She took a sip and took in her surroundings. This did not turn out so bad after all. Sure, it started a little bit rocky but this was really nice. Plus, they have not been mean to each other all night long. They argued and discussed but it was not mean spirited. Unlike before. Somehow, sometime this night, Selina had changed her perception towards Jun.
“Thank you, Jun, for tonight. I didn’t think it could turn out this way,” she started.
Jun chuckled. “What? You think I was going to ditch you?” He was half curious.
She laughed in response. “Like an old mafia movie. Kidnapping me and then just rolling my body down a ravine.”
“Well, the night isn’t over. Yet.” Jun made threatening gestures.
She stuck out her tongue. “Yeah. As if those are supposed to frighten me now, baka.”
“Are you? Are you afraid of me?” Jun suddenly asked.
“Should I be?” she asked softly in return. The same questions they asked each other during that night in front of her door. For a moment, neither of them spoke.
“Its really beautiful here, Jun,” Selina broke their silence. “Do you come here often?”
Jun just followed her trail of thought. “I used to. Its my thinking place. When there are things I need to sort out, I go here.” Before he could continue, Selina scooted over closer to his side. He tried not to stiffen up. He wasn’t much of a physical contact person so this surprised him a bit.
“Sorry if I am invading your space. Its getting cold,” she explained.
Since she was close already, Jun took a chance. He draped his right arm over her and pulled her even closer. Without even thinking, Selina snuggled into his warmth.
There was nothing between them. Nothing that might suggest more than just friends just hanging out.
Jun wished it was different. For once in his life, he wished it was different.
“Its quiet here. And not very many people come out here anymore. They rather party in the noise. The noise distracts them from thinking. Distracts them from the loneliness they feel. But for me, I crave the silence. Because it calms me and makes my thoughts clear. And it’s better to have that to make decisions, don’t you agree?”
He looked down to a sleeping Selina. She had found a comfortable nook by his shoulder and had fallen asleep. So that was why she was so quiet. He felt glad that he did not bore her to death. But putting her to sleep might not be so good either. A sense of calmness took over him. That right now, this felt right. It felt good that she shared this secret place with him. He made sure that she was deeply asleep.
Jun deposited a kiss on her hair.
“Selina Harvey, I think I am falling for you,” he whispered.
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In some way, Jun was able to convince her to get into his car. After a couple of minutes, he realized that they cannot both stay out there without catching a cold. They were on their way back to the city. He’d probably have to carry her if she didn’t wake up.
Thankfully Selina did when they arrived at her dorm. Jun walked her to her room.
“I am so sorry I fell asleep Jun. I must have drunk way too much.” She massaged her temples. “Yep. Way too much. This is a hangover. Hopefully I don’t have classes today so I can...”
Both of them stopped a feet away from her door.
Sho stood in front with a bouquet of flowers.
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Chapter notes: Wow. This is an accomplishment for me. Two chapters in a weekend?
How will Sho react to finding Selina and Jun together the morning after? Tune in for the next chapter! Again, read, enjoy and comment! They fuel us writers!
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Chapter 6-B: His/Her Departure
With a slight push from her, Sho broke their kiss. It was soft and sweet. But for some reason, there was some resistance that came from her. Was this because he waited too long? That he put too much priority on work, his family than pursuing her? No. Sho knew that Selina understood why he had chosen that path. She won’t take that against him. So why?
He smiled gently. At least he was not the only one affected. Selina was breathing a little bit fast. Even though she pushed him away, her hands remained on his chest. It was not resisting at the moment. He softly caressed her cheek.
Sho wasn’t a bad kisser. Selina had a couple of kisses here and there but not one compared to the tenderness that he had displayed at that moment. He comforted and at the same time, made her feel treasured. But why did it feel wrong? Maybe they were just taking things too fast. They had just reunited and after all these years of thinking that he would finally kiss her, maybe it was too much of a shock for her. That’s what it was, right?
Selina smiled shyly. “I am not going to be that easy, Sho.”
Sho had to laugh at that. “Nothing is ever easy with you, Sel.”
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Sho and Selina was back at her apartment getting ready for the night. Chri had suggested to go clubbing that night at the new place that opened downtown. It was like a welcome party for Sho. They also invited Malvika and Ayumu which they would meet up at the bar.
That night, Selina wore a black corset patterned with black roses and lace on the bust. She finished the ensemble with a pair of red heels and skinny jeans. Her hair was put up into a tight bun but had wisps of hair escaping from the base of her neck. She was trying to close her necklace when Sho’s fingers took over hers.
“Are you wanting to break some hearts tonight?” Sho teased. She laughed and turned around to face her friend. He was sporting a white v-neck shirt paired with a leather jacket. He had a pair distressed jeans to match his top and leather shoes. It was rare to see him so laid back in appearance. She pinched his cheek. “You don’t look too bad either, chipmunk.” He pouted at the nickname. “Let me just get my purse and we should be good to go.”
Before she could venture away from him, Sho lightly grabbed on to her wrist. She turned to look at him.
“Hmm?”
Sho wanted to confirm it with her, make it final. That they were going out. That they were exclusive. With her looking that lovely, he was sure that someone would make a move on her. At this very moment, he felt very protective towards her. Even if things were unclear between them. After that date, they didn’t act awkward towards each other. But he did feel some sort of invisible wall come up between them. She never mentioned anything afterwards and everything appeared like normal, even if it wasn’t. For once, Sho did not know how to solve this problem. She waited for him to say something. He didn’t and let her go.
Selina looked at him oddly. They had always been both honest to each other. Lately, there were times that she caught her friend looking at her, almost on the verge of saying something. But Sho never did. She was also at fault. Since their kiss, Selina tried hard not to think that anything was different. This was still the same Sho, her friend and confidant. They were childhood best buddies. But they weren’t children anymore. And with that kiss, Selina knew Sho expected more. What she didn’t know herself was why she hesitated to reciprocate his feeling for her. And why she was anxious if Jun ever knew. She glanced at the clock.
“We’ll be late if we don’t get a move on.”
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The club was indeed crazy that night. There was already a line forming outside with people wanting to get in. Fortunately, Chri always had her crazy hook ups that Selina and Sho only had to mention their names to gain entry. Inside, it was more crowded. They wondered how such a place could hold so many people. The dance floor was located at the center of the room. All the tables and booths encircled the dance floor so one can get a good look at the dancers. Several of the upper booths are a little bit more secluded and provided curtains for privacy for the VIP people. That is where they found Chri and Pi. Pi was looking very fine, his usual self. Chri has donned a metallic silver dress that was off shoulder paired with black booties. Tonight, her friend had her hair down. Chri was definitely ready to party. Sho went off to get them their drinks when Malvika and Toma arrived. Toma was sorting the grungy boy look with torn jeans and top jacket denims. Malvika, on the other hand, wore a tight, long-sleeved one piece red dress that covered her front but left her back pretty open. When Sho returned with their drinks and said his greeting to the newcomers, one more person appeared.
“Nishikado-san and Ayumu-san can’t make it tonight. So, they sent me instead,” Jun offered in explanation.
Selina had to take a double look at him. Jun had trimmed his hair and styled it that gave him an edgier look. He was wearing a white v-neck shirt on the inside paired with a black silk blazer that had military style buttons on each side. He wore grey jeans with black boots. Gone was the cafe waiter or the normal Jun she had always seen. Their eyes met briefly and both acknowledged each other with a nod. With everybody accounted for, the party began. Chri grabbed both Selina and Malvika to the floor. As Sho suspected, the trio attracted plenty of attention. Even if the girls got asked on the floor to dance with another guy, surprisingly none of them do so. Sho was sitting on the table drinking his soda while Jun had a beer on his hand. With all the background music, it was indeed a little bit difficult to talk. Sho had to lean over the other guy so that Jun could hear him.
“Matsumoto-san, arigato for all that you did the other night,” Sho started.
Jun really did not want to talk about or be reminded of that evening. He would have not even show up to this club if Nishikado-san had not asked him politely. Well, Jun can’t even blame the guy. He didn’t know a thing. He disliked the clubs, the crowds and the anonymity of it all. It was not his kind of fun or relaxing. He rather be home, listen to some music and read a book.
“So I would assume everything went well?” he asked but really did not care for the answer.
Sho gazed at her fondly. Would he really consider the date a success? With things being left as it is right now, maybe not yet. But it is a start. “Yes, it did. Again, if I didn’t have your help, then it might not have gone as smoothly as I planned. I’m not very good at this kind of stuff.”
Jun looked at the person beside him. He wasn’t saying this to get his sympathy. Somehow, Jun understood what it felt like to be awkward in front of the person one liked. But he cannot bring himself to wish the man well. Not when he, himself was wishing for something else.
Sho put out his hand. “If there is anything I can help you with, all you need to do is call.”
Jun took his hand and shook it. Words are empty and can easily be said. He really wondered if Jun can rely on Sakurai Sho’s word.
Before Sho could talk more, his cellphone rang. He excused himself. The man returned a few minutes later with a frown on his face. He glanced over the dance floor but couldn’t locate Selina at the moment.
“I hate to do this to Sel, but I just had a business emergency come up. I need to go back to my hotel to take care of it.” Sho ran his fingers through his hair. “I can’t find Selina right now so I can explain to her. I need to go now.”
Pi and Toma overhead what Sho said. “Its ok, man. We’ll take Selina home. We’ll let her know.”
Relief was evident on Sho’s face. “Thank you. It was nice meeting you all.” With that, he was gone.
With him gone, Jun was somehow able to relax more. He was able to chat more with his co-workers before, even share jokes on past experiences. When the fifth song finished, the girls eventually came back to the table. Selina immediately noticed Sho was not at the table.
“Hey, did anyone see Sho?” she asked.
Pi answered for her. “Yeah. He apologizes for leaving early but looked like he had an emergency.”
Her face fell. “Ah. Oh well. Thanks for telling me, Pi.” She was definitely disappointed. She avoided looking at Jun and just shook her head. Selina had an idea why he had to leave and it wasn’t his fault. But she couldn’t help feeling abandoned. After that, it just went all downhill for her. She started drinking more alcohol and flirting more openly with strangers. She was committed to NO one and NO one is going to just leave her like that.
Just then, a popular song came on. Selina grabbed Pi’s hand and almost dragged him to the dance floor. Malvika and Toma looked at her worriedly. It made her all the more determined to have a good time. It started with this dance with Pi.
“Come on, Pi. I heard from Chrissy here that you’re the bomb with this dance! Dance with me!” she shouted over the noise.
Pi started to get uncomfortable. “I won’t dance with you Sel until you get permission from Chri,” he firmly said.
Selina turned to her friend. “I promise I won’t do anything dirty with him. So just one dance?” she cajoled.
Chri crossed her arms. “No,” she flatly rejected.
Selina laughed. “That was a good one, Chri. Come on! Its just a dance. Don’t be a prude!” Her voice started to rise in tone.
“I said no, Sel. I mean it.” Chri gave Pi a pointed look. Pi slowly but firmly took Selina’s hand off his wrist and sat beside his girlfriend. He did this, not only because Chri asked, but Pi knew that Selina acted drunk.
Selina can’t believe what he did. What Chri did. Her cheeks flushed in anger. She turned to Toma. “Will I need to ask Malvika’s permission too, huh, Toma?” she snapped.
“That’s not right, Selina-san,” Toma warned. Toma might be a person who tolerates a lot of things but once you anger him, there’s no going back. Malvika put a hand on Toma, visibly calming him a bit.
“Sel, maybe its time to go,” Malvika suggested.
Selina threw her hands up in disgust. “You are a bunch of losers! All of you! Selfish bitches!”
Chri cannot help herself. She stood up and slapped Selina right across her cheek.
Jun had just returned from a bathroom break when Chri did that. Everybody in the table was silent. Selina grabbed her purse and ran out of the club.
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“Selina! Selina! Wait!”
She heard his voice but cannot stop for him. For some reason, those heels had survived two blocks of almost running. Until she reached an uneven pavement. Her heel got caught on a crevice that caused her to fall.
Jun can barely keep up with her. She must have been doing marathons on those heels. But when he saw her fall, he almost blew past her.
Selina managed to get int a sitting position. She was relieved that she had the foresight to wear jeans tonight. No scrapped knees but just bruised hands when she braced herself when she fell.
“So where’s the next party that you’re so excited to go to that you had to run? Jun asked.
She gave a snort. This was not the time to tease her. Great. A broken heel. And the shoes were her fave Blhaniks. She had to save most of her allowance at that time to even to be able to afford one. Selina loved shoes. Her father does not. She sighed. “There’s no other party. I just wanted to be left alone,” she softly replied. Ditched by her date, a ruined shoe and then Matsumoto had to see her like this. The night couldn’t go any worse, can it?
He saw the broken shoe and the blooming red imprint of a hand on her cheek. She looked utterly defeated. Jun held out a hand and assisted her to a standing position. “Come on, I have an extra pair of sandals in my car. They might be a little big on you but it would do for now.”
“Why don’t you just take me home, Matsumoto?” she asked dejectedly. All Selina wanted to do was just to lay down underneath her covers and just disappear.
Jun didn’t answer her at first. When they got to his car, Selina did change into his slippers that weren’t too big at all. Selina also spotted a denim button down shirt that she insisted on changing into. She leaned to the side of his car. “Just take me home.”
He shook his head. “You said you wanted to party more right? Well, we can do that on our own, if you like?” She did look a little bit tired but thought maybe it was more of because of what happened tonight. And for some reason, he didn’t want her to go home feeling like that. But if she insisted once more, Jun would not argue. He just wanted to do something, anything for her.
Selina sighed. If he insisted. “Sure, Matsumoto. Whatever you have in mind.” It wouldn’t hurt to indulge him a bit since he did help her out.
“First, call me Jun.” It was the first step he could think of. To be closer to her.
Selina laughed. “What? No more name calling?” Jun pouted and she laughed once more. “Just kidding. Jun then.” She held out her hand. “Hi, Jun. I’m Selina, nice to meet you.”
Jun smiled. She laughed. It was a start. He took her hand and asked, “Are you hungry?”
Turned out they started the party at a ramen place. Even at that time of the night, the place was still packed with the club crowds and some of the salarymen that worked late. They ordered each a ramen and a plate of gyoza. Without the Sho in between them or the cafe, Jun and Selina started to relax towards each other. The party started with 20 questions. His favorite color: white, black and blue. Hers? Black and red. Hobbies? He liked to read. She liked to sleep. They were both slowly discovering each other. They might not agree in every little thing but they also found some common ground between them. Next on the agenda was the arcade. Jun hated to be embarrassed in public. He refused to do those para-para dance machines. He did very well on the Street Fighter ones. Selina convinced him to do those purikura as a souvenir for the night. Jun told her that he had one last thing to show her. They both got into his car and drove just for an hour outside the city. Then he led her towards a grassy knoll. It was actually a night time view of the area they just had been.
Selina took a seat while Jun brought a pack of beer. He handed one to her as he sat down beside her.
“Kampai!” they both said as they toasted.
She took a sip and took in her surroundings. This did not turn out so bad after all. Sure, it started a little bit rocky but this was really nice. Plus, they have not been mean to each other all night long. They argued and discussed but it was not mean spirited. Unlike before. Somehow, sometime this night, Selina had changed her perception towards Jun.
“Thank you, Jun, for tonight. I didn’t think it could turn out this way,” she started.
Jun chuckled. “What? You think I was going to ditch you?” He was half curious.
She laughed in response. “Like an old mafia movie. Kidnapping me and then just rolling my body down a ravine.”
“Well, the night isn’t over. Yet.” Jun made threatening gestures.
She stuck out her tongue. “Yeah. As if those are supposed to frighten me now, baka.”
“Are you? Are you afraid of me?” Jun suddenly asked.
“Should I be?” she asked softly in return. The same questions they asked each other during that night in front of her door. For a moment, neither of them spoke.
“Its really beautiful here, Jun,” Selina broke their silence. “Do you come here often?”
Jun just followed her trail of thought. “I used to. Its my thinking place. When there are things I need to sort out, I go here.” Before he could continue, Selina scooted over closer to his side. He tried not to stiffen up. He wasn’t much of a physical contact person so this surprised him a bit.
“Sorry if I am invading your space. Its getting cold,” she explained.
Since she was close already, Jun took a chance. He draped his right arm over her and pulled her even closer. Without even thinking, Selina snuggled into his warmth.
There was nothing between them. Nothing that might suggest more than just friends just hanging out.
Jun wished it was different. For once in his life, he wished it was different.
“Its quiet here. And not very many people come out here anymore. They rather party in the noise. The noise distracts them from thinking. Distracts them from the loneliness they feel. But for me, I crave the silence. Because it calms me and makes my thoughts clear. And it’s better to have that to make decisions, don’t you agree?”
He looked down to a sleeping Selina. She had found a comfortable nook by his shoulder and had fallen asleep. So that was why she was so quiet. He felt glad that he did not bore her to death. But putting her to sleep might not be so good either. A sense of calmness took over him. That right now, this felt right. It felt good that she shared this secret place with him. He made sure that she was deeply asleep.
Jun deposited a kiss on her hair.
“Selina Harvey, I think I am falling for you,” he whispered.
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In some way, Jun was able to convince her to get into his car. After a couple of minutes, he realized that they cannot both stay out there without catching a cold. They were on their way back to the city. He’d probably have to carry her if she didn’t wake up.
Thankfully Selina did when they arrived at her dorm. Jun walked her to her room.
“I am so sorry I fell asleep Jun. I must have drunk way too much.” She massaged her temples. “Yep. Way too much. This is a hangover. Hopefully I don’t have classes today so I can...”
Both of them stopped a feet away from her door.
Sho stood in front with a bouquet of flowers.
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Chapter notes: Wow. This is an accomplishment for me. Two chapters in a weekend?
How will Sho react to finding Selina and Jun together the morning after? Tune in for the next chapter! Again, read, enjoy and comment! They fuel us writers!