Boy Meets Girl, Girl Meets Boy: A Love Story (Chapter 21)
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"The story isn't going to write itself, you know." He subtly (or mentally) thinks to himself.
yes, I know. but if you weren't so goddamn cheap, i wouldn't have to suffer with low-grade ISP's that prevent me from gathering research and actually attempting to write now, would i??
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Chapter Twenty One
"YOU WHAT?? YOU GOT DRUNK??"
Actually, it started out as "We need to talk." For me, that usually means trouble - especially when my older brother says it. Well, he did so now, I'm kneeling down in front of him, head hanging low in shame. I never intended for anyone to find out about this but I guess sooner or later, someone would. I was just hoping it wouldn't be him.
"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING??"
Um...I wasn't? Maybe I can still get out of this. Maybe, if I say that it didn't happen, that I didn't get drunk or that it wasn't me, he would believe me...
"What do you mean it's not you?? That's your graduation gown - the one Auntie gave you as a gift and the one I paid for!!"
...or maybe not.
Wait...he paid for it?? Really??
"I'm really sorry." Well, I am. It's my fault anyway. How could I be so stupid?? I should've known better that we were being followed or something. And now, pictures of me and Nino from that night are splashed on one of Japan's most read tabloids.
"You should be!!" Hoshiro roared. "How could you?? Do you know how embarrassing it was for me?? I had to find out from one of my employees!!! What were you thinking anyway?? I can't believe you would go and do something like this!! Imagine what could've happened to you!! You could've been arrested by the police!! You could've been drugged, kidnapped, raped, and sold into slavery or - or..." He banged his fists against the wall. "What if dad finds out?? He's not only gonna get mad at you but at me as well!!"
Even if I think he's more worried about saving himself (and his reputation) than being concerned about me, he is right. Worse things could've happened to me - like getting killed, for one. I guess it was dumb luck that Nino was there or else I wouldn't be here. Or maybe my misfortune now, since it's his fault that our pictures were splashed on the FRONT PAGE. This is what you get, I guess, for associating with a celebrity...
What's the big deal anyway?? I mean, you couldn't even see our faces!! It was too dark and the photos look like it was taken with a cell phone, from the blurry quality. Plus, we weren't facing the camera so you couldn't tell it was us. What I don't get is this - how did Hoshiro know it was me??
...Oh, right - the dress. I forgot.
"I think you should move back home." He suddenly says. "Just for the time being." Or until this whole thing blows over. "Lay low for awhile so that no one finds out - especially dad." He sighs and kneels down in front of me, taking my hand in his. "Look, I'll make you a deal - I won't tell dad but you move back in. It might be unfair but I have to punish you somehow. You're my responsibility and I'm supposed to be taking care of you. If I don't, dad will be on me again. I want to prove that I'm responsible or else, he'll come and take you and Rina (my sister) away. Living with dad, is that what you really want??" I shook my head. "Hmm, I didn't think so."
"Someday, you'll understand what I'm doing is for your good. I only want what's best for you." He pauses. "By the way, who was the guy with you in the photo?"
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I don't even know why I'm doing this...
...oh, wait - yes I do. It's because of that stupid photo in that stupid tabloid! Oh, sure, they didn't exactly say our names but the article pretty much implied what happened - or didn't happen - between us that night, as well as...other stuff. And by other stuff, I mean his other secret, like his "special someone". I had to reread it twice to get it but basically, it said that "...a certain male celebrity, an idol famous for appearing in dramas, has been recently seen painting the town red, more often than he should. It's a different scene, since the idol's talent agency, famous for producing only male idols, strictly forbids its stars of any romantic entanglements, public or otherwise. But this did not prevent him from going out with this girl (as seen in the photo) after a night out of drinking in Shibuya. What's more, our sources say that the girl, who might be underage, is just another one of his 'friends' and that he is really dating a famous model, rumored to be a former member of Morning Musume and one-time AV actress. Some even say that they're more than just...playmates. Boy, does this star sure get around... ".
Um...harsh much??
I don't even know why I'm here but I'm standing in front of Nino's house now. I didn't even know what to say but I had been feeling weird since last night. Was it before Emiko dragged me and forced me to watch some of his dramas and his variety shows?? Um...I'm pretty sure it was after, since I felt all sorts of stuff before I went to sleep and when I woke up this morning. Even more, the first thing I thought of was him...
When my heart started beating and a smile appeared on my face was when I knew that what I might be feeling wasn't right and that I should put a stop to it - whatever it was. So now, here I am.
"Hanari!" The door opens and his mother greets me with a kiss. "Kazoo’s still asleep but come in! I'm so glad you came to visit!! I haven't seen you in awhile..."
"Thank you." I hand her a box of brownies. "These are for you. I made them myself."
"Ah, thank you!! Come, come!!" She led me into the house, where I find Nino coming down the stairs, shirtless, with hair sticking up and eyes tired and bleary red.
He almost trips in shock as soon as his eyes see me. "Oi! What are you doing here??!!??"
"Nice undies..." I snicker, pointing to his light blue Doraemon boxers and laughing.
"Oh, Kazu-chan~" His mother groans. "We have a visitor! Least you could've done was put a shirt or robe on..."
"Relax mom. What's the big deal? It's just Hanari." Of course, saying my name deserves a snort right after. But then, he reaches out and takes my hand in his, giving me that smile, the one that causes me to blush whenever he looks at me, the one that makes my heart beat faster and makes me weak at the knees.
"Aiyoh!" Her mother gives an exasperated sigh, shaking her head. "I'll leave you two alone, if you don't mind."
"What? She's just my girlfriend! Not like she hasn't seen me before..." He shrugs as his mother covers her ears and walks out.
I cringe at the word 'girlfriend'. He then lets me go, crossing his arms and moves away from me as much as possible. "You didn't have to come here, you know, so don't go saying I owe you or anything. I didn't force you to come!"
"Fine! I'll go! Just let me say goodbye to your mom and..."
He jerked when he heard me say 'mom'. "No, wait - you can stay. I-I mean, you went all the way just to see me. And since you missed me so much, why don't you just - "
"Missed you? You wish! Actually," I can't believe I'm gonna say this but..."I came here because we need to talk."
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We need to talk.
It sounds so bad when someone says it. It's usually the line I hear in movies, especially romantic ones where the characters are on the verge of breaking up. It becomes a little easier because usually, the other party knows what will happen next. But doing it never lessens the pain.
We step inside a room, which looks like a library. I step back when I suddenly felt something wet poke the back of my leg. I gaze down to find a dog sniffing me.
"Hello!" I kneel down and press my hand near its nose.
"Hanari! Don't!" Nino screams but it was too late. I was already patting its head.
"Awww~ you're so cute!" I kept scratching its ears. "It's a Shiba-ken, right? What's his name?"
Nino crossed his arms and let out a small huff. "Huh...that's weird. He likes you. Haru doesn't usually like any girl I bring home..."
"Well, maybe he doesn't see me as competition. Ne, don't you, Haru-chan?" I tickled his belly, which he responded by moving closer and nuzzling his nose against me.
"You could be, if you wanted to..." He murmured, more to himself.
"Eh?" I turned to him, a curious expression on my face. "What do you mean?"
"Huh? What? I didn't say anything." I swear, he's a really good actor. One minute, he's talking to himself and the next, he's got temporary amnesia.
I shrug as he ushers Haru out of the room, closing it behind us.
"So..." He breaks the silence. We were just standing there, not looking at each other.
"Um..." I blush and keep my head down. Oh God, this is so embarrassing! "Would you...um...you're...is there a shirt around..." I point at him, making him realize (or aware) that he was still shirtless as I keep my head down.
He's annoyed at me, judging from his glare as he comes back minutes later, with a shirt on. Well, I don't care!! I refuse to talk and listen with him looking like that!! It's just not right!!
(Actually, it's a bit distracting...)
Focus!! Focus, Hanari, focus!!
"Thanks." My eyes turn to stare directly into his. "So...um..." Oh Lord, is it just me or is it hot in here? Why are my hands so wet? "Nino, I think we should ' break up'."
"Hanari, I'm leaving." He said at the same time. "Eh?? What??"
I bit my lower lip. I pretended not to know he was leaving but hearing him say it made me want to throw my arms around him and say "Don't leave!". Instead, I took a deep breath and exhaled. "I've been thinking a lot for the past few days and...I think it'll be good for the both of us. You're going away soon, right? And, you've gonna be busy in the coming weeks with all that work - your upcoming drama, television shows, movie promos and concert tour..." Why isn't there an easy way to do this? I wish I could be somewhere else right now, instead of standing in front of him. "Wha-what I'm trying to say is, I-I don't think it's right for me to be here. You don't need me anymore, do you? Besides, me being here only brings or causes trouble. The last thing no one wants to find is me pretending as your girlfriend and the last thing you need is me being in your way. I've already done my part - your mom is already convinced that you're not gay so...there's no need for me to be here. And...I want to see other people..."
"Wait, how did you know about my dramas...?" His face turned into a scowl, eyebrows meeting in the middle and arms crossed on his chest.
"Emiko told me." Which is true. Sort of. Emiko tells anyone anything, as long as you bribe her, or when she's really excited.
Silence. And then, "Are you...really sure about this?"
No!! I'm not but I think I might be falling for you!! "What I'm sure of isn't important right now. I just...think it would be best if we part now. I don't want to be in your way, not when you've got so much to do. Besides, it's good cos you're leaving for your international concert soon."
He opened his mouth to say something but closed it when no sound came out. He just stood there, shoulders slumped down.
"Nino?" I reached out a foot and poked his leg. "Oi! Hunchback boy! Hello?" I held two fingers in the air. Say something! I don't care, just say anything!! Please!! Don't just let me stand here!!
I was tempted to take back the words. I wanted to say "I'm sorry and I didn't mean what I said. Forgive me?" but I couldn't. I actually didn't want to say what I just said, despite what I just did. In fact, I was actually starting to enjoy being his "girlfriend", even if it was only in secret and in pretend. Admittedly, there were no holding hands and strolling in the park, just a few shared kisses (two, but who's counting?) but those kisses made me feel things - things I didn't know I could feel again. Spending more time with him made me feel things - things I never felt before. I really liked it but I knew, deep down, it wasn't right for me to feel this way, not when he already had someone else - someone who wasn't me. Not when I think I might be falling for him.
"Okay." He suddenly said, his voice calm and quiet.
"Huh??" I was shocked. "You mean...you're not gonna report me to the police or get mad and try to blackmail me?" The first thing I expected was for him to get mad.
"Ah! Hanari! I'm hurt! What kind of person do you think I am!" He gasped, clutching his chest, then shrugged. "Eh...no. Besides, why would I? You said it so yourself - I don't need you anymore so there's no point why I should."
"Oh..." How can he be just so calm and detached?? Does he not feel anything for me? Anything at all?? Does he even care?? Maybe he really has a black heart... "Um...I guess maybe we should go and break the news to your mom..." I turned my back to him. The sooner we get this over with, the better.
I felt a hand grip my wrist, stopping me. "Hanari, wait. I - "
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welcome back, my muses. can't think of anything else to say except i would've posted this up sooner, had it not been for the recent Taiwan earthquake and my sucky new server, which btw hates LJ and Vox. oh and real-life stuff, which makes me go crazy insane.
i'll be here every now and then but if not, msn and ym is still open....
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"The story isn't going to write itself, you know." He subtly (or mentally) thinks to himself.
yes, I know. but if you weren't so goddamn cheap, i wouldn't have to suffer with low-grade ISP's that prevent me from gathering research and actually attempting to write now, would i??
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Chapter Twenty One
"YOU WHAT?? YOU GOT DRUNK??"
Actually, it started out as "We need to talk." For me, that usually means trouble - especially when my older brother says it. Well, he did so now, I'm kneeling down in front of him, head hanging low in shame. I never intended for anyone to find out about this but I guess sooner or later, someone would. I was just hoping it wouldn't be him.
"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING??"
Um...I wasn't? Maybe I can still get out of this. Maybe, if I say that it didn't happen, that I didn't get drunk or that it wasn't me, he would believe me...
"What do you mean it's not you?? That's your graduation gown - the one Auntie gave you as a gift and the one I paid for!!"
...or maybe not.
Wait...he paid for it?? Really??
"I'm really sorry." Well, I am. It's my fault anyway. How could I be so stupid?? I should've known better that we were being followed or something. And now, pictures of me and Nino from that night are splashed on one of Japan's most read tabloids.
"You should be!!" Hoshiro roared. "How could you?? Do you know how embarrassing it was for me?? I had to find out from one of my employees!!! What were you thinking anyway?? I can't believe you would go and do something like this!! Imagine what could've happened to you!! You could've been arrested by the police!! You could've been drugged, kidnapped, raped, and sold into slavery or - or..." He banged his fists against the wall. "What if dad finds out?? He's not only gonna get mad at you but at me as well!!"
Even if I think he's more worried about saving himself (and his reputation) than being concerned about me, he is right. Worse things could've happened to me - like getting killed, for one. I guess it was dumb luck that Nino was there or else I wouldn't be here. Or maybe my misfortune now, since it's his fault that our pictures were splashed on the FRONT PAGE. This is what you get, I guess, for associating with a celebrity...
What's the big deal anyway?? I mean, you couldn't even see our faces!! It was too dark and the photos look like it was taken with a cell phone, from the blurry quality. Plus, we weren't facing the camera so you couldn't tell it was us. What I don't get is this - how did Hoshiro know it was me??
...Oh, right - the dress. I forgot.
"I think you should move back home." He suddenly says. "Just for the time being." Or until this whole thing blows over. "Lay low for awhile so that no one finds out - especially dad." He sighs and kneels down in front of me, taking my hand in his. "Look, I'll make you a deal - I won't tell dad but you move back in. It might be unfair but I have to punish you somehow. You're my responsibility and I'm supposed to be taking care of you. If I don't, dad will be on me again. I want to prove that I'm responsible or else, he'll come and take you and Rina (my sister) away. Living with dad, is that what you really want??" I shook my head. "Hmm, I didn't think so."
"Someday, you'll understand what I'm doing is for your good. I only want what's best for you." He pauses. "By the way, who was the guy with you in the photo?"
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I don't even know why I'm doing this...
...oh, wait - yes I do. It's because of that stupid photo in that stupid tabloid! Oh, sure, they didn't exactly say our names but the article pretty much implied what happened - or didn't happen - between us that night, as well as...other stuff. And by other stuff, I mean his other secret, like his "special someone". I had to reread it twice to get it but basically, it said that "...a certain male celebrity, an idol famous for appearing in dramas, has been recently seen painting the town red, more often than he should. It's a different scene, since the idol's talent agency, famous for producing only male idols, strictly forbids its stars of any romantic entanglements, public or otherwise. But this did not prevent him from going out with this girl (as seen in the photo) after a night out of drinking in Shibuya. What's more, our sources say that the girl, who might be underage, is just another one of his 'friends' and that he is really dating a famous model, rumored to be a former member of Morning Musume and one-time AV actress. Some even say that they're more than just...playmates. Boy, does this star sure get around... ".
Um...harsh much??
I don't even know why I'm here but I'm standing in front of Nino's house now. I didn't even know what to say but I had been feeling weird since last night. Was it before Emiko dragged me and forced me to watch some of his dramas and his variety shows?? Um...I'm pretty sure it was after, since I felt all sorts of stuff before I went to sleep and when I woke up this morning. Even more, the first thing I thought of was him...
When my heart started beating and a smile appeared on my face was when I knew that what I might be feeling wasn't right and that I should put a stop to it - whatever it was. So now, here I am.
"Hanari!" The door opens and his mother greets me with a kiss. "Kazoo’s still asleep but come in! I'm so glad you came to visit!! I haven't seen you in awhile..."
"Thank you." I hand her a box of brownies. "These are for you. I made them myself."
"Ah, thank you!! Come, come!!" She led me into the house, where I find Nino coming down the stairs, shirtless, with hair sticking up and eyes tired and bleary red.
He almost trips in shock as soon as his eyes see me. "Oi! What are you doing here??!!??"
"Nice undies..." I snicker, pointing to his light blue Doraemon boxers and laughing.
"Oh, Kazu-chan~" His mother groans. "We have a visitor! Least you could've done was put a shirt or robe on..."
"Relax mom. What's the big deal? It's just Hanari." Of course, saying my name deserves a snort right after. But then, he reaches out and takes my hand in his, giving me that smile, the one that causes me to blush whenever he looks at me, the one that makes my heart beat faster and makes me weak at the knees.
"Aiyoh!" Her mother gives an exasperated sigh, shaking her head. "I'll leave you two alone, if you don't mind."
"What? She's just my girlfriend! Not like she hasn't seen me before..." He shrugs as his mother covers her ears and walks out.
I cringe at the word 'girlfriend'. He then lets me go, crossing his arms and moves away from me as much as possible. "You didn't have to come here, you know, so don't go saying I owe you or anything. I didn't force you to come!"
"Fine! I'll go! Just let me say goodbye to your mom and..."
He jerked when he heard me say 'mom'. "No, wait - you can stay. I-I mean, you went all the way just to see me. And since you missed me so much, why don't you just - "
"Missed you? You wish! Actually," I can't believe I'm gonna say this but..."I came here because we need to talk."
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We need to talk.
It sounds so bad when someone says it. It's usually the line I hear in movies, especially romantic ones where the characters are on the verge of breaking up. It becomes a little easier because usually, the other party knows what will happen next. But doing it never lessens the pain.
We step inside a room, which looks like a library. I step back when I suddenly felt something wet poke the back of my leg. I gaze down to find a dog sniffing me.
"Hello!" I kneel down and press my hand near its nose.
"Hanari! Don't!" Nino screams but it was too late. I was already patting its head.
"Awww~ you're so cute!" I kept scratching its ears. "It's a Shiba-ken, right? What's his name?"
Nino crossed his arms and let out a small huff. "Huh...that's weird. He likes you. Haru doesn't usually like any girl I bring home..."
"Well, maybe he doesn't see me as competition. Ne, don't you, Haru-chan?" I tickled his belly, which he responded by moving closer and nuzzling his nose against me.
"You could be, if you wanted to..." He murmured, more to himself.
"Eh?" I turned to him, a curious expression on my face. "What do you mean?"
"Huh? What? I didn't say anything." I swear, he's a really good actor. One minute, he's talking to himself and the next, he's got temporary amnesia.
I shrug as he ushers Haru out of the room, closing it behind us.
"So..." He breaks the silence. We were just standing there, not looking at each other.
"Um..." I blush and keep my head down. Oh God, this is so embarrassing! "Would you...um...you're...is there a shirt around..." I point at him, making him realize (or aware) that he was still shirtless as I keep my head down.
He's annoyed at me, judging from his glare as he comes back minutes later, with a shirt on. Well, I don't care!! I refuse to talk and listen with him looking like that!! It's just not right!!
(Actually, it's a bit distracting...)
Focus!! Focus, Hanari, focus!!
"Thanks." My eyes turn to stare directly into his. "So...um..." Oh Lord, is it just me or is it hot in here? Why are my hands so wet? "Nino, I think we should ' break up'."
"Hanari, I'm leaving." He said at the same time. "Eh?? What??"
I bit my lower lip. I pretended not to know he was leaving but hearing him say it made me want to throw my arms around him and say "Don't leave!". Instead, I took a deep breath and exhaled. "I've been thinking a lot for the past few days and...I think it'll be good for the both of us. You're going away soon, right? And, you've gonna be busy in the coming weeks with all that work - your upcoming drama, television shows, movie promos and concert tour..." Why isn't there an easy way to do this? I wish I could be somewhere else right now, instead of standing in front of him. "Wha-what I'm trying to say is, I-I don't think it's right for me to be here. You don't need me anymore, do you? Besides, me being here only brings or causes trouble. The last thing no one wants to find is me pretending as your girlfriend and the last thing you need is me being in your way. I've already done my part - your mom is already convinced that you're not gay so...there's no need for me to be here. And...I want to see other people..."
"Wait, how did you know about my dramas...?" His face turned into a scowl, eyebrows meeting in the middle and arms crossed on his chest.
"Emiko told me." Which is true. Sort of. Emiko tells anyone anything, as long as you bribe her, or when she's really excited.
Silence. And then, "Are you...really sure about this?"
No!! I'm not but I think I might be falling for you!! "What I'm sure of isn't important right now. I just...think it would be best if we part now. I don't want to be in your way, not when you've got so much to do. Besides, it's good cos you're leaving for your international concert soon."
He opened his mouth to say something but closed it when no sound came out. He just stood there, shoulders slumped down.
"Nino?" I reached out a foot and poked his leg. "Oi! Hunchback boy! Hello?" I held two fingers in the air. Say something! I don't care, just say anything!! Please!! Don't just let me stand here!!
I was tempted to take back the words. I wanted to say "I'm sorry and I didn't mean what I said. Forgive me?" but I couldn't. I actually didn't want to say what I just said, despite what I just did. In fact, I was actually starting to enjoy being his "girlfriend", even if it was only in secret and in pretend. Admittedly, there were no holding hands and strolling in the park, just a few shared kisses (two, but who's counting?) but those kisses made me feel things - things I didn't know I could feel again. Spending more time with him made me feel things - things I never felt before. I really liked it but I knew, deep down, it wasn't right for me to feel this way, not when he already had someone else - someone who wasn't me. Not when I think I might be falling for him.
"Okay." He suddenly said, his voice calm and quiet.
"Huh??" I was shocked. "You mean...you're not gonna report me to the police or get mad and try to blackmail me?" The first thing I expected was for him to get mad.
"Ah! Hanari! I'm hurt! What kind of person do you think I am!" He gasped, clutching his chest, then shrugged. "Eh...no. Besides, why would I? You said it so yourself - I don't need you anymore so there's no point why I should."
"Oh..." How can he be just so calm and detached?? Does he not feel anything for me? Anything at all?? Does he even care?? Maybe he really has a black heart... "Um...I guess maybe we should go and break the news to your mom..." I turned my back to him. The sooner we get this over with, the better.
I felt a hand grip my wrist, stopping me. "Hanari, wait. I - "
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welcome back, my muses. can't think of anything else to say except i would've posted this up sooner, had it not been for the recent Taiwan earthquake and my sucky new server, which btw hates LJ and Vox. oh and real-life stuff, which makes me go crazy insane.
i'll be here every now and then but if not, msn and ym is still open....
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