Boy Meets Girl, Girl Meets Boy: A Love Story (Chapter 25, Version 2)
version 2. douzo!
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Chapter Twenty Five
My eyes grew wide as the words tumbled out of his mouth. Wait, did I just hear him right?? Did he just say what I think he did??
No, b-but he couldn't, unless I'm going deaf or -
The doorknob twists, making a creaking sound. I give him a panicking, 'What-do-we-do??' look but he just stared back at me with an annoyed and slightly helpless expression on his face. I close my eyes as the door slowly opens. "Konnichiwa!" A voice says.
Nino and I both slowly turn around, straightening up and smiling at the woman who just came into the room. He takes a step back, hiding behind me as we give a bow.
For a moment, I grow afraid and nervous. I take a small step back and hold the nearest object I can find, which, unfortunately, was Nino's hand. I slide my hand into his, squeezing it tightly.
He squeezes it back, never letting go for a moment. That is, until his mother comes closer. He pushes me forward, making me stumble a bit and snapping me out of my thoughts. "Ganbatte!" He whispers.
I remind myself to inflict horrible pain on him later as I face his mother. I'm trying to keep my emotions in check but it was getting hard. What have I gotten myself into?!
"Konnichiwa Okasama." I bow low and give her a smile, despite my tired demeanor.
"Konnichiwa Hanari-san!" She returns with a bow. She gives me this smile, one her mouth forms that makes me remember why I hated doing this. It was just like Nino's, except it was sweet, genuine and makes one feel comfortable in her presence.
Her smile suddenly disappeared once she saw Nino. "Kazunari," Her voice was stern. "You didn't call me last night."
Nino bows and flashes her his most charming smile. "I'm really sorry. We were caught up in so many meetings that I couldn't find the time."
Harumi-sama didn't fall for it, however. "Sure you were. Here." She shoves a plastic bag into his hand. "Now, give me your dirty clothes."
A door suddenly opens, with a guy holding a clipboard peeking in. "Ah, excuse me to interrupt but Nino, they need you in the studio now!"
"Kami-sama, arigatou!" He muttered. "Well, bye! I'll be back in a few minutes."
I quickly pulled him back. "Oi! Where do you think you're going?? You can't just leave me here with your mother!!" I whispered angrily.
"Ha? Ah...eh? They're calling me!" He patted my hand and planted a kiss on my cheek. "Don't worry. I know you can handle it. I'll be back in a few minutes." He whispers back as he leans close to my ear. "Don't do anything stupid while I'm gone."
"Oh, don't worry. I won't. I'll just stay here and tell your mother the truth."
His grip on my wrist tightened. "Oh no, you won't! We'll tell her."
I frowned. We?? Why does it have to be 'we'? There is no 'we'. Why don't you tell her??
"Ninomiya-san, let's go! They're waiting for you!" The guy said impatiently.
He scrambled out of the room, plastic bag in tow. I swear, I've never seen him run faster than he did just now. I watch as the stupid pink blob disappear right in front of my eyes. Jerk...
"That boy..." Harumi-san shook her head. "Well, I'm glad you're here, Hanari-san." We cross to the other side of the room and sit on a couch.
My mind starts moving again, and I try to find a way out of the situation. Suddenly, two thoughts pop out of my head: either I tell her the truth or I find a way to make Nino tell the truth. I could trick him into doing that but how...?
She clears her throat and starts. "You know," She takes my hand into hers. "I'm really glad you and Nino are together again. I got so worried about him after you left that I would call his manager everyday, just to know if he was okay..."
"Oh, he looks fine to me - "
"Then I get a call on my cell phone, telling me that things are okay now between you two and it made me so happy and - and...things are okay now, right?"
Well, what could I say to that? She's looking at me earnestly but all I could think of was to lie to her. Well, here goes nothing... "He's lying." I bit my lip and pretended I was about to cry. "We're not really together. Okasama, I'm sorry you had to hear this from me but he's lying. I - We - He...(insert crying voice) he didn't tell you because he was worried about you but we broke up three weeks ago and - and...the reason we broke up was because he - " I covered my mouth and crinkled my face.
"...is back." Nino interrupts me, suddenly coming out of nowhere, and sits beside me. "What'd I miss?"
Harumi-san waves a hand to Nino. "Kazu, be quiet!! Hanari was just about to say something." She turns to me but Nino cuts me off by talking again.
I shake my head in frustration. "He cheated on me." I suddenly blurted out. I heard a gasp from his mother while he protested, "I did not!". Good. Finally, I've got your attention. "Nino has been seeing this other girl for some time now, months before he even met me. At first, I was shocked, then angry that he did that so we broke up. Then I get a text message a week ago, saying that he's sorry and he hopes that I can forgive him. Of course, I don't reply because I can never forgive him."
"Kazunari Ninomiya!! I cannot believe you!!" She covered her face with her hands. "And to think, all this time, I was so happy that you finally found someone special and then you go around and cheat -"
"Okasan, you're not listening! I never cheated on her - "
"...You're not even my son! Ah, Kami-sama! How can you say such a thing? Is that all you can say? I can't believe - "
" - BECAUSE WE WERE NEVER TOGETHER!! WE WERE ONLY PRETENDING!!" He suddenly shouted.
Harumi-san and I gasped at the same time, with her whispering "Kazu..." after. The room became quiet for a long, long time, with Harumi-san just staring at Nino. She didn't say anything, just staring at him, never blinking her eyes.
She cleared her throat and raised her hands. "You know what? Stop. Just...stop. Stop talking. I don't think I can hear this anymore! Oh..." Covering her ears, she started sobbing, to which Nino threw his hands up, huffed and stomped out of the room.
As much as I was shocked at what he just did (I still can't believe he did that!!), I couldn't help but let out a small laugh as he walked out of the room. He probably doesn't know but he looks like a rabbit or-or a kangaroo when he stomps angrily. I actually found it pretty funny.
"Is he gone?" Harumi-san peeked from behind her eyes. "Good." She shook her head. "Ha~ that boy...what is he doing? Then again, he's always like that. Don't worry," She patted my hand. "I already knew you weren't together even before he told me."
"A-Ah-EH???!!!???" This caught my full attention. Maybe this was the best time to apologize. "Anou...gomen. Hounto ni gomen! We never meant to lie to you!" I bowed my head as low as I could.
"Actually, I'm glad you did. I've never seen my Kazu so happy in a long time." I raised my head to meet her eyes. For some reason, I had a hard time believing what she was saying. "I remember feeling so happy when he told me about you. At first, I was a little worried but when I met you, I just...I knew. You were different from all the other girls. You were something special. At last, I could finally rest knowing that Kazu finally found someone to love, after so long. I can't even remember when was his last serious relationship..."
She took a deep breath, then exhaled. "Demo...this is what also worries me. He doesn't know but I worry abt my him. I know it's nothing but...he's very, very sensitive. He appears sarcastic and cruel to others, even to me and he doesn't show it often but he hurts easily - too easily, in my opinion. That's why he's callous and indifferent - he falters before he can give those around him a chance to hurt him, by pushing them away or hurting them. Do you know the saying 'you only hurt the ones you love'? Well, he lives by that motto. Pretty stupid, if you ask me..."
But what has that got to do with me?
"Do you understand what I'm trying to say?" She titled her head to one side.
Not really, I wanted to say. I was more confused than ever. "Uh...sure?"
"Good. I just have one question, and I hope you can be honest about this." She looks at me straight in the eye. "Are you in love with Nino?"
"..." I open my mouth to answer but nothing came out. Honestly, how can I answer that? No one has ever asked me that question before. This would probably be the first time.
I shook my head as my mouth closed. "I...I don't know..." I whispered softly.
She pauses for a moment before patting me on the shoulder. "I hope you figure it out soon. If you're not, you better tell him or God knows what might happen. You better do it now so there'll be less damage." She sighed heavily. "I just don't want to see him get hurt."
Well, he's not the only one...
==========
After his mother left, I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees. I buried my face in my hands, trying to calm down. All kinds of emotions ran through me. I didn't know whether to be feel happy or angry. On the one hand, I felt like a knife was pushed through me when he said we were still "together". The last thing I wanted was to be with him. Every time I was, all I felt was...hurt. Hurt because I was feeling something for him; because he had someone else and was just using me; and because I was with him, when I shouldn't be.
But on the other hand, however, a part of me felt...something else. When he said we were still "together", all I felt was happy. I wanted to throw my arms around him, glomp him and shower kisses on his face. It's the same feeling I get whenever I'm around him. It's like...euphoria or something.
Of course, somewhere in the back of my mind, my paranoia kicks in. I know the happiness I'm feeling is fake because I knew that he was just using me. He doesn't need me at all. The question I'm asking myself now is this: if he really doesn't need me anymore, then why bother keeping me here? Why is he going through all the trouble of lying and keeping up the act for his mother? Why, why, why??
All the questions suddenly made my head hurt. I groaned and winced in pain, crawling backwards onto the sofa and curling into a ball. Just then, the door swings open and in comes the remaining four members of Arashi - whom I secretly call by their designated colors (Ohno is Blue, Sho is Red, Aiba is Green and Jun is Purple) - with...Emiko?!
Sho, Aiba and Emiko quickly rush to my side. Aiba sat beside me, grabbing me and shaking me. "Hana-chan!! Hana-chan!! Oh no!! She's not moving!! Someone call a doctor, quick!!" He started taking off his jacket, then his shirt. "Sho-kun, push her back to lie down. I'm gonna blow into her mouth and revive - "
"Baka! She's not dead. Look!" Sho gave him a slap on the head. He slightly leans forward. "You okay?"
I gave them a faint smile. "I'm fine. Just a little tired, I guess..." I said softly, yawning.
"Oh, thank God!!" Aiba threw his arms around me, his chest squishing my face. I tried to pull away but he was too strong.
"There are dark circles under your eyes." Jun sashayed (I'm not kidding!) over to us. "Sleep well?"
"Yeah!" Aiba let me go, his hands all over my cheeks. He squeezed my face. "Is it because of Nino? Have you been dreaming about Nino a lot? Are you- " Jun's hands quickly covered Aiba's mouth.
"Guys, I think we should leave her alone." Sho stroked my head and gave the others a stern look.
"But Sho-chan!! She's not well!! We should take care of her!!" Aiba whined as Jun dragged him to the side.
"I can't believe you!" Emiko pinched Aiba. "I told you that as a secret!!"
"You should know never to share a secret with him," Jun smirked. "Otherwise, he'll just blab it to everyone."
"Do not!" Aiba frowned at Jun. "Besides, Nino's been acting...weird lately. And you know what that means, right? Ne? Ne?" He nods to everyone.
"He's always acting weird! What's the difference this time?" Jun raised an eyebrow.
"Aiba-chan, what are you talking about?" Sho and Ohno asked at the same time.
"Isn't it obvious? They're in love with each other!" He claps his hands together.
"But Aiba-chan, they're not in love with each other." Ohno replied. "They said so themselves."
"I just don't understand why they just don't get together already!" Aiba mused, completely ignoring his leader's comment.
I sit up from the couch. "Can you guys stop talking like I'm not here?? I can hear you, you know." I stand up, grab my bags. "I'm leaving. Ja mata ne."
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Do I really love him? I'm not even sure if I like him...
I sigh and lean back against the wall. I'm still trying to calm my mind but I'm failing miserably. I close my eyes and fight my drowsiness but my body keeps drooping down. Just when I give up, I open my eyes and...Nino's standing right in front of me, staring closely at me.
"How did it go? Is my mother gone?"
My blood started to boil. Instead, I push him out of the way and start walking. I was beginning to get angry and figured it was better to just walk away.
"Oi! I'm talking to you!" He caught up with me. He grabbed my arm. "Hey! Stop walking and face me when I'm talking to you! I - "
"I can't believe you!!" I stopped. I should've kept my mouth shut but the words streamed out. "How could you do this? Is this some sick and twisted joke for you? What, it's not enough you blackmail me for your selfish plans but...this!!" I shoved him, hard. "This is all your fault! I bet you even the tabloid article about us is your fault as well!" I pulled the tabloid paper from my bag and hit it against his chest. "Here! That's it!! I'm done! I'm done with you, I'm done with this - I'm done!!!"
His voice rang out after me but I couldn't hear what he said. I continued walking away, moving faster. I kept walking like this, into the elevator, until I was past the JE building and down onto the street. It's funny though, how anger can motivate you.
Before I knew it, I had walked ten blocks down the street, towards the bus station. As I was nearing it, I heard footsteps rushing past me. The person bumped past me, almost knocking me down.
"Ah, gomen!" The person turned back. "Oh, Hana-chan, there you are!"
It was Nino. "I told you never to call me that!" I growled. Really, what are the chances that he accidentally bumped into me?
I started walking away. Okay, it was more like limped since I felt so tired and was about to give if I didn't reach the station. Unfortunately, Nino kept following me from behind.
He reaches it first. "You coming?" He yells over his shoulders as he climbs up.
I roll my eyes as I board. I pay the toll and try to sit only to find the last empty seat next to...Nino.
Seeing my dilemma, he patted the space next to him, giving me a cute smile. Fearing that I would collapse soon and giving in to my slight desperation, I had no choice but to sit next to him.
I dragged myself and plopped down next to him, unhappy and frowning. We didn't speak to each other as the bus moved. Just as well. There wasn't anything else left to say anyway...
To pass the time, I pull out my mp3 player from my pocket, put on my earphones and start listening to one of my favorite songs, "Blue Wind". The soft stringed melody coupled with the afternoon sunlight washed over me, my tiredness taking over me. Soon, my eyes were falling, closing.
The last thing I felt was my head, slowly leaning and drooping to my left side as an arm slid itself around me, pulling me close and letting the lyrics fade into my ears...
Naze? Anata wa sonna fuu ni kataru n' darou?
damatteru konna atashi ni...
kibou datte kitto anata yori tsuyoku motteru
kotoba ni wa dekinai
nagusame ni kite iru tsumori na no kana? ...arigato
YOU anata ga itta JO-KU hitotsu mo waraenakatta
YOU demo yasashikatta anata no koto ga wakatta
hajimete tsukutta uta
tokidoki hitori kuchizusamu
wasuresou ni nattara
ano hi no atashi wo sagasu no
YOU anata ga itta kamisama wa kitto miteru yo tte
YOU hajimete waraeta motto ki no kiita koto itte yo...
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its basically the same as version 1, except the lyrics at the end are different (Version 1 has english, 2 has japanese). i posted both cos i couldn't decide which one looks better when read. title of the song is "Blue Wind" by YUI. Credits to Cori @ corichan.com for the romanji translations. You can listen to the song here.
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Chapter Twenty Five
My eyes grew wide as the words tumbled out of his mouth. Wait, did I just hear him right?? Did he just say what I think he did??
No, b-but he couldn't, unless I'm going deaf or -
The doorknob twists, making a creaking sound. I give him a panicking, 'What-do-we-do??' look but he just stared back at me with an annoyed and slightly helpless expression on his face. I close my eyes as the door slowly opens. "Konnichiwa!" A voice says.
Nino and I both slowly turn around, straightening up and smiling at the woman who just came into the room. He takes a step back, hiding behind me as we give a bow.
For a moment, I grow afraid and nervous. I take a small step back and hold the nearest object I can find, which, unfortunately, was Nino's hand. I slide my hand into his, squeezing it tightly.
He squeezes it back, never letting go for a moment. That is, until his mother comes closer. He pushes me forward, making me stumble a bit and snapping me out of my thoughts. "Ganbatte!" He whispers.
I remind myself to inflict horrible pain on him later as I face his mother. I'm trying to keep my emotions in check but it was getting hard. What have I gotten myself into?!
"Konnichiwa Okasama." I bow low and give her a smile, despite my tired demeanor.
"Konnichiwa Hanari-san!" She returns with a bow. She gives me this smile, one her mouth forms that makes me remember why I hated doing this. It was just like Nino's, except it was sweet, genuine and makes one feel comfortable in her presence.
Her smile suddenly disappeared once she saw Nino. "Kazunari," Her voice was stern. "You didn't call me last night."
Nino bows and flashes her his most charming smile. "I'm really sorry. We were caught up in so many meetings that I couldn't find the time."
Harumi-sama didn't fall for it, however. "Sure you were. Here." She shoves a plastic bag into his hand. "Now, give me your dirty clothes."
A door suddenly opens, with a guy holding a clipboard peeking in. "Ah, excuse me to interrupt but Nino, they need you in the studio now!"
"Kami-sama, arigatou!" He muttered. "Well, bye! I'll be back in a few minutes."
I quickly pulled him back. "Oi! Where do you think you're going?? You can't just leave me here with your mother!!" I whispered angrily.
"Ha? Ah...eh? They're calling me!" He patted my hand and planted a kiss on my cheek. "Don't worry. I know you can handle it. I'll be back in a few minutes." He whispers back as he leans close to my ear. "Don't do anything stupid while I'm gone."
"Oh, don't worry. I won't. I'll just stay here and tell your mother the truth."
His grip on my wrist tightened. "Oh no, you won't! We'll tell her."
I frowned. We?? Why does it have to be 'we'? There is no 'we'. Why don't you tell her??
"Ninomiya-san, let's go! They're waiting for you!" The guy said impatiently.
He scrambled out of the room, plastic bag in tow. I swear, I've never seen him run faster than he did just now. I watch as the stupid pink blob disappear right in front of my eyes. Jerk...
"That boy..." Harumi-san shook her head. "Well, I'm glad you're here, Hanari-san." We cross to the other side of the room and sit on a couch.
My mind starts moving again, and I try to find a way out of the situation. Suddenly, two thoughts pop out of my head: either I tell her the truth or I find a way to make Nino tell the truth. I could trick him into doing that but how...?
She clears her throat and starts. "You know," She takes my hand into hers. "I'm really glad you and Nino are together again. I got so worried about him after you left that I would call his manager everyday, just to know if he was okay..."
"Oh, he looks fine to me - "
"Then I get a call on my cell phone, telling me that things are okay now between you two and it made me so happy and - and...things are okay now, right?"
Well, what could I say to that? She's looking at me earnestly but all I could think of was to lie to her. Well, here goes nothing... "He's lying." I bit my lip and pretended I was about to cry. "We're not really together. Okasama, I'm sorry you had to hear this from me but he's lying. I - We - He...(insert crying voice) he didn't tell you because he was worried about you but we broke up three weeks ago and - and...the reason we broke up was because he - " I covered my mouth and crinkled my face.
"...is back." Nino interrupts me, suddenly coming out of nowhere, and sits beside me. "What'd I miss?"
Harumi-san waves a hand to Nino. "Kazu, be quiet!! Hanari was just about to say something." She turns to me but Nino cuts me off by talking again.
I shake my head in frustration. "He cheated on me." I suddenly blurted out. I heard a gasp from his mother while he protested, "I did not!". Good. Finally, I've got your attention. "Nino has been seeing this other girl for some time now, months before he even met me. At first, I was shocked, then angry that he did that so we broke up. Then I get a text message a week ago, saying that he's sorry and he hopes that I can forgive him. Of course, I don't reply because I can never forgive him."
"Kazunari Ninomiya!! I cannot believe you!!" She covered her face with her hands. "And to think, all this time, I was so happy that you finally found someone special and then you go around and cheat -"
"Okasan, you're not listening! I never cheated on her - "
"...You're not even my son! Ah, Kami-sama! How can you say such a thing? Is that all you can say? I can't believe - "
" - BECAUSE WE WERE NEVER TOGETHER!! WE WERE ONLY PRETENDING!!" He suddenly shouted.
Harumi-san and I gasped at the same time, with her whispering "Kazu..." after. The room became quiet for a long, long time, with Harumi-san just staring at Nino. She didn't say anything, just staring at him, never blinking her eyes.
She cleared her throat and raised her hands. "You know what? Stop. Just...stop. Stop talking. I don't think I can hear this anymore! Oh..." Covering her ears, she started sobbing, to which Nino threw his hands up, huffed and stomped out of the room.
As much as I was shocked at what he just did (I still can't believe he did that!!), I couldn't help but let out a small laugh as he walked out of the room. He probably doesn't know but he looks like a rabbit or-or a kangaroo when he stomps angrily. I actually found it pretty funny.
"Is he gone?" Harumi-san peeked from behind her eyes. "Good." She shook her head. "Ha~ that boy...what is he doing? Then again, he's always like that. Don't worry," She patted my hand. "I already knew you weren't together even before he told me."
"A-Ah-EH???!!!???" This caught my full attention. Maybe this was the best time to apologize. "Anou...gomen. Hounto ni gomen! We never meant to lie to you!" I bowed my head as low as I could.
"Actually, I'm glad you did. I've never seen my Kazu so happy in a long time." I raised my head to meet her eyes. For some reason, I had a hard time believing what she was saying. "I remember feeling so happy when he told me about you. At first, I was a little worried but when I met you, I just...I knew. You were different from all the other girls. You were something special. At last, I could finally rest knowing that Kazu finally found someone to love, after so long. I can't even remember when was his last serious relationship..."
She took a deep breath, then exhaled. "Demo...this is what also worries me. He doesn't know but I worry abt my him. I know it's nothing but...he's very, very sensitive. He appears sarcastic and cruel to others, even to me and he doesn't show it often but he hurts easily - too easily, in my opinion. That's why he's callous and indifferent - he falters before he can give those around him a chance to hurt him, by pushing them away or hurting them. Do you know the saying 'you only hurt the ones you love'? Well, he lives by that motto. Pretty stupid, if you ask me..."
But what has that got to do with me?
"Do you understand what I'm trying to say?" She titled her head to one side.
Not really, I wanted to say. I was more confused than ever. "Uh...sure?"
"Good. I just have one question, and I hope you can be honest about this." She looks at me straight in the eye. "Are you in love with Nino?"
"..." I open my mouth to answer but nothing came out. Honestly, how can I answer that? No one has ever asked me that question before. This would probably be the first time.
I shook my head as my mouth closed. "I...I don't know..." I whispered softly.
She pauses for a moment before patting me on the shoulder. "I hope you figure it out soon. If you're not, you better tell him or God knows what might happen. You better do it now so there'll be less damage." She sighed heavily. "I just don't want to see him get hurt."
Well, he's not the only one...
==========
After his mother left, I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees. I buried my face in my hands, trying to calm down. All kinds of emotions ran through me. I didn't know whether to be feel happy or angry. On the one hand, I felt like a knife was pushed through me when he said we were still "together". The last thing I wanted was to be with him. Every time I was, all I felt was...hurt. Hurt because I was feeling something for him; because he had someone else and was just using me; and because I was with him, when I shouldn't be.
But on the other hand, however, a part of me felt...something else. When he said we were still "together", all I felt was happy. I wanted to throw my arms around him, glomp him and shower kisses on his face. It's the same feeling I get whenever I'm around him. It's like...euphoria or something.
Of course, somewhere in the back of my mind, my paranoia kicks in. I know the happiness I'm feeling is fake because I knew that he was just using me. He doesn't need me at all. The question I'm asking myself now is this: if he really doesn't need me anymore, then why bother keeping me here? Why is he going through all the trouble of lying and keeping up the act for his mother? Why, why, why??
All the questions suddenly made my head hurt. I groaned and winced in pain, crawling backwards onto the sofa and curling into a ball. Just then, the door swings open and in comes the remaining four members of Arashi - whom I secretly call by their designated colors (Ohno is Blue, Sho is Red, Aiba is Green and Jun is Purple) - with...Emiko?!
Sho, Aiba and Emiko quickly rush to my side. Aiba sat beside me, grabbing me and shaking me. "Hana-chan!! Hana-chan!! Oh no!! She's not moving!! Someone call a doctor, quick!!" He started taking off his jacket, then his shirt. "Sho-kun, push her back to lie down. I'm gonna blow into her mouth and revive - "
"Baka! She's not dead. Look!" Sho gave him a slap on the head. He slightly leans forward. "You okay?"
I gave them a faint smile. "I'm fine. Just a little tired, I guess..." I said softly, yawning.
"Oh, thank God!!" Aiba threw his arms around me, his chest squishing my face. I tried to pull away but he was too strong.
"There are dark circles under your eyes." Jun sashayed (I'm not kidding!) over to us. "Sleep well?"
"Yeah!" Aiba let me go, his hands all over my cheeks. He squeezed my face. "Is it because of Nino? Have you been dreaming about Nino a lot? Are you- " Jun's hands quickly covered Aiba's mouth.
"Guys, I think we should leave her alone." Sho stroked my head and gave the others a stern look.
"But Sho-chan!! She's not well!! We should take care of her!!" Aiba whined as Jun dragged him to the side.
"I can't believe you!" Emiko pinched Aiba. "I told you that as a secret!!"
"You should know never to share a secret with him," Jun smirked. "Otherwise, he'll just blab it to everyone."
"Do not!" Aiba frowned at Jun. "Besides, Nino's been acting...weird lately. And you know what that means, right? Ne? Ne?" He nods to everyone.
"He's always acting weird! What's the difference this time?" Jun raised an eyebrow.
"Aiba-chan, what are you talking about?" Sho and Ohno asked at the same time.
"Isn't it obvious? They're in love with each other!" He claps his hands together.
"But Aiba-chan, they're not in love with each other." Ohno replied. "They said so themselves."
"I just don't understand why they just don't get together already!" Aiba mused, completely ignoring his leader's comment.
I sit up from the couch. "Can you guys stop talking like I'm not here?? I can hear you, you know." I stand up, grab my bags. "I'm leaving. Ja mata ne."
==========
Do I really love him? I'm not even sure if I like him...
I sigh and lean back against the wall. I'm still trying to calm my mind but I'm failing miserably. I close my eyes and fight my drowsiness but my body keeps drooping down. Just when I give up, I open my eyes and...Nino's standing right in front of me, staring closely at me.
"How did it go? Is my mother gone?"
My blood started to boil. Instead, I push him out of the way and start walking. I was beginning to get angry and figured it was better to just walk away.
"Oi! I'm talking to you!" He caught up with me. He grabbed my arm. "Hey! Stop walking and face me when I'm talking to you! I - "
"I can't believe you!!" I stopped. I should've kept my mouth shut but the words streamed out. "How could you do this? Is this some sick and twisted joke for you? What, it's not enough you blackmail me for your selfish plans but...this!!" I shoved him, hard. "This is all your fault! I bet you even the tabloid article about us is your fault as well!" I pulled the tabloid paper from my bag and hit it against his chest. "Here! That's it!! I'm done! I'm done with you, I'm done with this - I'm done!!!"
His voice rang out after me but I couldn't hear what he said. I continued walking away, moving faster. I kept walking like this, into the elevator, until I was past the JE building and down onto the street. It's funny though, how anger can motivate you.
Before I knew it, I had walked ten blocks down the street, towards the bus station. As I was nearing it, I heard footsteps rushing past me. The person bumped past me, almost knocking me down.
"Ah, gomen!" The person turned back. "Oh, Hana-chan, there you are!"
It was Nino. "I told you never to call me that!" I growled. Really, what are the chances that he accidentally bumped into me?
I started walking away. Okay, it was more like limped since I felt so tired and was about to give if I didn't reach the station. Unfortunately, Nino kept following me from behind.
He reaches it first. "You coming?" He yells over his shoulders as he climbs up.
I roll my eyes as I board. I pay the toll and try to sit only to find the last empty seat next to...Nino.
Seeing my dilemma, he patted the space next to him, giving me a cute smile. Fearing that I would collapse soon and giving in to my slight desperation, I had no choice but to sit next to him.
I dragged myself and plopped down next to him, unhappy and frowning. We didn't speak to each other as the bus moved. Just as well. There wasn't anything else left to say anyway...
To pass the time, I pull out my mp3 player from my pocket, put on my earphones and start listening to one of my favorite songs, "Blue Wind". The soft stringed melody coupled with the afternoon sunlight washed over me, my tiredness taking over me. Soon, my eyes were falling, closing.
The last thing I felt was my head, slowly leaning and drooping to my left side as an arm slid itself around me, pulling me close and letting the lyrics fade into my ears...
Naze? Anata wa sonna fuu ni kataru n' darou?
damatteru konna atashi ni...
kibou datte kitto anata yori tsuyoku motteru
kotoba ni wa dekinai
nagusame ni kite iru tsumori na no kana? ...arigato
YOU anata ga itta JO-KU hitotsu mo waraenakatta
YOU demo yasashikatta anata no koto ga wakatta
hajimete tsukutta uta
tokidoki hitori kuchizusamu
wasuresou ni nattara
ano hi no atashi wo sagasu no
YOU anata ga itta kamisama wa kitto miteru yo tte
YOU hajimete waraeta motto ki no kiita koto itte yo...
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its basically the same as version 1, except the lyrics at the end are different (Version 1 has english, 2 has japanese). i posted both cos i couldn't decide which one looks better when read. title of the song is "Blue Wind" by YUI. Credits to Cori @ corichan.com for the romanji translations. You can listen to the song here.
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