[Complete] Invisible Chains- Chapter 29
Now the moment that (hopefully) most of you have waited for! I hope you enjoy this chapter, especially the very cute and funny moment with Asuka, Aiba and his father. (─‿‿─)
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Chapter 29
The bright sun that shined through the living room window had waked me up from my sleep. I blinked my eyes a couple of time to adjust my eyes to my surroundings. “Hm?” I muttered and looked around to notice that I was still in the living room. I furrowed my eyebrows. Wait, why did I fall asleep in the living room? Slowly I felt my neck tense up and my back was aching. Then I turned my head slowly to notice that Aiba-san was still sleeping while using my shoulder as a pillow. I let out a small sigh. I must have fallen asleep while I was waiting for the right moment to go back upstairs.
All of a sudden, I heard creaks and movements coming from the second floor. I panicked. I was worried that Aiba-san’s father or even Mariko might catch us in this, well, awkward situation. I hastily and also carefully held onto Aiba-san’s head, as I wanted to get him off of me. Aiba-san squirmed and moved his head slightly. My heart raced so loudly that I was afraid that Aiba-san might hear it. I tried again and was successful when I had gotten his head off of my shoulder. Then I quickly grabbed a pillow and placed it behind his head.
Aiba-san groaned before his eyes slowly opened. Now I was left with two options. Either I run back upstairs and get caught by Aiba-san’s father or Mariko, or Aiba-san could catch me. I had decided that I would rather have the latter than being caught by strangers that I hardly knew. So I grabbed the only thing that was in front of me, and that was Aiba-san’s beer. I grabbed an unopened beer can and opened it. I began to drink it down when Aiba-san adjusted himself to see me drinking a can of beer.
“Ohayo Asuka-chan… Is that a beer can you’re drinking?” He asked in his half-awake state. I forced a smile and nodded my head to him. “It’s a… daily routine that I would usually do. The alcohol in the beer helps with… the nourishment of my skin. You should try it.” After I spoke, I closed my eyes and turned my head to the side. I was so embarrassed to make a terrible lie like that. It was stupid and unbelievable. Also it made no common sense. Why would a person drink beer once they wake up? Maybe a drunkard.
Aiba-san widened his eyes and grabbed another unopened beer can. “Ah, sou? I guess I should try it.” He said and started to drink from his own. I pursed my lips tightly and couldn’t believe him. He had left me dumbfounded and speechless. I thought that he would have some common sense. But I should have known not to judge him. I learned that from our previous encounters.
Noises from the stairs creaked and I saw Aiba-san’s father climbing down the steps. He stopped at the end of the stairs to see us holding beer cans in our hands. “What are you doing? Is that beer?” Aiba-san’s father asked. I forced a smile and looked onto the side. While Aiba-san said happily. “Apparently beer is good for your skin.” I bit my lower lip. Now how am I going to get out of this situation? I wish that I had more time to plan this excuse out.
Aiba-san’s father folded his arms and stared at his son. “Now who told you that?” He asked with curiosity. Aiba-san smiled and answered. “Asuka-chan.” Then he sipped his beer nonchalantly. I glanced at Aiba-san’s father and then to Aiba-san. Why did he rat me out like that? First, who believes that beer has nutrients? If beer has nutrients then alcoholics wouldn’t need to go to the hospital if they drink too much of it. Oh, I started to wish to go back in time so at least I wouldn’t need to regret making a lame excuse like this one.
Aiba-san’s father eyed at me a few seconds before his expression changed. “Maji de*?” He exclaimed. Then he too started to open a beer can and drink from it. I furrowed my eyebrows and couldn’t believe them. How could they be so gullible? I guess it’s like the saying 'father-like-son'.
I gulped down the last drops of my beer and stood up. “Well I’m going back upstairs.” I said in a hurry. I placed the empty beer can on the coffee table and then rushed up the stairs and went straight into the bedroom. Once I was alone, I hit my head with my fists and muttered. “Baka! Baka! Baka!” When I finished, I felt warmth rising from my cheeks and a cold sweat running down my spine. This must have been my most embarrassing thing in my life. Why did this have to happen to me? Why?
Once I composed myself, I dressed back into my clothes and folded Aiba-san’s mother clothes neatly on the bed. Definitely it’s time for me to go home. If I stay longer, I know I’m bound to make a fool of myself further and regret this day for the rest of my life. The sooner I’m out of this house, the better.
I started to head towards the stairs when I heard a door opening. I turned my head to notice that it was Mariko’s. I widened my eyes and was stopped in my tracks. This would be our very first time alone. I made a smile and said shyly. “Ohayo gozaimasu.” She turned his head to me and even though I couldn’t see her eyes, I think she noticed me. She nodded her head a few times and replied back. “Ohayo.” Both of us became awkward. I could have taken this chance to confess to her that I was her sister but I had considered her feelings. It has not even been a day since Mariko decided to come out of hiding. I hesitated and wondered if it was really the right time to tell her.
As we stood there in silence, Aiba-san climbed up the stairs to see us standing there awkwardly. “Hm? I was going to call you guys for breakfast.” He said with a bright smile. I quickly changed my focus to him and waved my hands in front of me. “That won’t be necessary. I can just get something while I drive back.” I said. How awkward would that be? Eating breakfast with someone you want to know, someone who knows too much about you, and someone who hardly knew you.
“It’s fine. Otosan cooked for all of us anyways.” Aiba-san said and started to pull me to the dining room. I bit my tongue and started to curse myself under my breath. Asuka, why did you think of that? You jinx yourself into this situation!
~*~
Breakfast was very uncomfortable and made me have a hard time digesting Aiba-san’s father’s cooking, which was surprising good. I knew that he owned a Chinese restaurant from the background information I had read about Aiba-san, but I was surprised to find his meals were delicious. I offered to wash the dishes-for the very first time in my life-to thank them for breakfast, but I was quickly refused. Instead they told me that I could help find some clothes for Mariko to wear. Aiba-san’s father insisted that he would take her to get her hair cut.
While Mariko sat quietly on her bed, I scavenged through her closet to find some clothes to wear. I’m not a fashionista or knew that latest fashion trends, but I tried my best to find some clothes at least, reasonable for a person to wear out in today’s society. I decided simple is the best so I picked a plain white shirt with a magenta-red sweater to go with a pair of denim blue jeans. “You’re name is Asuka-san isn’t it?” Mariko asked.
I jumped. She caught me by surprise. Was she trying to start a conversation with me or curious about my relationship with her brother? “Un…” I answered with a nod. I placed the clothes I had chosen for her on her bed beside where she was sitting. “I think these clothes are okay for you to wear.” I said and then turned my eyes to her. She nodded her head while she looked down. The atmosphere turned awkward again so I decided to leave her room to let her change. “I’ll be right outside if you need me but I don’t think you’ll have any trouble with wearing those clothes.” I said before I started to make my way out of her room.
All of a sudden she grabbed my wrist. I froze and tossed my head behind me to feel her trembling hands holding onto me. “You’re my oneechan, right?” She asked quietly. My eyes quickly widened and my jaw dropped. How did she know…? I was going to wait for the right moment and now she’s telling me that she knows me…?
Immediately tears formed in my eyes and one-by-one, they ran down my cheek. I was filled with such mixed emotions that I could no longer contain myself. I wrapped my arms around her and whispered in her ear. “Gomenasai. I should have found you earlier. I’m sorry it took me so long to find you.”
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A/N: *Maji de? = really?
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Chapter 29
The bright sun that shined through the living room window had waked me up from my sleep. I blinked my eyes a couple of time to adjust my eyes to my surroundings. “Hm?” I muttered and looked around to notice that I was still in the living room. I furrowed my eyebrows. Wait, why did I fall asleep in the living room? Slowly I felt my neck tense up and my back was aching. Then I turned my head slowly to notice that Aiba-san was still sleeping while using my shoulder as a pillow. I let out a small sigh. I must have fallen asleep while I was waiting for the right moment to go back upstairs.
All of a sudden, I heard creaks and movements coming from the second floor. I panicked. I was worried that Aiba-san’s father or even Mariko might catch us in this, well, awkward situation. I hastily and also carefully held onto Aiba-san’s head, as I wanted to get him off of me. Aiba-san squirmed and moved his head slightly. My heart raced so loudly that I was afraid that Aiba-san might hear it. I tried again and was successful when I had gotten his head off of my shoulder. Then I quickly grabbed a pillow and placed it behind his head.
Aiba-san groaned before his eyes slowly opened. Now I was left with two options. Either I run back upstairs and get caught by Aiba-san’s father or Mariko, or Aiba-san could catch me. I had decided that I would rather have the latter than being caught by strangers that I hardly knew. So I grabbed the only thing that was in front of me, and that was Aiba-san’s beer. I grabbed an unopened beer can and opened it. I began to drink it down when Aiba-san adjusted himself to see me drinking a can of beer.
“Ohayo Asuka-chan… Is that a beer can you’re drinking?” He asked in his half-awake state. I forced a smile and nodded my head to him. “It’s a… daily routine that I would usually do. The alcohol in the beer helps with… the nourishment of my skin. You should try it.” After I spoke, I closed my eyes and turned my head to the side. I was so embarrassed to make a terrible lie like that. It was stupid and unbelievable. Also it made no common sense. Why would a person drink beer once they wake up? Maybe a drunkard.
Aiba-san widened his eyes and grabbed another unopened beer can. “Ah, sou? I guess I should try it.” He said and started to drink from his own. I pursed my lips tightly and couldn’t believe him. He had left me dumbfounded and speechless. I thought that he would have some common sense. But I should have known not to judge him. I learned that from our previous encounters.
Noises from the stairs creaked and I saw Aiba-san’s father climbing down the steps. He stopped at the end of the stairs to see us holding beer cans in our hands. “What are you doing? Is that beer?” Aiba-san’s father asked. I forced a smile and looked onto the side. While Aiba-san said happily. “Apparently beer is good for your skin.” I bit my lower lip. Now how am I going to get out of this situation? I wish that I had more time to plan this excuse out.
Aiba-san’s father folded his arms and stared at his son. “Now who told you that?” He asked with curiosity. Aiba-san smiled and answered. “Asuka-chan.” Then he sipped his beer nonchalantly. I glanced at Aiba-san’s father and then to Aiba-san. Why did he rat me out like that? First, who believes that beer has nutrients? If beer has nutrients then alcoholics wouldn’t need to go to the hospital if they drink too much of it. Oh, I started to wish to go back in time so at least I wouldn’t need to regret making a lame excuse like this one.
Aiba-san’s father eyed at me a few seconds before his expression changed. “Maji de*?” He exclaimed. Then he too started to open a beer can and drink from it. I furrowed my eyebrows and couldn’t believe them. How could they be so gullible? I guess it’s like the saying 'father-like-son'.
I gulped down the last drops of my beer and stood up. “Well I’m going back upstairs.” I said in a hurry. I placed the empty beer can on the coffee table and then rushed up the stairs and went straight into the bedroom. Once I was alone, I hit my head with my fists and muttered. “Baka! Baka! Baka!” When I finished, I felt warmth rising from my cheeks and a cold sweat running down my spine. This must have been my most embarrassing thing in my life. Why did this have to happen to me? Why?
Once I composed myself, I dressed back into my clothes and folded Aiba-san’s mother clothes neatly on the bed. Definitely it’s time for me to go home. If I stay longer, I know I’m bound to make a fool of myself further and regret this day for the rest of my life. The sooner I’m out of this house, the better.
I started to head towards the stairs when I heard a door opening. I turned my head to notice that it was Mariko’s. I widened my eyes and was stopped in my tracks. This would be our very first time alone. I made a smile and said shyly. “Ohayo gozaimasu.” She turned his head to me and even though I couldn’t see her eyes, I think she noticed me. She nodded her head a few times and replied back. “Ohayo.” Both of us became awkward. I could have taken this chance to confess to her that I was her sister but I had considered her feelings. It has not even been a day since Mariko decided to come out of hiding. I hesitated and wondered if it was really the right time to tell her.
As we stood there in silence, Aiba-san climbed up the stairs to see us standing there awkwardly. “Hm? I was going to call you guys for breakfast.” He said with a bright smile. I quickly changed my focus to him and waved my hands in front of me. “That won’t be necessary. I can just get something while I drive back.” I said. How awkward would that be? Eating breakfast with someone you want to know, someone who knows too much about you, and someone who hardly knew you.
“It’s fine. Otosan cooked for all of us anyways.” Aiba-san said and started to pull me to the dining room. I bit my tongue and started to curse myself under my breath. Asuka, why did you think of that? You jinx yourself into this situation!
~*~
Breakfast was very uncomfortable and made me have a hard time digesting Aiba-san’s father’s cooking, which was surprising good. I knew that he owned a Chinese restaurant from the background information I had read about Aiba-san, but I was surprised to find his meals were delicious. I offered to wash the dishes-for the very first time in my life-to thank them for breakfast, but I was quickly refused. Instead they told me that I could help find some clothes for Mariko to wear. Aiba-san’s father insisted that he would take her to get her hair cut.
While Mariko sat quietly on her bed, I scavenged through her closet to find some clothes to wear. I’m not a fashionista or knew that latest fashion trends, but I tried my best to find some clothes at least, reasonable for a person to wear out in today’s society. I decided simple is the best so I picked a plain white shirt with a magenta-red sweater to go with a pair of denim blue jeans. “You’re name is Asuka-san isn’t it?” Mariko asked.
I jumped. She caught me by surprise. Was she trying to start a conversation with me or curious about my relationship with her brother? “Un…” I answered with a nod. I placed the clothes I had chosen for her on her bed beside where she was sitting. “I think these clothes are okay for you to wear.” I said and then turned my eyes to her. She nodded her head while she looked down. The atmosphere turned awkward again so I decided to leave her room to let her change. “I’ll be right outside if you need me but I don’t think you’ll have any trouble with wearing those clothes.” I said before I started to make my way out of her room.
All of a sudden she grabbed my wrist. I froze and tossed my head behind me to feel her trembling hands holding onto me. “You’re my oneechan, right?” She asked quietly. My eyes quickly widened and my jaw dropped. How did she know…? I was going to wait for the right moment and now she’s telling me that she knows me…?
Immediately tears formed in my eyes and one-by-one, they ran down my cheek. I was filled with such mixed emotions that I could no longer contain myself. I wrapped my arms around her and whispered in her ear. “Gomenasai. I should have found you earlier. I’m sorry it took me so long to find you.”
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A/N: *Maji de? = really?