The Unfinished Story - Chapter Eighteen
Title: The Unfinished Story
Author: aemrith
Pairing: Yamada Ryosuke/OC, Arioka Daiki/OC, Nakajima Yuto/OC
Rating: PG
Genre: Romance, Friendship, Family
Warnings: May take long to update.
Summary For Chapter 18: What's Little Line to do? Ruby asks her the best question ever. "Who is Arioka-kun to you?" She can't just get away saying "He's a friend" haha! Meanwhile, Ruu and Yama-chan are off to Akihabara... wait! Isn't Line there too??? [Messed up summary as always, please forgive me T^T]
A/N: didn't have time to proofread. sorry guys. for me, i think this serves as one of those transitional chapters again. sorry, there's about less DaiLine, more YamaRuu, but there's this... erm... controversial (well for me it's controversial) debate inside Line's head whether or not she knows what she really feels. It's a tough chapter to write, but I hope it turned out okay. I really wish I was able to bring the complicated feelings out there. if not, i am such a failure, please forgive me. Lots more to come, i'm excited to write them actually, but i'll take a break for now - Line-chan's gonna kill me for making her suffer a bit on this chapter. haha!
dedication perhaps... to ichigocherry, immortalsummer, and heyxxyo ^_^v <3 you guys!
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Chapter Eighteen - That pinkie-promise
Louise kept her look on Raiya who’s still a little bit far away from them, and then it just came out of her mouth. “My mom called.” She paused, Raiya’s running towards them now, towards her, waving and she waved back as she continues on, “And she said she’s coming to pick me up soon.”
---
Yuto sat there, frozen for a second then Raiya’s voice boomed inside his head. “Nii-chan?” the boy asked, his husky voice sounding more like Yuto’s voice when he was young. It somehow reminded him quickly of how he calls onto that little girl who keeps running ahead of him: That little girl whose now back here with him, and she’s about to leave once again. “Rui-chan, did you fight?”
Louise shook her head right away and walked in front of Yuto - he’s now standing still. “Oi Yuu-chan, let’s go.” She uttered and held onto Yuto’s hand, while holding onto Raiya’s on the other.
Somehow, it’s always been like this - perhaps even years ago. In that park where they once became little kids lost and confused, there’ll always be her hand with his. Yuto stared at Louise’s hand for a millisecond, and it’s like lightning flashes… those few moments where he wished he has her hand like this. Those years they’ve been away from each other - true, he chose not to mind them - but now that she’s back, it’s hard to forget the times he wished she would’ve been here with him. Now that she’s here… it’s hard to think of not having her beside him again.
The three walked, with Louise’s hand still on Yuto’s while Raiya and Louise ended up talking about Raiya’s day at school. It was a normal chat really; Raiya said he hates the fact that their teacher’s forcing them to somehow confess during their Christmas party. “I mean, is he serious about making us just blurt out our feelings like that in class?” he asked, his tone pretty annoyed. “You understand what I mean, right Rui-chan?”
Louise was pouting, “It’s partly on luck too, since you said only the name of the person that’ll be fished out of that bowl will have to confess.”
“I don’t have much luck.” The boy sounded dismayed.
This time, Louise was a bit shock when Yuto was the one to reply to his brother, “I think it runs in the blood Raiya…” he smiled weakly, and Louise felt his hold on her tighten. “I haven’t had much luck either.”
The walk to the Nakajima’s residence wasn’t long, and as they got there, Yuto told Raiya that he’ll be walking Louise home.
This walk was pretty silent, and soon Louise just about had it and took her spot in front of Yuto, holding up her hand, stopping him from his steps. “Now wait a second, who died!?”
Yuto looked surprised then he frowned, “What? No one died…”
“Why do you look like you’re walking on a funeral procession?”
“Ruu-chan…”
She shook her hand, “Seriously…” then takes a deep breath, “What’s up?”
Yuto looked hurt a bit - is she seriously not seeing why he’s all gloomy all of a sudden? “Your mom… you said…”
Louise kept her hand up, “I know what I said.” She took another deep breath, “Holy smokes Yuu-chan, stop being so worry-some so easily.”
“I’m…” his voice faded a little, “…not” before he continued.
“My mom’s one of the craziest persons living on Earth, I bet my eyeballs she can’t take me away from this place in a snap.” Then she looked to her side, “Although she did manage to throw me back here in a blink of an eye, but still…!” for a second, she sounded like she’s contradicting herself, “Oh sheesh… just forget what I said.” She then offered to keep walking, which Yuto obliged to. “Get that gloomy face out of my sight before I hit you.” She sounded pretty threatening and Yuto just chuckled a bit.
“It bothers you?” he’s holding back a smile as he says this.
Louise kept walking, her eyes looking forward, but Yuto heard her reply good enough, “It does.” And they keep walking, “I’m tired seeing you all angry, or sad, or depressed… it’s just not you.”
Yuto wasn’t sure why but he just nodded and they finally arrived in front of Louise’s condominium. He stepped in front of her - which Louise finds a little bit weird at the moment - because Yuto doesn’t usually do this. And right now, their height difference becomes so obvious that Louise had to look up at Yuto with extra effort. She frowned, as if asking a silent question and Yuto just pulled her into a hug. “It’s going to be hard if you’ll have to leave again.” His tone was pretty serious, and Louise, at that moment, wished that she has something to shield that loud banging noise inside her chest. It was annoying really, and scary, and… well… new.
Not long enough, she was quite glad when he pulled away, because her chest just keeps getting worse. A few seconds later, she takes a deep breath and laughs it out. “Really Yuu-chan, you haven’t grown.” She looked at Yuto towering over her, “Well… except the height.”
She waved him away and Yuto just stood there as Louise gets inside. It’s hard, really… to even just imagine having this girl away from him again. It’s no joke. ‘It’s not like we’re still ten Ruu-chan…’ That’s what Yuto’s thoughts were whispering to him before he heads back, taking that route to their neighborhood.
---
[A/N: From here on I will be referring to Yamada as Ryosuke since he’s in their house]
Yamada’s residence - Ryosuke just got home and went straight to his room. He slumped on his bed, that letter on his hand. He held it up for him to read and a deep heavy feeling filled his chest once again.
We are pleased to inform you, that your athlete, Yamada Ryosuke, has been specifically selected to join the National Team’s soccer clinic practice that will commence starting on the 27th of January till the 25th of February.
We are looking forward to working with our young athletes.
[A/N: I am terribly sorry. I meant for this to sound more official, but I’m a failure you see… T^T I am in no way affiliated or related or anything with J-League and all other soccer associations in Japan. I know nothing much except that they’re an official soccer something and so and so.]
It’s been the tenth time he has read the letter, but the news just won’t sink in to him. He sighed, rolled on his bed, lying flat on his chest; he can feel the tiny difficulty in breathing.
He closed his eyes, and that meeting with his coach this morning played so clear:
~~~FLASHBACK~~~
“I knew they’d pick you!” Their coach beamed after handing Ryosuke the letter. “They were definitely scouting you from the start of the season!” He has a wide grin on his face, “Omedetou captain”
He just smiled and looked at the letter in his hands. This is probably one of the most dreamt of letters of varsity players in his age and level. To be training in and for the J-league; It has been something that came across his visions of the future as well, but he didn’t expect it to be this soon.
There was his coach’s famous pat on the back, telling him how proud he is for what Ryosuke has attained so far, “You’re going to make us all proud!”
Still Ryosuke cannot think of a word to say - all of this is just too sudden. They’ve just lost the chance of being the Nationals, why would they pick someone from the losing teams?
“I’ll send them your reply for you if you want…” Their coach said, in a more casual and not so excited tone. “I personally think it’s stupid, but they do require you to send a reply of either confirming your participation or that you’re declining the offer.” He chuckled a bit, “Who would decline this anyway?!?” he laughed, feeling he’s said a really good joke.
Ryosuke tried his best to laugh too - but something’s just not right to him. “I’ll do it coach, don’t worry…” he just smiled and was about to walk away, bowing at his coach indirectly.
“We’re all counting on you captain.” His coach puts up a thumbs-up, “You’re destined to make us all proud.”
Ryosuke wanted to say something, but his words were stuck. Instead, he just gave another weak smile and left the teacher’s quarters.
At first, he thought he should tell Chinen. But as Ryosuke saw Chinen on his way home with Kawashima, he just greeted them ever so slightly and went straight home.
While walking really slowly, as if each step he makes a good point to add to his decision-making, Ryosuke heard a familiar voice and soon spotted Louise and Yuto and Raiya just joining them.
And at that moment, he knew…
He can only tell one person…
And that’s her…
~~~
Ryosuke stood up from his bed, shoved the letter inside his pocket, and paced around his room.
He held his phone, ready to message the only person he’s been messaging in a while, but hesitated at the sight of her name.
After a few minutes of silence, he grabbed a jacket and was heading outside.
---
Louise gathered up all the irritation - her mother just left about ten voice messages on their home phone and she’s just tired of hearing her rant about why Louise should get back to Canada already.
“URGGHH!!! MOM!!!!” She soon snapped and hit the delete button consecutively. Suoh was staring at her, wagging his tail and his head tilting a bit to the left. “Yes Suoh, my mother’s annoying.” The dog barked, a high-pitched one, and started circling Louise. She sighed, sat down on the floor, her legs crossed, and her dog stopped circling and snuggled close to her. “Can you tell her I don’t want to leave here yet, instead?”
A few minutes of just lazying around, trying to figure out how Suoh can lose some weight, Louise was surprised to hear someone at the door. Not long enough, the door opens and Jiro’s kind of exhausted face pops in. Suoh welcomes him, tugging at his pants while Louise stood up, brushed her skirt, and placed her hands on her hips. “Tadaima.”
“Okaeri…” Louise uttered, picking up Suoh as her dad settles his things. As he looked up, Louise was sure they pretty much have the same face, same expression - exhaustion, annoyance, and erm… a little bit of, frustration. “Let me guess.” Louise paused, struggling to keep Suoh from falling, “She’s been annoying you at work too, huh?”
Jiro sighed, tried to give off a small smile, and went for the fridge for some water.
“Let’s get this straight dad… I don’t wanna go back yet.”
Jiro smiled - this time, he surely looked happy, “She knew that’s exactly what you’re going to say.”
“I’m tired of having her push me around.” Louise soon lets go of her chubby dog - Suoh automatically went to find a toy and busy himself, “Mom can be such a selfish old hag sometimes.”
This time her dad chuckled, “You talk like her.” Louise shot him a look and he puts up a hand, “I’m not sure what your mother wants, to be honest.”
Frustrated, Louise sighed. “Has she said anything apart from reasons why I should be back to Canada; which -by the way- is totally flooding my head unnecessarily…” She paused, pointing at their home phone, “She raped our voicemail.” Then it’s as if the thought just got to her, “Unless you told her about Akihiko-”
Jiro was quick to defend himself, “I didn’t. Why would I?” It’s nice how he’s starting to get to talk to her in a way that she’s not getting any advantage or whatsoever. It wasn’t right away, but Jiro and Louise eventually learn to talk like normal father-daughter, bickering sometimes, exchanging opinions, sometimes clashing and arguing, but it was a good transition. “I’d be the first one she’ll kill if she finds out what happened to you at school. She’d think I’m not looking after you well enough.” He hesitated for a second, “Which is not entirely false either…”
Louise rolled her eyes, “Oh dad please…” she sighed and paced a bit, “It’s not like she’s the perfect parent.” Her voice was fading, as if she felt like she shouldn’t have said anything.
“She’s just missing you.” Jiro’s reply was simple and Louise looked up at him. “That, I’m certain.” He hesitated for a second while Louise was putting on her jacket saying she’ll buy something from a nearby convenience store. As she was about to leave the house Jiro called out to her in an unfamiliar yet comfortable fatherly-tone, “Mind if I ask you why you’ve been avoiding any contact with your mother since you got here?” Louise turned around and looked at him as if she’s reading the answer to his face, “It’s been two months. For a mother, that’s long…” Jiro raised his eyebrows - it was familiar to Louise for she sees the same expression whenever she wonders about things and looks in the mirror.
Opening the door, she spoke, “She said I should give you a chance.” She paused and Jiro waited, “And that’s what I’m doing, dad.” She sighed, “But I have to isolate mom just the way you were isolated from us for my system on this family-thing to function.” She didn’t wait for his reply and just closed the door.
Jiro stared at the door for a moment, not really sure what to think about what his daughter said. But one thing is for sure - she still knows that there’s this big boundary between her being with him, and her being with her mom. That it’s always going to be one or the other - that all three of them together is just impossible.
---
Louise just sighed, as she sat on her favorite bench, nibbling on a taiyaki. A squirrel’s busy on an acorn, and Louise even tried to imitate how he eats it - little nibbles that she tries on her taiyaki. The wind was a bit chilly, and there are a number of people passing by, idling - it is after school hours, and office hours are almost done too.
A lot has happened today. No Akihiko, no Ayaka - Sawatari’s hatred. Her being back to school… The busy Foundation Festival Preparations, the sudden attention she got in class, Yamada’s voice telling her that he’ll listen, Yuto’s sudden change… ‘It’s all a bit too much for a girl’s head to take in.’ She shuddered at little hearing her call herself a ‘girl.’ She chuckled, remembering countless times Yuma points it out, and she laughed a little too remembering how Yamada reacts on her.
Now done with her taiyaki, and the squirrel off somewhere, Louise was left with nothing to do but just sit there and let her mind go blank for a second.
And like it’s just ever so spontaneous, she uttered, “I should’ve bought two taiyakis...” it was loud enough for her own ears to hear, but not too much that she looks like she’s some weirdo talking to herself.
“Here…” she almost jumped out of her seat when she heard someone say this - ever so close to her ear, the person was lucky her shock prevented her from slapping the face just near hers. She quickly looked behind her and saw Yamada standing there, offering her a taiyaki. “Sorry, did I startle you?”
“No.” Of course it was a lie but she made it sound like she snapped right away, snatching the taiyaki, “Do you usually just come out of nowhere offering people taiyaki?”
“You’re a bad liar, aren’t you?” Yamada smiled and walked in front of her.
“Is there such thing as a good one?” Louise inspected the taiyaki, “Chocolate…”
“I remembered that’s what you ate before.” He smiled and Louise can’t help but just smile back.
She took a bite and squinted, “Are you stalking me?”
This got a laugh from Yamada and soon he sat beside her and whispered, “Yes…”
“You’re not a good liar either.” She sounded pretty confident, whispering back - they kind of look like lovers whispering some sweet-nothings to be honest, but hey, these two, they hardly care.
The two laughed - it’s been a while since they’ve tried to outwit each other. “So, what’s with you going emo today?”
She hates the word sometimes, “Sitting by yourself, eating taiyaki, relaxing, listening to the river’s splashes, and watching people pass by…” she uttered, eating her taiyaki, “When did that become ‘emo’?”
Yamada just stared at her, raising his brows a bit as he takes a bite from his own taiyaki.
“You’re gonna tell me again…” she clears her throat, “…‘You can always tell me anything’ line of yours…”
“Apparently it wasn’t necessary.” He smiled, “You read my mind.”
Louise squints her eyes, now she really does look like she’s trying to read his mind, “Erm… hmmm…” she moves her head side to side as if looking at his face in different angles, “And now I’m reading that you… erm…” her eyes fixed on his and she watches his own eyes move around a little - like looking for a spot to look at but can’t really shake her stare away.
Finally, “…Want you to stop staring at me.” Yamada continued, looking away. “How do you do that?!” he sounds a bit frustrated. “It’s… just…”
Louise finishes her snack, brushes off her skirt, and looks at Yamada, “Do what?”
“Stare at me like that…” He uttered, taking a deep breath. “It’s like staring at people doesn’t bother you at all.” He’s not sure why, but Louise’s stare was so strong it keeps a hold on his eyes so much he ends up having some flashes or visions of some sort. Right now to be honest, as he blinked, it seems like he saw Louise being kissed by someone - how can a person’s imagination be this random!?
She shrugged before staring at his eyes again, “I dunno… I just stare, I guess.” He was surprised when she smiled, that tiny vision of his suddenly being clear, “I guess it fascinates me how eyes can say a lot…” she looked away and stared at the sky, “Like right now, if I’m not mistaken, that look you just gave me practically says you wanted to kiss me.”
“….” Yamada was silent.
After a while, Louise laughed and she even pinched his nose, “I was kidding!”
“….Erm…” he tried to say something witty, but he’s too shocked.
“Really, if my senses are correct, you actually have something that’s bothering you.” She was swaying her feet again - it’s funny how she always manages to keep her feet off the ground whenever she sits.
This time, it’s like a wave washed over all those other things that’s occupying his mind and left just that J-league letter. “You think…?” his tone was rather curious - as if expecting her to have an answer.
With this, Louise puts up a peace sign, her smile making her eyes a bit chink-y, some of her familiar laugh-lines faintly showing on the sides of her eyes, “Ehem… ‘You can always tell me anything’…” she said, trying to imitate Yamada’s own tone when he says this to her.
Yamada chuckled, “Stop making fun of it. I mean it in a good way.”
“Hey I know that…” her voice was suddenly a bit serious, but she kept a smile on, “And really, I’m thankful to have someone say that to me all the time.” She looked down on her feet, as if shy - and this is rare coming from Louise, “…So thanks…”
“A thank-you’s okay, but I think it’ll be better if you do tell me what’s bothering you.” He really does look like he’s concerned, but Louise didn’t want anyone else to be bothered by her mother’s tantrums.
Waving a hand over her face, “My worries are both gone as of the moment - suspended in their respective houses.” She winked and Yamada just laughed. “You however, may have something you’d like to share.”
This time, the wittiness was overpowering him and he hated it - for Yamada quickly replied, “It’s unfair how you want me to tell you my troubles, when you completely left us out when Akihiko was… umm…”
“Oh please, you and Yuu-chan, and Keito too… Why must guys be so overprotective? It’s not like I can’t take care of myself.” She sighed, a little irritated, “I feel like I have three dads… My real dad excluded.” She’s now fiddling with her own hands, “How’d you know by the way?”
This time Yamada felt like his face become pale white and he was frozen. He knew yet he didn’t do anything either. He hated himself actually, when he saw that Louise suffered bits of the incidents too, but now that things have settled down, his conscience is still calling out.
“Well?” She insisted, “Yuu-chan, I mean, Yuto told me you knew…” she looked up at the sky - the sun’s about to set, “I was wondering how… Unless Keito…”
“Keito never told anyone.” Yamada interjected, “I found out myself.”
Louise stopped swaying her feet and looked at the guy beside her, her eyes wide in surprise, “How?” confusion, surprise and curiosity altogether.
It was a really brief summary of that moment when Yamada caught Akihiko and Ayaka, and Louise was quiet all of a sudden. She was just listening to him talk, and now that he’s done, she still wasn’t saying anything. Finally, as Yamada’s conscience kills him, “I’m sorry I didn’t do anything right away.”
“Thank you.” Was her reply and Yamada was truly shocked. When she smiled at him, he was even more shocked than he thought he’ll possibly be.
“W-what… why?” it came out automatically. He was confused.
But Louise just shrugged, “Well I guess…” she looked like she was searching for words, “Thanks for letting me do things for myself.”
“Normally, you should be angry.” This was automatic from Yamada as well. But Louise laughed.
“I don’t go for the usual thinking I guess…” shrugging again, “I dunno, I think it was nice that you didn’t do anything.” She started swaying her feet again, “I wanted to believe that at that time, you believe I can handle myself and that I don’t need help from anyone.”
“Not really…”
“I know, I know…” she said, interrupting him, “But if I ask you, why didn’t you do something to help me back then, what would your answer be?”
‘Because I know you’re not the ordinary girl’ this was Yamada’s initial thoughts. That conversation he had with Chinen with Louise being different played inside his head like background music. ‘She’s different…’ Eventually, Louise looks like she’s still waiting for his answer and Yamada finally let it out, “I guess I did believe you were different.”
Louise grinned, “I am, ne?” and the two just kept talking and talking - Yamada forgetting a bit about that J-League letter, and Louise forgetting a bit about her mother’s rants.
xXxXx
Line just logged-out of facebook. Apparently, there’s really nothing she’s interested in there for now. Apart from her friends’ weird messages warning her about something, and the name of Line’s ‘supposed boyfriend’, Line’s just too preoccupied with her preparations to Gunma. She mumbled the name a few times, “Yamada Ryosuke…” thinking if it rings a bell, but giving up half-way. She tried looking for the guy’s profile in facebook a few times before, but there was no such profile. She even tried with Kanji characters, but there’s not much viable results. Besides, with the Kenneth issue behind her, she thinks maybe it’s a good idea to just forget about this mysterious person, thank him silently, and just move on.
There were several messages from her sister as well, telling her about how Christmas preparations are moving back there in Canada. That’s right. It’s the first time Line won’t be celebrating Christmas with them. Her sister’s, older sis that is, is actually angry about having to wrap all the presents by herself but she did thank Line about leaving her share for the fund on buying gifts for their friends.
She did feel a little sad, but only just a little - there really isn’t much about Christmas back in Winnipeg. ‘Winnipeg…’ It seems like it’s been forever since she last heard that city’s name. The thought of having to go back - it sends a bit of chill down her spine. Sure she misses her family and friends, but there’s just something here in Japan that makes it so hard to feel lonely.
Then Line’s moment of silence was gone when Alex and Mei invaded her room.
“Could you pass that mask please?” Mei asked - she has her dark think hair in somewhat buns on top of her head. “Do you have the seaweed ones?”
Line’s now busy with her laptop, uploading pictures in her personal blog as the girls ransacked her stuff.
“Line, give me some of those nose things!” Alex was next, peeking through the door with cucumbers on hand. “Oi, Line-chan!” Alex, being the ever ill-tempered one, shuts Line’s laptop and Line just about snapped.
“I WAS 90% ONTO UPLOADING THOSE PICTURES YOU B*TCH!” her eyes were wide and scary. Alex, Mei and Ruby, who just passed by Line’s opened door all stared at her - white faces in shock.
“Oh crap… Line-chan knows how to swear.” Mei uttered, throwing Alex those nose-strips she was asking for.
“Why are you in my room anyway!?” Line asked, irritated as she flips open her laptop once again.
Alex puts up a peace sign, “Because your room’s like a department store. Everything we’ll ever need is in here.” She smiled and then snatched the mascara from Mei.
“What? I HAVE NONE OF THOSE MAKE-UP THINGS YOU USED… I barely know how to use them!” Line barked, eyeing those two.
“Cotton balls! We need cotton balls!” Mei beamed, shuffling Line’s tiny collection of erm… necessities.
“I need that nose-thing!” Alex repeated, “And those facial masks you gave me the other day were just sooo good!!!”
“Urgh… I thought you said you only needed some cotton balls?” Line uttered rather annoyed, “Cotton balls give birth to nose strips and facial masks…” shaking her head, she waits patiently as her photos pop up one-by-one.
“OOOHHHH!!!!!!!!” Mei almost sounded like she shrieked, “YOU WENT ON A DATE WITH ARIOKA-KUN!?” this caused Alex to stumble beside Mei and they’re now ogling at Line’s pictures. “You sneaky little…”
“It’s not like he’s yours, so back off…” Ruby uttered, she just got in. “What are you guys still doing here, that dinner you’re going to is in half-an-hour!”
“Oh sh*t, that’s the real time!?” Alex just about had her fair share of swearing tonight and she and Mei were running back to their rooms. “THANKS LINE-CHAN! AND SORRY!!!!”
Shaking her head, Ruby shuts Line’s door, “How can you stand those two?”
Line was just clicking, “Huh?”
Ruby just smiled, “Nothing. So….” She then had this familiar grin and tone that when together, Line knows what they mean, “I haven’t really asked you… but how was yesterday?”
Line shoves her laptop closed and faced Ruby. “You’re no different from them.”
“I was asking a decent, non-obnoxious question.” She sat on Line’s bed, eyeing the mess Mei and Alex left.
As she keeps clicking, “It wasn’t a date, if you’re planning on going on that direction - and… Oh! These were delicious…” Ruby frowned at Line’s last statement. As if knowing what her friend would ask next, Line pointed on her screen, “These pastries, they’re awesome.”
Ruby then sighed and walked behind Line, resting her elbows on her seat’s backrest. “Tell me something Line-chan…” she started, as Line appears to be fixing her photos. “Who’s Arioka-kun to you?”
Line stopped clicking, her hands frozen for a second, “He’s my friend.” She continued typing - apparently, she’s putting up some descriptions to her photos. By the way, she hasn’t seen Daiki or Inoo all day because Ruby held her captive with doing her work - it’s just now she’s managed to upload her pictures with Daiki at Chiba yesterday.
“Ummm…” Ruby sounded convinced enough - to Line, she’s probably the closest to a sister she has here in Meiji. “That’s it?”
Line nodded, still typing, “Yep…”
“Nothing… more… erm…” Ruby tried to say it nonchalantly, “…special?”
Line kept moving one photo to another, and now she’s actually at a photo of Daiki sitting on that bench of his. She smiled a little remembering the story, and kept typing. “… yep… nothing.” Good enough, she’s still listening.
“Ummm…” Again, nodding, Ruby spent about a few seconds, watching Line type out word after word - each word sending a jolt on Ruby’s spine; her skin pricking her a little and she’s fighting hard not to squeal.
The silence was quite suspecting so Line pondered, “Why, what’s up?”
It wasn’t long before Ruby startled Line when she pointed out to Line’s screen, on those words she just type, “Then how would you explain that?” Ruby tried her best to sound as calmly as possible - but it was hard to hide her escaping smile.
Line stared at her monitor for about a good minute. What was written below Daiki’s picture, on that description box, it feels like she’s reading something out of a book…
A person who knows nothing but to open himself to the world…
And here I am, ever so lucky to witness moments when he does…
That guy I keep close to my heart….
Line blinked, and she blinked again - and instead of hitting the backspace button, what she did was click enter, and the description was there… along with Daiki’s photo.
“Ruby…” Line uttered; this is probably the first time she’s ever felt her hands as cold as this. “I…”
“I think you just wrote the very description of Arioka-kun…” Ruby sounded assuring - as if telling Line not to panic, not to be scared, whatever she may be thinking, “The description of Arioka-kun inside your heart. Ne?” She smiled and patted Line’s back before heading towards the door.
Still frozen a bit, Line looked down on her feet - she does look like a child whenever she does this. “He’s just really… special…”
“Why not admit it to yourself Line-chan?” Ruby asked; she was serious. Line looked like she’s trying so hard to hesitate.
Then to Ruby’s surprise, Line was back in her normal pace, clicking here and there. She wasn’t sure what Line was doing at first but when she peeked at her screen, Line already deleted that entry of Daiki’s. It was hard denying how sad it is to watch Line do what she just did. Line was quiet and soon, “It’s not like there’s really something between us.” She smiled and patted Ruby’s shoulder. “Really…” she sighed, “Being in-love, it makes you romanticize a lot of things.”
“Line-chan, it’s not as if I’m that silly…” Ruby tried to copy Line’s kind of quivering voice. It’s actually pretty hard talking to Line like this - when she’s all serious. It’s like she’s become a totally different person. “Why won’t you just let it out?”
This time, Line’s smile was cold - so a numb smile like this actually can come out from Line too. And her words were even colder, “It’s not like I’m gonna stay here long…” she pouted and brushed off the bad aura, waving her hand between her and Ruby. “Now get back to your room, I have stuff to finish!”
“Line-chan…”
She smiled, her normal, bright smile, “I’m trying my best to make the most of my stay here.” Line said, nodding at her own words, “I don’t wanna end up having a reason to cry when the time comes that I have to leave you know…”
‘It was hard watching her like that. But what’s harder is that she’s saying something really, really true.’ Ruby heard her own thoughts and she retreated back to her room.
---
“Ah!” Daiki uttered. That penguin charm just dropped on the floor. “Aw sheesh… it broke.” He was referring to that tiny clip that holds that charm to that strap on his iPod Touch. Quickly, he tried fixing it back, but decided to give up on it. He told himself he’ll buy a new clip tomorrow, and kept that little penguin on top of his desk - right next to his phone. Then a thought came…
Soon afterwards, he was on his phone making a phone. Then someone picks up “Hello!”
“Oh! Line-chan!” Daiki beamed just hearing her voice, “Are you busy now?”
“Not really… What’s up?”
He wasn’t sure why, but they ended up just talking about random things and Line complaining about Ruby’s bossy-ness and all that. A day without Line, like today, it just wasn’t right for Daiki.
Their talk was soon cut off when Inoo bursts into Daiki’s room, snatches his phone away and Line was looking at her phone like there’s a boxing match happening on the other side. “Oi!” she was on loudspeaker and Inoo won over the phone.
“HOW DARE YOU LEAVE ME YESTERDAY AND NOT SHOW YOUR FACE TO EXPLAIN YOURSELF AFTERWARDS, HUH!?” Inoo sure sounded like a wife complaining to a husband.
“Oh… Sorry Kei-chan…” Line was trying not to laugh. “It was all Daiki’s fault!”
“WHAT!? You little…” Daiki uttered but Inoo stole the spotlight.
There were deep breaths, “You’re able to enjoy yourselves while I suffer here worrying about you!? HOW COULD YOU!?”
“Pfft…”
“And you even have the guts to bribe me with those pastries…”
“He ate them all by the way.” Daiki interjected
“SILENCE!” and Inoo steals the show again. “I’m not yet done with my moment here…” he sounds like a primadonna, really it was breath-taking… hilarious. “So then dear Line… would you explain yourself!?”
“Ah… erm…” still trying not to crack and laugh, “You must’ve had an awful day then…”
“You have no idea…” Inoo started faking a cry, “WHY LET THIS MONSTER TAKE YOU AWAY SO SUDDEN ANYWAY?” his tone changed to being a scolding father. “Did I not teach you not to just run off with some man!?”
Line was really laughing now, and Daiki was just scratching the back of his head. “Sorry… dad…” Daiki laughed too and Inoo was trying to keep his character.
“You are easily deceived my dear, and by this mutt!?” He gestured at Daiki, which Daiki responded upon by rolling his eyes. “Can’t you choose a more… suitable person to elope with?” This time, Daiki’s eyes were wide - he knows where Inoo’s going here.
But Line’s reply shocked both him and Inoo, “Dad, I only come with people I trust and care about.” She laughed, “It’s not like Dai-chan’s gonna hurt me.”
There was a pause, and Inoo can almost laugh his a** off seeing Daiki’s crimson face, “Are you saying you’re willing to elope with this person?” For someone distracted, Inoo was great at keeping his character. Daiki’s already motioning a cross with his arms, as if pleading Inoo to stop - but Inoo just have that evil look on his face.
“Anytime dad… to be honest…” Line clenched her now very cold hands, “Anytime…” Daiki almost felt like a tranquilizer was shot at him - he couldn’t move and Inoo was just staring at his friend apparently losing himself.
Then, “Okay that’s it! I’m not letting you two out of my sight again.” Inoo sounded like he switched back to his old usual self and Line was just laughing. “Seriously Line-chan, I was all alone and sad yesterday.”
“Awww…” Line sounded sad enough. “We’ll try not to let that happen again, then.” She emphasized on the word ‘try’ good enough.
“You missed me, didn’t ya?” Inoo was grinning while Daiki composes himself back up, breathing bit by bit. It was hard not to make fun of him to be honest.
“Not really…” This made Daiki just crack up and Inoo went all whiny. The conversation went on with Inoo and Daiki fighting over things that Inoo ridiculously says; Line on the other hand just keep wishing that the call would keep on going.
xXxXx
Chapter Eighteen Part 2
Author: aemrith
Pairing: Yamada Ryosuke/OC, Arioka Daiki/OC, Nakajima Yuto/OC
Rating: PG
Genre: Romance, Friendship, Family
Warnings: May take long to update.
Summary For Chapter 18: What's Little Line to do? Ruby asks her the best question ever. "Who is Arioka-kun to you?" She can't just get away saying "He's a friend" haha! Meanwhile, Ruu and Yama-chan are off to Akihabara... wait! Isn't Line there too??? [Messed up summary as always, please forgive me T^T]
A/N: didn't have time to proofread. sorry guys. for me, i think this serves as one of those transitional chapters again. sorry, there's about less DaiLine, more YamaRuu, but there's this... erm... controversial (well for me it's controversial) debate inside Line's head whether or not she knows what she really feels. It's a tough chapter to write, but I hope it turned out okay. I really wish I was able to bring the complicated feelings out there. if not, i am such a failure, please forgive me. Lots more to come, i'm excited to write them actually, but i'll take a break for now - Line-chan's gonna kill me for making her suffer a bit on this chapter. haha!
dedication perhaps... to ichigocherry, immortalsummer, and heyxxyo ^_^v <3 you guys!
_______________________________________
Chapter Eighteen - That pinkie-promise
Louise kept her look on Raiya who’s still a little bit far away from them, and then it just came out of her mouth. “My mom called.” She paused, Raiya’s running towards them now, towards her, waving and she waved back as she continues on, “And she said she’s coming to pick me up soon.”
---
Yuto sat there, frozen for a second then Raiya’s voice boomed inside his head. “Nii-chan?” the boy asked, his husky voice sounding more like Yuto’s voice when he was young. It somehow reminded him quickly of how he calls onto that little girl who keeps running ahead of him: That little girl whose now back here with him, and she’s about to leave once again. “Rui-chan, did you fight?”
Louise shook her head right away and walked in front of Yuto - he’s now standing still. “Oi Yuu-chan, let’s go.” She uttered and held onto Yuto’s hand, while holding onto Raiya’s on the other.
Somehow, it’s always been like this - perhaps even years ago. In that park where they once became little kids lost and confused, there’ll always be her hand with his. Yuto stared at Louise’s hand for a millisecond, and it’s like lightning flashes… those few moments where he wished he has her hand like this. Those years they’ve been away from each other - true, he chose not to mind them - but now that she’s back, it’s hard to forget the times he wished she would’ve been here with him. Now that she’s here… it’s hard to think of not having her beside him again.
The three walked, with Louise’s hand still on Yuto’s while Raiya and Louise ended up talking about Raiya’s day at school. It was a normal chat really; Raiya said he hates the fact that their teacher’s forcing them to somehow confess during their Christmas party. “I mean, is he serious about making us just blurt out our feelings like that in class?” he asked, his tone pretty annoyed. “You understand what I mean, right Rui-chan?”
Louise was pouting, “It’s partly on luck too, since you said only the name of the person that’ll be fished out of that bowl will have to confess.”
“I don’t have much luck.” The boy sounded dismayed.
This time, Louise was a bit shock when Yuto was the one to reply to his brother, “I think it runs in the blood Raiya…” he smiled weakly, and Louise felt his hold on her tighten. “I haven’t had much luck either.”
The walk to the Nakajima’s residence wasn’t long, and as they got there, Yuto told Raiya that he’ll be walking Louise home.
This walk was pretty silent, and soon Louise just about had it and took her spot in front of Yuto, holding up her hand, stopping him from his steps. “Now wait a second, who died!?”
Yuto looked surprised then he frowned, “What? No one died…”
“Why do you look like you’re walking on a funeral procession?”
“Ruu-chan…”
She shook her hand, “Seriously…” then takes a deep breath, “What’s up?”
Yuto looked hurt a bit - is she seriously not seeing why he’s all gloomy all of a sudden? “Your mom… you said…”
Louise kept her hand up, “I know what I said.” She took another deep breath, “Holy smokes Yuu-chan, stop being so worry-some so easily.”
“I’m…” his voice faded a little, “…not” before he continued.
“My mom’s one of the craziest persons living on Earth, I bet my eyeballs she can’t take me away from this place in a snap.” Then she looked to her side, “Although she did manage to throw me back here in a blink of an eye, but still…!” for a second, she sounded like she’s contradicting herself, “Oh sheesh… just forget what I said.” She then offered to keep walking, which Yuto obliged to. “Get that gloomy face out of my sight before I hit you.” She sounded pretty threatening and Yuto just chuckled a bit.
“It bothers you?” he’s holding back a smile as he says this.
Louise kept walking, her eyes looking forward, but Yuto heard her reply good enough, “It does.” And they keep walking, “I’m tired seeing you all angry, or sad, or depressed… it’s just not you.”
Yuto wasn’t sure why but he just nodded and they finally arrived in front of Louise’s condominium. He stepped in front of her - which Louise finds a little bit weird at the moment - because Yuto doesn’t usually do this. And right now, their height difference becomes so obvious that Louise had to look up at Yuto with extra effort. She frowned, as if asking a silent question and Yuto just pulled her into a hug. “It’s going to be hard if you’ll have to leave again.” His tone was pretty serious, and Louise, at that moment, wished that she has something to shield that loud banging noise inside her chest. It was annoying really, and scary, and… well… new.
Not long enough, she was quite glad when he pulled away, because her chest just keeps getting worse. A few seconds later, she takes a deep breath and laughs it out. “Really Yuu-chan, you haven’t grown.” She looked at Yuto towering over her, “Well… except the height.”
She waved him away and Yuto just stood there as Louise gets inside. It’s hard, really… to even just imagine having this girl away from him again. It’s no joke. ‘It’s not like we’re still ten Ruu-chan…’ That’s what Yuto’s thoughts were whispering to him before he heads back, taking that route to their neighborhood.
---
[A/N: From here on I will be referring to Yamada as Ryosuke since he’s in their house]
Yamada’s residence - Ryosuke just got home and went straight to his room. He slumped on his bed, that letter on his hand. He held it up for him to read and a deep heavy feeling filled his chest once again.
We are pleased to inform you, that your athlete, Yamada Ryosuke, has been specifically selected to join the National Team’s soccer clinic practice that will commence starting on the 27th of January till the 25th of February.
We are looking forward to working with our young athletes.
- J-League
[A/N: I am terribly sorry. I meant for this to sound more official, but I’m a failure you see… T^T I am in no way affiliated or related or anything with J-League and all other soccer associations in Japan. I know nothing much except that they’re an official soccer something and so and so.]
It’s been the tenth time he has read the letter, but the news just won’t sink in to him. He sighed, rolled on his bed, lying flat on his chest; he can feel the tiny difficulty in breathing.
He closed his eyes, and that meeting with his coach this morning played so clear:
~~~FLASHBACK~~~
“I knew they’d pick you!” Their coach beamed after handing Ryosuke the letter. “They were definitely scouting you from the start of the season!” He has a wide grin on his face, “Omedetou captain”
He just smiled and looked at the letter in his hands. This is probably one of the most dreamt of letters of varsity players in his age and level. To be training in and for the J-league; It has been something that came across his visions of the future as well, but he didn’t expect it to be this soon.
There was his coach’s famous pat on the back, telling him how proud he is for what Ryosuke has attained so far, “You’re going to make us all proud!”
Still Ryosuke cannot think of a word to say - all of this is just too sudden. They’ve just lost the chance of being the Nationals, why would they pick someone from the losing teams?
“I’ll send them your reply for you if you want…” Their coach said, in a more casual and not so excited tone. “I personally think it’s stupid, but they do require you to send a reply of either confirming your participation or that you’re declining the offer.” He chuckled a bit, “Who would decline this anyway?!?” he laughed, feeling he’s said a really good joke.
Ryosuke tried his best to laugh too - but something’s just not right to him. “I’ll do it coach, don’t worry…” he just smiled and was about to walk away, bowing at his coach indirectly.
“We’re all counting on you captain.” His coach puts up a thumbs-up, “You’re destined to make us all proud.”
Ryosuke wanted to say something, but his words were stuck. Instead, he just gave another weak smile and left the teacher’s quarters.
At first, he thought he should tell Chinen. But as Ryosuke saw Chinen on his way home with Kawashima, he just greeted them ever so slightly and went straight home.
While walking really slowly, as if each step he makes a good point to add to his decision-making, Ryosuke heard a familiar voice and soon spotted Louise and Yuto and Raiya just joining them.
And at that moment, he knew…
He can only tell one person…
And that’s her…
~~~
Ryosuke stood up from his bed, shoved the letter inside his pocket, and paced around his room.
He held his phone, ready to message the only person he’s been messaging in a while, but hesitated at the sight of her name.
After a few minutes of silence, he grabbed a jacket and was heading outside.
---
Louise gathered up all the irritation - her mother just left about ten voice messages on their home phone and she’s just tired of hearing her rant about why Louise should get back to Canada already.
“URGGHH!!! MOM!!!!” She soon snapped and hit the delete button consecutively. Suoh was staring at her, wagging his tail and his head tilting a bit to the left. “Yes Suoh, my mother’s annoying.” The dog barked, a high-pitched one, and started circling Louise. She sighed, sat down on the floor, her legs crossed, and her dog stopped circling and snuggled close to her. “Can you tell her I don’t want to leave here yet, instead?”
A few minutes of just lazying around, trying to figure out how Suoh can lose some weight, Louise was surprised to hear someone at the door. Not long enough, the door opens and Jiro’s kind of exhausted face pops in. Suoh welcomes him, tugging at his pants while Louise stood up, brushed her skirt, and placed her hands on her hips. “Tadaima.”
“Okaeri…” Louise uttered, picking up Suoh as her dad settles his things. As he looked up, Louise was sure they pretty much have the same face, same expression - exhaustion, annoyance, and erm… a little bit of, frustration. “Let me guess.” Louise paused, struggling to keep Suoh from falling, “She’s been annoying you at work too, huh?”
Jiro sighed, tried to give off a small smile, and went for the fridge for some water.
“Let’s get this straight dad… I don’t wanna go back yet.”
Jiro smiled - this time, he surely looked happy, “She knew that’s exactly what you’re going to say.”
“I’m tired of having her push me around.” Louise soon lets go of her chubby dog - Suoh automatically went to find a toy and busy himself, “Mom can be such a selfish old hag sometimes.”
This time her dad chuckled, “You talk like her.” Louise shot him a look and he puts up a hand, “I’m not sure what your mother wants, to be honest.”
Frustrated, Louise sighed. “Has she said anything apart from reasons why I should be back to Canada; which -by the way- is totally flooding my head unnecessarily…” She paused, pointing at their home phone, “She raped our voicemail.” Then it’s as if the thought just got to her, “Unless you told her about Akihiko-”
Jiro was quick to defend himself, “I didn’t. Why would I?” It’s nice how he’s starting to get to talk to her in a way that she’s not getting any advantage or whatsoever. It wasn’t right away, but Jiro and Louise eventually learn to talk like normal father-daughter, bickering sometimes, exchanging opinions, sometimes clashing and arguing, but it was a good transition. “I’d be the first one she’ll kill if she finds out what happened to you at school. She’d think I’m not looking after you well enough.” He hesitated for a second, “Which is not entirely false either…”
Louise rolled her eyes, “Oh dad please…” she sighed and paced a bit, “It’s not like she’s the perfect parent.” Her voice was fading, as if she felt like she shouldn’t have said anything.
“She’s just missing you.” Jiro’s reply was simple and Louise looked up at him. “That, I’m certain.” He hesitated for a second while Louise was putting on her jacket saying she’ll buy something from a nearby convenience store. As she was about to leave the house Jiro called out to her in an unfamiliar yet comfortable fatherly-tone, “Mind if I ask you why you’ve been avoiding any contact with your mother since you got here?” Louise turned around and looked at him as if she’s reading the answer to his face, “It’s been two months. For a mother, that’s long…” Jiro raised his eyebrows - it was familiar to Louise for she sees the same expression whenever she wonders about things and looks in the mirror.
Opening the door, she spoke, “She said I should give you a chance.” She paused and Jiro waited, “And that’s what I’m doing, dad.” She sighed, “But I have to isolate mom just the way you were isolated from us for my system on this family-thing to function.” She didn’t wait for his reply and just closed the door.
Jiro stared at the door for a moment, not really sure what to think about what his daughter said. But one thing is for sure - she still knows that there’s this big boundary between her being with him, and her being with her mom. That it’s always going to be one or the other - that all three of them together is just impossible.
---
Louise just sighed, as she sat on her favorite bench, nibbling on a taiyaki. A squirrel’s busy on an acorn, and Louise even tried to imitate how he eats it - little nibbles that she tries on her taiyaki. The wind was a bit chilly, and there are a number of people passing by, idling - it is after school hours, and office hours are almost done too.
A lot has happened today. No Akihiko, no Ayaka - Sawatari’s hatred. Her being back to school… The busy Foundation Festival Preparations, the sudden attention she got in class, Yamada’s voice telling her that he’ll listen, Yuto’s sudden change… ‘It’s all a bit too much for a girl’s head to take in.’ She shuddered at little hearing her call herself a ‘girl.’ She chuckled, remembering countless times Yuma points it out, and she laughed a little too remembering how Yamada reacts on her.
Now done with her taiyaki, and the squirrel off somewhere, Louise was left with nothing to do but just sit there and let her mind go blank for a second.
And like it’s just ever so spontaneous, she uttered, “I should’ve bought two taiyakis...” it was loud enough for her own ears to hear, but not too much that she looks like she’s some weirdo talking to herself.
“Here…” she almost jumped out of her seat when she heard someone say this - ever so close to her ear, the person was lucky her shock prevented her from slapping the face just near hers. She quickly looked behind her and saw Yamada standing there, offering her a taiyaki. “Sorry, did I startle you?”
“No.” Of course it was a lie but she made it sound like she snapped right away, snatching the taiyaki, “Do you usually just come out of nowhere offering people taiyaki?”
“You’re a bad liar, aren’t you?” Yamada smiled and walked in front of her.
“Is there such thing as a good one?” Louise inspected the taiyaki, “Chocolate…”
“I remembered that’s what you ate before.” He smiled and Louise can’t help but just smile back.
She took a bite and squinted, “Are you stalking me?”
This got a laugh from Yamada and soon he sat beside her and whispered, “Yes…”
“You’re not a good liar either.” She sounded pretty confident, whispering back - they kind of look like lovers whispering some sweet-nothings to be honest, but hey, these two, they hardly care.
The two laughed - it’s been a while since they’ve tried to outwit each other. “So, what’s with you going emo today?”
She hates the word sometimes, “Sitting by yourself, eating taiyaki, relaxing, listening to the river’s splashes, and watching people pass by…” she uttered, eating her taiyaki, “When did that become ‘emo’?”
Yamada just stared at her, raising his brows a bit as he takes a bite from his own taiyaki.
“You’re gonna tell me again…” she clears her throat, “…‘You can always tell me anything’ line of yours…”
“Apparently it wasn’t necessary.” He smiled, “You read my mind.”
Louise squints her eyes, now she really does look like she’s trying to read his mind, “Erm… hmmm…” she moves her head side to side as if looking at his face in different angles, “And now I’m reading that you… erm…” her eyes fixed on his and she watches his own eyes move around a little - like looking for a spot to look at but can’t really shake her stare away.
Finally, “…Want you to stop staring at me.” Yamada continued, looking away. “How do you do that?!” he sounds a bit frustrated. “It’s… just…”
Louise finishes her snack, brushes off her skirt, and looks at Yamada, “Do what?”
“Stare at me like that…” He uttered, taking a deep breath. “It’s like staring at people doesn’t bother you at all.” He’s not sure why, but Louise’s stare was so strong it keeps a hold on his eyes so much he ends up having some flashes or visions of some sort. Right now to be honest, as he blinked, it seems like he saw Louise being kissed by someone - how can a person’s imagination be this random!?
She shrugged before staring at his eyes again, “I dunno… I just stare, I guess.” He was surprised when she smiled, that tiny vision of his suddenly being clear, “I guess it fascinates me how eyes can say a lot…” she looked away and stared at the sky, “Like right now, if I’m not mistaken, that look you just gave me practically says you wanted to kiss me.”
“….” Yamada was silent.
After a while, Louise laughed and she even pinched his nose, “I was kidding!”
“….Erm…” he tried to say something witty, but he’s too shocked.
“Really, if my senses are correct, you actually have something that’s bothering you.” She was swaying her feet again - it’s funny how she always manages to keep her feet off the ground whenever she sits.
This time, it’s like a wave washed over all those other things that’s occupying his mind and left just that J-league letter. “You think…?” his tone was rather curious - as if expecting her to have an answer.
With this, Louise puts up a peace sign, her smile making her eyes a bit chink-y, some of her familiar laugh-lines faintly showing on the sides of her eyes, “Ehem… ‘You can always tell me anything’…” she said, trying to imitate Yamada’s own tone when he says this to her.
Yamada chuckled, “Stop making fun of it. I mean it in a good way.”
“Hey I know that…” her voice was suddenly a bit serious, but she kept a smile on, “And really, I’m thankful to have someone say that to me all the time.” She looked down on her feet, as if shy - and this is rare coming from Louise, “…So thanks…”
“A thank-you’s okay, but I think it’ll be better if you do tell me what’s bothering you.” He really does look like he’s concerned, but Louise didn’t want anyone else to be bothered by her mother’s tantrums.
Waving a hand over her face, “My worries are both gone as of the moment - suspended in their respective houses.” She winked and Yamada just laughed. “You however, may have something you’d like to share.”
This time, the wittiness was overpowering him and he hated it - for Yamada quickly replied, “It’s unfair how you want me to tell you my troubles, when you completely left us out when Akihiko was… umm…”
“Oh please, you and Yuu-chan, and Keito too… Why must guys be so overprotective? It’s not like I can’t take care of myself.” She sighed, a little irritated, “I feel like I have three dads… My real dad excluded.” She’s now fiddling with her own hands, “How’d you know by the way?”
This time Yamada felt like his face become pale white and he was frozen. He knew yet he didn’t do anything either. He hated himself actually, when he saw that Louise suffered bits of the incidents too, but now that things have settled down, his conscience is still calling out.
“Well?” She insisted, “Yuu-chan, I mean, Yuto told me you knew…” she looked up at the sky - the sun’s about to set, “I was wondering how… Unless Keito…”
“Keito never told anyone.” Yamada interjected, “I found out myself.”
Louise stopped swaying her feet and looked at the guy beside her, her eyes wide in surprise, “How?” confusion, surprise and curiosity altogether.
It was a really brief summary of that moment when Yamada caught Akihiko and Ayaka, and Louise was quiet all of a sudden. She was just listening to him talk, and now that he’s done, she still wasn’t saying anything. Finally, as Yamada’s conscience kills him, “I’m sorry I didn’t do anything right away.”
“Thank you.” Was her reply and Yamada was truly shocked. When she smiled at him, he was even more shocked than he thought he’ll possibly be.
“W-what… why?” it came out automatically. He was confused.
But Louise just shrugged, “Well I guess…” she looked like she was searching for words, “Thanks for letting me do things for myself.”
“Normally, you should be angry.” This was automatic from Yamada as well. But Louise laughed.
“I don’t go for the usual thinking I guess…” shrugging again, “I dunno, I think it was nice that you didn’t do anything.” She started swaying her feet again, “I wanted to believe that at that time, you believe I can handle myself and that I don’t need help from anyone.”
“Not really…”
“I know, I know…” she said, interrupting him, “But if I ask you, why didn’t you do something to help me back then, what would your answer be?”
‘Because I know you’re not the ordinary girl’ this was Yamada’s initial thoughts. That conversation he had with Chinen with Louise being different played inside his head like background music. ‘She’s different…’ Eventually, Louise looks like she’s still waiting for his answer and Yamada finally let it out, “I guess I did believe you were different.”
Louise grinned, “I am, ne?” and the two just kept talking and talking - Yamada forgetting a bit about that J-League letter, and Louise forgetting a bit about her mother’s rants.
xXxXx
Line just logged-out of facebook. Apparently, there’s really nothing she’s interested in there for now. Apart from her friends’ weird messages warning her about something, and the name of Line’s ‘supposed boyfriend’, Line’s just too preoccupied with her preparations to Gunma. She mumbled the name a few times, “Yamada Ryosuke…” thinking if it rings a bell, but giving up half-way. She tried looking for the guy’s profile in facebook a few times before, but there was no such profile. She even tried with Kanji characters, but there’s not much viable results. Besides, with the Kenneth issue behind her, she thinks maybe it’s a good idea to just forget about this mysterious person, thank him silently, and just move on.
There were several messages from her sister as well, telling her about how Christmas preparations are moving back there in Canada. That’s right. It’s the first time Line won’t be celebrating Christmas with them. Her sister’s, older sis that is, is actually angry about having to wrap all the presents by herself but she did thank Line about leaving her share for the fund on buying gifts for their friends.
She did feel a little sad, but only just a little - there really isn’t much about Christmas back in Winnipeg. ‘Winnipeg…’ It seems like it’s been forever since she last heard that city’s name. The thought of having to go back - it sends a bit of chill down her spine. Sure she misses her family and friends, but there’s just something here in Japan that makes it so hard to feel lonely.
Then Line’s moment of silence was gone when Alex and Mei invaded her room.
“Could you pass that mask please?” Mei asked - she has her dark think hair in somewhat buns on top of her head. “Do you have the seaweed ones?”
Line’s now busy with her laptop, uploading pictures in her personal blog as the girls ransacked her stuff.
“Line, give me some of those nose things!” Alex was next, peeking through the door with cucumbers on hand. “Oi, Line-chan!” Alex, being the ever ill-tempered one, shuts Line’s laptop and Line just about snapped.
“I WAS 90% ONTO UPLOADING THOSE PICTURES YOU B*TCH!” her eyes were wide and scary. Alex, Mei and Ruby, who just passed by Line’s opened door all stared at her - white faces in shock.
“Oh crap… Line-chan knows how to swear.” Mei uttered, throwing Alex those nose-strips she was asking for.
“Why are you in my room anyway!?” Line asked, irritated as she flips open her laptop once again.
Alex puts up a peace sign, “Because your room’s like a department store. Everything we’ll ever need is in here.” She smiled and then snatched the mascara from Mei.
“What? I HAVE NONE OF THOSE MAKE-UP THINGS YOU USED… I barely know how to use them!” Line barked, eyeing those two.
“Cotton balls! We need cotton balls!” Mei beamed, shuffling Line’s tiny collection of erm… necessities.
“I need that nose-thing!” Alex repeated, “And those facial masks you gave me the other day were just sooo good!!!”
“Urgh… I thought you said you only needed some cotton balls?” Line uttered rather annoyed, “Cotton balls give birth to nose strips and facial masks…” shaking her head, she waits patiently as her photos pop up one-by-one.
“OOOHHHH!!!!!!!!” Mei almost sounded like she shrieked, “YOU WENT ON A DATE WITH ARIOKA-KUN!?” this caused Alex to stumble beside Mei and they’re now ogling at Line’s pictures. “You sneaky little…”
“It’s not like he’s yours, so back off…” Ruby uttered, she just got in. “What are you guys still doing here, that dinner you’re going to is in half-an-hour!”
“Oh sh*t, that’s the real time!?” Alex just about had her fair share of swearing tonight and she and Mei were running back to their rooms. “THANKS LINE-CHAN! AND SORRY!!!!”
Shaking her head, Ruby shuts Line’s door, “How can you stand those two?”
Line was just clicking, “Huh?”
Ruby just smiled, “Nothing. So….” She then had this familiar grin and tone that when together, Line knows what they mean, “I haven’t really asked you… but how was yesterday?”
Line shoves her laptop closed and faced Ruby. “You’re no different from them.”
“I was asking a decent, non-obnoxious question.” She sat on Line’s bed, eyeing the mess Mei and Alex left.
As she keeps clicking, “It wasn’t a date, if you’re planning on going on that direction - and… Oh! These were delicious…” Ruby frowned at Line’s last statement. As if knowing what her friend would ask next, Line pointed on her screen, “These pastries, they’re awesome.”
Ruby then sighed and walked behind Line, resting her elbows on her seat’s backrest. “Tell me something Line-chan…” she started, as Line appears to be fixing her photos. “Who’s Arioka-kun to you?”
Line stopped clicking, her hands frozen for a second, “He’s my friend.” She continued typing - apparently, she’s putting up some descriptions to her photos. By the way, she hasn’t seen Daiki or Inoo all day because Ruby held her captive with doing her work - it’s just now she’s managed to upload her pictures with Daiki at Chiba yesterday.
“Ummm…” Ruby sounded convinced enough - to Line, she’s probably the closest to a sister she has here in Meiji. “That’s it?”
Line nodded, still typing, “Yep…”
“Nothing… more… erm…” Ruby tried to say it nonchalantly, “…special?”
Line kept moving one photo to another, and now she’s actually at a photo of Daiki sitting on that bench of his. She smiled a little remembering the story, and kept typing. “… yep… nothing.” Good enough, she’s still listening.
“Ummm…” Again, nodding, Ruby spent about a few seconds, watching Line type out word after word - each word sending a jolt on Ruby’s spine; her skin pricking her a little and she’s fighting hard not to squeal.
The silence was quite suspecting so Line pondered, “Why, what’s up?”
It wasn’t long before Ruby startled Line when she pointed out to Line’s screen, on those words she just type, “Then how would you explain that?” Ruby tried her best to sound as calmly as possible - but it was hard to hide her escaping smile.
Line stared at her monitor for about a good minute. What was written below Daiki’s picture, on that description box, it feels like she’s reading something out of a book…
A person who knows nothing but to open himself to the world…
And here I am, ever so lucky to witness moments when he does…
That guy I keep close to my heart….
Line blinked, and she blinked again - and instead of hitting the backspace button, what she did was click enter, and the description was there… along with Daiki’s photo.
“Ruby…” Line uttered; this is probably the first time she’s ever felt her hands as cold as this. “I…”
“I think you just wrote the very description of Arioka-kun…” Ruby sounded assuring - as if telling Line not to panic, not to be scared, whatever she may be thinking, “The description of Arioka-kun inside your heart. Ne?” She smiled and patted Line’s back before heading towards the door.
Still frozen a bit, Line looked down on her feet - she does look like a child whenever she does this. “He’s just really… special…”
“Why not admit it to yourself Line-chan?” Ruby asked; she was serious. Line looked like she’s trying so hard to hesitate.
Then to Ruby’s surprise, Line was back in her normal pace, clicking here and there. She wasn’t sure what Line was doing at first but when she peeked at her screen, Line already deleted that entry of Daiki’s. It was hard denying how sad it is to watch Line do what she just did. Line was quiet and soon, “It’s not like there’s really something between us.” She smiled and patted Ruby’s shoulder. “Really…” she sighed, “Being in-love, it makes you romanticize a lot of things.”
“Line-chan, it’s not as if I’m that silly…” Ruby tried to copy Line’s kind of quivering voice. It’s actually pretty hard talking to Line like this - when she’s all serious. It’s like she’s become a totally different person. “Why won’t you just let it out?”
This time, Line’s smile was cold - so a numb smile like this actually can come out from Line too. And her words were even colder, “It’s not like I’m gonna stay here long…” she pouted and brushed off the bad aura, waving her hand between her and Ruby. “Now get back to your room, I have stuff to finish!”
“Line-chan…”
She smiled, her normal, bright smile, “I’m trying my best to make the most of my stay here.” Line said, nodding at her own words, “I don’t wanna end up having a reason to cry when the time comes that I have to leave you know…”
‘It was hard watching her like that. But what’s harder is that she’s saying something really, really true.’ Ruby heard her own thoughts and she retreated back to her room.
---
“Ah!” Daiki uttered. That penguin charm just dropped on the floor. “Aw sheesh… it broke.” He was referring to that tiny clip that holds that charm to that strap on his iPod Touch. Quickly, he tried fixing it back, but decided to give up on it. He told himself he’ll buy a new clip tomorrow, and kept that little penguin on top of his desk - right next to his phone. Then a thought came…
Soon afterwards, he was on his phone making a phone. Then someone picks up “Hello!”
“Oh! Line-chan!” Daiki beamed just hearing her voice, “Are you busy now?”
“Not really… What’s up?”
He wasn’t sure why, but they ended up just talking about random things and Line complaining about Ruby’s bossy-ness and all that. A day without Line, like today, it just wasn’t right for Daiki.
Their talk was soon cut off when Inoo bursts into Daiki’s room, snatches his phone away and Line was looking at her phone like there’s a boxing match happening on the other side. “Oi!” she was on loudspeaker and Inoo won over the phone.
“HOW DARE YOU LEAVE ME YESTERDAY AND NOT SHOW YOUR FACE TO EXPLAIN YOURSELF AFTERWARDS, HUH!?” Inoo sure sounded like a wife complaining to a husband.
“Oh… Sorry Kei-chan…” Line was trying not to laugh. “It was all Daiki’s fault!”
“WHAT!? You little…” Daiki uttered but Inoo stole the spotlight.
There were deep breaths, “You’re able to enjoy yourselves while I suffer here worrying about you!? HOW COULD YOU!?”
“Pfft…”
“And you even have the guts to bribe me with those pastries…”
“He ate them all by the way.” Daiki interjected
“SILENCE!” and Inoo steals the show again. “I’m not yet done with my moment here…” he sounds like a primadonna, really it was breath-taking… hilarious. “So then dear Line… would you explain yourself!?”
“Ah… erm…” still trying not to crack and laugh, “You must’ve had an awful day then…”
“You have no idea…” Inoo started faking a cry, “WHY LET THIS MONSTER TAKE YOU AWAY SO SUDDEN ANYWAY?” his tone changed to being a scolding father. “Did I not teach you not to just run off with some man!?”
Line was really laughing now, and Daiki was just scratching the back of his head. “Sorry… dad…” Daiki laughed too and Inoo was trying to keep his character.
“You are easily deceived my dear, and by this mutt!?” He gestured at Daiki, which Daiki responded upon by rolling his eyes. “Can’t you choose a more… suitable person to elope with?” This time, Daiki’s eyes were wide - he knows where Inoo’s going here.
But Line’s reply shocked both him and Inoo, “Dad, I only come with people I trust and care about.” She laughed, “It’s not like Dai-chan’s gonna hurt me.”
There was a pause, and Inoo can almost laugh his a** off seeing Daiki’s crimson face, “Are you saying you’re willing to elope with this person?” For someone distracted, Inoo was great at keeping his character. Daiki’s already motioning a cross with his arms, as if pleading Inoo to stop - but Inoo just have that evil look on his face.
“Anytime dad… to be honest…” Line clenched her now very cold hands, “Anytime…” Daiki almost felt like a tranquilizer was shot at him - he couldn’t move and Inoo was just staring at his friend apparently losing himself.
Then, “Okay that’s it! I’m not letting you two out of my sight again.” Inoo sounded like he switched back to his old usual self and Line was just laughing. “Seriously Line-chan, I was all alone and sad yesterday.”
“Awww…” Line sounded sad enough. “We’ll try not to let that happen again, then.” She emphasized on the word ‘try’ good enough.
“You missed me, didn’t ya?” Inoo was grinning while Daiki composes himself back up, breathing bit by bit. It was hard not to make fun of him to be honest.
“Not really…” This made Daiki just crack up and Inoo went all whiny. The conversation went on with Inoo and Daiki fighting over things that Inoo ridiculously says; Line on the other hand just keep wishing that the call would keep on going.
xXxXx
Chapter Eighteen Part 2