The Unfinished Story - Chapter Eight (Part 1)
Title: The Unfinished Story
Author: aemrith
Pairing: Yamada Ryosuke/OC, Arioka Daiki/OC, Nakajima Yuto/OC
Rating: PG
Genre: Romance, Friendship, Family
Warning: LONG chapters and may take a while to update.
Summary for Chapter Eight: Daiki and Inoo teams up for the wackiest scam yet while Louise gets to help a troubled classmate. [Sucks at summaries! >_<]
Summary in general: Louise had to go back to the place she never thought she'd have to see again; while Line finally gets a chance to set foot on her dream land. What is it that Japan has for them?
Chapter Eight - The Facebook Fiasco (Part 1)
A/N: This chapter is a little Line-chan biased, so yeah. LOL.
Daiki was staring at Line’s iPod touch as if it’s talking.
“Dai-chan? Doushite?”
Daiki spoke without looking up, “Kei-chan, do you know anybody named Kenneth?”
xXxXx
Inoo stared at Daiki, looking clueless. “What?” He scratched the back of his head. “Who’s Kenneth? Where did that come from?” Apparently, Inoo was smart enough to suspect that the question might’ve surfaced from something Daiki saw.
So Inoo stood up, took Line’s seat and looked at the iPod Touch himself.
Please Jhoan Line Laririt, I hope you’ll stop stalking me already. This is not funny anymore. And honestly, it’s beginning to be creepy.
Inoo read the lines again, about three times, before looking at Daiki. “What’s all this? And why are you on Line’s Facebook?”
Daiki looked at Inoo with disbelief. “First of all, don’t go off thinking I hacked her Facebook, okay… it was on when I opened her iPod Touch. And Second… I don’t know this Kenneth person so stop asking me.” Unknowingly, Daiki shoved the iPod to Inoo.
Good enough, Inoo responded by grabbing hold of it tightly. “Pissed off Dai-chan…? I am too you know...” Inoo murmured.
“Hey, I can understand English that much! And I know he’s not saying good stuff. I mean, do you believe that?”
No matter how much the two wanted to talk about the uprising topic, “Oh, Line-chan’s back!” Inoo was quick to tell Daiki to act cool and… “Fix that face of yours!”
Apparently, Daiki was pissed with the posts and now lost at what Inoo said “Fix- what the? I say we should ask her what’s going on. Maybe we can help…”
Inoo shook his head hard. Then Daiki watched as Inoo gestured that Daiki shuts his mouth. Zip it buster. Yep, that’s what Inoo’s face appears to be saying. Before Line comes to a closer range, Daiki heard him whisper, “I say we’ll look into this later… without Line-chan.”
“Demo…”
“Ssssh!” Inoo looked serious, and with those big eyes… Daiki didn’t want to argue anymore. Since when did Inoo’s eyes become that big?
Anyhow, good call I guess, because when Line arrived, so did Miyuki-san, carrying their orders. It wasn’t long till the three decided to eat.
They were half-way through their meals, and Inoo tried to talk about stuff, random stuff. Daiki find it boring and useless; to him, he wants to ask Line, and he wants to ask now.
Already impatient -and done with his food, Daiki was kicking Inoo’s leg from under the table sure enough sending a message regarding the “Kenneth” issue while Line was fiddling with her iPod Touch. Obviously and annoyingly (I guess), Daiki wanted to ask her, but Inoo kept ignoring him.
Soon enough, Daiki has just about had it and kicked hard. Woosh!
“OUCH!” Inoo raised his leg then his knee hit the table.
Jajaan. And disaster said hello. Chaching!
“Uwaah! Kei-chan, look what you did!”
Inoo was standing up and holding his knee. When he looked up, Line was soaked with red iced tea. “...Ah…. Gomenasai Line-chan…” he bowed his head low enough and apologized once again.
Trying not to get any more acquainted with the iced tea, Line stood up slowly while telling Inoo that it’s fine and that it’s no one’s fault. “Seriously Kei-chan, it’s okay. Stop apologizing already. I’m not hurt… see?”
“Demo…” Inoo was inches away from Line when Miyuki-san appeared, with some towel. She handed it to Line and Inoo thanked her. “No, seriously. No kidding. I’m really sorry.”
“Hai, hai Kei-chan.” With a smile, that was all Line could say. It’s hard to tell someone that things are okay when they’re panicking; Line can’t help but try and tell Inoo that there’s nothing to feel so bad about. While fixing herself and telling Inoo and Daiki that there’s really no big deal, she kept that warm smile on her face.
Daiki kept helping her clean most of the spill, especially on her seat. He was quick to hand her some tissue when everything just suddenly happened.
“Ano… Daijobou?” Miyuki was polite enough to lend her a lady’s help.
Finally, with all the hurrying, Line sat back to her seat and some other waiter came to clean most of the mess.
“Hontoni…” Again, Inoo started.
Line interrupted, “One more apology and I’ll kick you.” It was probably the best glare she could manage at the moment.
“Demo… Dai-chan!” Like a kid, Inoo pointed at Daiki, as if he’s telling his mom that it was that person’s fault.
“Ore?” Daiki posed a face that says he’s innocent. “Oi… don’t blame it on me.”
“But you….”
“What… what did I do Kei-chan?” This time, it feels like the tables have turned. Suddenly, Daiki was the one telling Inoo what to do(?) or so it seems. With the tone of his voice, it’s as if he’s telling Inoo that it’s a lose-lose situation for him.
Side-tracking…
Let’s kind of break it down shall we? Lemme see. If Inoo tells Line that Daiki was kicking him, Line would ask what’s going on. I mean, I don’t think Line would think that they’re just playing footsie, ne? [okay, no yaoi here.] Okay so when Line starts asking, Daiki will eventually have his chance to tackle the issue which is something Inoo (mysteriously?) doesn’t want to do at the moment. I wonder…
Back to the scene
“Well Kei-chan?” Daiki seemed like he’s enjoying having a hold of the ace for once.
Looking at Line, she looks like she’s waiting for some explanation but not really. Inoo then spoke… more like uttered in defeat (I guess), “Ah… betsuni… Demo, really… I’m sorry.”
Miyuki excused herself and the trio thanked her again, with Inoo doing some extra polite bows and nods. (you just have to note that, ne?)
With a shrug, Line tried to finish her meal, ignoring fully the kind of reddish stain in front of her blouse. Did I mention the spill was one heck of an artwork? LOL. It had splatters from her chest to her thigh.
While little Line was busy with her meal, Inoo took the opportunity to shoot Daiki the deadliest death glare he could muster.
Ignore, that’s what Daiki did. He pretended like he’s not involved in anything. I wonder what’s going on in Daiki’s mind.
“Hey. It’s just juice spill. There’s no need for an awkward silence people.” Inoo and Daiki were both caught off-guard by what Line said. Apparently, she’s done with her bibimbap and was now leaning on the table and staring at one after the other. “Something tells me there’s some fishy business going on that I don’t know.”
Quickly enough, Inoo smiled. “Line-chan, you’re not really the detective type.”
“Eh? You think?”
“Hai. Honto…” Daiki agreed.
“I thought I had something coming there for a second. What a waste. You two looked so serious. Have you never seen someone splashed with juice before?” ‘Seriously, these guys. I’m the one who looks like some wet duckling here, hello? How come I’m not looking pissed?’ “OH! I saw that, what are you two plotting?” Line kind of raised her voice while pointing at Inoo’s eyes.
“What?” Inoo asked.
“You were looking at him… like this…” Line tried to imitate some criminal looking at his accomplice in front of a court trial.
Caught by surprise, Daiki just laughed. “Line-chan seriously, trying to make us laugh. You don’t really have to worry. Sometimes people just feel like being serious, and then it’s all okay again. Maybe you’re just not used to seeing us like this, since we’re always goofing around… and… Line-chan?” For a moment, Daiki felt like he’s reciting some monologue for a drama. Haha! But apparently…
“Kawaii shoes… and feet. I wonder what size are those…” …little Line wasn’t really paying attention. She muttered after some lady walked passed their table wearing one of the tiniest pairs of boots she’s ever seen.
“Uwaah… You’re not even listening…”
“Dai-chan fail…” shaking his head, Inoo teased.
Sure enough, Line decided to go to the washroom (finally) to clean up. Apparently, she didn’t want to go storming off the washroom some moments ago because she said her meal wasn’t done yet. And yeah, let’s just admit it. Line just isn’t your typical kind of girl. Washrooms aren’t her favourite hang-out place. She only goes when she has to… oh and when some unwanted circumstances call for the need of it.
Of course… confrontation time for the two gentlemen left behind.
“Baka! If you’d stop kicking me, there would not have been any accident!” Inoo was fast to retort.
“If you’d just cooperate and let me help her, there wouldn’t be ANY kind of mess.” Okay, debate going on.
“What part of ‘we’ll deal with it later without her’ don’t you understand?”
“All of it! Why wouldn’t you want her involved with solving this thing?”
“Oh come on Dai-chan, are you seriously that childish….?”
“Huh? Nani ga…”
“Obviously, Line didn’t want to let us know about it. She deliberately left us out of the issue.”
“Because we haven’t asked her yet!”
“If she’d want our help, she would’ve told us without us pressing her on the topic.”
Daiki was kind of quiet. So all this time, Inoo was concerned about Line-chan, ne?
“She didn’t want to get us involved. Do you get it?”
“But you said we’ll deal with it… without her…” Daiki’s words were fading, it’s as if he’s speaking, and formulating ideas inside his head at the same time.
“Exactly. We’ll help her without her knowing…”
“But… how? And to butt in? We don’t even know what’s going on really?”
“Look who’s talking. You’re the one who’s trying to be all heroic a few minutes ago right, wanting to butt in by asking her… ne?”
Scratching his head, Daiki’s becoming irritated. “Argh… I don’t understand. What’s going on and what are we supposed to do? And why am I so hot-headed?” he ended his statement massaging his temples.
“How should I know?” Apparently, Inoo now has his hands on his phone and was dialling some number. Then he continued, while waiting for the person on the other line to pick up, “But I have an idea. I’ll fill you in with the details once we get Line-chan back to the dorm.”
“We could just ask her… you’re the one playing detective here…”
“Ssshhhh…” Inoo gestured. “Ah… Hai, Kei-chan here. Oh… ano… can I ask you a favor?” there was a pause… then Inoo kept nodding and saying some stuff Daiki didn’t even want to understand. It was clear to him though that they were talking programming things, something about some homework. Inoo’s probably doing some chit-chat as well. Then after ages, “Hai… arigato. I’ll be right over then.” Inoo looked at his wristwatch, “give me ten, no… fifteen minutes tops… yosh. Arigato! Ja mata ne!”
“Dare ka no?” Daiki asked but Inoo started fixing his things (what things? Oh right, he took out his wallet, gave his share) “Oi Kei-chan…”
Still kind of ignoring Daiki, Inoo looked over where the washroom is and watched for any sign of Line then Daiki irritatingly spoke, “Oi! Kei-chan!”
“Dai-chan, Dai-chan… lower your voice…” He was now on his feet.
“Now, where are you going?”
“Tell Line-chan I had some project emergency. I’m going to meet with someone who can help us solve this ‘Kenneth Case’ ne?” he paused only to look at Daiki’s confused and clueless face, “Iikara~ Ja ne!”
“Kei-chan!” Daiki spoke in a kind of a loud whisper manner. Why he tried to be discreet, he couldn’t tell either. What he knows right now is that Line can’t know that Inoo and him (okay, he’s guilty) are up to something.
“Mata ashita ne? Take Line-chan back to the dorm safely!” In his tracks, Inoo stopped to say these words before storming off out of the café.
‘Seriously, sometimes I feel like he’s got some multiple personality disorder.’ With some confusion in his head, Daiki started massaging his temples again.
It wasn’t long till Line was back, “Oh… Where’s Kei-chan?”
“Ah. Project. Emergency.” For once, Daiki spoke like a robot, doing what he’s programmed to do.
“Daijobu?” Line sat back to her seat and seeing Inoo’s share she took out her wallet. Quickly, Daiki pushed her hand away when she was about to put her share. “Nande?”
“It’s already been taken care of.” Then he smiled.
“Eh?”
“Iku ne?”
Outside, Fall sure has some chilly hits and with her clothes’ recent condition, Line can’t help but swear and curse the weather -something she really didn’t expect she’d do in Japan; but of course, it’s a regular thing to rant about the weather back in Winnipeg, but here? Come on! Isn’t it supposed to be nice and cool? You know, just about right…? But what’s this tonight? Wet and chilly. Urgh.
After being pissed, Line tried to counter her mood by watching the lights and some Halloween decorations moving outside some stores and houses. “So this is university square… or so they call it.” Line uttered to no one in particular. Then she raised her head up, blew and some puffs of smoke became visible. Funny enough, Daiki was doing the same thing.
Seeing how childish they looked, the two laughed a little with Daiki stating, “You do that too huh?”
“Even though I get to do this all the time back at Winnipeg, I never get tired of doing it. My friends laugh at me sometimes… They say I still haven’t gotten used to it. But really, I just like doing it.” After explaining with no real reasons, she blew some puff again.
“Sometimes, you don’t have to get used to it, ne? Because when you get used to it, you appreciate it less.”
Line looked up at Daiki. Somehow, it felt like Daiki really is mature, that side of him is just not always on the surface. Standing just a few inches taller than her, it’s not really that hard to look at his face. Then out of the blue, just like how Line is most of the time, she said, “Kakkoi desu…”
Daiki looked at her and saw her smiling. It’s funny, but he felt like looking away just because.
It seems that Line find it amusing how he suddenly looked embarrassed for no special reason. “You don’t like compliments that much huh?”
“Betsuni…”
“But you’re all red.”
“Chi- Chigayo…”
Line just laughed it off. “Dai-chan’s embarrassed. Ne?”
“No… Maa~ maybe a little… but… nah…” He laughed at his own line and Line followed. Seriously, these two better start some laugh club, they just do it so carefree and so open all the time.
So, they kept walking at about the right pace and Line kept pointing out random stuff she sees. Perhaps Daiki has grown to get used to this girl’s short span of attention. Most of the time, he’ll try to beat her into shouting out some random stuff he sees before she does.
Instead of taking the shorter route, the two decided to stroll around the square some more, so it took them about twice the time to get back into the campus and their dormitories.
Line was quite happy when she saw this nice fountain placed in the “center” of the square, or so that’s what they’ve been told. She sat on the edge, and boy was it cold. Of course, living in a Winnipeg winter wonderland practically most of her life, Fall shouldn’t affect her this much. But being half wet, it kinda does make some big difference.
Achoo! Then followed by a sniff, Line tried to hug herself tighter. Even with a jacket on, she can feel the kind of wet cloth of her clothes sticking to her skin; wet and cold. “It’s surprisingly cold tonight. And it’s not even that late.”
“Oh…” Daiki uttered as if suddenly realizing something. Soon enough, he took off his jacket and handed it to Line. “I’m not that cold. I totally forgot about the juice thing. We should’ve headed back right away minutes ago.”
“But I wanted to stroll around. And I’m fine really. Compared to Winnipeg, this should be no biggie…” She was handing Daiki back his jacket then… “ACHOO!”
“Yeah, yeah… Big talk Little Line-chan.”
“Little?” She looked up at him, disbelief and annoyance in her face. Of course it’s a mock, but she tried to make him see that she’s not to be treated like a kid. “Who are you calling little?”
Daiki just laughed. “Honestly. I know I’m little… oh, short. But next to you, I feel really big.”
“Urusai naa…”
He chuckled, tried not to laugh too much and said, “Hora…” not really waiting for whatever Line has to say or do, Daiki started pulling the sleeves of his jacket, making Line walk towards where he was going. “Iku ne Little Line…”
“Chotto… who are you my dad?” Line tried to go against Daiki’s pull but felt like she’s just lost already. “And stop calling me little!”
Again, Daiki laughed. “Why do you have to be so hard-headed when you don’t have to be? Yosh. We’re going back to the dorm. It is getting pretty cold. And we’ve had our stroll.” What he said was reasonable so Line just followed him.
Rolling her eyes, she muttered, “Hai hai… Ojisan…”
“Oh… I was practically being some gentleman here. You know, those prince charming…s? Ne?” Line started walking while Daiki blabbers about the typical Romeo girls usually fall for. “Oi! Matte yo!”
“Hora, hora Romeo… You’re slow…” Line had this smile on her face as she kept walking, now clutching Daiki’s jacket since the wind was nice enough to engulf her. “ACHOO!”
Laughs, laughs and more laughs as Daiki kept hearing Line sneeze. “Sneezy Juliet, ne?”
“Urusai… ACHOO! Hayaku ne! My nose is killing me!”
“Coming, coming O fair ye Juliet…”
Line rolled her eyes and Daiki walked ahead of her. He started walking backwards. “Don’t think just because I’m sleeping I wasn’t listening in class. I was a little dumbfounded when our teacher in environmental design started mouthing some Romeo and Juliet…”
“ACHOO!”
“Funny though… If you were listening intently, you should know that Juliet never ever sneezed.”
Pouting her lips, Line thought hard for a comeback, but all she could produce was some sniffs and few more sneezes. “I hate Romeo and Juliet.”
“I think I’m starting to like it, ne?”
“Urusaii… ACHOO!”
xXxXx
“Tadaima…” There was no one who answered, but that’s a given already. Louise took off her jacket, slowly walked to her room and was surprised…
Her father was on the couch, now on his PJ’s, and was sleeping more like… how she usually does. He had his hands above his head, like an act of giving up, and his eyes shut tight, not like her mom whose eyes seems half-closed when sleeping. Surprisingly, Louise thought of leaning closer. ‘Maybe he snores?’ Soon enough, her dad did kind of snore, and she can’t help but laugh but she hushed herself right away.
Upon hearing some noise, her dad twitched and was now sleeping on his side, and his hands resting under his head. ‘Funny. Who would’ve thought we were so much alike, ne dad?’ She sighed, not really knowing why, then she headed for her room.
After a few minutes, she was back out in the living room carrying her dad’s blanket and she tried her best to kind of tuck him in. ‘Well, what was I thinking? This man is about twice my height. Exaggeration, but he really is tall. Dad, why didn’t you give me some of that gene?’ Slowly, Louise walked back inside her room. When she turned her knob…
“Okaerinasai…” His dad murmured.
“Um… Tadaima… Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you up.”
Surprisingly her dad didn’t get up but he huddled his blanket more and Louise thought she heard him chuckle. “Did you have a great time?”
She lets go of the knob. Maybe talking a little… More and more everyday… there was something growing inside her. Maybe she wanted to tell him how things turned out today… how she saved a bullied kid and now her hands feel funny. Oh, and that she made her friends worry, haha! What else…?
There were lots going on inside her little head that she didn’t notice she was kind of spacing out until her dad called her name. “You must be tired, you better get some rest.” She can see clearly that he’s smiling. It’s a different smile that usual, this time, it looked really calm… not tensed. True, not forced. I wonder… was it the smile that changed? Or her view of her dad?
Soon enough, her dad probably figured she didn’t really want to talk so he lay back at the sofa and settled himself. “You’re sleeping there?” Her question came out automatically.
“Maybe. But if you’re planning on watching TV…”
“Ah… nope…”
His dad made some stretches while lying down and Louise just stood there, waiting for something he’ll probably say. Whatever it is, she has no clue, she just kind of thinks he’s going to talk a little bit more. Sure enough, “Well… I haven’t had some decent sleep these past few days. Surprisingly, this couch gave me one just now…”
Louise smiled. True, there’s about so many things about her dad that she doesn’t know… or she probably knew but she had forgotten. Nonetheless, it was fast yet satisfying, the dad she’s with right now is trying his best to show her who he is.
“Well then, maybe some other time, we can talk about things you did today, ne? Or your friends…”
“Ah… the park was really nice. It’s not really something I’ve seen before in my life.”
Jiro waited, apparently surprised and happy at the same time.
“As for my friends… I think maybe one of these days… I’ll invite them over, is that okay dad?”
Jiro lay still, a good smile on his face. “That’s just awesome…”
“Yep. Awesome… Ja… Oyasumi!”
“Oyasuminasai” he spoke and soon he heard the door close. It’s true it’s not easy to reconnect with her daughter, not with what he’s done, not with the image he left inside her head. But perhaps, slowly… grain by grain… they’ll get there. Maybe one of these days, he’ll be able to have the courage to tell her everything. What made him do what he did… what kind of a coward he has been. He closed his eyes remembering the day he decided to leave. The last image that is held stuck inside his head was his daughter’s face. Lost. Confused. Lonely.
xXxXx
It was about ten or fifteen minutes passed eight when Yuto rang their doorbell. It wasn’t long ‘til his mom opened their gates.
“Tadaima okaasan…”
“Yuto… Oh… he’s asleep already…” his mother was about to carry Raiya from Yuto but Yuto held his brother tight. Raiya was on his back -you know, piggy back ride.
“I’ll get him tucked in his room.”
His mother nodded and asked if he was hungry, but Yuto didn’t get to reply. He laid Raiya to his bed. For an eleven year old, Raiya seemed a little shorter than Yuto thought he would be. Although, compared to when Yuto was this age, Raiya was way less skinny than him. Still when it comes to weight, he isn’t that heavy.
Yuto smiled, remembering how weak he thought he looked back then. Raiya twitched a little then started scratching his face. Yuto was quick enough to hold his brother’s hand away from his face. ‘Seriously, I think I’m spoiling you too much… demo…’ He watched as Raiya’s face turned irritated, probably by the heat. Their mother must’ve turned the heater on already.
Knowing exactly what to do, Yuto being the onii-chan, took off Raiya’s shirt and dressed him up with some sleeveless top he’s grabbed from the boy’s cabinet.
Raiya’s door squeaked a little and when Yuto looked, it was their mother carrying a tray with two bowls of her home made noodle soup. “So he’s really asleep. You boys have outdone yourselves huh?”
Yuto laughed as hushed as he could then he helped his mother with the tray. “He was looking forward for today, I guess he didn’t hold back.”
“You did a good job, onii-chan…”
Yuto smiled upon hearing his mother’s usual compliment. Ever since Raiya was born, Yuto can’t remember not being with his brother.
“Oh… I bet you’re hungry. The noodles might get cold.”
“I’ll bring them downstairs to the kitchen. I think Rai’s just about had it. He’s plopped.” Yuto answered. His mother chuckled and told him that she’ll be waiting for him downstairs.
Checking on Raiya one more time, making sure he’s all comfortable and okay, Yuto took the tray and headed downstairs.
---
In the dining table, he and his mother were talking about the things that happened today.
“I see. So Little Umiko-san is back, ne?” she was having some tea while Yuto eats.
“So you do remember her, ne okaa-san?”
“Maa~ She used to play with you all the time. I was pretty good friends with her mother. Although, I lost contact with her when they left… and with Raiya growing up…” there was a pause, “Oh… is her mother here with her?”
Yuto was slurping some noodles and stopped when he heard his mother’s question. “Ah… honestly… I have no idea mom…” there was that splash of disbelief and disappointment on his face. “Why don’t I have any idea?” he seemed to be talking to himself.
His mother laughed and this caught Yuto off-guard.
“What’s so funny mom?”
“Nothing really….”
“Mou iiyo…”
“Oh, hai hai… Must you know everything about her Yuto?” His mother made it sound like she’s scolding him but it’s obvious that it’s a fake.
“Demo… she’s the closest to a best friend I ever had… ever. And now she’s back… it’s only natural that I know more about her…. Ne? I must know, ne? Ne okaasan?” Yuto was now having this bright aura around him.
“Yuto… You waited for her to return… didn’t you?”
Yuto looked away. It suddenly felt hot. Maybe the noodles. “Huh? I don’t think so… Sheesh mom, give me a break…”
“Okay, let’s just pretend you didn’t…” his mother took her cup with her as she stood up.
“Huh? What’s that supposed to mean?”
His mother kept walking and was now on her way up the stairs, “I’ll check on Rai… if there’s anything you need, I’ll just be upstairs. Your father is working late tonight.”
What Yuto heard next was the sound of Raiya’s door closing.
‘First Chinen, now my mom? Why don’t people just drop the idea already?’ Yuto rolled his eyes and worked on finishing his noodles.
xXxXx
Daiki knocked about twice and the door just squeaked open.
“Yo!” Inoo greeted. “Dozo…”
“What’s with the glasses?” Daiki spoke. He just made himself welcome inside Inoo’s room, which is surprisingly clean.
“I wear glasses. Well, only on off-classes that I do. (perhaps Inoo was trying to make it sound like off-cam or on-cam, you know like how celebs live it) It decreases cool points.”
“Hah?”
“Oh… mite…” Inoo asked Daiki to sit on his chair and Daiki was now staring at Inoo’s laptop, with Facebook on it…
Someone’s profile… sign up…?
“Chotto… are you making me an account!?” Daiki heard his own voice retort.
Inoo laughed hard. “What? No! You can do that yourself you know…”
“Then what is this?”
“A fraud profile…”
“Ha? For what?”
Inoo pushed his glasses in place and asked Daiki to move a little. “I must explain everything ne? Seriously, why don’t you go and have a social life. Facebook’s a good way to start.” Inoo murmured as he typed some stuff.
Daiki rolled his eyes. “Like I have time for things like that. Besides, it’s full of random people. And what you’re saying about a fraud profile only proves that I’m right for not joining Facebook.” Absent-mindedly, Daiki watched what Inoo was doing. It seems he’s logging onto someone’s account.
“This Kenneth guy has been posting things for the past few weeks now…”
“That Kenneth dude?”
Inoo nodded. Finally after realizing he needed his own chair, he pulled a foldable chair placed under his bed and sat beside Daiki. Then… he continued typing. “He puts up photos, notes, videos, statuses, etc… and all of them have tags for Line-chan….”
“And how is it possible that you can view his profile?” Daiki may not have his own Facebook account, but he sure knows how Facebook works. “You added him as a friend?”
“Wow Dai-chan. I’m impressed. For someone with no account, you sure know this. But to answer your question, I didn’t.”
“You’re using someone else’s profile?”
“Bingo.”
“Eh? Who?”
Type here, click there, Inoo looked like he’s doing some boring paper and his eyes were moving from one end of the screen to the other.
“Oi Kei-chan…”
Now Inoo leaned closer to the monitor; the font size probably isn’t working too well for him. And now Daiki watched as Inoo murmured to himself, obviously reading something. “That good for nothing rare steak….”
“Geez, spill it out already. I don’t even know what you’re whole plan is, what you’ve already done, and what am I supposed to do!?”
“Relax hot-head I’m getting there… Yosh…” He clicked enter and Daiki finally got a clear view of that Kenneth guy’s profile. Complete profile that is. All photos, statuses, notes, pages etc., you name it. Anything he puts on Facebook is all in front of them.
“Let me give you a summary report on this case. Ehem…” for a moment, Inoo sounded like those detective agents? LOL.
Daiki waited, while staring at that Kenneth guy’s picture.
“So yeah… Kenneth Dickson…. What else to say about this guy. Apparently, he attended the same high school as Line-chan… About the same age as you guys obviously… uh-huh… nothing interesting anyway… until he started these posts….” Inoo was pointing to his LCD.
“When did he actually start posting?” Daiki’s tone was of curiosity.
“Hmm… Relevant enough, about a few days before Line-chan got here… if my memory serves me right…” Inoo double-checked on the dates. “Yep. I’d say a week before she got here.”
Daiki took over and scrolled through the posts.
Then Inoo said. “Stop there. This is the one we saw just a few moments ago. You know, on Line’s iPod. Some few after that there were photos.”
“Of what…?” Daiki asked and clicked on the photos. Apparently, they were photos of…
“Sticky notes? What is this? U-so…” Inoo uttered as he read the notes written.
‘Hot n Cold. That’s you and I’ “That gave me shudders…” Inoo murmured upon reading the first few notes.
‘I know you want me…’
Inoo then couldn’t help but laugh a little and soon asked, “Hey Mr. Expert in foreign songs, aren’t these all song titles of some sort? Even I know this much…”
“Yeah they are… Funny… I have a big feeling this is a prank.” Daiki didn’t sound serious, but he sounded bemused.
“What other notes are there… oh this one…” Inoo asked Daiki to click onto the other set of photos. Now these sticky notes are actually attached to a van’s windshield; some of them on the window on the driver side.
‘Don’t worry, I’ll never leave you.’
‘I’ve been in-love with you since forever.’
“OH… that was just too cheesy…” Inoo commented then he continued reading. “Look at this one Dai-chan…”
‘You belong with me. -Line’
Upon seeing that particular note, Daiki renounced, “EH!?” then it sounded like he was trying not to laugh but at the same time trying not to swear, “Who does he think he’s kidding? Line-chan wouldn’t put her name up like that!”
Not really sure why but Inoo clicked on Kenneth’s profile picture. He was probably interested in seeing if he’s made some commotion using his pictures too. It wasn’t long ‘till Inoo proved his hunches correct. “Dai-chan… Read this…”
“Ha?” Daiki leaned closer. There was a thread of comments on this mutt’s profile picture. “He looks like he hasn’t have sleep for like ages? Are you sure he’s our age?”
“Argh… never mind that, read this!” Inoo irritated, pointed at the comments thread.
So what does the thread say?
Kate Harino: Aww Ken. You’re so cute. *^_^*
Kenneth Dickson: Thanks kate, you like? I’m just worried that my stalker’s making copies of my picture right now.
Kate Harino: Omg. And then Line’s editing it so that her face’s right next to yours. LOL.
Kenneth Dickson: Like anybody would believe her.
“This is just awful… I mean, I haven’t known Line-chan for so long but sure enough she’s not… I can’t believe these people!” Daiki seemed furious, and Inoo’s handling his in a cooler fashion.
“Hai. I totally agree.” Inoo stood up now and rested his hands on top of his head. “I wonder, what is he trying to do?” He then started pacing around his room. “Ne Dai-chan, what do you think?” He paused then clicked back to Kenneth’s profile. “If you ask me… I think this whole thing is screwed up, fabricated… and cracking it would be fun.” He had this weird devilish smile on his face.
“Kei-chan baka…” Daiki can feel his temper rising but he tried to calm himself down. When it comes to friends, he’s just not the type to just let bad things slip away but he wanted to consider Line’s opinion. He continued saying, “We really should know how Line-chan feels first. What are you planning to do? Interfere and such and such? Baka ja nai no?”
“Demo… Line-chan didn’t want anything to do with it.”
“Huh?”
“I checked her profile. Apparently, she’s ignoring the whole thing. She didn’t even bother unfriending or blocking that Kenneth guy. Line-chan’s practically turning a blind eye on this.” Inoo started clicking again and soon they were on Line-chan’s profile. “I assume her friends are worried. Her wall’s flooded with mixed messages…”
“It must be awful for Line-chan ne?” For a moment, Daiki kind of saw that free spirited, and short attention-spanned girl that just kept sneezing non-stop a few minutes ago. “But it seems like she really doesn’t care. Sugoi ne?”
“Hai, hai… hontoni sugoi… demo… we can’t just leave things like this.”
Daiki stood up, stretched and he felt Inoo’s hand tap his shoulder. “What are you planning? Usually, your plans are good but they end up bad. Besides, if Line-chan’s fine with everything…”
Inoo sat back on his chair and clicked again here and there, soon they were on a sign up page again. “Are you sure Line-chan’s okay with everything? To shut herself from people who cares about her… Turning a blind eye doesn’t solve anything, ne?”
“Stop playing games Kei-chan… This is not our business.”
“Line-chan’s our friend. Dakara, indirectly I would like to say that her business-slash-troubles-slash-whatevers is in one way or another, ours. Oh, and I’m not playing games. This Kenneth Dickson guy is. And maybe it’s not too bad to let him a have a taste of his own medicine.” While Inoo was talking, Daiki watched as he fills in some random information. “Yosh.. think of a name… it must be cool… and kind of scary… you know, with some might!”
“Name for who?” Daiki was fumbling with his phone.
“Line-chan’s boyfriend….”
“Line-chan has a boyfriend!?”
“Ah… it’s useless talking to you! I’m making a fake boyfriend for Line-chan! Now hayaku and think of a name!” Pushing his glasses up in place, Inoo started scheming what must be filled in.
“Why should I think of the name!?” Daiki sounded neglecting.
“Whiny, whiny… Just think of one already…” Inoo barked back then kept scrolling.
Daiki sat on the folded chair and looked as if he’s been contemplating. “Mou… perhaps it wouldn’t hurt.”
“No it wouldn’t. Hmmm… favourite food? How about Horse sashimi?” Inoo kept typing…
“…and if Line-chan’s going to feel better.”
“Sure she will. Ah… Religious affiliations… NONE? Oh… not applicable. Pfft…” Then he laughed while typing….
“And we won’t really do anything bad…”
And then Inoo bursts. “Nani ga Dai-chan, I said just think of a name already, seriously!”
“Ah… moshi mosh… Yama-chan?”
……..
Apparenly, Daiki just answered his phone…
“Fine then! I’ll put Yamada Ryosuke in here.” Inoo spoke, a little annoyed and he heard Daiki bid good-bye.
“Oi Kei-chan, don’t use Yama-chan’s name!”
“You suggested it…” Inoo tried playing it cool and cunningly
“Oi, oi… I didn’t! YOU KNOW I DIDN’T!”
Inoo scratched his forehead. “You blabber too much. It’s okay… There’s lots of people named Yamada…”
“Ryosuke? If Yama-chan gets in trouble…”
“I’ll take NO responsibility since you’re the one who suggested the name.”
“Eh? You filthy swindler.”
“OH, that’s it! Job…. Swindler!” Inoo had this beaming smile on his face and Daiki can’t help but just shake his head. “Just help me, onegai? You’ll see… this’ll work.”
“I know it will, I just don’t know if it’ll work fine.” Daiki leaned closer to read what else Inoo has left out. “Eh…? You can’t think of a hobby?”
“It has to be something tough… Oh… what about billiards…”
“It’s better to put that on sports… If he is to be a boyfriend… hmmm… I think he has to be scary AND cool at the same time.” Daiki was twiddling his fingers on his chin. It is kind of funny how against he was about this idea minutes ago, and now he’s actually thinking how to contribute to it. “Yosh… hobby, hanging out with gang. Then put GANG FIGHT and it must be all caps.”
“Yosh.. Gang fight… isn’t that what those boys in gokusen do?”
Daiki shrugged, obviously occupied with what to write next.
With two heads better than one, in about a few minutes, Inoo and Daiki felt like they were Dr. Frankenstein building their very first monster. After a few research here and there…
“Yosh! I think that’s some tough guy, huh?” Inoo spoke, stretching his arms.
“But cool at the same time… Boyfriend material, as they say…”
“…Who fights, but doesn’t smoke…” Inoo uttered, “Good enough.”
“Yosh! What’s next-” Daiki was cut off.
“UWAAAH! We forgot one important thing!”
“Nani ga? And stop screaming, you sound like a girl!”
“He has no Profile Picture.”
“Eh…”
“Yabai…” Inoo again, was scratching his head. Then he opened a new window and started searching for pictures… “We can’t really use celebs since their pictures are either too flashy or too candid.”
“Who are we going to put?” Daiki now felt his head ache again. It sure is problematic to fabricate-slash-fake things. He figured answering most of the profile info would’ve been easier if he were to put some real answers.
“Yosh! I know he can deal with this…” It’s like finally finding that long lost pair of his slippers, Inoo was beaming again. Now he grabbed hold of his phone and soon there was a ring
xXxXx
Gomen ne for all these parts, parts thing. >_<
_______________________________
Read Next Part:
Chapter Eight - Part 2
Author: aemrith
Pairing: Yamada Ryosuke/OC, Arioka Daiki/OC, Nakajima Yuto/OC
Rating: PG
Genre: Romance, Friendship, Family
Warning: LONG chapters and may take a while to update.
Summary for Chapter Eight: Daiki and Inoo teams up for the wackiest scam yet while Louise gets to help a troubled classmate. [Sucks at summaries! >_<]
Summary in general: Louise had to go back to the place she never thought she'd have to see again; while Line finally gets a chance to set foot on her dream land. What is it that Japan has for them?
Chapter Eight - The Facebook Fiasco (Part 1)
A/N: This chapter is a little Line-chan biased, so yeah. LOL.
Daiki was staring at Line’s iPod touch as if it’s talking.
“Dai-chan? Doushite?”
Daiki spoke without looking up, “Kei-chan, do you know anybody named Kenneth?”
xXxXx
Inoo stared at Daiki, looking clueless. “What?” He scratched the back of his head. “Who’s Kenneth? Where did that come from?” Apparently, Inoo was smart enough to suspect that the question might’ve surfaced from something Daiki saw.
So Inoo stood up, took Line’s seat and looked at the iPod Touch himself.
Please Jhoan Line Laririt, I hope you’ll stop stalking me already. This is not funny anymore. And honestly, it’s beginning to be creepy.
Inoo read the lines again, about three times, before looking at Daiki. “What’s all this? And why are you on Line’s Facebook?”
Daiki looked at Inoo with disbelief. “First of all, don’t go off thinking I hacked her Facebook, okay… it was on when I opened her iPod Touch. And Second… I don’t know this Kenneth person so stop asking me.” Unknowingly, Daiki shoved the iPod to Inoo.
Good enough, Inoo responded by grabbing hold of it tightly. “Pissed off Dai-chan…? I am too you know...” Inoo murmured.
“Hey, I can understand English that much! And I know he’s not saying good stuff. I mean, do you believe that?”
No matter how much the two wanted to talk about the uprising topic, “Oh, Line-chan’s back!” Inoo was quick to tell Daiki to act cool and… “Fix that face of yours!”
Apparently, Daiki was pissed with the posts and now lost at what Inoo said “Fix- what the? I say we should ask her what’s going on. Maybe we can help…”
Inoo shook his head hard. Then Daiki watched as Inoo gestured that Daiki shuts his mouth. Zip it buster. Yep, that’s what Inoo’s face appears to be saying. Before Line comes to a closer range, Daiki heard him whisper, “I say we’ll look into this later… without Line-chan.”
“Demo…”
“Ssssh!” Inoo looked serious, and with those big eyes… Daiki didn’t want to argue anymore. Since when did Inoo’s eyes become that big?
Anyhow, good call I guess, because when Line arrived, so did Miyuki-san, carrying their orders. It wasn’t long till the three decided to eat.
They were half-way through their meals, and Inoo tried to talk about stuff, random stuff. Daiki find it boring and useless; to him, he wants to ask Line, and he wants to ask now.
Already impatient -and done with his food, Daiki was kicking Inoo’s leg from under the table sure enough sending a message regarding the “Kenneth” issue while Line was fiddling with her iPod Touch. Obviously and annoyingly (I guess), Daiki wanted to ask her, but Inoo kept ignoring him.
Soon enough, Daiki has just about had it and kicked hard. Woosh!
“OUCH!” Inoo raised his leg then his knee hit the table.
Jajaan. And disaster said hello. Chaching!
“Uwaah! Kei-chan, look what you did!”
Inoo was standing up and holding his knee. When he looked up, Line was soaked with red iced tea. “...Ah…. Gomenasai Line-chan…” he bowed his head low enough and apologized once again.
Trying not to get any more acquainted with the iced tea, Line stood up slowly while telling Inoo that it’s fine and that it’s no one’s fault. “Seriously Kei-chan, it’s okay. Stop apologizing already. I’m not hurt… see?”
“Demo…” Inoo was inches away from Line when Miyuki-san appeared, with some towel. She handed it to Line and Inoo thanked her. “No, seriously. No kidding. I’m really sorry.”
“Hai, hai Kei-chan.” With a smile, that was all Line could say. It’s hard to tell someone that things are okay when they’re panicking; Line can’t help but try and tell Inoo that there’s nothing to feel so bad about. While fixing herself and telling Inoo and Daiki that there’s really no big deal, she kept that warm smile on her face.
Daiki kept helping her clean most of the spill, especially on her seat. He was quick to hand her some tissue when everything just suddenly happened.
“Ano… Daijobou?” Miyuki was polite enough to lend her a lady’s help.
Finally, with all the hurrying, Line sat back to her seat and some other waiter came to clean most of the mess.
“Hontoni…” Again, Inoo started.
Line interrupted, “One more apology and I’ll kick you.” It was probably the best glare she could manage at the moment.
“Demo… Dai-chan!” Like a kid, Inoo pointed at Daiki, as if he’s telling his mom that it was that person’s fault.
“Ore?” Daiki posed a face that says he’s innocent. “Oi… don’t blame it on me.”
“But you….”
“What… what did I do Kei-chan?” This time, it feels like the tables have turned. Suddenly, Daiki was the one telling Inoo what to do(?) or so it seems. With the tone of his voice, it’s as if he’s telling Inoo that it’s a lose-lose situation for him.
Side-tracking…
Let’s kind of break it down shall we? Lemme see. If Inoo tells Line that Daiki was kicking him, Line would ask what’s going on. I mean, I don’t think Line would think that they’re just playing footsie, ne? [okay, no yaoi here.] Okay so when Line starts asking, Daiki will eventually have his chance to tackle the issue which is something Inoo (mysteriously?) doesn’t want to do at the moment. I wonder…
Back to the scene
“Well Kei-chan?” Daiki seemed like he’s enjoying having a hold of the ace for once.
Looking at Line, she looks like she’s waiting for some explanation but not really. Inoo then spoke… more like uttered in defeat (I guess), “Ah… betsuni… Demo, really… I’m sorry.”
Miyuki excused herself and the trio thanked her again, with Inoo doing some extra polite bows and nods. (you just have to note that, ne?)
With a shrug, Line tried to finish her meal, ignoring fully the kind of reddish stain in front of her blouse. Did I mention the spill was one heck of an artwork? LOL. It had splatters from her chest to her thigh.
While little Line was busy with her meal, Inoo took the opportunity to shoot Daiki the deadliest death glare he could muster.
Ignore, that’s what Daiki did. He pretended like he’s not involved in anything. I wonder what’s going on in Daiki’s mind.
“Hey. It’s just juice spill. There’s no need for an awkward silence people.” Inoo and Daiki were both caught off-guard by what Line said. Apparently, she’s done with her bibimbap and was now leaning on the table and staring at one after the other. “Something tells me there’s some fishy business going on that I don’t know.”
Quickly enough, Inoo smiled. “Line-chan, you’re not really the detective type.”
“Eh? You think?”
“Hai. Honto…” Daiki agreed.
“I thought I had something coming there for a second. What a waste. You two looked so serious. Have you never seen someone splashed with juice before?” ‘Seriously, these guys. I’m the one who looks like some wet duckling here, hello? How come I’m not looking pissed?’ “OH! I saw that, what are you two plotting?” Line kind of raised her voice while pointing at Inoo’s eyes.
“What?” Inoo asked.
“You were looking at him… like this…” Line tried to imitate some criminal looking at his accomplice in front of a court trial.
Caught by surprise, Daiki just laughed. “Line-chan seriously, trying to make us laugh. You don’t really have to worry. Sometimes people just feel like being serious, and then it’s all okay again. Maybe you’re just not used to seeing us like this, since we’re always goofing around… and… Line-chan?” For a moment, Daiki felt like he’s reciting some monologue for a drama. Haha! But apparently…
“Kawaii shoes… and feet. I wonder what size are those…” …little Line wasn’t really paying attention. She muttered after some lady walked passed their table wearing one of the tiniest pairs of boots she’s ever seen.
“Uwaah… You’re not even listening…”
“Dai-chan fail…” shaking his head, Inoo teased.
Sure enough, Line decided to go to the washroom (finally) to clean up. Apparently, she didn’t want to go storming off the washroom some moments ago because she said her meal wasn’t done yet. And yeah, let’s just admit it. Line just isn’t your typical kind of girl. Washrooms aren’t her favourite hang-out place. She only goes when she has to… oh and when some unwanted circumstances call for the need of it.
Of course… confrontation time for the two gentlemen left behind.
“Baka! If you’d stop kicking me, there would not have been any accident!” Inoo was fast to retort.
“If you’d just cooperate and let me help her, there wouldn’t be ANY kind of mess.” Okay, debate going on.
“What part of ‘we’ll deal with it later without her’ don’t you understand?”
“All of it! Why wouldn’t you want her involved with solving this thing?”
“Oh come on Dai-chan, are you seriously that childish….?”
“Huh? Nani ga…”
“Obviously, Line didn’t want to let us know about it. She deliberately left us out of the issue.”
“Because we haven’t asked her yet!”
“If she’d want our help, she would’ve told us without us pressing her on the topic.”
Daiki was kind of quiet. So all this time, Inoo was concerned about Line-chan, ne?
“She didn’t want to get us involved. Do you get it?”
“But you said we’ll deal with it… without her…” Daiki’s words were fading, it’s as if he’s speaking, and formulating ideas inside his head at the same time.
“Exactly. We’ll help her without her knowing…”
“But… how? And to butt in? We don’t even know what’s going on really?”
“Look who’s talking. You’re the one who’s trying to be all heroic a few minutes ago right, wanting to butt in by asking her… ne?”
Scratching his head, Daiki’s becoming irritated. “Argh… I don’t understand. What’s going on and what are we supposed to do? And why am I so hot-headed?” he ended his statement massaging his temples.
“How should I know?” Apparently, Inoo now has his hands on his phone and was dialling some number. Then he continued, while waiting for the person on the other line to pick up, “But I have an idea. I’ll fill you in with the details once we get Line-chan back to the dorm.”
“We could just ask her… you’re the one playing detective here…”
“Ssshhhh…” Inoo gestured. “Ah… Hai, Kei-chan here. Oh… ano… can I ask you a favor?” there was a pause… then Inoo kept nodding and saying some stuff Daiki didn’t even want to understand. It was clear to him though that they were talking programming things, something about some homework. Inoo’s probably doing some chit-chat as well. Then after ages, “Hai… arigato. I’ll be right over then.” Inoo looked at his wristwatch, “give me ten, no… fifteen minutes tops… yosh. Arigato! Ja mata ne!”
“Dare ka no?” Daiki asked but Inoo started fixing his things (what things? Oh right, he took out his wallet, gave his share) “Oi Kei-chan…”
Still kind of ignoring Daiki, Inoo looked over where the washroom is and watched for any sign of Line then Daiki irritatingly spoke, “Oi! Kei-chan!”
“Dai-chan, Dai-chan… lower your voice…” He was now on his feet.
“Now, where are you going?”
“Tell Line-chan I had some project emergency. I’m going to meet with someone who can help us solve this ‘Kenneth Case’ ne?” he paused only to look at Daiki’s confused and clueless face, “Iikara~ Ja ne!”
“Kei-chan!” Daiki spoke in a kind of a loud whisper manner. Why he tried to be discreet, he couldn’t tell either. What he knows right now is that Line can’t know that Inoo and him (okay, he’s guilty) are up to something.
“Mata ashita ne? Take Line-chan back to the dorm safely!” In his tracks, Inoo stopped to say these words before storming off out of the café.
‘Seriously, sometimes I feel like he’s got some multiple personality disorder.’ With some confusion in his head, Daiki started massaging his temples again.
It wasn’t long till Line was back, “Oh… Where’s Kei-chan?”
“Ah. Project. Emergency.” For once, Daiki spoke like a robot, doing what he’s programmed to do.
“Daijobu?” Line sat back to her seat and seeing Inoo’s share she took out her wallet. Quickly, Daiki pushed her hand away when she was about to put her share. “Nande?”
“It’s already been taken care of.” Then he smiled.
“Eh?”
“Iku ne?”
Outside, Fall sure has some chilly hits and with her clothes’ recent condition, Line can’t help but swear and curse the weather -something she really didn’t expect she’d do in Japan; but of course, it’s a regular thing to rant about the weather back in Winnipeg, but here? Come on! Isn’t it supposed to be nice and cool? You know, just about right…? But what’s this tonight? Wet and chilly. Urgh.
After being pissed, Line tried to counter her mood by watching the lights and some Halloween decorations moving outside some stores and houses. “So this is university square… or so they call it.” Line uttered to no one in particular. Then she raised her head up, blew and some puffs of smoke became visible. Funny enough, Daiki was doing the same thing.
Seeing how childish they looked, the two laughed a little with Daiki stating, “You do that too huh?”
“Even though I get to do this all the time back at Winnipeg, I never get tired of doing it. My friends laugh at me sometimes… They say I still haven’t gotten used to it. But really, I just like doing it.” After explaining with no real reasons, she blew some puff again.
“Sometimes, you don’t have to get used to it, ne? Because when you get used to it, you appreciate it less.”
Line looked up at Daiki. Somehow, it felt like Daiki really is mature, that side of him is just not always on the surface. Standing just a few inches taller than her, it’s not really that hard to look at his face. Then out of the blue, just like how Line is most of the time, she said, “Kakkoi desu…”
Daiki looked at her and saw her smiling. It’s funny, but he felt like looking away just because.
It seems that Line find it amusing how he suddenly looked embarrassed for no special reason. “You don’t like compliments that much huh?”
“Betsuni…”
“But you’re all red.”
“Chi- Chigayo…”
Line just laughed it off. “Dai-chan’s embarrassed. Ne?”
“No… Maa~ maybe a little… but… nah…” He laughed at his own line and Line followed. Seriously, these two better start some laugh club, they just do it so carefree and so open all the time.
So, they kept walking at about the right pace and Line kept pointing out random stuff she sees. Perhaps Daiki has grown to get used to this girl’s short span of attention. Most of the time, he’ll try to beat her into shouting out some random stuff he sees before she does.
Instead of taking the shorter route, the two decided to stroll around the square some more, so it took them about twice the time to get back into the campus and their dormitories.
Line was quite happy when she saw this nice fountain placed in the “center” of the square, or so that’s what they’ve been told. She sat on the edge, and boy was it cold. Of course, living in a Winnipeg winter wonderland practically most of her life, Fall shouldn’t affect her this much. But being half wet, it kinda does make some big difference.
Achoo! Then followed by a sniff, Line tried to hug herself tighter. Even with a jacket on, she can feel the kind of wet cloth of her clothes sticking to her skin; wet and cold. “It’s surprisingly cold tonight. And it’s not even that late.”
“Oh…” Daiki uttered as if suddenly realizing something. Soon enough, he took off his jacket and handed it to Line. “I’m not that cold. I totally forgot about the juice thing. We should’ve headed back right away minutes ago.”
“But I wanted to stroll around. And I’m fine really. Compared to Winnipeg, this should be no biggie…” She was handing Daiki back his jacket then… “ACHOO!”
“Yeah, yeah… Big talk Little Line-chan.”
“Little?” She looked up at him, disbelief and annoyance in her face. Of course it’s a mock, but she tried to make him see that she’s not to be treated like a kid. “Who are you calling little?”
Daiki just laughed. “Honestly. I know I’m little… oh, short. But next to you, I feel really big.”
“Urusai naa…”
He chuckled, tried not to laugh too much and said, “Hora…” not really waiting for whatever Line has to say or do, Daiki started pulling the sleeves of his jacket, making Line walk towards where he was going. “Iku ne Little Line…”
“Chotto… who are you my dad?” Line tried to go against Daiki’s pull but felt like she’s just lost already. “And stop calling me little!”
Again, Daiki laughed. “Why do you have to be so hard-headed when you don’t have to be? Yosh. We’re going back to the dorm. It is getting pretty cold. And we’ve had our stroll.” What he said was reasonable so Line just followed him.
Rolling her eyes, she muttered, “Hai hai… Ojisan…”
“Oh… I was practically being some gentleman here. You know, those prince charming…s? Ne?” Line started walking while Daiki blabbers about the typical Romeo girls usually fall for. “Oi! Matte yo!”
“Hora, hora Romeo… You’re slow…” Line had this smile on her face as she kept walking, now clutching Daiki’s jacket since the wind was nice enough to engulf her. “ACHOO!”
Laughs, laughs and more laughs as Daiki kept hearing Line sneeze. “Sneezy Juliet, ne?”
“Urusai… ACHOO! Hayaku ne! My nose is killing me!”
“Coming, coming O fair ye Juliet…”
Line rolled her eyes and Daiki walked ahead of her. He started walking backwards. “Don’t think just because I’m sleeping I wasn’t listening in class. I was a little dumbfounded when our teacher in environmental design started mouthing some Romeo and Juliet…”
“ACHOO!”
“Funny though… If you were listening intently, you should know that Juliet never ever sneezed.”
Pouting her lips, Line thought hard for a comeback, but all she could produce was some sniffs and few more sneezes. “I hate Romeo and Juliet.”
“I think I’m starting to like it, ne?”
“Urusaii… ACHOO!”
xXxXx
“Tadaima…” There was no one who answered, but that’s a given already. Louise took off her jacket, slowly walked to her room and was surprised…
Her father was on the couch, now on his PJ’s, and was sleeping more like… how she usually does. He had his hands above his head, like an act of giving up, and his eyes shut tight, not like her mom whose eyes seems half-closed when sleeping. Surprisingly, Louise thought of leaning closer. ‘Maybe he snores?’ Soon enough, her dad did kind of snore, and she can’t help but laugh but she hushed herself right away.
Upon hearing some noise, her dad twitched and was now sleeping on his side, and his hands resting under his head. ‘Funny. Who would’ve thought we were so much alike, ne dad?’ She sighed, not really knowing why, then she headed for her room.
After a few minutes, she was back out in the living room carrying her dad’s blanket and she tried her best to kind of tuck him in. ‘Well, what was I thinking? This man is about twice my height. Exaggeration, but he really is tall. Dad, why didn’t you give me some of that gene?’ Slowly, Louise walked back inside her room. When she turned her knob…
“Okaerinasai…” His dad murmured.
“Um… Tadaima… Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you up.”
Surprisingly her dad didn’t get up but he huddled his blanket more and Louise thought she heard him chuckle. “Did you have a great time?”
She lets go of the knob. Maybe talking a little… More and more everyday… there was something growing inside her. Maybe she wanted to tell him how things turned out today… how she saved a bullied kid and now her hands feel funny. Oh, and that she made her friends worry, haha! What else…?
There were lots going on inside her little head that she didn’t notice she was kind of spacing out until her dad called her name. “You must be tired, you better get some rest.” She can see clearly that he’s smiling. It’s a different smile that usual, this time, it looked really calm… not tensed. True, not forced. I wonder… was it the smile that changed? Or her view of her dad?
Soon enough, her dad probably figured she didn’t really want to talk so he lay back at the sofa and settled himself. “You’re sleeping there?” Her question came out automatically.
“Maybe. But if you’re planning on watching TV…”
“Ah… nope…”
His dad made some stretches while lying down and Louise just stood there, waiting for something he’ll probably say. Whatever it is, she has no clue, she just kind of thinks he’s going to talk a little bit more. Sure enough, “Well… I haven’t had some decent sleep these past few days. Surprisingly, this couch gave me one just now…”
Louise smiled. True, there’s about so many things about her dad that she doesn’t know… or she probably knew but she had forgotten. Nonetheless, it was fast yet satisfying, the dad she’s with right now is trying his best to show her who he is.
“Well then, maybe some other time, we can talk about things you did today, ne? Or your friends…”
“Ah… the park was really nice. It’s not really something I’ve seen before in my life.”
Jiro waited, apparently surprised and happy at the same time.
“As for my friends… I think maybe one of these days… I’ll invite them over, is that okay dad?”
Jiro lay still, a good smile on his face. “That’s just awesome…”
“Yep. Awesome… Ja… Oyasumi!”
“Oyasuminasai” he spoke and soon he heard the door close. It’s true it’s not easy to reconnect with her daughter, not with what he’s done, not with the image he left inside her head. But perhaps, slowly… grain by grain… they’ll get there. Maybe one of these days, he’ll be able to have the courage to tell her everything. What made him do what he did… what kind of a coward he has been. He closed his eyes remembering the day he decided to leave. The last image that is held stuck inside his head was his daughter’s face. Lost. Confused. Lonely.
xXxXx
It was about ten or fifteen minutes passed eight when Yuto rang their doorbell. It wasn’t long ‘til his mom opened their gates.
“Tadaima okaasan…”
“Yuto… Oh… he’s asleep already…” his mother was about to carry Raiya from Yuto but Yuto held his brother tight. Raiya was on his back -you know, piggy back ride.
“I’ll get him tucked in his room.”
His mother nodded and asked if he was hungry, but Yuto didn’t get to reply. He laid Raiya to his bed. For an eleven year old, Raiya seemed a little shorter than Yuto thought he would be. Although, compared to when Yuto was this age, Raiya was way less skinny than him. Still when it comes to weight, he isn’t that heavy.
Yuto smiled, remembering how weak he thought he looked back then. Raiya twitched a little then started scratching his face. Yuto was quick enough to hold his brother’s hand away from his face. ‘Seriously, I think I’m spoiling you too much… demo…’ He watched as Raiya’s face turned irritated, probably by the heat. Their mother must’ve turned the heater on already.
Knowing exactly what to do, Yuto being the onii-chan, took off Raiya’s shirt and dressed him up with some sleeveless top he’s grabbed from the boy’s cabinet.
Raiya’s door squeaked a little and when Yuto looked, it was their mother carrying a tray with two bowls of her home made noodle soup. “So he’s really asleep. You boys have outdone yourselves huh?”
Yuto laughed as hushed as he could then he helped his mother with the tray. “He was looking forward for today, I guess he didn’t hold back.”
“You did a good job, onii-chan…”
Yuto smiled upon hearing his mother’s usual compliment. Ever since Raiya was born, Yuto can’t remember not being with his brother.
“Oh… I bet you’re hungry. The noodles might get cold.”
“I’ll bring them downstairs to the kitchen. I think Rai’s just about had it. He’s plopped.” Yuto answered. His mother chuckled and told him that she’ll be waiting for him downstairs.
Checking on Raiya one more time, making sure he’s all comfortable and okay, Yuto took the tray and headed downstairs.
---
In the dining table, he and his mother were talking about the things that happened today.
“I see. So Little Umiko-san is back, ne?” she was having some tea while Yuto eats.
“So you do remember her, ne okaa-san?”
“Maa~ She used to play with you all the time. I was pretty good friends with her mother. Although, I lost contact with her when they left… and with Raiya growing up…” there was a pause, “Oh… is her mother here with her?”
Yuto was slurping some noodles and stopped when he heard his mother’s question. “Ah… honestly… I have no idea mom…” there was that splash of disbelief and disappointment on his face. “Why don’t I have any idea?” he seemed to be talking to himself.
His mother laughed and this caught Yuto off-guard.
“What’s so funny mom?”
“Nothing really….”
“Mou iiyo…”
“Oh, hai hai… Must you know everything about her Yuto?” His mother made it sound like she’s scolding him but it’s obvious that it’s a fake.
“Demo… she’s the closest to a best friend I ever had… ever. And now she’s back… it’s only natural that I know more about her…. Ne? I must know, ne? Ne okaasan?” Yuto was now having this bright aura around him.
“Yuto… You waited for her to return… didn’t you?”
Yuto looked away. It suddenly felt hot. Maybe the noodles. “Huh? I don’t think so… Sheesh mom, give me a break…”
“Okay, let’s just pretend you didn’t…” his mother took her cup with her as she stood up.
“Huh? What’s that supposed to mean?”
His mother kept walking and was now on her way up the stairs, “I’ll check on Rai… if there’s anything you need, I’ll just be upstairs. Your father is working late tonight.”
What Yuto heard next was the sound of Raiya’s door closing.
‘First Chinen, now my mom? Why don’t people just drop the idea already?’ Yuto rolled his eyes and worked on finishing his noodles.
xXxXx
Daiki knocked about twice and the door just squeaked open.
“Yo!” Inoo greeted. “Dozo…”
“What’s with the glasses?” Daiki spoke. He just made himself welcome inside Inoo’s room, which is surprisingly clean.
“I wear glasses. Well, only on off-classes that I do. (perhaps Inoo was trying to make it sound like off-cam or on-cam, you know like how celebs live it) It decreases cool points.”
“Hah?”
“Oh… mite…” Inoo asked Daiki to sit on his chair and Daiki was now staring at Inoo’s laptop, with Facebook on it…
Someone’s profile… sign up…?
“Chotto… are you making me an account!?” Daiki heard his own voice retort.
Inoo laughed hard. “What? No! You can do that yourself you know…”
“Then what is this?”
“A fraud profile…”
“Ha? For what?”
Inoo pushed his glasses in place and asked Daiki to move a little. “I must explain everything ne? Seriously, why don’t you go and have a social life. Facebook’s a good way to start.” Inoo murmured as he typed some stuff.
Daiki rolled his eyes. “Like I have time for things like that. Besides, it’s full of random people. And what you’re saying about a fraud profile only proves that I’m right for not joining Facebook.” Absent-mindedly, Daiki watched what Inoo was doing. It seems he’s logging onto someone’s account.
“This Kenneth guy has been posting things for the past few weeks now…”
“That Kenneth dude?”
Inoo nodded. Finally after realizing he needed his own chair, he pulled a foldable chair placed under his bed and sat beside Daiki. Then… he continued typing. “He puts up photos, notes, videos, statuses, etc… and all of them have tags for Line-chan….”
“And how is it possible that you can view his profile?” Daiki may not have his own Facebook account, but he sure knows how Facebook works. “You added him as a friend?”
“Wow Dai-chan. I’m impressed. For someone with no account, you sure know this. But to answer your question, I didn’t.”
“You’re using someone else’s profile?”
“Bingo.”
“Eh? Who?”
Type here, click there, Inoo looked like he’s doing some boring paper and his eyes were moving from one end of the screen to the other.
“Oi Kei-chan…”
Now Inoo leaned closer to the monitor; the font size probably isn’t working too well for him. And now Daiki watched as Inoo murmured to himself, obviously reading something. “That good for nothing rare steak….”
“Geez, spill it out already. I don’t even know what you’re whole plan is, what you’ve already done, and what am I supposed to do!?”
“Relax hot-head I’m getting there… Yosh…” He clicked enter and Daiki finally got a clear view of that Kenneth guy’s profile. Complete profile that is. All photos, statuses, notes, pages etc., you name it. Anything he puts on Facebook is all in front of them.
“Let me give you a summary report on this case. Ehem…” for a moment, Inoo sounded like those detective agents? LOL.
Daiki waited, while staring at that Kenneth guy’s picture.
“So yeah… Kenneth Dickson…. What else to say about this guy. Apparently, he attended the same high school as Line-chan… About the same age as you guys obviously… uh-huh… nothing interesting anyway… until he started these posts….” Inoo was pointing to his LCD.
“When did he actually start posting?” Daiki’s tone was of curiosity.
“Hmm… Relevant enough, about a few days before Line-chan got here… if my memory serves me right…” Inoo double-checked on the dates. “Yep. I’d say a week before she got here.”
Daiki took over and scrolled through the posts.
Then Inoo said. “Stop there. This is the one we saw just a few moments ago. You know, on Line’s iPod. Some few after that there were photos.”
“Of what…?” Daiki asked and clicked on the photos. Apparently, they were photos of…
“Sticky notes? What is this? U-so…” Inoo uttered as he read the notes written.
‘Hot n Cold. That’s you and I’ “That gave me shudders…” Inoo murmured upon reading the first few notes.
‘I know you want me…’
Inoo then couldn’t help but laugh a little and soon asked, “Hey Mr. Expert in foreign songs, aren’t these all song titles of some sort? Even I know this much…”
“Yeah they are… Funny… I have a big feeling this is a prank.” Daiki didn’t sound serious, but he sounded bemused.
“What other notes are there… oh this one…” Inoo asked Daiki to click onto the other set of photos. Now these sticky notes are actually attached to a van’s windshield; some of them on the window on the driver side.
‘Don’t worry, I’ll never leave you.’
‘I’ve been in-love with you since forever.’
“OH… that was just too cheesy…” Inoo commented then he continued reading. “Look at this one Dai-chan…”
‘You belong with me. -Line’
Upon seeing that particular note, Daiki renounced, “EH!?” then it sounded like he was trying not to laugh but at the same time trying not to swear, “Who does he think he’s kidding? Line-chan wouldn’t put her name up like that!”
Not really sure why but Inoo clicked on Kenneth’s profile picture. He was probably interested in seeing if he’s made some commotion using his pictures too. It wasn’t long ‘till Inoo proved his hunches correct. “Dai-chan… Read this…”
“Ha?” Daiki leaned closer. There was a thread of comments on this mutt’s profile picture. “He looks like he hasn’t have sleep for like ages? Are you sure he’s our age?”
“Argh… never mind that, read this!” Inoo irritated, pointed at the comments thread.
So what does the thread say?
Kate Harino: Aww Ken. You’re so cute. *^_^*
Kenneth Dickson: Thanks kate, you like? I’m just worried that my stalker’s making copies of my picture right now.
Kate Harino: Omg. And then Line’s editing it so that her face’s right next to yours. LOL.
Kenneth Dickson: Like anybody would believe her.
“This is just awful… I mean, I haven’t known Line-chan for so long but sure enough she’s not… I can’t believe these people!” Daiki seemed furious, and Inoo’s handling his in a cooler fashion.
“Hai. I totally agree.” Inoo stood up now and rested his hands on top of his head. “I wonder, what is he trying to do?” He then started pacing around his room. “Ne Dai-chan, what do you think?” He paused then clicked back to Kenneth’s profile. “If you ask me… I think this whole thing is screwed up, fabricated… and cracking it would be fun.” He had this weird devilish smile on his face.
“Kei-chan baka…” Daiki can feel his temper rising but he tried to calm himself down. When it comes to friends, he’s just not the type to just let bad things slip away but he wanted to consider Line’s opinion. He continued saying, “We really should know how Line-chan feels first. What are you planning to do? Interfere and such and such? Baka ja nai no?”
“Demo… Line-chan didn’t want anything to do with it.”
“Huh?”
“I checked her profile. Apparently, she’s ignoring the whole thing. She didn’t even bother unfriending or blocking that Kenneth guy. Line-chan’s practically turning a blind eye on this.” Inoo started clicking again and soon they were on Line-chan’s profile. “I assume her friends are worried. Her wall’s flooded with mixed messages…”
“It must be awful for Line-chan ne?” For a moment, Daiki kind of saw that free spirited, and short attention-spanned girl that just kept sneezing non-stop a few minutes ago. “But it seems like she really doesn’t care. Sugoi ne?”
“Hai, hai… hontoni sugoi… demo… we can’t just leave things like this.”
Daiki stood up, stretched and he felt Inoo’s hand tap his shoulder. “What are you planning? Usually, your plans are good but they end up bad. Besides, if Line-chan’s fine with everything…”
Inoo sat back on his chair and clicked again here and there, soon they were on a sign up page again. “Are you sure Line-chan’s okay with everything? To shut herself from people who cares about her… Turning a blind eye doesn’t solve anything, ne?”
“Stop playing games Kei-chan… This is not our business.”
“Line-chan’s our friend. Dakara, indirectly I would like to say that her business-slash-troubles-slash-whatevers is in one way or another, ours. Oh, and I’m not playing games. This Kenneth Dickson guy is. And maybe it’s not too bad to let him a have a taste of his own medicine.” While Inoo was talking, Daiki watched as he fills in some random information. “Yosh.. think of a name… it must be cool… and kind of scary… you know, with some might!”
“Name for who?” Daiki was fumbling with his phone.
“Line-chan’s boyfriend….”
“Line-chan has a boyfriend!?”
“Ah… it’s useless talking to you! I’m making a fake boyfriend for Line-chan! Now hayaku and think of a name!” Pushing his glasses up in place, Inoo started scheming what must be filled in.
“Why should I think of the name!?” Daiki sounded neglecting.
“Whiny, whiny… Just think of one already…” Inoo barked back then kept scrolling.
Daiki sat on the folded chair and looked as if he’s been contemplating. “Mou… perhaps it wouldn’t hurt.”
“No it wouldn’t. Hmmm… favourite food? How about Horse sashimi?” Inoo kept typing…
“…and if Line-chan’s going to feel better.”
“Sure she will. Ah… Religious affiliations… NONE? Oh… not applicable. Pfft…” Then he laughed while typing….
“And we won’t really do anything bad…”
And then Inoo bursts. “Nani ga Dai-chan, I said just think of a name already, seriously!”
“Ah… moshi mosh… Yama-chan?”
……..
Apparenly, Daiki just answered his phone…
“Fine then! I’ll put Yamada Ryosuke in here.” Inoo spoke, a little annoyed and he heard Daiki bid good-bye.
“Oi Kei-chan, don’t use Yama-chan’s name!”
“You suggested it…” Inoo tried playing it cool and cunningly
“Oi, oi… I didn’t! YOU KNOW I DIDN’T!”
Inoo scratched his forehead. “You blabber too much. It’s okay… There’s lots of people named Yamada…”
“Ryosuke? If Yama-chan gets in trouble…”
“I’ll take NO responsibility since you’re the one who suggested the name.”
“Eh? You filthy swindler.”
“OH, that’s it! Job…. Swindler!” Inoo had this beaming smile on his face and Daiki can’t help but just shake his head. “Just help me, onegai? You’ll see… this’ll work.”
“I know it will, I just don’t know if it’ll work fine.” Daiki leaned closer to read what else Inoo has left out. “Eh…? You can’t think of a hobby?”
“It has to be something tough… Oh… what about billiards…”
“It’s better to put that on sports… If he is to be a boyfriend… hmmm… I think he has to be scary AND cool at the same time.” Daiki was twiddling his fingers on his chin. It is kind of funny how against he was about this idea minutes ago, and now he’s actually thinking how to contribute to it. “Yosh… hobby, hanging out with gang. Then put GANG FIGHT and it must be all caps.”
“Yosh.. Gang fight… isn’t that what those boys in gokusen do?”
Daiki shrugged, obviously occupied with what to write next.
With two heads better than one, in about a few minutes, Inoo and Daiki felt like they were Dr. Frankenstein building their very first monster. After a few research here and there…
“Yosh! I think that’s some tough guy, huh?” Inoo spoke, stretching his arms.
“But cool at the same time… Boyfriend material, as they say…”
“…Who fights, but doesn’t smoke…” Inoo uttered, “Good enough.”
“Yosh! What’s next-” Daiki was cut off.
“UWAAAH! We forgot one important thing!”
“Nani ga? And stop screaming, you sound like a girl!”
“He has no Profile Picture.”
“Eh…”
“Yabai…” Inoo again, was scratching his head. Then he opened a new window and started searching for pictures… “We can’t really use celebs since their pictures are either too flashy or too candid.”
“Who are we going to put?” Daiki now felt his head ache again. It sure is problematic to fabricate-slash-fake things. He figured answering most of the profile info would’ve been easier if he were to put some real answers.
“Yosh! I know he can deal with this…” It’s like finally finding that long lost pair of his slippers, Inoo was beaming again. Now he grabbed hold of his phone and soon there was a ring
xXxXx
Gomen ne for all these parts, parts thing. >_<
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Read Next Part:
Chapter Eight - Part 2