Irrational Choices - chapter 9
Title: Irrational Choices - chapter 9
Pairing: Ryo x OC x Jin
Rating: pg-13
Disclaimer: I do not own any idols. Japanese or not.
A/N: It has been eons since I updated. Hope you still remember this fic. ^_^
Summary: All is well between Yuri and Ryo. Forgiveness has been given on the latter’s birthday. What will happen now to the man who stood by her when Ryo was gone?
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
I am screwed
There was no better way to explain the situation that he was in.
How did it get so out of hand anyways? He can’t help but ask himself as he called up her number again, only to have the call disconnected. Again.
He put down the phone angrily. He had been trying to call her since yesterday but to no avail. She either blocked all calls coming from him or she had turned her phone off for good.
Tomi-chan! Why are you not answering my calls? He wanted so badly to ask her.
He sighed heavily for he knew the answer to that question. She hates you. She is still angry at you over what happened with the Russ-K promotions.
Even up to now, he couldn’t really understand why Yuri insisted that he be at that press conference. Yuri had always been independent. Even to the point of exhaustion, even when she was sick, even when her body could no longer keep up, she wouldn’t ask for help. He should have noticed that Yuri was acting strange. But being the genius of a man that he was, he didn’t. Instead of asking her what’s wrong and agreeing to help, he declined her dead on. And in his drowsy state, he had said things to her that he didn’t really mean.
How could he do that to her? Hasn’t she always been there for her?
And yet, the one time that she had asked for him to be there for her, he refused to.
Argh! Stupid. Stupid. Stupid!
He didn’t even like the girl who Yuri heard over the phone line. She had followed him around during his trip and had literally thrown herself to his bed when he came home at dawn, dead tired from work. His mind was fuzzy on how it happened, but he was sure that he did not initiate it. He would have preferred to just sleep, but how could he decline the opportunity when she was already there. What was a man supposed to do? She had offered himself to him, was he expected to decline her and insult her in the process?
Stop lying to yourself Jin.
Even my conscience disagrees with me. Fine, so I didn’t really do it to save her self-worth. He was weak. And lonely. And he was stupid enough to believe that just like his previous sexcapades, the one night with this girl could somehow fill the void that he felt.
But he was idiotically wrong.
Instead of filling-up the loneliness, it had rather created a pit big enough to accommodate sinners in hell. He couldn’t understand it himself, but after that call he felt utterly remorseful. He rationalized it was because he had answered back rudely to Yuri. And yet part of him felt he was lying once again.
He felt so guilty afterwards, but he put it off and made himself believe that he was right. He kept telling himself that he had done all that his job requires, why should Yuri meddle with his personal affairs?
Uhm, because you’re more than colleagues? Your actually friends with each other. His inner voice mockingly replied.
Stupid, Stupid. Stupid. He kept cursing himself. Had I mentioned I was stupid?
He knew that he should have called up immediately afterwards to apologize to her, but his manly pride got in the way. He insisted that he was right and she was wrong. And that if there was anybody who should apologize, it should be her.
So he waited. And waited. For the entire week that he was required to stay at the goddamn client’s office, he had waited for her call. Everytime he would answer the phone, he anticipated hearing her voice. For the first three days, he had even rehearsed his dialogue. He was going to act all superior and wait for her to beg for forgiveness. He wasn’t going to give in that easily. She would have to make amends for their fight. Two days after that, he decided to be a change his dialogue into a simple ‘I forgive you’. He thought that perhaps, by changing his tactic, the heavens would urge Yuri to call him. Still two days after hearing nothing from her, he was already willing to be the one to ask for forgiveness. He was willing to work for a month without pay, to not be given vacation leave for a year. Heck, he was even willing to pay her phone bill! All she had to do was to press the speed dial to call him. He had never wished for anything so badly in his life.
When the suspense was already eating him alive, he decided to opt for one last strategy, calling her instead. And that is exactly what he was doing. Again.
Sorry, we are unable to connect your call. Please check the number and dial again.
“Where the hell are you? Why aren’t you answering your calls? Are you still angry with me? Don’t be a coward and talk to me!” he screamed at his phone, as if the inanimate object had transformed to Yuri. As if she could hear him.
Man, I’m going crazy. If this continues, I am sure I will be locked up in an asylum for good.
He sighed deeply. It seems he has no other option then but to request for back-up (aka bother other people with my own troubles). But he was left with no other choices. He was at wits end already.
He took a deep breath, willing the air to fill his lungs to draw forth courage. He searched for her name in his directory and pressed the call button.
A few rings later, she had picked up.
“U-uhm, hi. I’m sorry to bother you like this... but…do you know where Tomi-chan is?”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A week. She had gone back home for a week and she didn’t tell me.
He wasn’t sure how to react.
Just what exactly happened? Like him, Yuri hasn’t come home to her hometown much.
Why the sudden interest to go home?
Could she have felt so bad after their fight that she decided to go home to clear her thoughts? Had our fight been THAT big of an issue?
Ren had said that Yuri would be back by today. There will be time to talk to her and finally get this awkward misunderstanding beyond them.
I still have time to prepare then.
A small smile graced his face as he thought of a plan.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He was known to woo women from all over the globe. It was so easy to know what it is that make women forgive jerks like him.
Dozens of flowers, soft music, pink champagne, candlelight dinner, and a tearful apology would do the work. Any woman would fall for that. That was the perfect plan, except that Yuri wasn’t just like any woman. She was exceptionally allergic to cheesy clichés. She was a firm believer that sincerity does not need any theatrical stunts.
Yuri is always an exception to the rule. He always felt challenged with her. And making her forgive him was one of those examples.
But he was up for this feat. He is THE Akanishi Jin after all. Charming people was one of his best talents.
Just you wait, Tomi-chan. We will have this resolved as soon as you open the door…
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Why is everything so dark here?” He heard Yuri ask as she fumbled to find the lights.
“That’s odd. I vaguely remember telling Ren to keep the lights open in my office. I did tell her I’ll be coming really early. Oh well…” Jin smiled as Yuri continued talking to herself.
Once everything was bright in her office, she gasped.
“What is this?” She asked to no one in particular. She quickly made her way to the gigantic object that was sitting at the center of her office. Spotting the card, she quickly opened it and read it aloud.
“Tomi-chan, I know I have been a jerk. I’m really sorry. Hope you can still forgive me. Your remorseful friend, Jin.”
She paused for a moment before slumping next to the sofa. “Bakanishi… You know I don’t fall for mushy stuffs like this. I would have preferred that we talk this out.”
She sighed before standing up again.
“This a very cute and really, really big teddy bear though.” She tried to pick up the humongous stuffed toy but found out it was really heavy as well.
“What is this made of? Galvanized steel?!” She asked loudly as she tried again to pick it up.
She gave up after a few more futile attempts and slumped at the floor instead.
“Argh! You don’t want to move, then fine! You are as stubborn as the one who bought you!” She exclaimed with her arms crossed.
Silence.
Jin wondered how long Yuri would just stare at the teddy bear.
Without a word, she hugged the huge stuffed toy tightly, and placed her head on its soft, furry chest.
“I miss you dummy. How I wish you were here instead.”
Jin was taken aback by her statement. Although Yuri was known to be ruthless at work, she was a very sweet person. He could feel his heart tighten at what she had just said. He couldn’t take it anymore and hugged her back.
At the sudden movement, Yuri quickly threw her head back. “What the -?” She struggled as she tried to push the moving teddy bear.
“Ahhhh!!! It’s moving! Let me go you freaking android!” she continued to squirm and push the teddy bear’s face away from her. She gave the teddy bear who was still hugging her an undercut and a kick in the shin.
Jin should have considered that Yuri was taking boxing lessons.
He let go of his hold and crumpled on the floor. He was trying his best not to yelp in pain.
“Eh? Since when did machines react when hit at the sensitive areas?” Yuri gasped as realization hit her.
“I swear Akanishi-san, if you are the one behind that humongous fur, say it right now! Otherwise, I will call security and have you put behind bars!”
Jin raised his hand in answer.
“It’s me!”
That got Yuri’s attention but Jin could still hear her heavy breathing.
“Prove it.” Yuri demanded of him.
Slowly, Jin took off the huge teddy bear head. Trickles of sweat can be seen on his forehead. His hair was slick from perspiration.
Air! I missed you!
Jin took in large gulps of air, savoring the moment as it filled his lungs.
“Eh?! Is that really you?” He heard Yuri ask.
He gave her a teasing smile. “Yup. I’m the one and only, world-famous Jin Akanishi.”
“What are you doing here in my office at this hour?”, she snapped.
“Uhm, cosplaying?” Jin replied jokingly. Yuri merely raised an eyebrow.
“Argh. Tomi-chan, isn’t it obvious? I came here to apologize.” He looked at her seriously. At this moment, he wanted the woman in front of her to know how sincere he was in making amends.
“You are sorry for what exactly?” she pressed on.
Sigh. She is not making this easy for me. “Well, for starters, for being so rude to you last week when you called.” Yuri looked at him intently while he continued. “I’m sorry for calling you a brat. And…. I’m sorry for not being there when you needed me.” He finished with downcast eyes.
“So, you thought that by coming here, dressed up like THAT, I would forgive you?” Yuri inquired. He looked at her incredulously. Should he have brought flowers and pink champagne instead?
“Uhm… y-yes?” Jin squeaked out.
Yuri stared at him with an unreadable expression on her face. Jin could hear the ticking of the clock as he waited for her to say something…anything at all.
Then Yuri burst out laughing.
“Eh? Did I say something weird?” Jin scratched his head in confusion. What was I missing?
“Go-gomen. I ca-can’t help it.” Yuri managed to say in between laughs. She took one look at him and ended up laughing again. When she was finally able to control herself, she straightened her back and looked at him with at a serious face.
“You really are THE Bakanishi. No one could rival your utterly and uniquely weird way of thinking.” She told him with a huge grin. “ Never. And I mean never, had the notion entered my mind that you would dress up like a furry stuff toy! Oh man, if only your platoons of women could see you right now!” she started laughing again.
Jin felt his face get red from embarrassment. “Do you think I didn’t know damage it would do to my reputation? This is something I wouldn’t do even if you pay me millions!” he snapped back.
“Really now?”
“Yeah!”
“Then why are you standing here in front of me doing the exact opposite?”
“Probably because you are more important to me than money or pride!”
Both Jin and Yuri were surprised at his outburst.
“I…I can’t and WON’T let one fight to ruin our important friendship.” He added with his head bent low. It was only know that he truly realized that not talking to her for one week had really scared him. It wasn’t guilt that he felt; it was fear of losing what they have.
Yuri took his hand and clasped it with her own. “In all honesty, I was crushed, irritated and hurt because of that fight. But I’m not stupid to let it get in the way of our friendship.” She gave him a small reassuring grin.
“Does that mean I’m forgiven?” he looked at her with a twinge of hope.
“Duh.” She rolled her eyes at him.
With this, he pulled her into a tight embrace, wrapping his arms protectively on her small frame. He was so relieved to hear that she doesn’t hate him. Everything was going to remain as is.
“Jin…”
He missed having her call out his name.
“Jin…”
“Hmm?”
“I-I can’t… breathe…”
It was then that he remembered that he was still wearing a teddy bear costume. Shocked, he quickly let go of his hold. Stupid! Do you intend to kill her?
“Gomenasai Tomi-chan!”
She took the time to catch her breath. “You are SO treating me for lunch.” She looked dead serious.
Jin let out a soft chuckle. Leave it to Yuri to think of food at this situation. She always had a huge appetite, though it doesn’t show on her body. Perhaps all of it was being used by her brain to function properly.
“Hai. Hai.”
Mission to get his best friend back: Success!
It was going to be a great day ahead. Jin was sure of it.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The rest of the day went by. Jin couldn’t explain it himself but every work seemed to be easier. Lighter. It seemed like he could go through various meetings and presentations with a breeze.
He heard a familiar ring tone as he picked up his phone, smiling as the name of the caller flashed on the screen.
“Tomi-chan?”
“Jin, meet me after work okay? We are going somewhere.” Yuri told him.
He chuckled at her demand. “What is this? A direct order?”
“Yes. We are going to have dinner.” She said excitedly.
“Eh? We just had lunch, you are thinking of food again? Tomi-chan, you are getting scary.” He teased her.
“Argh! You are insufferable. Just meet me at my office okay?”
“Fine.’
“Oh, and Jin?”
“Hmm?”
“Wear your costume later, okay?” Yuri added.
“What?! No way!” He can’t believe Yuri was teasing him about earlier.
“But you look so cute in it! Cutie, fluffy Akanishi!” He could hear her laughing as she talk to him.
“Argh! Shut up Tomi-chan! I’m hanging up now.” Must she continuously remind him of that?
“Okay then. See yah later Jin!” Crazy. He muttered under his breath although he was smiling inwardly. It was good to see that everything was back to normal.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Why are you not wearing your costume?!” Yuri asked him as he drove towards one of her favorite Italian restaurant.
“Very funny.” He replied back.
She chuckled while she tinkered with his audio equipment. She finally settled for a pop/ballad song.
“By the way, what have you been doing last week? You went home right?” he asked as she made herself comfortable.
“Well, in two words, it was ‘forgiveness week’.” She stated simply.
“So, you were thinking whether to forgive me or not?” he was amused to find out that it took that long to forgive him.
“You and another friend.”
“Another friend?” Jin was a bit confused. The only friends of Yuri that he knew were working with them at Kuroi Shiroi.
“Hai. My best friend since I was 12. We went to school together, up until high school.”
It seemed as though Yuri was lost in memory lane.
“Then what happened? What’s there to forgive?” Jin was curious. It was the first time that Yuri talked about this part of her life. Heck, he didn’t even know she had a best friend before.
“Left for Canada on the day when we were supposed to be celebrating my birthday, without properly saying goodbye.” From the way Yuri sounded, it was obvious that it affected her a lot. “We haven’t talked since.”
“And I’m guessing your friend recently came back after all that time?”
Yuri merely nodded.
“And your friend wanted to apologize, but knowing you, it must have taken you some time to accept the apology.” He continued. If a 3-minute fight took Yuri a week to forgive him, it must have taken a much longer time for her to forgive her former best friend.
Yuri nodded again.
“And you are going to introduce me to your best friend tonight.” He concluded.
Yuri clapped her hands in awe.
“Wow. You should really consider changing careers. I didn’t know you could read me that well. Or perhaps you are just clairvoyant.”
“Don’t get too excited. If I could see the future, I should have stayed clear from meeting a weirdo like you.”
Yuri pinched his cheek hard. “Ouch!”
“That’s for saying unnecessary things.” She stuck her tongue at him.
He touched his swollen cheeks. “No. Pinching me WAS unnecessary. Do you intend to ruin my beautiful face?”
“Nah. Nothing so drastic. I’m merely trying to roughen it up and make you more gangster looking.” She looked at him innocently.
“You are trying to set me up with your best friend aren’t you? Isn’t that considered weird? You know more than anyone that I’m a playboy. Why risk the chance to have her hurt?” he paused. “Unless… you still hate her!”
Yuri choked on air as she coughed continuously. “Wh-what?!”
“You are evil Tomi-chan.” He wadded his finger at her as if scolding a little child.
Laughter emanated from the passenger seat.
“You…have…no idea…what you…are talking about Jin.” She said in between laughs. It seemed as though tears were forming in her eyes.
“Don’t I?” he asked incredulously.
“Wait ‘till you see Jin. Wait ‘till you see.”
She continued chuckling as if I just told her the funniest joke in the world.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“So, did your friend reserve a table for us?” he asked Yuri the moment they had set foot at the restaurant.
“Of course.” She answered while she craned her neck to find her friend.
Just then his phone rang. He took it out and excused himself. “Tomi-chan, I need to accept this call. I’ll find you later okay?”
She nodded in understanding as he answered the call.
“Moshi-moshi.”
“Jin, it’s me.” A deep voice replied.
“O-otousan?”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Their table was near the far end of the restaurant with a beam covering the side of Yuri’s friend. Their location allowed ample lighting and privacy.
Not a bad choice. He thought to himself.
He could see her chuckling at some joke that the person in front of her must have said. He was taken aback by how beautiful she looked. Her eyes were glistening with laughter while the soft light beamed at her face.
He approached the table without taking his eyes off her.
“Tomi-chan, sorry about that.” He tried to explain to her.
“Daijobou. Jin, I want you to meet my best friend that I’ve told you about...” she stretched out her arms to the person in front of her.
Jin bowed down a little in greeting as the other person did the same.
“Hajimemashite…Nishikido Ryo desu…” The name rang in his ears as he quickly lifted his head.
He stared in disbelief as the endorser of Russ-K stood before him. Yuri was smiling at the two of them while Ryo’s expression was unreadable.
To say that Jin was shocked was an understatement. He was surprised that the two actually knew each other way before. Then realization dawned on him as to why Yuri was acting weird since the Russ-K planning meeting.
It was because of this man. This was the bastard who caused Yuri to feel so much pain.
He was sure of it. And now he was back.
Jin felt a pang of anger as he looked at him.
“Hajimemashite...” He did what he could to cover the irritation in his voice. “Akanishi Jin desu.”
Jin clenched his fists tightly. Earlier this morning, he was in such a good mood. But with the way things are going right now, it seemed though, the night had turned out for the worse.
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A/N: My sincerest apologies for not updating sooner. I was on a semi-hiatus for a couple of months. Please don’t hate me!
I made this chapter extra long to make up for it. hehe.
Let me know what you think. I really missed hearing from you guys. =)
P.S. as per request of my wonderful friends, Nihonggo 101:
Hai = yes
Otousan = Father
Daijoubou = It’s alright
Hajimemashite = Nice to meet you
Pairing: Ryo x OC x Jin
Rating: pg-13
Disclaimer: I do not own any idols. Japanese or not.
A/N: It has been eons since I updated. Hope you still remember this fic. ^_^
Summary: All is well between Yuri and Ryo. Forgiveness has been given on the latter’s birthday. What will happen now to the man who stood by her when Ryo was gone?
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
I am screwed
There was no better way to explain the situation that he was in.
How did it get so out of hand anyways? He can’t help but ask himself as he called up her number again, only to have the call disconnected. Again.
He put down the phone angrily. He had been trying to call her since yesterday but to no avail. She either blocked all calls coming from him or she had turned her phone off for good.
Tomi-chan! Why are you not answering my calls? He wanted so badly to ask her.
He sighed heavily for he knew the answer to that question. She hates you. She is still angry at you over what happened with the Russ-K promotions.
Even up to now, he couldn’t really understand why Yuri insisted that he be at that press conference. Yuri had always been independent. Even to the point of exhaustion, even when she was sick, even when her body could no longer keep up, she wouldn’t ask for help. He should have noticed that Yuri was acting strange. But being the genius of a man that he was, he didn’t. Instead of asking her what’s wrong and agreeing to help, he declined her dead on. And in his drowsy state, he had said things to her that he didn’t really mean.
How could he do that to her? Hasn’t she always been there for her?
And yet, the one time that she had asked for him to be there for her, he refused to.
Argh! Stupid. Stupid. Stupid!
He didn’t even like the girl who Yuri heard over the phone line. She had followed him around during his trip and had literally thrown herself to his bed when he came home at dawn, dead tired from work. His mind was fuzzy on how it happened, but he was sure that he did not initiate it. He would have preferred to just sleep, but how could he decline the opportunity when she was already there. What was a man supposed to do? She had offered himself to him, was he expected to decline her and insult her in the process?
Stop lying to yourself Jin.
Even my conscience disagrees with me. Fine, so I didn’t really do it to save her self-worth. He was weak. And lonely. And he was stupid enough to believe that just like his previous sexcapades, the one night with this girl could somehow fill the void that he felt.
But he was idiotically wrong.
Instead of filling-up the loneliness, it had rather created a pit big enough to accommodate sinners in hell. He couldn’t understand it himself, but after that call he felt utterly remorseful. He rationalized it was because he had answered back rudely to Yuri. And yet part of him felt he was lying once again.
He felt so guilty afterwards, but he put it off and made himself believe that he was right. He kept telling himself that he had done all that his job requires, why should Yuri meddle with his personal affairs?
Uhm, because you’re more than colleagues? Your actually friends with each other. His inner voice mockingly replied.
Stupid, Stupid. Stupid. He kept cursing himself. Had I mentioned I was stupid?
He knew that he should have called up immediately afterwards to apologize to her, but his manly pride got in the way. He insisted that he was right and she was wrong. And that if there was anybody who should apologize, it should be her.
So he waited. And waited. For the entire week that he was required to stay at the goddamn client’s office, he had waited for her call. Everytime he would answer the phone, he anticipated hearing her voice. For the first three days, he had even rehearsed his dialogue. He was going to act all superior and wait for her to beg for forgiveness. He wasn’t going to give in that easily. She would have to make amends for their fight. Two days after that, he decided to be a change his dialogue into a simple ‘I forgive you’. He thought that perhaps, by changing his tactic, the heavens would urge Yuri to call him. Still two days after hearing nothing from her, he was already willing to be the one to ask for forgiveness. He was willing to work for a month without pay, to not be given vacation leave for a year. Heck, he was even willing to pay her phone bill! All she had to do was to press the speed dial to call him. He had never wished for anything so badly in his life.
When the suspense was already eating him alive, he decided to opt for one last strategy, calling her instead. And that is exactly what he was doing. Again.
Sorry, we are unable to connect your call. Please check the number and dial again.
“Where the hell are you? Why aren’t you answering your calls? Are you still angry with me? Don’t be a coward and talk to me!” he screamed at his phone, as if the inanimate object had transformed to Yuri. As if she could hear him.
Man, I’m going crazy. If this continues, I am sure I will be locked up in an asylum for good.
He sighed deeply. It seems he has no other option then but to request for back-up (aka bother other people with my own troubles). But he was left with no other choices. He was at wits end already.
He took a deep breath, willing the air to fill his lungs to draw forth courage. He searched for her name in his directory and pressed the call button.
A few rings later, she had picked up.
“U-uhm, hi. I’m sorry to bother you like this... but…do you know where Tomi-chan is?”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A week. She had gone back home for a week and she didn’t tell me.
He wasn’t sure how to react.
Just what exactly happened? Like him, Yuri hasn’t come home to her hometown much.
Why the sudden interest to go home?
Could she have felt so bad after their fight that she decided to go home to clear her thoughts? Had our fight been THAT big of an issue?
Ren had said that Yuri would be back by today. There will be time to talk to her and finally get this awkward misunderstanding beyond them.
I still have time to prepare then.
A small smile graced his face as he thought of a plan.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He was known to woo women from all over the globe. It was so easy to know what it is that make women forgive jerks like him.
Dozens of flowers, soft music, pink champagne, candlelight dinner, and a tearful apology would do the work. Any woman would fall for that. That was the perfect plan, except that Yuri wasn’t just like any woman. She was exceptionally allergic to cheesy clichés. She was a firm believer that sincerity does not need any theatrical stunts.
Yuri is always an exception to the rule. He always felt challenged with her. And making her forgive him was one of those examples.
But he was up for this feat. He is THE Akanishi Jin after all. Charming people was one of his best talents.
Just you wait, Tomi-chan. We will have this resolved as soon as you open the door…
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Why is everything so dark here?” He heard Yuri ask as she fumbled to find the lights.
“That’s odd. I vaguely remember telling Ren to keep the lights open in my office. I did tell her I’ll be coming really early. Oh well…” Jin smiled as Yuri continued talking to herself.
Once everything was bright in her office, she gasped.
“What is this?” She asked to no one in particular. She quickly made her way to the gigantic object that was sitting at the center of her office. Spotting the card, she quickly opened it and read it aloud.
“Tomi-chan, I know I have been a jerk. I’m really sorry. Hope you can still forgive me. Your remorseful friend, Jin.”
She paused for a moment before slumping next to the sofa. “Bakanishi… You know I don’t fall for mushy stuffs like this. I would have preferred that we talk this out.”
She sighed before standing up again.
“This a very cute and really, really big teddy bear though.” She tried to pick up the humongous stuffed toy but found out it was really heavy as well.
“What is this made of? Galvanized steel?!” She asked loudly as she tried again to pick it up.
She gave up after a few more futile attempts and slumped at the floor instead.
“Argh! You don’t want to move, then fine! You are as stubborn as the one who bought you!” She exclaimed with her arms crossed.
Silence.
Jin wondered how long Yuri would just stare at the teddy bear.
Without a word, she hugged the huge stuffed toy tightly, and placed her head on its soft, furry chest.
“I miss you dummy. How I wish you were here instead.”
Jin was taken aback by her statement. Although Yuri was known to be ruthless at work, she was a very sweet person. He could feel his heart tighten at what she had just said. He couldn’t take it anymore and hugged her back.
At the sudden movement, Yuri quickly threw her head back. “What the -?” She struggled as she tried to push the moving teddy bear.
“Ahhhh!!! It’s moving! Let me go you freaking android!” she continued to squirm and push the teddy bear’s face away from her. She gave the teddy bear who was still hugging her an undercut and a kick in the shin.
Jin should have considered that Yuri was taking boxing lessons.
He let go of his hold and crumpled on the floor. He was trying his best not to yelp in pain.
“Eh? Since when did machines react when hit at the sensitive areas?” Yuri gasped as realization hit her.
“I swear Akanishi-san, if you are the one behind that humongous fur, say it right now! Otherwise, I will call security and have you put behind bars!”
Jin raised his hand in answer.
“It’s me!”
That got Yuri’s attention but Jin could still hear her heavy breathing.
“Prove it.” Yuri demanded of him.
Slowly, Jin took off the huge teddy bear head. Trickles of sweat can be seen on his forehead. His hair was slick from perspiration.
Air! I missed you!
Jin took in large gulps of air, savoring the moment as it filled his lungs.
“Eh?! Is that really you?” He heard Yuri ask.
He gave her a teasing smile. “Yup. I’m the one and only, world-famous Jin Akanishi.”
“What are you doing here in my office at this hour?”, she snapped.
“Uhm, cosplaying?” Jin replied jokingly. Yuri merely raised an eyebrow.
“Argh. Tomi-chan, isn’t it obvious? I came here to apologize.” He looked at her seriously. At this moment, he wanted the woman in front of her to know how sincere he was in making amends.
“You are sorry for what exactly?” she pressed on.
Sigh. She is not making this easy for me. “Well, for starters, for being so rude to you last week when you called.” Yuri looked at him intently while he continued. “I’m sorry for calling you a brat. And…. I’m sorry for not being there when you needed me.” He finished with downcast eyes.
“So, you thought that by coming here, dressed up like THAT, I would forgive you?” Yuri inquired. He looked at her incredulously. Should he have brought flowers and pink champagne instead?
“Uhm… y-yes?” Jin squeaked out.
Yuri stared at him with an unreadable expression on her face. Jin could hear the ticking of the clock as he waited for her to say something…anything at all.
Then Yuri burst out laughing.
“Eh? Did I say something weird?” Jin scratched his head in confusion. What was I missing?
“Go-gomen. I ca-can’t help it.” Yuri managed to say in between laughs. She took one look at him and ended up laughing again. When she was finally able to control herself, she straightened her back and looked at him with at a serious face.
“You really are THE Bakanishi. No one could rival your utterly and uniquely weird way of thinking.” She told him with a huge grin. “ Never. And I mean never, had the notion entered my mind that you would dress up like a furry stuff toy! Oh man, if only your platoons of women could see you right now!” she started laughing again.
Jin felt his face get red from embarrassment. “Do you think I didn’t know damage it would do to my reputation? This is something I wouldn’t do even if you pay me millions!” he snapped back.
“Really now?”
“Yeah!”
“Then why are you standing here in front of me doing the exact opposite?”
“Probably because you are more important to me than money or pride!”
Both Jin and Yuri were surprised at his outburst.
“I…I can’t and WON’T let one fight to ruin our important friendship.” He added with his head bent low. It was only know that he truly realized that not talking to her for one week had really scared him. It wasn’t guilt that he felt; it was fear of losing what they have.
Yuri took his hand and clasped it with her own. “In all honesty, I was crushed, irritated and hurt because of that fight. But I’m not stupid to let it get in the way of our friendship.” She gave him a small reassuring grin.
“Does that mean I’m forgiven?” he looked at her with a twinge of hope.
“Duh.” She rolled her eyes at him.
With this, he pulled her into a tight embrace, wrapping his arms protectively on her small frame. He was so relieved to hear that she doesn’t hate him. Everything was going to remain as is.
“Jin…”
He missed having her call out his name.
“Jin…”
“Hmm?”
“I-I can’t… breathe…”
It was then that he remembered that he was still wearing a teddy bear costume. Shocked, he quickly let go of his hold. Stupid! Do you intend to kill her?
“Gomenasai Tomi-chan!”
She took the time to catch her breath. “You are SO treating me for lunch.” She looked dead serious.
Jin let out a soft chuckle. Leave it to Yuri to think of food at this situation. She always had a huge appetite, though it doesn’t show on her body. Perhaps all of it was being used by her brain to function properly.
“Hai. Hai.”
Mission to get his best friend back: Success!
It was going to be a great day ahead. Jin was sure of it.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The rest of the day went by. Jin couldn’t explain it himself but every work seemed to be easier. Lighter. It seemed like he could go through various meetings and presentations with a breeze.
He heard a familiar ring tone as he picked up his phone, smiling as the name of the caller flashed on the screen.
“Tomi-chan?”
“Jin, meet me after work okay? We are going somewhere.” Yuri told him.
He chuckled at her demand. “What is this? A direct order?”
“Yes. We are going to have dinner.” She said excitedly.
“Eh? We just had lunch, you are thinking of food again? Tomi-chan, you are getting scary.” He teased her.
“Argh! You are insufferable. Just meet me at my office okay?”
“Fine.’
“Oh, and Jin?”
“Hmm?”
“Wear your costume later, okay?” Yuri added.
“What?! No way!” He can’t believe Yuri was teasing him about earlier.
“But you look so cute in it! Cutie, fluffy Akanishi!” He could hear her laughing as she talk to him.
“Argh! Shut up Tomi-chan! I’m hanging up now.” Must she continuously remind him of that?
“Okay then. See yah later Jin!” Crazy. He muttered under his breath although he was smiling inwardly. It was good to see that everything was back to normal.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Why are you not wearing your costume?!” Yuri asked him as he drove towards one of her favorite Italian restaurant.
“Very funny.” He replied back.
She chuckled while she tinkered with his audio equipment. She finally settled for a pop/ballad song.
“By the way, what have you been doing last week? You went home right?” he asked as she made herself comfortable.
“Well, in two words, it was ‘forgiveness week’.” She stated simply.
“So, you were thinking whether to forgive me or not?” he was amused to find out that it took that long to forgive him.
“You and another friend.”
“Another friend?” Jin was a bit confused. The only friends of Yuri that he knew were working with them at Kuroi Shiroi.
“Hai. My best friend since I was 12. We went to school together, up until high school.”
It seemed as though Yuri was lost in memory lane.
“Then what happened? What’s there to forgive?” Jin was curious. It was the first time that Yuri talked about this part of her life. Heck, he didn’t even know she had a best friend before.
“Left for Canada on the day when we were supposed to be celebrating my birthday, without properly saying goodbye.” From the way Yuri sounded, it was obvious that it affected her a lot. “We haven’t talked since.”
“And I’m guessing your friend recently came back after all that time?”
Yuri merely nodded.
“And your friend wanted to apologize, but knowing you, it must have taken you some time to accept the apology.” He continued. If a 3-minute fight took Yuri a week to forgive him, it must have taken a much longer time for her to forgive her former best friend.
Yuri nodded again.
“And you are going to introduce me to your best friend tonight.” He concluded.
Yuri clapped her hands in awe.
“Wow. You should really consider changing careers. I didn’t know you could read me that well. Or perhaps you are just clairvoyant.”
“Don’t get too excited. If I could see the future, I should have stayed clear from meeting a weirdo like you.”
Yuri pinched his cheek hard. “Ouch!”
“That’s for saying unnecessary things.” She stuck her tongue at him.
He touched his swollen cheeks. “No. Pinching me WAS unnecessary. Do you intend to ruin my beautiful face?”
“Nah. Nothing so drastic. I’m merely trying to roughen it up and make you more gangster looking.” She looked at him innocently.
“You are trying to set me up with your best friend aren’t you? Isn’t that considered weird? You know more than anyone that I’m a playboy. Why risk the chance to have her hurt?” he paused. “Unless… you still hate her!”
Yuri choked on air as she coughed continuously. “Wh-what?!”
“You are evil Tomi-chan.” He wadded his finger at her as if scolding a little child.
Laughter emanated from the passenger seat.
“You…have…no idea…what you…are talking about Jin.” She said in between laughs. It seemed as though tears were forming in her eyes.
“Don’t I?” he asked incredulously.
“Wait ‘till you see Jin. Wait ‘till you see.”
She continued chuckling as if I just told her the funniest joke in the world.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“So, did your friend reserve a table for us?” he asked Yuri the moment they had set foot at the restaurant.
“Of course.” She answered while she craned her neck to find her friend.
Just then his phone rang. He took it out and excused himself. “Tomi-chan, I need to accept this call. I’ll find you later okay?”
She nodded in understanding as he answered the call.
“Moshi-moshi.”
“Jin, it’s me.” A deep voice replied.
“O-otousan?”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Their table was near the far end of the restaurant with a beam covering the side of Yuri’s friend. Their location allowed ample lighting and privacy.
Not a bad choice. He thought to himself.
He could see her chuckling at some joke that the person in front of her must have said. He was taken aback by how beautiful she looked. Her eyes were glistening with laughter while the soft light beamed at her face.
He approached the table without taking his eyes off her.
“Tomi-chan, sorry about that.” He tried to explain to her.
“Daijobou. Jin, I want you to meet my best friend that I’ve told you about...” she stretched out her arms to the person in front of her.
Jin bowed down a little in greeting as the other person did the same.
“Hajimemashite…Nishikido Ryo desu…” The name rang in his ears as he quickly lifted his head.
He stared in disbelief as the endorser of Russ-K stood before him. Yuri was smiling at the two of them while Ryo’s expression was unreadable.
To say that Jin was shocked was an understatement. He was surprised that the two actually knew each other way before. Then realization dawned on him as to why Yuri was acting weird since the Russ-K planning meeting.
It was because of this man. This was the bastard who caused Yuri to feel so much pain.
He was sure of it. And now he was back.
Jin felt a pang of anger as he looked at him.
“Hajimemashite...” He did what he could to cover the irritation in his voice. “Akanishi Jin desu.”
Jin clenched his fists tightly. Earlier this morning, he was in such a good mood. But with the way things are going right now, it seemed though, the night had turned out for the worse.
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A/N: My sincerest apologies for not updating sooner. I was on a semi-hiatus for a couple of months. Please don’t hate me!
I made this chapter extra long to make up for it. hehe.
Let me know what you think. I really missed hearing from you guys. =)
P.S. as per request of my wonderful friends, Nihonggo 101:
Hai = yes
Otousan = Father
Daijoubou = It’s alright
Hajimemashite = Nice to meet you