Irrational Choices - Chapter 10
Title: Irrational Choices - chapter 10
Pairing: Ryo x OC x Jin
Rating: pg-13
Disclaimer: I do not own any Japanese idols. But I think I own a few Korean ones. *cough* XD
A/N: It’s been more than a month since I updated. I’m really sorry for the wait.
Summary: He had reconciled with his past. He’s happy that he has her back. His best buddy. He had expected things to be the way they were before. But could that be possible now?
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
“M-mo-shi moshi?” He heard her voice croak through the phone. From the sounds of it, he had just woken her up.
“Yuri-chan! Ohayo!” He greeted cheerfully.
“Ryo?” He could hear her fumbling across her desk. He guessed she was trying to find her alarm clock. “Ryo… its 6 am...” He was right again. “Why are you calling me? Is there a problem?” Her voice started to panic.
He let out a sigh. Leave it to Yuri to worry about things.
“Nothing is wrong. I called to wake you up, sleepy head.”
There was a momentary pause on the phone. “Ryo, I set my two alarms at 6:30. Two! Sleep for me is a luxury. You just owed me half an hour’s worth of my sleeping time.” He could tell that she was already up. And judging from the sounds on the phone, she was definitely making her way to the kitchen.
“Wait! I took the liberty to wake you up and you’re being this ungrateful?” He mocked at her.
“Nah. Somehow I just enjoy making you feel guilty.” She snickered from the phone.
“What?!”
She burst out laughing. “I’m kidding! You don’t have to get so riled up.” He could hear her coffee brewing at the background. “We came home past midnight. I’m surprised you’re this energetic Ryo.”
“That’s because I have a very good reason for waking up.”
This seemed to spark her interest. “You have an interview or something?”
“Nope. Something much worthwhile.” He answered.
“Uhm, saving the world at daybreak?”
He chuckled at her retort. It sounded like an altered version of a Powerpuff girls’ tag line.
“Open up.”
“Eh?”
“I’m right outside.”
The sound of quick shuffling of feet and the opening of locks meant that she had done as he had requested.
Once the door was ajar, her surprised face greeted him. “Ryo! You could have told me that you were outside all this time!”
He was taken aback by how she looked. When they were younger, Yuri looked like an unkempt bundle of newborn puppy with her bed hair, but looking at her now, he couldn’t believe that this was the same person half a decade ago. She had no ounce of make-up on her face but she radiated with fresh and natural charm. Her pale blue tank top hugged her feminine form. He had to gulp down the lump that had unknowingly formed in his throat. His best friend looked rather…captivating. A look further down showed her wearing darker blue pajamas. He smiled as he saw the Doraemon character printed on it. How she had managed to look sexy and cute at the same time baffled him. What happened to the Yuri that he teased for looking like a ball of fur in the morning?
“What?” Her question brought him back to his senses. Did he just check her out? His best friend?
He looked away to get his concentration back. Get hold of yourself Ryo. This is Yuri we are talking about. Your freakin’ best friend whose trust you have just gotten back! He cringed at the thought that he was jeopardizing his friendship with hers just because she looked amazing.
“Wow. No need to look that disgusted Ryo.” She told him blankly as she turned her back at him. “Come in if you want to.”
Disgusted? Whoever said he was feeling that way?
Ryo quickly entered her apartment and grabbed her hand. “What are you talking about? I have seen you in far worse situations than this.”
Her widened eyes and raised eyebrows meant that he had chosen the wrong words to say.
“I mean you look fine, even in the morning.” She nodded her head with such little enthusiasm that it was obvious she was not buying it.
“I’m serious! I swear! ” He finally released her grip on her and raised his right hand as if making a solemn oath before a presiding judge.
“Sure… Anyways, why are you here?” She asked him as she took a seat at her island counter.
He smiled widely as she placed the paper bag in front of her. She opened it and peaked inside. “You went here to buy me groceries?” She asked incredulously.
It was his turn to look at her in amusement. “Hell NO. I came here to make you breakfast.”
She laughed out loud at him. It was his turn to feel insulted.
“You did not just laugh at me!” Ryo demanded.
“Oh I think I just did. Need I remind you of the time you were assigned to cook in middle school? You sent half of our group to the infirmary. Good thing I was wise enough not to eat it.” Ryo cringed as he recalled the disastrous event. Why does Yuri have such a good memory?
“You are exaggerating things. There were only four of us in the group.” He pointed out.
“You cooked. The other two ate. I refused. From the looks of it, I got my facts straight when I said half was sick after eating the sumptuous meal you have prepared. I just made it sound more melodramatic.” She continued to tease him.
“As expected from the president of Kuroi Shiroi.” He commented as he started taking out the things from the bag.
He stopped when she felt her hand on top of his. “Ryo. Let me order in. I’ll pay for it. Okay?”
“What are you talking about? I - “
“I’m too young to die!!! Please don’t experiment with my life on the line.” She pleaded. He knew she was teasing him. But her flawless acting make it seems like she really meant it.
He bent his face lower to face her. “Stop and sit tight. After you tasted what I have prepared, you’ll never forget it.” He smirked proudly.
“Of course I won’t. This will be like my express ticket to the other side.”
“YU-RI-CHAN.” He enunciated every syllable of her name. “Trust me alright?” He was giving her his most reassuring smile. It was the smile that he gave her when the pressures of school work had almost made it impossible for her to breathe. The same smile that he gave whenever she was down or crying or hurt. The smile that meant that she had to leave it to him and he will take care of it.
Yuri closed her eyes briefly. “Fine. Cook me breakfast.” She let out an exasperated sigh. “But if I die, it will be in your conscience. And I promise you, I shall roam the earth even in the afterlife and haunt you forever.” She kept her voice low in a feeble attempt to ward him off.
“No need to. I’ll probably join you in the land of the dead soon after. It’s not like its much fun to be far away from you. I think I had a glimpse of hell all these years.” He retorted.
She looked at him solemnly to see whether he was being serious. He was.
She raised her hand in surrender and smiled at him. “Fine. Start cooking. I’m hungry.” She said as she moved towards her small office near the kitchen.
“Where are you going? Aren’t you going to watch me cook?”
She turned around. “I’ll just get a pen and a paper.”
“Wow. I didn’t know you’ll be jotting down notes while I prepare breakfast.”
“I’m not.” She answered nonchalantly.
“Realy now. Then what’s it for then?”
“I’m rewriting my will.” She smiled sweetly at him.
“Why you!” He started as he ran off to tickle the living daylights out of his teasing beast friend.
This was definitely worth waking up early to.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Ne, Nishikido-kun is in cloud nine today.” Kei quipped in as they did a round of rehearsals for his next performance at the Suntory Hall.
Ryo looked up from his guitar and stared blankly at his manager. “What the heck are you talking about?”
“I went to your apartment earlier. The lobby assistant said you went out really early.”
Ryo blinked at him. “So?”
Kei sighed but proceeded to take the seat next to him, his knowing smile still unwavering. “Nishikido-kun, I know you hate waking up early in the morning. And that you are grouchy when you don’t have enough sleep. You are like a walking, breathing weapon of mass destruction when somebody would wake you up. Why do you think I always wake you up by calling you? You are a demonic being in the morning!”
Ryo softly put down his guitar and crossed his arms. “Kei, are you trying to make a point, or do you have a death wish by insulting me?”
“See?!?! This is how you are normally. But this is multiplied to the nth power in the morning! I’m merely saying that it’s a miracle for Nishikido Ryo to be up and about at the wee hours of the day.”
Ryo contemplated whether he would patiently wait for Kei to explain himself or just kill him painlessly to get it over with.
“You went to see Tomioka-chan didn’t you?”
Ryo shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. “I did. What’s wrong with that?”
It was starting to bother Ryo that Kei was smiling widely all this time. Doesn’t that even hurt?
“In my book, that is considered highly unusual for Devil Ryo. What were you doing that early anyways? Don’t tell me you’re stalking her now?” Kei’s leery question made him smirk.
“I would never do that to her. I simply made her breakfast.” Ryo said proudly. The memories of earlier morning’s event brought a smile to his lips.
Kei gasped. “NO! Why didn’t you tell me earlier? What hospital is she in? Is she okay? Wait. Of course, she’s not okay, you cooked for her! I could not believe you would actually kill your best friend! Oh my god! What are we going to do?! You’ll be arrested by the police! Reporters will have a field day when they find out that one of the most influential woman in Asia was killed by food poisoning by one of the most sought-after male artist. Oh my god. This is SO not good. OH MY GOD!!!” Kei was having fits of panic and pacing around like a madman. Was his cooking skills THAT bad before?
Ryo had to shrug his manager harshly to get some sense out of him. “Stop it! She is alive for goodness sake! I know I was a terrible cook, but why do you think I started hanging out with Chef Pierre a lot? I was learning from him because I want to cook for Yuri-chan the next time we meet! I will never ever do anything to hurt or worse, kill her. Do you understand?” He growled at him. Ryo was seriously close to killing Kei as of the moment. How could he think that he would harm Yuri-chan? He labored all those time in the kitchen trying to determine how to cook all those French and Italian cuisine that Yuri likes so much when they were younger. It had not been easy for him. Heck, there were times when he would cut himself or almost burn the place because of his many failed attempts. But he persevered. A few cuts and an ashen kitchen was nothing compared to seeing Yuri smiling and gushing at the food he had labored on.
Kei seemed to have finally gotten hold f himself. “Oh. That’s good... What did you make her then? Did she like it?” He asked as he started to relax.
“Nothing special. Just blueberry pancakes, French toast, and vegetable omelette.” Ryo’s face started to redden as he remembered how Yuri devoured the meal he had prepared. When he teased her about her earlier retort, she just smiled at him sheepishly. It was nice to know that Yuri still has a big appetite. He was worried that she hadn’t been eating well. She had lost some noticeable pounds over the years. He was bothered at the thought that she hadn’t been taking care of herself when he was away. It was time to make up for it.
Kei patted his back. “For someone like you, to do something like this, I must say I’m proud of you.” Ryo got what he was trying to say. Ryo never cooked for anyone before. Not even his family or his manager. He could not explain it himself, but it was something that he could only do for her. She was indeed special.
“So… since you seem to have such a good time today, I’m guessing the dinner with her other male best friend was also a success?”
This question turned Ryo’s mood around. “He is not her best friend. Because she has me. I’m her ONLY best friend.” He did not like to talk about that man - Akanishi Jin. Ryo clenched his fist tightly as he remembered how close Jin was when he would whisper some nonsense in Yuri’s ear, how he had insisted on bringing Yuri home when Ryo had already told him that he would do it, how he held her hand as he ushered Yuri to Ryo’s car, and how he told her that he would see her the next morning in the office. Right there and then, Ryo vowed that he would make sure that it was going to be him that Yuri would see first in the morning and last at night.
“Nishikido-kun, Jin and Yuri are thisclose.” He held his index and middle finger together as illustration. “If I were you, I would be happy if they were simply best friends and not something else.”
“What exactly do you mean?” Ryo demanded. How can it possibly be a good thing?
Kei looked at him calmly. “I know you told me before that Yuri confessed to you but you don’t feel the same way. But that was eons ago. A lot has changed. Heck, look at Yuri! I couldn’t believe that she was the same girl in the picture you showed me.”
Ryo listened to him intently as Kei seemed to be choosing his words carefully.
“And well… Jin is...a ladies’ man. Everyone knows that he is a player. His hobby includes flirting and casual dating. But when it comes to Yuri, it’s like he’s a different person. It seems like she is the only one that can change him. ”
Kei paused and took a deep breath.
“All I’m saying is…ask yourself. What is she to you? Do you really like Yuri as a best buddy and nothing else? Because, let’s admit it, she is one good catch. Beautiful, talented, independent. The list goes on. And well, if you won’t go for it, other men will. The most likely candidate being one Akanishi Jin…”
Ryo was breathing heavily now. His composure was starting to waver as the possibility hit him. What if that bastard has his eyes on her?
“I don’t mean to be harsh and all, but as your friend, I have seen you suffer enough from being away from her. Can you go through that again? Because Ryo...in the end, who do you think will Yuri choose? The friend who had left her for another girl and has no romantic feelings for her OR the man who stood by her when she was struggling and who could love her?”
It was Ryo’s turn to speak up. “What are you talking about? Yuri and I have known each other for a long time. And now, you want me to think whether I want to pursue a romantic relationship with her? This kind of things don’t happen overnight.”
At his statement, Kei slapped his forehead in frustration. “Geez! And I thought I was dense.”
He looked at Ryo dimly. “Ryo, stop acting like a naïve high schooler. Open up your eyes. I won’t be spelling it out for you. So shape up like a man and face your true emotions…”
Kei shook his head in disappointment. “…before you make the same mistake.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ryo was feeling agitated all afternoon. He couldn’t seem to concentrate on his recording. It feels as though a big mystery was in front of him, itching to be solved. Kei’s remark had left him thinking.
Naïve high schooler.
Was he being one?
Dense
About what exactly?
Ryo was far from being stupid. But why does it seem like he was being one now?
Yuri.
Of course Yuri was important to him. She was the only person in this world who could make him do things he wouldn’t normally do. He would give up everything he has - even his life - for her in an instant.
Jin and Yuri are thisclose.
And what does that playboy have anything to do with this?
Fine.
If he was to be honest with himself, he was threatened by Jin’s closeness to Yuri.
Jin gets to spend much more time with her since they work together. He would be there when she would make presentations to her clients. He would be there when she was having a conference. He was just there! It made him envious that Jin was there when he was away - at the critical moments when Yuri needed someone the most.
But that’s it, right?
He was just troubled that Jin could somehow replace him in Yuri’s life.
He was just threatened. Wasn’t he?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
It was already late in the evening. Ryo had finished his recordings and rehearsals although he can’t really remember how he had managed to do it when his mind was set on something else. No. Make that someone else.
He was so sure of one thing though. Yuri meant a lot to him. But does he see her as something more? He wasn’t really sure.
How could he when he wasn’t even certain if he had truly experienced love in the first place. Could his relationship with Leah be considered as one?
With Leah, he was a nervous wreck. He was constantly out of something to say because he feared he would turn her off by saying something stupid or harsh.
With Yuri, he can tell her anything there is to say. From the most embarrassing to his most guarded secret. He knew that no matter what he said, she would still be there for him.
With Leah, he was always putting his best foot forward. Just like an actor in a rehearsed scene, he would play out his part on what he thinks a girl like her would like - bringing her gazillion of flowers and all those sickeningly pink stuffs.
With Yuri, he can act like a total jerk and just have fun. He could give her a stray rock he found while walking and she would treasure it like it meant the world to her. Even when he doesn’t give anything, she would just be happy to be with him.
With Leah, he was dispensable. He was just one of the adoring guys that constantly drooled for her. She had him at her mercy. And just like an obedient puppy, he would follow her every whim.
With Yuri, he was special. He was her priority. No matter what happens, she would find a way to help him out of any situations. She was a genius in making excuses for him. If there was a person he could trust his life with, it was her.
He rested his head on the steering wheel in frustration.
Looking back now, he was a dullard to think that he had experienced love when he was younger. What he had felt for her was nothing more than infatuation. He was attracted to her. He wanted her. But he did not need her - like he did with Yuri.
He lifted his head and let his eyes wander around Yuri’s apartment building. He saw her car parked outside, she could already be inside.
Smiling, he parked his red Ferrari and opened the door.
“Tomi-chan!”
Ryo stopped when he heard the name of the person being called. He looked to his right and saw Jin running towards Yuri.
Jin. What is he doing here? He clenched his jaws as he saw Jin towering in front of Yuri.
Suddenly, he pulled Yuri towards him and embraced her. She looked shocked and surprised but her expression immediately softened as she hugged him back.
Ryo was stunned. What is going on? He couldn’t help but ask himself.
He continued to stand from where he was, unable to move. He could hear or see nothing but the two of them locked in an embrace. His heart felt like it was stabbed and beaten up mercilessly. With tremendous self-control, he fought the urge to grab Jin by the collar and beat the crap out of him. How dare he touch her!
After what seemed like an eternity, the two broke their contact. Jin went back to his black Audi as Yuri waved him goodbye. Ryo continued to look as he saw her make her way to her apartment. He let out the breath he didn’t know he was holding all this time.
W-why? W-what happened? What’s going on ? The questions kept ringing in his head.
Ryo shook his head as he tried to clear his thoughts. He may not be sure what love feels like. But he was familiar with the emotion he had experienced just now.
He couldn’t be jealous…could he?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A/N: I’m semi-back!!! ^^ Keyword: semi. XD
I know I said I would be updating Business AU soon, but what I had made was crap, crap, crap that I decided to start all over again. I’m sorry about the long wait. I’m so busy that I have to work even on weekends. There is only so much time I can spare for updating. Again, I’m sorry! Please don’t be mad. Cookies? =)
Anyhow, here it is. The next step in the love triangle. In all honesty, I could have hurried the pace of the story but I think by doing so, it would ruin the whole ‘atmosphere’. Then again, it’s just my opinion. Tell me yours. It makes all the effort updating worth it. ^^
I miss you guyz. =)
Pairing: Ryo x OC x Jin
Rating: pg-13
Disclaimer: I do not own any Japanese idols. But I think I own a few Korean ones. *cough* XD
A/N: It’s been more than a month since I updated. I’m really sorry for the wait.
Summary: He had reconciled with his past. He’s happy that he has her back. His best buddy. He had expected things to be the way they were before. But could that be possible now?
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
“M-mo-shi moshi?” He heard her voice croak through the phone. From the sounds of it, he had just woken her up.
“Yuri-chan! Ohayo!” He greeted cheerfully.
“Ryo?” He could hear her fumbling across her desk. He guessed she was trying to find her alarm clock. “Ryo… its 6 am...” He was right again. “Why are you calling me? Is there a problem?” Her voice started to panic.
He let out a sigh. Leave it to Yuri to worry about things.
“Nothing is wrong. I called to wake you up, sleepy head.”
There was a momentary pause on the phone. “Ryo, I set my two alarms at 6:30. Two! Sleep for me is a luxury. You just owed me half an hour’s worth of my sleeping time.” He could tell that she was already up. And judging from the sounds on the phone, she was definitely making her way to the kitchen.
“Wait! I took the liberty to wake you up and you’re being this ungrateful?” He mocked at her.
“Nah. Somehow I just enjoy making you feel guilty.” She snickered from the phone.
“What?!”
She burst out laughing. “I’m kidding! You don’t have to get so riled up.” He could hear her coffee brewing at the background. “We came home past midnight. I’m surprised you’re this energetic Ryo.”
“That’s because I have a very good reason for waking up.”
This seemed to spark her interest. “You have an interview or something?”
“Nope. Something much worthwhile.” He answered.
“Uhm, saving the world at daybreak?”
He chuckled at her retort. It sounded like an altered version of a Powerpuff girls’ tag line.
“Open up.”
“Eh?”
“I’m right outside.”
The sound of quick shuffling of feet and the opening of locks meant that she had done as he had requested.
Once the door was ajar, her surprised face greeted him. “Ryo! You could have told me that you were outside all this time!”
He was taken aback by how she looked. When they were younger, Yuri looked like an unkempt bundle of newborn puppy with her bed hair, but looking at her now, he couldn’t believe that this was the same person half a decade ago. She had no ounce of make-up on her face but she radiated with fresh and natural charm. Her pale blue tank top hugged her feminine form. He had to gulp down the lump that had unknowingly formed in his throat. His best friend looked rather…captivating. A look further down showed her wearing darker blue pajamas. He smiled as he saw the Doraemon character printed on it. How she had managed to look sexy and cute at the same time baffled him. What happened to the Yuri that he teased for looking like a ball of fur in the morning?
“What?” Her question brought him back to his senses. Did he just check her out? His best friend?
He looked away to get his concentration back. Get hold of yourself Ryo. This is Yuri we are talking about. Your freakin’ best friend whose trust you have just gotten back! He cringed at the thought that he was jeopardizing his friendship with hers just because she looked amazing.
“Wow. No need to look that disgusted Ryo.” She told him blankly as she turned her back at him. “Come in if you want to.”
Disgusted? Whoever said he was feeling that way?
Ryo quickly entered her apartment and grabbed her hand. “What are you talking about? I have seen you in far worse situations than this.”
Her widened eyes and raised eyebrows meant that he had chosen the wrong words to say.
“I mean you look fine, even in the morning.” She nodded her head with such little enthusiasm that it was obvious she was not buying it.
“I’m serious! I swear! ” He finally released her grip on her and raised his right hand as if making a solemn oath before a presiding judge.
“Sure… Anyways, why are you here?” She asked him as she took a seat at her island counter.
He smiled widely as she placed the paper bag in front of her. She opened it and peaked inside. “You went here to buy me groceries?” She asked incredulously.
It was his turn to look at her in amusement. “Hell NO. I came here to make you breakfast.”
She laughed out loud at him. It was his turn to feel insulted.
“You did not just laugh at me!” Ryo demanded.
“Oh I think I just did. Need I remind you of the time you were assigned to cook in middle school? You sent half of our group to the infirmary. Good thing I was wise enough not to eat it.” Ryo cringed as he recalled the disastrous event. Why does Yuri have such a good memory?
“You are exaggerating things. There were only four of us in the group.” He pointed out.
“You cooked. The other two ate. I refused. From the looks of it, I got my facts straight when I said half was sick after eating the sumptuous meal you have prepared. I just made it sound more melodramatic.” She continued to tease him.
“As expected from the president of Kuroi Shiroi.” He commented as he started taking out the things from the bag.
He stopped when she felt her hand on top of his. “Ryo. Let me order in. I’ll pay for it. Okay?”
“What are you talking about? I - “
“I’m too young to die!!! Please don’t experiment with my life on the line.” She pleaded. He knew she was teasing him. But her flawless acting make it seems like she really meant it.
He bent his face lower to face her. “Stop and sit tight. After you tasted what I have prepared, you’ll never forget it.” He smirked proudly.
“Of course I won’t. This will be like my express ticket to the other side.”
“YU-RI-CHAN.” He enunciated every syllable of her name. “Trust me alright?” He was giving her his most reassuring smile. It was the smile that he gave her when the pressures of school work had almost made it impossible for her to breathe. The same smile that he gave whenever she was down or crying or hurt. The smile that meant that she had to leave it to him and he will take care of it.
Yuri closed her eyes briefly. “Fine. Cook me breakfast.” She let out an exasperated sigh. “But if I die, it will be in your conscience. And I promise you, I shall roam the earth even in the afterlife and haunt you forever.” She kept her voice low in a feeble attempt to ward him off.
“No need to. I’ll probably join you in the land of the dead soon after. It’s not like its much fun to be far away from you. I think I had a glimpse of hell all these years.” He retorted.
She looked at him solemnly to see whether he was being serious. He was.
She raised her hand in surrender and smiled at him. “Fine. Start cooking. I’m hungry.” She said as she moved towards her small office near the kitchen.
“Where are you going? Aren’t you going to watch me cook?”
She turned around. “I’ll just get a pen and a paper.”
“Wow. I didn’t know you’ll be jotting down notes while I prepare breakfast.”
“I’m not.” She answered nonchalantly.
“Realy now. Then what’s it for then?”
“I’m rewriting my will.” She smiled sweetly at him.
“Why you!” He started as he ran off to tickle the living daylights out of his teasing beast friend.
This was definitely worth waking up early to.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Ne, Nishikido-kun is in cloud nine today.” Kei quipped in as they did a round of rehearsals for his next performance at the Suntory Hall.
Ryo looked up from his guitar and stared blankly at his manager. “What the heck are you talking about?”
“I went to your apartment earlier. The lobby assistant said you went out really early.”
Ryo blinked at him. “So?”
Kei sighed but proceeded to take the seat next to him, his knowing smile still unwavering. “Nishikido-kun, I know you hate waking up early in the morning. And that you are grouchy when you don’t have enough sleep. You are like a walking, breathing weapon of mass destruction when somebody would wake you up. Why do you think I always wake you up by calling you? You are a demonic being in the morning!”
Ryo softly put down his guitar and crossed his arms. “Kei, are you trying to make a point, or do you have a death wish by insulting me?”
“See?!?! This is how you are normally. But this is multiplied to the nth power in the morning! I’m merely saying that it’s a miracle for Nishikido Ryo to be up and about at the wee hours of the day.”
Ryo contemplated whether he would patiently wait for Kei to explain himself or just kill him painlessly to get it over with.
“You went to see Tomioka-chan didn’t you?”
Ryo shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. “I did. What’s wrong with that?”
It was starting to bother Ryo that Kei was smiling widely all this time. Doesn’t that even hurt?
“In my book, that is considered highly unusual for Devil Ryo. What were you doing that early anyways? Don’t tell me you’re stalking her now?” Kei’s leery question made him smirk.
“I would never do that to her. I simply made her breakfast.” Ryo said proudly. The memories of earlier morning’s event brought a smile to his lips.
Kei gasped. “NO! Why didn’t you tell me earlier? What hospital is she in? Is she okay? Wait. Of course, she’s not okay, you cooked for her! I could not believe you would actually kill your best friend! Oh my god! What are we going to do?! You’ll be arrested by the police! Reporters will have a field day when they find out that one of the most influential woman in Asia was killed by food poisoning by one of the most sought-after male artist. Oh my god. This is SO not good. OH MY GOD!!!” Kei was having fits of panic and pacing around like a madman. Was his cooking skills THAT bad before?
Ryo had to shrug his manager harshly to get some sense out of him. “Stop it! She is alive for goodness sake! I know I was a terrible cook, but why do you think I started hanging out with Chef Pierre a lot? I was learning from him because I want to cook for Yuri-chan the next time we meet! I will never ever do anything to hurt or worse, kill her. Do you understand?” He growled at him. Ryo was seriously close to killing Kei as of the moment. How could he think that he would harm Yuri-chan? He labored all those time in the kitchen trying to determine how to cook all those French and Italian cuisine that Yuri likes so much when they were younger. It had not been easy for him. Heck, there were times when he would cut himself or almost burn the place because of his many failed attempts. But he persevered. A few cuts and an ashen kitchen was nothing compared to seeing Yuri smiling and gushing at the food he had labored on.
Kei seemed to have finally gotten hold f himself. “Oh. That’s good... What did you make her then? Did she like it?” He asked as he started to relax.
“Nothing special. Just blueberry pancakes, French toast, and vegetable omelette.” Ryo’s face started to redden as he remembered how Yuri devoured the meal he had prepared. When he teased her about her earlier retort, she just smiled at him sheepishly. It was nice to know that Yuri still has a big appetite. He was worried that she hadn’t been eating well. She had lost some noticeable pounds over the years. He was bothered at the thought that she hadn’t been taking care of herself when he was away. It was time to make up for it.
Kei patted his back. “For someone like you, to do something like this, I must say I’m proud of you.” Ryo got what he was trying to say. Ryo never cooked for anyone before. Not even his family or his manager. He could not explain it himself, but it was something that he could only do for her. She was indeed special.
“So… since you seem to have such a good time today, I’m guessing the dinner with her other male best friend was also a success?”
This question turned Ryo’s mood around. “He is not her best friend. Because she has me. I’m her ONLY best friend.” He did not like to talk about that man - Akanishi Jin. Ryo clenched his fist tightly as he remembered how close Jin was when he would whisper some nonsense in Yuri’s ear, how he had insisted on bringing Yuri home when Ryo had already told him that he would do it, how he held her hand as he ushered Yuri to Ryo’s car, and how he told her that he would see her the next morning in the office. Right there and then, Ryo vowed that he would make sure that it was going to be him that Yuri would see first in the morning and last at night.
“Nishikido-kun, Jin and Yuri are thisclose.” He held his index and middle finger together as illustration. “If I were you, I would be happy if they were simply best friends and not something else.”
“What exactly do you mean?” Ryo demanded. How can it possibly be a good thing?
Kei looked at him calmly. “I know you told me before that Yuri confessed to you but you don’t feel the same way. But that was eons ago. A lot has changed. Heck, look at Yuri! I couldn’t believe that she was the same girl in the picture you showed me.”
Ryo listened to him intently as Kei seemed to be choosing his words carefully.
“And well… Jin is...a ladies’ man. Everyone knows that he is a player. His hobby includes flirting and casual dating. But when it comes to Yuri, it’s like he’s a different person. It seems like she is the only one that can change him. ”
Kei paused and took a deep breath.
“All I’m saying is…ask yourself. What is she to you? Do you really like Yuri as a best buddy and nothing else? Because, let’s admit it, she is one good catch. Beautiful, talented, independent. The list goes on. And well, if you won’t go for it, other men will. The most likely candidate being one Akanishi Jin…”
Ryo was breathing heavily now. His composure was starting to waver as the possibility hit him. What if that bastard has his eyes on her?
“I don’t mean to be harsh and all, but as your friend, I have seen you suffer enough from being away from her. Can you go through that again? Because Ryo...in the end, who do you think will Yuri choose? The friend who had left her for another girl and has no romantic feelings for her OR the man who stood by her when she was struggling and who could love her?”
It was Ryo’s turn to speak up. “What are you talking about? Yuri and I have known each other for a long time. And now, you want me to think whether I want to pursue a romantic relationship with her? This kind of things don’t happen overnight.”
At his statement, Kei slapped his forehead in frustration. “Geez! And I thought I was dense.”
He looked at Ryo dimly. “Ryo, stop acting like a naïve high schooler. Open up your eyes. I won’t be spelling it out for you. So shape up like a man and face your true emotions…”
Kei shook his head in disappointment. “…before you make the same mistake.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ryo was feeling agitated all afternoon. He couldn’t seem to concentrate on his recording. It feels as though a big mystery was in front of him, itching to be solved. Kei’s remark had left him thinking.
Naïve high schooler.
Was he being one?
Dense
About what exactly?
Ryo was far from being stupid. But why does it seem like he was being one now?
Yuri.
Of course Yuri was important to him. She was the only person in this world who could make him do things he wouldn’t normally do. He would give up everything he has - even his life - for her in an instant.
Jin and Yuri are thisclose.
And what does that playboy have anything to do with this?
Fine.
If he was to be honest with himself, he was threatened by Jin’s closeness to Yuri.
Jin gets to spend much more time with her since they work together. He would be there when she would make presentations to her clients. He would be there when she was having a conference. He was just there! It made him envious that Jin was there when he was away - at the critical moments when Yuri needed someone the most.
But that’s it, right?
He was just troubled that Jin could somehow replace him in Yuri’s life.
He was just threatened. Wasn’t he?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
It was already late in the evening. Ryo had finished his recordings and rehearsals although he can’t really remember how he had managed to do it when his mind was set on something else. No. Make that someone else.
He was so sure of one thing though. Yuri meant a lot to him. But does he see her as something more? He wasn’t really sure.
How could he when he wasn’t even certain if he had truly experienced love in the first place. Could his relationship with Leah be considered as one?
With Leah, he was a nervous wreck. He was constantly out of something to say because he feared he would turn her off by saying something stupid or harsh.
With Yuri, he can tell her anything there is to say. From the most embarrassing to his most guarded secret. He knew that no matter what he said, she would still be there for him.
With Leah, he was always putting his best foot forward. Just like an actor in a rehearsed scene, he would play out his part on what he thinks a girl like her would like - bringing her gazillion of flowers and all those sickeningly pink stuffs.
With Yuri, he can act like a total jerk and just have fun. He could give her a stray rock he found while walking and she would treasure it like it meant the world to her. Even when he doesn’t give anything, she would just be happy to be with him.
With Leah, he was dispensable. He was just one of the adoring guys that constantly drooled for her. She had him at her mercy. And just like an obedient puppy, he would follow her every whim.
With Yuri, he was special. He was her priority. No matter what happens, she would find a way to help him out of any situations. She was a genius in making excuses for him. If there was a person he could trust his life with, it was her.
He rested his head on the steering wheel in frustration.
Looking back now, he was a dullard to think that he had experienced love when he was younger. What he had felt for her was nothing more than infatuation. He was attracted to her. He wanted her. But he did not need her - like he did with Yuri.
He lifted his head and let his eyes wander around Yuri’s apartment building. He saw her car parked outside, she could already be inside.
Smiling, he parked his red Ferrari and opened the door.
“Tomi-chan!”
Ryo stopped when he heard the name of the person being called. He looked to his right and saw Jin running towards Yuri.
Jin. What is he doing here? He clenched his jaws as he saw Jin towering in front of Yuri.
Suddenly, he pulled Yuri towards him and embraced her. She looked shocked and surprised but her expression immediately softened as she hugged him back.
Ryo was stunned. What is going on? He couldn’t help but ask himself.
He continued to stand from where he was, unable to move. He could hear or see nothing but the two of them locked in an embrace. His heart felt like it was stabbed and beaten up mercilessly. With tremendous self-control, he fought the urge to grab Jin by the collar and beat the crap out of him. How dare he touch her!
After what seemed like an eternity, the two broke their contact. Jin went back to his black Audi as Yuri waved him goodbye. Ryo continued to look as he saw her make her way to her apartment. He let out the breath he didn’t know he was holding all this time.
W-why? W-what happened? What’s going on ? The questions kept ringing in his head.
Ryo shook his head as he tried to clear his thoughts. He may not be sure what love feels like. But he was familiar with the emotion he had experienced just now.
He couldn’t be jealous…could he?
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A/N: I’m semi-back!!! ^^ Keyword: semi. XD
I know I said I would be updating Business AU soon, but what I had made was crap, crap, crap that I decided to start all over again. I’m sorry about the long wait. I’m so busy that I have to work even on weekends. There is only so much time I can spare for updating. Again, I’m sorry! Please don’t be mad. Cookies? =)
Anyhow, here it is. The next step in the love triangle. In all honesty, I could have hurried the pace of the story but I think by doing so, it would ruin the whole ‘atmosphere’. Then again, it’s just my opinion. Tell me yours. It makes all the effort updating worth it. ^^
I miss you guyz. =)