Irrational Choices - 11
Title: Irrational Choices - chapter 11
Pairing: Ryo x OC x Jin
Rating : Pg-13
Disclaimer: I do not own any Japanese idols. If I did, I have no problem sharing. XD
A/N: It has been eons ago when I updated this. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you read CHAPTER 10 AGAIN before reading this. Just to get the feel of it again. ^__^
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Yuri watched as Jin’s Audi sped out of her apartment building. Once she was sure that he was out of sight, she turned around and slowly made her way towards the metal lift.
She let out a deep sigh as she remembered how Jin acted earlier. To say that she wasn’t surprised would be a lie. But she knew, at that time, that it was all she could do to comfort him. Hugging him back was her way of showing that she was there for him - no matter what.
She lightly crossed her arms as she remembered how it felt to be hugged by Jin (minus the teddy bear suit, of course). She distinctly remembered the warmth of his embrace and the security it provided. It was as if he was the one giving her support instead of the other way around. She could even still smell his masculine scent that had lingered on her clothes.
It was truly understandable why so many fell for his charms. He was naturally imbued with it. She can’t help but conclude.
She shook her head as she realized that Jin would tease her immensely if she ever mentioned what she thought of now. He was known for having a big ego already. She has no intention of inflating it even more.
Her thoughts were halted as the door of the elevator opened, indicating that she had already reached her floor. She stepped out as her slingback pumps made a notable sound on the black granite flooring.
Stopping in front of her dimly-lighted unit, she opened her teal bag and looked for her electronic card inside. Her thoughts were diverted when a familiar ring tone echoed in the hallway, signaling that someone was calling her.
The screen glowed with the familiar picture and name of an important person for Yuri.
“Good evening to you, Nishikido-kun.” She voiced through the mouthpiece.
“Yuri-chan…”
She pressed her back on the wall as she continued talking. “And to what do I owe this honor of having you call?”
“Gomen…Hontou ni gomenasai...” He answered back.
“For what Ryo?” She already knew what he was talking about. She had expected that he would pick her up from work. Admittedly, she was disappointed that he couldn’t. His rehearsals lasted more than he had anticipated and he had called her earlier that evening, informing her that he may not be able to drive her home.
“You know the reason.” He replied. The guilt on his voice was evident.
“No worries Ryo. I made it home in one piece.” She tried to assure him. But in truth, she didn’t sound very convincing.
“Did you get home early? Have you eaten dinner?” Ryo asked her worriedly.
“Yeah, I did.” She replied truthfully. Yuri had planned on eating dinner with him, but that too was cancelled. After having dinner with Ren and Jin, she decided to say in the office for a few hours. There was still much work to be done. “I came back a few hours earlier.”
Not wanting to make Ryo feel more guilty, she added, “I’m actually tucked comfortably inside my bed and getting ready to sleep when you called. So really, you shouldn’t apologize. It’s not your fault. You are busy preparing for your concert. I understand that.”
She paused for a while, moved towards the door again and tried to open it with one hand.
“How about you? Have you eaten? You do have a habit of forsaking eating when you are busy. You might get sick if yo - “ She stopped midway as she felt a strong pair of arms enveloping her from the back. She did not need to look to know who it was.
“Ryo…” She called out his name as she slowly placed her phone down. Yuri tried to face him but he would not allow her to.
She remained still, not knowing what to do next. It was as if thousands of tiny jolts of electricity spread through her body, causing her to be in shock.
What was the meaning of this?!
A fleeting moment passed by before she found her voice again.
“Ryo, is something wrong? What are you doing here? Is there something bothering you?” She asked with concern.
Instead of replying, he tightened his hold on her. She could feel his strong, muscular chest pressed on her back. She could hear the rapid beating of his heart as he lowered his head to whisper in her ear.
“Please…Let me just hold you like this. I-I’m just… scared…”
Those few words provided more room for questions than answers. She could not understand him now. He was acting odd. The closest thing that he had ever been this way was during his birthday. When he had thought that she had left Japan.
“Ryo, I don’t get you. Talk to me. What is wrong with you? Are you hurt?” She continued to ask. Yuri wasn’t a violent person, but if somebody dared to touch her best friend, they will pay for it. Big time.
Ryo nuzzled her nape as if breathing the scent of her in. As if he was imprinting it in his memory. Yuri caught her breath at his tender action. She could feel her knees getting weak as he continued to snuggle to her, just like a child seeking warmth.
Yuri’s mind raced with so many questions. Her sensible side told her she must loosen his grip on her. But the real Tomioka Yuri objected to it.
Kami-sama knew how much she had missed his embrace. How much she had dreamed he would hold her again. How much she had imagined that she was in the very position she was in right now - so very close to him - as if she could almost touch his heart and soul.
Why do you have such an effect on me Ryo? All of my logical thinking seems to evaporate into thin air whenever you’re concerned. Even after all those years of not seeing you, of trying to forget you, you still have this great power over me.
Slowly and hesitatingly, he loosened his grip on her and made her face him. The soft lighting of the deserted corridor did not hide the sadness that emanated from his eyes.
“Why do you always have to be so good to me? Eventhough I was - no, make that, I still am - a jerk, you still forgave me. And now, when I promised I will pick you up after work, and did not, you didn’t even get angry. You’re even trying to cover it up, so as not to make me feel guilty” He asked as he looked at her with piercing eyes.
She stared at his masculine face and knew that this was a side of him that she rarely sees. Gone was his cool and aloof exterior. In front of her was a vulnerable Nishikido Ryo. Capable of shattering into pieces any moment soon.
“What goodness did I do in this world to deserve someone like you?! I have been nothing but a cause of your sadness. Without meaning to, I hurt you. I knew I made you cry. Because I was a stupid jerk, I left you alone. I had brought so much pain in your life and yet you are still here. By my side. Forgiving me. A-accepting m-me…” He choked on his last words as Yuri saw his eyes beginning to glisten.
On impulse, she touched his cheek. It hurt her to see him like this. Because I’m your best friend. She wanted to answer. But surprisingly, she couldn’t. It was only part of the truth.
He was indeed special to her. One of the very few people who truly understood her.
Why was he asking her these all of a sudden?
“Ryo…”
She wanted badly to comfort him. But now, however, she was unsure of how to do it.
“…what’s wrong? What are you scared of? Talk to me. You can tell me everything. I’ll listen.” She assured him.
Ryo touched the hand that was caressing his face and clasped it in his own. “I…I can’t explain it myself. I-I wanted to see you before you go to sleep. Then I…” He paused and shook his head, as if the next few words were forbidden for him to say. “I…I don’t understand it myself, Yuri. I’ve never been in this kind of situation before.”
Yuri opened her mouth to try to find the words to say. But closed it again as she realized she did not get the situation as well.
“Ryo, can you please try to be more specific? You’re confusing m-.”
“How can I when I’m confused as well?!” He cut her off.
Yuri looked at him in an attempt to decipher his actions. What could have brought about this change in him? What was making him so confused?
Yuri let out a big sigh as she moved towards the door, swiped her card in the slot and pulled Ryo inside. Yuri placed her bag on the mahogany table and led him to the black leather couch.
“I’ll get you something to drink.” She said as she pried her hands off his grasp. But he wouldn’t let go. “Uhm, Ryo, I can’t get it whe - “
“I don’t want anything. Just…” he paused before he pulled her, causing her to lose balance and sit on the couch beside him.
“W-what are - ?” She started to ask but was silenced as Ryo lay down on the couch and rested his head on her lap.
“Just stay.” He ordered as he looked at her briefly and closed his eyes.
Looking at him now, Yuri suddenly felt all the stress he must be going through. It wasn’t easy for him to go back to Japan. But he did. And she knew she was part of the reason why he had returned.
She rationalized that perhaps Ryo just needed to take a breather. He must be scared of starting anew in Japan. Yes, that must be it.
And she, as his best friend, was his pillar of support.
Perhaps, he just needed her to support him as well. Perhaps he just wanted to see her to assure him that she was going to be there for him. Perhaps he just needed a friend. Perhaps, it didn’t mean anything more.
Perhaps he -
She stopped having a conversation with herself when she noticed that Ryo’s breathing became more consistent.
He had already fallen asleep.
Yuri couldn’t help but stare at his face. Her memory clearly recalling every facial feature.
Slowly, she reached out for him and started to softly stroke his hair. She let her hands glide through his soft and thick mane.
For all those years that they were apart, she thought that she would never get a chance to see him again this close, to touch his face again, to be with him.
It was all too nostalgic.
She moved his head gently to make him more comfortable and quietly reached for the pashmina shawl inside her bag. She opened it up and spread it on top of his resting body, just like a child being tucked into bed.
Ryo slightly shifted at her action. But instead of opening his eyes, he reached out for her hand, intertwined in into his and gave a small contented smile.
Yuri couldn’t help but smile at his reaction. Whatever had brought about his earlier action, Yuri knew that he was definitely the same Nishikido Ryo. No matter how cool he might act, he was still like a little child sometimes.
It was moments like this that reminded her that he needed her. But she too realized, that by staying just like this - just as he had wanted - she couldn’t ask for anything else.
She lowered her head and whispered lightly to his ear. “Whatever it is that you’re scared of, whatever it is that troubled you so much, whenever you need to let go of all your worries, I am here for you, Ryo-kun. You can depend on me.”
She lifted her head and checked if Ryo had heard her. When he didn’t flinch, she cautiously and very gently pressed her lips on his forehead. “Oyasumi…”
_____________________________________________________________________________
A/N: Update! Wow, after like three months, Ryo, Yuri and Jin are back! *applause*
Yeah, I know, short chappie but I did have a poll on this. Had to warm myself up and be in the ‘Irrational Choices’ mode before writing this chap. I have to switch modes when I’m writing. (I am weird, I know. LOL)
Comments are loved. I am always happy to get feedback, good or bad. Arigatou! ^^,
Pairing: Ryo x OC x Jin
Rating : Pg-13
Disclaimer: I do not own any Japanese idols. If I did, I have no problem sharing. XD
A/N: It has been eons ago when I updated this. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you read CHAPTER 10 AGAIN before reading this. Just to get the feel of it again. ^__^
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Yuri watched as Jin’s Audi sped out of her apartment building. Once she was sure that he was out of sight, she turned around and slowly made her way towards the metal lift.
She let out a deep sigh as she remembered how Jin acted earlier. To say that she wasn’t surprised would be a lie. But she knew, at that time, that it was all she could do to comfort him. Hugging him back was her way of showing that she was there for him - no matter what.
She lightly crossed her arms as she remembered how it felt to be hugged by Jin (minus the teddy bear suit, of course). She distinctly remembered the warmth of his embrace and the security it provided. It was as if he was the one giving her support instead of the other way around. She could even still smell his masculine scent that had lingered on her clothes.
It was truly understandable why so many fell for his charms. He was naturally imbued with it. She can’t help but conclude.
She shook her head as she realized that Jin would tease her immensely if she ever mentioned what she thought of now. He was known for having a big ego already. She has no intention of inflating it even more.
Her thoughts were halted as the door of the elevator opened, indicating that she had already reached her floor. She stepped out as her slingback pumps made a notable sound on the black granite flooring.
Stopping in front of her dimly-lighted unit, she opened her teal bag and looked for her electronic card inside. Her thoughts were diverted when a familiar ring tone echoed in the hallway, signaling that someone was calling her.
The screen glowed with the familiar picture and name of an important person for Yuri.
“Good evening to you, Nishikido-kun.” She voiced through the mouthpiece.
“Yuri-chan…”
She pressed her back on the wall as she continued talking. “And to what do I owe this honor of having you call?”
“Gomen…Hontou ni gomenasai...” He answered back.
“For what Ryo?” She already knew what he was talking about. She had expected that he would pick her up from work. Admittedly, she was disappointed that he couldn’t. His rehearsals lasted more than he had anticipated and he had called her earlier that evening, informing her that he may not be able to drive her home.
“You know the reason.” He replied. The guilt on his voice was evident.
“No worries Ryo. I made it home in one piece.” She tried to assure him. But in truth, she didn’t sound very convincing.
“Did you get home early? Have you eaten dinner?” Ryo asked her worriedly.
“Yeah, I did.” She replied truthfully. Yuri had planned on eating dinner with him, but that too was cancelled. After having dinner with Ren and Jin, she decided to say in the office for a few hours. There was still much work to be done. “I came back a few hours earlier.”
Not wanting to make Ryo feel more guilty, she added, “I’m actually tucked comfortably inside my bed and getting ready to sleep when you called. So really, you shouldn’t apologize. It’s not your fault. You are busy preparing for your concert. I understand that.”
She paused for a while, moved towards the door again and tried to open it with one hand.
“How about you? Have you eaten? You do have a habit of forsaking eating when you are busy. You might get sick if yo - “ She stopped midway as she felt a strong pair of arms enveloping her from the back. She did not need to look to know who it was.
“Ryo…” She called out his name as she slowly placed her phone down. Yuri tried to face him but he would not allow her to.
She remained still, not knowing what to do next. It was as if thousands of tiny jolts of electricity spread through her body, causing her to be in shock.
What was the meaning of this?!
A fleeting moment passed by before she found her voice again.
“Ryo, is something wrong? What are you doing here? Is there something bothering you?” She asked with concern.
Instead of replying, he tightened his hold on her. She could feel his strong, muscular chest pressed on her back. She could hear the rapid beating of his heart as he lowered his head to whisper in her ear.
“Please…Let me just hold you like this. I-I’m just… scared…”
Those few words provided more room for questions than answers. She could not understand him now. He was acting odd. The closest thing that he had ever been this way was during his birthday. When he had thought that she had left Japan.
“Ryo, I don’t get you. Talk to me. What is wrong with you? Are you hurt?” She continued to ask. Yuri wasn’t a violent person, but if somebody dared to touch her best friend, they will pay for it. Big time.
Ryo nuzzled her nape as if breathing the scent of her in. As if he was imprinting it in his memory. Yuri caught her breath at his tender action. She could feel her knees getting weak as he continued to snuggle to her, just like a child seeking warmth.
Yuri’s mind raced with so many questions. Her sensible side told her she must loosen his grip on her. But the real Tomioka Yuri objected to it.
Kami-sama knew how much she had missed his embrace. How much she had dreamed he would hold her again. How much she had imagined that she was in the very position she was in right now - so very close to him - as if she could almost touch his heart and soul.
Why do you have such an effect on me Ryo? All of my logical thinking seems to evaporate into thin air whenever you’re concerned. Even after all those years of not seeing you, of trying to forget you, you still have this great power over me.
Slowly and hesitatingly, he loosened his grip on her and made her face him. The soft lighting of the deserted corridor did not hide the sadness that emanated from his eyes.
“Why do you always have to be so good to me? Eventhough I was - no, make that, I still am - a jerk, you still forgave me. And now, when I promised I will pick you up after work, and did not, you didn’t even get angry. You’re even trying to cover it up, so as not to make me feel guilty” He asked as he looked at her with piercing eyes.
She stared at his masculine face and knew that this was a side of him that she rarely sees. Gone was his cool and aloof exterior. In front of her was a vulnerable Nishikido Ryo. Capable of shattering into pieces any moment soon.
“What goodness did I do in this world to deserve someone like you?! I have been nothing but a cause of your sadness. Without meaning to, I hurt you. I knew I made you cry. Because I was a stupid jerk, I left you alone. I had brought so much pain in your life and yet you are still here. By my side. Forgiving me. A-accepting m-me…” He choked on his last words as Yuri saw his eyes beginning to glisten.
On impulse, she touched his cheek. It hurt her to see him like this. Because I’m your best friend. She wanted to answer. But surprisingly, she couldn’t. It was only part of the truth.
He was indeed special to her. One of the very few people who truly understood her.
Why was he asking her these all of a sudden?
“Ryo…”
She wanted badly to comfort him. But now, however, she was unsure of how to do it.
“…what’s wrong? What are you scared of? Talk to me. You can tell me everything. I’ll listen.” She assured him.
Ryo touched the hand that was caressing his face and clasped it in his own. “I…I can’t explain it myself. I-I wanted to see you before you go to sleep. Then I…” He paused and shook his head, as if the next few words were forbidden for him to say. “I…I don’t understand it myself, Yuri. I’ve never been in this kind of situation before.”
Yuri opened her mouth to try to find the words to say. But closed it again as she realized she did not get the situation as well.
“Ryo, can you please try to be more specific? You’re confusing m-.”
“How can I when I’m confused as well?!” He cut her off.
Yuri looked at him in an attempt to decipher his actions. What could have brought about this change in him? What was making him so confused?
Yuri let out a big sigh as she moved towards the door, swiped her card in the slot and pulled Ryo inside. Yuri placed her bag on the mahogany table and led him to the black leather couch.
“I’ll get you something to drink.” She said as she pried her hands off his grasp. But he wouldn’t let go. “Uhm, Ryo, I can’t get it whe - “
“I don’t want anything. Just…” he paused before he pulled her, causing her to lose balance and sit on the couch beside him.
“W-what are - ?” She started to ask but was silenced as Ryo lay down on the couch and rested his head on her lap.
“Just stay.” He ordered as he looked at her briefly and closed his eyes.
Looking at him now, Yuri suddenly felt all the stress he must be going through. It wasn’t easy for him to go back to Japan. But he did. And she knew she was part of the reason why he had returned.
She rationalized that perhaps Ryo just needed to take a breather. He must be scared of starting anew in Japan. Yes, that must be it.
And she, as his best friend, was his pillar of support.
Perhaps, he just needed her to support him as well. Perhaps he just wanted to see her to assure him that she was going to be there for him. Perhaps he just needed a friend. Perhaps, it didn’t mean anything more.
Perhaps he -
She stopped having a conversation with herself when she noticed that Ryo’s breathing became more consistent.
He had already fallen asleep.
Yuri couldn’t help but stare at his face. Her memory clearly recalling every facial feature.
Slowly, she reached out for him and started to softly stroke his hair. She let her hands glide through his soft and thick mane.
For all those years that they were apart, she thought that she would never get a chance to see him again this close, to touch his face again, to be with him.
It was all too nostalgic.
She moved his head gently to make him more comfortable and quietly reached for the pashmina shawl inside her bag. She opened it up and spread it on top of his resting body, just like a child being tucked into bed.
Ryo slightly shifted at her action. But instead of opening his eyes, he reached out for her hand, intertwined in into his and gave a small contented smile.
Yuri couldn’t help but smile at his reaction. Whatever had brought about his earlier action, Yuri knew that he was definitely the same Nishikido Ryo. No matter how cool he might act, he was still like a little child sometimes.
It was moments like this that reminded her that he needed her. But she too realized, that by staying just like this - just as he had wanted - she couldn’t ask for anything else.
She lowered her head and whispered lightly to his ear. “Whatever it is that you’re scared of, whatever it is that troubled you so much, whenever you need to let go of all your worries, I am here for you, Ryo-kun. You can depend on me.”
She lifted her head and checked if Ryo had heard her. When he didn’t flinch, she cautiously and very gently pressed her lips on his forehead. “Oyasumi…”
_____________________________________________________________________________
A/N: Update! Wow, after like three months, Ryo, Yuri and Jin are back! *applause*
Yeah, I know, short chappie but I did have a poll on this. Had to warm myself up and be in the ‘Irrational Choices’ mode before writing this chap. I have to switch modes when I’m writing. (I am weird, I know. LOL)
Comments are loved. I am always happy to get feedback, good or bad. Arigatou! ^^,