If only… (One Shot)
Title: If only… (One Shot)
Author: lurvelygurl
Pairing: Takaki/ Arioka (Ariko), Yamada/ Arioka (Ariko)
Genre: Angst
Rating: G
Disclaimer: I only own the plot.
Warning: Arioka (Ariko) is a girl.
Summary: Ariko works in a flower shop. She unexpectedly met her high school crush Takaki.
Inspired by Takaki & Daiki radio drama, with some additional plot. Enjoy ^_^
The red car parks in front of the flower shop. Takaki made a bouquet reservation from this store this morning. Usually he would just get them delivered to his office. But not today. It is a very special occasion, and Takaki comes to collect the flowers himself
“Irraishaimase…” a young lady bows and greets him as he enters.
Takaki returns the bow. They straighten their back at the same time, and their eyes meet.
Takaki frowns. This beautiful lady is somewhat familiar. There is this unexplained longing lingers in Takaki’s heart.
“Ah!” Takaki excitedly yells. His heart is beating fast. “Ariko, you are Ariko right?”
Ariko’s eyes widen. “Takaki-kun?” she guesses.
“Yes, it’s me! Oh my!” the man sounds excited. “You work here?”
“Ye- yes…”
“I didn’t know… Wow… how many years has it been?”
Ariko forces a smile. “5 years,” she tries really hard to hide the nervousness she is experiencing now.
“You are just as beautiful as before,” Takaki compliments.
“Thank you. You are looking great yourself too… When did you returned from New York?”
“A little bit more than 2 months ago. Time really flies…”
“We are adults now.”
“Yeah… adults… sounds scary huh?”
The girl replies with a nod. At that time Ariko notices a wooden fountain pen clipped on Takaki’s suit.
“Takaki-kun, is that-”
“Ah this,” Takaki takes the pen out of his pocket. “My treasure,” he smiles as he shows the pen to Ariko.
Ariko takes a deep breath, trying to contain the tears that is now accumulating in her eyes.
“You are here to collect your bouquet, right? Let me get it for you,” Ariko excuses herself and walks towards the back of the shop where reserved bouquets are kept, wiping the tears on her way. The memories on their high school graduation day floods her mind all at once- making her feels a little overwhelmed.
“Ariko,” Takaki enters the empty classroom. Ariko who is standing at the most end corner turns upon being called, smiling sweetly at the boy she admires.
Takaki steadily approaches the girl, and so is Ariko. They meet at the centre of the classroom. This is the first time Takaki and Ariko are alone with each other. Both seems shy.
“Takaki-kun, this,” Ariko takes out a neatly wrapped gift from her school bag. “I hope you’ll accept this present. I carved your name on it myself.”
The boy takes the gift from Ariko and unwraps it neatly. It is a box containing a wooden fountain pen, with Takaki’s name engraved on it. Takaki is thrilled to receive such personal and wonderful gift from his crush.
“I’ll treasure this Ariko,” Takaki handsomely smiles. He snaps out the 2nd button from his school uniform and reaches for Ariko’s right hand.
Gently, Takaki put the 2nd button on Ariko’s right palm. “You’ve been the owner since the first time we met,” says Takaki.
Ariko sheepishly smiles hearing Takaki’s words. Takaki adores Ariko’s cuteness whenever she becomes this shy. Her cheeks turn red, and she will instinctively bite her lower lip every time she is shy like this.
Takaki moves a step closer. He softly touches Ariko’s chin with his right hand, and gently lifts the girl’s head up. Their eyes meet. Slowly, Takaki bends, aiming for Ariko’s lips. Ariko did not fight. She closes her eyes, nervously waiting for Takaki’s lips.
That was her first kiss.
“Mama?”
Ariko returns to her senses, surprise to see her 4 years old daughter clinging to her right leg.
“Gomen Sakura, mama didn’t notice you,” Ariko kneels to get to her daughter’s eye level. “Where’s papa?”
“Papa is waiting in the car. It’s time for you to get home right mama? Sakura comes to take you home!” the little girl smiles brightly. “Tonight is Takoyaki night! Sakura wants Takoyaki!”
Ariko stands back up. What was I thinking? she curses herself. You have family Ariko! It’s pointless to reminisce those moments!
Ariko takes out a grand bouquet of red roses with Takaki’s name on it. Been working at the shop for quite sometimes, Ariko knows that this specific bouquet is usually reserved for something special and personal.
Are you proposing to someone tonight Takaki-kun?
------------------------------
Takaki is absolutely delighted that Ariko is standing in front of him now. He has been looking for her everywhere.
Ariko was Takaki’s high school sweetheart. Well, high school crush to be exact. He never really confessed to her or took her out on date. But he remembers being extra vigilant and hyper every time Ariko attended his basketball practice. His basketball team would find a way to make sure Ariko was presence during big tournament, as Takaki will definitely work twice harder to score and showed his good side to Ariko. Ariko’s cheerful smile every time he scored worth more than the trophy for Takaki.
The whole school would be gossiping about them. There were no words needed. Everyone had mutual understanding that Takaki and Ariko were a highly anticipated couple.
Unfortunately, it never happened.
Takaki continued his studies abroad. They have been exchanging letters during the first few months he was staying overseas as penpals. But then one day, the letter stops coming. There was no reply from Ariko no matter how many letters he sent. Still, Takaki never stopped sending a letter each month to Ariko, writing them with his most treasured pen Ariko gifted him.
The first thing Takaki did when he returned to Japan was visiting Ariko’s home address. Only then Takaki knew that Ariko’s house was burnt in fire that killed both of her parents. The tragedy forced Ariko to quit her studies and live in shelters. All of Takaki’s letters are kept at the post office nearby the address.
Takaki was distraught to know the cruel truth. He keeps cursing himself for not being there during Ariko’s hard times. Takaki would definitely help Ariko with all the means he has.
Things are different now. Takaki will make it up to Ariko. The fact that they meet again today after the long separation, Takaki believes they are fated to be together.
“Takaki-kun,”
Takaki turns upon hearing Ariko’s sweet voice calling his name. He is however shock to see a little girl hiding behind Ariko’s legs.
She resembles Ariko a lot…
“Here’s your bouquet Takaki-kun,” Ariko hands the rose bouquet to her old friend.
“Thanks,” Takaki receives the bouquet. “Ariko… that girl…”
“Ah gomen! I forgot to introduce you. This is Yamada Sakura, my daughter.” Ariko brings her daughter to the front. “Say hello to mama’s friend Sakura.”
Sakura waves at Takaki shyly before she quickly hides back behind her mother.
Takaki’s heart is crushed. He was not expecting this kind of surprise.
“She looks just like you, and shy like you too,” Takaki tries hard to sound calm. “Yamada huh? Is it ‘that’ Yamada?”
Ariko nods. “Yes, our classmate Yamada Ryosuke.”
“The football club captain. I knew he had feelings for you too...”
Ariko takes a deep breath. “So many things happened Takaki-kun… Life doesn’t always go the way we planned…”
“I know… it’s just that, I wished I was there for you when you needed someone.”
“Ryosuke is a good man,” says Ariko. “I am happy with my current life Takaki-kun.”
Takaki bitterly smiles. “I know. I’m happy for you Ariko. And I am sure Yamada treasures you as much as I do.”
“Or maybe more,” Ariko adds.
Takaki takes a deep breath. “It’s great to see you again Ariko. I’m glad that we meet today.”
“Me too,” Ariko’s eyes become wet again.
“I better get going. Don’t want to be late for the party,” Takaki slowly heads to the exit. “See you around Ariko! You too my cute Sakura!” he cheerfully waves as he exits- the biggest pretention Takaki has made his entire life.
“Can we go now mama?” Sakura grabs Ariko’s right hand. “I want Takoyaki…”
“Sure sweetheart. Let’s go to papa okay?” Ariko lovingly pats her daughter’s head.
She stops by a mirror and put on her khakis trench coat. She stares at her reflection for a bit. There it is, the ‘2nd button’ Takaki gifted her 5 years ago is nicely sewn on her coat- serving as her coat’s second button. Ariko has been changing her coat’s 2nd button with Takaki’s ever since the button was given to her.
Ariko touches the button as she closes her eyes.
If only the fire didn’t took place,
If only you were not studying abroad,
Will our story end differently Takaki-kun?
~the end
Author: lurvelygurl
Pairing: Takaki/ Arioka (Ariko), Yamada/ Arioka (Ariko)
Genre: Angst
Rating: G
Disclaimer: I only own the plot.
Warning: Arioka (Ariko) is a girl.
Summary: Ariko works in a flower shop. She unexpectedly met her high school crush Takaki.
Inspired by Takaki & Daiki radio drama, with some additional plot. Enjoy ^_^
The red car parks in front of the flower shop. Takaki made a bouquet reservation from this store this morning. Usually he would just get them delivered to his office. But not today. It is a very special occasion, and Takaki comes to collect the flowers himself
“Irraishaimase…” a young lady bows and greets him as he enters.
Takaki returns the bow. They straighten their back at the same time, and their eyes meet.
Takaki frowns. This beautiful lady is somewhat familiar. There is this unexplained longing lingers in Takaki’s heart.
“Ah!” Takaki excitedly yells. His heart is beating fast. “Ariko, you are Ariko right?”
Ariko’s eyes widen. “Takaki-kun?” she guesses.
“Yes, it’s me! Oh my!” the man sounds excited. “You work here?”
“Ye- yes…”
“I didn’t know… Wow… how many years has it been?”
Ariko forces a smile. “5 years,” she tries really hard to hide the nervousness she is experiencing now.
“You are just as beautiful as before,” Takaki compliments.
“Thank you. You are looking great yourself too… When did you returned from New York?”
“A little bit more than 2 months ago. Time really flies…”
“We are adults now.”
“Yeah… adults… sounds scary huh?”
The girl replies with a nod. At that time Ariko notices a wooden fountain pen clipped on Takaki’s suit.
“Takaki-kun, is that-”
“Ah this,” Takaki takes the pen out of his pocket. “My treasure,” he smiles as he shows the pen to Ariko.
Ariko takes a deep breath, trying to contain the tears that is now accumulating in her eyes.
“You are here to collect your bouquet, right? Let me get it for you,” Ariko excuses herself and walks towards the back of the shop where reserved bouquets are kept, wiping the tears on her way. The memories on their high school graduation day floods her mind all at once- making her feels a little overwhelmed.
“Ariko,” Takaki enters the empty classroom. Ariko who is standing at the most end corner turns upon being called, smiling sweetly at the boy she admires.
Takaki steadily approaches the girl, and so is Ariko. They meet at the centre of the classroom. This is the first time Takaki and Ariko are alone with each other. Both seems shy.
“Takaki-kun, this,” Ariko takes out a neatly wrapped gift from her school bag. “I hope you’ll accept this present. I carved your name on it myself.”
The boy takes the gift from Ariko and unwraps it neatly. It is a box containing a wooden fountain pen, with Takaki’s name engraved on it. Takaki is thrilled to receive such personal and wonderful gift from his crush.
“I’ll treasure this Ariko,” Takaki handsomely smiles. He snaps out the 2nd button from his school uniform and reaches for Ariko’s right hand.
Gently, Takaki put the 2nd button on Ariko’s right palm. “You’ve been the owner since the first time we met,” says Takaki.
Ariko sheepishly smiles hearing Takaki’s words. Takaki adores Ariko’s cuteness whenever she becomes this shy. Her cheeks turn red, and she will instinctively bite her lower lip every time she is shy like this.
Takaki moves a step closer. He softly touches Ariko’s chin with his right hand, and gently lifts the girl’s head up. Their eyes meet. Slowly, Takaki bends, aiming for Ariko’s lips. Ariko did not fight. She closes her eyes, nervously waiting for Takaki’s lips.
That was her first kiss.
“Mama?”
Ariko returns to her senses, surprise to see her 4 years old daughter clinging to her right leg.
“Gomen Sakura, mama didn’t notice you,” Ariko kneels to get to her daughter’s eye level. “Where’s papa?”
“Papa is waiting in the car. It’s time for you to get home right mama? Sakura comes to take you home!” the little girl smiles brightly. “Tonight is Takoyaki night! Sakura wants Takoyaki!”
Ariko stands back up. What was I thinking? she curses herself. You have family Ariko! It’s pointless to reminisce those moments!
Ariko takes out a grand bouquet of red roses with Takaki’s name on it. Been working at the shop for quite sometimes, Ariko knows that this specific bouquet is usually reserved for something special and personal.
Are you proposing to someone tonight Takaki-kun?
------------------------------
Takaki is absolutely delighted that Ariko is standing in front of him now. He has been looking for her everywhere.
Ariko was Takaki’s high school sweetheart. Well, high school crush to be exact. He never really confessed to her or took her out on date. But he remembers being extra vigilant and hyper every time Ariko attended his basketball practice. His basketball team would find a way to make sure Ariko was presence during big tournament, as Takaki will definitely work twice harder to score and showed his good side to Ariko. Ariko’s cheerful smile every time he scored worth more than the trophy for Takaki.
The whole school would be gossiping about them. There were no words needed. Everyone had mutual understanding that Takaki and Ariko were a highly anticipated couple.
Unfortunately, it never happened.
Takaki continued his studies abroad. They have been exchanging letters during the first few months he was staying overseas as penpals. But then one day, the letter stops coming. There was no reply from Ariko no matter how many letters he sent. Still, Takaki never stopped sending a letter each month to Ariko, writing them with his most treasured pen Ariko gifted him.
The first thing Takaki did when he returned to Japan was visiting Ariko’s home address. Only then Takaki knew that Ariko’s house was burnt in fire that killed both of her parents. The tragedy forced Ariko to quit her studies and live in shelters. All of Takaki’s letters are kept at the post office nearby the address.
Takaki was distraught to know the cruel truth. He keeps cursing himself for not being there during Ariko’s hard times. Takaki would definitely help Ariko with all the means he has.
Things are different now. Takaki will make it up to Ariko. The fact that they meet again today after the long separation, Takaki believes they are fated to be together.
“Takaki-kun,”
Takaki turns upon hearing Ariko’s sweet voice calling his name. He is however shock to see a little girl hiding behind Ariko’s legs.
She resembles Ariko a lot…
“Here’s your bouquet Takaki-kun,” Ariko hands the rose bouquet to her old friend.
“Thanks,” Takaki receives the bouquet. “Ariko… that girl…”
“Ah gomen! I forgot to introduce you. This is Yamada Sakura, my daughter.” Ariko brings her daughter to the front. “Say hello to mama’s friend Sakura.”
Sakura waves at Takaki shyly before she quickly hides back behind her mother.
Takaki’s heart is crushed. He was not expecting this kind of surprise.
“She looks just like you, and shy like you too,” Takaki tries hard to sound calm. “Yamada huh? Is it ‘that’ Yamada?”
Ariko nods. “Yes, our classmate Yamada Ryosuke.”
“The football club captain. I knew he had feelings for you too...”
Ariko takes a deep breath. “So many things happened Takaki-kun… Life doesn’t always go the way we planned…”
“I know… it’s just that, I wished I was there for you when you needed someone.”
“Ryosuke is a good man,” says Ariko. “I am happy with my current life Takaki-kun.”
Takaki bitterly smiles. “I know. I’m happy for you Ariko. And I am sure Yamada treasures you as much as I do.”
“Or maybe more,” Ariko adds.
Takaki takes a deep breath. “It’s great to see you again Ariko. I’m glad that we meet today.”
“Me too,” Ariko’s eyes become wet again.
“I better get going. Don’t want to be late for the party,” Takaki slowly heads to the exit. “See you around Ariko! You too my cute Sakura!” he cheerfully waves as he exits- the biggest pretention Takaki has made his entire life.
“Can we go now mama?” Sakura grabs Ariko’s right hand. “I want Takoyaki…”
“Sure sweetheart. Let’s go to papa okay?” Ariko lovingly pats her daughter’s head.
She stops by a mirror and put on her khakis trench coat. She stares at her reflection for a bit. There it is, the ‘2nd button’ Takaki gifted her 5 years ago is nicely sewn on her coat- serving as her coat’s second button. Ariko has been changing her coat’s 2nd button with Takaki’s ever since the button was given to her.
Ariko touches the button as she closes her eyes.
If only the fire didn’t took place,
If only you were not studying abroad,
Will our story end differently Takaki-kun?
~the end