[FANFIC] Parrot (1/9)
Title: Parrot
Author: macy
Pairing: Okamoto Keito x Inoo Shinju (OC) x Nakajima Yuto
Rating: G
Genre: Drama, Romance, Friendship
AN:
- a year old promise, i think? /shot anyway, here it is
shinju!!! hope you like it (this is just the first part) :D i don't know if i did alright. >.<
- flashbacks are italicized
Shinju's POV
He's smiling at me. It was my favorite smile; the smile he always reserved only for me. And I just feel very much at ease.
Everything feels right when Keito is with me.
He touched my cheeks, his hands so warm.
"Shinju..."
I looked at him in question.
"Shinju." He called again.
"What is it?" I asked him.
"Wake up, Shinju."
I opened my eyes, feeling a bit disconcerted. I found my little brother looking down at me.
"Yuri." I said.
"Kei asked me to wake you up. You need to start getting ready or we'll be late." He said and stood up from my bed, not waiting for my reply.
I just nodded though he had already gone out.
Yuri, my little brother. He's a bit cold, but that's because we are not close. We've live our whole lifes apart from each other.
I sat up when the door closed, feeling a bit confused. I looked at the calendar and realized what Yuri meant.
It was finally that day; the day I was dreading the most.
I stood up starting for my bathroom and I had a glance at my window. Today was such a beautiful day. How ironic that the scene before me seems so lively, the sky so vast, so limitless, when this is the day I lose even the illusion of my freedom.
I started walking towards my bathroom. There was nothing I could do, really. And I am just so tired, so tired of everything to even try.
I remembered when there were no worries, when everything was simple, when I was happy.
I remembered Keito.
I first talked him during my first year in high school.
I had always seen him in the library, in a table farthest from the door, always alone. He was much like me, in that sense. I've always imagined that the library was also a sanctuary for him as it was for me. It was a place where no one looks at me with judging eyes. It was where I could open a book and hide in that world, where there are no expectations from me.
It was during our school's festival that I met him. As usual, I was in the library. I didn't really like festivities much, and I prefered solitude. The library was empty except for me and for him.
We don't really acknowledge each other, though we practically share the same table everyday, but that day I had been looking for a book and I couldn't find it in the shelves. Instead, I found it in his hands. He seemed to noticed my gaze and looked at the book.
That was the first time he smiled at me. I felt my face grew hot then. I am not really used to socializing; one of the thing that makes my father frustrated about me.
"Here, you can have it." He said, raising the book to me. "I've already read it before."
I took it gingerly and gave him a little bow.
"Thank you." I said so very softly. I then went back to my seat, at the corner of the room.
After that, I've always found myself seated in the same table as him. We greet each others through bows, but no words were exchange.
The next time I did talk to him, it was during our summer break.
It was after a fight with my father. I was so angry and frustrated that I just started running from my house. I didn't really think of where I was going.I just wanted to be away from my father.
It started raining and I looked around to find myself in a very unfamiliar place. I was in front of an old club house, I think. It was in a dead end. I didn't really care, I just went inside for shelter from te rain. After I closed the door, I collapsed on the floor and started crying.
I jumped when I heard a clutter. My heart was pounding in my chest but when I looked up, it was to see the same boy I shared table in the library with. He looked startled as well, and books were scattered around his feet. It seems he dropped them at the sight of me.
His startled face turned into a concerned one.
"Are you okay?" He asked as he approached me, looking panicked.
I stared at him for a few more second and found myself shaking my head. 'I'm not okay.'
I started crying again, feeling just so tired. He just crouched besides me, not touching me, but not leaving me there alone, either.
We stayed like that for a long while; until I cried myself to sleep. When I woke up, I was still in the same place, but a blanket was wrapped around me.
"You're awake..." A voice said and I saw him. "I'm sorry I had to leave there, I didn't know how to move you." He said, apologetically.
I just shook my head. My throat felt dry.
"Do you want some hot chocolate? I made some while you were sleeping." He asked.
I nodded, slowly standing up. He made to assist me but I was already up. I moved towards one of the chairs, feeling a bit numb. He was quick to get the hot chocolate and he gave me a cup right away.
"Thank you." I said. I took a sip and somehow I felt a lot better.
"You're welcome." He said, smiling at me.
"I'm Inoo Shinju." I said after a quiet while. I remembered I haven't introduced myself.
"Okamoto Keito." He said.
He became a friend, and then a confidant.
We spend the whole summer together in that old club house which turned out to be a property of Keito's family. We just hang out, reading books and chatting, forgetting all my worries and problems, and just living in our own world.
I told Keito about all my secerets, about my family, about my problems. In turn, he told me about his. I found out he was actually my senpai in school, a second year. I found out he doesn't want to be called 'senpai' and that he grew up in England and only came back here in Japan during his middle school. He loves book as much as I do and his favorite drink is hot chocolate. I also found out he has a way with words, and that he has a way with me. He knew exactly what to say and do to comfort me, and to make me smile.from england,
We were inseperable even when the next semester started. We would always meet in the library and have lunch in the school's greenhouse.
He became someone who's just so special to me.
"You know why don't you have any other friends?" He suddenly said one weekend, when we were in the clubhouse.
"You're one to talk." I retorted, playfully.
"You don't let people get close to you." He continued saying, ignoring my comment.
I raised a brow at him. He shrugged. "I have friends," He said, "I just prefer going to the library."
"Then we're the same." I told him.
"You know we're not. And I'm not saying I'm better than you or anything, but so you know, it's fun to have friends." He said in a mild teasing tone.
"It's not if they're only befriending you because of who your father is." I said, seriously.
He frowned. "No, it's still better than just having fictional friends." He said, equally serious.
I looked at him and sighed. I know he's just worried about me but it still annoys me. "Well, I don't need friends. I have my niichan." I said.
He unexpectedly chuckled at that. "You really love your niichan." He said.
"I also have you." I added.
He smiled my favorite smile. "Tha's true."
And expectedly, he ruffled my hair. He likes doing that. I gasped theatrically and slapped him playfully in mock-anger.
In retort, he ruffled my hair more.
I laughed. "Keito!!!!" I complained
Our moments like those. I thought it'd never end.
I sighed as I got off the bath tub. Taking my robe, I went out to my room and walk towards my closet. My dress for today was already prepared. It was a silky gold cocktail dress. A choice by my mother, maybe. It was simple and sophisticated.
It was a beautiful dress, but I hate it. Trying to contain my feelings, I doned in the dress.
My accessories for today was also already ready. A gold necklace with diamond pendant, earings with the same diamonds and some golden bangles.
I stared at the necklace, hesitating.
Sighing, I removed the diamond pendant and replaced it with my pearl ring.
I just can't let go. I need to hold onto it.
It was just after another fight with my father. I stormed out, automatically going to our clubhouse. I knew Keito wouldn't be there. He had told me he and his family would be celebrating his graduation that day. I wanted to see him, but I could at least have my peace in our clubhouse.
So I was very surprised to find him there.
"Keito!" I called, and reflexively, I hugged him.
"I thought you and you're family---" I started but he cut me off.
"You're crying, are you okay?" He asked, worriedly.
I smiled through my tears, hugging him tighter. "I'm gonna be fine." I told him. "But can we stay like this for a bit?"
"Of course." He said, and returned my embrace.
As I wished, we stayed like that for a while; with me crying and with Keito just holding me.
It was when I realized Keito's clothes were already damp that I stepped back.
"I'm so sorry, I---" I stared at him, surprised and unexpectedly feeling amused. "Why are you wearing a tux?"
"Don't worry about my tux." He said, also amused. "I mean, look at what I've done to your dress. It's all crumpled now." He said.
I was wearing a formal dress. My father had a business party at home.
"That family event you said, that's not just a celebration for your graduation, is it?" I asked him.
"Maybe." He said. "And you're family event isn't just your parent's high school reunion is it?" That was what I told him. I didn't lie, really. I just didn't say that it was a formal gathering among business partners, clients and other guests, all of whom seems to come from the same high school; our high school, in fact.
"Well, yeah." I said, "But what are you doing here?"
He shrugged. "I ran away. Just like you did." He said mysteriously.
I knew there was something he wasn't telling me, but I also knew he didn't want to talk about it so I didn't ask further. I knew he'd tell me when he's ready.
"What happened to you?" He asked after a pause.
"Just the usual." I said, frowning and before he could speak, I added. "I don't really need your lecture, right now."
He always try to persuade me to talk to my dad, to tell him how I really feel cause I never do that.
"Fine then." He said, dropping the subject easily. "Let's just hang out then. Where do you wanna go?"
"Go?" I asked, surprised.
"Yeah, we always stay here. Let's go somewhere new..." He said, grinning at me.
"Right now?" I asked, laughing in amusement. "Wearing these?" I asked, gesturing to my dress and his tux.
He just shrugged. "How bout Disneyland? I haven't been there." He said.
"You haven't been to Disneyland?"
"Have you?" He asked me.
"My niichan took me there once." I told him.
He smiled at that. "Well, let's go now." He said.
"We can't go in these!" I told him, full-out laughing now.
"It's not other people's business. Come on." He said and he took my hand in his and started pulling me up.
He was serious. We walked to the road and he hailed a cab. And we were in Disneyland in half an hour.
I felt so ridiculous as we entered the amusement park in our outfit. But the feeling didn't linger as Keito pulled me towards the right, looking so happy. He was just like a little boy.
We rode on almost all the rides, and there was never a second that he let go of my hand.
We were in Disneyland until the fireworks display.
It was then that he let go of my hand. I was rather disappointed. I like the feeling of his hand in mine. But then he took a little box out of his pocket and handed it to me.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Just a gift." He said. "Open it." He added, smiling my favorite smile.
"For what? It's not my birthday." I said as I opened the little box.
I gasped when I saw what was inside. It was a pearl ring.
"Oh my God, it's beautiful, Keito." I told him.
He didn't reply. I looked at him to see that he wasn't looking at me. In fact, it looks like he was determined not to look my way.
I gigled and I placed the ring on my finger.
"Thank you." I told him as I laced my hand with him once more. I saw him smile, and he tightened his grip on my hand.
He walked me home that night. I was so happy, I didn't even realize that there was something that was bothering Keito.
When we reached our gate, he let go of my hand and then ruffled my hair.
"Let's meet in the clubhouse tomorrow." He suddenly said.
I nodded.
He smiled. "I have something to say to you." He said.
"Okay." I said.
"Well, good night then." He said.
"Thank you for today." I said. "And for the ring." I added.
"Tomorrow." He reminded.
"It's a promise." I said.
I heard a knock on my door and I turned to see my niichan.
"Ohayou..." He greeted, smiling at me sadly.
"Ohayou." I greeted back, trying for a smile. "I'm almost finished." I told him.
He nodded. He looked as if he wanted to say more, but instead he just offered another smile. "We'll wait for you down at the living room."
"Hai." I told him.
He nodded and closed the door once more.
I was so surprised when the lights of the gates went on.
"Shinju!"
I relaxed at the sound of the voice. It was only my niichan.
"Niichan, you startled me." I told him, smiling, still so very happy.
"Come inside, it's already so late." He said, looking panicked.
I walked inside, feeling confused. "Did something happened?" I asked him.
"We'll talk inside. Come now." He said.
We entered our house quietly. I think everyone was already asleep.
The two of us ascended the stairs and Kei-niichan silently gestured for my room. I nodded and the two of us entered my room.
"What is it?" I asked him when we were already inside.
"What were you doing with Okamoto Keito?!" He said silently, but harshly.
"You know Keito?" I asked, perplexed.
"I know him. But I think you don't." He said.
"What do you mean?! He's my friend; he's someone very special to me. In fact, I think I love him, niichan." I told him.
"No, you can't." He said, looking not angry, but sad, hurt.
"Why??" I said, and I could feel my tears welling up.
"His mother is Sasazaki Katsue. He's Sasazaki Kento's grandson, Shinju." He said, slowly.
My eyes widen at this.
"No. That can't be. You must be mistaken..." I whispered, stunned.
Sasazaki Kento is my father's political opponent. There had been bad blood between Sasazaki and Inoo family.
"I've met him before..." Niichan said softly.
"He's Mami's little brother." He said, and his face contorted with pain as he said her name. Sasazaki Mami, the girl my brother fell in love with.
"You can't be in love with him..." He said, his tone pleading. "You know father, you know what he can do. Promise me you won't meet with Keito again."
Yes, I know our father. And I know what my Niichan and Mami-neechan have been through.
"What's more, you're an heiress." He added. "I'm just his bastard--" he said with no self-pity, "but he still insisted that I do not shame the family's name. As if I asked to take the name 'Inoo.'" He said, his voice filled with bitterness.
My niichan is my father's child from another woman. I don't know much about the story, but I knew my brother is always hurting because of it.
"You can't meet with him again." He said and my tears started falling.
"Niichan... It's too late." I gasped out. He went to me and hugged me, the way he used to when I was little.
"I'm so sorry, Shinju." He whispered, though it was hardly his fault.
"I already love him." I whispered, crying to my brother.
"I'm so sorry." He repeated and repeated until I cried myself to sleep.
The next day, I couldn't go to the club house. I didn't see him for weeks since it was our break from school.
I try hard not to think of him and for a few days I managed to do so. It was one Sunday that I just couldn't bear it, I missed him so much. For the first time, I opened the little box and looked at the pearl ring once more.
That was when I noticed it.
Engraved inside the band was three words:
'I love you.'
It was then that I found the courage to meet Keito once more. I went to the club house again, wishing he would be there. But he wasn't.
I returned the next days but he never came.
It was from my brother that I found out that his family had returned to England.
He had left me.
I took one last look at my reflection.
Gold dress, diamond accessories, red lips... it wasn't me.
I hate what I was seeing.
But this would be good enough for my father.
Feeling dead inside, I descended our stairs. I saw my two brothers smile as they saw me.
My niichan took my hand and the three of us walked outside.
We got on our car and I sat between the two of them.
I barely heard Yuri say that our parents were already at the party. I just nodded numbly.
I could feel my niichan's hand tighten around me, letting me know he was there.
I gave him a small smile.
The ride was quick and the next thing I knew, I was already waiting by the door. My niichan never let go of my hand.
As the door opened, there were many flashes of cameras. Everyone was thrilled to see the heiress.
I hate it. I hate everyone.
We started walking and when we reached the table, I felt my niichan squished my hand once more.
The guy from the table stood up then and gave a small bow to my niichan.
My niichan then gave my hand to him.
He was smiling broadly as he took it...
My fiance, Nakajima Yuto.
Because this was our engagement party.
AN:
-part 1 is this looong?? dividing into parts was a good idea. /shot
-shinju, the next part might take a while. but i'm posting this now so i'd be pressured to finish it soon. lols.
EDIT:
forgot to put this.lols~
the pearl ring. ^^
thanks for reading~
Author: macy
Pairing: Okamoto Keito x Inoo Shinju (OC) x Nakajima Yuto
Rating: G
Genre: Drama, Romance, Friendship
AN:
- a year old promise, i think? /shot anyway, here it is
shinju!!! hope you like it (this is just the first part) :D i don't know if i did alright. >.<
- flashbacks are italicized
Shinju's POV
He's smiling at me. It was my favorite smile; the smile he always reserved only for me. And I just feel very much at ease.
Everything feels right when Keito is with me.
He touched my cheeks, his hands so warm.
"Shinju..."
I looked at him in question.
"Shinju." He called again.
"What is it?" I asked him.
"Wake up, Shinju."
I opened my eyes, feeling a bit disconcerted. I found my little brother looking down at me.
"Yuri." I said.
"Kei asked me to wake you up. You need to start getting ready or we'll be late." He said and stood up from my bed, not waiting for my reply.
I just nodded though he had already gone out.
Yuri, my little brother. He's a bit cold, but that's because we are not close. We've live our whole lifes apart from each other.
I sat up when the door closed, feeling a bit confused. I looked at the calendar and realized what Yuri meant.
It was finally that day; the day I was dreading the most.
I stood up starting for my bathroom and I had a glance at my window. Today was such a beautiful day. How ironic that the scene before me seems so lively, the sky so vast, so limitless, when this is the day I lose even the illusion of my freedom.
I started walking towards my bathroom. There was nothing I could do, really. And I am just so tired, so tired of everything to even try.
I remembered when there were no worries, when everything was simple, when I was happy.
I remembered Keito.
I first talked him during my first year in high school.
I had always seen him in the library, in a table farthest from the door, always alone. He was much like me, in that sense. I've always imagined that the library was also a sanctuary for him as it was for me. It was a place where no one looks at me with judging eyes. It was where I could open a book and hide in that world, where there are no expectations from me.
It was during our school's festival that I met him. As usual, I was in the library. I didn't really like festivities much, and I prefered solitude. The library was empty except for me and for him.
We don't really acknowledge each other, though we practically share the same table everyday, but that day I had been looking for a book and I couldn't find it in the shelves. Instead, I found it in his hands. He seemed to noticed my gaze and looked at the book.
That was the first time he smiled at me. I felt my face grew hot then. I am not really used to socializing; one of the thing that makes my father frustrated about me.
"Here, you can have it." He said, raising the book to me. "I've already read it before."
I took it gingerly and gave him a little bow.
"Thank you." I said so very softly. I then went back to my seat, at the corner of the room.
After that, I've always found myself seated in the same table as him. We greet each others through bows, but no words were exchange.
The next time I did talk to him, it was during our summer break.
It was after a fight with my father. I was so angry and frustrated that I just started running from my house. I didn't really think of where I was going.I just wanted to be away from my father.
It started raining and I looked around to find myself in a very unfamiliar place. I was in front of an old club house, I think. It was in a dead end. I didn't really care, I just went inside for shelter from te rain. After I closed the door, I collapsed on the floor and started crying.
I jumped when I heard a clutter. My heart was pounding in my chest but when I looked up, it was to see the same boy I shared table in the library with. He looked startled as well, and books were scattered around his feet. It seems he dropped them at the sight of me.
His startled face turned into a concerned one.
"Are you okay?" He asked as he approached me, looking panicked.
I stared at him for a few more second and found myself shaking my head. 'I'm not okay.'
I started crying again, feeling just so tired. He just crouched besides me, not touching me, but not leaving me there alone, either.
We stayed like that for a long while; until I cried myself to sleep. When I woke up, I was still in the same place, but a blanket was wrapped around me.
"You're awake..." A voice said and I saw him. "I'm sorry I had to leave there, I didn't know how to move you." He said, apologetically.
I just shook my head. My throat felt dry.
"Do you want some hot chocolate? I made some while you were sleeping." He asked.
I nodded, slowly standing up. He made to assist me but I was already up. I moved towards one of the chairs, feeling a bit numb. He was quick to get the hot chocolate and he gave me a cup right away.
"Thank you." I said. I took a sip and somehow I felt a lot better.
"You're welcome." He said, smiling at me.
"I'm Inoo Shinju." I said after a quiet while. I remembered I haven't introduced myself.
"Okamoto Keito." He said.
He became a friend, and then a confidant.
We spend the whole summer together in that old club house which turned out to be a property of Keito's family. We just hang out, reading books and chatting, forgetting all my worries and problems, and just living in our own world.
I told Keito about all my secerets, about my family, about my problems. In turn, he told me about his. I found out he was actually my senpai in school, a second year. I found out he doesn't want to be called 'senpai' and that he grew up in England and only came back here in Japan during his middle school. He loves book as much as I do and his favorite drink is hot chocolate. I also found out he has a way with words, and that he has a way with me. He knew exactly what to say and do to comfort me, and to make me smile.from england,
We were inseperable even when the next semester started. We would always meet in the library and have lunch in the school's greenhouse.
He became someone who's just so special to me.
"You know why don't you have any other friends?" He suddenly said one weekend, when we were in the clubhouse.
"You're one to talk." I retorted, playfully.
"You don't let people get close to you." He continued saying, ignoring my comment.
I raised a brow at him. He shrugged. "I have friends," He said, "I just prefer going to the library."
"Then we're the same." I told him.
"You know we're not. And I'm not saying I'm better than you or anything, but so you know, it's fun to have friends." He said in a mild teasing tone.
"It's not if they're only befriending you because of who your father is." I said, seriously.
He frowned. "No, it's still better than just having fictional friends." He said, equally serious.
I looked at him and sighed. I know he's just worried about me but it still annoys me. "Well, I don't need friends. I have my niichan." I said.
He unexpectedly chuckled at that. "You really love your niichan." He said.
"I also have you." I added.
He smiled my favorite smile. "Tha's true."
And expectedly, he ruffled my hair. He likes doing that. I gasped theatrically and slapped him playfully in mock-anger.
In retort, he ruffled my hair more.
I laughed. "Keito!!!!" I complained
Our moments like those. I thought it'd never end.
I sighed as I got off the bath tub. Taking my robe, I went out to my room and walk towards my closet. My dress for today was already prepared. It was a silky gold cocktail dress. A choice by my mother, maybe. It was simple and sophisticated.
It was a beautiful dress, but I hate it. Trying to contain my feelings, I doned in the dress.
My accessories for today was also already ready. A gold necklace with diamond pendant, earings with the same diamonds and some golden bangles.
I stared at the necklace, hesitating.
Sighing, I removed the diamond pendant and replaced it with my pearl ring.
I just can't let go. I need to hold onto it.
It was just after another fight with my father. I stormed out, automatically going to our clubhouse. I knew Keito wouldn't be there. He had told me he and his family would be celebrating his graduation that day. I wanted to see him, but I could at least have my peace in our clubhouse.
So I was very surprised to find him there.
"Keito!" I called, and reflexively, I hugged him.
"I thought you and you're family---" I started but he cut me off.
"You're crying, are you okay?" He asked, worriedly.
I smiled through my tears, hugging him tighter. "I'm gonna be fine." I told him. "But can we stay like this for a bit?"
"Of course." He said, and returned my embrace.
As I wished, we stayed like that for a while; with me crying and with Keito just holding me.
It was when I realized Keito's clothes were already damp that I stepped back.
"I'm so sorry, I---" I stared at him, surprised and unexpectedly feeling amused. "Why are you wearing a tux?"
"Don't worry about my tux." He said, also amused. "I mean, look at what I've done to your dress. It's all crumpled now." He said.
I was wearing a formal dress. My father had a business party at home.
"That family event you said, that's not just a celebration for your graduation, is it?" I asked him.
"Maybe." He said. "And you're family event isn't just your parent's high school reunion is it?" That was what I told him. I didn't lie, really. I just didn't say that it was a formal gathering among business partners, clients and other guests, all of whom seems to come from the same high school; our high school, in fact.
"Well, yeah." I said, "But what are you doing here?"
He shrugged. "I ran away. Just like you did." He said mysteriously.
I knew there was something he wasn't telling me, but I also knew he didn't want to talk about it so I didn't ask further. I knew he'd tell me when he's ready.
"What happened to you?" He asked after a pause.
"Just the usual." I said, frowning and before he could speak, I added. "I don't really need your lecture, right now."
He always try to persuade me to talk to my dad, to tell him how I really feel cause I never do that.
"Fine then." He said, dropping the subject easily. "Let's just hang out then. Where do you wanna go?"
"Go?" I asked, surprised.
"Yeah, we always stay here. Let's go somewhere new..." He said, grinning at me.
"Right now?" I asked, laughing in amusement. "Wearing these?" I asked, gesturing to my dress and his tux.
He just shrugged. "How bout Disneyland? I haven't been there." He said.
"You haven't been to Disneyland?"
"Have you?" He asked me.
"My niichan took me there once." I told him.
He smiled at that. "Well, let's go now." He said.
"We can't go in these!" I told him, full-out laughing now.
"It's not other people's business. Come on." He said and he took my hand in his and started pulling me up.
He was serious. We walked to the road and he hailed a cab. And we were in Disneyland in half an hour.
I felt so ridiculous as we entered the amusement park in our outfit. But the feeling didn't linger as Keito pulled me towards the right, looking so happy. He was just like a little boy.
We rode on almost all the rides, and there was never a second that he let go of my hand.
We were in Disneyland until the fireworks display.
It was then that he let go of my hand. I was rather disappointed. I like the feeling of his hand in mine. But then he took a little box out of his pocket and handed it to me.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Just a gift." He said. "Open it." He added, smiling my favorite smile.
"For what? It's not my birthday." I said as I opened the little box.
I gasped when I saw what was inside. It was a pearl ring.
"Oh my God, it's beautiful, Keito." I told him.
He didn't reply. I looked at him to see that he wasn't looking at me. In fact, it looks like he was determined not to look my way.
I gigled and I placed the ring on my finger.
"Thank you." I told him as I laced my hand with him once more. I saw him smile, and he tightened his grip on my hand.
He walked me home that night. I was so happy, I didn't even realize that there was something that was bothering Keito.
When we reached our gate, he let go of my hand and then ruffled my hair.
"Let's meet in the clubhouse tomorrow." He suddenly said.
I nodded.
He smiled. "I have something to say to you." He said.
"Okay." I said.
"Well, good night then." He said.
"Thank you for today." I said. "And for the ring." I added.
"Tomorrow." He reminded.
"It's a promise." I said.
I heard a knock on my door and I turned to see my niichan.
"Ohayou..." He greeted, smiling at me sadly.
"Ohayou." I greeted back, trying for a smile. "I'm almost finished." I told him.
He nodded. He looked as if he wanted to say more, but instead he just offered another smile. "We'll wait for you down at the living room."
"Hai." I told him.
He nodded and closed the door once more.
I was so surprised when the lights of the gates went on.
"Shinju!"
I relaxed at the sound of the voice. It was only my niichan.
"Niichan, you startled me." I told him, smiling, still so very happy.
"Come inside, it's already so late." He said, looking panicked.
I walked inside, feeling confused. "Did something happened?" I asked him.
"We'll talk inside. Come now." He said.
We entered our house quietly. I think everyone was already asleep.
The two of us ascended the stairs and Kei-niichan silently gestured for my room. I nodded and the two of us entered my room.
"What is it?" I asked him when we were already inside.
"What were you doing with Okamoto Keito?!" He said silently, but harshly.
"You know Keito?" I asked, perplexed.
"I know him. But I think you don't." He said.
"What do you mean?! He's my friend; he's someone very special to me. In fact, I think I love him, niichan." I told him.
"No, you can't." He said, looking not angry, but sad, hurt.
"Why??" I said, and I could feel my tears welling up.
"His mother is Sasazaki Katsue. He's Sasazaki Kento's grandson, Shinju." He said, slowly.
My eyes widen at this.
"No. That can't be. You must be mistaken..." I whispered, stunned.
Sasazaki Kento is my father's political opponent. There had been bad blood between Sasazaki and Inoo family.
"I've met him before..." Niichan said softly.
"He's Mami's little brother." He said, and his face contorted with pain as he said her name. Sasazaki Mami, the girl my brother fell in love with.
"You can't be in love with him..." He said, his tone pleading. "You know father, you know what he can do. Promise me you won't meet with Keito again."
Yes, I know our father. And I know what my Niichan and Mami-neechan have been through.
"What's more, you're an heiress." He added. "I'm just his bastard--" he said with no self-pity, "but he still insisted that I do not shame the family's name. As if I asked to take the name 'Inoo.'" He said, his voice filled with bitterness.
My niichan is my father's child from another woman. I don't know much about the story, but I knew my brother is always hurting because of it.
"You can't meet with him again." He said and my tears started falling.
"Niichan... It's too late." I gasped out. He went to me and hugged me, the way he used to when I was little.
"I'm so sorry, Shinju." He whispered, though it was hardly his fault.
"I already love him." I whispered, crying to my brother.
"I'm so sorry." He repeated and repeated until I cried myself to sleep.
The next day, I couldn't go to the club house. I didn't see him for weeks since it was our break from school.
I try hard not to think of him and for a few days I managed to do so. It was one Sunday that I just couldn't bear it, I missed him so much. For the first time, I opened the little box and looked at the pearl ring once more.
That was when I noticed it.
Engraved inside the band was three words:
'I love you.'
It was then that I found the courage to meet Keito once more. I went to the club house again, wishing he would be there. But he wasn't.
I returned the next days but he never came.
It was from my brother that I found out that his family had returned to England.
He had left me.
I took one last look at my reflection.
Gold dress, diamond accessories, red lips... it wasn't me.
I hate what I was seeing.
But this would be good enough for my father.
Feeling dead inside, I descended our stairs. I saw my two brothers smile as they saw me.
My niichan took my hand and the three of us walked outside.
We got on our car and I sat between the two of them.
I barely heard Yuri say that our parents were already at the party. I just nodded numbly.
I could feel my niichan's hand tighten around me, letting me know he was there.
I gave him a small smile.
The ride was quick and the next thing I knew, I was already waiting by the door. My niichan never let go of my hand.
As the door opened, there were many flashes of cameras. Everyone was thrilled to see the heiress.
I hate it. I hate everyone.
We started walking and when we reached the table, I felt my niichan squished my hand once more.
The guy from the table stood up then and gave a small bow to my niichan.
My niichan then gave my hand to him.
He was smiling broadly as he took it...
My fiance, Nakajima Yuto.
Because this was our engagement party.
AN:
-part 1 is this looong?? dividing into parts was a good idea. /shot
-shinju, the next part might take a while. but i'm posting this now so i'd be pressured to finish it soon. lols.
EDIT:
forgot to put this.lols~
the pearl ring. ^^
thanks for reading~