[FANFIC] Saima14's All The Little Things p2
not by me.
Title: All The Little Things
Author: mai
Paring: Inoo Kei x OC
Genre: Familial, Friendship, Fluff, Angst, Slice of Life
AN:
- this will be a multi-drabble fic... 30 continuous drabbles for each day of september. i've already made the first 20... i hope i can finish them all by weekend. :D
( sept. 1-10 )
#11
Kaori looked at her watched again. She was already late.
She sighed, and walked a bit faster. She could already see the bus stop up ahead.
When she was near enough, she immediately spotted him.
He was wearing his disguise, but Kaori was familiar with his clothes. She had seen him wear them often times before. Afterall, they were living in the same house.
"Gomen, I'm late." Kaori panted as she patted Kei. Kei had asked to go home together today.
"Kaori-chan." Kei greeted. He looked at his wrist watch. "What are you saying about being late? It's only five minutes pass 2pm." He laughed. "Don't be too punctual. I only just got here myself."
Kaori pursed her lips. "I just don't wanna make people wait." She shrugged.
"Sasuga." Kei teased. He looked at her for a while and then he asked, "Are you okay?"
Kaori brushed a lock of hair behind her ears. "Hai... I'm fine. Though it would really be nice to lay on my bed soon."
Kei smiled at her. Kaori and him had started becoming closer friends. There were no awkwardness around them anymore. Kei was quite glad that he could know Kaori more as each day pass.
"Well, let's go home then." Kei said, and as he said it the bus had appeared from a corner.
They waited for the bus to stop and then got on. Fortunately, there weren't much passengers so they both had gotten seats.
"You really looked tired." Kei said as they sat.
"We had three quizzes today. And then intern duty." Kaori said, sighing.
"Ouch." Kei said, half-teasing. Kaori playfully smack him on his shoulder.
"Oh, how was your mock-presentation?" Kaori asked this time.
Kei started telling her all that had happened in his university. Kaori silently listened. This wasn't knew, Kaori was a good listener. But soon Kei realized that something was odd about her.
"Are you really okay?" He asked, cutting off his story.
"Ah, hai... Just a bit tired." Kaori said.
Kei looked at her in concern. "Well, you were drained. What subjects did you had the quizzes?" He asked.
"Genetics, Embryology and Anatomy." Kaori answered, almost robotically.
"Double ouch. You should sleep ne. I'll just wake you when we're getting off." Kei said. Kaori only nodded.
Kei knew she must really be tired. Usually, she put on a tough act and just say that she's okay.
Kaori had just closed her eyes one second and the next second she was already dozing off.
-
Kaori felt annoyed at the bus driver. He was driving too fast that she was swaying. She was half-conscious of what was happening and she could definitely feel every bump she took as the bus swayed her more.
The bus suddenly stopped and Kaori was already anticipating her head bumping the bus window, but instead it landed in something soft and warm.
Then, that something gently pushed her head to the other side and where warmth engulfed her.
An hour later, Kaori had woken up with her head leaning on Kei's shoulder and Kei's leaning on her head.
-
#12
Kaori woke up feeling hungry. She looked at her clock and groaned. She couldn't believe she overslept. It was already noon.
Their hell week really drained her. She was very relieved the week was over.
She stood up and went to the washroom to freshen herself, and then she exited her room intending to go to lunch.
She passed by Kei's room and saw that the door was opened.
She saw Kei standing in front of his bed.
She peeked in his room.
"Ohayou." She greeted.
Kei turned to her and smiled. "Had a nice sleep?" He teased. Kaori rolled her eyes at him.
Kei laughed. Kaori got a glance at Kei's bed. There were clothes there.
"What are you doing?" She asked curiously.
"Ah, your mom asked me to sort my clothes. And I don't know what to do with these." Kei pointed out the clothes in his bed. "These don't fit me anymore. I didn't know they were still here." Kei said.
Kaori entered his room and looked at the clothes.
"I always try to give Aki hand-me-downs but she always refuse." Kei continued to say.
Kaori smiled. "I'd expect that from Aki-chan."
"Oh, that's from your Ya-ya-yah show!" Kaori suddenly said, pointing at one of the shirts. Indeed it was from Ya-ya-yah. It had the Ya-ya-yah logo printed in front of the shirt and his surname printed on the back.
Kei looked at Kaori. "You said you hadn't watched any of my shows before."
Kaori shrugged. "When I said it, it was true. But..."
"You've been watching with my dad, haven't you??" Kei groaned.
Kaori giggled. "He's really sweet. He'd recorded all of your shows. Ya-ya-yah, The Shounen Club, Hyakushiki and Yan Yan JUMP."
"Even Yan Yan?? Mou.. this is so embarassing." Kei groaned more.
Kaori laughed. "He records it every week."
"Mouu...." Kei pouted, blushing.
Kaori laughed more. Kei could only pout.
"Can I have that?" Kaori asked, pointing at the Ya-ya-yah shirt.
Kei looked at her.
She shrugged. "Maybe I wanna experience having hand-me-downs. I never had one, being an only child." She explained.
Kei smiled. "Sure. Take everything you want."
-
#13
'How could you forget your wallet?? Were you able to go to your location?'
'I was in a hurry.' Kei wanted to reply, but resisted.
Instead he typed, 'Sorry, Dad. I got here fine. I was with Kou-chan.'
Immediately his dad replied to his text.
'That's good. Kaori is coming. She have your wallet with her. It's a good thing your location's near her university.' was his reply.
Kei blinked, and read the message again.
He made to type but suddenly their manager called him.
"Someone's here for you." She said.
"Eh? For Inoo-chan?" Daiki said, besides Kei.
"Come on, I'll introduce you." Kei said, smiling. "Yuto!" he called.
"Kaori-chan!" Kei called when he saw her.
Kei was sure Kaori had another quiz today. She was wearing her glasses meaning she must have been reading while travelling.
She waved at him.
Kei, with Daiki, Yuto, Yabu, Chinen and Ryutaro at his heels, moved closer to her. When Kei had called Yuto, everyone else gathered and followed. The other members still hasn't arrived.
Kaori passed him his wallet when he was near enough.
"Of all the things you could forget." She said, half-chiding, half-teasing.
"I was in a hurry." Kei said defensively.
"Oh, by the way Kaori-chan. This is Dai-chan, Chii, Kou-chan, 'Taro and Yuto." He introduced, pointing at each of his friends.
Kaori bowed at them in greeting.
"Guys, Kaori-chan." Kei said in turn.
Everyone greeted her.
"So you're Kaori-chan." Dai-chan said, giving Kei a signiificant look.
Kei ignored him.
"Yuto, she's your number one fan." Kei teased. Kaori smacked him playfully.
She turned to Yuto. "But yes, I am a fan. I'm really impresesd with your drumming." She said, smiling at the younger boy. Yuto felt rather embarassed at this. Even though he was a head and a half taller than her, he could definetly feel the their two years age gap.
"Arigatou gozaimasu." Yuto couldn't help but be formal.
"Well, get going now. You have another quiz, ne?" Kei piped in.
"Ah, hai. Uhm, then I'll be going. It was nice meeting all of you." Kaori said smiling and bowing at them.
"Hai, nice meeting you too." The guys said in turn.
They waved at her as she walked away.
"So we could finally meet her, ne. Kaori-chan." Daiki said as they walked back.
"What's with your tone? It's not like I introduced you with my wife or something." Kei said, laughing.
"Well, not wife, exactly." Daiki said in a whispered.
-
#14
"Where are you going?" Kei asked when he saw Kaori. Usually, she only wore baggy shorts and shirt at home but today she was wearing blouse and jeans.
"Ah, I thought of going grocery shopping. We're out of stock and both mom and your dad are busy. I don't have much in my schedule this week so I thought I'd do it instead." She said.
"Ah, I'll go with you." Kei said and hastily stood up, going to his room before Kaori could say anything.
A few minutes later, Kei descended from the stairs wearing a disguise. He moved closer to Kaori and placed a hat on her.
"And wear this, too." He said, passing her a face mask.
"Hai, hai." Kaori said, understanding what he meant.
They then set out together.
They went to the nearest grocery store. Kaori was quick to move.
"Do you always do your groceries when it was just you and your mom?" Kei asked her. Frankly, he didn't really know what to shop for. He was always away from home.
"Not really. Actually, I don't know how to do any house chores. But when we were still in the Philippines, my uncle always take me with him when he goes shopping. He taught me how to choose food and stuffs." She said.
Basically, it was just Kaori who shop and Kei only followed her. Occassionally, she would asked him to choose from two brands but that was it. Kei rather felt like he was a little boy shopping with his mom. Kaori always makes him feel like that. It was like she was ten years older than him when in truth she was younger. She was just too mature.
They had shop for about an hour. Fortunately, no one seemed to recognize Kei as they did.
They went home right after their grocery shopping. It wasn't good if they were spotted by a paparazzi or something. It was afterall, not publicly known that his father remarried.
As they walked back home, Kei sighed.
"What is it?" Kaori asked.
He shrugged. "I kinda feel a bit useless. I don't know anything about shopping or food."
Kaori laughed. "I think you know lots about eating foods, though." She teased.
"Well, yeah." Kei allowed. "I never really go shop with my mom before. It was always just her and Aki." He shared.
"It's your first time doing grocery shopping?" Kaori asked.
"For the family, yeah. We do lots of shopping in JUMP. When we go to tour and stuffs." Kei said.
"Oh. Well, I'm glad you came along. I don't wanna bring all these bags by myself." Kaori said.
"Am I your butler??" Kei said, though chuckling despite himself.
Kaori laughed. "Maybe."
-
#15
Kaori felt hot yet cold. She felt really dizzy.
Suddenly, she felt warm hands on her cheeks.
She opened her eyes.
"Ji-san..." She called, she could see Inoo-san's blurry face.
He smiled at her.
"I found you sleeping on the couch when I arrived. I thought you just dozed off but when I looked closer, I noticed you were pale. You have a fever. I moved you here in your room. How are you feeling now?" He asked.
"A bit dizzy." Kaori said. "Arigatou, Ji-san."
Inoo-san shook his head with a smile.
"I think you're overexhausted. Don't overexert yourself." He said.
"I try not to." Kaori said. "But it's hard."
Inoo-san smiled at her. "Well, I can understand. The career you chose is difficult."
"But it's what I want to do. So I can endure." She said with a smile.
She was surprised when Inoo-san laughed.
"You are so like Kei. I remember tending to him when he collapsed before. I asked him to choose just one. Whether it be work or his studies. But just like you, he was stubborn. He said it was the path he chose. So he'll see it through." Inoo-san said.
Kaori smiled.
"He loves his work and his studies." Kaori said.
"Yes, rather like you love your studies." Inoo-san said. He sighed. "So I guess all your mom and I can do is watch over you stubborn kids."
Kaori laughed.
"Well, maybe you can make me a porridge?" Kaori teased.
Inoo-san laughed. "I think it's more appropriate to say that you are very much like your mom."
-
#16
Aiko-san smiled as she combed Kaori's hair.
"My baby is so pretty." She cooed.
Kaori giggled. "You know who I get it from." She said.
Aiko laughed and then she turned Kaori so she was looking in front of her.
"Okay, let's add some make up." She said.
"Just a bit, okay? It's not like it's prom or something." Kaori said quickly. Aiko laughed. Her daughter was never fond of make ups. But she always let her put some on her whenever she wants.
"Then just some eye shadow and lipgloss." Aiko said.
She set up to work. Kaori let her.
Ten minutes after and Aiko was already done. She was quite proud of her work.
"Okay, you're all set." Aiko said. "What time are they picking you up?"
"Just about." Kaori said, looking at the clock. And just after she said it, their doorbell rang. She laughed. "Right on time." She told her mom.
The two made their way down. They met Kei along the way.
He gaped at Kaori. "What are you wearing??"
Kaori raised a brow at him. "Uhm, a dress?" She answered.
"A very short one at that! I thought you'd be going to a some sort of business party??"
"It's an acquintance party." Kaori said patiently. "It's not formal or anything."
Kei unexpectedly looked frustrated.
"Are there boys there???" He demanded.
"Of course there are. It's an acquintance party for all the med students. You don't expect there are only female students, do you?" She retorted.
"But look at what you're wearing!" Kei exclaimed.
"What is your problem with my dress? It's fine, isn't it?" Kaori said, looking at her mom.
"It's fine dear." Her mom said, "Go meet your friends."
Kei looked annoyed but didn't say anything. Kaori was quite relieved.
But before she could go, Kei shouted, "I'll pick you up at 10!"
Kaori turned back to him. "The party starts at 9!" She exclaimed, irritated.
"I'll be there by 10." Kei said, stubbornly.
Kaori marched out their home, furious.
"Ugh! I hate having an instant Nii-san!"
-
#17
Kei noted that it felt different this time.
Even different than when Aki and his mom were still there. Well, it was a different case, he guess.
Kei barely heard ba-chan's story about her business trip in Okinawa.
"Um," He interupted.
His dad, ba-chan and Kaori-chan all looked at him.
"Um, next month we'll be off for our tour." He said.
He felt very excited about it. It was afterall, JUMP's first Asian tour. But somehow, he felt a bit sad as well.
"Oh, your Asian tour." Ba-chan said, smiling.
"Everything's settled then?" His dad asked.
"Hai. Ryuu's of age now so there weren't any problems." Kei said.
"Are you going to the Philippines?" Kaori asked.
"Well, no. The jimusho thinks it's still not practical to include the Philippines for our tour." Kei said.
"Ah.. I was thinking of coming along if you were going. I miss the country." Kaori said.
Kei grinned at that. He didn't really know how to react to that so he settled for teasing.
"Ow, Kaori-chan wants to go with me. She's gonna miss me." He teased.
Kaori, as he expected, rolled her eyes at him.
"You wish." She retorted, sticking her tongue at him.
Aiko-san and Kei's dad laughed at this.
"It's really surprising to see Kaori like this." Inoo-san said.
"Hai," Aiko-san agreed. "Only Kei can make her act like this."
"That's not true!" Kaori said. Kei laughed.
The talk returned to JUMP's tour as they ate.
After their dinner, Kaori excused herself saying she needed to study. A usual thing in the Inoo household.
Kei followed after her, intending to do some studying himself.
Kaori abruptly stopped in front of her door but didn't turn around.
"I.." She said, still facing her door. "Maybe I really would miss you."
Kei smiled. "Maybe I really wish you would."
-
#18
There was something different in their household when he came back from their tour.
He couldn't put a finger on it but he was sure something changed.
Well, for one, Kaori was now always hanging by their living room. Before, she was always shut inside her room, usually studying.
Now she does her studying in their living room.
And he found himself hanging by there as well.
They don't really talk. Kaori would just listen to music in her Ipod and read scientific books while Kei watched television. It was comfortable, though.
But that afternoon he couldn't help but stare at her.
Firstly, her bangs. It seems she cut it. Knowing her, he guessed it's something along the line of her bangs 'getting in the way when she's studying.' He had seen her holding her bangs up while reading just yesterday when it was still a bit longer.
She looked okay. And well, she's really pretty whatever is done with her hair but... well, Kei guessed he'd just buy her a head band or a clip. The bangs are a bit shorter than normal.
For another thing, it seems she wasn't listening to classic music this time. She was mouthing the lyrics of whatever the song playing in her Ipod was.
Finally, curiosity got the better of him and he tapped her shoulder.
She looked at him, a bit surprised.
"What is it?" She asked. He was thankful she didn't seemed annoyed.
"What are you listening to?" He asked.
"Oh, wanna hear?" She asked, offering her one of the earpiece.
He gladly took it and sat besides her in the couch.
The song sounded familiar. It was an English song.
"I heard this before." He told her.
"What does this song mean? You're fluent in English, ne? I could only understand the 'I love you'. the 'boy' and the 'pretty'" Kei said. "The 'pretty' kinda became a title of mine because of one of my skits in Ya-ya-yah."
Kaori laughed. "Yeah, that's my favorite episode." She said.
"Don't start." Kei said, blushing a bit.
Kaori giggled but left it at that. "The song's just a typical love song. The girl's in love with the boy and she's wishing he loves her too. It's an old song but I like it."
Kei looked at her. "Why? Can you relate with it?" He teased.
"Maybe." Kaori said mysteriously and then continued mouthing the lyrics.
'Oh my pretty pretty boy, I love you...'
-
#19
Kei smiled as he brought the tray of Kaori's 'booster' to the living room, where Kaori was studying.
This time it was he who prepared them. A cup of hot coffee, biscuits, and slices of cheese.
Kaori had looked up before he was even near. The girl really loves coffee, he mused.
"Arigatou!" She said, beaming at him. Again, she was wearing her red-framed glasses and wearing the head band he had bought her.
"I think you earned your break." He told her.
"Yes, maybe I really need one." She said.
"Don't push yourself too hard. Your exam is two weeks away from now." Kei said, chuckling.
"Exactly. I'm already running out of time. But coffee break is a must." She said, taking the coffee and cheese.
Kei was surprised when she dipped one slice of cheese in the coffee and then ate it.
"Eh?"
"What?" She looked at him, surprised.
"You just dipped the cheese into your coffee." He deadpanned.
"It's delicious." She said, giggling. "Try it."
"Eh??"
"Come on, just try." Kaori said, giving him a piece of cheese.
Hesitantly, Kei did as he was told. He dipped the cheese into the coffee and then slowly put it on his mouth.
"Well?"
"It's sweet..." Kei said.
"Deshou? It taste a bit like spaghetti. Uh, Filipino spaghetti. They're sweet." She said.
Despite himself, Kei took another slice of cheese, dip it in her coffee, and ate it.
Kaori giggled. "You like it."
"Maybe." Kei said, grinning. He had unconsciously given Kaori's usual retort. She always does use the word 'maybe.'
They chatted as they ate. Soon, the food was gone and Kaori declared that her break was over.
Kei offered to take the tray back to the kitchen.
When he was back, Kaori was again reading her book.
Kei noticed that she didn't have her Ipod with her this time.
He smiled and moved towards the other side of the living room.
Sitting down, he opened their piano and started playing 'Star Time.'
Neither talked as Kei played and as Kaori studied, but both were sporting smiles.
-
#20
'The last day of your tour! Gambatte!'
Kei smiled as he read her message.
'Last day of your exams! Gambatte!' he replied.
Kei had been thinking of inviting Kaori to their concert this time, since the last show was in Tokyo, but he knew it was already impossible since it coincided with her exams, so he refrained to do so.
He didn't really know why he felt very sad about that. It was just a concert. And Aki and his mom had come the other day as well.
Just then, Yabu called out. They would be starting soon.
"Yo, you okay?" Someone suddenly asked. It was Hikaru.
"Of course I am, what are you saying?" Kei said, grinning.
The members formed a circle and as was tradition, placed their hands together and made their cheer.
The performance started and Kei felt that usual thrill and excitement.
Their performance was perfect. No hitch or whatsoever except for when they were already singing their last song.
Kei had almost slipped if not for Yabu subtly catching him from midfall. It just looked like a fanservice.
Kei couldn't helped but laughed out loud. He suddenly felt light and happy.
He had seen her, amongst the crowd. It looked as if she had just arrived. She was panting and she looked rustled.
She was wearing the head band he had bought her.
Kei felt very happy indeed. She must have hurried there right after her exams.
Hikaru had noticed that Kei was doubly energetic during their encore than their real concert.
And when someone had met them backstage after their performance, he knew why.
Title: All The Little Things
Author: mai
Paring: Inoo Kei x OC
Genre: Familial, Friendship, Fluff, Angst, Slice of Life
AN:
- this will be a multi-drabble fic... 30 continuous drabbles for each day of september. i've already made the first 20... i hope i can finish them all by weekend. :D
( sept. 1-10 )
#11
Kaori looked at her watched again. She was already late.
She sighed, and walked a bit faster. She could already see the bus stop up ahead.
When she was near enough, she immediately spotted him.
He was wearing his disguise, but Kaori was familiar with his clothes. She had seen him wear them often times before. Afterall, they were living in the same house.
"Gomen, I'm late." Kaori panted as she patted Kei. Kei had asked to go home together today.
"Kaori-chan." Kei greeted. He looked at his wrist watch. "What are you saying about being late? It's only five minutes pass 2pm." He laughed. "Don't be too punctual. I only just got here myself."
Kaori pursed her lips. "I just don't wanna make people wait." She shrugged.
"Sasuga." Kei teased. He looked at her for a while and then he asked, "Are you okay?"
Kaori brushed a lock of hair behind her ears. "Hai... I'm fine. Though it would really be nice to lay on my bed soon."
Kei smiled at her. Kaori and him had started becoming closer friends. There were no awkwardness around them anymore. Kei was quite glad that he could know Kaori more as each day pass.
"Well, let's go home then." Kei said, and as he said it the bus had appeared from a corner.
They waited for the bus to stop and then got on. Fortunately, there weren't much passengers so they both had gotten seats.
"You really looked tired." Kei said as they sat.
"We had three quizzes today. And then intern duty." Kaori said, sighing.
"Ouch." Kei said, half-teasing. Kaori playfully smack him on his shoulder.
"Oh, how was your mock-presentation?" Kaori asked this time.
Kei started telling her all that had happened in his university. Kaori silently listened. This wasn't knew, Kaori was a good listener. But soon Kei realized that something was odd about her.
"Are you really okay?" He asked, cutting off his story.
"Ah, hai... Just a bit tired." Kaori said.
Kei looked at her in concern. "Well, you were drained. What subjects did you had the quizzes?" He asked.
"Genetics, Embryology and Anatomy." Kaori answered, almost robotically.
"Double ouch. You should sleep ne. I'll just wake you when we're getting off." Kei said. Kaori only nodded.
Kei knew she must really be tired. Usually, she put on a tough act and just say that she's okay.
Kaori had just closed her eyes one second and the next second she was already dozing off.
-
Kaori felt annoyed at the bus driver. He was driving too fast that she was swaying. She was half-conscious of what was happening and she could definitely feel every bump she took as the bus swayed her more.
The bus suddenly stopped and Kaori was already anticipating her head bumping the bus window, but instead it landed in something soft and warm.
Then, that something gently pushed her head to the other side and where warmth engulfed her.
An hour later, Kaori had woken up with her head leaning on Kei's shoulder and Kei's leaning on her head.
-
#12
Kaori woke up feeling hungry. She looked at her clock and groaned. She couldn't believe she overslept. It was already noon.
Their hell week really drained her. She was very relieved the week was over.
She stood up and went to the washroom to freshen herself, and then she exited her room intending to go to lunch.
She passed by Kei's room and saw that the door was opened.
She saw Kei standing in front of his bed.
She peeked in his room.
"Ohayou." She greeted.
Kei turned to her and smiled. "Had a nice sleep?" He teased. Kaori rolled her eyes at him.
Kei laughed. Kaori got a glance at Kei's bed. There were clothes there.
"What are you doing?" She asked curiously.
"Ah, your mom asked me to sort my clothes. And I don't know what to do with these." Kei pointed out the clothes in his bed. "These don't fit me anymore. I didn't know they were still here." Kei said.
Kaori entered his room and looked at the clothes.
"I always try to give Aki hand-me-downs but she always refuse." Kei continued to say.
Kaori smiled. "I'd expect that from Aki-chan."
"Oh, that's from your Ya-ya-yah show!" Kaori suddenly said, pointing at one of the shirts. Indeed it was from Ya-ya-yah. It had the Ya-ya-yah logo printed in front of the shirt and his surname printed on the back.
Kei looked at Kaori. "You said you hadn't watched any of my shows before."
Kaori shrugged. "When I said it, it was true. But..."
"You've been watching with my dad, haven't you??" Kei groaned.
Kaori giggled. "He's really sweet. He'd recorded all of your shows. Ya-ya-yah, The Shounen Club, Hyakushiki and Yan Yan JUMP."
"Even Yan Yan?? Mou.. this is so embarassing." Kei groaned more.
Kaori laughed. "He records it every week."
"Mouu...." Kei pouted, blushing.
Kaori laughed more. Kei could only pout.
"Can I have that?" Kaori asked, pointing at the Ya-ya-yah shirt.
Kei looked at her.
She shrugged. "Maybe I wanna experience having hand-me-downs. I never had one, being an only child." She explained.
Kei smiled. "Sure. Take everything you want."
-
#13
'How could you forget your wallet?? Were you able to go to your location?'
'I was in a hurry.' Kei wanted to reply, but resisted.
Instead he typed, 'Sorry, Dad. I got here fine. I was with Kou-chan.'
Immediately his dad replied to his text.
'That's good. Kaori is coming. She have your wallet with her. It's a good thing your location's near her university.' was his reply.
Kei blinked, and read the message again.
He made to type but suddenly their manager called him.
"Someone's here for you." She said.
"Eh? For Inoo-chan?" Daiki said, besides Kei.
"Come on, I'll introduce you." Kei said, smiling. "Yuto!" he called.
"Kaori-chan!" Kei called when he saw her.
Kei was sure Kaori had another quiz today. She was wearing her glasses meaning she must have been reading while travelling.
She waved at him.
Kei, with Daiki, Yuto, Yabu, Chinen and Ryutaro at his heels, moved closer to her. When Kei had called Yuto, everyone else gathered and followed. The other members still hasn't arrived.
Kaori passed him his wallet when he was near enough.
"Of all the things you could forget." She said, half-chiding, half-teasing.
"I was in a hurry." Kei said defensively.
"Oh, by the way Kaori-chan. This is Dai-chan, Chii, Kou-chan, 'Taro and Yuto." He introduced, pointing at each of his friends.
Kaori bowed at them in greeting.
"Guys, Kaori-chan." Kei said in turn.
Everyone greeted her.
"So you're Kaori-chan." Dai-chan said, giving Kei a signiificant look.
Kei ignored him.
"Yuto, she's your number one fan." Kei teased. Kaori smacked him playfully.
She turned to Yuto. "But yes, I am a fan. I'm really impresesd with your drumming." She said, smiling at the younger boy. Yuto felt rather embarassed at this. Even though he was a head and a half taller than her, he could definetly feel the their two years age gap.
"Arigatou gozaimasu." Yuto couldn't help but be formal.
"Well, get going now. You have another quiz, ne?" Kei piped in.
"Ah, hai. Uhm, then I'll be going. It was nice meeting all of you." Kaori said smiling and bowing at them.
"Hai, nice meeting you too." The guys said in turn.
They waved at her as she walked away.
"So we could finally meet her, ne. Kaori-chan." Daiki said as they walked back.
"What's with your tone? It's not like I introduced you with my wife or something." Kei said, laughing.
"Well, not wife, exactly." Daiki said in a whispered.
-
#14
"Where are you going?" Kei asked when he saw Kaori. Usually, she only wore baggy shorts and shirt at home but today she was wearing blouse and jeans.
"Ah, I thought of going grocery shopping. We're out of stock and both mom and your dad are busy. I don't have much in my schedule this week so I thought I'd do it instead." She said.
"Ah, I'll go with you." Kei said and hastily stood up, going to his room before Kaori could say anything.
A few minutes later, Kei descended from the stairs wearing a disguise. He moved closer to Kaori and placed a hat on her.
"And wear this, too." He said, passing her a face mask.
"Hai, hai." Kaori said, understanding what he meant.
They then set out together.
They went to the nearest grocery store. Kaori was quick to move.
"Do you always do your groceries when it was just you and your mom?" Kei asked her. Frankly, he didn't really know what to shop for. He was always away from home.
"Not really. Actually, I don't know how to do any house chores. But when we were still in the Philippines, my uncle always take me with him when he goes shopping. He taught me how to choose food and stuffs." She said.
Basically, it was just Kaori who shop and Kei only followed her. Occassionally, she would asked him to choose from two brands but that was it. Kei rather felt like he was a little boy shopping with his mom. Kaori always makes him feel like that. It was like she was ten years older than him when in truth she was younger. She was just too mature.
They had shop for about an hour. Fortunately, no one seemed to recognize Kei as they did.
They went home right after their grocery shopping. It wasn't good if they were spotted by a paparazzi or something. It was afterall, not publicly known that his father remarried.
As they walked back home, Kei sighed.
"What is it?" Kaori asked.
He shrugged. "I kinda feel a bit useless. I don't know anything about shopping or food."
Kaori laughed. "I think you know lots about eating foods, though." She teased.
"Well, yeah." Kei allowed. "I never really go shop with my mom before. It was always just her and Aki." He shared.
"It's your first time doing grocery shopping?" Kaori asked.
"For the family, yeah. We do lots of shopping in JUMP. When we go to tour and stuffs." Kei said.
"Oh. Well, I'm glad you came along. I don't wanna bring all these bags by myself." Kaori said.
"Am I your butler??" Kei said, though chuckling despite himself.
Kaori laughed. "Maybe."
-
#15
Kaori felt hot yet cold. She felt really dizzy.
Suddenly, she felt warm hands on her cheeks.
She opened her eyes.
"Ji-san..." She called, she could see Inoo-san's blurry face.
He smiled at her.
"I found you sleeping on the couch when I arrived. I thought you just dozed off but when I looked closer, I noticed you were pale. You have a fever. I moved you here in your room. How are you feeling now?" He asked.
"A bit dizzy." Kaori said. "Arigatou, Ji-san."
Inoo-san shook his head with a smile.
"I think you're overexhausted. Don't overexert yourself." He said.
"I try not to." Kaori said. "But it's hard."
Inoo-san smiled at her. "Well, I can understand. The career you chose is difficult."
"But it's what I want to do. So I can endure." She said with a smile.
She was surprised when Inoo-san laughed.
"You are so like Kei. I remember tending to him when he collapsed before. I asked him to choose just one. Whether it be work or his studies. But just like you, he was stubborn. He said it was the path he chose. So he'll see it through." Inoo-san said.
Kaori smiled.
"He loves his work and his studies." Kaori said.
"Yes, rather like you love your studies." Inoo-san said. He sighed. "So I guess all your mom and I can do is watch over you stubborn kids."
Kaori laughed.
"Well, maybe you can make me a porridge?" Kaori teased.
Inoo-san laughed. "I think it's more appropriate to say that you are very much like your mom."
-
#16
Aiko-san smiled as she combed Kaori's hair.
"My baby is so pretty." She cooed.
Kaori giggled. "You know who I get it from." She said.
Aiko laughed and then she turned Kaori so she was looking in front of her.
"Okay, let's add some make up." She said.
"Just a bit, okay? It's not like it's prom or something." Kaori said quickly. Aiko laughed. Her daughter was never fond of make ups. But she always let her put some on her whenever she wants.
"Then just some eye shadow and lipgloss." Aiko said.
She set up to work. Kaori let her.
Ten minutes after and Aiko was already done. She was quite proud of her work.
"Okay, you're all set." Aiko said. "What time are they picking you up?"
"Just about." Kaori said, looking at the clock. And just after she said it, their doorbell rang. She laughed. "Right on time." She told her mom.
The two made their way down. They met Kei along the way.
He gaped at Kaori. "What are you wearing??"
Kaori raised a brow at him. "Uhm, a dress?" She answered.
"A very short one at that! I thought you'd be going to a some sort of business party??"
"It's an acquintance party." Kaori said patiently. "It's not formal or anything."
Kei unexpectedly looked frustrated.
"Are there boys there???" He demanded.
"Of course there are. It's an acquintance party for all the med students. You don't expect there are only female students, do you?" She retorted.
"But look at what you're wearing!" Kei exclaimed.
"What is your problem with my dress? It's fine, isn't it?" Kaori said, looking at her mom.
"It's fine dear." Her mom said, "Go meet your friends."
Kei looked annoyed but didn't say anything. Kaori was quite relieved.
But before she could go, Kei shouted, "I'll pick you up at 10!"
Kaori turned back to him. "The party starts at 9!" She exclaimed, irritated.
"I'll be there by 10." Kei said, stubbornly.
Kaori marched out their home, furious.
"Ugh! I hate having an instant Nii-san!"
-
#17
Kei noted that it felt different this time.
Even different than when Aki and his mom were still there. Well, it was a different case, he guess.
Kei barely heard ba-chan's story about her business trip in Okinawa.
"Um," He interupted.
His dad, ba-chan and Kaori-chan all looked at him.
"Um, next month we'll be off for our tour." He said.
He felt very excited about it. It was afterall, JUMP's first Asian tour. But somehow, he felt a bit sad as well.
"Oh, your Asian tour." Ba-chan said, smiling.
"Everything's settled then?" His dad asked.
"Hai. Ryuu's of age now so there weren't any problems." Kei said.
"Are you going to the Philippines?" Kaori asked.
"Well, no. The jimusho thinks it's still not practical to include the Philippines for our tour." Kei said.
"Ah.. I was thinking of coming along if you were going. I miss the country." Kaori said.
Kei grinned at that. He didn't really know how to react to that so he settled for teasing.
"Ow, Kaori-chan wants to go with me. She's gonna miss me." He teased.
Kaori, as he expected, rolled her eyes at him.
"You wish." She retorted, sticking her tongue at him.
Aiko-san and Kei's dad laughed at this.
"It's really surprising to see Kaori like this." Inoo-san said.
"Hai," Aiko-san agreed. "Only Kei can make her act like this."
"That's not true!" Kaori said. Kei laughed.
The talk returned to JUMP's tour as they ate.
After their dinner, Kaori excused herself saying she needed to study. A usual thing in the Inoo household.
Kei followed after her, intending to do some studying himself.
Kaori abruptly stopped in front of her door but didn't turn around.
"I.." She said, still facing her door. "Maybe I really would miss you."
Kei smiled. "Maybe I really wish you would."
-
#18
There was something different in their household when he came back from their tour.
He couldn't put a finger on it but he was sure something changed.
Well, for one, Kaori was now always hanging by their living room. Before, she was always shut inside her room, usually studying.
Now she does her studying in their living room.
And he found himself hanging by there as well.
They don't really talk. Kaori would just listen to music in her Ipod and read scientific books while Kei watched television. It was comfortable, though.
But that afternoon he couldn't help but stare at her.
Firstly, her bangs. It seems she cut it. Knowing her, he guessed it's something along the line of her bangs 'getting in the way when she's studying.' He had seen her holding her bangs up while reading just yesterday when it was still a bit longer.
She looked okay. And well, she's really pretty whatever is done with her hair but... well, Kei guessed he'd just buy her a head band or a clip. The bangs are a bit shorter than normal.
For another thing, it seems she wasn't listening to classic music this time. She was mouthing the lyrics of whatever the song playing in her Ipod was.
Finally, curiosity got the better of him and he tapped her shoulder.
She looked at him, a bit surprised.
"What is it?" She asked. He was thankful she didn't seemed annoyed.
"What are you listening to?" He asked.
"Oh, wanna hear?" She asked, offering her one of the earpiece.
He gladly took it and sat besides her in the couch.
The song sounded familiar. It was an English song.
"I heard this before." He told her.
"What does this song mean? You're fluent in English, ne? I could only understand the 'I love you'. the 'boy' and the 'pretty'" Kei said. "The 'pretty' kinda became a title of mine because of one of my skits in Ya-ya-yah."
Kaori laughed. "Yeah, that's my favorite episode." She said.
"Don't start." Kei said, blushing a bit.
Kaori giggled but left it at that. "The song's just a typical love song. The girl's in love with the boy and she's wishing he loves her too. It's an old song but I like it."
Kei looked at her. "Why? Can you relate with it?" He teased.
"Maybe." Kaori said mysteriously and then continued mouthing the lyrics.
'Oh my pretty pretty boy, I love you...'
-
#19
Kei smiled as he brought the tray of Kaori's 'booster' to the living room, where Kaori was studying.
This time it was he who prepared them. A cup of hot coffee, biscuits, and slices of cheese.
Kaori had looked up before he was even near. The girl really loves coffee, he mused.
"Arigatou!" She said, beaming at him. Again, she was wearing her red-framed glasses and wearing the head band he had bought her.
"I think you earned your break." He told her.
"Yes, maybe I really need one." She said.
"Don't push yourself too hard. Your exam is two weeks away from now." Kei said, chuckling.
"Exactly. I'm already running out of time. But coffee break is a must." She said, taking the coffee and cheese.
Kei was surprised when she dipped one slice of cheese in the coffee and then ate it.
"Eh?"
"What?" She looked at him, surprised.
"You just dipped the cheese into your coffee." He deadpanned.
"It's delicious." She said, giggling. "Try it."
"Eh??"
"Come on, just try." Kaori said, giving him a piece of cheese.
Hesitantly, Kei did as he was told. He dipped the cheese into the coffee and then slowly put it on his mouth.
"Well?"
"It's sweet..." Kei said.
"Deshou? It taste a bit like spaghetti. Uh, Filipino spaghetti. They're sweet." She said.
Despite himself, Kei took another slice of cheese, dip it in her coffee, and ate it.
Kaori giggled. "You like it."
"Maybe." Kei said, grinning. He had unconsciously given Kaori's usual retort. She always does use the word 'maybe.'
They chatted as they ate. Soon, the food was gone and Kaori declared that her break was over.
Kei offered to take the tray back to the kitchen.
When he was back, Kaori was again reading her book.
Kei noticed that she didn't have her Ipod with her this time.
He smiled and moved towards the other side of the living room.
Sitting down, he opened their piano and started playing 'Star Time.'
Neither talked as Kei played and as Kaori studied, but both were sporting smiles.
-
#20
'The last day of your tour! Gambatte!'
Kei smiled as he read her message.
'Last day of your exams! Gambatte!' he replied.
Kei had been thinking of inviting Kaori to their concert this time, since the last show was in Tokyo, but he knew it was already impossible since it coincided with her exams, so he refrained to do so.
He didn't really know why he felt very sad about that. It was just a concert. And Aki and his mom had come the other day as well.
Just then, Yabu called out. They would be starting soon.
"Yo, you okay?" Someone suddenly asked. It was Hikaru.
"Of course I am, what are you saying?" Kei said, grinning.
The members formed a circle and as was tradition, placed their hands together and made their cheer.
The performance started and Kei felt that usual thrill and excitement.
Their performance was perfect. No hitch or whatsoever except for when they were already singing their last song.
Kei had almost slipped if not for Yabu subtly catching him from midfall. It just looked like a fanservice.
Kei couldn't helped but laughed out loud. He suddenly felt light and happy.
He had seen her, amongst the crowd. It looked as if she had just arrived. She was panting and she looked rustled.
She was wearing the head band he had bought her.
Kei felt very happy indeed. She must have hurried there right after her exams.
Hikaru had noticed that Kei was doubly energetic during their encore than their real concert.
And when someone had met them backstage after their performance, he knew why.