[FANFIC] Pattern
Title: Pattern <---random title.
Author: macymacymacy
Pairing: surprise!
Genre: Angst, Fluff, Friendship, Slice of Life
Rating: PG
Summary: “It’s that pattern again. But of course.”
AN:
-UNBETAed, OOC, rushed
-another fic inspired by urufuchinen ’s comment. xD cause she said: ‘i wonder if umika-chan is really close with suzu, mirai, n saaya in RL... i never hear about them together :|’
“Hey, are you seeing anyone?”
Umika sighed. ‘Here it goes.’
Her friend, Miu, giggled. Umika fought the urge to roll her eyes.
“No…” Miu said.
“Really? That’s great! I was wondering if we could… You know…”
‘As expected.’ Umika thought, sighing yet again.
It was always the same pattern. Always. Every boy is just the same. Umika knew this all too well. She had lived with this pattern. She knew what will happen next: the boy would break the girl’s heart.
And surely after a month, Miu had came crying to Umika saying they’d broke up.
‘As expected.’ Umika thought to herself. She had comforted her friend that day all the while thinking that Miu were still lucky.
‘Cause it’s just a month. It’s not very painful. The longer you were happy with him, the more you will hurt when he says goodbye.’
Really, Umika didn’t know why girls bother with boys. It was always the same. Boys were made to disappoint girls. Why can’t others see that? Why bother with love?
It was the same for Umika and her mom.
Before, they were living a simple and peaceful life. Her dad was always away on business trips but he never missed a birthday or any occasion.
They were happy… Just until a few years ago when her mom discovered that her dad had another family.
Umika didn’t much understand it then, but her dad stopped going home and her mom kept crying herself to sleep every night. She didn’t want Umika to know, byt Umika hears her soft sobs.
She didn’t much understand it then, but Umika knew her mom was crying because of her dad. She grew to hate her dad. She blamed him for every bad thing that happens to them. But then one day, while her mom was cooking, she asked Umika.
“Umi-chan, do you hate dad?” she asked with a fake smile on her face.
“Yes.” Umika said immediately. “I don’t love him anymore.”
Her mom cried; succumbing to tears in front of her daughter for the first time. Little Umika panicked then, patting her mom on the back she asked,
“Why are you crying, mom?”
She gave Umika a teary smile then.
“’Cause you know, Umika-chan… Mom still loves dad…”
Umika stopped the grudge she had for her dad at that time. And she accepted that it was just how things work.
‘Every boy is trouble.’
‘Every boy is the same.’
‘They only care about themselves.’
‘They put everything else for granted.’
‘They don’t give a thought about a girl’s feelings.’
‘Happy ending only happens in fairy tales.’
These were what Umika believed in. But she didn’t blame the boys. ‘Cause she knew it was just how they are.
‘I would never fall in love.’
But then she met him.
Tanaka Shinichi.
And everything she believed in changed.
They met on Umika’s 2nd year in junior high. He was a transfer student.
At first she just ignores him like she does every boy. But then they ended up being paired up for a project.
Truthfully, Umika didn’t mind this. She was always working with boys. She wasn’t afraid of them, just wary.
They talked about their project smoothly. Tanaka Shinichi was easy to talk to. He doesn’t fuss about things and just do his job as he must.
They arranged to do their project at Umika’s house. Both of them were quiet, making their solar system model when suddenly they heard a crash from the kitchen.
Both of them rushed to the kitchen to see Umika’s mom in the middle of the mess. She was sobbing hysterically, clutching on the telephone.
“Mom?” Umika called, approaching her mom cautiously.
Her mom took her into a tight hug crying to her.
“U-umika… D-dad…. Dad is gone…” She managed to say and then she dissolved into tears.
Umika was shocked. Many things were running through her head as she patted her mom to calm down.
After escorting her mom to her room, with Tanaka Shinichi assisting, they both went back to the kitchen and silently clean the mess.
When they went back to the living room, both Umika and Tanaka Shinichi still weren’t saying anything.
Umika sat by their project.
“Let’s just finish the stars and we’re done.” Umika said nonchalantly.
Tanaka Shinichi just stared at her, unmoving.
“What?!” Umika asked, a little harshly.
Shinichi looked down and said softly… “You know… It’s okay to cry…”
Umika glared at him.
“I don’t really feel like crying for the father who abandoned us.” Umika said coolly.
Shinichi looked at her then. Searching. He had piercing eyes. As if he could see through her.
“But still… You love him…” He said.
Umika looked away.
“I don’t… I’ve already forgiven him but I don’t love him anymore.” She said but her voice cracked.
“Cry…” Tanaka Shinichi urged. And unexpectedly, traitor tears stung Umika’s eyes.
“I’m sorry for saying things like this,” he continued, “But I understand how you feel… Don’t let what happened in the past control your present ‘cause you’ll regret it… I regret it…”
Umika looked at him then, and without permission, tears started falling.
Umika fell on her knees, crying, remembering her life before the hate started, remembering a loving father instead of the stranger she hated.
Tanaka Shinichi just quietly stood there, offering a handkerchief for Umika.
After that, they had become good friends. He was Umika’s first guy friend.
He was just different among the other boys. He was gentle, and he care for Umika. Never did he let her down. And he understood her well.
They were the same. His father has also abandoned him. And to Umika, he swore he would never become like their father.
He had become more of a best friend to Umika. She could tell him anything. He changed Umika’s views about boys. Not all boys are the same. There are still those like Shinichi-kun. Then maybe happy endings can still happen.
Rumors started going on around their school. Kawashima Umika and Tanaka Shinichi are going out. It wasn’t true, but they just ignore it.
“What others say doesn’t matter. What the both of us say is what matters.” He said.
He was full of sayings like this. He was a guy who stuck to his principles religiously.
“I would never do that before I got married!” he answered Umika’s question, red-faced, when news about a pregnant kouhai got out.
Umika always asked him questions about boys.
Slowly, Umika fell for him. It was hard not to.
And so from swearing that she would never fall in love, now she swears that she would never make a mistake like her mom did. She would choose the best guy, and she already knew who that was.
But then during the last months of their third year, Shinichi started becoming aloof to Umika.
He became secretive and he stopped hanging out with Umika. It wasn’t as if he’d totally ignore her. But he changed. They still sat together during lunch but he became less talkative. It felt a bit awkward for Umika.
During their graduation, he told her the reason.
He started courting a senpai two months ago. And now they were going out.
Umika felt her heart broke but outside she squealed for her best friend and jokingly complained why he didn’t confide to her before.
“Keep your promise, okay?” Umika had told him. ‘Never break her heart.’
Shinichi smiled at her. “You know I will.”
That night, she cried her eyes out for herself. ‘When you cry, it’s not for someone else, but because you hurt.’ Shinichi had told her that.
And she smiled for Shinichi. She was happy for him. He really looked cheerful. Besides,
‘It was bound to happen. Shinichi is a great guy, the best guy. And I guess, I’m not the one for him.’
-
They went to separate high schools. Shinichi entered a local high school where his girlfriend was attending while Umika entered Horikoshi Gakuen.
Umika was thankful to Shinichi because she knew she changed because of him. Now, she could mingle with boys more comfortably. She was still guarded, but now she could show more of herself to everyone.
She started her high school with a positive attitude. She made many friends: Mariya, her first friend there, Nako, Maeda, and Rima among the others.
There was just some she hadn’t talked to, much: Shida, Ohgo, and Irie.
Their first semester passed and she didn’t really try to befriend them. It wasn’t that she didn’t like them. From what Rima-chan said, they seemed to be lovely people. But they were what you’d call ‘one-of-the-boys.’ And Umika didn’t feel that comfortable to sit between all the boys of their class just like the three girls seem to be.
“That’s because they’ve known each other since before going here, Mariya-chan, too.” Maeda had exaplained.
It was during their first year when Umika’s popularity started rising. She had received many projects after her Bloody Monday.
And it was the very reason why she became friends with Shida Mirai.
It was their lunch then and Mariya and Umika went to the cafeteria to eat there.
“Mariya-chan! Kawashima-san!” Shida Mirai had called them. Mariya had dragged Umika to their table then. Shida was eating with Ohgo Suzuka, Irie Saaya and Irie Jingi. It seems the other boys weren’t with them today.
“Kawashima-san!” Shida had pulled her gently then. “I’ve officially become your fan! I saw your Bloody Monday! It’s really great!”
Ohgo took Shida’s hand then and looked apologetically at Umika.
“Forgive Mirai-chan, she’s just a fan-girl at heart.” She said with Irie Saaya giggling and Irie Jingi nodding at the back.
“She’s just fond of squealing.” Irie Saaya added.
“She did the same to me when we first met.” Ohgo continued.
“Me too.” Irie Saaya piped.
“And me!” Mariya added.
“Ehh? She didn’t flail over me when we first met.” Irie Jingi said over his food.
“Maybe there was nothing to flail about you…” Irie Saaya said and both Ohgo and Mariya laughed.
“Yeah, that’s true.” Shida said seriously but there was a twinkle in her eyes and Umika knew she was joking.
“Um, thank you.” Umika said to Shida in response to her compliment.
Shida smiled brightly at her.
“Are you sitting with Rima and the others?” Shida asked addressing Umika and Mariya.
“Today it’s just the two of us. Rima and the others have club activities.” Mariya answered.
“Oh, same with Shougo and the others.” Irie Saaya said.
“Sit with us today.” Shida said and the two agreed.
It was Umika’s first time to chat like that with those four. And Rima was right, they were really fun. They treat each other as if they were siblings. The rumors about these girls being flirts were definitely untrue.
Mariya had said they were probably made by people jealous of these three. Umika had believed Mariya about that, but after hanging out with them, she felt a lot more annoyed by those rumors.
They became good friends. And whenever the boys weren’t with them or at least whenever there were only a few of the boys (when the there are more girls than there are boys), she’d hang out with them.
“Why don’t you give them a chance?” Shinichi-kun had said when Umika told him about this.
“Shida and the others seem to be just like you. If they can get along with these boys, maybe you could as well.”
Umika had laughed then and agreed to ‘give them a chance.’
“But one at a time… I want to know them thoroughly.” She said.
Shinichi smiled at her then. “Sure, you should take your time.”
“How are you and Ayako-san?” Umika asked.
Shinichi smiled and said “Same as before…”
Umika couldn’t help but think that that was a fake smile.
-
Umika saw Yamada and his friends say goodbye to the girls for soccer practice.
“Mirai-chan!” Umika called and the four girls looked around for her.
Umika approached them.
“Umika-chan…” Mirai smiled at her.
“You did it again.” Saaya suddenly said.
“Huh?” Umika said, perplexed.
Saaya shrugged. “You always show up whenever the boys aren’t around.”
“Yeah, I noticed, too. Yuto’s been complaining about not being able to meet you properly yet.” Suzuka added.
“That’s true… I think you’ve only talked with Jingi, Shougo and Hayato.” Mirai said.
“She’s a bit awkward around boys…” Mariya said.
Umika didn’t really know what to say. No one in Horikoshi knew of her past. No one ever really knew except for Shinichi and he only got the gist of it because he was there that day.
But it seems the girls read in her face that there was a story behind it.
“Is something the matter?” Suzuka asked softly, worried.
Umika didn’t really thought of it but she started telling them everything. And then she started crying halfway through her story.
The girls silently listened to her. It felt great to tell it to them. She felt as if a weight was taken off her. She had been holding it since that day eight years ago.
To her surprise, Mirai had started crying as well, and then Saaya and Mariya… Suzuka was teary but she was laughing at all of them saying they all looked stupid.
And then the girls hugged Umika very tight, saying a silent message to her. Umika understood, and started crying and laughing again.
“So that’s why…” Mariya said.
“I’m so sorry Umika-chan…” Suzuka said.
Umika just shook her head.
“B-but I do want to meet Yuto-kun and the others properly.” Umika said softly. “I have a friend, Shinichi-kun, and he’s different to other boys. I mean, because before I hate boys but then I met Shinichi-kun so I want to get to know other boys as well…” She tried to explain.
The girls nodded understandingly.
“I don’t want what happened in the past control my present… or my future.” Umika said.
Mirai smiled at her. “You go girl!”
“But.” Umika said. “I don’t think I can handle all of them at once.”
Saaya laughed. “Okay. One at a time then.”
“And… please don’t tell the boys about this… I don’t want them to think I’m weird ‘or something.”
Suzuka smiled at her. “They wouldn’t. But we won’t tell them if you don’t want to.”
“Besides, it’s fun to have a secret only between us, ne?” Mariya said.
After school, Umika went straight to Shinichi’s house to tell him what happened but he wasn’t home.
As the girls made it so, Umika slowly got to know the boys. She was happy she did. They were all fun to talk to. But of course, Umika still prefers to talk to her girlfriends.
Among the boys, Umika felt most comfortable with Jingi-kun. Maybe it’s because he’s the one almost always with them. He was a lot like Shinichi-kun as well, calm and a good listener.
Miki-kun and Shougo-kun were both mischief makers. They have fun making pranks for the other boys and sometimes even for the girls. At first Umika was outraged about that but Shinichi had said it just goes to show that they treat boys and girls the same.
Shinichi had become a lot less talkative. He seems to be always tired. Umika knew Shinichi and his girlfriend had been rowing for a while now.
Ayako-san was a bit liberated while Shinichi was a bit old-fashioned. Ayako-san likes to go to parties and group dates but Shinichi doesn’t want her to. Shinichi think it’s unladylike to do things like that, Ayako-san thinks Shinichi is being a bit dominating. So they end up fighting.
Umika is worried about Shinichi-kun. She told her friends about his situation.
“I don’t think we can really help them.” Jingi said. “We’re outsiders. Everything depends on the two of them. The most you could do is comfort him whenever he seeks for it.”
Umika nodded dismally then.
For a while, Umika’s mind was filled with her works what with her new movie that she hadn’t thought about Shinichi much.
She was at Horikoshi with Rima and the others when Shinichi called. Umika excused herself and went to one of the vacant rooms.
“Shinichi-kun?” Umika answered.
“Umika-chan… how are you?” he asked.
Umika knew at once that something happened. He sounded so sad, and so tired.
“Fine. What happened?” she asked hastily.
“I… I’m really sorry but I didn’t know who else to call.”
“Shinichi-kun?”
“I… I made a terrible mistake, Umika-chan. I’m so sorry.” He said.
“You’re scaring me, Shinichi. What happened?” Umika said, gravely.
“I… I went to the hospital…”
“Are you sick!?”
“Yes… I am but not like that, Umika. I’m not dying or anything… I… I got STD.”
Umika went silent.
“I… I got it from Ayano.” He laughed bitterly. “Seems she really was cheating on me… I haven’t told you ‘cause I know you were busy… but we’ve already broken up a week ago. But now she’s trying to get me back saying she’s pregnant. I told her to give me proof. She couldn’t though, so I think she was only lying. But… And if she really is pregnant, I don’t even know if it’s mine or not… I… Umika, I-I don’t know what to do…”
Both of them went silent for a while.
“Umika… please say something…” Shinichi pleaded.
“Y-you promised you wouldn’t do that…” Umika said softly.
Shinichi didn’t reply.
“You told me you wouldn’t do anything you’ll regret. You told me you’ll never be like our fathers… that you’ll never-“
“I’m so sorry Umika. I really am. I was stupid. I-I don’t deserve to be your friend…”
“Where are you now? Do you want me to come see you?” Umika asked more firmly this time. She was hurt at what he did, but he was still her friend.
‘He’s a boy. He couldn’t help it.’ A part of her whispers.
“No…” Shinichi said. “Thank you, Umika, but I can’t face you right now. I just… I just wanted to hear your voice I guess. Thank you.”
“You’ll be okay?” Umika asked softly. Frankly, she thought she couldn’t face him right now as well.
“I think I will… Then… I’ll hang up now…”
Umika nodded and squeak a ‘bye’ before Shinichi hanged up.
She started crying after that. She just felt hurt and betrayed. It was worst than before. Shinichi was Umika’s grounds. The reason she started believing in boys again. But now… Umika didn’t know what to believe in. She had guy friends now… but it was as if they’d somehow become strangers to her.
“Kawashima-chan? What are you doing on the floor?”
Umika automatically wiped her tears.
“Eh? Were you crying? Oh, are you practicing for your new movie?”
Umika didn’t reply and slowly stood up.
“Oh… You weren’t practicing, were you?”
Umika still didn’t reply. She moved to go outside.
“What happened?” he said, blocking her.
“Chinen-kun, please let me pass.” Umika said.
“But you’re not okay. What happened?” He asked once more.
“It’s nothing.”
“It doesn’t seem like it’s nothing.” He insisted. “You can tell me, you know…”
Umika shook her head. “You wouldn’t understand anyway…”
“Why do you think that?” Chinen asked, with a curious voice.
Umika looked at Chinen. She was wearing an expressionless face.
She shrugged, “You’re a boy…”
Chinen pouted. Umika was surprised at that. That wasn’t exactly what she was expecting.
“You know… before I’m a boy, I’m human. During the first weeks of pregnancy, the baby is bisexual. It’s neither a boy nor a girl.”
Umika stared at him. That wasn’t what she was expecting as well.
“Hmmm, how ‘bout this…” Chinen said and then she took Umika’s rubber band dangling from her wrist and tied his hair.
“If I looked like a girl, will you tell me now?” he said, acting like a girl.
Umika couldn’t help it. She laughed, hard.
“Mou~ Tell me already…” Chinen complained, removing the hair tie. “They say you should say your worries to a friend so you would feel better.”
Umika continued laughing. “I don’t think there’s a need for that anymore.”
Chinen pouted but grudgingly smile after a while.
“Nah, you should still say it to someone.” Chinen insisted. “If you don’t wanna tell me, I’ll call Mirai-chan. You don’t have a problem with boyish girls, right?”
Chinen moved to go out but Umika stopped him.
“Wait. I’ll tell you, Chinen-kun…”
Chinen beamed. Umika didn’t know why, but she just felt like talking to Chinen right now.
“It’s about Shinichi-kun… he’s my-“
“Oh, you’re boyfriend?” Chinen piped.
“No. He’s my best friend-“
“Ah, and you fell in love with him but he doesn’t like you back.”
“No. I don’t like him like that. He’s in a complicated situation right now.”
“Is he involved in Yakuza or something?”
“No! Chinen-kun, listen to me if you want me to tell you!” Umika said, half-annoyed, half-amused.
Chinen laughed. “Sorry, I’m not a good listener. I tend to talk and talk.”
“Yeah, I figured.” Umika said smiling grudgingly.
“Anyway, Shinichi-kun… okay, before that, you need to know that I hate boys before.” Umika said.
“Why is that?” Chinen asked.
“Because my dad abandoned me and my mom.”
“Oh.. I’m sorry.”
Umika shook her head. “It’s hardly your fault and anyway it’s an old story. I’ve gotten over that.”
“Because of Shinichi-kun?” Chinen asked.
“Yes, because of Shinichi-kun.” Umika said. “’Cause he was different from other boys. When he became my friend, I started to trust other boys as well.”
“But now he’d done something like ‘a boy’ would do. And you don’t know what to think anymore.” Chinen finished for her.
Umika just nodded.
“Kawashima-chan. Not every boy is the same. In fact no one is the same. It’s stupid to think like that. Okay, I guess many boys act stupid and whatnot but some girls act stupid, too, ne? It’s not about being a boy or a girl. It’s about being human. Everyone can make mistakes, not just boys. Girls might not understand boys but boys are flabbergasted about girls as well. It’s a matter of communication.” He said, shrugging.
Umika, once again, stared at him.
“Well?” Chinen urged.
“I honestly don’t know if you’re comforting me, advising me or reprimanding me…” Umika said.
Chinen shrugged again, “I’m just explaining facts.”
“You’re weird…” Umika said, now giggling once more.
“Everyone’s weird.” He said nonchalantly. “I told you no one’s the same.”
Umika smiled.
“But this Shinichi guy… You love him, do you?” Chinen asked as if he was asking what the date was.
“I love him as my best friend.” Umika said.
Chinen gave him a disbelieving look.
Umika laughed. “I’m serious! I did like him before, but now I don’t. He’s just my best friend, really.” She said honestly.
And then she looked at Chinen, “Why am I being so honest with you?” She wondered aloud.
“That’s because I’m awesome.”
-
With the weird turn of events, Umika found herself forgiving Shinichi.
She had talked to Shinichi. And she couldn’t really help but feel sorry for him. He was so ashamed of himself. It was as if he’s scared that Umika would stop being his friend anymore. Umika managed to cheer him up, though. And bit by bit, Shinichi seem to forgive himself as well.
Umika also found herself curious about Chinen Yuri. She had never met any boy, or anyone, really, like him.
Now, Chinen always chat her up. And they always end up playfully bickering because Chinen just couldn’t admit defeat to anything.
He was very spontaneous. Umika could never know what’s on his mind. And whenever he talks to her, it would be about random stuffs: Ohno-kun, animes, songs, Arashi, ramen, smartphones and much other stuff.
Umika and Chinen were in their classroom, eating lunch. It was just the two of them since the others all went down the cafeteria. Chinen said he’d stay behind ‘cause he was feeling lazy and Umika offered to accompany him.
“Do you like anyone in particular right now?” Chinen suddenly asked.
Umika stared at him… ‘Is it that pattern again? But this is Chii…’
“No one in particular, why?” Umika answered honestly.
“I like Mirai-chan.” He suddenly said.
Umika almost spat the juice she was drinking.
“Woah! That was close! You almost spat at me!” Chinen said.
Umika ignored this. “You like Mirai-chan?!”
Chinen nodded. “Yeah, she’s pretty, and smart and talented. Who wouldn’t like her?”
“But this is great! Are you planning to confess? When will you do it?”
“No… I’m not the confessing-type.” Chinen said. “I’d rather she confess.”
“Baka! Mirai-chan isn’t the ‘confessing-type’ either. Nothing will happen if you don’t make a move!” Umika said.
“Do you think I should?” Chinen asked, looking as if he’s about to do something dreadful.
“Yes!” Umika said.
“Do I really have to?” Chinen asked.
“Do you really like Mirai?” Umika asked and to her surprise, Chinen blushed.
“You really do!” She squealed.
“Shhhh! Umika!” Chinen said, covering Umika’s mouth.
“What’s this? You two have gotten real friendly lately.” A teasing voice said.
Umika removed Chinen’s hand on her mouth.
“Jingi-kun!” Umika said, blushing.
“Please.” Chinen said, “Umika and me?” He looked at Umika as if dismayed. “Please.”
Umika knew he was joking but still, she smacked him (playfully, of course.)
-
“Are you crying?” Chinen asked. He saw Umika on the floor in a vacant room once again. “Why is it I always find you in that state?”
“I’m not crying.” Umika said, looking at Chinen. “Just thinking…”
“What is it?” Chinen asked, sitting beside Umika.
Umika pouted at him, “Tomorrow’s my kissing scene. It’ll be my first kiss and with a boy I barely know.”
“But that’s work.” Chinen said.
“I know, but still!” Umika said.
Chinen shrugged, “Want me to kiss you?”
“What?!” Umika asked, surprised.
“Well, you said you don’t want your first kiss to be with a ‘boy you barely know.’ You know me, right? Wouldn’t I be better?”
“Baka! I want my first kiss to be special! Wouldn’t you want yours?”
Chinen smiled, “I already had my first kiss. With Aoi Yuu-san.”
“Oh right, I forgot.” Umika said.
“If you don’t want me, then kiss Vanilla-chan.” Chinen said.
“I’ve kissed her already, thank you.”
“Then there you go, problem solved.” Chinen said.
“Chii~!!” Umika complained.
Chinen laughed again. “What? Not enough? How about asking Shinichi-kun?”
Umika smacked him. This had become a hobby for Umika. Well, Chinen wasn’t complaining so she figured it was okay.
“You know, it wouldn’t be your ‘first kiss’ if you don’t think of it as is. I mean, I don’t think my kiss with Aoi Yuu-san is my first kiss. I still have virgin lips.” Chinen said.
Umika laughed. “Really? I thought you’ve already given it to Yama-chan or Takaki-san.”
“Oi!”
Umika laughed harder.
When she finally calmed down she said, “Okay Chii, just kiss me, then.”
Chinen stared at her, wide-eyed. “What?! I-I was joking, Umika!”
Umika dissolved to giggles again. “I was joking, Chii!”
“Mou~!!” Chinen complained but joined her in laughing.
-
“Chinen?” Umika called, warily. She had found him on the floor in a vacant room after their class.
“A-are you crying?” Umika asked, shocked.
Chinen rolled his eyes, but Umika was sure there were tears there.
“What’s with the tone of surprise?” he asked, wiping his tears. “Jeez, why did you have to see me in this state.”
“But… but you’re a boy.” Umika said.
“Umika, boys have meibomian gland as well. We can produce tears.” He explained. It sounded as if he was trying to lighten up the mood.
Umika sat beside him on the floor.
“Why are you crying, Chii?” She asked.
“Umika…” He tried to smile. He wasn’t crying anymore, but Umika could see him pained. “Mirai-chan’s going out with Ryosuke now.”
“Aw, Chii…” Umika hugged Chii and Chinen hugged her back. They stayed like that for a long while. And when they had to go, Chii was back to his usual self, as if nothing happened. Umika knew different, though.
-
It was the first time Umika saw a boy cry. And cry for a girl.
She had told Suzuka about this and she said,
“Umika, before a boy becomes a boy, he is first a human.”
Umika smiled at that.
“I’ve heard that before.” She said.
“Really? From where?” Suzuka asked, smiling as well.
Umika didn’t answer her.
“But I don’t really believe that’s the case.”
Suzuka looked at her. “What do you mean?”
“Maybe it’s because before he is a boy, he is Chii.”
Suzuka laughed. “Yeah, that’s true. But what’s this Umika, are you falling for Chii?”
Umika looked at her and shrugged. “Do you think so? Maybe…”
-
"Chii, are you crying?" Umika asked. She had found Chinen on the floor in a vacant room. "Why is it that I always find you in that state?" she mocked.
She saw Chinen smiled. "I'm not crying." He said looking up at Umika. "Just thinking."
"You don't have a kissing scene, do you?" She asked.
Chinen laughed. "Will you kiss me?"
Umika sat beside him on the floor and smacked him. It was this pattern again.
"Do you like someone in particular right now?" He suddenly asked.
Umika looked at her. "What's this, Chii? Do you like someone new now?"
'It's this pattern.'
Chinen blushed.
"You do!" Umika squealed but inside she was afraid. "Who is it this time?"
Chinen smiled.
"I like Umika-chan."
Umika was thankful she wasn't drinking juice or putting anything in her mouth this time.
She stared at him. He blushed more.
Umika smiled and then smacked him.
"You were serious about the kiss!"
Chinen laughed. "You saw right through me."
Umika grinned.
"'Cause it's the same pattern. My Yuri's pattern."
Thank you for reading!! :D
More fics? Go here---> FANFICTION INDEX
btw, i've posted the first chap of Kyanpu!
Author: macymacymacy
Pairing: surprise!
Genre: Angst, Fluff, Friendship, Slice of Life
Rating: PG
Summary: “It’s that pattern again. But of course.”
AN:
-UNBETAed, OOC, rushed
-another fic inspired by urufuchinen ’s comment. xD cause she said: ‘i wonder if umika-chan is really close with suzu, mirai, n saaya in RL... i never hear about them together :|’
“Hey, are you seeing anyone?”
Umika sighed. ‘Here it goes.’
Her friend, Miu, giggled. Umika fought the urge to roll her eyes.
“No…” Miu said.
“Really? That’s great! I was wondering if we could… You know…”
‘As expected.’ Umika thought, sighing yet again.
It was always the same pattern. Always. Every boy is just the same. Umika knew this all too well. She had lived with this pattern. She knew what will happen next: the boy would break the girl’s heart.
And surely after a month, Miu had came crying to Umika saying they’d broke up.
‘As expected.’ Umika thought to herself. She had comforted her friend that day all the while thinking that Miu were still lucky.
‘Cause it’s just a month. It’s not very painful. The longer you were happy with him, the more you will hurt when he says goodbye.’
Really, Umika didn’t know why girls bother with boys. It was always the same. Boys were made to disappoint girls. Why can’t others see that? Why bother with love?
It was the same for Umika and her mom.
Before, they were living a simple and peaceful life. Her dad was always away on business trips but he never missed a birthday or any occasion.
They were happy… Just until a few years ago when her mom discovered that her dad had another family.
Umika didn’t much understand it then, but her dad stopped going home and her mom kept crying herself to sleep every night. She didn’t want Umika to know, byt Umika hears her soft sobs.
She didn’t much understand it then, but Umika knew her mom was crying because of her dad. She grew to hate her dad. She blamed him for every bad thing that happens to them. But then one day, while her mom was cooking, she asked Umika.
“Umi-chan, do you hate dad?” she asked with a fake smile on her face.
“Yes.” Umika said immediately. “I don’t love him anymore.”
Her mom cried; succumbing to tears in front of her daughter for the first time. Little Umika panicked then, patting her mom on the back she asked,
“Why are you crying, mom?”
She gave Umika a teary smile then.
“’Cause you know, Umika-chan… Mom still loves dad…”
Umika stopped the grudge she had for her dad at that time. And she accepted that it was just how things work.
‘Every boy is trouble.’
‘Every boy is the same.’
‘They only care about themselves.’
‘They put everything else for granted.’
‘They don’t give a thought about a girl’s feelings.’
‘Happy ending only happens in fairy tales.’
These were what Umika believed in. But she didn’t blame the boys. ‘Cause she knew it was just how they are.
‘I would never fall in love.’
But then she met him.
Tanaka Shinichi.
And everything she believed in changed.
They met on Umika’s 2nd year in junior high. He was a transfer student.
At first she just ignores him like she does every boy. But then they ended up being paired up for a project.
Truthfully, Umika didn’t mind this. She was always working with boys. She wasn’t afraid of them, just wary.
They talked about their project smoothly. Tanaka Shinichi was easy to talk to. He doesn’t fuss about things and just do his job as he must.
They arranged to do their project at Umika’s house. Both of them were quiet, making their solar system model when suddenly they heard a crash from the kitchen.
Both of them rushed to the kitchen to see Umika’s mom in the middle of the mess. She was sobbing hysterically, clutching on the telephone.
“Mom?” Umika called, approaching her mom cautiously.
Her mom took her into a tight hug crying to her.
“U-umika… D-dad…. Dad is gone…” She managed to say and then she dissolved into tears.
Umika was shocked. Many things were running through her head as she patted her mom to calm down.
After escorting her mom to her room, with Tanaka Shinichi assisting, they both went back to the kitchen and silently clean the mess.
When they went back to the living room, both Umika and Tanaka Shinichi still weren’t saying anything.
Umika sat by their project.
“Let’s just finish the stars and we’re done.” Umika said nonchalantly.
Tanaka Shinichi just stared at her, unmoving.
“What?!” Umika asked, a little harshly.
Shinichi looked down and said softly… “You know… It’s okay to cry…”
Umika glared at him.
“I don’t really feel like crying for the father who abandoned us.” Umika said coolly.
Shinichi looked at her then. Searching. He had piercing eyes. As if he could see through her.
“But still… You love him…” He said.
Umika looked away.
“I don’t… I’ve already forgiven him but I don’t love him anymore.” She said but her voice cracked.
“Cry…” Tanaka Shinichi urged. And unexpectedly, traitor tears stung Umika’s eyes.
“I’m sorry for saying things like this,” he continued, “But I understand how you feel… Don’t let what happened in the past control your present ‘cause you’ll regret it… I regret it…”
Umika looked at him then, and without permission, tears started falling.
Umika fell on her knees, crying, remembering her life before the hate started, remembering a loving father instead of the stranger she hated.
Tanaka Shinichi just quietly stood there, offering a handkerchief for Umika.
After that, they had become good friends. He was Umika’s first guy friend.
He was just different among the other boys. He was gentle, and he care for Umika. Never did he let her down. And he understood her well.
They were the same. His father has also abandoned him. And to Umika, he swore he would never become like their father.
He had become more of a best friend to Umika. She could tell him anything. He changed Umika’s views about boys. Not all boys are the same. There are still those like Shinichi-kun. Then maybe happy endings can still happen.
Rumors started going on around their school. Kawashima Umika and Tanaka Shinichi are going out. It wasn’t true, but they just ignore it.
“What others say doesn’t matter. What the both of us say is what matters.” He said.
He was full of sayings like this. He was a guy who stuck to his principles religiously.
“I would never do that before I got married!” he answered Umika’s question, red-faced, when news about a pregnant kouhai got out.
Umika always asked him questions about boys.
Slowly, Umika fell for him. It was hard not to.
And so from swearing that she would never fall in love, now she swears that she would never make a mistake like her mom did. She would choose the best guy, and she already knew who that was.
But then during the last months of their third year, Shinichi started becoming aloof to Umika.
He became secretive and he stopped hanging out with Umika. It wasn’t as if he’d totally ignore her. But he changed. They still sat together during lunch but he became less talkative. It felt a bit awkward for Umika.
During their graduation, he told her the reason.
He started courting a senpai two months ago. And now they were going out.
Umika felt her heart broke but outside she squealed for her best friend and jokingly complained why he didn’t confide to her before.
“Keep your promise, okay?” Umika had told him. ‘Never break her heart.’
Shinichi smiled at her. “You know I will.”
That night, she cried her eyes out for herself. ‘When you cry, it’s not for someone else, but because you hurt.’ Shinichi had told her that.
And she smiled for Shinichi. She was happy for him. He really looked cheerful. Besides,
‘It was bound to happen. Shinichi is a great guy, the best guy. And I guess, I’m not the one for him.’
-
They went to separate high schools. Shinichi entered a local high school where his girlfriend was attending while Umika entered Horikoshi Gakuen.
Umika was thankful to Shinichi because she knew she changed because of him. Now, she could mingle with boys more comfortably. She was still guarded, but now she could show more of herself to everyone.
She started her high school with a positive attitude. She made many friends: Mariya, her first friend there, Nako, Maeda, and Rima among the others.
There was just some she hadn’t talked to, much: Shida, Ohgo, and Irie.
Their first semester passed and she didn’t really try to befriend them. It wasn’t that she didn’t like them. From what Rima-chan said, they seemed to be lovely people. But they were what you’d call ‘one-of-the-boys.’ And Umika didn’t feel that comfortable to sit between all the boys of their class just like the three girls seem to be.
“That’s because they’ve known each other since before going here, Mariya-chan, too.” Maeda had exaplained.
It was during their first year when Umika’s popularity started rising. She had received many projects after her Bloody Monday.
And it was the very reason why she became friends with Shida Mirai.
It was their lunch then and Mariya and Umika went to the cafeteria to eat there.
“Mariya-chan! Kawashima-san!” Shida Mirai had called them. Mariya had dragged Umika to their table then. Shida was eating with Ohgo Suzuka, Irie Saaya and Irie Jingi. It seems the other boys weren’t with them today.
“Kawashima-san!” Shida had pulled her gently then. “I’ve officially become your fan! I saw your Bloody Monday! It’s really great!”
Ohgo took Shida’s hand then and looked apologetically at Umika.
“Forgive Mirai-chan, she’s just a fan-girl at heart.” She said with Irie Saaya giggling and Irie Jingi nodding at the back.
“She’s just fond of squealing.” Irie Saaya added.
“She did the same to me when we first met.” Ohgo continued.
“Me too.” Irie Saaya piped.
“And me!” Mariya added.
“Ehh? She didn’t flail over me when we first met.” Irie Jingi said over his food.
“Maybe there was nothing to flail about you…” Irie Saaya said and both Ohgo and Mariya laughed.
“Yeah, that’s true.” Shida said seriously but there was a twinkle in her eyes and Umika knew she was joking.
“Um, thank you.” Umika said to Shida in response to her compliment.
Shida smiled brightly at her.
“Are you sitting with Rima and the others?” Shida asked addressing Umika and Mariya.
“Today it’s just the two of us. Rima and the others have club activities.” Mariya answered.
“Oh, same with Shougo and the others.” Irie Saaya said.
“Sit with us today.” Shida said and the two agreed.
It was Umika’s first time to chat like that with those four. And Rima was right, they were really fun. They treat each other as if they were siblings. The rumors about these girls being flirts were definitely untrue.
Mariya had said they were probably made by people jealous of these three. Umika had believed Mariya about that, but after hanging out with them, she felt a lot more annoyed by those rumors.
They became good friends. And whenever the boys weren’t with them or at least whenever there were only a few of the boys (when the there are more girls than there are boys), she’d hang out with them.
“Why don’t you give them a chance?” Shinichi-kun had said when Umika told him about this.
“Shida and the others seem to be just like you. If they can get along with these boys, maybe you could as well.”
Umika had laughed then and agreed to ‘give them a chance.’
“But one at a time… I want to know them thoroughly.” She said.
Shinichi smiled at her then. “Sure, you should take your time.”
“How are you and Ayako-san?” Umika asked.
Shinichi smiled and said “Same as before…”
Umika couldn’t help but think that that was a fake smile.
-
Umika saw Yamada and his friends say goodbye to the girls for soccer practice.
“Mirai-chan!” Umika called and the four girls looked around for her.
Umika approached them.
“Umika-chan…” Mirai smiled at her.
“You did it again.” Saaya suddenly said.
“Huh?” Umika said, perplexed.
Saaya shrugged. “You always show up whenever the boys aren’t around.”
“Yeah, I noticed, too. Yuto’s been complaining about not being able to meet you properly yet.” Suzuka added.
“That’s true… I think you’ve only talked with Jingi, Shougo and Hayato.” Mirai said.
“She’s a bit awkward around boys…” Mariya said.
Umika didn’t really know what to say. No one in Horikoshi knew of her past. No one ever really knew except for Shinichi and he only got the gist of it because he was there that day.
But it seems the girls read in her face that there was a story behind it.
“Is something the matter?” Suzuka asked softly, worried.
Umika didn’t really thought of it but she started telling them everything. And then she started crying halfway through her story.
The girls silently listened to her. It felt great to tell it to them. She felt as if a weight was taken off her. She had been holding it since that day eight years ago.
To her surprise, Mirai had started crying as well, and then Saaya and Mariya… Suzuka was teary but she was laughing at all of them saying they all looked stupid.
And then the girls hugged Umika very tight, saying a silent message to her. Umika understood, and started crying and laughing again.
“So that’s why…” Mariya said.
“I’m so sorry Umika-chan…” Suzuka said.
Umika just shook her head.
“B-but I do want to meet Yuto-kun and the others properly.” Umika said softly. “I have a friend, Shinichi-kun, and he’s different to other boys. I mean, because before I hate boys but then I met Shinichi-kun so I want to get to know other boys as well…” She tried to explain.
The girls nodded understandingly.
“I don’t want what happened in the past control my present… or my future.” Umika said.
Mirai smiled at her. “You go girl!”
“But.” Umika said. “I don’t think I can handle all of them at once.”
Saaya laughed. “Okay. One at a time then.”
“And… please don’t tell the boys about this… I don’t want them to think I’m weird ‘or something.”
Suzuka smiled at her. “They wouldn’t. But we won’t tell them if you don’t want to.”
“Besides, it’s fun to have a secret only between us, ne?” Mariya said.
After school, Umika went straight to Shinichi’s house to tell him what happened but he wasn’t home.
As the girls made it so, Umika slowly got to know the boys. She was happy she did. They were all fun to talk to. But of course, Umika still prefers to talk to her girlfriends.
Among the boys, Umika felt most comfortable with Jingi-kun. Maybe it’s because he’s the one almost always with them. He was a lot like Shinichi-kun as well, calm and a good listener.
Miki-kun and Shougo-kun were both mischief makers. They have fun making pranks for the other boys and sometimes even for the girls. At first Umika was outraged about that but Shinichi had said it just goes to show that they treat boys and girls the same.
Shinichi had become a lot less talkative. He seems to be always tired. Umika knew Shinichi and his girlfriend had been rowing for a while now.
Ayako-san was a bit liberated while Shinichi was a bit old-fashioned. Ayako-san likes to go to parties and group dates but Shinichi doesn’t want her to. Shinichi think it’s unladylike to do things like that, Ayako-san thinks Shinichi is being a bit dominating. So they end up fighting.
Umika is worried about Shinichi-kun. She told her friends about his situation.
“I don’t think we can really help them.” Jingi said. “We’re outsiders. Everything depends on the two of them. The most you could do is comfort him whenever he seeks for it.”
Umika nodded dismally then.
For a while, Umika’s mind was filled with her works what with her new movie that she hadn’t thought about Shinichi much.
She was at Horikoshi with Rima and the others when Shinichi called. Umika excused herself and went to one of the vacant rooms.
“Shinichi-kun?” Umika answered.
“Umika-chan… how are you?” he asked.
Umika knew at once that something happened. He sounded so sad, and so tired.
“Fine. What happened?” she asked hastily.
“I… I’m really sorry but I didn’t know who else to call.”
“Shinichi-kun?”
“I… I made a terrible mistake, Umika-chan. I’m so sorry.” He said.
“You’re scaring me, Shinichi. What happened?” Umika said, gravely.
“I… I went to the hospital…”
“Are you sick!?”
“Yes… I am but not like that, Umika. I’m not dying or anything… I… I got STD.”
Umika went silent.
“I… I got it from Ayano.” He laughed bitterly. “Seems she really was cheating on me… I haven’t told you ‘cause I know you were busy… but we’ve already broken up a week ago. But now she’s trying to get me back saying she’s pregnant. I told her to give me proof. She couldn’t though, so I think she was only lying. But… And if she really is pregnant, I don’t even know if it’s mine or not… I… Umika, I-I don’t know what to do…”
Both of them went silent for a while.
“Umika… please say something…” Shinichi pleaded.
“Y-you promised you wouldn’t do that…” Umika said softly.
Shinichi didn’t reply.
“You told me you wouldn’t do anything you’ll regret. You told me you’ll never be like our fathers… that you’ll never-“
“I’m so sorry Umika. I really am. I was stupid. I-I don’t deserve to be your friend…”
“Where are you now? Do you want me to come see you?” Umika asked more firmly this time. She was hurt at what he did, but he was still her friend.
‘He’s a boy. He couldn’t help it.’ A part of her whispers.
“No…” Shinichi said. “Thank you, Umika, but I can’t face you right now. I just… I just wanted to hear your voice I guess. Thank you.”
“You’ll be okay?” Umika asked softly. Frankly, she thought she couldn’t face him right now as well.
“I think I will… Then… I’ll hang up now…”
Umika nodded and squeak a ‘bye’ before Shinichi hanged up.
She started crying after that. She just felt hurt and betrayed. It was worst than before. Shinichi was Umika’s grounds. The reason she started believing in boys again. But now… Umika didn’t know what to believe in. She had guy friends now… but it was as if they’d somehow become strangers to her.
“Kawashima-chan? What are you doing on the floor?”
Umika automatically wiped her tears.
“Eh? Were you crying? Oh, are you practicing for your new movie?”
Umika didn’t reply and slowly stood up.
“Oh… You weren’t practicing, were you?”
Umika still didn’t reply. She moved to go outside.
“What happened?” he said, blocking her.
“Chinen-kun, please let me pass.” Umika said.
“But you’re not okay. What happened?” He asked once more.
“It’s nothing.”
“It doesn’t seem like it’s nothing.” He insisted. “You can tell me, you know…”
Umika shook her head. “You wouldn’t understand anyway…”
“Why do you think that?” Chinen asked, with a curious voice.
Umika looked at Chinen. She was wearing an expressionless face.
She shrugged, “You’re a boy…”
Chinen pouted. Umika was surprised at that. That wasn’t exactly what she was expecting.
“You know… before I’m a boy, I’m human. During the first weeks of pregnancy, the baby is bisexual. It’s neither a boy nor a girl.”
Umika stared at him. That wasn’t what she was expecting as well.
“Hmmm, how ‘bout this…” Chinen said and then she took Umika’s rubber band dangling from her wrist and tied his hair.
“If I looked like a girl, will you tell me now?” he said, acting like a girl.
Umika couldn’t help it. She laughed, hard.
“Mou~ Tell me already…” Chinen complained, removing the hair tie. “They say you should say your worries to a friend so you would feel better.”
Umika continued laughing. “I don’t think there’s a need for that anymore.”
Chinen pouted but grudgingly smile after a while.
“Nah, you should still say it to someone.” Chinen insisted. “If you don’t wanna tell me, I’ll call Mirai-chan. You don’t have a problem with boyish girls, right?”
Chinen moved to go out but Umika stopped him.
“Wait. I’ll tell you, Chinen-kun…”
Chinen beamed. Umika didn’t know why, but she just felt like talking to Chinen right now.
“It’s about Shinichi-kun… he’s my-“
“Oh, you’re boyfriend?” Chinen piped.
“No. He’s my best friend-“
“Ah, and you fell in love with him but he doesn’t like you back.”
“No. I don’t like him like that. He’s in a complicated situation right now.”
“Is he involved in Yakuza or something?”
“No! Chinen-kun, listen to me if you want me to tell you!” Umika said, half-annoyed, half-amused.
Chinen laughed. “Sorry, I’m not a good listener. I tend to talk and talk.”
“Yeah, I figured.” Umika said smiling grudgingly.
“Anyway, Shinichi-kun… okay, before that, you need to know that I hate boys before.” Umika said.
“Why is that?” Chinen asked.
“Because my dad abandoned me and my mom.”
“Oh.. I’m sorry.”
Umika shook her head. “It’s hardly your fault and anyway it’s an old story. I’ve gotten over that.”
“Because of Shinichi-kun?” Chinen asked.
“Yes, because of Shinichi-kun.” Umika said. “’Cause he was different from other boys. When he became my friend, I started to trust other boys as well.”
“But now he’d done something like ‘a boy’ would do. And you don’t know what to think anymore.” Chinen finished for her.
Umika just nodded.
“Kawashima-chan. Not every boy is the same. In fact no one is the same. It’s stupid to think like that. Okay, I guess many boys act stupid and whatnot but some girls act stupid, too, ne? It’s not about being a boy or a girl. It’s about being human. Everyone can make mistakes, not just boys. Girls might not understand boys but boys are flabbergasted about girls as well. It’s a matter of communication.” He said, shrugging.
Umika, once again, stared at him.
“Well?” Chinen urged.
“I honestly don’t know if you’re comforting me, advising me or reprimanding me…” Umika said.
Chinen shrugged again, “I’m just explaining facts.”
“You’re weird…” Umika said, now giggling once more.
“Everyone’s weird.” He said nonchalantly. “I told you no one’s the same.”
Umika smiled.
“But this Shinichi guy… You love him, do you?” Chinen asked as if he was asking what the date was.
“I love him as my best friend.” Umika said.
Chinen gave him a disbelieving look.
Umika laughed. “I’m serious! I did like him before, but now I don’t. He’s just my best friend, really.” She said honestly.
And then she looked at Chinen, “Why am I being so honest with you?” She wondered aloud.
“That’s because I’m awesome.”
-
With the weird turn of events, Umika found herself forgiving Shinichi.
She had talked to Shinichi. And she couldn’t really help but feel sorry for him. He was so ashamed of himself. It was as if he’s scared that Umika would stop being his friend anymore. Umika managed to cheer him up, though. And bit by bit, Shinichi seem to forgive himself as well.
Umika also found herself curious about Chinen Yuri. She had never met any boy, or anyone, really, like him.
Now, Chinen always chat her up. And they always end up playfully bickering because Chinen just couldn’t admit defeat to anything.
He was very spontaneous. Umika could never know what’s on his mind. And whenever he talks to her, it would be about random stuffs: Ohno-kun, animes, songs, Arashi, ramen, smartphones and much other stuff.
Umika and Chinen were in their classroom, eating lunch. It was just the two of them since the others all went down the cafeteria. Chinen said he’d stay behind ‘cause he was feeling lazy and Umika offered to accompany him.
“Do you like anyone in particular right now?” Chinen suddenly asked.
Umika stared at him… ‘Is it that pattern again? But this is Chii…’
“No one in particular, why?” Umika answered honestly.
“I like Mirai-chan.” He suddenly said.
Umika almost spat the juice she was drinking.
“Woah! That was close! You almost spat at me!” Chinen said.
Umika ignored this. “You like Mirai-chan?!”
Chinen nodded. “Yeah, she’s pretty, and smart and talented. Who wouldn’t like her?”
“But this is great! Are you planning to confess? When will you do it?”
“No… I’m not the confessing-type.” Chinen said. “I’d rather she confess.”
“Baka! Mirai-chan isn’t the ‘confessing-type’ either. Nothing will happen if you don’t make a move!” Umika said.
“Do you think I should?” Chinen asked, looking as if he’s about to do something dreadful.
“Yes!” Umika said.
“Do I really have to?” Chinen asked.
“Do you really like Mirai?” Umika asked and to her surprise, Chinen blushed.
“You really do!” She squealed.
“Shhhh! Umika!” Chinen said, covering Umika’s mouth.
“What’s this? You two have gotten real friendly lately.” A teasing voice said.
Umika removed Chinen’s hand on her mouth.
“Jingi-kun!” Umika said, blushing.
“Please.” Chinen said, “Umika and me?” He looked at Umika as if dismayed. “Please.”
Umika knew he was joking but still, she smacked him (playfully, of course.)
-
“Are you crying?” Chinen asked. He saw Umika on the floor in a vacant room once again. “Why is it I always find you in that state?”
“I’m not crying.” Umika said, looking at Chinen. “Just thinking…”
“What is it?” Chinen asked, sitting beside Umika.
Umika pouted at him, “Tomorrow’s my kissing scene. It’ll be my first kiss and with a boy I barely know.”
“But that’s work.” Chinen said.
“I know, but still!” Umika said.
Chinen shrugged, “Want me to kiss you?”
“What?!” Umika asked, surprised.
“Well, you said you don’t want your first kiss to be with a ‘boy you barely know.’ You know me, right? Wouldn’t I be better?”
“Baka! I want my first kiss to be special! Wouldn’t you want yours?”
Chinen smiled, “I already had my first kiss. With Aoi Yuu-san.”
“Oh right, I forgot.” Umika said.
“If you don’t want me, then kiss Vanilla-chan.” Chinen said.
“I’ve kissed her already, thank you.”
“Then there you go, problem solved.” Chinen said.
“Chii~!!” Umika complained.
Chinen laughed again. “What? Not enough? How about asking Shinichi-kun?”
Umika smacked him. This had become a hobby for Umika. Well, Chinen wasn’t complaining so she figured it was okay.
“You know, it wouldn’t be your ‘first kiss’ if you don’t think of it as is. I mean, I don’t think my kiss with Aoi Yuu-san is my first kiss. I still have virgin lips.” Chinen said.
Umika laughed. “Really? I thought you’ve already given it to Yama-chan or Takaki-san.”
“Oi!”
Umika laughed harder.
When she finally calmed down she said, “Okay Chii, just kiss me, then.”
Chinen stared at her, wide-eyed. “What?! I-I was joking, Umika!”
Umika dissolved to giggles again. “I was joking, Chii!”
“Mou~!!” Chinen complained but joined her in laughing.
-
“Chinen?” Umika called, warily. She had found him on the floor in a vacant room after their class.
“A-are you crying?” Umika asked, shocked.
Chinen rolled his eyes, but Umika was sure there were tears there.
“What’s with the tone of surprise?” he asked, wiping his tears. “Jeez, why did you have to see me in this state.”
“But… but you’re a boy.” Umika said.
“Umika, boys have meibomian gland as well. We can produce tears.” He explained. It sounded as if he was trying to lighten up the mood.
Umika sat beside him on the floor.
“Why are you crying, Chii?” She asked.
“Umika…” He tried to smile. He wasn’t crying anymore, but Umika could see him pained. “Mirai-chan’s going out with Ryosuke now.”
“Aw, Chii…” Umika hugged Chii and Chinen hugged her back. They stayed like that for a long while. And when they had to go, Chii was back to his usual self, as if nothing happened. Umika knew different, though.
-
It was the first time Umika saw a boy cry. And cry for a girl.
She had told Suzuka about this and she said,
“Umika, before a boy becomes a boy, he is first a human.”
Umika smiled at that.
“I’ve heard that before.” She said.
“Really? From where?” Suzuka asked, smiling as well.
Umika didn’t answer her.
“But I don’t really believe that’s the case.”
Suzuka looked at her. “What do you mean?”
“Maybe it’s because before he is a boy, he is Chii.”
Suzuka laughed. “Yeah, that’s true. But what’s this Umika, are you falling for Chii?”
Umika looked at her and shrugged. “Do you think so? Maybe…”
-
"Chii, are you crying?" Umika asked. She had found Chinen on the floor in a vacant room. "Why is it that I always find you in that state?" she mocked.
She saw Chinen smiled. "I'm not crying." He said looking up at Umika. "Just thinking."
"You don't have a kissing scene, do you?" She asked.
Chinen laughed. "Will you kiss me?"
Umika sat beside him on the floor and smacked him. It was this pattern again.
"Do you like someone in particular right now?" He suddenly asked.
Umika looked at her. "What's this, Chii? Do you like someone new now?"
'It's this pattern.'
Chinen blushed.
"You do!" Umika squealed but inside she was afraid. "Who is it this time?"
Chinen smiled.
"I like Umika-chan."
Umika was thankful she wasn't drinking juice or putting anything in her mouth this time.
She stared at him. He blushed more.
Umika smiled and then smacked him.
"You were serious about the kiss!"
Chinen laughed. "You saw right through me."
Umika grinned.
"'Cause it's the same pattern. My Yuri's pattern."
Thank you for reading!! :D
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btw, i've posted the first chap of Kyanpu!