[fanfic] Time, PG-13, Chap.1-5 (END)
Title : Time
Author : nichiya
Pairing : Yamapi x OC (Akane)
Genre : Romance, Angst
Rating : PG-13
Disclaimer : I don't own Yamapi (i wish!) so don't sue me!
A/N : my first finished fanfic ever ^^;; i always thought i would never make one, as english isn't my tongue mother, but few friends convinced me and i finally did it! please excuse my bad grammar and all. the story is about Yamapi met up a strange girl in a cafe, then 3 months later, he met her again in uni and turned out she was Koyama's friend. what's behind her strange behavior?
Chapter 1
It was another hectic day for Yamashita Tomohisa, a young idol who also known as Yamapi, a nickname given by his senpai Takizawa Hideaki. He just finished some rain scenes for his winter drama titled Sore Wa Totzunen Arashi No You Ni. It’s one of the first scenes, and he felt really tired, as he must soak under the water during the cold weather in Tokyo. He was happy though, coz it was his first main role drama ever! And he liked his character as well, quite challenging, as he must fall in love with much older woman who is already married. His opponent cast Esumi Makiko is a professional actress and he also got a chance to work with other good casts.
After he said bye to the drama crew, he went to the nearest coffee shop for relaxing a bit, he didn’t want to go home, as he was sure his mum and sister haven’t returned yet. He would feel really lonely at home, so he decided to kill some time in that coffee shop. He entered the door, the owner who is a middle aged man welcomed him with a soft nod and he told the owner that he wanted an espresso. He had to read the script for tomorrow scenes, therefore he needed a strong drink to keep his eyes open. He looked around the coffee shop, there were only four costumers including him that afternoon. A man and a woman, a couple maybe, he thought, sat near the door. And a girl who sat near the window.
He decided to take a seat near the girl who seemed busy with her book, soon after the waiter came to him with his espresso. He started reading his script as well. Later, a bunch of school girls came in, and they were surprised to see him there!
“Oh gawd, isn’t that Yamapi?” whispered a girl to her friends.
“Yeah, he looks like him! But what is he doing in here?” whispered another girl.
“Maybe this is our lucky day! Let’s go find out!”
Yamapi noticed the whispers and all the sudden he wanted to disappear. He didn’t feel like to be the center of attention at that moment, and was hoping the school girls wouldn’t approach him, but he was wrong! They walked to his table and asked for his autographs! He tried to smile and scratched his signatures on the papers or books that they offered him. He gave the owner of the coffee shop the look for help, he understood and later politely asked the school girls to leave him alone. Yamapi also said that he was really tired after the filming, and would like some space to rest. They understood, and finally left the place with much satisfaction for getting his autographs.
He was relieved, but something wondered him, that girl near the window didn’t seem to be bothered at all with all the noise. While he knew even the couple near the door were looking at him now with interest. The girl was still busy with her book, she even didn’t touch her coffee. At first he thought maybe the girl was deaf, but later he saw her knocking her right hand’s fingers on the table while the other hand holding the book, it means she could hear the sound of the music that played in the coffee shop. He shook his head, why on earth I care for that girl, he thought. He stood up, paid for the espresso, and left the place.
***
The next day, after the filming, he came back to that coffee shop as he forgot his sunglasses there. The owner smiled when he entered the door, gave him a welcomed nod and later returned his sunglasses. He looked around, and by his surprise, there she was, the same girl, sitting in the same table, reading the same book! And he’s not surprised to see her engrossed with her book again. He wondered why the girl never noticed him at all. And he couldn’t help but starring at her, she supposed to be in early 20’s, maybe 2 or 3 years older than me, he thought. She wore casual clothes, and looked cute with her short fringe and shoulder length black hair framing her face. But there’s something with her face, a sorrow, and he didn’t know why.
Day by day, he always came back to that coffee shop, and he always saw her in the same table. Maybe that table already reserved for her, he thought. He never came to her, as he was afraid the girl would notice that he had been starring at her every single day. Sometimes he watched her stop reading and took a sip of her coffee, put her hands on her chin and wandered outside the window, as if there’s something interesting out there. Little by little, Yamapi knew few of her habits, that she loves reading English books, that she likes cappucino, and that she usually left the place around 8 pm. And yet, she still never noticed my existence, sighed Yamapi.
That day was the last day of the drama filming, he was relieved that it’s over but also sad at the same time, coz it would be the last day for him to see that girl in that coffee shop. The location of the drama is quite far from his home, and he would start his university life soon, so it’s impossible for him to visit that place again. He entered the door, heard the welcome greeting from the waiter, he ordered his favorite drink which is espresso, and of course started to see the girl again, he didn’t know her name yet. She wore black sweater today, and she tied up her hair, which made her even cuter, he thought.
She’s reading different book now, and all the sudden, she closed the book, and started to cry silently. She didn’t make any sound of sobbing but he knew that she’s crying! Tears fell down from her eyes to her cheek, and she turned her head to the window, didn’t want anyone to see her crying. Later she wiped her tears with her hands, packed her belongings, put money on the table and left the place hurriedly. Yamapi was still amazed and wasn’t ready to see her go so soon. He run outside and lost the sight of her already. “Damn, I was going to ask her name today!” he thought.
***
Chapter 2
3 months later…
Yamapi just turned 19 years old this spring, and he also just started his university life. He made it to enter Meiji University, and he chose Business as his major. He made a lot of friends already, sometimes he wondered about their sincerity, if they wanted to be his friends only because his popularity or not. But he always faced this situation since he entered Johnny’s Jimusho, and he didn’t want to think much about it. He started to enjoy his university life.
It was lunch time. He planned to meet his NEWS group mate Koyama Keiichiro in the library that day. But he hasn’t seen the single eye-lids boy yet. Koyama entered the university one year ahead him, they sometimes spent lunch together, discussed about work and so on. He took a seat and waited for him, and soon after few girls came to him for casual talks or introduced themselves to him. He actually felt uncomfortable to be surrounded by girls like that, but he already got used with the situation.
“Ahem, sorry girls, I have to steal the prince charming from you all right now! We have important thing to talk about!” interrupted Koyama who just came in with his usual cheeky smile.
“Ahhh, Koyama, finally!” welcomed Yamapi with a huge relieved tone.
“Noooo, you come at the wrong time, Koyama-kun! We haven’t finished with dear Yamapi yet!” pouted a girl.
“Yes, don’t take him away from us!” added another girl.
“Gomen, gomen, we really must go now, see you all later ne!” exclaimed Koyama then dragged Yamapi along with him.
After they left the library and made sure the girls didn’t follow them, Yamapi turned his head to Koyama and said, “Phew, thanks dude! You are my savior! I always wanted to run from those girls!”
“Haha, it was easy to find you, just look for the crowd of girls and there you are!” teased Koyama.
They both laughed then walked to the canteen for lunch then discussed about their new single Kibou~Yell. They would participate again at the volleyball event, but this time not the World Cup but Olympic. They would be very busy on supporting the National Team, both men and women teams all over Japan. They relieved to know that it’s almost their summer break, so they wouldn’t be too occupied with study.
“Alright Pi, I have a class to attend now, I will see you again at 5 pm, ok?” Koyama ended the conversation.
“Hai, wakatta! Jya ne!” said Yamapi. Then they walked in separate ways, Koyama to his classroom and Yamapi to University park. He wanted to check out some schedules in the bulletin board.
He walked to the board and was relieved to see no one was there, so he could take all his time alone in there. He took out his agenda and pen, and wrote necessary info that he needed. His eyes caught a new small notification, it was a congratulation message for English Writing National Competition winner from Meiji University. It’s for a girl named Haneda Akane. He didn’t know the girl but he felt someway proud for her success, not many Japanese are good in English, thought him. And just about when he wanted to turn back and walked off, he bumped to someone.
“Ouch!” a girl voice came out.
“Oh, sorry, I didn’t see you back then!” apologized Yamapi tried to help the girl stand up properly, she almost fell down the grass! And Yamapi was dead shocked when he finally saw the girl, it’s the same girl that he always starred out in the coffee shop 3 months ago! Nothing has changed in her, he thought, only her hair is longer and made her looked more mature. The girl didn’t say anything, she glared at him with annoyed look on her face.
“Daijoubu? Really sorry again!” said Yamapi. Still no words from her, she just tidied her clothes and walked off. Yamapi was confused and disappointed at the same time. He couldn’t understand her rude behavior. Maybe I had a hallucination, I hope it’s not the same girl, thought Yamapi. Then he glimpsed his watch and shrieked, “Yabai! I’m late for my class!” and he run to the class hurriedly.
***
Yamapi stood near the gate waiting for Koyama. It’s 5 past 10 already, and he thought how unusual for Koyama to be late from his own appointment. He waited anxiously and killed time by walking around the gate. Soon after he felt a pat on his shoulder and just when he was about to turn back and scold Koyama for being late, “Koyama, why you are…” and he stopped as he got another shock to see the girl who stood beside Koyama, it’s that girl again! And yappari, it’s still the same girl at the coffee shop 3 months ago, frowned his mind. The girl was stunned also, but later she tried to act normal again.
“Gomen Pi, I had something earlier, that’s why I’m late! By the way, this is my friend Haneda Akane from English class! Akane, this is Yamashita Tomohisa aka Yamapi!” excused Koyama and started the introduction. Yamapi offered his hand for the formal handshake, but Akane just nodded and said shortly, “Yes, we have met before.” Yamapi was embarrassed as she didn’t welcome his hand and furiously thought, that’s it, I have had enough of her rudeness!
“Ehhh, really? Where did you two meet?” excited Koyama.
“Before my class at the bulletin board, and she bumped into me!” bursting out Yamapi.
“Excuse me? It’s you who bumped me!” denied Akane.
“Well, at least I helped you stand up, apologized and you walked off without saying anything!” retorted Yamapi.
“Who said I need your help anyway?” barked Akane back.
“Oi guys, chill out! You two just met and act like a married couple already!” Koyama tried to be the peacemaker. Both Yamapi and Akane went silent but still starred at each other angrily. He really didn’t understand this girl, she was very quiet before, and now so urusai like a mad dog, and why she had to yell at me, it’s her who was rude to me first, thought Yamapi.
“Ok, you two, calm already? We better get going, my Miharu already waited for us in the café!” said Koyama again. Miharu is Koyama’s girlfriend, she attended the university a year before him, but she doesn’t look older than them. As Koyama often brought her along to meet his friends, she’s also close with Yamapi.
“Gomen ne, Koyama-kun, I think I better pass, I have to do things at home. Please send my regards to Miharu.” excused Akane. Yamapi took a deep breath, at first he was the one who would excused himself as he thought he wouldn’t stand much longer hanging out with this evil witch!
“Ahh, that’s too bad, Akane! But you will join us tomorrow ne?” disappointed Koyama.
“I can’t promise but I will try! Bye Koyama-kun! Bye pretty boy!” as she run off the gate.
“PRETTY BOY?!? Who the hell she think she is?!?” sulked Yamapi as they walked to the café.
“Come on Pi! Stop sulking! I know Akane has sharp tongue, a bit strange, but she’s actually a sweetie and a genius in English!” calmed Koyama.
“A BIT? She’s an evil witch! Just because she’s great in something, it doesn’t mean she can be rude to people!” grumbled Yamapi.
“I also don’t know why she acted like that today, maybe she was nervous to see a good looking dude like you!” teased Koyama.
“I don’t think so!” said Yamapi as he thought the days at the coffee shop 3 months ago, he was sure that the girl at least already saw him once or twice back then, “She is just weird, end of discussion!” added Yamapi and waved to Miharu as they entered the café.
***
Chapter 3
“Gomen Akane, I can’t be with you any longer, but I will always love you…” a deep shaking voice came out.
Akane gasped, opened her eyes and sat in the edge of her bed. It was a dream. The same dream again. She started crying, all the dreams really haunted her, she wanted to forget her past, continue her life as a normal 21 years old girl, but she couldn’t! She loved him so much, and always thought they would be together, but now he’s not here with me, sobbed Akane.
Akane used to be a cheerful girl, with a lot of enthusiasm, and laughs. She had a lot of friends and was a dearly student. Her father was an ambassador, ever since young Akane traveled all around the world, and she spent 5 years in America, and only returned to Japan when she was 17 years old, that’s why she has a good English. She never stop studying and learning about it, she won the scholarship in Keio University and entered the English literature.
She won’t forget the first day in her University life, it was the day when she met him. Her beloved boyfriend. They were a perfect couple. But something happened, and made her lost him, and also lost part of her soul. She was in denial for some period of time, lost her confident and made her a complete different person. She’s no longer a happy cheerful girl, but turning into a moody rude girl. She kept distance with people as if she can’t trust them any longer. She resigned from Keio University as she can’t bear people looking at her with pity faces, she transferred to Meiji University. She wanted to start a new life there.
***
Yamapi sighed for the fifth time and made his best friend Akanishi Jin couldn’t stand it any longer and asked, “Pi, stop it! What’s wrong?” he looked at him worriedly. Yamapi slept over at Jin’s house again.
“Iie, betsuni.” lied him and faced down to the floor.
“Come on, I know you! Tell me what’s on your mind!” forced Jin.
“Really it’s nothing, I just confused, there’s a girl…”
“Yatta! I know it, it’s a love problem!” grinned Jin in victory.
“Bakanishi! I’m not in love!” denied Yamapi. He sighed again and finally decided to open up with Jin, even if he’s a baka, but at least Jin is a good listener, he thought.
“Then what is it? Tell me! I can’t read your mind!” sulked Jin. Yamapi smiled to see his friend childish act and told him the whole story, about how he saw this girl in coffee shop 3 months ago and how she never noticed him, and that he met the girl again in University, and how rude she was.
“… so what I have to do? It’s not like I’m interested with her, in fact I hate her, she’s really evil.”
“Whoah Pi, I can’t believe that girl completely ignored you! But maybe she has issue, and I don’t know why.”
“I will find out. Now please turn out the light, I have morning class tomorrow.” and he walked to Jin’s bed ready to sleep.
“Ehhhh, but that’s my bed!” protested Jin.
“Be nice to your guest, you can sleep in the couch, oyasumi!” laughed Yamapi cheekily and left Jin sulked even more.
***
Yamapi just finished all his class today, and he had appointment to meet Koyama again at the gate, they would have dinner with the NEWS Kansai duo, Uchi Hiroki and Nishikido Ryo. They would stay in Tokyo for couple of days due to work. He walked to the gate, and saw Koyama was there already with Miharu and Akane! Arrghhh, that girl again, thought him.
“Hi Yamapi! You have met Akane before right?” greeted Miharu.
“Yes.” he answered shortly.
“Uhm, I think he’s not really happy to see me joining you guys, I better go home.” Akane excused herself.
“Eh, don’t go Akane! You didn’t join us yesterday, beside I don’t want to be the only girl today, you have to company me!” said Miharu.
“Yes Akane, please, for the sake of Miharu!” begged Koyama supported his girlfriend.
“I don’t mind you joining us…” Yamapi finally opened his mouth. He decided to be nice today, in the other hand, he wanted to find out what’s behind her rudeness.
“See? Let’s go!” exclaimed Koyama and lead the small group to the restaurant where they supposed to meet Uchi and Ryo.
***
Chapter 4
They entered the restaurant and sat in the table for 6 people. They waited the Kansai duo to arrive, while waiting they ordered the drinks first. Akane sat in the corner with Miharu beside her, they took the wall side of seats. Koyama was in front of Miharu, and Yamapi took a seat beside him. That made him face to face with Akane, I hope I will find out more about her tonight, said Yamapi in his mind.
10 minutes later …
Uchi and Ryo finally arrived, Koyama waved his hand so they could find their table. Uchi saw it and nodded, then they both walked to table. Akane gasped when she saw them! It’s not because she was excited to see another NEWS members, she doesn’t really care for music world, and never been a fan girl. She was shocked to see … Ryo!
“Gomen, we are late! Blame it on Uchi, he couldn’t decide which shirt to wear!” excused Ryo.
“Hey, I have to dress up properly coz I want to see Koyama!” joked Uchi and winked to Koyama.
“Haha Uchi, stop dreaming, all along you know it’s one side love! I have Miharu already!” laughed Koyama.
“Yeah, back off! He’s mine!” added Miharu.
“Miharu, my love enemy! Nice to see you again, and this is … ?” as Uchi looked to Akane, who was silent ever since they arrived.
“Oh yes, almost forget, this is our friend Haneda Akane” introduced Koyama.
“Hello, nice to meet you, Akane! I’m Uchi Hiroki and this is Nishikido Ryo.” said Uchi cheerfully. “Hi Akane!” added Ryo.
Akane didn’t say anything, she just nodded and silent again. Uchi and Ryo looked at each other, they couldn’t help wondering how weird this girl was. Her respond was completely unexpected, usually girls will act excited if they met idols like them. But yappari, she’s different, they thought.
Uchi took a seat beside Miharu and Ryo sat in last empty seat beside Koyama. The dinner was nice, they spent the lovely evening by joking and talking about various stuff, and Uchi loved to tease Miharu a lot by flirting with Koyama. Of course Miharu knew it was only joking and just laughed for Uchi’s craziness. Akane didn’t say much during the dinner, in fact she was feeling nervous esp. every time her eyes met Ryo’s eyes. Yamapi noticed that, he often caught her starring at Ryo and wondered about that. “Does she like him?” he thought.
Later, Miharu and Akane excused themselves to the ladies toilet. Soon after they left, Yamapi whispered to Koyama, ”I think Akane likes Ryo, she has been starring at him all night long.”
“Ehh, are you sure? I didn’t notice she has a crush on Ryo!” surprised Koyama and forgot to low his tone.
“Who has crush on me?” asked Ryo curiously. “Baka!” grumbled Yamapi and gave Koyama a whack on his head.
“Gomen Pi, I can’t help it!” regretted Koyama.
“Yes, who? Who?” added Uchi.
“Ok, Yamapi thought Akane has a crush on Ryo!” declared Koyama.
“Koyama!” protested Yamapi.
“Ehh, that mute girl? Well, she’s kinda cute, I don’t mind dating her!” smiled Ryo.
“Ergh, that girl has a bad taste, she should pick me over him! I’m more good looking!” joked Uchi.
“Yeah, but you have no muscles dude!” teased Ryo.
“Oi oi, stop it! The girls are back!” said Koyama as he saw them walking back to the table. Yamapi was trying hard to act normal again, he felt a bit jealous about how Akane seemed to be interested with Ryo and annoyed for what Ryo said about her. Deep inside, he knew that he likes her.
“What’s so interesting? Talking about us?” smiled Miharu.
“Yeah, we were discussing how to steal Koyama from you!” teased Uchi again. They all laughed and continued ordering desserts. Koyama paid the dinner, he made agreement with Yamapi before the dinner and said it was his turn to treat the Kansai duo that night. They were waiting for taxis in front of the restaurant, Koyama and Yamapi didn’t drive that day.
“Uhm, my house is not far from here, I better walking home.” said Akane softly when they were discussing who will take home who. Uchi left earlier as he had a promise to meet his friends.
“Ehh, are you sure? You can share taxi with Yamapi, his house is in the same direction as yours.” worried Miharu.
Before Yamapi said anything, Ryo’s voice came out, “I can company you, Akane. It’s not safe for a girl to walk home alone.”
“Ryo-chan is right! He can find taxi near your house.” said Koyama.
“Demo…” Akane tried to protest and said that she didn’t mind walking home alone.
“No BUT, we better get going now, bye guys! Thanx for the dinner, see you two tomorrow!” as he grabbed Akane’s hand and waved to them with another hand.
“Aww, Ryo is really sweet! I can feel something will happen between two of them.” sighed Miharu after they saw them lost from their sight.
“Yeah, I think so! Oh, that’s our taxi! Bye Pi, see you tomorrow!” waved Koyama as he dragged Miharu to get inside the taxi.
“Yeah, Jya ne!” said Yamapi softly, he was really disappointed for not beating Ryo for taking her home. He also wondered how different she was at the dinner, no sharp tongue, as if she tried to be a different person in front of Ryo. She’s really confusing, and I can’t help stop thinking about her, sighed Yamapi. Then he stopped a taxi and went home.
***
The next morning, on Duet photo shoot for July issue, Kato Shigeaki was late again. The other NEWS members were worried that Ryo-chan would scold him again for his lateness. They heard the sound of shoes tapping in the floor, it was Shige tried his best to run as fast as he could. He entered the studio, tried to catch up his breath.
“GOMENASAI!” bowed Shige deeply. The rest NEWS members looked to Ryo and waited what will happen next.
“It’s OK, next time don’t be late again!” said Ryo calmly. And made the whole studio shocked hearing him saying that. It’s so NOT Ryo! Ryo that they knew would definitely scold Shige right away. Even Shige confused but he was relieved to be free from his evil tongue today.
“Thanx Master Ryo!” as he rushed walking to the make-up artist. He didn’t want the photographer and others to wait him any longer.
1 hour later …
The photo shoot has finished. Shige, Kusano, Massu and Tegoshi excused themselves to leave earlier since they still have interview with Duet reporter. The other 4 boys waited for their turn at the nearest café soon after they finished changing clothes.
“Ryo-chan, what’s wrong with you? You seem different today!” asked Koyama curiously.
“Yeah, we thought Shige would get scolded again!” added Uchi.
“Well, someone has changed me!” gushed Ryo.
“Ehhh who? Akane?” surprised Koyama.
“Why Akane? What happened last night after I left?” wondered Uchi.
“Ryo walked Akane home last night!” grinned Koyama.
“Yeah, Akane is a sweet girl! Suki desu! She’s very quiet at first, but after a while she was quite open with me and we talked endlessly until we reached her home.” said Ryo.
“So you are going out with her?” asked Uchi directly.
“Haha, that’s too early, but yes, I will see her again today after the interview.” smiled Ryo.
Yamapi overheard everything and didn’t say a word. He felt really jealous on how Ryo managed to win her heart. She only met him last night, frowned him in his mind. Koyama noticed his silent act but he only confirmed to him after Uchi and Ryo being called up for the interview.
“Hey Pi, daijoubu? You are really silent today! Something bother you?”
“Nah, I’m ok! Just feeling tired and bored with all the work and stuff.”
“Uhm, I think it’s not the issue, you have been silent ever since Akane name was showed up!”
“Akane? Why it has to do with her? I’m not even getting on well with her!”
“I know that you are interested with her, I also wonder how come Akane was easily connected with Ryo-chan, while it took me a whole month to make her talk to me like a normal person.”
“I’m not interested with her!” denied Yamapi with a high tone, then he lower it down, “I’m just tired, that’s all.”
“Ok ok, wakarimashita!” gave up Koyama. He still wanted Yamapi to be more open with him, but he will give him more time. Also he concerned about Akane, she sounded different. He knew her well, she’s quite complex, sometimes she’s sweet and caring, and sometimes she’s cold and rude, as if she’s having a double personalities. But one thing he was sure of, Akane wouldn’t be friendly that easily with any guy that she knew in short time, unlike Ryo’s case. She seemed having issue on trusting people and keep distance from them, he thought. Koyama was still fighting his mind until he heard a staff called him and Yamapi for their turn for interview.
***
2 weeks later …
Yamapi was busy with his studies and work, also he tried his best to avoid meeting Akane. He still wasn’t sure about his feeling towards her, plus he knew that she’s dating Ryo, it would hurt him to see her. He tried to concentrate on his studies, and his biggest weakness is English. He almost failed on this subject, therefore he submitted an application for a tutorial. Today is the first day, he sighed.
He entered room no.501, and saw the girl who supposed to be his tutor was already there, but he could only see her back side, he walked to her and was surprised when he finally saw her face! It’s Akane! And she was surprised to see him also!
“What are you doing here?” asked Yamapi rudely.
“I volunteer myself to be an English tutor and I also never expected to have you as my student.” said Akane in tired tone.
“It’s up to you now, you can go and be a coward for running from this tutorial or stay here and get your grade in English better.” she added.
She has a point, spoke Yamapi to himself. He decided to stay, as he needed this tutorial so badly or else he would be failed on English. He sat in front of her and they started the tutorial soon after. Akane is a good tutor, she’s actually very patient on him, she explained everything slowly and made sure Yamapi understood everything before continued to the next level.
2 hours later …
“Whoah, I never expected studying English would be so fun like this! You should replace my Professor!” burst out Yamapi.
“Uhm, thanx for the compliment, but I’m not that old!” joked Akane. Yamapi was surprised to hear that, he thought Akane was a very serious person, but now she seemed comfortable to be near him, and he also felt the same thing. They laughed and decided to have lunch together.
Day by day, they surprisingly became closer than ever, like a good long time friends. She’s actually very nice girl, he thought. Thanx to the tutorial, his English grade is getting better. And Akane was happy to help him. They spent many times together, it surprised Koyama and Miharu too, but they relieved to see both of them finally getting on well.
Four of them supposed to hang out at the usual café, when they saw Ryo stood near the gate with hat and sunglasses. He smiled and opened his sunglasses when they walked to him. “Hello all, I’m coming to pick up Akane!” said Ryo. Miharu and Koyama looked at each other, they didn’t know that Akane and Ryo are still together, they thought they only together when Ryo was in town. “Did they have long distance relationship?” thought them.
“Ryo-chan! Why you didn’t tell me that you are coming?” surprised Akane.
“This is a surprise visit, don’t you happy to see me?” smiled Ryo and made Akane blushed. Yamapi saw everything with jealously, he didn’t say anything tho.
“Let’s go Akane, I will be in town for couple of days only, we have to make good use of it. Bye all.” excused Ryo as he waved his hand to them and grabbed Akane’s hand later on. They walked out and left the other parties full of questions in their minds.
“I didn’t know they are still together!” said Miharu excitedly soon after the couple were out of their sight.
“Yeah, I never expected that too, maybe they still contacted to each other by mail or something.” guessed Koyama.
“Ore, ore kaeru!” said Yamapi all the sudden.
“Ehhh, why? You supposed to join us at the café!” said Miharu disappointedly.
“Gomen, I just remember that I have test tomorrow, and I must study now!” excused Yamapi and left them. He was disappointed that Akane never told him that she and Ryo are still together, and of course most of the reason for his childish act that day because of his jealously towards Ryo.
***
Chapter 5
After Ryo’s visit to their campus, Yamapi acted strangely toward Akane, he didn’t come at the tutorial schedules and always avoided her every time he saw her around. He never hung out with Koyama and Miharu too, and made all them of the worried for his behavior. He wanted to forget her.
Akane wondered about that too, she thought her friendship with Yamapi was quite close already, and now she felt lonely without him, she decided to check what’s wrong with him. She saw him stood in the bulletin board and yelled, “Yamapi, I need to talk to you!” as she run towards him. Yamapi heard that but he walked off.
Akane run and reached his hand, he let go of her hand and crossed his hands on his chest. Akane took a deep breath, she couldn’t understand the change of him.
“Ok, what’s so important for you to talk to me, Haneda?” asked Yamapi rudely. Akane shocked to hear him calling her surname, as if they are totally strangers now.
“Oh, so now we are no longer friends that you have to call me by surname?”
“Well, friends never keep secrets to each others, you never told me that you are still together with Ryo!”
“What? Why it has to do with Ryo-chan? Let him out of this!”
“Sorry, I have a class to run now!” ended Yamapi. It hurt him more hearing her calling him Ryo-chan, he didn’t want to hear anything about their relationship.
“Yamashita! Chotto matte! We have to talk!” said Akane desperately. But he didn’t care for it and still walked off. Akane stood there with tears now. She already trust him, made friends with him, and deep inside Akane knew her feeling for him maybe more than just friends. She always felt comfortable near him and they have a lot of things in common. And now she lost him.
***
Yamapi sat in the beach with annoyed look, he didn’t want to be there at all, it was the day for NEWS to celebrate their single Kibou~Yell that reached no.1 in Oricon Chart. Their manager set up a private party at the beach, and they could invite their close friends. He knew that Ryo supposed to bring Akane along, that’s why he didn’t want to join the celebration, but his manager already warned him that he must be there, he’s the leader of the group. Tho he always thought Koyama was the real leader, his manager convinced him that the group needed him.
He isolated himself from the crowd, he saw his group mates having so much fun with their close friends and families. And he finally saw Akane with Ryo beside her, she’s looking so pretty with the beautiful beach dress. But she didn’t look happy, he knew her well, it’s the same sorrow face that he always saw in the coffee shop before. He wondered why, but then he shook his head, and thought, “It’s not my business anymore, I’m over her!”
He continued watching the sea, he always has a strong bond with beach ever since he was young. He enjoyed spending hours in the beach watching the waves, the blue sky and playing with the sand. He didn’t know how long he had isolated himself from the group until he heard noise near the barbeque table.
“Where is Akane? I haven’t seen her in for a while!” panicked Ryo.
“She told me that she wanted to go to the toilet, but it’s been half an hour already.” worried Miharu.
“Try call her phone!” suggested Koyama calmly. Ryo hurriedly opened his keitai and start calling her, but he only heard the operator message saying the number is inactive. He closed his keitai in frustration. Yamapi tried the same thing and also only heard the operator message as well. They all gathered and decided to spread around searching for her. They started to call her name continuously and still no respond from her. Yamapi looked around and his eyes glimpsed someone in the edge of the rocks quite far from the place he stood at. “Could it be Akane?” wondered him. He run to the rocks and when he almost reached it, he was sure it was her!
“AKANEE, ABUNAI YO! PLEASE COME BACK!” called Yamapi. Akane turned back and screamed, “DON’T GET NEAR ME! I WILL JUMP!” Her threat made Yamapi back off a bit, he knew that he must calm her down.
“Akane, please! Can we talk? Don’t do anything stupid!” said him softly.
“You don’t understand me, Yamashita! You don’t!” cried her.
“I do understand you, Akane! Ever since I starred at you daily in the coffee shop 4 months ago! I knew you well! Please come back!”
“No, you don’t understand me! You don’t know what I have gone thru!” her voice started to shake. Yamapi walked slowly to the rocks trying to reach her.
“Then make me understand, I will listen to you!”
“Stop! Don’t get near me! You didn’t want to listen to me before, you hate me!” sobbed her.
“No, I don’t hate you, I’m here for you! Please Akane, reach my hand!” begged Yamapi while pushed out his hand to reach her. Akane back off, she’s only few inches left in the edge of the rocks, one more movement, she would fall down to the sea.
“Akane, suki desu!” screamed Yamapi. Akane stunned at his confession, she stood there silently. “I don’t care that you are with Ryo now, I like you, and I don’t want to lose you!” added him. He finally let out his feeling to her, he didn’t care if Ryo and others heard what he just said down there. He only care for Akane now, for her fragile heart, her complex personalities, her only! He finally reached her, he pulled her body into his embrace, he hold her head and Akane cried in his shoulder.
“Sshhh, everything is fine now! You have me now! We have to go down, everyone is worried about you!” calmed Yamapi. Akane stop crying, Yamapi wiped her tears with his hands. She nodded and they walked down the rocks, he still held her tight as if he was afraid she would run away from him again.
The crowds down there were relieved to see Yamapi managed to convince Akane. They cheered and screamed, “Yatta!” also clapping their hands when they finally reached the beach again. Even Ryo smiled and he walked to Yamapi and Akane.
“Pi, thanx for saving her! I knew all along she never had feeling for me, I think I’m only a substitute for someone in her eyes, she always talked about you when she was with me, please take care of her from now onwards.” said Ryo with big heart.
“I’m sorry Ryo-chan! I didn’t mean to hurt you.” cried Akane.
“It’s ok, Akane! You have a better person beside you now.” smiled Ryo.
“Arigatou Ryo-chan!” said Yamapi, he was touched to see Ryo’s big heart. Then Ryo lead the crowds to leave them alone, as he knew there’s a lot of things they have to talk to.
“I’m sorry! I was selfish and childish!” said Akane to Yamapi soon after the crowds left them.
“Ssshh, don’t say that! Now please be honest with me, tell me everything.” begged Yamapi.
“I … I don’t know where to start … I had a boyfriend before, we were great together, and we have gone out for almost a year, we even planned to get married soon after we get graduated from Keio University.” Yamapi surprised to hear this, but he tried to calm down and softly asked, “And?”
“Early this year, he got hit by a motorcycle and died in front of my eyes. I really loved him, I couldn’t bear of losing him.” cried Akane as she continued with her story.
“I tried to forget him, I asked to be transferred to Meiji University because I want to continue my life. But I couldn’t! He always appeared in my dreams, and his last sentence before he died in my arms was always haunted me!” now Yamapi understood of her behavior. He hold her and said, “Ssshhh, shinpai shinaide, I will always here beside you.”
“I was in denial, I couldn’t trust people, the only thing that made me calm was reading, it helped me concentrate with my life.”
“Ahhh, that’s why you completely ignored me at the coffee shop 4 months ago!” chuckled Yamapi remembered about the days at the coffee shop.
“Coffee shop? Oh, so you were the one who always got people asked autographs for? Sorry I didn’t noticed that, I heard everything but when I got engrossed with my books, I didn’t care with anything else around me.” blushed Akane.
“Mou, so that’s the reason, I was like how come I lose my charms in front of this girl?” joked Yamapi.
“Ack gomen, I didn’t mean that! Ohyes, one more thing, my late boyfriend, he looked like Ryo-chan! When I saw him for the first time in that restaurant, I almost died in shock, it’s like he’s come alive again in front of me.” Yamapi nodded, he knew that there must be a reason why Akane was interested in Ryo, but never expected that it’s because he looks like her late boyfriend.
“I feel really guilty every time I was with Ryo-chan, because I tried to make him as the substitute of my late boyfriend, even I know my heart is actually fall for someone else.”
“For me right?” smiled Yamapi.
“Yes! Yamashita-kun ga daisuki desu!” blushed Akane.
“Ore mo, kimi no koto, daisuki desu!” he hold both of her hands now, he looked into her eyes deeply. He leant forward and kissed her softly. It was their first kiss ever, warm and tenderly kiss. When he released the kiss, Akane opened her eyes, and smiled. It was the most beautiful smile that Yamapi ever saw from her. Now they both sat in the sand, with Yamapi holding her tightly, they watched the sunset, and cherish the time that they will spend together.
Author : nichiya
Pairing : Yamapi x OC (Akane)
Genre : Romance, Angst
Rating : PG-13
Disclaimer : I don't own Yamapi (i wish!) so don't sue me!
A/N : my first finished fanfic ever ^^;; i always thought i would never make one, as english isn't my tongue mother, but few friends convinced me and i finally did it! please excuse my bad grammar and all. the story is about Yamapi met up a strange girl in a cafe, then 3 months later, he met her again in uni and turned out she was Koyama's friend. what's behind her strange behavior?
Chapter 1
It was another hectic day for Yamashita Tomohisa, a young idol who also known as Yamapi, a nickname given by his senpai Takizawa Hideaki. He just finished some rain scenes for his winter drama titled Sore Wa Totzunen Arashi No You Ni. It’s one of the first scenes, and he felt really tired, as he must soak under the water during the cold weather in Tokyo. He was happy though, coz it was his first main role drama ever! And he liked his character as well, quite challenging, as he must fall in love with much older woman who is already married. His opponent cast Esumi Makiko is a professional actress and he also got a chance to work with other good casts.
After he said bye to the drama crew, he went to the nearest coffee shop for relaxing a bit, he didn’t want to go home, as he was sure his mum and sister haven’t returned yet. He would feel really lonely at home, so he decided to kill some time in that coffee shop. He entered the door, the owner who is a middle aged man welcomed him with a soft nod and he told the owner that he wanted an espresso. He had to read the script for tomorrow scenes, therefore he needed a strong drink to keep his eyes open. He looked around the coffee shop, there were only four costumers including him that afternoon. A man and a woman, a couple maybe, he thought, sat near the door. And a girl who sat near the window.
He decided to take a seat near the girl who seemed busy with her book, soon after the waiter came to him with his espresso. He started reading his script as well. Later, a bunch of school girls came in, and they were surprised to see him there!
“Oh gawd, isn’t that Yamapi?” whispered a girl to her friends.
“Yeah, he looks like him! But what is he doing in here?” whispered another girl.
“Maybe this is our lucky day! Let’s go find out!”
Yamapi noticed the whispers and all the sudden he wanted to disappear. He didn’t feel like to be the center of attention at that moment, and was hoping the school girls wouldn’t approach him, but he was wrong! They walked to his table and asked for his autographs! He tried to smile and scratched his signatures on the papers or books that they offered him. He gave the owner of the coffee shop the look for help, he understood and later politely asked the school girls to leave him alone. Yamapi also said that he was really tired after the filming, and would like some space to rest. They understood, and finally left the place with much satisfaction for getting his autographs.
He was relieved, but something wondered him, that girl near the window didn’t seem to be bothered at all with all the noise. While he knew even the couple near the door were looking at him now with interest. The girl was still busy with her book, she even didn’t touch her coffee. At first he thought maybe the girl was deaf, but later he saw her knocking her right hand’s fingers on the table while the other hand holding the book, it means she could hear the sound of the music that played in the coffee shop. He shook his head, why on earth I care for that girl, he thought. He stood up, paid for the espresso, and left the place.
***
The next day, after the filming, he came back to that coffee shop as he forgot his sunglasses there. The owner smiled when he entered the door, gave him a welcomed nod and later returned his sunglasses. He looked around, and by his surprise, there she was, the same girl, sitting in the same table, reading the same book! And he’s not surprised to see her engrossed with her book again. He wondered why the girl never noticed him at all. And he couldn’t help but starring at her, she supposed to be in early 20’s, maybe 2 or 3 years older than me, he thought. She wore casual clothes, and looked cute with her short fringe and shoulder length black hair framing her face. But there’s something with her face, a sorrow, and he didn’t know why.
Day by day, he always came back to that coffee shop, and he always saw her in the same table. Maybe that table already reserved for her, he thought. He never came to her, as he was afraid the girl would notice that he had been starring at her every single day. Sometimes he watched her stop reading and took a sip of her coffee, put her hands on her chin and wandered outside the window, as if there’s something interesting out there. Little by little, Yamapi knew few of her habits, that she loves reading English books, that she likes cappucino, and that she usually left the place around 8 pm. And yet, she still never noticed my existence, sighed Yamapi.
That day was the last day of the drama filming, he was relieved that it’s over but also sad at the same time, coz it would be the last day for him to see that girl in that coffee shop. The location of the drama is quite far from his home, and he would start his university life soon, so it’s impossible for him to visit that place again. He entered the door, heard the welcome greeting from the waiter, he ordered his favorite drink which is espresso, and of course started to see the girl again, he didn’t know her name yet. She wore black sweater today, and she tied up her hair, which made her even cuter, he thought.
She’s reading different book now, and all the sudden, she closed the book, and started to cry silently. She didn’t make any sound of sobbing but he knew that she’s crying! Tears fell down from her eyes to her cheek, and she turned her head to the window, didn’t want anyone to see her crying. Later she wiped her tears with her hands, packed her belongings, put money on the table and left the place hurriedly. Yamapi was still amazed and wasn’t ready to see her go so soon. He run outside and lost the sight of her already. “Damn, I was going to ask her name today!” he thought.
***
Chapter 2
3 months later…
Yamapi just turned 19 years old this spring, and he also just started his university life. He made it to enter Meiji University, and he chose Business as his major. He made a lot of friends already, sometimes he wondered about their sincerity, if they wanted to be his friends only because his popularity or not. But he always faced this situation since he entered Johnny’s Jimusho, and he didn’t want to think much about it. He started to enjoy his university life.
It was lunch time. He planned to meet his NEWS group mate Koyama Keiichiro in the library that day. But he hasn’t seen the single eye-lids boy yet. Koyama entered the university one year ahead him, they sometimes spent lunch together, discussed about work and so on. He took a seat and waited for him, and soon after few girls came to him for casual talks or introduced themselves to him. He actually felt uncomfortable to be surrounded by girls like that, but he already got used with the situation.
“Ahem, sorry girls, I have to steal the prince charming from you all right now! We have important thing to talk about!” interrupted Koyama who just came in with his usual cheeky smile.
“Ahhh, Koyama, finally!” welcomed Yamapi with a huge relieved tone.
“Noooo, you come at the wrong time, Koyama-kun! We haven’t finished with dear Yamapi yet!” pouted a girl.
“Yes, don’t take him away from us!” added another girl.
“Gomen, gomen, we really must go now, see you all later ne!” exclaimed Koyama then dragged Yamapi along with him.
After they left the library and made sure the girls didn’t follow them, Yamapi turned his head to Koyama and said, “Phew, thanks dude! You are my savior! I always wanted to run from those girls!”
“Haha, it was easy to find you, just look for the crowd of girls and there you are!” teased Koyama.
They both laughed then walked to the canteen for lunch then discussed about their new single Kibou~Yell. They would participate again at the volleyball event, but this time not the World Cup but Olympic. They would be very busy on supporting the National Team, both men and women teams all over Japan. They relieved to know that it’s almost their summer break, so they wouldn’t be too occupied with study.
“Alright Pi, I have a class to attend now, I will see you again at 5 pm, ok?” Koyama ended the conversation.
“Hai, wakatta! Jya ne!” said Yamapi. Then they walked in separate ways, Koyama to his classroom and Yamapi to University park. He wanted to check out some schedules in the bulletin board.
He walked to the board and was relieved to see no one was there, so he could take all his time alone in there. He took out his agenda and pen, and wrote necessary info that he needed. His eyes caught a new small notification, it was a congratulation message for English Writing National Competition winner from Meiji University. It’s for a girl named Haneda Akane. He didn’t know the girl but he felt someway proud for her success, not many Japanese are good in English, thought him. And just about when he wanted to turn back and walked off, he bumped to someone.
“Ouch!” a girl voice came out.
“Oh, sorry, I didn’t see you back then!” apologized Yamapi tried to help the girl stand up properly, she almost fell down the grass! And Yamapi was dead shocked when he finally saw the girl, it’s the same girl that he always starred out in the coffee shop 3 months ago! Nothing has changed in her, he thought, only her hair is longer and made her looked more mature. The girl didn’t say anything, she glared at him with annoyed look on her face.
“Daijoubu? Really sorry again!” said Yamapi. Still no words from her, she just tidied her clothes and walked off. Yamapi was confused and disappointed at the same time. He couldn’t understand her rude behavior. Maybe I had a hallucination, I hope it’s not the same girl, thought Yamapi. Then he glimpsed his watch and shrieked, “Yabai! I’m late for my class!” and he run to the class hurriedly.
***
Yamapi stood near the gate waiting for Koyama. It’s 5 past 10 already, and he thought how unusual for Koyama to be late from his own appointment. He waited anxiously and killed time by walking around the gate. Soon after he felt a pat on his shoulder and just when he was about to turn back and scold Koyama for being late, “Koyama, why you are…” and he stopped as he got another shock to see the girl who stood beside Koyama, it’s that girl again! And yappari, it’s still the same girl at the coffee shop 3 months ago, frowned his mind. The girl was stunned also, but later she tried to act normal again.
“Gomen Pi, I had something earlier, that’s why I’m late! By the way, this is my friend Haneda Akane from English class! Akane, this is Yamashita Tomohisa aka Yamapi!” excused Koyama and started the introduction. Yamapi offered his hand for the formal handshake, but Akane just nodded and said shortly, “Yes, we have met before.” Yamapi was embarrassed as she didn’t welcome his hand and furiously thought, that’s it, I have had enough of her rudeness!
“Ehhh, really? Where did you two meet?” excited Koyama.
“Before my class at the bulletin board, and she bumped into me!” bursting out Yamapi.
“Excuse me? It’s you who bumped me!” denied Akane.
“Well, at least I helped you stand up, apologized and you walked off without saying anything!” retorted Yamapi.
“Who said I need your help anyway?” barked Akane back.
“Oi guys, chill out! You two just met and act like a married couple already!” Koyama tried to be the peacemaker. Both Yamapi and Akane went silent but still starred at each other angrily. He really didn’t understand this girl, she was very quiet before, and now so urusai like a mad dog, and why she had to yell at me, it’s her who was rude to me first, thought Yamapi.
“Ok, you two, calm already? We better get going, my Miharu already waited for us in the café!” said Koyama again. Miharu is Koyama’s girlfriend, she attended the university a year before him, but she doesn’t look older than them. As Koyama often brought her along to meet his friends, she’s also close with Yamapi.
“Gomen ne, Koyama-kun, I think I better pass, I have to do things at home. Please send my regards to Miharu.” excused Akane. Yamapi took a deep breath, at first he was the one who would excused himself as he thought he wouldn’t stand much longer hanging out with this evil witch!
“Ahh, that’s too bad, Akane! But you will join us tomorrow ne?” disappointed Koyama.
“I can’t promise but I will try! Bye Koyama-kun! Bye pretty boy!” as she run off the gate.
“PRETTY BOY?!? Who the hell she think she is?!?” sulked Yamapi as they walked to the café.
“Come on Pi! Stop sulking! I know Akane has sharp tongue, a bit strange, but she’s actually a sweetie and a genius in English!” calmed Koyama.
“A BIT? She’s an evil witch! Just because she’s great in something, it doesn’t mean she can be rude to people!” grumbled Yamapi.
“I also don’t know why she acted like that today, maybe she was nervous to see a good looking dude like you!” teased Koyama.
“I don’t think so!” said Yamapi as he thought the days at the coffee shop 3 months ago, he was sure that the girl at least already saw him once or twice back then, “She is just weird, end of discussion!” added Yamapi and waved to Miharu as they entered the café.
***
Chapter 3
“Gomen Akane, I can’t be with you any longer, but I will always love you…” a deep shaking voice came out.
Akane gasped, opened her eyes and sat in the edge of her bed. It was a dream. The same dream again. She started crying, all the dreams really haunted her, she wanted to forget her past, continue her life as a normal 21 years old girl, but she couldn’t! She loved him so much, and always thought they would be together, but now he’s not here with me, sobbed Akane.
Akane used to be a cheerful girl, with a lot of enthusiasm, and laughs. She had a lot of friends and was a dearly student. Her father was an ambassador, ever since young Akane traveled all around the world, and she spent 5 years in America, and only returned to Japan when she was 17 years old, that’s why she has a good English. She never stop studying and learning about it, she won the scholarship in Keio University and entered the English literature.
She won’t forget the first day in her University life, it was the day when she met him. Her beloved boyfriend. They were a perfect couple. But something happened, and made her lost him, and also lost part of her soul. She was in denial for some period of time, lost her confident and made her a complete different person. She’s no longer a happy cheerful girl, but turning into a moody rude girl. She kept distance with people as if she can’t trust them any longer. She resigned from Keio University as she can’t bear people looking at her with pity faces, she transferred to Meiji University. She wanted to start a new life there.
***
Yamapi sighed for the fifth time and made his best friend Akanishi Jin couldn’t stand it any longer and asked, “Pi, stop it! What’s wrong?” he looked at him worriedly. Yamapi slept over at Jin’s house again.
“Iie, betsuni.” lied him and faced down to the floor.
“Come on, I know you! Tell me what’s on your mind!” forced Jin.
“Really it’s nothing, I just confused, there’s a girl…”
“Yatta! I know it, it’s a love problem!” grinned Jin in victory.
“Bakanishi! I’m not in love!” denied Yamapi. He sighed again and finally decided to open up with Jin, even if he’s a baka, but at least Jin is a good listener, he thought.
“Then what is it? Tell me! I can’t read your mind!” sulked Jin. Yamapi smiled to see his friend childish act and told him the whole story, about how he saw this girl in coffee shop 3 months ago and how she never noticed him, and that he met the girl again in University, and how rude she was.
“… so what I have to do? It’s not like I’m interested with her, in fact I hate her, she’s really evil.”
“Whoah Pi, I can’t believe that girl completely ignored you! But maybe she has issue, and I don’t know why.”
“I will find out. Now please turn out the light, I have morning class tomorrow.” and he walked to Jin’s bed ready to sleep.
“Ehhhh, but that’s my bed!” protested Jin.
“Be nice to your guest, you can sleep in the couch, oyasumi!” laughed Yamapi cheekily and left Jin sulked even more.
***
Yamapi just finished all his class today, and he had appointment to meet Koyama again at the gate, they would have dinner with the NEWS Kansai duo, Uchi Hiroki and Nishikido Ryo. They would stay in Tokyo for couple of days due to work. He walked to the gate, and saw Koyama was there already with Miharu and Akane! Arrghhh, that girl again, thought him.
“Hi Yamapi! You have met Akane before right?” greeted Miharu.
“Yes.” he answered shortly.
“Uhm, I think he’s not really happy to see me joining you guys, I better go home.” Akane excused herself.
“Eh, don’t go Akane! You didn’t join us yesterday, beside I don’t want to be the only girl today, you have to company me!” said Miharu.
“Yes Akane, please, for the sake of Miharu!” begged Koyama supported his girlfriend.
“I don’t mind you joining us…” Yamapi finally opened his mouth. He decided to be nice today, in the other hand, he wanted to find out what’s behind her rudeness.
“See? Let’s go!” exclaimed Koyama and lead the small group to the restaurant where they supposed to meet Uchi and Ryo.
***
Chapter 4
They entered the restaurant and sat in the table for 6 people. They waited the Kansai duo to arrive, while waiting they ordered the drinks first. Akane sat in the corner with Miharu beside her, they took the wall side of seats. Koyama was in front of Miharu, and Yamapi took a seat beside him. That made him face to face with Akane, I hope I will find out more about her tonight, said Yamapi in his mind.
10 minutes later …
Uchi and Ryo finally arrived, Koyama waved his hand so they could find their table. Uchi saw it and nodded, then they both walked to table. Akane gasped when she saw them! It’s not because she was excited to see another NEWS members, she doesn’t really care for music world, and never been a fan girl. She was shocked to see … Ryo!
“Gomen, we are late! Blame it on Uchi, he couldn’t decide which shirt to wear!” excused Ryo.
“Hey, I have to dress up properly coz I want to see Koyama!” joked Uchi and winked to Koyama.
“Haha Uchi, stop dreaming, all along you know it’s one side love! I have Miharu already!” laughed Koyama.
“Yeah, back off! He’s mine!” added Miharu.
“Miharu, my love enemy! Nice to see you again, and this is … ?” as Uchi looked to Akane, who was silent ever since they arrived.
“Oh yes, almost forget, this is our friend Haneda Akane” introduced Koyama.
“Hello, nice to meet you, Akane! I’m Uchi Hiroki and this is Nishikido Ryo.” said Uchi cheerfully. “Hi Akane!” added Ryo.
Akane didn’t say anything, she just nodded and silent again. Uchi and Ryo looked at each other, they couldn’t help wondering how weird this girl was. Her respond was completely unexpected, usually girls will act excited if they met idols like them. But yappari, she’s different, they thought.
Uchi took a seat beside Miharu and Ryo sat in last empty seat beside Koyama. The dinner was nice, they spent the lovely evening by joking and talking about various stuff, and Uchi loved to tease Miharu a lot by flirting with Koyama. Of course Miharu knew it was only joking and just laughed for Uchi’s craziness. Akane didn’t say much during the dinner, in fact she was feeling nervous esp. every time her eyes met Ryo’s eyes. Yamapi noticed that, he often caught her starring at Ryo and wondered about that. “Does she like him?” he thought.
Later, Miharu and Akane excused themselves to the ladies toilet. Soon after they left, Yamapi whispered to Koyama, ”I think Akane likes Ryo, she has been starring at him all night long.”
“Ehh, are you sure? I didn’t notice she has a crush on Ryo!” surprised Koyama and forgot to low his tone.
“Who has crush on me?” asked Ryo curiously. “Baka!” grumbled Yamapi and gave Koyama a whack on his head.
“Gomen Pi, I can’t help it!” regretted Koyama.
“Yes, who? Who?” added Uchi.
“Ok, Yamapi thought Akane has a crush on Ryo!” declared Koyama.
“Koyama!” protested Yamapi.
“Ehh, that mute girl? Well, she’s kinda cute, I don’t mind dating her!” smiled Ryo.
“Ergh, that girl has a bad taste, she should pick me over him! I’m more good looking!” joked Uchi.
“Yeah, but you have no muscles dude!” teased Ryo.
“Oi oi, stop it! The girls are back!” said Koyama as he saw them walking back to the table. Yamapi was trying hard to act normal again, he felt a bit jealous about how Akane seemed to be interested with Ryo and annoyed for what Ryo said about her. Deep inside, he knew that he likes her.
“What’s so interesting? Talking about us?” smiled Miharu.
“Yeah, we were discussing how to steal Koyama from you!” teased Uchi again. They all laughed and continued ordering desserts. Koyama paid the dinner, he made agreement with Yamapi before the dinner and said it was his turn to treat the Kansai duo that night. They were waiting for taxis in front of the restaurant, Koyama and Yamapi didn’t drive that day.
“Uhm, my house is not far from here, I better walking home.” said Akane softly when they were discussing who will take home who. Uchi left earlier as he had a promise to meet his friends.
“Ehh, are you sure? You can share taxi with Yamapi, his house is in the same direction as yours.” worried Miharu.
Before Yamapi said anything, Ryo’s voice came out, “I can company you, Akane. It’s not safe for a girl to walk home alone.”
“Ryo-chan is right! He can find taxi near your house.” said Koyama.
“Demo…” Akane tried to protest and said that she didn’t mind walking home alone.
“No BUT, we better get going now, bye guys! Thanx for the dinner, see you two tomorrow!” as he grabbed Akane’s hand and waved to them with another hand.
“Aww, Ryo is really sweet! I can feel something will happen between two of them.” sighed Miharu after they saw them lost from their sight.
“Yeah, I think so! Oh, that’s our taxi! Bye Pi, see you tomorrow!” waved Koyama as he dragged Miharu to get inside the taxi.
“Yeah, Jya ne!” said Yamapi softly, he was really disappointed for not beating Ryo for taking her home. He also wondered how different she was at the dinner, no sharp tongue, as if she tried to be a different person in front of Ryo. She’s really confusing, and I can’t help stop thinking about her, sighed Yamapi. Then he stopped a taxi and went home.
***
The next morning, on Duet photo shoot for July issue, Kato Shigeaki was late again. The other NEWS members were worried that Ryo-chan would scold him again for his lateness. They heard the sound of shoes tapping in the floor, it was Shige tried his best to run as fast as he could. He entered the studio, tried to catch up his breath.
“GOMENASAI!” bowed Shige deeply. The rest NEWS members looked to Ryo and waited what will happen next.
“It’s OK, next time don’t be late again!” said Ryo calmly. And made the whole studio shocked hearing him saying that. It’s so NOT Ryo! Ryo that they knew would definitely scold Shige right away. Even Shige confused but he was relieved to be free from his evil tongue today.
“Thanx Master Ryo!” as he rushed walking to the make-up artist. He didn’t want the photographer and others to wait him any longer.
1 hour later …
The photo shoot has finished. Shige, Kusano, Massu and Tegoshi excused themselves to leave earlier since they still have interview with Duet reporter. The other 4 boys waited for their turn at the nearest café soon after they finished changing clothes.
“Ryo-chan, what’s wrong with you? You seem different today!” asked Koyama curiously.
“Yeah, we thought Shige would get scolded again!” added Uchi.
“Well, someone has changed me!” gushed Ryo.
“Ehhh who? Akane?” surprised Koyama.
“Why Akane? What happened last night after I left?” wondered Uchi.
“Ryo walked Akane home last night!” grinned Koyama.
“Yeah, Akane is a sweet girl! Suki desu! She’s very quiet at first, but after a while she was quite open with me and we talked endlessly until we reached her home.” said Ryo.
“So you are going out with her?” asked Uchi directly.
“Haha, that’s too early, but yes, I will see her again today after the interview.” smiled Ryo.
Yamapi overheard everything and didn’t say a word. He felt really jealous on how Ryo managed to win her heart. She only met him last night, frowned him in his mind. Koyama noticed his silent act but he only confirmed to him after Uchi and Ryo being called up for the interview.
“Hey Pi, daijoubu? You are really silent today! Something bother you?”
“Nah, I’m ok! Just feeling tired and bored with all the work and stuff.”
“Uhm, I think it’s not the issue, you have been silent ever since Akane name was showed up!”
“Akane? Why it has to do with her? I’m not even getting on well with her!”
“I know that you are interested with her, I also wonder how come Akane was easily connected with Ryo-chan, while it took me a whole month to make her talk to me like a normal person.”
“I’m not interested with her!” denied Yamapi with a high tone, then he lower it down, “I’m just tired, that’s all.”
“Ok ok, wakarimashita!” gave up Koyama. He still wanted Yamapi to be more open with him, but he will give him more time. Also he concerned about Akane, she sounded different. He knew her well, she’s quite complex, sometimes she’s sweet and caring, and sometimes she’s cold and rude, as if she’s having a double personalities. But one thing he was sure of, Akane wouldn’t be friendly that easily with any guy that she knew in short time, unlike Ryo’s case. She seemed having issue on trusting people and keep distance from them, he thought. Koyama was still fighting his mind until he heard a staff called him and Yamapi for their turn for interview.
***
2 weeks later …
Yamapi was busy with his studies and work, also he tried his best to avoid meeting Akane. He still wasn’t sure about his feeling towards her, plus he knew that she’s dating Ryo, it would hurt him to see her. He tried to concentrate on his studies, and his biggest weakness is English. He almost failed on this subject, therefore he submitted an application for a tutorial. Today is the first day, he sighed.
He entered room no.501, and saw the girl who supposed to be his tutor was already there, but he could only see her back side, he walked to her and was surprised when he finally saw her face! It’s Akane! And she was surprised to see him also!
“What are you doing here?” asked Yamapi rudely.
“I volunteer myself to be an English tutor and I also never expected to have you as my student.” said Akane in tired tone.
“It’s up to you now, you can go and be a coward for running from this tutorial or stay here and get your grade in English better.” she added.
She has a point, spoke Yamapi to himself. He decided to stay, as he needed this tutorial so badly or else he would be failed on English. He sat in front of her and they started the tutorial soon after. Akane is a good tutor, she’s actually very patient on him, she explained everything slowly and made sure Yamapi understood everything before continued to the next level.
2 hours later …
“Whoah, I never expected studying English would be so fun like this! You should replace my Professor!” burst out Yamapi.
“Uhm, thanx for the compliment, but I’m not that old!” joked Akane. Yamapi was surprised to hear that, he thought Akane was a very serious person, but now she seemed comfortable to be near him, and he also felt the same thing. They laughed and decided to have lunch together.
Day by day, they surprisingly became closer than ever, like a good long time friends. She’s actually very nice girl, he thought. Thanx to the tutorial, his English grade is getting better. And Akane was happy to help him. They spent many times together, it surprised Koyama and Miharu too, but they relieved to see both of them finally getting on well.
Four of them supposed to hang out at the usual café, when they saw Ryo stood near the gate with hat and sunglasses. He smiled and opened his sunglasses when they walked to him. “Hello all, I’m coming to pick up Akane!” said Ryo. Miharu and Koyama looked at each other, they didn’t know that Akane and Ryo are still together, they thought they only together when Ryo was in town. “Did they have long distance relationship?” thought them.
“Ryo-chan! Why you didn’t tell me that you are coming?” surprised Akane.
“This is a surprise visit, don’t you happy to see me?” smiled Ryo and made Akane blushed. Yamapi saw everything with jealously, he didn’t say anything tho.
“Let’s go Akane, I will be in town for couple of days only, we have to make good use of it. Bye all.” excused Ryo as he waved his hand to them and grabbed Akane’s hand later on. They walked out and left the other parties full of questions in their minds.
“I didn’t know they are still together!” said Miharu excitedly soon after the couple were out of their sight.
“Yeah, I never expected that too, maybe they still contacted to each other by mail or something.” guessed Koyama.
“Ore, ore kaeru!” said Yamapi all the sudden.
“Ehhh, why? You supposed to join us at the café!” said Miharu disappointedly.
“Gomen, I just remember that I have test tomorrow, and I must study now!” excused Yamapi and left them. He was disappointed that Akane never told him that she and Ryo are still together, and of course most of the reason for his childish act that day because of his jealously towards Ryo.
***
Chapter 5
After Ryo’s visit to their campus, Yamapi acted strangely toward Akane, he didn’t come at the tutorial schedules and always avoided her every time he saw her around. He never hung out with Koyama and Miharu too, and made all them of the worried for his behavior. He wanted to forget her.
Akane wondered about that too, she thought her friendship with Yamapi was quite close already, and now she felt lonely without him, she decided to check what’s wrong with him. She saw him stood in the bulletin board and yelled, “Yamapi, I need to talk to you!” as she run towards him. Yamapi heard that but he walked off.
Akane run and reached his hand, he let go of her hand and crossed his hands on his chest. Akane took a deep breath, she couldn’t understand the change of him.
“Ok, what’s so important for you to talk to me, Haneda?” asked Yamapi rudely. Akane shocked to hear him calling her surname, as if they are totally strangers now.
“Oh, so now we are no longer friends that you have to call me by surname?”
“Well, friends never keep secrets to each others, you never told me that you are still together with Ryo!”
“What? Why it has to do with Ryo-chan? Let him out of this!”
“Sorry, I have a class to run now!” ended Yamapi. It hurt him more hearing her calling him Ryo-chan, he didn’t want to hear anything about their relationship.
“Yamashita! Chotto matte! We have to talk!” said Akane desperately. But he didn’t care for it and still walked off. Akane stood there with tears now. She already trust him, made friends with him, and deep inside Akane knew her feeling for him maybe more than just friends. She always felt comfortable near him and they have a lot of things in common. And now she lost him.
***
Yamapi sat in the beach with annoyed look, he didn’t want to be there at all, it was the day for NEWS to celebrate their single Kibou~Yell that reached no.1 in Oricon Chart. Their manager set up a private party at the beach, and they could invite their close friends. He knew that Ryo supposed to bring Akane along, that’s why he didn’t want to join the celebration, but his manager already warned him that he must be there, he’s the leader of the group. Tho he always thought Koyama was the real leader, his manager convinced him that the group needed him.
He isolated himself from the crowd, he saw his group mates having so much fun with their close friends and families. And he finally saw Akane with Ryo beside her, she’s looking so pretty with the beautiful beach dress. But she didn’t look happy, he knew her well, it’s the same sorrow face that he always saw in the coffee shop before. He wondered why, but then he shook his head, and thought, “It’s not my business anymore, I’m over her!”
He continued watching the sea, he always has a strong bond with beach ever since he was young. He enjoyed spending hours in the beach watching the waves, the blue sky and playing with the sand. He didn’t know how long he had isolated himself from the group until he heard noise near the barbeque table.
“Where is Akane? I haven’t seen her in for a while!” panicked Ryo.
“She told me that she wanted to go to the toilet, but it’s been half an hour already.” worried Miharu.
“Try call her phone!” suggested Koyama calmly. Ryo hurriedly opened his keitai and start calling her, but he only heard the operator message saying the number is inactive. He closed his keitai in frustration. Yamapi tried the same thing and also only heard the operator message as well. They all gathered and decided to spread around searching for her. They started to call her name continuously and still no respond from her. Yamapi looked around and his eyes glimpsed someone in the edge of the rocks quite far from the place he stood at. “Could it be Akane?” wondered him. He run to the rocks and when he almost reached it, he was sure it was her!
“AKANEE, ABUNAI YO! PLEASE COME BACK!” called Yamapi. Akane turned back and screamed, “DON’T GET NEAR ME! I WILL JUMP!” Her threat made Yamapi back off a bit, he knew that he must calm her down.
“Akane, please! Can we talk? Don’t do anything stupid!” said him softly.
“You don’t understand me, Yamashita! You don’t!” cried her.
“I do understand you, Akane! Ever since I starred at you daily in the coffee shop 4 months ago! I knew you well! Please come back!”
“No, you don’t understand me! You don’t know what I have gone thru!” her voice started to shake. Yamapi walked slowly to the rocks trying to reach her.
“Then make me understand, I will listen to you!”
“Stop! Don’t get near me! You didn’t want to listen to me before, you hate me!” sobbed her.
“No, I don’t hate you, I’m here for you! Please Akane, reach my hand!” begged Yamapi while pushed out his hand to reach her. Akane back off, she’s only few inches left in the edge of the rocks, one more movement, she would fall down to the sea.
“Akane, suki desu!” screamed Yamapi. Akane stunned at his confession, she stood there silently. “I don’t care that you are with Ryo now, I like you, and I don’t want to lose you!” added him. He finally let out his feeling to her, he didn’t care if Ryo and others heard what he just said down there. He only care for Akane now, for her fragile heart, her complex personalities, her only! He finally reached her, he pulled her body into his embrace, he hold her head and Akane cried in his shoulder.
“Sshhh, everything is fine now! You have me now! We have to go down, everyone is worried about you!” calmed Yamapi. Akane stop crying, Yamapi wiped her tears with his hands. She nodded and they walked down the rocks, he still held her tight as if he was afraid she would run away from him again.
The crowds down there were relieved to see Yamapi managed to convince Akane. They cheered and screamed, “Yatta!” also clapping their hands when they finally reached the beach again. Even Ryo smiled and he walked to Yamapi and Akane.
“Pi, thanx for saving her! I knew all along she never had feeling for me, I think I’m only a substitute for someone in her eyes, she always talked about you when she was with me, please take care of her from now onwards.” said Ryo with big heart.
“I’m sorry Ryo-chan! I didn’t mean to hurt you.” cried Akane.
“It’s ok, Akane! You have a better person beside you now.” smiled Ryo.
“Arigatou Ryo-chan!” said Yamapi, he was touched to see Ryo’s big heart. Then Ryo lead the crowds to leave them alone, as he knew there’s a lot of things they have to talk to.
“I’m sorry! I was selfish and childish!” said Akane to Yamapi soon after the crowds left them.
“Ssshh, don’t say that! Now please be honest with me, tell me everything.” begged Yamapi.
“I … I don’t know where to start … I had a boyfriend before, we were great together, and we have gone out for almost a year, we even planned to get married soon after we get graduated from Keio University.” Yamapi surprised to hear this, but he tried to calm down and softly asked, “And?”
“Early this year, he got hit by a motorcycle and died in front of my eyes. I really loved him, I couldn’t bear of losing him.” cried Akane as she continued with her story.
“I tried to forget him, I asked to be transferred to Meiji University because I want to continue my life. But I couldn’t! He always appeared in my dreams, and his last sentence before he died in my arms was always haunted me!” now Yamapi understood of her behavior. He hold her and said, “Ssshhh, shinpai shinaide, I will always here beside you.”
“I was in denial, I couldn’t trust people, the only thing that made me calm was reading, it helped me concentrate with my life.”
“Ahhh, that’s why you completely ignored me at the coffee shop 4 months ago!” chuckled Yamapi remembered about the days at the coffee shop.
“Coffee shop? Oh, so you were the one who always got people asked autographs for? Sorry I didn’t noticed that, I heard everything but when I got engrossed with my books, I didn’t care with anything else around me.” blushed Akane.
“Mou, so that’s the reason, I was like how come I lose my charms in front of this girl?” joked Yamapi.
“Ack gomen, I didn’t mean that! Ohyes, one more thing, my late boyfriend, he looked like Ryo-chan! When I saw him for the first time in that restaurant, I almost died in shock, it’s like he’s come alive again in front of me.” Yamapi nodded, he knew that there must be a reason why Akane was interested in Ryo, but never expected that it’s because he looks like her late boyfriend.
“I feel really guilty every time I was with Ryo-chan, because I tried to make him as the substitute of my late boyfriend, even I know my heart is actually fall for someone else.”
“For me right?” smiled Yamapi.
“Yes! Yamashita-kun ga daisuki desu!” blushed Akane.
“Ore mo, kimi no koto, daisuki desu!” he hold both of her hands now, he looked into her eyes deeply. He leant forward and kissed her softly. It was their first kiss ever, warm and tenderly kiss. When he released the kiss, Akane opened her eyes, and smiled. It was the most beautiful smile that Yamapi ever saw from her. Now they both sat in the sand, with Yamapi holding her tightly, they watched the sunset, and cherish the time that they will spend together.