The Unfinished Story - Chapter Fifteen
Title: The Unfinished Story
Author: aemrith
Pairing: Yamada Ryosuke/OC, Arioka Daiki/OC, Nakajima Yuto/OC
Rating: PG
Genre: Romance, Friendship, Family
Warnings: May take long to update.
Summary: Louise had to go back to the place she never thought she'd have to see again; while Line finally gets a chance to set foot on her dream land. What is it that Japan has for them?
Summary for Chapter Fourteen:Study-sessions are more than just learning the lessons, ne? AND! how would Yama-chan act now? Now that he knows what's going on between Akihiko and Louise. As for Line-chan, shocking events unfold as Inoo tries to speak up - warning: Asuka, be prepared!
Chapter Fifteen - Indirectness… being indirect; okay, we get it.
“Ohayo!!!” Yuto beamed, shoving his bag over his shoulder as Louise arrived at their condominium’s lobby. “Oh… you’re not bringing your dog today?”
“No. I already told you I’m not bringing him.” Her tone was straight - monotonous.
Yuto frowned, “But he’ll be really sad all alone.” (uwaaah. *I wanna hug Yuto for his cuteness, haha!*)
“He’s used to being alone.”
“That’s sad then.”
“No.” Louise rolled her eyes and started walking while Yuto followed.
“Why? You’re being cold.”
Louise grunted at Yuto’s little morning drama, “He’s asleep. He’s always sleeping. He doesn’t really care if someone’s around or not.”
“Oh wow.” They are soon outside and boy was it a nice Saturday morning. “Uwaaah~ With the weather this nice, it feels like we’re locking ourselves in prison because we’re studying.”
“Sure…” She kept walking, her pace just about as monotonous and blank as her voice.
“Something wrong Ruu-chan? You seem a little off today.” Yuto walked ahead of her and faced her. He eventually had to stop walking and Louise stopped too.
“What?”
“I said, are you okay?” And there goes Yuto’s worried face. His eyes were staring at her like she can’t focus on anything but him.
Doting, Louise decided to give him a smile. “I’m fine. Why?” Obviously, faking, she tried her best to look okay. It was a bit of a challenge, not with her sketchbook still missing.
“No you’re not.”
“I am.”
Yuto shook his head, “Lie to everyone, but you can’t lie to me. Not even if you want to.”
“I AM OKAY.” Louise then took out her phone, flipped it open and showed the time, “We’ll be late if we don’t get moving.” She walked on ahead.
But Yuto didn’t move and Louise had to walk back and pull him. Of course it was hard, but Yuto obliged.
“You are being unreasonably annoying today, Yuu-chan. Come on!”
Soon they arrived at the train station.
Louise stood near the ticket booth, “Okay, where to?”
“I got us tickets, don’t worry.” Now Yuto’s tone became a little different. He took out the tickets and handed one to Louise without any other word.
She slowly took it, and looked at Yuto sceptically, “Oh don’t tell me you’re gonna give me the cold shoulder now…”
“What? No…” Yuto’s words were fading a little as the two stood near the platforms, waiting for their train that’s about to arrive in probably less than three minutes.
“You fill your head with worries too much.” Louise then stood in front of Yuto and clapped her hands in front of his face. Yuto blinked twice and looked at her as if she’s some weirdo.
“What was that?”
“I’m praying the bad spirits away.”
Yuto stared at Louise, it’s obvious he’s trying hard not to laugh; his lips were shaking a little and he’s trying to make his eyes look serious - but the efforts were futile.
Again Louise clapped. “Lami passu, lami passu… lulululu…” Louise chanted that line she liked the most from a drama she watched recently. “Have you seen Keizoku 2 - SPEC?” Louise clapped her hands again and chanted. “….lululu… that’s the chant the guy says when he’s trying to foresee the future. Then he shuts his eyes tight after sipping some freshly squeezed lemon. Sooouuuuurrrr….” While saying this, Louise squinted and gritted her teeth and then she was about to clap her hands again; but Yuto held onto them and pulled them down.
“People are looking! You look like some weird, fraud-monk of some sorts.” He said this in between laughs but Louise still has her eyes shut. “Ruu-chan, stop it already!”
With that Louise stuck out her tongue, and spoke “Are the bad spirits gone?” her eyes still shut and she’s still chanting under her breath.
Yuto couldn’t help it and he was laughing then he shook her hands, and afterwards tapped her cheeks. “Fine, fine. You win. The bad spirits are gone.”
When Louise opened her eyes, Yuto had one eyebrow raised, and he was shaking his head - but what matters… he had a smile on. “I didn’t really think that chant was that powerful.”
“It’s unfair how you get to be cold sometimes… and I can’t.”
Then the train arrived and people were getting ready to board. “You can’t resist me. It’s as simple as that.”
The doors opened, people waited as others stepped out, and soon it’s time to get in. Louise was in first and Yuto followed, as they were stepping in, Yuto spoke, “Yeah. I don’t even know why.”
xXxXx
Saturday, and Line has tons to study for. Staring at her timetable, Line sighed a little.
(A/N: Okay, I know this is way too late, but I’ll do it anyway. So here’s Line’s timetable for this semester. There might be some changes, I mean, perhaps on earlier chapters I put up some random subjects, or that their subjects are at different times, and I AM REALLY SORRY FOR THAT. I’m sorry for not organizing these things earlier on. So please, do forgive me. Starting now -and I have followed this timetable a few chapters ago- we will be following this time table. I’ll post Daiki’s time table as well. So yeah, I’m really sorry for not fixing things like this earlier on. Also, this timetable does not resemble -in any way- a real Meiji Exchange Student Time Table. They are really different. I decided to stick with the time table we use in my university, just so it’s easier for me. So yeah. I’ll work harder next time. I’m really sorry for that! So yeah, long author’s note, I apologize…Back to the fic!)
“So I’m done with Calculus… there’s still Bio… Asian Civil… Geo…” Line looked at her exam schedules. She posted in on her wall, according to which comes first. “I’ll be having my Environmental Design essay exam this coming Wednesday…” Then she sighed again. “I’ve read the books almost twice, I don’t know how I’m supposed to study more.”
---
BLAG!
“I-TEEEE!”
There was a faint swearing and Inoo closed his book. Just right next to his room, there was another blag and Inoo shook his head. It’s been a little loud since he’s got this new neighbour - and boy, was it even louder now that exams are coming.
Inoo stood up and stretched a little. His bangs are tied in a tight ponytail of some sort, making him look like he has a little fountain atop his head. He yawned; checking the time, it is well about ten in the morning. He turned off his desktop lamp and walked out the hallways. Without even knocking, he opened the door just next to his and found Daiki, his face flat on his own desk - papers everywhere, and his books stacked next to him. “If you’re planning on killing yourself, banging your head on your desk wouldn’t really do the trick. I’ll teach you more effective ways…”
“I am dead. I am so dead.” Daiki kept banging his head on his desk, one beat at a time.
Inoo scratched his head, “You’re a terrible student.” Picking up some random paper that says - ‘Important Codes for COMSCI’
“…I’m dead, I’m dead…” It went on like a chant and Inoo sighed.
“What are you so worried about anyway?” Inoo’s voice was calm and just casual. He placed the paper next to Daiki who’s still sulking. “I thought you said you’re okay with most of your subjects. You can’t possibly worry about Geo, I gave you and Line sample exams my friends gave me.”
Daiki was still chanting in his little own world.
“Your Geo teacher’s too lazy to create a new exam. He recycles old questions!” Inoo started picking up some other papers. “And you said Asuka-chan pretty much gave you all the details you need for Computer Science - oh seriously Arioka, get yourself together!”
But Daiki was still gloomy as when he came in.
The last paper Inoo picked up was Daiki’s time table. Remembering well Line’s, Inoo can’t help but laugh a little. “Your time table looks like it’s a photocopy of Line’s.”
Daiki’s head shot up and he looked a little bit tired - probably lack of sleep. “The only difference is that I’m taking Computer Science, and that she’s taking Bio.”
“Oh, welcome back from the dead Arioka-kun.”
“Urusai. I’ll be dead again…” And with that, Daiki shoved his head again, and now he started flipping pages of one of his books.
“Oh come on. You look like there’s no hope at all! What’s your biggest worry anyway, just spit it out! I can’t study ‘cause you’re too much of a bother…” Inoo placed his hands on his hips, waiting. “Well?”
Daiki then grabbed that book he’s flipping pages of, and waved it in the air.
“Environmental Design?” Inoo asked, his tone surprised. “That’s the easiest I’ve had when I was in first year!”
“Shut up! Not everyone’s like you.”
“But it’s just essay….”
“EXACTLY! IT’S A FREAKIN’ ESSAY!”
Scratching his head harder, Inoo finally let out a grunt and pulled Daiki up, “Take a bath, we’re going somewhere.”
Daiki, still looking blank, uttered, “Huh…Where to?”
“Just get moving!” Inoo pulled him until he’s up on his feet and Daiki was sulking on his way towards the shower room. “Faster!” with that, Inoo literally kicked Daiki’s butt and Daiki exclaimed, glaring at Inoo.
“That hurts!!!” he rubbed his bum and shot Inoo a look, “Where are we going anyway!?”
“We’re meeting a magician who can help you pass that essay exam of yours.” And with a cunning smile, Inoo winked.
Daiki on the other hand looked at him like he’s some psycho. “What the-?”
“Just hurry up!!!”
“Okay! Okay! Weirdo…”
“I heard that! You’ll thank me once we get there you lousy, good-for-nothing, penguin!”
“THANK YOU!!!” It was faint but Daiki’s reply just made Inoo laugh. Inoo hurriedly took his shower as well, and after getting dressed, he took out his phone and mailed someone. “Let’s see if this magician really will be able to do the trick…” he clicked the ‘send’ button and hurried to Daiki’s room. He knocked on the door loud and Daiki was shouting random stuff from inside his room. “We don’t have all day!!!”
“I’m coming! I’m coming! Sheesh…” As Daiki opened the door, Inoo can’t help but laugh. His hair was all over the place, still a little wet, but Inoo didn’t bother telling him to fix himself good.
Inoo dashed away and Daiki, panicking a little, just followed, not realizing he looks like exactly as when he got out from the shower.
---
“Uh… What exactly are we doing at the Girls’ Dormitory?” Daiki stood, just looking at Inoo.
Inoo smiled and walked towards the lobby. “We’re meeting that magician.”
“Will you quit the magician thing already, and tell me who we’re meeting?” Daiki grunted as Inoo looked like he didn’t hear him. “Oi!”
“Oh. Ohayo Inoo-kun.” Reiko-san, the head of the Girls’ Dormitory, greeted. “And Arioka-kun, right?”
Daiki nodded politely while Inoo rested his elbow on the reception desk, “We’re meeting her today, hope we can stay at the cafeteria. Please Reiko-san?”
Reiko laughed a little, “Trying to be charming as always, ne Inoo-kun?” she raised an eyebrow and Inoo posed a peace sign while Daiki… well, he can’t help but just roll his eyes. “Cafeteria’s open for visitors during weekends, so just wait for her there.”
“Thank you!!!!” Inoo beamed and went on his way, while Daiki bowed before following his frilly friend.
Inside the girls’ dormitory’s cafeteria, as expected, most of the people inside are girls. Daiki noted some parents who are probably dropping by for a visit. It’s almost a late morning; good time for a nearing brunch especially since it’s a weekend - no one really wakes up that early.
As Inoo finally found a spot, Daiki sat down opposite to him, his back turned from the cafeteria’s entrance.
“You have some nerve just going inside the girls’ cafeteria so casually.” Daiki uttered, glaring at Inoo as a girl took a table just next to them while she’s still on her pajamas.
“You heard Reiko-san, the cafeteria’s open for visitors during weekends.” Inoo smartly answered, casually looking around. Another girl came in wearing a huge shirt and short shorts you can hardly see. Daiki watched as Inoo’s eyebrows rose and with that Daiki poked Inoo’s forehead. “What!?”
“Stop ogling, you maniac.” Daiki had a frown on while Inoo looked at him like he’s some grandpa.
“I’m not ogling. I’m just looking.”
“You’re sick.” With Daiki’s word, another girl came to the table next to theirs and she’s wearing some yoga pants and a sports bra on - yes, just a sports bra. Seeing that, Daiki covered one side of his face discreetly while Inoo just snickered. “We could’ve just waited at the lobby.”
“You’re such a softie.”
“And you’re a total maniac. I can’t believe I let someone like you near L-” but Daiki cut his own words and just looked away completely.
Inoo grinned, “What’s that?”
“Nothing.”
“You’re not supposed to act like her dad, you know…” Inoo uttered, while stretching out his neck as if greeting someone.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Hmp.” With a shrug, Inoo put his hand up and waved. Daiki was about to look behind him when….
“What brings you here?” Daiki heard a familiar voice and somehow, he sat there frozen - just looking at Inoo. He can feel someone standing behind him, her hands holding onto his chair.
Seeing Daiki looking a little funny, Inoo stood up and crossed his arms over his chest like he’s some kind of a detective, “He needs major help.”
“Hey Dai-chan, are you okay?” And with that, Daiki saw Line just peeking from behind him - her face emerging from his peripheral view. Line blinked and Daiki did so too. “You look like you need a lot of sleep.” As she said this, Line put a hand on Daiki’s forehead, brushing away his bangs a little.
Inoo held his laughter, “He looks like a sick baby.”
“No I don’t!” Finally, Daiki spoke and Line took away her hand. Line took Inoo’s seat from before and stared at Daiki. “…What?”
“You could’ve at least fixed your hair. You look like you’re pulled out from the tub.” Line spoke, reached out and ruffled Daiki’s kind-of wet hair. Looking at Line, Daiki just noticed now that she’s wearing an oversized sweater on, and that her hair was up in a bun with wisps of it escaping to the sides. Sure it’s not that promptly clean, but it looks nice - a messy-nice that is.
There was a brief moment of silence as Daiki decided to speak, “Kei-chan was hurrying like mad!”
“Like I said, he needs major help. That essay exam you’ll be having soon will definitely kill him.”
With Inoo’s words, Line can’t help but want to hug Daiki when Daiki looked at her with really sorry-looking puppy dog eyes. It looks so begging Line just laughed. “Aawww… that’s too cute.”
“I am not cute!” Daiki protested. He’s been very vocal about hating being called cute all the time. Inoo on the other hand laughed at him.
Line rolled her eyes, “Whatever you say… but honestly, I don’t really know how I’m gonna be able to help you with that essay exam.”
With that Daiki looked a tad bit disappointed - imagine a puppy secretly excited about a hidden treat then suddenly there’s really no treat at all (yep, that kind of feeling)
“…But maybe a little brainstorming on practice questions wouldn’t hurt.” And with Line’s following words, Daiki propped up. “What’d you say?”
Daiki put up his hand like he’s inside a class, “Hai! Will do!”
“Look he’s all happy now.” Inoo uttered, pouting his lips as if taunting Daiki while Line looked at him like he’s some total freak. “What?”
“You look like you need a shower.” Line spoke, standing up and now Daiki noticed she’s wearing sweatpants and some flip flops. The girls on the table next to theirs heard Line’s remark and they snickered - Daiki tried not to laugh too much.
Inoo, hearing Line’s comment, and with the giggling girls, “What’s that about Line-chan? I look perfectly fine like always!”
Laughing a little, Line patted Inoo’s chest, “Your shirt’s worn inside-out.” She said this matter-of-factly and Inoo grabbed onto his shirt, oblivious. “Okay, I’m gonna go get my stuff you guys wait here.”
As Line walked away, Inoo was looking grumpy, shaking his head. “I can’t believe Line-chan embarrassed me just now.”
“She’s not always on your side, ne?”
Inoo let out a ‘hmp’ and looked like he didn’t wanna talk; then he noticed the girls from the other table still looking at him and Daiki.
Feeling a little better, Daiki pulled out that iPod touch he just got from his pocket and to kill time, he played some games. While busy playing and not really caring as to how irritated Inoo is at the moment, Daiki was surprised when one of the girls kind of mentioned Inoo’s name - but it was more like a whisper; gossip kind of thing. Daiki frowned, and when he looked at Inoo sitting across him, Daiki couldn’t help but just open his mouth.
Why? Inoo, dear sweet Inoo, just took off his shirt - and yes, he’s shirtless at the moment, his skinny, okay built out in the open - bare naked.
“Pssst! What do you think you’re doing?!” Daiki whispered, in a hasty manner.
Inoo looked like he didn’t hear Daiki. He then turned his shirt inside-out and puts it back on. Daiki was shaking his head, as if wanting to disappear at the moment. Meanwhile, the girls at the other table all kind of giggled. Hearing that, Daiki discreetly covered his face and just laid his head on the table.
“I don’t know what I’m gonna do with you…” Daiki uttered, making sure Inoo heard it.
“I just fixed my shirt, what was wrong with that?”
“Ayayay… Never mind.”
“Oh! Now that looks much better.” There was Line’s voice, and she had her bright yellow bag and some books with her.
“Let’s go study somewhere else.” Inoo suggested, taking his stand. There was a hint of awwww from the other table and Line frowned. She didn’t look at who is on that table but somehow, Daiki and Inoo saw that smile Line made - it’s like an awkward smile wherein you don’t really know what to say or do so you just smile.
“It’s nice outside. I think we’ll have no problems looking for a spot.” Daiki then stood up as well and there’s another aww.
Our trio were on their way out of the cafeteria, Daiki and Inoo leading the way, when Line felt someone grab her forearm. It was that girl wearing a sport’s bra from the table just next to theirs. “Yes?” Line asked; just about enough monotony for some acquaintance.
“Do you mind introducing us to your friends? I’m Mika [extra, I assure you]…”
“I want that cute guy with the iPod! My name’s Hinoko” Line heard one girl call - that one wearing pajamas.
“And I’m Kanna. Oh I want that pretty one who just took off his shirt.” Another girl spoke; she’s the one wearing an over-sized shirt.
Line stood there, not really liking how she’s hearing these remarks while Daiki and Inoo were waiting for her just outside the cafeteria. Mika smiled and pulled Line a little closer, “It’ll be really nice if you could introduce them to us. You know how we girls are…” she seem very hoping indeed.
But our dear Line sure looks like she’s not reading the same page as these girls. To her surprise, her reply came out a little cold than intended, “Sorry, we’re kind of in a hurry.” With that, Line nodded just perhaps out of customary, gently took off the girl’s hold on her, and walked her way out.
As Line finally met up with Inoo and Daiki outside, she just looked straight and said nothing. Her nostrils were flaring a little; they were on their way to that café they always go to just outside the campus - there are pretty nice tables outside perfect for small study sessions. (remember Line and Daiki’s rain scene from way back, haha!)
---
Meanwhile, back at that certain table at the girls’ dormitory’s cafeteria…
“Hey guys, what did I miss?” A girl greeted, joining in her circle of friends.
Mika was just done munching on her sandwich and she looked a little in a hurry to talk. After a while, “We saw two ikemen sitting here just a few minutes ago. You missed a whole bunch!”
“EH!? Were they really good looking?”
“Totally! One of them was just too cute, I just wanna hug him!” Hinoko almost squealed. “It’s a bummer though, they met up with that exchange student girl from upstairs. You know, one of those foreigners…”
Asuka’s eyes looks like that of a deer when they see cars coming, “Exchange student?”
Mika girl nodded, “I asked nicely if she could introduce us to those guys, but she was pretty snobbish.” With that she shrugged, “…not like she owns them.”
“Wait, who’s the girl? The exchange student…”
“I dunno her name… but you know, that girl that’s always underdressed, and carries that bright yellow bag.” Mika pouted as if she doesn’t really care that much.
“Ah…” With that Asuka sat there in silence for a while. Then, “Girls, one of the guys you just saw a few minutes ago was probably that Arioka Daiki I was telling you about.” Asuka’s obviously blushing right now.
“No way… that guy from your middle school?” Kanna followed, and Asuka nodded. “That guy you seriously like!?”
“Ssssshhhh!!! Please!”
“But they look pretty close to that foreigner girl…” Mika interjected. “Who was it between those two?”
“I’m about a hundred percent sure the other guy’s Inoo-kun. Dai-chan’s the one with the slightly brownish hair.”
“OH! That cute one!” Hinoko spoke, “He’s totally adorable. But yeah, I agree with Mika, they do look like they’re buddies…”
“Yeah…” Asuka looked pretty down, “… well, let’s just say they got along pretty well. Even at the Halloween Party…”
With what Asuka said, one of the girls suddenly screamed a little; she showed her friends her phone, showing a picture of a guy dancing with a cap on, “OMG! I knew he looks familiar! He’s that awesome dancer from the Halloween party! You know, that one who challenged Yaotome-kun!!!” Kanna surprised them, apparently, she’s from Inoo and Yaotome’s batch and she knows Yaotome for some reason.
“Hot.” Mika uttered after seeing the picture. Then she looked at Asuka as if she’s some detective, “So, what are you planning?”
“Huh?”
“Come on girl. Clearly, you need to get out there and tell him how you feel, or else someone else will get him.” Well, Mika makes good sense.
“I will!” Hinoko spoke and giggled.
“Hush up Hino, this isn’t about you!” Mika barked at her friend and Hino just giggled more.
Asuka let out a sigh.
Mika was on serious mode again, “But seriously Asu-chan…”
“Laririt-san seems like she’s not really interested in Dai-chan.” Asuka surprised even herself with what she said. “I mean, I even asked her to help me about Dai-chan.”
“Eh? Seriously? And she agreed to help you!?” the girls all looked surprised.
Asuka seemed like she didn’t really know what she said and what to say next, so she continued a little discreetly, “…well, she didn’t really say ‘no’ and besides, she looks like she’s more into Inoo-kun.”
With that the three girls nodded, as if they were agreeing on something. “Well then in that case, I suggest you muster up and the courage and get your guy!” Kanna encouraged, her fists form and with a smile.
Hinoko shrugged, “I’ll just cheer for you Asu-chan!”
But Mika shrugged, “I dunno… just make sure that exchange girl really is gonna help you. It’s gonna get messy for you if she’s into your guy too you know…”
“Don’t worry Mika, I’m pretty confident Laririt-san’s not out to get Dai-chan.” With that Asuka stood up and hugged her friends, “Thanks guys! Maybe I’ll go hang out with them today…” while Asuka was walking away, Mika called out to her.
“Your guy looks like he’s having trouble with studying, since you’re classmates somehow, this’ll be a perfect timing for you Asu-chan!”
“Hai! Thanks guys! See you around!” Asuka was soon gone.
Hinoko sighed, “Oh well… I thought I finally have a guy to like, turns out he’s Asu-chan’s guy, so I’ll just have to find someone else.”
Mika laughed, “I wonder if things really will turn out okay for Asu-chan… I mean…”
“She’ll manage. She may not look like it but Asu-chan pretty much will do anything to get what she wants.” Kanna spoke as if it’s some hard core fact and the girls just agreed.
---
On the way, Line was pretty quiet. When they got a spot, she took out her red netbook and opened those sample questions while Inoo looked busy with his book.
There was some silence and Daiki was drumming his fingers on the table. Soon, “Arioka, you’re too noisy!” Inoo exclaimed, hitting Daiki with his book. “I can’t concentrate! Wherever you go, it’s useless!”
“You don’t have to hit me!”
The two bickered and Line pretty much got her wake-up call. Maybe she’s a bit too affected by those girls from the cafeteria and hearing Inoo and Daiki’s usual arguments surprisingly lightened up her mood. With just about the right timing - just before Inoo whacks Daiki once more - Line sliced through the two; literally. “Okay, prrrrtttt!!!! TIME OUT!”
“Line-chan he’s…”
“We’re here to get some things done, and we’re gonna get them done. First off, Kei-chan, go sulk in one corner and snuggle with your book. Dai-chan, we’re doing some brain storming.”
Inoo pointed at his nose, “You want me to sulk?”
“It’s an expression dear Kei-chan…” Line patted Inoo’s shoulder and told him to just relax on his spot. Surprisingly there was no bickering and well, they just did what they were told.
Line then turned her netbook around so that both she and Daiki could see what’s on the screen. She read out the first questions and not long after that, they were talking about the subject brought about by the question, with Daiki even surprising Line by quoting some lines from the book.
A good half an hour passed, and things were going smoothly. Daiki was pretty much well informed and his ideas were concise, he is just probably panicking too much. Line on the other hand was just glad to have done this because she too, not only gets to share her ideas, but also she gets some good ones from Daiki. You could say this isn’t one of those parasitic reviewing moments some students have (raise your hand if you know what I mean!)
Peaceful, soon, Line and Daiki decided to have a little break. Daiki busied himself looking at Line’s new songs or apps while Line stretched - that was a good brain exercise.
And just when things are getting pretty much in control “Oh! Dai-chan!” there’s that voice, and Line felt her ears pop a little.
Like a deer suddenly feeling the approach of a stranger, Line sat there frozen. Inoo looked away from his book and to the person who just joined them.
Okay, there stood Asuka, bag dangling on her side and a bright smile on her face. “Hi guys!”
Inoo closed his book and sensing the sudden silence, “Oh! Yo…” Asuka nodded and took a seat next to Daiki. Line was sitting opposite Daiki and next to her sat Inoo. So pretty much, Line and Inoo at one side - Daiki and Asuka at the other (familiar setting? haha) “So, looking fine Asu-chan. Not too worried about exams I see…”
Asuka waved a hand over her face and then she laid out her bag on the table and took out her laptop, moving Line’s netbook a little. “Actually, I’m having trouble with some of the problems in that sample exam for Computer Science. I’m getting my codes right, but I just feel like it’s either I’m overthinking the problem, or that I’m over-simplifying it.”
“Our exam’s not till next week though…” Daiki finally spoke, shocking Line as he took her netbook. “I’m sure you’ll have plenty of time to figure things out.” Then Line watched as Daiki fiddled with her netbook.
Asuka then looked at Daiki as if he’s said something funny and Line watched as Asuka hits Daiki playfully. “Oh come on… I’m not like you I guess. You look pretty confident.”
Inoo instinctively stole a glance at Line and awesome enough, he caught her roll her eyes. For a good few seconds, Daiki and Asuka argued a little about how they should worry about their Computer Science - Daiki half-listening since he’s just looking at Line’s netbook and clicking here and there while Asuka’s the exact opposite being very enthusiastic apparently.
So after a good awkward moment, “I don’t really have study buddies, so if it is okay, can I join you guys?” Asuka spoke, looking at Line and Inoo just opposite to her. Inoo was in the middle of seemingly reading while Line was (funny enough) checking out her nails. “I hope you don’t mind… Line-chan?”
‘Since when did I become Line-chan to her?’ Line heard her thoughts clear after a few silence. “Anou… Asu-chan, we’re having our Environmental Design Exam this coming Wednesday, we’re focusing on that…” Daiki was the one to answer.
“It’s okay, we don’t have to talk codes right now. I just need some people to hang out with.” Asuka smiled. Perhaps she didn’t really get the atmosphere - or that she’s not completely welcome. “Line-chan wouldn’t mind having me here…”
And that made Line’s eyebrows shoot to the skies but she quickly tried to look like she didn’t really care. “Ah… um…” she nodded and randomly took something from her bag.
“Yatta!” Asuka exclaimed, then she started typing in her laptop. “I’ll just do some sample programs, you guys just do what you’re supposed to do.” And smiling away. Boy, she looks comfy.
Inoo, Daiki and Line exchanged indifferent looks while Asuka typed away happily. The usually loud Inoo was surprisingly wordless at the moment, Line picked up that book she took out randomly and flipped through some pages, while Daiki kept clicking on Line’s netbook. Yep. It’s the perfect study scenario - oh who am I kidding!?
“Oh… and thanks for letting me hang out with you guys.” To top off the cake, Asuka seemed very grateful while our trio well… you get the point.
‘This is gonna be one progressive review session…’ Daiki heard his own voice inside his head as the silence went on - only Asuka’s typing can be heard. And for a moment, it was pretty annoying actually.
xXxXx
Huge and modern - that’s the Okamoto residence. For a moment, Louise thought she wasn’t in Japan. “It looks like an American Home brought here in Japan as a whole… You know, maybe Keito got a shrink ray and shrunk this house and brought it here…”
Yuto laughed, “You have some imagination Ruu-chan…”
Louise was about to say something when someone opened the man-gate. It was Chinen. “Ohayo! You guys are late.” He greeted and surprised Louise by taking her bag from her quickly even before she could react. Chinen practically ran back inside the house, which was through the front door that’s about ten steps away from the man-gate.
It’s like a flash, and Yuto followed him inside shouting while taking off his shoes, “We’re not late! You’re too early! It’s not even ten!”
Louise followed and soon they were on the living room. It was really very modern style - not a bit like Japanese except for those framed Kanji writings on the wall. There’re couches, three long ones, two huge bean bags, a nice-sized coffee table (nice-sized because it’s about as big as wide as a dining table although with shorter legs) and the floor’s carpeted [I am the worst descriptive writer there is, believe me!]
Chinen was actually slouching on a bean bag which looks like a huge soccer ball and Yuto poked him on the forehead. “You look so at-home, where’s Keito? Is Kenichi-san here?”
Pouting, “Keito said he’s taking a quick shower and Kenichi-san left just a few minutes ago. He promised he’ll order some pizza for us though.” Chinen ended his statement with a wink.
Yuto took a seat on one of those long couches while Louise seemed still a little busy looking around this huge house. Letting Louise have her moment on her own, Yuto took out some stuff from his bag - Math stuff, trust me. “Why are you here so early?”
“Did you forget that I live just a few blocks away?” Chinen asked, as if it’s the silliest question.
“Oh…” Yuto shrugged. “Right.”
Louise walked around a bit while Yuto and Chinen randomly talked about stuff. Soon, she was standing facing the front door and her back turned to the rest of the house. [I cannot really describe this I am truly sorry] See, from the living room, there’s that open concept so you can see the dining area and the kitchen as well. The dining area and the kitchen are separated by some counters which make it look more like those celebrity chief sets. And there’s a hallway to the side probably leading to some rooms, and a staircase just between the living room and the dining area.
Right now, Louise is facing Chinen and she watched as Chinen moved effortlessly as if doing some sit-ups from that bean bag. “Ruu-chan, you can sit…” Yuto soon called, finally had-it with his best friend’s gawking at the house.
“This house is just so big…” Louise uttered and…
“Is it? I bet your house in Canada is way bigger…” Keito startled her a little, suddenly appearing from behind with only his sweatpants on and he’s currently towelling his hair dry. “Ohayo Umi-chan, and welcome to our house.” He smiled.
“Keito! Get some clothes on!” Yuto threw something at him, a crumpled sheet of paper so it seems.
Louise laughed a little - she didn’t really noticed Keito was half-naked. “Oh… sorry…” shying away, Keito winked before he runs off up the stairs. “Yuto-ojisan is pretty strict.” He stopped mid-way and said this while Yuto just raised a fist up in the air as if he’s warning Keito that he’s picking a fight.
“Seriously…” Yuto shook his head in disbelief and noticed Louise was just laughing at him. “What? There’s a girl around here. He’s really just not used to having girls over at his house I guess….” As if answering an unasked question.
Chinen laughed too, “You look more embarrassed that Umi-chan is …” then he looked at Louise, “Well, she doesn’t look like she’s affected at all!”
“It’s not like I haven’t seen a guy without a shirt ever in my life.” Louise replied shaking her head in disbelief. “Raiya’s right… you are an old man Yuu-chan.”
“You have no decency.” Yuto pouted and busied himself and soon Chinen answered.
“Oji-san.” Both Chinen and Louise uttered this at the same time and the two looked at each other for a few seconds then laughed.
“Why do I feel like whoever you’re with… I get to be bullied!?” Yuto exclaimed, pointing at Louise and Chinen. “I hate it when you get to connive with everyone Ruu-chan, it’s so unfair!”
There was some laughing again and soon, another ring on the doorbell. The three heard Keito shout from upstairs asking someone to get to the door and Chinen was about to get on his feet when Yuto beat him to it.
As Yuto quickly puts on some slippers, he left the front door open as he greets those who are at the gate. Chinen and Louise were left at the living room, with Louise just sitting casually - cross-legged, her lower legs folded towards her body.
“Say Umi-chan…” Chinen started, he sat up straight on that bean bag, leaned forward, resting his arms on his thighs and looking straight at Louise.
“Um…?”
“Nothing really…” Chinen then smiled. “You know… I feel bad not being able to know a bit more about you….”
Louise looked up at him, a little bit of confusion on her face, but she smiled and to Chinen’s surprise, she held out a hand, “Hi I’m Umiko Louise, yoroshiku.”
Chinen frowned, but with a smile, and shook her hand, “Chinen Yuuri…. Nice to meet you.”
“I haven’t got the chance to introduce myself just casually like that since I’ve arrived. And since we’re in different classes, it can’t be helped that I rarely see or talk to you.” She lets go of Chinen’s hand while Chinen looks like he wants her to talk more. “Regardless… I hope we can be nice friends. I’ve spent some time with you already, but I still hardly know you and I think the feelings are mutual. So from now on, let’s know more about each other.” She smiled and Chinen just looked at her like she’s said something really weird. Then again…
Smiling and shaking his head in disbelief, Chinen answered, “Honestly, I don’t really know why you said what you said but it all makes sense. You’re pretty straight to the point.”
“And you’re turning out more normal than I thought.”
“Eh?” This one, Chinen had to laugh at, “That’s an unforgettable remark I should say…”
“The first time we’ve met, you were very straight-forward too. I thought I’d just return the favor.”
“So this is revenge?”
“Nope.” She smiled and started rocking herself back and forth, “This is just how I say stuff sometimes.”
Chinen slouched back, “You’re weird.”
“Compliment. That’s always a compliment.”
With that weird exchange of words, somehow, it’s not just simple quick-friendship with these two. Meanwhile, Yuto finally went back in, and Yamada was just behind him. “Oh, ohayo Yama-chan!”
Shocked, “I thought you said you’d be late!” Yamada exclaimed, pointing at Chinen.
“Obviously he lied.” Louise uttered and Chinen just laughed.
“She definitely knows what she’s saying…”
Soon, Keito was finally with them and they all chatted a little before getting really into the studying part.
Well, they were pretty serious when they said they’re gonna review. Chinen had some math stuff out, and he and Yuto were arguing a little about some theories. Louise was just happy enough that they’re not asking her for anything yet since she’s pretty pissed about her poor Kanji and that it’s becoming difficult for her to memorize some names in Japanese History. Yamada on the other hand is solving some physics problems, looking back and forth through notes for some formulas, while Keito… well, he’s busy trying to figure out how he can translate some stuff for Louise.
Busy, busy, one by one, they gave up and took some break - take note, one by one. Chinen was the first to call time out and he walked towards the kitchen and straight to the fridge. When he got back, he’s munching on a slice of cake. Soon, Yamada yawned and laid his back on that one long couch he’s occupying. He said he’ll take a five-minute nap. Yuto on the other hand started poking his back, saying that lying belly flat on the carpet is giving him backaches. Soon, he propped himself up, laid on one of those long couch just like Yamada, and shut his eyes. Louise, who’s sitting on the carpet, her stuff splattered out on that coffee table, stretched a little and because Yuto’s lying down on the couch just behind her, she accidentally hits his face. “Itee!”
“Sorry!” Louise quickly turned and pinched Yuto’s nose - it was his nose that she hit big-time. “I didn’t really do that on purpose…”
“But you’re not 100% too sorry.” Yuto uttered, his eyes welling up with tears again - it’s always like that whenever someone pinches his nose.
“That’s a mean thing to say, I am truly sorry you know!” with that , Louise pinched harder and Yuto just kept complaining.
“You two are hopeless! If you don’t stop bickering I am seriously going to tie one of you on that corner, and the other on that corner!” Keito stepped in, saying that he’ll separate Louise and Yuto to opposite corners of the house. He was pretty authoritative. It looks like he’s pretty pissed with the Kanji translating thing.
Chinen was just laughing, shaking his head. As soon as he was done with his cake, he went back to the kitchen.
Louise and Yuto decided to stop bickering and soon Yuto was up on his feet and on his way to the kitchen as well. Louise was left on the living room with Yamada and Keito, when Keito finally throws up his pencil and dictionary and ran towards the kitchen as soon as he heard Yuto and Chinen fight over some food.
“Umi-chan…” Yamada spoke and Louise barely heard him. “Ne, Umi-chan…”
Louise was writing something down when she heard him call out, and she looked at Yamada. “Nani?”
“Anou… you know Akihiko-san from our class, right?” Yamada propped himself up, resting on his elbows as he looked directly at Louise.
Putting her pen down, Louise turned to look at Yamada. “Um… yeah.” She smiled, “Why, what’s up with her? She’s Mariya-san’s friend isn’t she? Did something come up?”
Yamada shook his head, “No, no… it’s not about that…”
Louise tried to look confused, “Then what’s it about?” He can’t have known, can he? Keito could not have told him, right?
Yamada was about to say something when Yuto, Chinen and Keito were soon arriving. “I’ll tell you later…”
“Tell what? Can’t share it with us?” It was Chinen who spoke; he had a grin on and Yamada was just rolling his eyes. When it’s from Chinen, there’s always that something feeling. Well, Yamada was just glad Chinen didn’t really press on the matter that much since neither Yamada nor Louise reacted on Chinen’s remark.
Yuto sat back on his couch, eating some cookies while Keito slammed down two of those six-pack yogurts, two bags of Chips Ahoy, and a 4-Litre fresh milk along with colourful tumblers. “Wow. Talk about snack.” Yamada spoke, taking some cookies.
“Just grab whatever else you want that you see in the kitchen. I took what I want. Haha!” Keito uttered, taking a yogurt.
Louise on the other hand reached out for a yogurt too. “LOVE!” she smiled and Keito handed her a spoon.
“You like yogurt huh?” Yuto uttered, nibbling on his cookies.
“Not like… it’s LOVE.” Louise took her first scoop and as she swallowed it, she looks like she’s just up in the clouds and Chinen laughed a little.
“She looks like Yama-chan when he eats strawberries!” Chinen added.
“Right, right!” Keito nodded, pointing at Yamada. “You know, when he eats them and then he closes his eyes with that tight smile, hahaha!”
“It’s called LOVE, so as what Umi-chan said…” Yamada uttered and then, “Right… that reminds me. Don’t you have any strawberries in stock right now Keito? Don’t you always have some?”
“Ah! I think I saw some in the fridge!” Yuto followed, pointing at the kitchen; in a flash Yamada was up and on his way. “Give some to Ruu-chan!”
With that, Louise pointed her spoon at Yuto as if it’s some knife, “I am gonna drown you in shimeji… go ahead and try Nakajima Yuto!”
Yamada was back quickly, and of course, a bowl of fresh strawberries in hand and boy, does he look extremely happy. “Yaay! Ichigo!!!” he sat back down and started eating like it’s popcorn.
Keito picked up his pencil, “It’s great when these guys come over; I don’t have to worry a thing about my food reaching its expiration date.”
“Yeah. You just have to worry whether you’ll have enough food for the rest of the day.” Louise uttered, looking away from the strawberry maniac Yamada has been and concentrated on her yogurt.
xXxXx
It’s been a good hour, or so… and no one has really said a thing - only Asuka’s keyboard doing the talking.
Then to this bored group’s surprise, Inoo let out a loud grunt and Line shook him hard. “Oi! Calm down!”
“It’s because I don’t get the complexity of simple things. It just doesn’t make sense!” Inoo, looking a little like an angry bull, almost ripped a certain page and showed Line that certain sentence that’s been driving him crazy. This book is what they’re having an intense test on this coming week -it’s from one of his architecture subjects Line thought of being the same as hers and Daiki’s current Environmental Design although, a few times harder.
“What are you supposed to do anyway?”
“This stupid sentence just doesn’t come out right!” Inoo pointed at that sentence again, making Line read it, and he scratched the back of his head. “It talks about getting emotions out of technicality. It’s like mixing religion and science Line-chan, do you see where I’m getting at?”
Line read the sentence again and watched as Inoo seemingly lost his cool - for the first time. Asuka was just staring at him, scared perhaps, while Daiki, knowing Inoo well, just lets him rant all he wants and continued answering some idealistic questions still with Line’s netbook (haha, he didn’t let go of the thing ne? haha!)
“Technicalities are supposed to be technicalities… and technicalities alone. I mean, when you’re building a structure, the technicalities of each shape, material, size, quantity and all the works have to be the way they are because that’s what they’re supposed to be, not because that’s what the architect feels them to be.”
Line listened more to what Inoo was trying to imply…
“Like, baking a cake for instance: you use measuring tools to get the right amount of each ingredient because that’s how much they should be, not because… oh I’m feeling really happy today, let’s put lots of sugar.”
The more Inoo ranted, the more he puts up a point, but the more he’s getting far away from what he’s supposed to support.
Soon, “I give up. I’ve been trying to think this through since I came across it, I just don’t wanna think about it anymore. What are the odds that this puny sentence will come out anyway…?” He then posed a smile to a now, deeply thinking, Line. “I’m fine Line-chan… sorry for the sudden outburst. That was uncharacteristic of me.”
Asuka just need to open her mouth - like agape, yeah like that - and she’d be the best model for some surprised and shocked expressions. But the shocking wasn’t over yet… “You’re not being uncharacteristic, you’re just being yourself.” Line spoke with a smile and Asuka, this time, let her jaw drop. There’s something about Line’s calmness whens she said what she said and even Daiki stopped what he was doing. For a moment, it seems like one intellect has greatly posed a problem, and here comes another intellect trying to give her solution.
“You think so?” Inoo uttered, surprised at how Line responded as well.
“I was thinking about this sentence you’re having problems with… and your examples are seriously intriguing, but maybe perhaps, you can look at it this way… hmm… tatoeba [for example]… something like… for instance… umm… photography.”
Inoo nodded - now all eyes are on Line; but she didn’t really mind. Inside her head, there’s this idea, and it’s too full not to let it out.
“I mean… talking about grabbing some emotion from technicality, the first thing that came to my mind is photography… well, in my case, I’d rather call it taking pictures. See, when you’re a photographer, you pay attention to every tiny detail possible. You wanna have the perfect SLR, the greatest lens, the right setting, all that manual things, all those gadgets and so, just… everything.” She paused. Apparently, Daiki was still listening to her, but at the same time, he found this folder on Line’s netbook which contains most of the pictures she’s taken. Daiki was browsing through them one by one.
“That’s the technicality part…” Inoo uttered, urging Line to continue; Asuka is seriously struck somehow.
Line nodded, “Yep. That’s the technical part.”
“Then how do you grab emotion-” And as if the answer struck Inoo, Line smiled.
“That’s right. After all that specifications, those complicated technical settings… it takes one click to get that one photo. And that one photo… when you look at it… that’s where the emotion takes place.”
Inoo looked like he’s internalizing everything as Line continued.
“Don’t get me wrong; the emotion would only be there if both the photographer and the one looking at the pictures are open to give out and receive the emotion respectively. Those technicalities surely contributed to make that shot look perfect, but all of those technicalities are nothing if the photo cannot convey even the slightest emotion.” With that, Line laughed a little. “Somehow, I feel like I’ve gotten too carried away.”
“I got it! You’re right!” It’s that eureka moment and Inoo was beaming - his eyes shining like bright headlight, “Technicalities contribute, emotions attribute!”
At the same time, Daiki stopped at a picture of the sky - it feels like for a moment you can grab the clouds and feel that they’re probably like cotton. In that brief moment, Daiki surprised himself as to how a simple shot of the sky made him feel calm and cool on the inside.
‘So that’s what her pictures are like…’ Daiki heard himself talk, ‘...her pictures....’
Getting lost into his own thoughts Daiki soon heard Line spoke, “I guess that’ll work.” Line shrugged and what happened next was just too unexpected, Daiki thought he was just imagining things.
But it was all real. Just having that great fulfilled feeling, Inoo grabbed Line’s shoulders and to everyone’s surprise, he pulled her close and soon his lips touched that skin just a few centimeters away from Line’s lips - it was very close, Daiki first thought Inoo actually kissed Line on the lips. He then pulled away with, “Arigato Line-chan!”
Still shocked a little, Line blinked about three times and as Inoo stopped jumping up and down, she frowned and put up a peace sign. “Doitashimaste!”
“No really, thank you! It’s like having a big boulder lifted from your chest. Thank you!” Inoo’s smile was just a little too contagious and soon he even pulled her into a hug. It can’t be helped. Inoo sure looked like he’s been relieved from some great stress and Line was just glad to be of help. Awkward feeling for a brief three seconds, Line just patted Inoo and just posed a happy aura for him - what? It’s not like Line doesn’t know how relief feels like.
As Inoo and Line hugged and celebrated, Asuka had her mouth open and was just staring blankly at the two jolly people in front of her. Daiki on the other hand pretty much felt a little numb, until Asuka suddenly wrapped her arm around his and, “Dai-chan, I really need your help with this one, remember we did this kind of code problem in class before?” Daiki stared at her for a moment, then at her arms around his, then he decided not to react too much - overreacting doesn’t really help in any way at all.
Meanwhile, Inoo saw this and quickly asked Line if she could help him write down some more sentences to support his newly understood idea.
It’s a crazy moment actually, with Inoo and Asuka out-bickering each other as they try to catch Line and Daiki’s attention - while Daiki and Line pretty much wanna shove some socks on their companions’ mouths.
xXxXx
Chapter Fifteen - Part 2
Author: aemrith
Pairing: Yamada Ryosuke/OC, Arioka Daiki/OC, Nakajima Yuto/OC
Rating: PG
Genre: Romance, Friendship, Family
Warnings: May take long to update.
Summary: Louise had to go back to the place she never thought she'd have to see again; while Line finally gets a chance to set foot on her dream land. What is it that Japan has for them?
Summary for Chapter Fourteen:Study-sessions are more than just learning the lessons, ne? AND! how would Yama-chan act now? Now that he knows what's going on between Akihiko and Louise. As for Line-chan, shocking events unfold as Inoo tries to speak up - warning: Asuka, be prepared!
Chapter Fifteen - Indirectness… being indirect; okay, we get it.
“Ohayo!!!” Yuto beamed, shoving his bag over his shoulder as Louise arrived at their condominium’s lobby. “Oh… you’re not bringing your dog today?”
“No. I already told you I’m not bringing him.” Her tone was straight - monotonous.
Yuto frowned, “But he’ll be really sad all alone.” (uwaaah. *I wanna hug Yuto for his cuteness, haha!*)
“He’s used to being alone.”
“That’s sad then.”
“No.” Louise rolled her eyes and started walking while Yuto followed.
“Why? You’re being cold.”
Louise grunted at Yuto’s little morning drama, “He’s asleep. He’s always sleeping. He doesn’t really care if someone’s around or not.”
“Oh wow.” They are soon outside and boy was it a nice Saturday morning. “Uwaaah~ With the weather this nice, it feels like we’re locking ourselves in prison because we’re studying.”
“Sure…” She kept walking, her pace just about as monotonous and blank as her voice.
“Something wrong Ruu-chan? You seem a little off today.” Yuto walked ahead of her and faced her. He eventually had to stop walking and Louise stopped too.
“What?”
“I said, are you okay?” And there goes Yuto’s worried face. His eyes were staring at her like she can’t focus on anything but him.
Doting, Louise decided to give him a smile. “I’m fine. Why?” Obviously, faking, she tried her best to look okay. It was a bit of a challenge, not with her sketchbook still missing.
“No you’re not.”
“I am.”
Yuto shook his head, “Lie to everyone, but you can’t lie to me. Not even if you want to.”
“I AM OKAY.” Louise then took out her phone, flipped it open and showed the time, “We’ll be late if we don’t get moving.” She walked on ahead.
But Yuto didn’t move and Louise had to walk back and pull him. Of course it was hard, but Yuto obliged.
“You are being unreasonably annoying today, Yuu-chan. Come on!”
Soon they arrived at the train station.
Louise stood near the ticket booth, “Okay, where to?”
“I got us tickets, don’t worry.” Now Yuto’s tone became a little different. He took out the tickets and handed one to Louise without any other word.
She slowly took it, and looked at Yuto sceptically, “Oh don’t tell me you’re gonna give me the cold shoulder now…”
“What? No…” Yuto’s words were fading a little as the two stood near the platforms, waiting for their train that’s about to arrive in probably less than three minutes.
“You fill your head with worries too much.” Louise then stood in front of Yuto and clapped her hands in front of his face. Yuto blinked twice and looked at her as if she’s some weirdo.
“What was that?”
“I’m praying the bad spirits away.”
Yuto stared at Louise, it’s obvious he’s trying hard not to laugh; his lips were shaking a little and he’s trying to make his eyes look serious - but the efforts were futile.
Again Louise clapped. “Lami passu, lami passu… lulululu…” Louise chanted that line she liked the most from a drama she watched recently. “Have you seen Keizoku 2 - SPEC?” Louise clapped her hands again and chanted. “….lululu… that’s the chant the guy says when he’s trying to foresee the future. Then he shuts his eyes tight after sipping some freshly squeezed lemon. Sooouuuuurrrr….” While saying this, Louise squinted and gritted her teeth and then she was about to clap her hands again; but Yuto held onto them and pulled them down.
“People are looking! You look like some weird, fraud-monk of some sorts.” He said this in between laughs but Louise still has her eyes shut. “Ruu-chan, stop it already!”
With that Louise stuck out her tongue, and spoke “Are the bad spirits gone?” her eyes still shut and she’s still chanting under her breath.
Yuto couldn’t help it and he was laughing then he shook her hands, and afterwards tapped her cheeks. “Fine, fine. You win. The bad spirits are gone.”
When Louise opened her eyes, Yuto had one eyebrow raised, and he was shaking his head - but what matters… he had a smile on. “I didn’t really think that chant was that powerful.”
“It’s unfair how you get to be cold sometimes… and I can’t.”
Then the train arrived and people were getting ready to board. “You can’t resist me. It’s as simple as that.”
The doors opened, people waited as others stepped out, and soon it’s time to get in. Louise was in first and Yuto followed, as they were stepping in, Yuto spoke, “Yeah. I don’t even know why.”
xXxXx
Saturday, and Line has tons to study for. Staring at her timetable, Line sighed a little.
(A/N: Okay, I know this is way too late, but I’ll do it anyway. So here’s Line’s timetable for this semester. There might be some changes, I mean, perhaps on earlier chapters I put up some random subjects, or that their subjects are at different times, and I AM REALLY SORRY FOR THAT. I’m sorry for not organizing these things earlier on. So please, do forgive me. Starting now -and I have followed this timetable a few chapters ago- we will be following this time table. I’ll post Daiki’s time table as well. So yeah, I’m really sorry for not fixing things like this earlier on. Also, this timetable does not resemble -in any way- a real Meiji Exchange Student Time Table. They are really different. I decided to stick with the time table we use in my university, just so it’s easier for me. So yeah. I’ll work harder next time. I’m really sorry for that! So yeah, long author’s note, I apologize…Back to the fic!)
“So I’m done with Calculus… there’s still Bio… Asian Civil… Geo…” Line looked at her exam schedules. She posted in on her wall, according to which comes first. “I’ll be having my Environmental Design essay exam this coming Wednesday…” Then she sighed again. “I’ve read the books almost twice, I don’t know how I’m supposed to study more.”
---
BLAG!
“I-TEEEE!”
There was a faint swearing and Inoo closed his book. Just right next to his room, there was another blag and Inoo shook his head. It’s been a little loud since he’s got this new neighbour - and boy, was it even louder now that exams are coming.
Inoo stood up and stretched a little. His bangs are tied in a tight ponytail of some sort, making him look like he has a little fountain atop his head. He yawned; checking the time, it is well about ten in the morning. He turned off his desktop lamp and walked out the hallways. Without even knocking, he opened the door just next to his and found Daiki, his face flat on his own desk - papers everywhere, and his books stacked next to him. “If you’re planning on killing yourself, banging your head on your desk wouldn’t really do the trick. I’ll teach you more effective ways…”
“I am dead. I am so dead.” Daiki kept banging his head on his desk, one beat at a time.
Inoo scratched his head, “You’re a terrible student.” Picking up some random paper that says - ‘Important Codes for COMSCI’
“…I’m dead, I’m dead…” It went on like a chant and Inoo sighed.
“What are you so worried about anyway?” Inoo’s voice was calm and just casual. He placed the paper next to Daiki who’s still sulking. “I thought you said you’re okay with most of your subjects. You can’t possibly worry about Geo, I gave you and Line sample exams my friends gave me.”
Daiki was still chanting in his little own world.
“Your Geo teacher’s too lazy to create a new exam. He recycles old questions!” Inoo started picking up some other papers. “And you said Asuka-chan pretty much gave you all the details you need for Computer Science - oh seriously Arioka, get yourself together!”
But Daiki was still gloomy as when he came in.
The last paper Inoo picked up was Daiki’s time table. Remembering well Line’s, Inoo can’t help but laugh a little. “Your time table looks like it’s a photocopy of Line’s.”
Daiki’s head shot up and he looked a little bit tired - probably lack of sleep. “The only difference is that I’m taking Computer Science, and that she’s taking Bio.”
“Oh, welcome back from the dead Arioka-kun.”
“Urusai. I’ll be dead again…” And with that, Daiki shoved his head again, and now he started flipping pages of one of his books.
“Oh come on. You look like there’s no hope at all! What’s your biggest worry anyway, just spit it out! I can’t study ‘cause you’re too much of a bother…” Inoo placed his hands on his hips, waiting. “Well?”
Daiki then grabbed that book he’s flipping pages of, and waved it in the air.
“Environmental Design?” Inoo asked, his tone surprised. “That’s the easiest I’ve had when I was in first year!”
“Shut up! Not everyone’s like you.”
“But it’s just essay….”
“EXACTLY! IT’S A FREAKIN’ ESSAY!”
Scratching his head harder, Inoo finally let out a grunt and pulled Daiki up, “Take a bath, we’re going somewhere.”
Daiki, still looking blank, uttered, “Huh…Where to?”
“Just get moving!” Inoo pulled him until he’s up on his feet and Daiki was sulking on his way towards the shower room. “Faster!” with that, Inoo literally kicked Daiki’s butt and Daiki exclaimed, glaring at Inoo.
“That hurts!!!” he rubbed his bum and shot Inoo a look, “Where are we going anyway!?”
“We’re meeting a magician who can help you pass that essay exam of yours.” And with a cunning smile, Inoo winked.
Daiki on the other hand looked at him like he’s some psycho. “What the-?”
“Just hurry up!!!”
“Okay! Okay! Weirdo…”
“I heard that! You’ll thank me once we get there you lousy, good-for-nothing, penguin!”
“THANK YOU!!!” It was faint but Daiki’s reply just made Inoo laugh. Inoo hurriedly took his shower as well, and after getting dressed, he took out his phone and mailed someone. “Let’s see if this magician really will be able to do the trick…” he clicked the ‘send’ button and hurried to Daiki’s room. He knocked on the door loud and Daiki was shouting random stuff from inside his room. “We don’t have all day!!!”
“I’m coming! I’m coming! Sheesh…” As Daiki opened the door, Inoo can’t help but laugh. His hair was all over the place, still a little wet, but Inoo didn’t bother telling him to fix himself good.
Inoo dashed away and Daiki, panicking a little, just followed, not realizing he looks like exactly as when he got out from the shower.
---
“Uh… What exactly are we doing at the Girls’ Dormitory?” Daiki stood, just looking at Inoo.
Inoo smiled and walked towards the lobby. “We’re meeting that magician.”
“Will you quit the magician thing already, and tell me who we’re meeting?” Daiki grunted as Inoo looked like he didn’t hear him. “Oi!”
“Oh. Ohayo Inoo-kun.” Reiko-san, the head of the Girls’ Dormitory, greeted. “And Arioka-kun, right?”
Daiki nodded politely while Inoo rested his elbow on the reception desk, “We’re meeting her today, hope we can stay at the cafeteria. Please Reiko-san?”
Reiko laughed a little, “Trying to be charming as always, ne Inoo-kun?” she raised an eyebrow and Inoo posed a peace sign while Daiki… well, he can’t help but just roll his eyes. “Cafeteria’s open for visitors during weekends, so just wait for her there.”
“Thank you!!!!” Inoo beamed and went on his way, while Daiki bowed before following his frilly friend.
Inside the girls’ dormitory’s cafeteria, as expected, most of the people inside are girls. Daiki noted some parents who are probably dropping by for a visit. It’s almost a late morning; good time for a nearing brunch especially since it’s a weekend - no one really wakes up that early.
As Inoo finally found a spot, Daiki sat down opposite to him, his back turned from the cafeteria’s entrance.
“You have some nerve just going inside the girls’ cafeteria so casually.” Daiki uttered, glaring at Inoo as a girl took a table just next to them while she’s still on her pajamas.
“You heard Reiko-san, the cafeteria’s open for visitors during weekends.” Inoo smartly answered, casually looking around. Another girl came in wearing a huge shirt and short shorts you can hardly see. Daiki watched as Inoo’s eyebrows rose and with that Daiki poked Inoo’s forehead. “What!?”
“Stop ogling, you maniac.” Daiki had a frown on while Inoo looked at him like he’s some grandpa.
“I’m not ogling. I’m just looking.”
“You’re sick.” With Daiki’s word, another girl came to the table next to theirs and she’s wearing some yoga pants and a sports bra on - yes, just a sports bra. Seeing that, Daiki covered one side of his face discreetly while Inoo just snickered. “We could’ve just waited at the lobby.”
“You’re such a softie.”
“And you’re a total maniac. I can’t believe I let someone like you near L-” but Daiki cut his own words and just looked away completely.
Inoo grinned, “What’s that?”
“Nothing.”
“You’re not supposed to act like her dad, you know…” Inoo uttered, while stretching out his neck as if greeting someone.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Hmp.” With a shrug, Inoo put his hand up and waved. Daiki was about to look behind him when….
“What brings you here?” Daiki heard a familiar voice and somehow, he sat there frozen - just looking at Inoo. He can feel someone standing behind him, her hands holding onto his chair.
Seeing Daiki looking a little funny, Inoo stood up and crossed his arms over his chest like he’s some kind of a detective, “He needs major help.”
“Hey Dai-chan, are you okay?” And with that, Daiki saw Line just peeking from behind him - her face emerging from his peripheral view. Line blinked and Daiki did so too. “You look like you need a lot of sleep.” As she said this, Line put a hand on Daiki’s forehead, brushing away his bangs a little.
Inoo held his laughter, “He looks like a sick baby.”
“No I don’t!” Finally, Daiki spoke and Line took away her hand. Line took Inoo’s seat from before and stared at Daiki. “…What?”
“You could’ve at least fixed your hair. You look like you’re pulled out from the tub.” Line spoke, reached out and ruffled Daiki’s kind-of wet hair. Looking at Line, Daiki just noticed now that she’s wearing an oversized sweater on, and that her hair was up in a bun with wisps of it escaping to the sides. Sure it’s not that promptly clean, but it looks nice - a messy-nice that is.
There was a brief moment of silence as Daiki decided to speak, “Kei-chan was hurrying like mad!”
“Like I said, he needs major help. That essay exam you’ll be having soon will definitely kill him.”
With Inoo’s words, Line can’t help but want to hug Daiki when Daiki looked at her with really sorry-looking puppy dog eyes. It looks so begging Line just laughed. “Aawww… that’s too cute.”
“I am not cute!” Daiki protested. He’s been very vocal about hating being called cute all the time. Inoo on the other hand laughed at him.
Line rolled her eyes, “Whatever you say… but honestly, I don’t really know how I’m gonna be able to help you with that essay exam.”
With that Daiki looked a tad bit disappointed - imagine a puppy secretly excited about a hidden treat then suddenly there’s really no treat at all (yep, that kind of feeling)
“…But maybe a little brainstorming on practice questions wouldn’t hurt.” And with Line’s following words, Daiki propped up. “What’d you say?”
Daiki put up his hand like he’s inside a class, “Hai! Will do!”
“Look he’s all happy now.” Inoo uttered, pouting his lips as if taunting Daiki while Line looked at him like he’s some total freak. “What?”
“You look like you need a shower.” Line spoke, standing up and now Daiki noticed she’s wearing sweatpants and some flip flops. The girls on the table next to theirs heard Line’s remark and they snickered - Daiki tried not to laugh too much.
Inoo, hearing Line’s comment, and with the giggling girls, “What’s that about Line-chan? I look perfectly fine like always!”
Laughing a little, Line patted Inoo’s chest, “Your shirt’s worn inside-out.” She said this matter-of-factly and Inoo grabbed onto his shirt, oblivious. “Okay, I’m gonna go get my stuff you guys wait here.”
As Line walked away, Inoo was looking grumpy, shaking his head. “I can’t believe Line-chan embarrassed me just now.”
“She’s not always on your side, ne?”
Inoo let out a ‘hmp’ and looked like he didn’t wanna talk; then he noticed the girls from the other table still looking at him and Daiki.
Feeling a little better, Daiki pulled out that iPod touch he just got from his pocket and to kill time, he played some games. While busy playing and not really caring as to how irritated Inoo is at the moment, Daiki was surprised when one of the girls kind of mentioned Inoo’s name - but it was more like a whisper; gossip kind of thing. Daiki frowned, and when he looked at Inoo sitting across him, Daiki couldn’t help but just open his mouth.
Why? Inoo, dear sweet Inoo, just took off his shirt - and yes, he’s shirtless at the moment, his skinny, okay built out in the open - bare naked.
“Pssst! What do you think you’re doing?!” Daiki whispered, in a hasty manner.
Inoo looked like he didn’t hear Daiki. He then turned his shirt inside-out and puts it back on. Daiki was shaking his head, as if wanting to disappear at the moment. Meanwhile, the girls at the other table all kind of giggled. Hearing that, Daiki discreetly covered his face and just laid his head on the table.
“I don’t know what I’m gonna do with you…” Daiki uttered, making sure Inoo heard it.
“I just fixed my shirt, what was wrong with that?”
“Ayayay… Never mind.”
“Oh! Now that looks much better.” There was Line’s voice, and she had her bright yellow bag and some books with her.
“Let’s go study somewhere else.” Inoo suggested, taking his stand. There was a hint of awwww from the other table and Line frowned. She didn’t look at who is on that table but somehow, Daiki and Inoo saw that smile Line made - it’s like an awkward smile wherein you don’t really know what to say or do so you just smile.
“It’s nice outside. I think we’ll have no problems looking for a spot.” Daiki then stood up as well and there’s another aww.
Our trio were on their way out of the cafeteria, Daiki and Inoo leading the way, when Line felt someone grab her forearm. It was that girl wearing a sport’s bra from the table just next to theirs. “Yes?” Line asked; just about enough monotony for some acquaintance.
“Do you mind introducing us to your friends? I’m Mika [extra, I assure you]…”
“I want that cute guy with the iPod! My name’s Hinoko” Line heard one girl call - that one wearing pajamas.
“And I’m Kanna. Oh I want that pretty one who just took off his shirt.” Another girl spoke; she’s the one wearing an over-sized shirt.
Line stood there, not really liking how she’s hearing these remarks while Daiki and Inoo were waiting for her just outside the cafeteria. Mika smiled and pulled Line a little closer, “It’ll be really nice if you could introduce them to us. You know how we girls are…” she seem very hoping indeed.
But our dear Line sure looks like she’s not reading the same page as these girls. To her surprise, her reply came out a little cold than intended, “Sorry, we’re kind of in a hurry.” With that, Line nodded just perhaps out of customary, gently took off the girl’s hold on her, and walked her way out.
As Line finally met up with Inoo and Daiki outside, she just looked straight and said nothing. Her nostrils were flaring a little; they were on their way to that café they always go to just outside the campus - there are pretty nice tables outside perfect for small study sessions. (remember Line and Daiki’s rain scene from way back, haha!)
---
Meanwhile, back at that certain table at the girls’ dormitory’s cafeteria…
“Hey guys, what did I miss?” A girl greeted, joining in her circle of friends.
Mika was just done munching on her sandwich and she looked a little in a hurry to talk. After a while, “We saw two ikemen sitting here just a few minutes ago. You missed a whole bunch!”
“EH!? Were they really good looking?”
“Totally! One of them was just too cute, I just wanna hug him!” Hinoko almost squealed. “It’s a bummer though, they met up with that exchange student girl from upstairs. You know, one of those foreigners…”
Asuka’s eyes looks like that of a deer when they see cars coming, “Exchange student?”
Mika girl nodded, “I asked nicely if she could introduce us to those guys, but she was pretty snobbish.” With that she shrugged, “…not like she owns them.”
“Wait, who’s the girl? The exchange student…”
“I dunno her name… but you know, that girl that’s always underdressed, and carries that bright yellow bag.” Mika pouted as if she doesn’t really care that much.
“Ah…” With that Asuka sat there in silence for a while. Then, “Girls, one of the guys you just saw a few minutes ago was probably that Arioka Daiki I was telling you about.” Asuka’s obviously blushing right now.
“No way… that guy from your middle school?” Kanna followed, and Asuka nodded. “That guy you seriously like!?”
“Ssssshhhh!!! Please!”
“But they look pretty close to that foreigner girl…” Mika interjected. “Who was it between those two?”
“I’m about a hundred percent sure the other guy’s Inoo-kun. Dai-chan’s the one with the slightly brownish hair.”
“OH! That cute one!” Hinoko spoke, “He’s totally adorable. But yeah, I agree with Mika, they do look like they’re buddies…”
“Yeah…” Asuka looked pretty down, “… well, let’s just say they got along pretty well. Even at the Halloween Party…”
With what Asuka said, one of the girls suddenly screamed a little; she showed her friends her phone, showing a picture of a guy dancing with a cap on, “OMG! I knew he looks familiar! He’s that awesome dancer from the Halloween party! You know, that one who challenged Yaotome-kun!!!” Kanna surprised them, apparently, she’s from Inoo and Yaotome’s batch and she knows Yaotome for some reason.
“Hot.” Mika uttered after seeing the picture. Then she looked at Asuka as if she’s some detective, “So, what are you planning?”
“Huh?”
“Come on girl. Clearly, you need to get out there and tell him how you feel, or else someone else will get him.” Well, Mika makes good sense.
“I will!” Hinoko spoke and giggled.
“Hush up Hino, this isn’t about you!” Mika barked at her friend and Hino just giggled more.
Asuka let out a sigh.
Mika was on serious mode again, “But seriously Asu-chan…”
“Laririt-san seems like she’s not really interested in Dai-chan.” Asuka surprised even herself with what she said. “I mean, I even asked her to help me about Dai-chan.”
“Eh? Seriously? And she agreed to help you!?” the girls all looked surprised.
Asuka seemed like she didn’t really know what she said and what to say next, so she continued a little discreetly, “…well, she didn’t really say ‘no’ and besides, she looks like she’s more into Inoo-kun.”
With that the three girls nodded, as if they were agreeing on something. “Well then in that case, I suggest you muster up and the courage and get your guy!” Kanna encouraged, her fists form and with a smile.
Hinoko shrugged, “I’ll just cheer for you Asu-chan!”
But Mika shrugged, “I dunno… just make sure that exchange girl really is gonna help you. It’s gonna get messy for you if she’s into your guy too you know…”
“Don’t worry Mika, I’m pretty confident Laririt-san’s not out to get Dai-chan.” With that Asuka stood up and hugged her friends, “Thanks guys! Maybe I’ll go hang out with them today…” while Asuka was walking away, Mika called out to her.
“Your guy looks like he’s having trouble with studying, since you’re classmates somehow, this’ll be a perfect timing for you Asu-chan!”
“Hai! Thanks guys! See you around!” Asuka was soon gone.
Hinoko sighed, “Oh well… I thought I finally have a guy to like, turns out he’s Asu-chan’s guy, so I’ll just have to find someone else.”
Mika laughed, “I wonder if things really will turn out okay for Asu-chan… I mean…”
“She’ll manage. She may not look like it but Asu-chan pretty much will do anything to get what she wants.” Kanna spoke as if it’s some hard core fact and the girls just agreed.
---
On the way, Line was pretty quiet. When they got a spot, she took out her red netbook and opened those sample questions while Inoo looked busy with his book.
There was some silence and Daiki was drumming his fingers on the table. Soon, “Arioka, you’re too noisy!” Inoo exclaimed, hitting Daiki with his book. “I can’t concentrate! Wherever you go, it’s useless!”
“You don’t have to hit me!”
The two bickered and Line pretty much got her wake-up call. Maybe she’s a bit too affected by those girls from the cafeteria and hearing Inoo and Daiki’s usual arguments surprisingly lightened up her mood. With just about the right timing - just before Inoo whacks Daiki once more - Line sliced through the two; literally. “Okay, prrrrtttt!!!! TIME OUT!”
“Line-chan he’s…”
“We’re here to get some things done, and we’re gonna get them done. First off, Kei-chan, go sulk in one corner and snuggle with your book. Dai-chan, we’re doing some brain storming.”
Inoo pointed at his nose, “You want me to sulk?”
“It’s an expression dear Kei-chan…” Line patted Inoo’s shoulder and told him to just relax on his spot. Surprisingly there was no bickering and well, they just did what they were told.
Line then turned her netbook around so that both she and Daiki could see what’s on the screen. She read out the first questions and not long after that, they were talking about the subject brought about by the question, with Daiki even surprising Line by quoting some lines from the book.
A good half an hour passed, and things were going smoothly. Daiki was pretty much well informed and his ideas were concise, he is just probably panicking too much. Line on the other hand was just glad to have done this because she too, not only gets to share her ideas, but also she gets some good ones from Daiki. You could say this isn’t one of those parasitic reviewing moments some students have (raise your hand if you know what I mean!)
Peaceful, soon, Line and Daiki decided to have a little break. Daiki busied himself looking at Line’s new songs or apps while Line stretched - that was a good brain exercise.
And just when things are getting pretty much in control “Oh! Dai-chan!” there’s that voice, and Line felt her ears pop a little.
Like a deer suddenly feeling the approach of a stranger, Line sat there frozen. Inoo looked away from his book and to the person who just joined them.
Okay, there stood Asuka, bag dangling on her side and a bright smile on her face. “Hi guys!”
Inoo closed his book and sensing the sudden silence, “Oh! Yo…” Asuka nodded and took a seat next to Daiki. Line was sitting opposite Daiki and next to her sat Inoo. So pretty much, Line and Inoo at one side - Daiki and Asuka at the other (familiar setting? haha) “So, looking fine Asu-chan. Not too worried about exams I see…”
Asuka waved a hand over her face and then she laid out her bag on the table and took out her laptop, moving Line’s netbook a little. “Actually, I’m having trouble with some of the problems in that sample exam for Computer Science. I’m getting my codes right, but I just feel like it’s either I’m overthinking the problem, or that I’m over-simplifying it.”
“Our exam’s not till next week though…” Daiki finally spoke, shocking Line as he took her netbook. “I’m sure you’ll have plenty of time to figure things out.” Then Line watched as Daiki fiddled with her netbook.
Asuka then looked at Daiki as if he’s said something funny and Line watched as Asuka hits Daiki playfully. “Oh come on… I’m not like you I guess. You look pretty confident.”
Inoo instinctively stole a glance at Line and awesome enough, he caught her roll her eyes. For a good few seconds, Daiki and Asuka argued a little about how they should worry about their Computer Science - Daiki half-listening since he’s just looking at Line’s netbook and clicking here and there while Asuka’s the exact opposite being very enthusiastic apparently.
So after a good awkward moment, “I don’t really have study buddies, so if it is okay, can I join you guys?” Asuka spoke, looking at Line and Inoo just opposite to her. Inoo was in the middle of seemingly reading while Line was (funny enough) checking out her nails. “I hope you don’t mind… Line-chan?”
‘Since when did I become Line-chan to her?’ Line heard her thoughts clear after a few silence. “Anou… Asu-chan, we’re having our Environmental Design Exam this coming Wednesday, we’re focusing on that…” Daiki was the one to answer.
“It’s okay, we don’t have to talk codes right now. I just need some people to hang out with.” Asuka smiled. Perhaps she didn’t really get the atmosphere - or that she’s not completely welcome. “Line-chan wouldn’t mind having me here…”
And that made Line’s eyebrows shoot to the skies but she quickly tried to look like she didn’t really care. “Ah… um…” she nodded and randomly took something from her bag.
“Yatta!” Asuka exclaimed, then she started typing in her laptop. “I’ll just do some sample programs, you guys just do what you’re supposed to do.” And smiling away. Boy, she looks comfy.
Inoo, Daiki and Line exchanged indifferent looks while Asuka typed away happily. The usually loud Inoo was surprisingly wordless at the moment, Line picked up that book she took out randomly and flipped through some pages, while Daiki kept clicking on Line’s netbook. Yep. It’s the perfect study scenario - oh who am I kidding!?
“Oh… and thanks for letting me hang out with you guys.” To top off the cake, Asuka seemed very grateful while our trio well… you get the point.
‘This is gonna be one progressive review session…’ Daiki heard his own voice inside his head as the silence went on - only Asuka’s typing can be heard. And for a moment, it was pretty annoying actually.
xXxXx
Huge and modern - that’s the Okamoto residence. For a moment, Louise thought she wasn’t in Japan. “It looks like an American Home brought here in Japan as a whole… You know, maybe Keito got a shrink ray and shrunk this house and brought it here…”
Yuto laughed, “You have some imagination Ruu-chan…”
Louise was about to say something when someone opened the man-gate. It was Chinen. “Ohayo! You guys are late.” He greeted and surprised Louise by taking her bag from her quickly even before she could react. Chinen practically ran back inside the house, which was through the front door that’s about ten steps away from the man-gate.
It’s like a flash, and Yuto followed him inside shouting while taking off his shoes, “We’re not late! You’re too early! It’s not even ten!”
Louise followed and soon they were on the living room. It was really very modern style - not a bit like Japanese except for those framed Kanji writings on the wall. There’re couches, three long ones, two huge bean bags, a nice-sized coffee table (nice-sized because it’s about as big as wide as a dining table although with shorter legs) and the floor’s carpeted [I am the worst descriptive writer there is, believe me!]
Chinen was actually slouching on a bean bag which looks like a huge soccer ball and Yuto poked him on the forehead. “You look so at-home, where’s Keito? Is Kenichi-san here?”
Pouting, “Keito said he’s taking a quick shower and Kenichi-san left just a few minutes ago. He promised he’ll order some pizza for us though.” Chinen ended his statement with a wink.
Yuto took a seat on one of those long couches while Louise seemed still a little busy looking around this huge house. Letting Louise have her moment on her own, Yuto took out some stuff from his bag - Math stuff, trust me. “Why are you here so early?”
“Did you forget that I live just a few blocks away?” Chinen asked, as if it’s the silliest question.
“Oh…” Yuto shrugged. “Right.”
Louise walked around a bit while Yuto and Chinen randomly talked about stuff. Soon, she was standing facing the front door and her back turned to the rest of the house. [I cannot really describe this I am truly sorry] See, from the living room, there’s that open concept so you can see the dining area and the kitchen as well. The dining area and the kitchen are separated by some counters which make it look more like those celebrity chief sets. And there’s a hallway to the side probably leading to some rooms, and a staircase just between the living room and the dining area.
Right now, Louise is facing Chinen and she watched as Chinen moved effortlessly as if doing some sit-ups from that bean bag. “Ruu-chan, you can sit…” Yuto soon called, finally had-it with his best friend’s gawking at the house.
“This house is just so big…” Louise uttered and…
“Is it? I bet your house in Canada is way bigger…” Keito startled her a little, suddenly appearing from behind with only his sweatpants on and he’s currently towelling his hair dry. “Ohayo Umi-chan, and welcome to our house.” He smiled.
“Keito! Get some clothes on!” Yuto threw something at him, a crumpled sheet of paper so it seems.
Louise laughed a little - she didn’t really noticed Keito was half-naked. “Oh… sorry…” shying away, Keito winked before he runs off up the stairs. “Yuto-ojisan is pretty strict.” He stopped mid-way and said this while Yuto just raised a fist up in the air as if he’s warning Keito that he’s picking a fight.
“Seriously…” Yuto shook his head in disbelief and noticed Louise was just laughing at him. “What? There’s a girl around here. He’s really just not used to having girls over at his house I guess….” As if answering an unasked question.
Chinen laughed too, “You look more embarrassed that Umi-chan is …” then he looked at Louise, “Well, she doesn’t look like she’s affected at all!”
“It’s not like I haven’t seen a guy without a shirt ever in my life.” Louise replied shaking her head in disbelief. “Raiya’s right… you are an old man Yuu-chan.”
“You have no decency.” Yuto pouted and busied himself and soon Chinen answered.
“Oji-san.” Both Chinen and Louise uttered this at the same time and the two looked at each other for a few seconds then laughed.
“Why do I feel like whoever you’re with… I get to be bullied!?” Yuto exclaimed, pointing at Louise and Chinen. “I hate it when you get to connive with everyone Ruu-chan, it’s so unfair!”
There was some laughing again and soon, another ring on the doorbell. The three heard Keito shout from upstairs asking someone to get to the door and Chinen was about to get on his feet when Yuto beat him to it.
As Yuto quickly puts on some slippers, he left the front door open as he greets those who are at the gate. Chinen and Louise were left at the living room, with Louise just sitting casually - cross-legged, her lower legs folded towards her body.
“Say Umi-chan…” Chinen started, he sat up straight on that bean bag, leaned forward, resting his arms on his thighs and looking straight at Louise.
“Um…?”
“Nothing really…” Chinen then smiled. “You know… I feel bad not being able to know a bit more about you….”
Louise looked up at him, a little bit of confusion on her face, but she smiled and to Chinen’s surprise, she held out a hand, “Hi I’m Umiko Louise, yoroshiku.”
Chinen frowned, but with a smile, and shook her hand, “Chinen Yuuri…. Nice to meet you.”
“I haven’t got the chance to introduce myself just casually like that since I’ve arrived. And since we’re in different classes, it can’t be helped that I rarely see or talk to you.” She lets go of Chinen’s hand while Chinen looks like he wants her to talk more. “Regardless… I hope we can be nice friends. I’ve spent some time with you already, but I still hardly know you and I think the feelings are mutual. So from now on, let’s know more about each other.” She smiled and Chinen just looked at her like she’s said something really weird. Then again…
Smiling and shaking his head in disbelief, Chinen answered, “Honestly, I don’t really know why you said what you said but it all makes sense. You’re pretty straight to the point.”
“And you’re turning out more normal than I thought.”
“Eh?” This one, Chinen had to laugh at, “That’s an unforgettable remark I should say…”
“The first time we’ve met, you were very straight-forward too. I thought I’d just return the favor.”
“So this is revenge?”
“Nope.” She smiled and started rocking herself back and forth, “This is just how I say stuff sometimes.”
Chinen slouched back, “You’re weird.”
“Compliment. That’s always a compliment.”
With that weird exchange of words, somehow, it’s not just simple quick-friendship with these two. Meanwhile, Yuto finally went back in, and Yamada was just behind him. “Oh, ohayo Yama-chan!”
Shocked, “I thought you said you’d be late!” Yamada exclaimed, pointing at Chinen.
“Obviously he lied.” Louise uttered and Chinen just laughed.
“She definitely knows what she’s saying…”
Soon, Keito was finally with them and they all chatted a little before getting really into the studying part.
Well, they were pretty serious when they said they’re gonna review. Chinen had some math stuff out, and he and Yuto were arguing a little about some theories. Louise was just happy enough that they’re not asking her for anything yet since she’s pretty pissed about her poor Kanji and that it’s becoming difficult for her to memorize some names in Japanese History. Yamada on the other hand is solving some physics problems, looking back and forth through notes for some formulas, while Keito… well, he’s busy trying to figure out how he can translate some stuff for Louise.
Busy, busy, one by one, they gave up and took some break - take note, one by one. Chinen was the first to call time out and he walked towards the kitchen and straight to the fridge. When he got back, he’s munching on a slice of cake. Soon, Yamada yawned and laid his back on that one long couch he’s occupying. He said he’ll take a five-minute nap. Yuto on the other hand started poking his back, saying that lying belly flat on the carpet is giving him backaches. Soon, he propped himself up, laid on one of those long couch just like Yamada, and shut his eyes. Louise, who’s sitting on the carpet, her stuff splattered out on that coffee table, stretched a little and because Yuto’s lying down on the couch just behind her, she accidentally hits his face. “Itee!”
“Sorry!” Louise quickly turned and pinched Yuto’s nose - it was his nose that she hit big-time. “I didn’t really do that on purpose…”
“But you’re not 100% too sorry.” Yuto uttered, his eyes welling up with tears again - it’s always like that whenever someone pinches his nose.
“That’s a mean thing to say, I am truly sorry you know!” with that , Louise pinched harder and Yuto just kept complaining.
“You two are hopeless! If you don’t stop bickering I am seriously going to tie one of you on that corner, and the other on that corner!” Keito stepped in, saying that he’ll separate Louise and Yuto to opposite corners of the house. He was pretty authoritative. It looks like he’s pretty pissed with the Kanji translating thing.
Chinen was just laughing, shaking his head. As soon as he was done with his cake, he went back to the kitchen.
Louise and Yuto decided to stop bickering and soon Yuto was up on his feet and on his way to the kitchen as well. Louise was left on the living room with Yamada and Keito, when Keito finally throws up his pencil and dictionary and ran towards the kitchen as soon as he heard Yuto and Chinen fight over some food.
“Umi-chan…” Yamada spoke and Louise barely heard him. “Ne, Umi-chan…”
Louise was writing something down when she heard him call out, and she looked at Yamada. “Nani?”
“Anou… you know Akihiko-san from our class, right?” Yamada propped himself up, resting on his elbows as he looked directly at Louise.
Putting her pen down, Louise turned to look at Yamada. “Um… yeah.” She smiled, “Why, what’s up with her? She’s Mariya-san’s friend isn’t she? Did something come up?”
Yamada shook his head, “No, no… it’s not about that…”
Louise tried to look confused, “Then what’s it about?” He can’t have known, can he? Keito could not have told him, right?
Yamada was about to say something when Yuto, Chinen and Keito were soon arriving. “I’ll tell you later…”
“Tell what? Can’t share it with us?” It was Chinen who spoke; he had a grin on and Yamada was just rolling his eyes. When it’s from Chinen, there’s always that something feeling. Well, Yamada was just glad Chinen didn’t really press on the matter that much since neither Yamada nor Louise reacted on Chinen’s remark.
Yuto sat back on his couch, eating some cookies while Keito slammed down two of those six-pack yogurts, two bags of Chips Ahoy, and a 4-Litre fresh milk along with colourful tumblers. “Wow. Talk about snack.” Yamada spoke, taking some cookies.
“Just grab whatever else you want that you see in the kitchen. I took what I want. Haha!” Keito uttered, taking a yogurt.
Louise on the other hand reached out for a yogurt too. “LOVE!” she smiled and Keito handed her a spoon.
“You like yogurt huh?” Yuto uttered, nibbling on his cookies.
“Not like… it’s LOVE.” Louise took her first scoop and as she swallowed it, she looks like she’s just up in the clouds and Chinen laughed a little.
“She looks like Yama-chan when he eats strawberries!” Chinen added.
“Right, right!” Keito nodded, pointing at Yamada. “You know, when he eats them and then he closes his eyes with that tight smile, hahaha!”
“It’s called LOVE, so as what Umi-chan said…” Yamada uttered and then, “Right… that reminds me. Don’t you have any strawberries in stock right now Keito? Don’t you always have some?”
“Ah! I think I saw some in the fridge!” Yuto followed, pointing at the kitchen; in a flash Yamada was up and on his way. “Give some to Ruu-chan!”
With that, Louise pointed her spoon at Yuto as if it’s some knife, “I am gonna drown you in shimeji… go ahead and try Nakajima Yuto!”
Yamada was back quickly, and of course, a bowl of fresh strawberries in hand and boy, does he look extremely happy. “Yaay! Ichigo!!!” he sat back down and started eating like it’s popcorn.
Keito picked up his pencil, “It’s great when these guys come over; I don’t have to worry a thing about my food reaching its expiration date.”
“Yeah. You just have to worry whether you’ll have enough food for the rest of the day.” Louise uttered, looking away from the strawberry maniac Yamada has been and concentrated on her yogurt.
xXxXx
It’s been a good hour, or so… and no one has really said a thing - only Asuka’s keyboard doing the talking.
Then to this bored group’s surprise, Inoo let out a loud grunt and Line shook him hard. “Oi! Calm down!”
“It’s because I don’t get the complexity of simple things. It just doesn’t make sense!” Inoo, looking a little like an angry bull, almost ripped a certain page and showed Line that certain sentence that’s been driving him crazy. This book is what they’re having an intense test on this coming week -it’s from one of his architecture subjects Line thought of being the same as hers and Daiki’s current Environmental Design although, a few times harder.
“What are you supposed to do anyway?”
“This stupid sentence just doesn’t come out right!” Inoo pointed at that sentence again, making Line read it, and he scratched the back of his head. “It talks about getting emotions out of technicality. It’s like mixing religion and science Line-chan, do you see where I’m getting at?”
Line read the sentence again and watched as Inoo seemingly lost his cool - for the first time. Asuka was just staring at him, scared perhaps, while Daiki, knowing Inoo well, just lets him rant all he wants and continued answering some idealistic questions still with Line’s netbook (haha, he didn’t let go of the thing ne? haha!)
“Technicalities are supposed to be technicalities… and technicalities alone. I mean, when you’re building a structure, the technicalities of each shape, material, size, quantity and all the works have to be the way they are because that’s what they’re supposed to be, not because that’s what the architect feels them to be.”
Line listened more to what Inoo was trying to imply…
“Like, baking a cake for instance: you use measuring tools to get the right amount of each ingredient because that’s how much they should be, not because… oh I’m feeling really happy today, let’s put lots of sugar.”
The more Inoo ranted, the more he puts up a point, but the more he’s getting far away from what he’s supposed to support.
Soon, “I give up. I’ve been trying to think this through since I came across it, I just don’t wanna think about it anymore. What are the odds that this puny sentence will come out anyway…?” He then posed a smile to a now, deeply thinking, Line. “I’m fine Line-chan… sorry for the sudden outburst. That was uncharacteristic of me.”
Asuka just need to open her mouth - like agape, yeah like that - and she’d be the best model for some surprised and shocked expressions. But the shocking wasn’t over yet… “You’re not being uncharacteristic, you’re just being yourself.” Line spoke with a smile and Asuka, this time, let her jaw drop. There’s something about Line’s calmness whens she said what she said and even Daiki stopped what he was doing. For a moment, it seems like one intellect has greatly posed a problem, and here comes another intellect trying to give her solution.
“You think so?” Inoo uttered, surprised at how Line responded as well.
“I was thinking about this sentence you’re having problems with… and your examples are seriously intriguing, but maybe perhaps, you can look at it this way… hmm… tatoeba [for example]… something like… for instance… umm… photography.”
Inoo nodded - now all eyes are on Line; but she didn’t really mind. Inside her head, there’s this idea, and it’s too full not to let it out.
“I mean… talking about grabbing some emotion from technicality, the first thing that came to my mind is photography… well, in my case, I’d rather call it taking pictures. See, when you’re a photographer, you pay attention to every tiny detail possible. You wanna have the perfect SLR, the greatest lens, the right setting, all that manual things, all those gadgets and so, just… everything.” She paused. Apparently, Daiki was still listening to her, but at the same time, he found this folder on Line’s netbook which contains most of the pictures she’s taken. Daiki was browsing through them one by one.
“That’s the technicality part…” Inoo uttered, urging Line to continue; Asuka is seriously struck somehow.
Line nodded, “Yep. That’s the technical part.”
“Then how do you grab emotion-” And as if the answer struck Inoo, Line smiled.
“That’s right. After all that specifications, those complicated technical settings… it takes one click to get that one photo. And that one photo… when you look at it… that’s where the emotion takes place.”
Inoo looked like he’s internalizing everything as Line continued.
“Don’t get me wrong; the emotion would only be there if both the photographer and the one looking at the pictures are open to give out and receive the emotion respectively. Those technicalities surely contributed to make that shot look perfect, but all of those technicalities are nothing if the photo cannot convey even the slightest emotion.” With that, Line laughed a little. “Somehow, I feel like I’ve gotten too carried away.”
“I got it! You’re right!” It’s that eureka moment and Inoo was beaming - his eyes shining like bright headlight, “Technicalities contribute, emotions attribute!”
At the same time, Daiki stopped at a picture of the sky - it feels like for a moment you can grab the clouds and feel that they’re probably like cotton. In that brief moment, Daiki surprised himself as to how a simple shot of the sky made him feel calm and cool on the inside.
‘So that’s what her pictures are like…’ Daiki heard himself talk, ‘...her pictures....’
Getting lost into his own thoughts Daiki soon heard Line spoke, “I guess that’ll work.” Line shrugged and what happened next was just too unexpected, Daiki thought he was just imagining things.
But it was all real. Just having that great fulfilled feeling, Inoo grabbed Line’s shoulders and to everyone’s surprise, he pulled her close and soon his lips touched that skin just a few centimeters away from Line’s lips - it was very close, Daiki first thought Inoo actually kissed Line on the lips. He then pulled away with, “Arigato Line-chan!”
Still shocked a little, Line blinked about three times and as Inoo stopped jumping up and down, she frowned and put up a peace sign. “Doitashimaste!”
“No really, thank you! It’s like having a big boulder lifted from your chest. Thank you!” Inoo’s smile was just a little too contagious and soon he even pulled her into a hug. It can’t be helped. Inoo sure looked like he’s been relieved from some great stress and Line was just glad to be of help. Awkward feeling for a brief three seconds, Line just patted Inoo and just posed a happy aura for him - what? It’s not like Line doesn’t know how relief feels like.
As Inoo and Line hugged and celebrated, Asuka had her mouth open and was just staring blankly at the two jolly people in front of her. Daiki on the other hand pretty much felt a little numb, until Asuka suddenly wrapped her arm around his and, “Dai-chan, I really need your help with this one, remember we did this kind of code problem in class before?” Daiki stared at her for a moment, then at her arms around his, then he decided not to react too much - overreacting doesn’t really help in any way at all.
Meanwhile, Inoo saw this and quickly asked Line if she could help him write down some more sentences to support his newly understood idea.
It’s a crazy moment actually, with Inoo and Asuka out-bickering each other as they try to catch Line and Daiki’s attention - while Daiki and Line pretty much wanna shove some socks on their companions’ mouths.
xXxXx
Chapter Fifteen - Part 2