Somewhere Only We Know [a Ninomiya Kazunari love story] - Chapter 36
Somewhere Only We Know, Chapter 36
Pairing: Ninomiya Kazunari/OC
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I don't own anything of Arashi or Johnny's Entertainment. Sorry if I misuse some Japanese phrases.
Summary:
When you've been alone for so long, sometimes you forget that you're lost. But if one day you brush across another hand grappling in the dark - if you dare to take it and hold on tight - you just might find the way out together. Love, in the end, is what saves us all; if you're brave enough you'll find it, and if you're crazy enough it just might stay.
All previous chapters in the master post!
-----------
Underneath the blinding fluorescent lights of the convenient store, Ninomiya pulled his mask up higher over his weary face. With a small bottle of medicine in one hand, he wandered the aisles and stopped when he came across the frozen desserts. Surely some ice cream would cheer Yuri up after a rough day, so he made his purchase and returned to the subway station.
He began to text, Finished filming. On my wa-
Suddenly the cell phone began to vibrate in his hands; Nagasawa Masami’s name popped up on the bright screen. Just before it went to voicemail, Nino let out a big breath and swiped the green symbol.
“Moshi moshi?”
“Thank goodness, someone finally picked up!” Masami cried. Then rapidly she hissed under her breath, “Hey, are you off work now? Can you do me a huge favor?”
“No.”
“Wait, no to what? I’m being serious, I really need your help!”
“… What is it?” he sighed. It was a habit of his, when asked for assistance, to act nonchalant until he knew he was truly required.
“I’m in the middle of eating alone and just realized that I left my money in my other bag… Can you come and pay for me?”
“Just ask someone beside you, and promise to pay them back.”
“I can’t do that, they might recognize me! Celebrities can’t just give out their number.”
“Then just do some dishes for the chef.”
“Kazu~!” she whined miserably.
His name, coming from her lips, had always made his heart twinge. At that moment, the usual musical jingle came through the overhead speakers to announce the approaching rail.
“Masami…”
“Onegai!”
The rumble of chugging metal drowned out her voice as the convoy arrived with a halt. Promptly, the automatic doors opened and commuters rushed in and out minding their own business, maneuvering around the man standing still in the middle of the walkway. Nino’s feet felt planted to the floor and he consciously watched with a long groan as the doors slid closed and the carriages full of passengers sped on their way without him, without a care.
If he had gotten on that subway and headed to Yuri as he had planned and well-intended, perhaps things would have turned out differently. But, perhaps his earlier choices leading up to that moment had already steered him off course. The austere, echoing platform fell quiet and empty once more.
Letting out another large sigh he grumbled, “Tell me where you are.”
Although Nino had barged into the restaurant fully prepared to just throw the money on the table and leave, his irritation immediately dissipated when he spotted the woman’s slumped back in the corner with a half-eaten salad in front of her. He slid into the booth and lightly pat her on the head. For once Masami was at a loss for words, her round eyes conveying her great relief as he wordlessly placed his credit card in the bill folder.
“What are you doing, Masami? You hate eating alone.”
She twiddled her thumbs in embarrassment. “Actually, I was supposed to meet up with someone but I - I got stood up. He never showed, never called…”
A sudden lurch of jealousy came from nowhere. “Like, a date?” he asked evenly.
“I wasn’t even interested, to be honest,” she quickly explained, “But I was just so bored of sitting at home doing nothing so… Uwa this is so lame, I’m the one looking like the fool.”
Why was she not living well without him, moping around, not seizing her potential? When they had broken up, hadn’t she sworn that she would be better off without him…? Why did she make him worry like this? Why was no one taking care of her?
The man let out yet another frustrated sigh, abruptly grabbed the menu, and made himself comfortable.
“So, what’s good here?” he gruffly muttered, keeping his face behind the laminated list.
A lovely grin came across Masami’s face. “You’re eating with me?”
“Let’s share the chahan.”
Even after all those years it was so easy to fall back into their old rhythm and comfortable silence. With first love, after all, the dance is purely muscle memory.
Once finished, Ninomiya and Nagasawa slowly wandered back onto the dark city streets, not quite in a hurry to get anywhere. The last of the winter snow had finally melted into slushy puddles. An air of uncertain excitement lingered between them, but they didn’t even know what questions to begin with.
“Ahno… What’s in that bag?”
Only just then did Nino remember the plastic bag hanging off his wrist. With wide eyes he hastily opened it and sure enough - the ice cream had halfway melted.
Masami herself knew the significance of the two ice cream bars, having been on the receiving end many times. Was the other girl’s favorite flavor really matcha? She never would have thought that she would ever miss that silly gesture, but now that it was meant for someone else… Carefully, regrettably, she studied his shadowed face and felt like she was going crazy; they used to have something so wonderful together.
“Ne, Kazu, let’s just finish those before they completely melt.”
Nino’s brow briefly furrowed as he considered giving away Yuri’s treat, but he supposed it was only practical. Besides, he could always get more. They tore open the plastic wrappers, the melting dessert trickling down their hands, and continued onward.
“Who eats ice cream when it’s 5 degrees outside?” Nino shivered with a chuckle. “Samui…”
“Ah - you got a little - on your cheek there--”
“Where?”
“Let me.”
Trembling as if from the cold, Masami wiped the cream from his face with a thumb. Nino’s deep eyes were unfathomable, but still. Already so close, she leaned even closer...
-----------
When Anzai Haruka opened the door to the absent-minded man in the cough mask, it took a great deal of self-control to not lash out - about how Yuri had been too hurt to even get out of the bathtub by herself, how she had waited two hours past the promised hour before admitting she was hungry - but the manager restrained the urge to rant.
“Ninomiya-san, I was starting to think you weren’t going to show.” she muttered as pleasantly as she could pretend.
“Filming went a little over schedule.” Nino replied - not quite as an apology but as a fact - as he stepped inside. His distant expression and hollow tone was evidence of fatigue from Arashi’s strenuous schedule. “How’s she feeling?”
“She’s actually asleep--”
“-No I’m not!” a hopeful, groggy voice called from the living room.
Nino found Yuri curled underneath a furry blanket on the couch, looking like she had forced herself awake just to catch a moment with him.
Kneeling down at her side he murmured awkwardly (feeling partially responsible for her injury), “Sorry I’m late… Have you been doing alright?”
“Nn, I’ve just been staying inside. Anzai-san has been helping me out a lot.”
The woman, who disapprovingly presided in the corner, understood that it was her time to leave.
“I suppose I should head home now. Do you need anything else before I go, Shimada-san?”
“No you’ve already done so much, thank you for everything. I know it’s late for you…”
“Not part of my job description, but still glad to help.” she joked as she threw a wary glance at Nino. “Well, just call me if anything pops up. Oyasumi nasai.”
With a sigh the manager closed the door behind her and returned home full of qualms, hoping that somehow things would work out for their sake, that her suspicions would be proven wrong.
Because Nino had already seen all of her, Yuri felt no fear as he wordlessly lifted the covers and then her sweater to see the ugly, eggplant-purple bruise on her hip the size of a hand.
“Yabai…” he grimaced.
“It’s not as bad as it looks.”
“I brought some medicine.” From his bag he pulled out a balm with an old-fashioned tiger label which was almost a guarantee that it would sting. “Do you want me to…?”
“Go ahead. What is this stuff?”
“I called my mom and asked her what she used to use on me when I was little.”
The substance smelled like a musty herb cabinet but as Nino kneaded the brown viscous paste into her aching muscles with firm hands, there was a natural release. Still and content, Yuri artlessly gazed up at him with adoration.
“Ne, are your parents coming to the movie premiere?”
“Hmm?” Nino chuckled. “No, they’ve never been to any of my events except a few concerts.”
“What, why not?”
“I never asked them, I guess.”
“You didn’t want them there for support?”
“It’s the same, really, whether they’re supporting me from 30 metres away or 30 kilometres away, since I can’t interact with them in the public eye anyway. They would just feel out of place.” He knew this answer didn’t sit well with the sentimental Yuri, but he wasn’t going to edit his opinions.
Yuri waited for him to reciprocate and ask about her parents, for she’d held her response ready all day: her mother refused to attend the momentous event, for Yuri had betrayed her by inviting her father as well… But Nino never inquired, was never curious about matters before or beyond the present. He just stared off at the bare wall as he massaged her side distractedly.
“Hey, guess what?” Yuri piped in hopes of lifting his spirits, “You know how I sing cover songs every Friday on the radio show?”
“You do?” he feigned ignorance.
“Yes, well - it’s been quite popular lately and fans even send requests in. Turns out a lot of people want me to try one of your old solos. I thought it might be good publicity so close to the movie’s release.”
“Eh, majide? Which one?”
“’Niji’.”
For a split second a dark shadow passed over his youthful face but before she could try to comprehend it, it had already vanished. Although Nino expertly smoothed out his expression like another acting exercise, he’d forgotten to erase the cold from his narrowed eyes.
“Don’t.” he anxiously snapped as if trying to close the lid back on a secret.
“… Why not?”
“It doesn’t matter why. Just please… pick another song.”
Something in Yuri’s chest stirred in alarm; she had never seen him so quick to anger before - and for what reason?
“Is something the matter? You’ve been acting strange.”
“Nandemo nai.”
“Come on, tell me.”
“… I just… feel really guilty sometimes.”
“Don’t feel guilty! About earlier - I was just humiliated at making a fool of myself and making the shoot difficult for everyone. I wasn’t mad at you, hountou ni.”
He didn’t say anything, but wrapped one of her silky locks of hair around and around his finger in contemplation.
“You can say it, Ninomiya-kun, I won’t be offended.”
That reminded him. He suddenly snapped, “Why don’t you ever call me by my name? Am I still someone that you have to respect? Are we still that distant?”
“It’s just habit, I guess.” Yuri blinked. “If you want me to call you Kazunari-kun then I will.”
All Nino could achingly think - as Yuri pulled him in for a kiss - was how she was a beautiful fool too soft for her own good. Even while his lips burned he didn’t know where they belonged anymore. Sure enough, when his hands hungrily pressed into her flesh, she winced.
“Itei…!”
Nino immediately withdrew in dismay. “Gomen, gomen! Daijoubu?” He reached out to offer comfort but found himself too scared to even touch her. The guilt returned stronger than before. “… Maybe I should go, let you rest.”
“Nn.” Yuri admitted reluctantly. In the heavy silence as their breathing slowed to normal and they straightened out their clothes, there was nothing that could be properly uttered but ‘sorry,’ over and over again, although she had no idea for what she needed to apologize. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“At the press conference? Do you think you’ll feel up for it?”
“I’ll be fine. I just need to prepare my responses some more.”
“Prepare? But you don’t even know what they’ll ask.”
“It couldn’t hurt. We can’t all be as quick-witted as you, Kazunari-kun.”
For some bewildering reason, his name sounded utterly strange to both of them, as if it didn’t genuinely roll off her tongue.
“There’s no point--” He stiffly stopped himself before it became a worthless argument. “Well, goodnight. Get some sleep.”
-----------
An early spring was promisingly peering around the corner even though February had only just gotten its footing. That following morning it was just warm enough for Yuri to be able to go outside again without catching frostbite. While she couldn’t go for a run just yet, she needed to get some fresh air and shake off the haze of uneasiness. She bundled up, pushed past the lingering dull pain in her side, and hobbled out the side gate when a voice called out to her.
“Excuse me! Do you live here?”
Yuri stopped mid-stride. A taller, beautiful woman around her age, standing at the entrance carrying two mugs of coffee, had been the one who’d spoken.
“I know it’s breaking the rules, but do you think you can let me in? I seem to have forgotten the code. It’s been so long since I’ve…”
Based off of appearances Yuri figured she was harmless, so Yuri nodded and punched in the pin number; the lock clicked open, and she held the door open since the other’s hands were full. The woman thanked her and Yuri continued on her way with a quick bow…
-----
… An insistent knocking finally dragged a grumbling Nino out of bed to answer the door. When he came face to face with Masami, he had to rub his eyes to make sure he was actually awake.
“What are you doing here?” he hissed. “Someone could see you!”
“Does that nosy OL-san still live down the hall?” Masami grinned, forcing an oblivious smile.
Nino inwardly groaned and quickly pulled her inside in a panic. They had known each other far too long to use softened words. Plus, he hated rude awakenings. “You can’t just show up here out of the blue, Masami.”
“Why not? You never used to mind.”
The man’s head throbbed stressfully, imagining the immediate mess that could result at any moment if Yuri just wanted to stop by to say good morning…
With head buried in his hands, he tried one last time with a slow, croaky throat, to try to do the right thing. “Look, about last night…”
“-- Look, I have the money I owe you… and breakfast!”
As if nothing had changed since she’d last stepped foot in his apartment, Masami unwaveringly slipped around him and settled down comfortably and set out the coffee and cream pan she’d brought. He didn’t stop her. Still half asleep and dazed, Nino slouched down at the table, staring at the offering.
“You’re not hungry?”
Nino shook his head dumbly.
Taking an overenthusiastic bite, Masami pulled her knees to her chest; she felt small. But although the man’s long look was not warm, he was still keeping the window open. She knew she had to get to the point.
“Kazu… I know you’re dating someone right now. I can tell.”
His stomach knotted.
“… I’m not asking you to break up with her.”
“Eh?”
“I know I messed up, we both did, which I’ll never really fully get over, you know? The fact that we ruined something so good without even realizing… You… There’s never been anyone who’s been able to set me right quite like you, Kazu, no one who’s ever understood every part and still stayed. I always hoped that I was that way for you, too.”
These were the answers to the burning questions Nino never thought would have been answered. All this time, Masami had thought the exact same thing.
“Let’s just be there for each other, like old times. No strings or titles.”
The cool stillness of the early hour tempered and filtered this sentimental flavor of sweet bread and bitter coffee.
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I've been away traveling for awhile! Seems like a few of my sources have quit LJ since then... Does anyone know where to get the latest Shiyagare and Aiba Manabu videos? Thanks!
Pairing: Ninomiya Kazunari/OC
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I don't own anything of Arashi or Johnny's Entertainment. Sorry if I misuse some Japanese phrases.
Summary:
When you've been alone for so long, sometimes you forget that you're lost. But if one day you brush across another hand grappling in the dark - if you dare to take it and hold on tight - you just might find the way out together. Love, in the end, is what saves us all; if you're brave enough you'll find it, and if you're crazy enough it just might stay.
All previous chapters in the master post!
-----------
Underneath the blinding fluorescent lights of the convenient store, Ninomiya pulled his mask up higher over his weary face. With a small bottle of medicine in one hand, he wandered the aisles and stopped when he came across the frozen desserts. Surely some ice cream would cheer Yuri up after a rough day, so he made his purchase and returned to the subway station.
He began to text, Finished filming. On my wa-
Suddenly the cell phone began to vibrate in his hands; Nagasawa Masami’s name popped up on the bright screen. Just before it went to voicemail, Nino let out a big breath and swiped the green symbol.
“Moshi moshi?”
“Thank goodness, someone finally picked up!” Masami cried. Then rapidly she hissed under her breath, “Hey, are you off work now? Can you do me a huge favor?”
“No.”
“Wait, no to what? I’m being serious, I really need your help!”
“… What is it?” he sighed. It was a habit of his, when asked for assistance, to act nonchalant until he knew he was truly required.
“I’m in the middle of eating alone and just realized that I left my money in my other bag… Can you come and pay for me?”
“Just ask someone beside you, and promise to pay them back.”
“I can’t do that, they might recognize me! Celebrities can’t just give out their number.”
“Then just do some dishes for the chef.”
“Kazu~!” she whined miserably.
His name, coming from her lips, had always made his heart twinge. At that moment, the usual musical jingle came through the overhead speakers to announce the approaching rail.
“Masami…”
“Onegai!”
The rumble of chugging metal drowned out her voice as the convoy arrived with a halt. Promptly, the automatic doors opened and commuters rushed in and out minding their own business, maneuvering around the man standing still in the middle of the walkway. Nino’s feet felt planted to the floor and he consciously watched with a long groan as the doors slid closed and the carriages full of passengers sped on their way without him, without a care.
If he had gotten on that subway and headed to Yuri as he had planned and well-intended, perhaps things would have turned out differently. But, perhaps his earlier choices leading up to that moment had already steered him off course. The austere, echoing platform fell quiet and empty once more.
Letting out another large sigh he grumbled, “Tell me where you are.”
Although Nino had barged into the restaurant fully prepared to just throw the money on the table and leave, his irritation immediately dissipated when he spotted the woman’s slumped back in the corner with a half-eaten salad in front of her. He slid into the booth and lightly pat her on the head. For once Masami was at a loss for words, her round eyes conveying her great relief as he wordlessly placed his credit card in the bill folder.
“What are you doing, Masami? You hate eating alone.”
She twiddled her thumbs in embarrassment. “Actually, I was supposed to meet up with someone but I - I got stood up. He never showed, never called…”
A sudden lurch of jealousy came from nowhere. “Like, a date?” he asked evenly.
“I wasn’t even interested, to be honest,” she quickly explained, “But I was just so bored of sitting at home doing nothing so… Uwa this is so lame, I’m the one looking like the fool.”
Why was she not living well without him, moping around, not seizing her potential? When they had broken up, hadn’t she sworn that she would be better off without him…? Why did she make him worry like this? Why was no one taking care of her?
The man let out yet another frustrated sigh, abruptly grabbed the menu, and made himself comfortable.
“So, what’s good here?” he gruffly muttered, keeping his face behind the laminated list.
A lovely grin came across Masami’s face. “You’re eating with me?”
“Let’s share the chahan.”
Even after all those years it was so easy to fall back into their old rhythm and comfortable silence. With first love, after all, the dance is purely muscle memory.
Once finished, Ninomiya and Nagasawa slowly wandered back onto the dark city streets, not quite in a hurry to get anywhere. The last of the winter snow had finally melted into slushy puddles. An air of uncertain excitement lingered between them, but they didn’t even know what questions to begin with.
“Ahno… What’s in that bag?”
Only just then did Nino remember the plastic bag hanging off his wrist. With wide eyes he hastily opened it and sure enough - the ice cream had halfway melted.
Masami herself knew the significance of the two ice cream bars, having been on the receiving end many times. Was the other girl’s favorite flavor really matcha? She never would have thought that she would ever miss that silly gesture, but now that it was meant for someone else… Carefully, regrettably, she studied his shadowed face and felt like she was going crazy; they used to have something so wonderful together.
“Ne, Kazu, let’s just finish those before they completely melt.”
Nino’s brow briefly furrowed as he considered giving away Yuri’s treat, but he supposed it was only practical. Besides, he could always get more. They tore open the plastic wrappers, the melting dessert trickling down their hands, and continued onward.
“Who eats ice cream when it’s 5 degrees outside?” Nino shivered with a chuckle. “Samui…”
“Ah - you got a little - on your cheek there--”
“Where?”
“Let me.”
Trembling as if from the cold, Masami wiped the cream from his face with a thumb. Nino’s deep eyes were unfathomable, but still. Already so close, she leaned even closer...
-----------
When Anzai Haruka opened the door to the absent-minded man in the cough mask, it took a great deal of self-control to not lash out - about how Yuri had been too hurt to even get out of the bathtub by herself, how she had waited two hours past the promised hour before admitting she was hungry - but the manager restrained the urge to rant.
“Ninomiya-san, I was starting to think you weren’t going to show.” she muttered as pleasantly as she could pretend.
“Filming went a little over schedule.” Nino replied - not quite as an apology but as a fact - as he stepped inside. His distant expression and hollow tone was evidence of fatigue from Arashi’s strenuous schedule. “How’s she feeling?”
“She’s actually asleep--”
“-No I’m not!” a hopeful, groggy voice called from the living room.
Nino found Yuri curled underneath a furry blanket on the couch, looking like she had forced herself awake just to catch a moment with him.
Kneeling down at her side he murmured awkwardly (feeling partially responsible for her injury), “Sorry I’m late… Have you been doing alright?”
“Nn, I’ve just been staying inside. Anzai-san has been helping me out a lot.”
The woman, who disapprovingly presided in the corner, understood that it was her time to leave.
“I suppose I should head home now. Do you need anything else before I go, Shimada-san?”
“No you’ve already done so much, thank you for everything. I know it’s late for you…”
“Not part of my job description, but still glad to help.” she joked as she threw a wary glance at Nino. “Well, just call me if anything pops up. Oyasumi nasai.”
With a sigh the manager closed the door behind her and returned home full of qualms, hoping that somehow things would work out for their sake, that her suspicions would be proven wrong.
Because Nino had already seen all of her, Yuri felt no fear as he wordlessly lifted the covers and then her sweater to see the ugly, eggplant-purple bruise on her hip the size of a hand.
“Yabai…” he grimaced.
“It’s not as bad as it looks.”
“I brought some medicine.” From his bag he pulled out a balm with an old-fashioned tiger label which was almost a guarantee that it would sting. “Do you want me to…?”
“Go ahead. What is this stuff?”
“I called my mom and asked her what she used to use on me when I was little.”
The substance smelled like a musty herb cabinet but as Nino kneaded the brown viscous paste into her aching muscles with firm hands, there was a natural release. Still and content, Yuri artlessly gazed up at him with adoration.
“Ne, are your parents coming to the movie premiere?”
“Hmm?” Nino chuckled. “No, they’ve never been to any of my events except a few concerts.”
“What, why not?”
“I never asked them, I guess.”
“You didn’t want them there for support?”
“It’s the same, really, whether they’re supporting me from 30 metres away or 30 kilometres away, since I can’t interact with them in the public eye anyway. They would just feel out of place.” He knew this answer didn’t sit well with the sentimental Yuri, but he wasn’t going to edit his opinions.
Yuri waited for him to reciprocate and ask about her parents, for she’d held her response ready all day: her mother refused to attend the momentous event, for Yuri had betrayed her by inviting her father as well… But Nino never inquired, was never curious about matters before or beyond the present. He just stared off at the bare wall as he massaged her side distractedly.
“Hey, guess what?” Yuri piped in hopes of lifting his spirits, “You know how I sing cover songs every Friday on the radio show?”
“You do?” he feigned ignorance.
“Yes, well - it’s been quite popular lately and fans even send requests in. Turns out a lot of people want me to try one of your old solos. I thought it might be good publicity so close to the movie’s release.”
“Eh, majide? Which one?”
“’Niji’.”
For a split second a dark shadow passed over his youthful face but before she could try to comprehend it, it had already vanished. Although Nino expertly smoothed out his expression like another acting exercise, he’d forgotten to erase the cold from his narrowed eyes.
“Don’t.” he anxiously snapped as if trying to close the lid back on a secret.
“… Why not?”
“It doesn’t matter why. Just please… pick another song.”
Something in Yuri’s chest stirred in alarm; she had never seen him so quick to anger before - and for what reason?
“Is something the matter? You’ve been acting strange.”
“Nandemo nai.”
“Come on, tell me.”
“… I just… feel really guilty sometimes.”
“Don’t feel guilty! About earlier - I was just humiliated at making a fool of myself and making the shoot difficult for everyone. I wasn’t mad at you, hountou ni.”
He didn’t say anything, but wrapped one of her silky locks of hair around and around his finger in contemplation.
“You can say it, Ninomiya-kun, I won’t be offended.”
That reminded him. He suddenly snapped, “Why don’t you ever call me by my name? Am I still someone that you have to respect? Are we still that distant?”
“It’s just habit, I guess.” Yuri blinked. “If you want me to call you Kazunari-kun then I will.”
All Nino could achingly think - as Yuri pulled him in for a kiss - was how she was a beautiful fool too soft for her own good. Even while his lips burned he didn’t know where they belonged anymore. Sure enough, when his hands hungrily pressed into her flesh, she winced.
“Itei…!”
Nino immediately withdrew in dismay. “Gomen, gomen! Daijoubu?” He reached out to offer comfort but found himself too scared to even touch her. The guilt returned stronger than before. “… Maybe I should go, let you rest.”
“Nn.” Yuri admitted reluctantly. In the heavy silence as their breathing slowed to normal and they straightened out their clothes, there was nothing that could be properly uttered but ‘sorry,’ over and over again, although she had no idea for what she needed to apologize. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“At the press conference? Do you think you’ll feel up for it?”
“I’ll be fine. I just need to prepare my responses some more.”
“Prepare? But you don’t even know what they’ll ask.”
“It couldn’t hurt. We can’t all be as quick-witted as you, Kazunari-kun.”
For some bewildering reason, his name sounded utterly strange to both of them, as if it didn’t genuinely roll off her tongue.
“There’s no point--” He stiffly stopped himself before it became a worthless argument. “Well, goodnight. Get some sleep.”
-----------
An early spring was promisingly peering around the corner even though February had only just gotten its footing. That following morning it was just warm enough for Yuri to be able to go outside again without catching frostbite. While she couldn’t go for a run just yet, she needed to get some fresh air and shake off the haze of uneasiness. She bundled up, pushed past the lingering dull pain in her side, and hobbled out the side gate when a voice called out to her.
“Excuse me! Do you live here?”
Yuri stopped mid-stride. A taller, beautiful woman around her age, standing at the entrance carrying two mugs of coffee, had been the one who’d spoken.
“I know it’s breaking the rules, but do you think you can let me in? I seem to have forgotten the code. It’s been so long since I’ve…”
Based off of appearances Yuri figured she was harmless, so Yuri nodded and punched in the pin number; the lock clicked open, and she held the door open since the other’s hands were full. The woman thanked her and Yuri continued on her way with a quick bow…
-----
… An insistent knocking finally dragged a grumbling Nino out of bed to answer the door. When he came face to face with Masami, he had to rub his eyes to make sure he was actually awake.
“What are you doing here?” he hissed. “Someone could see you!”
“Does that nosy OL-san still live down the hall?” Masami grinned, forcing an oblivious smile.
Nino inwardly groaned and quickly pulled her inside in a panic. They had known each other far too long to use softened words. Plus, he hated rude awakenings. “You can’t just show up here out of the blue, Masami.”
“Why not? You never used to mind.”
The man’s head throbbed stressfully, imagining the immediate mess that could result at any moment if Yuri just wanted to stop by to say good morning…
With head buried in his hands, he tried one last time with a slow, croaky throat, to try to do the right thing. “Look, about last night…”
“-- Look, I have the money I owe you… and breakfast!”
As if nothing had changed since she’d last stepped foot in his apartment, Masami unwaveringly slipped around him and settled down comfortably and set out the coffee and cream pan she’d brought. He didn’t stop her. Still half asleep and dazed, Nino slouched down at the table, staring at the offering.
“You’re not hungry?”
Nino shook his head dumbly.
Taking an overenthusiastic bite, Masami pulled her knees to her chest; she felt small. But although the man’s long look was not warm, he was still keeping the window open. She knew she had to get to the point.
“Kazu… I know you’re dating someone right now. I can tell.”
His stomach knotted.
“… I’m not asking you to break up with her.”
“Eh?”
“I know I messed up, we both did, which I’ll never really fully get over, you know? The fact that we ruined something so good without even realizing… You… There’s never been anyone who’s been able to set me right quite like you, Kazu, no one who’s ever understood every part and still stayed. I always hoped that I was that way for you, too.”
These were the answers to the burning questions Nino never thought would have been answered. All this time, Masami had thought the exact same thing.
“Let’s just be there for each other, like old times. No strings or titles.”
The cool stillness of the early hour tempered and filtered this sentimental flavor of sweet bread and bitter coffee.
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I've been away traveling for awhile! Seems like a few of my sources have quit LJ since then... Does anyone know where to get the latest Shiyagare and Aiba Manabu videos? Thanks!