CLASSMATES Chapter 17
a/n: miss you guys ^^
CHAPTER 17
+OMEDETOU+
"What's with those reactions? I just come to tell him that it will be cancelled due to locations. One venue for filming many scenes needed some renovations, it will take weeks to do it, so the TBS committee decided to push through with Ridaa first. Therefore, after Nino's shooting, it will be Ohno's turn to act with the new girl." Manger-san finished his dialogue. All the members sighed in relief. Although Jun had promised to spare Angel the cold shoulder, they still were troubled with the idea.
"Yappari~ I thought there's something weird with you guys, ja~" Manager -san shook his head before leaving.
"Yokatta ne~ Ridaa, you get to act with her this time" Aiba said thrilled.
"Ah, sou ka~" Ohno just said, he didn't know how to react on this.
"Ja, itekimasu!" Nino headed towards the door but Sho stopped him.
"Mate Nino, today will be your last filming right?" sho asked.
"Hai, nandesu ka?" Nino asked.
"Why don’t you-ah,hahah- nandemonai.. ganbare!" Sho said, he wanted to tell Nino to ask Angel out, but he averted. The words of Jun before they parted a while ago kept playing on his mind: As much as I want him [Nino] to be happy, I don't want him to end up being with the wrong girl… and she[angel] was not good enough for him; no matter how pretty and talented she may be, the fact that she had kids at 16 negated it all. What if Nino just felt pity towards her? Angel will be hurt badly-as if the pain she experienced wasn't enough already. The least I can do for her is to prevent that to happen. Even if it meant bullying her, I will do it. Just to stop them from falling towards each other..and also for the group's sake..Am I too selfish Sho-chan?
"Eh? what was that? Its like what manager-san said, you're weird." Nino said grinning. "ja~ganbarimasu," he said quite enthusiastically and left the room.
Nino really looked forward to this day, but didn't know exactly what to feel. He was happy that the shooting was almost done, yet at the same time sad because it might be the last day that he'll be together with Angel and he'll also miss the twins.. even if its only for a short time, he grew fond of them,,. Eh.. nande.. its not as if I can't see her right? I mean there are other means to see her, since I was the only one who happened to know where she lives, well except for Johnny…Nino thought, but before his mind could wander further, the driver mumbled.
"Nino-san, we're here at the location," driver-san told him.
"Ah, gomen~ im thinking something that I didn't notice,, how long since we arrived?"
"Er, about 20 minutes.." the driver was half amused at his reaction.
"Eh? that long? Ah.. gomen ne driver-san" Nino opened the door of the van and gave the driver a salute before he came out. The driver was left wordless.
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"Otsukaeri" ^_^
Angel and Nino bowed and thanked all the staff. It was past midnight. After the last scene, everyone seemed exhausted but relieved that the filming was done. They gave both Nino and Angel a round of applause for their hard work and each a bouquet of flowers. It was a sign of gratitude.
After all had been said and done, the production staff started to set off the equipments used in the filming. One of the wardrobe staff approached Nino and Angel and handed them two coats; the last scene had required the two to wear only night dresses.
Angel examined the coat and found out that it was awkward on her; the coat was lined with so many buttons that the wearer might chose to wear it unbuttoned than to have it otherwise, but since she's only wearing a night dress and its really getting cold, Angel had no choice but to do it.
"Oh, let me help you on that," Nino offered. He can't bear seeing Angel having difficulty in doing something.
"Um, okay, thanks!" Angel smiled and held her hair up so that Nino could do her coat's button. When Nino's hands accidentally brushed her chest, she was slightly revolted. Luckily, he wasn't paying attention because his eyes were focused on what he was doing so she just let it pass. Afterall its wrong to think that way, especially when he was helping her.
Nino was about done with only few buttons left when the sound of a flashing camera stopped him- and her. It was one of their ads staff.
"Oh sorry about that," the staff apologized.
"Er, what was that for?" Nino asked, a little annoyed.
"Its for the promotional video and cover," staff-san explained.
"But you could've asked us you know, no need for candid moments," Nino said, aside from being annoyed, he was pissed because the staff had spoiled the moment. On his side, Angel froze. If their photos will be posted on TV and print ads, there's a chance that someone might recognized her.. eh.. why didn't I thought about it before? This could be expected because we're doing a drama..Yabai..
"That's because producer-san told me to capture natural scenes and the one which I took just now felt very natural. Besides, you two really look awesome together," staff-san said while arranging the camera on its stand. "Now, for the formal-" but he was interrupted by Angel.
"Anou~ sumimasen, When you said promotion, you didn't mean on TVs and print ads right?" Angel wanted to confirm her thoughts.
The staff chuckled, "Eh what kind of question was that? THAT'S exactly the reason why we're doing this, there's also the press conference together with the members of ARASHI when-" staff-san couldn't finish; they heard Angel shrieked.
"Whats wrong? Are you hurt somewhere? Nino asked worriedly.
"Its bec- because- I-. the kids-" she wanted to tell Nino, she wanted to trust him, but Angel just couldn't tell. Couldn't tell him that she's afraid Sho might see her or she's worried the news about her perfecting the licensure exam had reach even Japan press.. She kept her face hidden with her palm and cried driedly-she can't show her weakness now. Why didn't I think about this before? She asked herself again.
"Don't tell me you're afraid to face the camera?" Staff-san asked her. "Mah~ don't mind.. the press conference won't be held until all the members got to act with you, which I think will take about a month or two. By that time I guess you would be able to conquer that fear of yours."
"Hontou?" Angel slowly took off her palms against her face.
"Hontou-desu, demo~ I wonder why you are so afraid to let people see you, I mean, it would be a pity if the world might not able to glimpse one of the prettiest face I've ever seen," staff-san muttered. But It wasn't a good idea because Angel started sulking again.
"An-gel-san-" Nino called her in an affectionate manner. She glanced at Nino but was stunned; "Itte-"Nino's waiting finger poked her. It hurt a little, but thanks to that she was able to snap out the gloomy feeling.
"That's because you're so serious," Nino giggled and pinched her nose; she too giggled and thanked Nino silently. This guy sure knows when to put a prank.. a sound of camera flashed.
"Yatta! Nice Nino-san, that was also a good shot," staff-san said delighted.
"Eh? choto matte staff-san! That was too much," Nino raised an eyebrow-he didn't know whether he should be annoyed or pleased by their staff's expression. No wonder Angel was a bit shaken. Their staff seemed quite spirited.
Staff-san chuckled before he answered, "But it was REALLY nice. I think these photos were enough to encourage viewers. Ja~ why don't you two go and celebrate your first work together?" Staff-san patted Nino's backed and winked at Angel before leaving, but the staff accidentally tripped on what seemed like a boulder.
"Angel-san-"
"Nino-san" Angel started but it was also the same time when Nino spoke. They stared at each other and end up laughing.
"Oh, go ahead, speak first," Angel suggested while trying to control her laughter.
"Ladies first," Nino insisted, he was out of breath for laughing hard.
"Um, okay,, actually I was going to invite you for a little celebration in the apartment,-"
"Eh? celebration? In your apartment? Seriously?" Nino felt excited all of a sudden.
"Um, I understand if you don't want to,, after all it was weird for a girl to invite a guy onto her house, although-" before she could finish her statement, Nino interrupted.
"Eh? Of course I want to!-um, I meant, I don't mind going since you asked,." Nino tried to hide his emotion. It was a very blissful moment.
"Although it was my kids' silly idea, I really intended to invite you over." Angel explained happily. She didn't like the feeling. Her intuition regarding male gender had always got to do with Sho; that’s why for the past five years it was always negative, but being around Nino made her see the other side of male species brightly. Well, put aside his bratty attitude.
"Er, its really okay you know,.at least it saved me the expenses," Nino stated wonderfully. He honestly thought how much it would cost if they go out to some places.
"Eh? That was sly Nino-san..," Angel grimaced and nudged him. She wondered if that was among Nino's prank. He just stared at her and grinned. Oh well, talking about a bratty one.
"Oh, I think I could atleast pay for our drinks.." Nino offered.
"Um okay~ " Angel just agreed.
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"Okaeri!" The twins greeted them vigorously. It was obvious that the kids had been trying to stay awake despite this late hour.
"Eh? seriously, Shuji, Shuri, its past midnight, how come you're still up?" Angel scolded. Their dreamy-eyes told her that the twins had been trying hard not to sleep- she felt remorse towards that.
"That's because we wanted to congratulate you Mama.. uwaa~ nii-chan!" The twins were perked up due to sudden excitement. "Eh Mama, you're mean..why are you making Nino-niichan wait outside? [turn to her twin and said] Shuji-anchan, hayaku, please let onii-chan in," Shuji nodded and Nino felt little hands tugging him inside the house.
"Omedetou Nino-niichan!" Shuri yanked Nino towards her and kissed him. Nino thought the gesture was charming.
"Uwaa~ arigatou Shuri-chan," Nino carried the girl in his arms.
"Hey! Don't do that. You'll steal away my children's' affection!" Angel said amiably. She's both jealous and glad at Nino's fondness towards her kids.
Nino laughed. "Gomen, gomen. Not that I planned it eh? I just can't help it.. your daughter is as charming as you," Nino smiled widely.
"Oh so you've switch to complementing me huh? Kya~ nice strategy there Nino-san," Angel smiled back. This guy never failed to make her laugh. "Ugh, so much for that, Nino-san do you mind waiting here while I prepare the food? I'm really starved you know. If you don't want me to think of you as food, let's get things done." Angel joked.
"Oh I don't mind.. though I'm not sure if I could satisfy your appetite. As you can see, I don't have that much flesh." Nino giggled.
"Daijobu, I think you'll do," Angel carried over her joke.
"EH! Kowai!!! Mama had turned into a monster," Shuji faked a scared expression.
"Anou~ Nino-niichan, lets run from here, or else she'll eat us.." Shuji warned Nino.
"Honestly my son, you're not serious are you?" Angel smiled and pinched Shuji's cheek. Nino shifted Shuri to his right arm making the child cling onto his neck; he then patted Shuji's head.
"There you go little guy, we better not pissed your mom too much, lest she'll eat you too." Nino rolled his eyes.
"Eh? son'na.." Shuji pretended to look down.
"Hey, will you stop that. Honestly, Im really hungry.. do you guys wanna eat or not?" she raised an eyebrow.
"Now you're threatening us with food..that's mean!" the three grinned.
"Hmph! Talking about brats! And you there [pointing to Nino] you're not even a kid, why side with them?" Angel said.
She headed towards the kitchen. Now they'd done it- she's pissed off. Dealing with them at a hungry state was such a bad thing. Plus the fact that the twins were joined in by a guy who acts like a brat. She opened the ref and carried out food stuffs. Although she had prepared it before she left this afternoon, it'll still take time to cook it.
Just for this day, she'll prepare hamburger- that because, according to the twins, Nino loves it. I wonder why am I even doing this..though I could prepare other food..she thought. But there's no point in that, she knew she's doing it out of gratitude. For the past weeks, Nino had always been helping her; she just wanted to return the favor.
"Are you sure you don't want me to help? I can cook you know." Nino peeked over the counter between the kitchen and the dining.
"Hmmm-" but before she can answer, Shuji tugged Nino along the living room where Mario music could be heard.
"Uwaa~ Mario!" Nino's voice echoed.
"Eh? a gamer too? Angel thought silently. She shook her head smilingly and focused on what she's doing.
In the living room..
"Uwaa~ sugoi! Sugoi! Onii-chan wa sugoi!" Shuri clapped in admiration. "You see, shuji-anchan can't pass that level.."
"Oh~ that's because I'd played this game a hundred times already." It was an exaggeration, but Nino enjoyed the twins' admiring face.. yet upon seeing their faces, there was that troubled feeling again..
"Oi mate Nino-san, its wrong to lie, especially to my kids." A delicious smell had reached Nino's nose. Masaka~ I know this smell….. Nino passed the controller to Shuji and walk with hurried steps towards Angel who was now setting the table.
"Kya~ I knew it! Hamburgers! I just knew it!" Nino's eyes glittered. He suddenly felt hungry. "Um, can I try one of these-" his hands reach onto the hamburger plate, but Angel pulled off the plate away from him. "No." but Nino still tried to grab some.
"I said No. You wash your hands first. Shuji, shuri, you need to get your hands washed too.." Angel called out.
"Kya~ you sounded like my mom when I was younger, hmph!" Nino pouted.
"That's because you're acting like a brat, honestly Nino, kindly set an example for my kids," Angel grimaced.
"Hai. Hai, wakatteru iyo!" Nino headed toward the kitchen sink where the twins were currently washing their hands.
"Does your mom always act like a nag?" Nino whispered. The twins just giggled. "Now I'm amazed at how you managed to withstand that."
"Hey I could hear you over here, you know." Angel told him and lets out a sigh. The moment was hilarious.
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It was 2 o'clock in the morning. After they done eating, Nino, angel and the twins, were sitting altogether at the living room, the twins were trying to keep up with them despite the late hour..Shuri was sitting on Nino's lap, while Shuji on her mother.
"Umai~" Nino let out a glee. He was very full. The meat was really tasty,, and it was cooked in such a balanced way that complimented his cravings. The juicy, tingling feeling and the flavor- everything fits. Again he was amazed by her abilities. Suddenly, they heard a shrilly laughter. It was Angel.
"Eh, yabai Nino-niichan!" Shuji examined the can in her hand. "You let Mama drink alcohol, this is bad." Shuri followed up.
Nino glanced onto Angel's flushed face. It was redder this time. "Eh, why is it bad? She only had one can, and haven't even done half of it.." he said innocently.
"Er, it doesn't matter how much..because mom was alcohol intolerant." Shuji explained. "Meaning, she gets drank easily, even only for an ounce of alcohol." Shuri scratch her eyes. It was evident that she's really sleepy.
"Eh, maji?"
The twins both yawned before nodding. Yabai..with the twins sleepy, what am I supposed to do?..
****** that's it for this chapter*****
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l CHAPTER 16 l l CHAPTER 15 lside chapter l chapter 14 I CHAPTER 13 l CHAPTER 12 [2/2] l CHAPTER 12[1/2]l CHAPTER 11l CHAPTER 10l CHAPTER 9l CHAPTER 8lCHAPTER 7l CHAPTER 6[2/2]l CHAPTER 6[1/2]l CHAPTER5l CHAPTER 4l CHAPTER 3l CHAPTER 2l CHAPTER 1l PROLOGUE