[Ongoing] Finish the Fight (Jun X OC) -- Restricted / Mature (Chap 72) 02/08

Thank for your comments!!! haha squirrelly chan!


Chapter XXI

It was definitely cold. Michiko didn’t have to try it to know that her ramen was beyond rescue. She didn’t like microwaves. Nuking food in it would somehow alter their properties. They would be less tasty, at least, that was what she believed. She blamed Frank. Talking about her ex prevented her from eating. What else was he going to ruin for her? She was calm when she explained the reason why they broke up and she was proud of herself for that. In truth, what happened that night was one of the most painful experiences in her life. She loved him very much but she wasn’t lying when she said she had moved on. It was just that when the memories would creep up on her, she still couldn’t help but feel the hole that he left on her heart. He’s an asshole! Stop dwelling on the past! But if I ever see him again, I swear, I’d make him regret his mother gave birth to him.

“You can do that all day but you’re not going to see blood on their thin, wriggly bodies.” Jun said after watching Michiko poke and stab at the noodles in front of her. He hoped that she wasn’t thinking of him while she was acting like a serial killer on the ramen.
“Ketchup.” She stretched her arm, palm up.
“You’re going to simulate the bleeding?”
She banged her hand on the table twice but didn’t answer his question. Jun stood up and looked through the cupboards. He found what he was looking for and handed it to her.
“I know nothing of this. If you are arrested, I will deny being an accomplice to the murders.”
Her lips broke into an evil grin. As she squirted ketchup into the cup, Jun thought about her answers to the questions he and Nino raised. The look she gave him before she replied to the question about dating someone who wasn’t interested in gaming, didn’t escape him. Was she considering him as one of those guys?

“Yatta!” Michiko exclaimed after she was satisfied with the gruesome state of the ramen. She looked up and smiled happily at Jun, momentarily forgetting about the love-hate… thing… that existed between them. He smiled back. Did she say he looked more pretty than good looking? Well, she was mistaken. He was definitely good looking and that smile… it was… intoxicating. Ahhh, if I keep looking at him, I might get dizzy. Stop smiling dildo!

“Well…” she started then her stomach growled. Michiko looked down at her lap and waited for the sound of Jun’s laughter but all she heard were shuffling of feet. Curious, she looked up and found him rummaging through the fridge. He took out something from inside then walked to the sink. After which, he opened a cupboard and grabbed a skillet then placed it on the stove. Without looking back, he asked her… “How do you like your eggs?”
“Huh?”
“Your eggs, dildo. How do you like them?” He turned to face her. Michiko got distracted by the way he said dildo that she forgot what he was asking her again. “My dildo? Wait, my eggs?”
Jun walked purposely towards her then smacked her head. “Pay attention now.”
“Ow. Ok. I like them scrambled with onions and tomatoes!” He snorted. “You’re weird. But I knew you’d say scrambled.” He went back to get a bowl then cracked the two eggs he took out earlier. With chopsticks, he proceeded to beat the eggs, adding salt and pepper to the mix. Stopping for second, he poured a bit of milk in and mixed everything together. Setting the bowl aside, he reached for the chopping board. “Check if we have onions and tomatoes in the crisper.”

Michiko had her mouth open while she watched him. The fluid motion of his hands, the graceful way he flicked his wrist, even the way he walked back and forth from the fridge to the sink and stove.

“Did you hear me?”

“Oh yeah. Hold on.” She stood up and went to the fridge. She found the ingredients and placed them next to the cutting board. She was about to walk back to her seat but Jun grabbed her wrist. “Stay.” Suddenly there were butterflies in her stomach. She turned her head to look at him then nodded okay. He gave her another one of his intoxicating smiles then went around her, leaning on her back a bit when he reached for the chef’s knife that was in the knives holder in front of her. She held her breath. He stayed behind her longer than she thought he would and during that time, she could feel his breath on her neck. “Breathe,” he whispered and she exhaled. He lightly chuckled as he went back to his spot and started chopping the onion and the tomato. Get a hold of yourself! “Should I turn the stove on now?”

“Sure. The olive oil is over there.” He pointed at the bottle. Michiko took the bottle then drizzled some oil onto the skillet. After turning the stove on, she looked through the drawers to find a spatula. Jun passed by her and dumped the chopped onions and tomatoes into the pan. “Hand me the bowl and spatula please.” She did as she was told and continued to watch him cook. It was the first time a guy ever cooked for her. It felt good. And then the pounding started. It seemed like her heart wanted to leap out of her chest. She had the urge to rest her head on his back and wrap her arms around his waist. Michiko held on to the counter and fought that urge. Just then Jun looked back and saw her death grip. “What are you doing?” She quickly hid her hands behind her back. “Nothing,” she lied.
“Uh-uh. You’re not doing what I think you’re doing, are you?” He tried to peer behind her.
“No!” She cried out. “See.” Michiko held her hands out in front of her.
“Good. Keep it that way. Now hand me a plate.”

Few minutes later, Michiko was enjoying her scrambled eggs and rice. Jun sat next to her, watching her eat. “Suki?”
“Mmmm.”
“I guess that means yes.”
“Mmhmm.”
“Am I good or what?”
“Mmmhmm mmm.”
“What do you want for dinner?”
She abruptly turned to face him. Jun laughed. There were two pieces of rice stuck at the edge of her lips. With her mouth still full, she cocked her head sideways, probably wondering why he laughed at her. Something came over him. Whatever it was, it prompted him to - without warning - lean forward and lightly press his mouth on her, his lips picking up the rice. He didn’t mean to linger but he couldn’t pull back. He didn’t want to pull back.

“UWAAA…” It was Aiba’s voice. He had to pull back and when he did, Michiko coughed. Rice, eggs, and saliva hit his face all at once.

“Oh shit. Gomenasai!!!”

End of Chapter XXI

AUTHOR'S NOTES
Another short chap. I think we're in Day 3 right now. Almost the end of it at least. What else is gonna happen? Looks like Jun made some progress here though. Less arguing, more bonding ne? Ah but Michiko, why'd you have to do that?!!!

Clean socks for everyone who comments!!! ^__________^ Thanks for reading!

Chapter XXII


A strain of obscenities and apologies came rushing out of Michiko’s mouth. “Shit shit! Gomen… fucking shit. Gomenasai!” She was running around the room looking for a paper towel. “Where the fuck did they put the paper towels? Fucking assholes can’t fucking place it in plain sight.” Her voice was strained and high-pitched. “Aiba, don’t just stand there! Do something!” So Aiba followed her around, double checking every nook and cranny that she just inspected. “Baka! Look where I’m not looking!” They were too busy searching that they didn’t notice Jun leave the kitchen. “Matsumoto-kun, I’m really so--” She started to apologize again but found an empty chair. He was gone. “AAAAAAAAAH!!!!!” She yelled. “Doushita no?” Aiba asked. She wanted to slap him silly. “Where did he go?!” Aiba lifted his shoulders up, “I don’t know.” Maybe the bathroom upstairs, she thought. “Aiba, just stay here. Don’t follow me. Okay?”

“Demo Michiko!” He protested.
“I’ll talk to you later about what you DIDN’T see.”
“I saw it!”
“No you didn’t.”
“Are you saying that I’m lying because I don’t lie.”
“You think you saw something but it was nothing.”
“It was definitely something!”
She didn’t have time to argue about this. She needs to find Jun.
“Okay fine. Just… keep it to yourself and I’ll talk to you later.” She ran up the stairs leaving a smiling Aiba behind. She pushed the bedroom door open but didn’t find him there so she ran to the bathroom door. It was cracked open. “Umm.. Matsumoto-kun?” The door swung wider to reveal Jun. His face was wet and he was holding a towel. But not only that, he didn’t have a shirt on. She immediately backed away. He looked at her warily then wiped the water off his face and neck. Aw man, he’s pissed. But of course he would be. I would be, too. She gathered what courage she had and bravely stepped forward. The towel hit her squarely on the face then fell to the floor. Stunned, she watched him about to walk out of the room. “I already apologized, you jerk! What more do you want?!” She yelled at him. He turned around and just looked at her, his eyes narrowed into slits. “Well? Say something!” All he did was give her the coldest stare she had ever seen and then he left without a word. The pain on her hip started to come back. It gnawed on her. She placed her palm on top of it and pressed down. It felt like a thousand needles were poking it. Maybe she was a masochist. Because right about now, she welcomed the pain. “It was just scrambled eggs and rice… and a little bit of me…” she whispered to herself. Why was his reaction so extreme? She flung herself on the bed and cried silently.

Jun stood against the wall, right outside the bedroom door. He stood there for the longest time… not sure whether he should go back in or not. He was afraid he would make it worse because he couldn’t control his emotions. This was why he didn’t speak up. He knew he would’ve said something hurtful. Was it that much of a big deal? To him, it was. It was utterly embarrassing. And even though he knew she didn’t do it on purpose, it still pissed him off. There were no fans here… no press… no other celebrities… and yet he still had to keep his image intact. He had to look cool, he had to feel cool, he was the personification of the word. It had been ingrained in his system. There were things that his friends did for some of the variety shows they guest in that he didn’t do. When his turn would come up, they didn’t really pressure him to do those tasks or actions. They knew he wouldn’t. Of course, it didn’t happen frequently so he was saved from looking uncooperative. What is she doing in there? Why hasn’t she come out? He quietly took a peek and saw her on the bed with her face pressed into the covers. She had fallen asleep.

Michiko woke up from her dreamless sleep to some loud clapping and an earthquake? She opened her eyes and found Aiba bouncing up and down the bed. “Aiba-chan,” she groaned. “Yamete yo. You’re making me dizzy.” He stopped and dropped to his knees. “Remember when I asked you to be my boyfriend?” Aiba nodded. “I take it back. You are too much for me.” Aiba laughed at her. “Then ask Jun.” He winked. Michiko abruptly sat up and covered Aiba’s mouth with her hand. “ Sssshhhh!” He pulled her hand away and bounced off the bed. “I just came to wake you up ‘cause everybody else is in the Jacuzzi ‘cept for you and Jun…. and me. Now that you know, I’m off!”
“Matte, matte!”
“Nani?” Aiba was running in place.
“Did Matsumoto-kun say anything about me?” He shook his head no.
“Did you tell the others about what happened?” He shook his head no again.
“Alright. You may go.” He dashed out of the room like Speedy Gonzalez.
After Michiko brushed her teeth and tried to look presentable with her white wife-beater shirt over her powder blue skirt that fell just above her knees, she entered the Jacuzzi room. It was foggy in there, steam rose from the rolling water. Four guys had their backs to her, their hands gripped a long handle bar attached to the inside edge of the Jacuzzi. She was amazed at how deep the water was. It seemed like they were standing up but the water level was up to their chest.

“Okay this is how it goes. Just bend your knees and submerged your head.” Sho explained then demonstrated. “See. Easy ne? Okay. On three. San, Ni, Ich!” All four disappeared into the water then came back up after a second passed. “Again, seno!” After the fifth time they came up… “You’re doing bobbing exercises??!!” The four turned and faced her.
“Aah Michiko! Jump in and join us!” Sho smiled and motioned to the water.
“Iya. I don’t have a bathing suit…”
“You don’t need one. I have an extra swimming trunks if you want. Just wear a shirt on top or your bra. No biggie.” Nino said. He had seemingly recovered from his reaction this afternoon.
“Come on, Michiko!! It’s like a heated pool! It’s long and it gets shallow at the end. Over there!” Aiba beckoned to her.
“That is a very unusual Jacuzzi.” She thought outloud.
“Isn’t it? I’ve never seen one like this before.” Ohno agreed.
“It feels soooo good, ne?” Sho turned to Aiba.
“HAI!”
“Are you sure you don’t want to join us?” Nino asked.
“I’m sure. Gomen ne.”
Sho tapped Ohno’s shoulder. “Riida. This is the best time for you know what.” Ohno gave him a confused look then it hit him. “Oh!”

Sho: “Saa minna-san! Yappari, spring is about hanami, lush vegetation, colorful matsuri lanterns, and oh there’s a sumo tournament ne?”
Nino: “Hai, hai.”
Sho: “Hai, hai. Demo, probably not the best time to dip in the Jacuzzi…”
Ohno: “Maybe not…”
Aiba: “Nande nande.”
Ohno: “Wouldn’t it be better in the winter when it’s cold?”
Aiba: “Ahh! On my birthday!”
Nino: “Well it doesn’t have to be right on your birthday, Aiba-chan.”
Aiba: “NANDE?!”
Sho: “Anyway… Udan Udan desu!”
Nino: “Udan udan… OH! It’s been awhile.”
Michiko: “Udan udan?”

Before anybody could explain to her what it meant… “Jun! Finally! What took you so long?” Ohno’s voice cut through. Michiko turned and came face to face with Jun. He was taking a big gulp from a bottle of green tea. Like before, he had his shirt off. She felt her anger rising. She was angry at him for getting mad at her and not forgiving her. She was also mad at herself for crying because of it.

“You didn’t bring us any?” Aiba complained. Jun lifted a plastic bag full of drinks and dropped it in the water. “OI! It’ll get warm!” Nino took the bag and placed it on the edge of the Jacuzzi. While he emptied the contents and placed each bottle on the side, Michiko moved passed Jun and headed out the door. There was no point staying in there when he was there. She might not be able resist pushing his head down the water and holding it in there till he drowned. Such macabre thoughts only came to her when he was around. It was wise for her to leave the cabin and maybe take a walk. When she stepped out, the lamps on the door turned on. It was dark outside. She walked down the pebbled path, her right hand holding a flashlight. She didn’t get far into the woods when she heard footsteps behind her. She quickly turned off her flashlight and hid behind a tree.

“Didn’t you read the note I left behind?”
Jun’s voice came from in front of the same tree she was hiding behind.
“I did.” She replied.
“And? What did it say?”
“What do you want?!” She cried out, not wanting to show herself.
“No. That’s not what I wrote.” His voice was louder now.
“Yeah, well… you can’t make me umm un-hide myself!”
Out of nowhere, Jun appeared in front of her.
“You were saying?” She pouted. That was not fair. Why was he torturing her?
“I don’t know why you followed me and frankly, I don’t want to know. Just leave me alone.” She sidestepped away from him. He blocked her. “Matsumoto-kun, please.”
“I just want to talk.” Jun said quietly. She sighed. “I already apologized and you didn’t want to hear any of it. I don’t see why you would want to talk now.”
“I… it was hard for me. If I opened my mouth earlier, I might have said things that would be unforgivable. And believe me, I don’t want that to happen. We already argue a lot, I don’t want to give you more ammunition.” She looked at him disbelievingly. “Whatever! That never stopped you before.” She tried to leave again but he still blocked her way. “Okay fine. You wanna talk? Let’s talk. You totally went out of line with the growing-a-dick comment.”
“I don’t think so.” He replied.
“WHAT?”
“You’re always trying to act tough. It just seems like you’d rather be a guy than a girl.”
“I love my boobs!”
Jun blinked at her outburst.
“Yeah, you heard me. I said I love my boobs.”
“Then you should show it… I mean… not your boobs but, uh, you know, your confidence… in your… boobs. Your body, that is.”
“I don’t have to flaunt them to love them.” She cupped her breasts with her hands. “They’re not exactly big. Okay, so they’re a bit on the small side but they still look good.” Jun nodded.
“Don’t… don’t nod.”
“I’m just agreeing with you.”
“What I was trying to explain was I can feel them. When I feel them, I know I’m a woman.”
Jun had to look away at that moment. She was feeling herself up… rubbing her breasts, pushing them together.
“You can stop that now.”
“What?”
“That! Whatever you’re doing with your breasts. I get your point.” He looked back and thankfully, her hands were on her side. “But do you get MY point? You just started touching them in front of me! I’m a guy, not a girl! You can’t be doing that in front of a guy! Can you promise me that you won’t do that in front of any other guy?!” Michiko looked bewildered.
“Can you?! Answer me, damnit!”
“Yes! Fine, ok… I won’t. Gawd. What are you, my boyfriend already?”
“But do you get it? Girls don’t do that! It’s because you act like a guy…”
“No, it’s because I’m comfortable with guys.”
“So you’ve done that before?!”
“No. It’s the first time I had to defend my want to be girl. Nobody has ever told me that I wanted to grow a dick before. That is nasty! I don’t want a penis. Can you just imagine if I had one? Just thinking about looking down there and seeing a long sha--”
“THAT’S ENOUGH. I can’t… take it.”
“You brought it up.”
“No, you did.”
“That’s besides the point.”
“I beg to differ. That was the point.”
“FUCK the point!”
Michiko shouted. After she regained her composure, she added…
“Even if I didn’t want to be a guy, I must say that there are advantages to being one. First, I’m not going to get as much as crap when I’m playing games. Second, if I decided to hit, kick or do some random act of violence, nobody’s gonna call me a bitch on PMS. Third…”
Jun didn’t let her finish. He pushed her so her back was against the tree. He planted both his hands on the trunk, trapping her in between. “There are also disadvantages for you.” She gulped. “What do you mean?”
“First, you wouldn’t enjoy this as much…”
“Enjoy wha--” His mouth on hers not only stopped her from asking her question, it also stopped time, her breathing… her heart.

End of Chapter XXII

AUTHOR'S NOTES
Speedy Gonzalez - a really fast mouse.
Udan Udan - to be lazy (from one video i saw) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBfYE0NZJds

Thank you for reading!!! Your comments are fuel to the fire! Let it BUURN! LOL.

Chapter XXIII


Jun pressed his lips lightly on top of Michiko’s and waited for a response. He waited impatiently… he wanted to taste her, to discover what her luscious lips had to offer. Her lips were smooth tonight as if they anticipated his move. They were slightly parted… beckoning his tongue to slip in. He was going out of his mind because although only a minute had passed, it seemed like he had been waiting for hours and he almost gave up. He was about to pull back when he felt her breath and then her lips moved. Her hands were suddenly on his waist… she ran them up his sides then they traveled up to his chest and finally settled around his neck. She kissed him gently, softly, almost like she was memorizing the contours of his lips. His own lips moved in rhythm with hers, each second wanting more. As if she knew what he wanted, her hands moved up and she wove her fingers through his hair and then pushed his head down, deepening their kiss. She tasted so good… so sweet and tarty at the same time and yet also very refreshing. She tasted like summer peaches. The ones he loved to sink his teeth in, ripe and juicy. All of the sudden, Michiko attempted to pull back. Iya! Not yet! Jun grabbed on to her waist. Her lips tried to break free again but he didn’t let them. Iya iya iya! Then he felt her smile. Eh? Curious, Jun reluctantly broke the kiss. But her lips didn’t stray far. In fact, they were only a hairline away. He knew because he could feel her hot breath on him. She was trying to catch her breath it seemed but why was she smiling? And then in a matter of seconds he found out. Michiko’s tongue darted out and licked his upper lip. He groaned in response and took her mouth again. She gave out a low purr. Mmmmm. He was definitely yummy, she thought as she pressed her body against him, her skin aching to be touched. They took turns tasting each other… him sucking on her bottom lip… her nibbling on his and then she let his tongue slide in and touch her own. Her mind reeled at the delicious sensations coursing through her. She felt his hands slip underneath her top, they caressed her waist and then his fingers traced her spine… all the way up to her bra strap. He paused then, playfully tugged on it once then slowly made his way back down to her waist. Her heart was beating wildly against her chest. She wanted to touch him, too. Her want translated through her kisses… they were suddenly urgent, hungry, needy… and he responded with the same passion. She felt him suddenly thrust his pelvis while he pulled on her waist hard. A sharp pain went through her when her hip collided with his body and she flinched. Jun immediately pulled back and looked at her. “Did I hurt you?” Michiko opened her eyes and bit her lip. “No, I’m okay,” she lied. He didn’t believe her. “Are you sure? Gomen. I didn’t mean to be rough…” Her hip was starting to throb but she ignored it. “Iya. That… that was… fine.” She shyly replied. As much as Jun wanted to continue kissing her again, the flinch he felt worried him. “It was when I did this, ne?”

“No, don’t!” But she was too late. The bruise on her hips was hit again and she gasped from the pain.

“Michiko! What is it?!!” Jun shouted. His hands roamed around her body looking for the source of her pain. Michiko felt ashamed because she was getting turned on while Jun was simple worried. His hand finally pressed around her hip and she yelped. He looked at her and frowned. “What are you not telling me?” She sighed. There was no way out. “Okay, don’t panic. It’s not as bad as you think.” With one hand, she slightly pulled up her top and with the other, she pulled down her skirt to reveal the bruise peeking out of her underwear. Jun cursed under his breath.
“And why didn’t you say anything about this?! When did it happen?! How big is it?!” He threw the questions at her harshly. “I can’t show you… it goes further down…”
“What is wrong with you?!” He was definitely angry.
“Nothing is wrong with me! I just didn’t want to bother anybody about it. It’s not like this was going to kill me.”
“When you need help, you ask for help, you idiot!”
“I didn’t need it.”
“When you’re playing your games and you’re getting shot, don’t you ask your teammates for help? Huh?!”
“Yes but that’s different.”
“It’s the same shit, Michiko!” Jun yelled out in exasperation. She kept her mouth shut, knowing that it was useless to argue with him when he was - she vehemently refused to acknowledged but failed - right. Jun grabbed her hand and pulled her. “Chotto!”
“We’re going back to the cabin and I’m going to put an ice pack on that.” Michiko opened her mouth but… “NO arguments!” Jun cut in. “Now tell me what happened.” Jun didn’t walk fast, he guided her through a path that appeared leveled and not covered with too many rocks. He didn’t want her to trip accidentally. “I slipped in the bathroom.” She answered quietly. He stopped walking and turned to face her. “And you didn’t tell me?!! I was right there!” He was really pissed now.
“I was distracted. You distracted me. Besides, you might’ve pulled the towel off me if I told you!” She accused him.
“I already wanted to do that without knowing about your injury.”
Michiko stared at him. “What?”
“Forget it. Hurry up and walk.”
“You’re the one who stopped walking.”

The two finally reached the cabin. Jun grabbed his backpack from the living room, ignoring the curious stares and questions asked by his friends who were relaxing on the couches. Michiko smiled apologetically at them and let Jun take her up the stairs. After they stepped into the bedroom, Jun locked the door behind them.
“I can do it myself.”
“Then why haven’t you?”
“I didn’t get the chance to look for the ice.”
“I’m not taking any chances. I’m doing it.”
“No you’re not!”
“Believe me when I tell you that I will not do anything but place the ice pack on it.”
“Do I really need the ice pack? The swelling has gone down. It only hurts when it gets hit.”
“Gomen.”
“No, you didn’t know.”
“Exactly.”
She crossed her arms. “Fine, do what you want.” She was about to take her skirt off when… “Matte. Get on the bed and lie down.” Jun ordered. She narrowed her eyes on him but followed his order. Jun took the first aid kit out of his backpack and got on the bed. He placed a pillow under her head first then carefully pulled her skirt down. He was about to put the ice pack in when he noticed something that made him smile. “You still wore this underwear huh. I thought you might have thrown it away.”
“Why would I do that?”
“Well, I left the note on it… I figured you might’ve thought that I had my fingers all over it. I guess you didn’t mind at all.” Michiko’s eyes grew big and she blushed furiously.
“No worries though,” he chuckled. “They only lightly grazed the fabric… okay, it’s done. See. You didn’t even feel me slip it in.” She looked down and saw the ice pack underneath her panties. She pulled her skirt back up right away. “Now lift your legs up.” Jun placed two pillows underneath them. “It’s better if they’re elevated.” She was somewhat pouting and her arms were still crossed over her chest. “Don’t do that. You’re squishing them.”
“Why should you care?”
“Wouldn’t you want to know.” He smirked. Jun got off the bed and headed for the door. “I’ll be back with dinner. Don’t fall asleep yet.” Michiko didn’t respond. “Oh and don’t even think for a second that you’ve won.”
“Eh? What do you mean?” She asked. Jun had already opened the door and was about to step out when he turned. “You think that bruise is going to stop me? I’ll make sure you heal fast. And if not… well then… you know what they say. No pain, no gain.” Jun gave Michiko a wink then left.

End of Chapter XXIII

AUTHOR'S NOTES
So then, there was short truce but in the end, they still argued a bit. Although I think they've made good progress during the short time they weren't arguing ^_^

Thanks for reading!!! Comments make me weak in the knees, cripple meh! LOL.

Chapter XXIV

The cool feeling of the ice pack on her skin was making her drowsy. I’m just resting my eyes. I’m not sleeping. She closed her eyes and thought of what had happened outside. Her fingers touched her lips and she remembered how his lips felt. A shiver went up her spine. She opened one eye and looked at the door, making sure there was nobody there spying on her. She didn’t see anybody. I hope he doesn’t take too long in the kitchen. She wasn’t really hungry but she would eat whatever he cooked for her. What could it be? I hope he remembered that I can’t have cheese. Oh but I forgot to tell him that I can’t have chocolate either or anything with caffeine… well, who would cook dinner with chocolate anyway? Michiko was envisioning her favorite foods when she heard a knock on the door. “Michiko?” Aiba’s voice was low. “Aiba-chan? Come in.” He poked his head in. “What are you still doing out there? Come here and keep me company.” He grinned and went in the room then carefully sat on the bed. “I heard you got hurt.” She smiled at him. “I’m okay. Jun is just overreacting.” Eh? Why did I just call him Jun right now? “No, he’s not. He tells you exactly how it is, whatever the situation may be. Sorry, Michiko but when he says you’re hurt and nobody should bother you then I’ll take his word for it. Am I bothering you?” Michiko frowned at Aiba. “Of course not. What else did he say?” Aiba lied down next to her. “He specifically told Ohno to keep an eye on Nino. He also said that it’s ok for Sho to visit because he’s not a threat.” Aiba laughed. “Sho wasn’t sure what he meant by that. And hmmm… well he told me that as long as I behave myself, I could see you. I always behave myself though. I don’t know what he’s talking about. Ne, Michiko…”

“Hmm?”
“Who do you like better? Jun or Nino?” The question surprised Michiko.
“Why are you asking me that?”
“Just wondering. You wanna know what I think?” Aiba nudged her arm with his elbow.
“Not particularly.” She replied but he ignored her disinterest.
“I think Nino is good to you but Jun is good for you.”
“EHH?!”
“Am right or am I right?” His eyes were twinkling.
“So you’re in favor of Jun?”
“I’m in favor of whoever Michiko likes. So, who do you like?”
That was an easy question to answer but did she really want to answer it? If she said it out loud, it would make it true… final… and there’d be a witness. No, that wouldn’t be good. She would rather keep it inside her until she knew for sure. Aiba was waiting for her answer. “I don’t know.” Aiba smiled. “Ah but that means you DO like one of them.”
“Aiba-chan!”
“Ne, Michiko…”
“What now?”
“Jun said you tasted like peaches. I want some! Where are they?”
“He said what?!”
“Visiting hours are over, Aiba.”
Jun strolled into the room carrying a tray.
“Already?!”
“Hai. Aren’t you hungry, too? Food’s ready downstairs.” Aiba jumped off the bed and dashed out of the room. Jun walked over to the desk and placed the tray there. “Gently scoot over to this side.” When Michiko sat up and moved, he took the pillows and positioned them against the headboard. “Just lean on these.” She leaned her back on the pillows and crossed her legs. “Is that comfortable?” She nodded. “That smells good.” Jun eyed her suspiciously. “You’re being quite a good girl.”
“I’m hoping you’ll let me off the hook for good behavior.”
“Depends how good you behave.”
“I can be very good when I want to.”
“We’ll see.”
Jun took the cover off the bowl from the tray and stuck a fork in it. He sat down on the bed by Michiko and handed it to her. “Ooooohhhhh! Spaghetti! With pepperoni?” She pierced one round piece and held it up to her face. “That’s a first for me.”
“Are you eating it or not?”
“I’m eating it, I’m eating it!” She ate the pepperoni and then twirled some spaghetti on her fork. “You cooked this right?”
“Yeah.”
After tasting the spaghetti… “UMAI!” She ate some more. “Maji umai!”
Jun smiled. “I’m glad you like it.”
“Can I hire you as my personal cook?”
“You can’t afford me.”
“You’re right. I got no money right now. Wait till I win the tournament.”
“Does that mean you still want to see me after the week is over?”
Michiko almost choked.
“Here.” Jun handed her a bottle of green tea.
“I can’t have that. It has caffeine.” Jun raised an eyebrow. “Like cheese, it gives me migraines.”
“I’ll get you water then. I’ll be right back.”
“Hurry back.” Crap! Michiko stuffed her mouth with spaghetti.
“What did you say?” Jun turned back. She motioned towards her mouth, indicating that it was full. “Chew properly. Geez.”

Dinner went by quietly after that. Jun went back downstairs after he delivered her water and Michiko was left with her thoughts. Thoughts she wanted to avoid as they dealt with surfacing emotions. She tried to deny it but it was extremely difficult. Her ears kept perking up whenever she heard footsteps outside the door but the source was never the one she was hoping for. Eventually, she got tired and very sleepy so she got up and brushed her teeth. After she tossed the ice pack into the trash can, she changed into a long nightshirt. I guess I am sleeping here. So much for that argument this morning. After she turned off the light, she crawled into bed and snuggled under the covers.

Michiko was naked. It didn’t seem to bother her and was swimming about in what appeared to be a big bowl of spaghetti. Suddenly, a big hand tipped the bowl over and the noodles carried her out on to a stage. A spotlight shined on her and she tried to cover herself up, now aware that she didn’t have clothes on. She started picking up the strings of spaghetti and then she wrapped them around her body. There was somebody in front of her. She shielded her eyes from the bright light and tried to focus her eyes on that person. “Ah! It must be him!” She exclaimed. “Jun! Jun!” With her arms flailing about, she cried out to him. The figure turned and walked towards her. She ran to meet him halfway then stopped after she saw his face. It was a big piece of… “Pepperoni-kun?” It bobbed left and right and had held out his hands for her. When she took his hands, it started sparkling. “Why are you glittering, Pepperoni-kun?” It looked like gold dusts floated around his head. “It hurts my eyes! Stop it!”

Michiko tossed and turned on the bed until she finally woke up from the dream. She immediately sat up and covered her right eye with her hand. “Oh no.” She opened her eyes. Just as she suspected, she couldn’t see well with her right. There was only darkness and stars a twinkling. “No, no, no. This can’t be happening. Not now. Not here.” She was getting a migraine. It didn’t happen often as she had been good at preventing them but when she did get them, they were severely painful and there was nothing that can stop them. She will just have to wait it out. The process was messy. It required a lot of vomiting and crying. “Why?! And how? I didn’t eat any cheese. No caffeine. I made sure of that…” She knew Jun remembered about the cheese but didn’t know about the caffeine which was why he brought her a bottle of green tea… “Green tea!” He was drinking it when she saw him at the Jacuzzi. “It’s the price you pay for giving in.” She smiled wryly. “But it’s worth it. Right?” Her fingers slowly massaged her right temple. She could feel it coming… the splitting headache. Once the stars disappeared from her vision, it would come. “When you need help, you ask for help… ne?” If she was going to do it, she better do it now before she was incapacitated from the pain. With only her left eye open, she walked out of the room and down the stairs. The lights were all off. She didn’t want to wake all of them up so she felt her way around the living room and tried to find which body belonged to Jun. Wait, I don’t want him to see me puking his home cooked meal out! So she made a decision to go back upstairs until she saw a soft glow under one of the blankets. She went to investigate and as she got close, she figured out what it was. “Nino.” She whispered while poking at the hump where the glow was emanating from. The glow suddenly vanished and Nino surfaced from under the blanket. “Michiko?” She nodded. “How did you know it was me?” He asked, his voice low. Michiko would’ve rolled her eyes if it didn’t hurt to do so plus the action would’ve escaped him as it was too dark to see anything. “Can you come upstairs with me for a second?” She said in a hurry. “Sure.” Nino carefully got off the bed. “I need you to lead me. I have to keep my eyes close. I’ll explain later.”

Nino led Michiko up the stairs, into the bedroom and helped her get on the bed. She went under the covers and lied down. “Are you sick? What’s wrong? What do you need.”
“I’m about to experience a migraine, Nino.”
“Do you have a pill for that?” He asked, his forehead creased with worry.
“No, I don’t.”
“I’ll go look downstairs in the medicine cabinet. There might be something for that.” He was about to get up but Michiko grabbed his wrist and pulled him back down on the bed.
“I’ll be back right away.”
“No… they don’t work on me. The migraine medicines. They don’t work.”
“What do you want me to do then?”
“I… don’t know. Jun said if I needed help, I should ask for it. But when I tried to look for him… I thought… I can’t let him see me like this… gomen ne, Nino.”
Nino wasn’t sure if he should be happy or disappointed that she choose him instead of Jun considering her reason for it. But he looked at the bright side. He was on the bed with her and she didn’t want him to leave. “Don’t worry about it. Do you want me to hold you?” She pinched his arm. “Itai!”
“Don’t push your luck.” Nino crawled unto the bed, sat next to Michiko and leaned his back on the headboard.
“I can still see the stars.”
“Is that supposed to be some kind of a code?” She laughed and it made his heart skip a beat.
“My right eye is not functioning. All it sees are stars. Bright and twinkling. Once they’re gone, I will start getting the headaches. Once the headache starts, I will start puking. Once the puking stops… it’s over.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to hold you?” Nino offered again.
“I’ll be fine.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to get Jun?”
“I…” She was silent for a couple of minutes.
“Michiko… it’s not that I don’t want to be here but…”
“Do you get queasy when you see vomit?”
“Uh… not really.”
“Then we don’t need Jun, do we…”
It was a rhetorical question but he answered anyway. “No. We sure don’t.”

A few minutes later.

“Let the puking begin!” Michiko said.
“I’m ready when you are.” Nino replied. “To the toilet!” He added.
“To the toilet it is!” Nino helped her up and led her to the bathroom.
“I don’t want the lights on but I don’t want to miss the toilet bowl either.”
“I think not missing the toilet bowl should be our priority.”
“I think you’re right.” Michiko agreed.
“I know I’m right.”
Michiko was about to kneel in front of the bowl when Nino stopped her. “Wait, lemme put a towel for your knees. The floor must be cold.” After he laid a towel down, she pulled her hair up with one hand… her body started to convulsed as she pushed out partially digested spaghetti out of her stomach. Nino stood behind her and took her hand off her hair. “I got this.” He kneeled down next to her. He gathered the layers and held them together with one hand while his other hand rubbed her back. She coughed a few times before she straightened up. Nino already had tissue paper ready for her. She took them from him and blew her nose then got up and went to the sink. Nino flushed the toilet while she washed her mouth with warm water. He then handed her a towel and she wiped her face dry. Puking made her tear up. “Sorry you had to see that.”
“I don’t mind. I don’t think Jun would’ve minded as well.” Nino needed to know more about the reason why she didn’t choose Jun. “He cooked the food for me. I feel bad vomiting it out.”
“Is that it?” She ignored his question and went to bed. “Michiko…” he started while he followed her. “Do you like him?” She continued to ignore him. “I think you do. Actually, it’s been kind of obvious.”
“This is not the best time to talk about that, Nino. I feel like banging my head on the wall.”
“Gomen. I just needed to know. Datte…” He was being completely honest with her. He sorta had an epiphany in the bathroom. It was the realization that he, Kazunari Ninomiya, wouldn’t mind being there for her every time she needed him even if she wasn’t the person she really needed. The game was over and he didn’t even get to execute his other plans. No more strategies… no more new angles… it was time to just be true to himself and to her. “Michiko ga suki da.” She turned around so quickly to face him that she got dizzy and lost her balance. Nino grabbed her by her elbow and steadied her. “Nino…” The loud pounding in her head was now accompanied by the pounding of her heart.
“Can you at least be honest with me?” He searched her eyes.
“Why couldn’t you wait for a better time to confess? Seriously. I can’t think. It’s like someone’s drilling a hole in my head… and you tell me that you like me?”
“I just need to know… onegai.”
“I can’t have caffeine. It gives me migraines.”
“Huh?”
“Tea’s naturally caffeinated.”
“I know that but what’s that got to do with my question?”
“Jun was drinking tea tonight.”
“I guess so.”
“I was not.”
“Right.”
“I have a migraine.”
“Okay but my question wa-- Oh. I see.”
“Nino, I’m really sorry. I’m not sure if that answers your question.”
“It did.”
“You don’t have to stay with me.”
“Iya, I want to.”

They did the whole puking routine three times before Michiko fell asleep. Nino brushed strands of hair away from her eyes while she slept. Sometimes she would jerk in her sleep and it startled him. He was getting drowsy. It was around midnight when he heard her… “Jun.” Did he really lose to him already? “Jun…” Could he still win? Or should he give up?

Someone had pulled the blanket off of him and was shaking him hard. He then heard Nino’s voice.

“Jun, wake up.”

End of Chapter XXIV

AUTHOR'S NOTES
Oh no! Does this mean Nino had given up??!!!
And how will Jun react after he finds out about Michiko's condition?
Less thinking and more dialogue kinda in this chap. Hope that's ok.

BTW, the migraine info was drawn from experience. I don't eat cheese or chocolate and avoid caffeine. One time my BF drank Pepsi and we kissed and yeah. I had a migraine after that. And basically, Michiko experienced exactly what I experience when I get them.

In other news... I've started a new fic ^^ Juncentric of course. Will post when ready.

Thanks for reading!!! Comments make me go OOOHHH!!!

Chapter XXV

"Nino, what do you want?!" Jun pulled the covers over his head only to have it pulled down again. "You're needed in the ER. Your patient is sick and she has been calling for you but I guess your beeper is off. Aren't all doctors supposed to be always on call?" Jun sat up groggily and looked at Nino. "What happened? Michiko is sick?" He nodded impatiently. "How did you know?" Nino bit back a smile, "She came to me and asked for my help." Jun stared at him unbelievingly. "She asked YOU for help?" Nino nodded again, aware of Jun's temper rising. He wasn't lying to him. He just omitted the part about why she didn't ask for HIS help. "Should I tell her you're coming or should I just stay with her instead since you obviously want to continue your beauty sleep." Jun stood up and ran for the stairs. "You're welcome." Nino said under his breath.

Jun almost broke the bedroom door down.

"Gawd, Nino. What part of my head feels like it's going to explode don't you understand?" Michiko turned and found Jun instead. Her jaw dropped open. "Ju- Jun! Why-- ugh Nino…" What the fuck was he thinking? Why did he tell Jun? "Okay, before you overreact… I did go looking for you.”
“Then how did Nino end up taking care of you instead of me?!” He growled.
“Okay, first of all, why do I even need to explain myself? Second…” her head didn’t let her finish. She buried it under a pillow and shut her eyes tight… trying to stop the tears. She then felt an added weight on the bed. “Don’t come near me! I’ve been puking…” Jun didn’t listen and got comfortable. He moved the pillow off her head and placed it behind his back, against the board. “We’ll talk about your insolence later.” Jun pulled her by her arms. “Lie down on my lap.” She was hurting too much to argue. With her head rested on his thighs, he started massaging her right temple. “Does it hurt here?” She nodded. “Does this help at all?” She nodded again. “I might have to puke again… not sure…”
“Just let me know.” They stayed in that position for a long time. The gentle pressure of his fingers on her temple was slowly getting rid of the pain. She didn’t have the urge cry anymore. Her hand held onto his leg and she allowed the soothing feeling of his massage to pull her into a slumber. Jun’s fingers were getting sore but he was afraid that if he stopped, she would feel more pain. Hadn’t he only met her a few days ago? It seemed a lot longer than that. He stared at the sleeping figure on his lap. He never imagined he would meet someone like her here, of all places. Where was this going? Was it going to end once they part ways at the end of the week? Was that something she’d want to happen? All these questions swirled around his mind and eventually, it tired him out more than his ongoing massage. He leaned his head back and drifted to sleep.

Nino stood next to the bedroom door. Was it a foolish decision? No. He knew exactly what he was doing. It was, after all, a calculated move. One would think that he had given up especially since he had thought it himself. But after accessing the situation with a clear mind and since he had already confessed to her as well, it would be rueful to just accept an indeterminate loss. It was easy enough to delete a saved game and create a new one. And that was what he was planning to do. Some games have more than one ending and that was what he was counting on when he starts this one again. Besides, Michiko now knew about his feelings towards her while Jun still had no idea. How rash it was of him to think of giving up so soon. Even though it was indeed obvious as to who had more points at the moment, nonetheless, it shouldn't even have entered his mind. No, he would persevere.

Jun’s legs were numb but he didn’t have the heart to move and risk waking Michiko up. He tried poking around where her head rested, just to get some blood flowing there but it was no use. Maybe if he slightly moved, she would turn then he could place her head on a pillow instead. So he moved a bit, wiggling his lower half. Her hand tightly clamped onto his leg, stopping his movement. He sighed. It was past noon and his stomach had been growling since ten this morning, when he woke up. This woman was going to be the death of him, he thought. And dying by starvation was definitely not cool. Where was Aiba when he needed the interruption? “Jun-kun?” Aiba’s voice was like music to his ears. He stood at the doorway, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand. “Jun-kun! Sho pushed me off the bed. Can I sleep with you and Michiko?” Jun smiled broadly and motioned Aiba to come to the bed. Knowing him, he would probably jump on it. And he was right. Michiko suddenly sat up from the sudden shaking of the bed. “Wah. Okaa-san is awake.”
“Okaa-san?” She blinked at Aiba.
“Hai. Otosan.” He pointed at Jun. “Okaa-san” He pointed at her.
“EH?!”
“Maa, Otosan’s going to take shower at the bathroom downstairs and then cook breakfast. Okaa-san should clean up as well, ne?” Jun got off the bed.
“EHH?!”
“Da-ringu, are you feeling better?” Michiko just stared at him.
“Michiko. Is you headache gone?”
“Hai.”
“Good. Don’t think you’re off the hook. Hurry and get ready. You need a good breakfast before I start interrogation.”
Aiba gasped in shock. “Otosan KOWAI!”
“Sou desu ne, Aiba-chan.”
Jun waved his hand at them then left.

Nino opened the bathroom door to find Jun waiting outside. Jun looked at him briefly then went in. He was about to close the door when Nino stepped in and held the door open. “I have not given up, Matsumoto-kun.” Jun narrowed his eyes. “I figured as much.”
Nino smirked at his reply. “She hasn’t chosen yet.” Jun grunted. “In my opinion, she already has.” Nino raised his brow at him. “It’s just an opinion. Not a fact.” Jun impatiently tapped at the door. “Whatever you say.” Nino stepped back but before Jun completely closed the door, he replied. “By the way, it was the green tea that caused her migraine. It would be best for you to remember.”

After brushing her teeth and gargling, Michiko stepped in to the shower. Hot water drenched her hair and streamed down from her face to the rest of her body. She smiled at the realization that they had slept together. What astonished her though was how she was able to sleep after only puking three times. Usually it would take at least six times before the headache disappeared but after Jun started massaging her temple, she didn’t feel the need to vomit. Was it just a fluke or was it because of him? The hot water was making her drowsy and she needed to wake up and be ready for the “talk.” So she turned the hot water down and cool water rushed out and jolted her out of her sleepiness. A few scrubs later, she was ready to get out of the shower and into a black Capri and a blue tank top. The bruise was healing well, it would only hurt if she pressed hard. But it looked awful. Aiba was no longer on the bed when she finally came out of the bathroom. She had hoped he would accompany her downstairs where she would meet the wrath of Jun. Or maybe not. He did promise her a good breakfast first but she didn’t feel like eating anything heavy. It might make her tummy queasy. After applying a thin coat of her “peachy-keen” lip balm, she took a deep breath and left for the kitchen.

Aiba and Sho glared at each other, both of their chopsticks stabbed the last fried egg.

Aiba: “I saw it first!”
Sho: “But I reached for it first!”
Aiba: “But my chopsticks touched it first!”
Sho: “But it’s closer to me!”
Aiba: “But you already had two!”
Sho: “But it’s not my fault you’re slow.”

Nino squeezed in between them then coughed on the egg. “EWWW!” Aiba and Sho yelled in unison. “My germs win.” He picked up the plate and flashed a peace sign. “Victory.”

Michiko laughed at their childish antics. “Ah Michiko, ohayo!” Sho smiled and gestured to the seat across from him. “Ohayo, Sakurai-san.” She looked around but didn’t find Jun. “Where’s the chef?”
“You mean Jun? He went to the bathroom for a sec.” Sho replied. “How about Satoshi-san?”
“Oh-chan went fishing early this morning. Not surprised he’s not back yet.” Nino answered.
Michiko reached for a piece of toast but was stopped by Aiba. “That’s not for you. Your food is over there.” He pointed at a covered bowl next to the stove. “Oh. Okay.” She brought the bowl back to her seat then took the cover off. It was rice porridge with a sprinkling of green onions and shredded chicken on top. Michiko was overwhelmed with gratitude. It looked like he really took the time to prepare the dish. O-kayu or rice porridge was like the equivalent of chicken noodle in Japan. She was so touched, she could feel herself tearing up. “Staring at it will not get it in your tummy.” Jun took the seat next to her. “Arigato.” She dipped her spoon in and scooped up a mouthful of porridge then brought it to her lips. Her eyes closed after tasting the rich taste of the rice blending with the texture of the chicken, the flavorful green onions and there was a hint of ginger and garlic. “Mmmm.”
“Uwaa! Michiko’s really enjoying it. It looks delicious. I want some, too!” Aiba said.
“Gomen, Aiba-chan. Whatever’s in the pot is for Michiko only.” Jun replied.
“Aww…”
“If you ever get sick, I’ll cook the same thing for you, okay?” He added.
Aiba’s eyes brightened. “But I don’t want my chicken shredded, I want drumsticks!”
Everybody laughed at his request.

It was finally time. Time to explain what happened. Time to reveal the truth. Time to… “Squeak!”
“Squeak?”
“Gomen. I tend to do that when I’m overly nervous.” Michiko said, embarrassed at her confession.
“You say squeak when you’re nervous?” Jun asked incredulously.
“OVERLY nervous.”
“Only the guilty gets nervous.”
“What am I guilty of?”

They were back in the bedroom with the door locked. Michiko was seated on the bed while Jun loomed over her.

“Of not asking for my help.”
“You clearly said that I should ask for help when I need it and didn’t specify that I have to ask YOU.”
“Fine. But why Nino?”
“Because I’m hopelessly in love with him.” Michiko stated with straight face. Jun pushed her down on the bed. “That is not funny.”
“Am I laughing?” She pursed her lips to stop herself from giving in to the laughter bubbling inside her. He studied her face carefully. A small twitch of her lips caught his eye. She was lying. “I don’t believe you.” She stood up and pushed him. “Believe what you will.”
“I believe that you extremely enjoyed the kiss last night.” Michiko blushed.
“I also believe that if it wasn’t for your bruise, I could’ve gotten to second base.” She crossed her arms and glowered at him. “Further more, I believe that if it weren’t for your migraine…” He moved forward causing Michiko to back away until her legs hit the bed. “I could’ve made you moan and whisper my name over and over and over again until your body quivered--”
“WELL THEN DON’T DRINK GREEN TEA BEFORE YOU KISS ME!”
Jun blinked at her response.
“So it was the green tea. I didn’t know about that. You should have told me.”
“Oh yeah! Like the first thought that comes into my mind when I see some guy drinking tea would be… hmm, he might kiss me later, I should warn him that my head might blow up if he did.” Michiko replied angrily.
“Why are you so riled up?” She couldn’t believe him! Why? WHY?!
“You… YOU…”
“Finish your sentences woman.”
“ARGH! I can’t do this, Jun. I can’t. I just can’t do this. It’s so emotionally tiring.” She sat down.
“Say my name again.” He cupped her face with his hands. Michiko looked up at him and was astounded by his lack of consideration for her feelings. She refused to say it. But goddamnit, her vocal chords had a mind of its own.
“Jun.”
“Again.”
“Jun.”
To her surprise, he let go of her and stepped back.
“See. You can’t possibly be in love with Nino.”

Michiko saw red. She jumped up from the bed, quickly nailed a punch into Jun’s midsection then furiously left the room, slamming the door hard behind her. Jun clenched his teeth from the pain.

“I might have overdone it.”

End of Chapter XXV

AUTHOR'S NOTES
Ah, that certainly answers everyone's question about Nino.
Jun, Jun, Jun... wrong time to be playing DoS.

Thanks for reading and comments will get me through work today LOL.

Chapter XXVI

Loud footsteps were heard from upstairs followed by a thunderous slamming of a door then a beet red Michiko came flying down the staircase and out of the cabin. Sho and Ohno, who were watching Zatoichi on television, gave each other a puzzled look then shrugged and continued watching. Aiba got up to follow Michiko but Nino held him back. “I’ll talk to her, Aiba-chan.” Aiba frowned. He was itching to know what happened. “You should stay here and think of games that we can play tonight.” His eyes lit up. “HAI! That would cheer Michiko up, ne?” Nino nodded then left. He looked all over but couldn’t find her anywhere around the cabin area. So he decided to look further out. He had been searching for about ten minutes when he heard her voice. She was singing and the melody and lyrics sounded very familiar to him. He followed the direction of the voice till he found Michiko sitting on tree stump with her back facing him.

Why? kodoku na sora wo miageru no?
(Why do you stare up at the lonesome sky?)
Why? waratte mise te yo
(Why, let's see you smile)
Kotoba ni suru no ga heta na
(I know what you're like)
Anata no seikaku wakaru kara
(How you aren't good at putting things into words, so why not…)

Tooi mukashi ni nani ga atta no?
(What happened in days long past?)
Shisen wo sorasu anata no hitomi ni
(In your eyes, as turn your gaze away from me)

Hitori de samishii yoru ni dakishime rareru
(Do you know of such a warmth)
Sonna atataka sa shitteru?
(One that can embrace you on those lonely nights by yourself?)

Nino stood still and closed his eyes. He even tried to slow his breathing, not wanting anything to stop her from singing. He knew this song. It was “Why” from Ayaka and it was the theme song for Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII game on the PSP. When he first heard this song, it made him long for someone to sing it to him. To understand him like the way the lyricist wrote.

Why? doushite katachi ni kodawaru no ?
(Why are you so worked up on appearances?)
Why? kokoro wo hirai te
(Why, open up your heart)
Ookina nimotsu wo seotta
(I know you've had a heavy cross to bear)
Anata wo ukeire rareru chikara
(But I've got the strength to accept you)
Aru wa shinji te mi te?
(So why not try believing in me)

“Aru wa shinji te mi te.”

Michiko stood up and turned abruptly to find Nino behind her. “Nino!”

“Ahh. I said that out loud, didn’t I?” He looked at her sheepishly. “Gomen. I didn’t mean to interrupt you. I tried my best to not make any sounds.” Michiko looked down and shuffled her feet from side to side. “How long have you been standing there?” Nino closed the gap between them in just three long strides. “I love that song. Can you sing it again?” She looked up shyly. “Ano… I don’t really sing well in front of an audience.”
“It’s just me.” Nino inched closer. “Umm… ano…” Michiko wasn’t sure why she was bothered by the closeness of him. Somehow she could feel his heat reaching out to her. His scent was different from Jun’s. It was light and citrusy. “Michiko.”
“Hmmm?” She replied in a sort of a daze.
“If you don’t stop looking at me like that, I might kiss you.”
She turned pink.
“Your ears turn pink, too.” With a finger, he traced the edge of her left ear from the top to her lobe. Michiko watched him in fascination. He looked much younger than Jun but something told her that he was older. And while Jun was, at first sight, strikingly good-looking… Nino was, after a few gazes, alluring in his own right. His face was not as defined as Jun’s, his looked more soft and yet not necessarily gentle. It was weird but she felt like there was something more hiding behind the thoughtful look that he was giving her right now. Like an angel with a devil’s tail. Without thought, she peered behind him. “Nani?”
“Uh. Nothing. I was just thinking… you wouldn’t want to kiss a mouth that you’ve seen mushy spaghetti come out of.”
“Is that another reason why you didn’t ask for Jun?”
“I don’t want to talk about him.”
Nino hid a smirk.
“No problem. You don’t have to tell me twice.”
“Oh.” It was just then that she remembered his confession. If she had any sense in her, she would give him an answer now. But considering the fact that right now she hated the egotistical person that she actually fell for, she might just tuck Nino’s intentions into her for-further-review box.
“Can we talk about what I told you last night?”
“About how seaweed looks better puked?” Michiko stalled.
“No.”
“About how I can paint a starry midnight sky while I have a migraine?”
“No.”
“Ah! I got it. You thought my hair looked too much like Jun’s and so I should get a new haircut.”
Nino couldn’t help but laugh at the last one. Did they really talk about all those things last night? “No, Michiko. Are you telling me that you remember all those but you can’t remember the part where I bared my feelings to you? I am hurt.”
“Iya. Of course I remember.” She replied quietly.
“Then were you trying to forget it? Deny it happened?”
“It’s not that…”
“You can’t give me an answer yet…”
“It’s too soon and I…” How could she tell him that she had already given her heart away? Would it seem like she was too easy? It had been only a few days and even though she couldn’t really see it working out in the end… what with THAT attitude of his… she still kinda hoped it would. She sighed.
“Am I not likable?”
“No. I mean. You are… likable. I do… like you.”
“But…”
“That’s the thing. There is a but. No matter what the reason is behind the but. The but alone should tell you why I can’t give you an answer.”
“So I’m being rejected because of a but?”
“Rejected… may not be right.”
“But?”
“I don’t know.” She sighed again.

Michiko seemed genuinely confused. That was a good sign. It meant that she had not completely written his confession off in favor of Jun.

“Gomen.” Nino said sincerely.
“Eh? For what?”
“I’m about mention his name dakara gomen.”
“Oh. Go on.”
“I don’t want to cause trouble between you and Jun. I’m not really sure if you two have reached some kind of an understanding… so if my feelings somehow caused a rift between you two then…”
“Iya, Nino. Don’t… it’s not your fault.”
“Still. If you think it’s best if I just tried to ignore what I feel for you then I will try.”
It would really suck if she said yes, Nino thought.
“I want to be honest with you like you have been to me, Nino. I might be… I am…” This was hard. Michiko didn’t normally talk to people about her thoughts and feelings. She didn’t have girl friends to vent to. Her guy friends were not exactly the listening type either. “… in----”
“Gomen.” Nino couldn’t let her finish. He pulled her into a kiss. It was rough and demanding. His mouth searched hers in hope of a response. Michiko froze. Her arms remained limp on her sides while Nino wrapped his around her back. As he kissed her, Jun’s words came haunting her. She brought her hands up to his chest and tried to pulled back. “It’s not po--” Her opened mouth allowed Nino to deepen the kiss. His tongue was so persuasive but she didn’t give him. If she reacted even by a little bit, she knew he would take it as sign to keep going. She pushed him back but his embrace held her tight. “Nino, stop.”
“Michiko…” His voice was raspy. Kissing her was not part of the plan. It should not have happened. Life is not a game. No matter how well you map out your strategy, it was not guaranteed to work or even used at all. What he had done just now showed how emotions couldn’t be dictated by tactics. He knew that it didn’t matter what scheme he had planned to lure Michiko away from Jun… in the end, she alone could predict the outcome. And by her not kissing him back and trying to push him away, she had already come clear with her decision. He let her go.
“Nino. Can you not do that again?”
“Ever?” Had he nailed his own coffin shut?
“I was going to give it some more thought…”
“Again with the but.”
“Why did you do it?”
“You mean, kiss you?”
“Yes.”

Because he guessed what she was about to confess and it didn’t bode too well with him. It would’ve killed the tiniest bit of hope. Was that what she was getting at by asking him that question? How could she know what he was thinking? Maybe being a gamer as well, she knew what he had been planning all along. He hadn’t expected that.

“You already know why.” He replied.
“Then you know why there’s a but.”
“I don’t have to accept it.”
“That is your prerogative.” She started walking away from him.
“Why him?” The question stopped Michiko in her tracks. She turned, her face in the verge of laughter. “If you weren’t such a noob when I first met you then maybe you would’ve had a chance.”

*twitch*

“I hope you can run fast because when I catch you, you’re dead!”

Michiko pretended to be scared then flashed Nino the finger. And then she ran.


“Ahh. What’s taking Nino and Michiko so long?” Aiba complained.
“Eh? Where did they go?” Jun asked.
“Oh Jun. What did you do? Michiko ran out of here so fast and she looked really pissed, too. Nino went after her.”
“Sou ka.” Jun went out and Aiba followed him.
“Well? Aren’t you going to tell me?” Aiba asked.
“Nope.”
“Nande? NANDE?”
Just then Jun saw Michiko running up the path, laughing. Nino was a few feet behind her.

“You suck Nino! You suck soooo ba--” She stopped abruptly when she saw Jun and then turned to face Nino. But he obviously didn’t see him or her mouthing the word “stop” because he tackled her down to the ground. “HA! Call me noob again and I will ki--” Michiko covered his mouth with her hand. “Shut your trap!” She hissed at him.

“Nino, get off her.” Jun’s voice was suddenly very loud and booming. Nino removed Michiko’s hand on his mouth then looked up to find Jun with disapproving scowl on his face. Of course, what was he expecting? Rainbows and hearts? “Ah, did I hurt you, Michiko?” He turned to ask her. “I’m fine.” He got up and held out his hand to her but when Michiko lifted her arm, Jun grabbed it and pulled her up with such a force that she ended up against his chest while Jun’s hand went protectively around her waist. Nino narrowed his eyes at Jun then shrugged. “Yo, Aiba-chan! You have games for us tonight?” Aiba looked at Nino then at Jun and Michiko. “Hai. It’s going to be so much fun!” Nino started walking towards the cabin. “Saa… tell me all about it.”

When the two were out of sight, Michiko pushed Jun away successfully. She glared at him. “Seriously! Who do you think you are?” He was the reason why she didn’t enjoy Nino’s kiss. He was the person that made her heart skip a beat every time he smiled at her. He was why, for the first time in her life, she wouldn’t mind losing. But she wondered often if she meant the same to him. Or was it merely physical attraction that he felt? He frequently reminded her lately of his hold on her. But he hadn’t really said anything about his feelings. Nino had.

Jun didn’t know how to answer her. A part of him wanted to tell her that what he wanted… needed… was her by his side. Permanently. That he didn’t want anybody else giving her the attention that he should be giving her. But a part of him was scared to do so. Telling someone you liked them was not to be taken lightly. It should be given a lot of thought. He needed to make sure that he was ready.

“Who do I think I am?”
“Yes, that’s what I asked, MATSUMOTO-KUN.”
“Stop calling me that. I’m not answering until you call me--”
“JUN! JUN! JUN!”
His lips formed a thin line.
“I’m not really sure why you’re asking me that.”
“YOU always tell me how I can’t resist you. Always reminding me AND showing me how my body reacts to you. You even told me who I cannot love. So my question was, WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? What gives you the right?”
Jun wasn’t expecting all of that. What she said was true though and he still didn’t know what to answer. What would Doumyoji say?
“Matsumoto Jun desu. Learn it… Live it…”
“Love it?” She snarled.
He smirked.
“I don’t think so.”
“I know so.”
“Oh yeah? Two can play this game.”
“It’s not a game you can win.”

She was prepared to lose. But was he?

End of Chapter XXVI

AUTHOR'S NOTES
Well hmmm. Nino's not going to scheme anymore? Right? Can we really trust what he's thinking?
Jun no baka! Nino already confessed! What are you doing? LOL.
I wonder what Aiba chan is planning. Games eh?

Thanks for reading another chapter of FtF. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Comments will lower my fever down. HEHEHEHE. That and probably an advil ^_^

Chapter XXVII

“NINO! OH MY GAWD! Come on! I told you NOT to use the item yet! Listen to me!” Michiko yelled into Nino’s ear. “Shut up, Michiko! You’re making me deaf and I’m losing my concentration!” He yelled back. “I’m just saying. LISTEN TO ME! And I will stop yelling.” Nino paused the game and glared at the woman sitting next to him. She had him pinned between her and the arm of the couch. After their talk outside, she had suddenly gotten more comfortable with him and had been bossing him around while he played Mario Kart on his DS Lite. It was too bad she couldn’t play as well because he would love to kick her overbearing, know-it-all ass. “Play play play! No pausies!” He sighed and continued playing. After a few minutes, the yelling started again.

Michiko: “Noob, come on! You don’t even know how to drift?!”
Nino: *twitch* “I know, too!”
Michiko: “Well then do it!”
Nino: “That is what I’ve been doing if you’ve been paying attention!”
Michiko: “Dude, I know what a drift looks like, okay? And you were not drifting.”
Nino: “Didn’t I tell you to shut up? I can’t concentrate!”
Michiko: “Oh gawd, if you can’t drift manually, you should have chosen automatic instead.”

Nino paused the game again and almost threw his DS at the TV. “You are driving me nuts!” He held on to his precious and leaned back on the couch. Jun, who was watching them from the very beginning and wasn’t sure if he should be happy that they’re arguing or pissed that they seem close to each other. All of the sudden, Michiko put her arm around Nino’s shoulder then hugged him. Okay, he was pissed.

Michiko: “Awww, Nino, GOMENASAI!”
Nino: “You don’t have to yell the apology.”

She was hugging him. Tightly. And he loved it. He threw a glance at Jun then smirked. Boy, was he pissed. “Well, my hugs are not for free, buddy.” Michiko said. Nino started playing again. “I’ll listen to everything you say if you keep hugging me all throughout the game.” He proposed. Michiko pulled back and thought about it.
“You are not seriously thinking about it, are you?” Jun asked incredulously. She looked at him and then at Nino then back at him again. “What do you care? Friends hug.”
Friends, huh. Nino decided that that was better than nothing. Jun muttered something unintelligible under his breath then left to go upstairs. Nino snickered. “Oi! Are you purposely trying to piss Jun off?” Michiko asked. “Would I do that?” He turned his DS off then faced her. She looked at him suspiciously. “I don’t know but I’m leaning more to yes, you would.” He pinched her cheeks. “Ow! What was that for?” Nino stood up then bent over to kiss her nose. “You already know how I think. Forget about Jun and pick me.” Michiko’s jaw dropped at what he said. The sound of breaking glass broke the intensity of Nino’s stare. They both turned and found Aiba with his eyes wide open and mouth forming an O. “Aiba-chan!” He looked down and found his glass of water shattered on the floor. “AH! Gomen, gomen!” He ran into the kitchen and Michiko followed him. “Are you okay?” She grabbed a roll of paper towels. “Hai.” Aiba was avoiding making eye contact. He found a broom and dustpan and hurried back to the living room. After they cleaned up, Aiba went outside. Michiko was about to follow him out when Nino stopped her. “Nino, I thought I’ve made myself clear?”
“You have.”
“Then why?”
“I know how you feel and you know how I feel. But it seems like you don’t know how Jun feels for certain. Until he comes clean and you two are an item, I am not going to stop showing you and telling you why you should be with me.”
“MOU! Are you two related or something? Because both of you are such a pain in the ass!” Michiko turned her back at him and walked briskly to the front door. Nino leaned sideways, his gaze lingering on her behind. He bit his lip. “What would I be doing to cause such a pain? Hmmm.” Sho smacked his head with a rolled up Times magazine. “Hentai.”

“Aiba…” Michiko found him just outside the door. “Aiba-chan.” He turned and smiled at her. “Oh Michiko. What’s up?” She went and stood next to him. “Remember you told me that you’d favor whoever I like?” He nodded quietly. “That’s not true ne?” He nodded again. “Aiba, can you look at me?” He did but before she could speak, he spoke. “I like Nino, too. Actually, I’m closer to him than Jun. Jun keeps to himself most of the time. I wish… there could be two Michikos. This way, they can both be happy.” Michiko felt tears coming. “Aiba, gomen.” He playfully punched her shoulder. “Why are you sorry?”
“I should have fallen for you, Aiba-chan.”
“OI!!! Don’t say that!” She laughed at his reaction.
“Well. Let me tell you a secret.” Aiba’s ears perked.
“What is it? Should we go somewhere else?” He looked around.
“I don’t think anybody’s going to hear us. But just in case, how about I whisper it in your ear?” Michiko leaned in and whispered something that made Aiba grin from ear to ear.

Jun walked in on Michiko whispering into Aiba’s ear. “Now Aiba?!” She looked at him sharply. “Eh, shut up.” Aiba had a look of panic on his face. “Iya! Jun, it’s not what you think!” Michiko grabbed Aiba’s hand then laced her fingers around his. “Iku yo, Aiba-chan.” But Aiba pulled his hand away. “Michiko! Stop that!” He quickly left her side then pushed Jun towards her. “I’ll leave you two alone.” He winked at her then went inside. She winked back while Jun had his back turned watching Aiba leave. When he faced her, she pursed her lips. “What do you want?”

The image of her hugging Nino was still imprinted in Jun’s mind. Little did he know that they had shared more than a hug. He came looking for her to confront her but now that she stood in front of him, he was once again, at loss for words. Why was it so hard to just say what he felt… in a non-threatening manner? “Were you helping Nino provoke me earlier?” She put her hands on her hips. “Of course not. I didn’t even know he was provoking you.” Which was the truth. She didn’t know till later when she asked about it and he admitted to it.
“You know how I feel whe—.” Jun started but was interrupted.
“No I don’t know.”
“Let me finish.”
“I don’t know how you feel.”
“About what?”
“About… everything.”
“Everything?”
“Yes.”
Jun looked away from her searching gaze. What did she want him to say? What did she want to hear from him? He thought he had shown his feelings already. That his actions were clear. “You know the song… More Than Words?”
“Yes.” She tentatively replied.
That was it? Just a yes? Couldn’t she get the gist of what he was trying to point out?
“You know the lyrics to it ne?”
“Yes but can you refresh my memory?” She looked at him intently.
He took a deep breath. “My English is not that good.”
“Ii yo. I don’t mind.”
“Don’t play with me, Michiko. You know what I’m getting at.” He said, starting to feel irritated.
“Do I? I’m not omnipotent you know. I don’t know everything. I can’t read minds.”
Jun didn’t respond. Michiko sighed. She didn’t want to force him to admit anything, if there was anything to admit. “Forget it. It doesn’t matter. I don’t know how we got to talking about this in the first place.” She sidestepped and passed him but Jun reached for her hand then pulled her back. He then placed both his hands on her shoulders and held her in place.

“Na-na-nani?”

“He’s going to kiss her! Go Jun-kun!” Aiba was peering out the small glass window on the door. “Who’s going to kiss who?” Nino came out of the kitchen. “Jun and… Nino!” Aiba turned and got on his tiptoe to block the window. “Jun wants to kiss me? What are you hiding there?” He tried to pry Aiba away from the door but he stood his ground. “Nino, let’s go upstairs ne? I need to show you something.”
“No, I want to see what’s behind the door.”

“Michiko.” He was looking at her with such intensity. She gulped. More than words, he said ne? She tried to remember the lyrics while Jun stared at her. More than words is all you have to do to make it real. Then you wouldn’t have to say that you love me. Cause I’d already know. Maybe he was right. He took care of her wound… both of them. He tried to help her when she choked on a fishbone. He massaged her head when she had a migraine. And when he kissed her… Masaka!

“What are you thinking?” She looked so deep in thought. Her forehead creased and she was biting her lip. “I can’t tell you.” This worried him. “Why not?” He asked. “Because I suck at guessing. I need facts. I need…” To hear it. It was stupid but she needed him to voice out his feelings. But that was not fair of her. He also deserved to know how she felt and she hadn’t made any attempts at telling him. How did Nino manage to do it? To just let it out without any worries? “I’m not following you. What facts?” She couldn’t expect him to own up to his feelings when she couldn’t herself. If she confessed first, would he follow her lead? “Jun…”

“MATTE Nino!” The front door swung open and Nino came out. “Am I interrupting?” He eyed Jun and Michiko.

Jun: “Yes.”
Michiko: “No.”

“Not that it matters.” Nino ducked under Jun’s arm and slipped in between them, him facing Michiko. This caused Jun to let go of her and step back. “NANDE KUSO?!” Jun cursed. Aiba had to quickly hold on to Jun’s waist while Jun pushed Nino’s shoulder hard so he had to turn and face him then he grabbed Nino’s shirt. Alarmed, Michiko pulled Nino back. When she did, Jun let go. “BAKA YAMEROYO!” Aiba yelled at Jun. He got out of Aiba’s hold. “CHIKUSYO! NAMEN NAYO!” Jun cursed at Nino then stormed into the cabin. A shocked Ohno and Sho came running out.

Nande kuso = What the hell
Baka Yameroyo = Don’t act stupid
Chikusyo = Damn it
Namen nayo = Don’t fuck with me

“I… I better go after him.” Michiko turned to Nino and bowed her head. “Gomenasai!” When Michiko left, Ohno took Nino’s hand. “Daijobu?” He shook his head no. “I didn’t know he was going to react that way.” Sho had to pull a distraught Aiba into a hug. “What the hell happened?”

“KUSO!” Jun sat on the floor with his knees up, his back facing the locked bedroom door, his head in between his knees. He jerked his head back and it hit the door. He started laughing. “What the fuck is wrong with me?!” Did Nino do something so unforgivable that he reacted that way? All he did was come in between him and Michiko. But that move triggered something inside of him and he went berserk. If Aiba hadn’t been there and if Michiko didn’t pull Nino away, he might have… would he have hit him?

Michiko nervously approached the room. He had to be in here. She turned the knob but it was locked. “Jun?” Her heart was beating fast, she didn’t know what she was going to say if he did open the door. “Jun, please let me in.” There was a click and then the door cracked open. Michiko pushed the door further in. When her eyes met his, she caught her breath. There was a look of anguish on his face. She knew he regretted what he had done and said. She locked the door behind her then ran and threw her arms around his neck. Her body slamming into him caught Jun by surprise. He staggered back a bit but was able to steady himself. His stress level that was up to the roof just a minute ago suddenly plummeted down. He wrapped his arms around her and allowed her to comfort him. Michiko laid her head on his shoulder, her face on his neck. She couldn’t help but feel guilty. But at the same time, she felt like she finally knew… without words, what she meant to him. How foolish it was of her to question his feelings when he had been showing them but she was just too clueless and narrow minded to recognize. The realization gave her the courage to make a decision. Michiko buried her nose into the side of his neck and inhaled the scent of him. Around her, Jun’s arms tightened. She smiled then grazed her lips from his neck to his chin. Jun’s pulse quickened. He slightly pulled back and studied her face. “I promise you that what happened today won’t happen again.” Michiko said. She stood tiptoe and brought her lips to his, stopping an inch away. Jun had closed his eyes when he heard her speak again. “Stop being jealous. I’m yours.” His eyes flew open while Michiko’s closed and their lips met.

End of Chapter XXVII

AUTHOR'S NOTES
Oh My! What a development! The week is not even over yet but was Michiko's confession enough to Finish the Fight? And how about Nino? After Jun's outburst, will he finally throw a white flag and surrender? Can somebody give Aiba some tissues? ^^ And what did Michiko whisper to Aiba?

How will Day 4 end?

Wah my heart was beating fast when I was writing the part when Jun was cursing at Nino and also when Michiko was at the bedroom door. LOL.

Thanks for reading and comments are the food to my soul! ^_^

Chapter XXVIII

Jun couldn’t believe his ears. Did she just say… “Did you just say…” She stopped him from finishing his question by slipping her tongue inside his mouth. A shock went through him and he let out a slow groan. As their tongues touched and teased each other, Jun’s hands explored her body. They settled on her round ass, a hand on each cheek. He gave them a squeeze then pulled her closer to him. Michiko gasped, she felt him hard against her. She started walking forward while still clinging to him; she guided him towards the bed. When they were a foot away, she pulled back an arm’s length. Jun was breathing raggedly. She gave him a mischievous smile then jumped on him, her legs wrapping around his thighs. The force pushed Jun back and as he was about to fall unto the bed… “Twist!” She commanded and he did. Michiko’s back landed on the bed, Jun on top of her. This was not the appropriate time, he thought. He should go downstairs and apologize to Nino and everybody first. “Jun.” Michiko let go of his neck then stretched her arms over her head, causing her shirt to pull up and tighten around her. That move distracted Jun from his plan to apologize first. He shifted his eyes upward and met her gaze. “You win. And you get several prizes… these here.” She cupped her breasts. “This whole section here…” Her hands caressed her torso. “And for the grand prize…” Jun’s eyes followed her hands sliding down from her bare midriff down to her pelvis and lower. They stopped right between her legs then flew up and slapped his face. “Daijobu?” He blinked at her. “Good! This is not the appropriate time you know.” Michiko grinned. “Are you kidding me?!!” Jun growled at her. She let out a hearty laugh. “This will teach you to mess with me!” He captured both her wrists and pinned them down then leaned in and started kissing her neck. She moaned and moaned and was wriggling underneath him. And then there were several loud knocks on the door.

“MAJI DESU KA. Chikusyo!” Jun tore his lips from her neck and straightened up. “Jun, calm down. Why are you cursing a lot?” Michiko immediately sat up and looked at the door. “I can’t open the door like this.”
“Huh?” Jun darted his eyes down and Michiko followed his gaze. “Oh.”
“Tell ‘em I’ll be out in a bit.” He went in the bathroom. She smoothed down her shirt and then opened the door. It was Sho. “Sakurai-san.” Sho searched the room with his eyes. “Where’s Jun.”
“He’s taking a…” Cold. “…shower. He said he’ll be out soon. Gomen. Hontou ni gomen!” She bowed really low. “Michiko…”
“Hai.”
“I like you. I really like you…”
“Iya! Not you too!”
Sho smirked then smacked her head.
“Iya. Not like that, silly.” His face grew serious. “Jun and Nino both like you… a lot. If you can’t choose between them then it’s better if you forget about them.” She unconsciously reached up and touched her neck.
“I know. And I have.” Sho squinted and looked at her sideways, trying to assess if she was telling the truth then out of the corner of his eye, he saw the condition of the bed. “Is he taking a cold shower?” Michiko blushed furiously. “You know he’s been doing that a lot lately. Try not to get my friend sick, will ya?” He winked at her. “We’ll be downstairs waiting.”
“Hai.” She said quietly, still embarrassed. She closed the door again and locked it. Maybe she should go downstairs now. Yeah, she should. “Jun.” Michiko went next to the bathroom door. “Jun, I’ll wait downstairs okay?” The door suddenly swung open. “Let’s go together.”

Nino was lying down on Ohno’s lap when he saw Jun and Michiko coming down the stairs. Michiko was a step behind Jun. When her eyes met his, she smiled softly and took a step down and took Jun’s hand. Jun turned to look at her. So he wasn’t hearing things. She really did say that she was his. Nino stayed in his position and just stared at them. He felt Ohno squeeze his arm. They started walking again and stopped in front of the couch. Michiko gave Jun’s hand a squeezed then let go. “Where’s Aiba-chan?”
“He’s outside with Sho.” Ohno replied.
“I’ll be outside okay?” Jun nodded to her and she smiled and mouthed “Gambatte” before she left. Ohno nudge Nino and he reluctantly got up and stood face to face with Jun. “I’ll be in the kitchen.” Ohno said. When he left, Jun cleared his throat. “Gomen.”
“Matsumoto-kun. Shouldn’t you be looking at me when you apologize?” Jun did and glared at him then sighed. He should do this properly but Nino was not making it easy. He must be enjoying this way too much. “Matsumoto-kun.” There was teasing tone in his voice. “Ninomiya.” He looked at him square in the eye. “Go-me-na-sai.”
“I’m sorry, too.”
“Eh?”
“Don’t act so surprise. You know I’ve been purposely pissing you off. But I guess I went too far earlier. You should have sat me down awhile ago and told me that you were serious with her.”
“Like that would have stopped you.” They both smirked.
Nino shrugged. “It wouldn’t have but at least I would’ve set boundaries.”
“Nino…” He had to get something off his chest.
“I know, Jun. You love me.”
“That’s… not what I was going to say.” Nino pretended to be hurt and Jun rolled his eyes.
“If Michiko didn’t tell me how she felt… I would’ve chosen friendship.” It would’ve hurt him really bad but he would have tried to forget her for the sake of making amends with him. Nino smiled sincerely. “Then the best man won.”

Sho had his arm slung over Aiba’s shoulders when Michiko came out of the front door. “Sumimasen. Can I talk to Aiba-chan alone?” Sho nodded and went inside. Michiko noticed Aiba’s eyes were red which meant he must have been crying. She felt her heart break at his expression. He seriously looked depressed and distressed. She walked over to him and gave him a hug. His arms went around her and he hugged her back tightly. “I’m sorry, Aiba-chan. I should’ve thrown caution to the wind and told Jun how I felt then this wouldn’t have happened.”
“Iya, Michiko. I don’t blame you. Jun should’ve done the same thing anyway. Besides, it’s the guys job to confess first.” She pulled back and chuckled. “That’s old school, Aiba! Women these days are more confident. You men should not have to take charge all the time.”
“So… did you?”
“Did I what?”
“You know. Take charge?”
Michiko was blushing again. Today was just a blushing good time, wasn’t it?
“Are you getting sick?” He placed his palm on her forehead. “You feel a bit warm and you’re turning red like tomato!” She removed his hand from her forehead.
“Aiba, I’m blushing!”
“EH?! What for?”
“Umm…”
“AH!”
“Ah?”
“What’s this?!” His finger poked at a mark that was in between where her neck and shoulder met. Just right above the edge of her collar bone. “Wha-- what is it?” She moved the neckline of her shirt to the side. “I can’t see. What is it?!” She hoped it wasn’t a zit or something.
“MICHIKO!”
“WHAT?! Aiba-chan! Is it big ass zit?”
“You and Jun have been very ecchi ne.” With his eyes twinkling, he grinned at her.
She quickly covered her neck with both her hands.
“Too late! I saw it already!”
“Saw what?” The front door opened and the rest of the guys came out. Jun followed by Nino then Ohno and last, Sho.
“What’s wrong with your neck?” Ohno asked curiously.
“Juuuun.” Aiba smiled knowingly at him. “So did you do--.” Michiko clapped both her hands on Aiba’s mouth. “SHUSH!” Aiba grabbed her wrists and pulled her arms down. “Ne, Jun. You shouldn’t be too rough on Michiko. Lookie here.” He nodded towards her neck.
“AIBA!! Saite!” Michiko tried to pull away but Aiba’s grip was surprisingly strong. “Nani?” Jun and the rest hovered over her like vultures.
“Right there, can’t you see it? On the right of her neck. Move her shirt a bit to side.”
Michiko surrendered. “I’ll do it." Aiba let go of her. "HERE.”
“OHHH!” Sho started laughing. “Aiba, you are the worst. Sorry about that, Michiko.”
“Jun, you chose a good spot.” Nino patted him on the back.
“I didn’t suck that hard. Your neck must be really sensitive.”
“Okay enough everyone. Give Michiko some space. She’s going to faint from all this embarrassment.” She silently thanked Ohno then glowered at Aiba. He smiled happily at her. “Since we’re in a good mood, we’ll do the games tonight!” Aiba announced.
“Games?” Michiko had a bad feeling about this. Jun pulled her to him, wrapped his arms around her and held her by her waist. She blushed again, not used to being held like this around everybody. Her hands automatically placed themselves on his chest. “What are you doing?” She smiled apologetically at everyone else. “What’s wrong? I thought you said you’re mine?”
“Eh? She said that? That sounds like that skit you did on Shukudai-kun.” Ohno pointed out.
“Shukudai-kun?” She asked.
“You’re right, Oh-chan!” Nino agreed.
“AAHH, when Aiba asked Jun to say it to him, too!” Sho started laughing.
“Hazukashi!!!” Aiba hid behind Sho.
“Shukudai-kun?” She asked again.
“I’ll explain later.” Jun replied. Michiko frowned.
“Why don’t you reenact it with Michiko?” Aiba suggested. Jun looked at her. “Okay.” He released her then stepped back a bit. She looked at everybody smiling around her then stared at Jun. What was going on?

“Omae wa ore no mono dakara, chuushiyou... Oide.”
(You're mine so, let's kiss. Come over here.)

As if she hadn’t blushed enough! She started fanning her face with her hands.

“Oh! She’s reacting the same way!” Sho pointed out.

“OI Michiko! OIDE!” Jun commanded.
“YADA!” She turned and ran into the cabin, up the stairs and into the bedroom.

End of Chapter XXVIII

AUTHOR'S NOTES
I don't remember which AnS episode that was. But here's a clip of that skit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddS0QTSzutk
Favorite! XP

Games!!! YAY!

Thanks for reading!!! Comments will give me a blushing good time! HAHA *fans her face* ^____^

Chapter XXIX

All the lights in the living room were on. There were a few bottles of liquor on the coffee table and small paper cups. Nino, Ohno, and Sho sat on the couch across from the table while Jun was seated on the loveseat to the left. Aiba was standing in the middle of room. Michiko just came out of the bathroom and when she entered the living room, Jun motioned for her to sit with him. Actually, he wanted her to sit on his lap. “I am not sitting on your lap, Jun, so scoot over or I’m sitting somewhere else.” Jun frowned but moved over to give her some room. “Just because I said I was yours doesn’t mean you can boss me around.”

“Alright. Now that everybody’s here. Let me tell you about the first game we’re playing and what are the rules. You all know this game and have probably played it before. First game tonight is… Pictionary!” Aiba clapped his hands together. “Oh come on, a little enthusiasm please!” Ohno pumped his fists in the air. “Woo woo?” Nino pulled his arm down, “Iya Oh-chan. Don’t do that.” Sho raised his hand. “Hai, Sho. You have a question?”
“We don’t have a big white board to draw on.”
“Nope but we have this!” Aiba pulled a big sketchbook from underneath the table.
“Oi! That’s mine.” Sho got up and tried to grab it from Aiba but he swiftly put it behind his back. “And we all thank you for letting us borrow it.” Sho sat back down and Ohno patted his back. “It’s okay, I have an extra one at home. You can have it.” Aiba set the sketchbook down on the floor and continued explaining. “So you all know how to play ne? We’re going to separate into two teams. Each member of a team will take turns drawing and the remaining two will guess. Okay, before I tell you the rules, we’re going to pick two leaders who will be in charge of picking the first of their team members. And to do that I’ve gathered six branches of different lengths. They’re in this shoebox here. The person with the longest branch gets to pick first and the one with the second longest, picks second. So form a line here and take a branch from the box.” Everybody got up and did as they were told. “No peeking.” After everyone got a branch, they held it up next to each other. “Ah! Jun-kun gets first pick and then… ME! Aiba Masaki YAY!” Jun looked at Ohno first. It would be a smart move to choose him seeing as he was the best in drawing among all of them. Michiko stared at Jun staring at Ohno. He was going to pick him first over her?! “Any time now, Jun.” Sho said. Michiko stepped into Jun’s line of vision, blocking Ohno. She crossed her arms and pursed her lips. “Matsumoto Jun. If you don’t make up your mind in exactly 5 seconds, I swear…”
“Michiko. I’ll take her.” He forgot how scary she was when she was pissed.
“And I pick Nino! So now, Michiko gets to pick next.”
“I do?!” She looked at Ohno then Sho. Jun was about whisper to her to pick Ohno when… “Sakurai-san!!” Sho smiled and went over to her side. Jun groaned. “Why did you pick Sho!”
“OI, Jun. That hurts.”
“No offense, Sho but you are the worst among all of us.”
“But I remember him going out to practice his drawing. Practice makes perfect, remember?” Michiko reminded Jun.
“I did say that.” Sho replied.
“Yeah because he needs all the practice he can get.”
“Well, that leaves Riida so I guess he’s with me! YAY!” Aiba jumped up and down.
“K, so now what?” Ohno asked.
“Rules! The person who is drawing can’t talk or make any type of actions that will hint on what he or she is drawing. You can’t use any letters or numbers. Everything needs to be drawn.” Michiko raised her hand. “Gomen, Aiba-chan demo… I’m just curious. Why are there alcohol on the table?”
“I’m getting to that now. If the two members fail to guess right, they take a shot.”
“Ehhh?!” Everybody but Nino exclaimed.
“It was actually Nino’s idea. I wanted to use the usual punishments like the stocking over the head, the nipple T-shirt…”
“Nipple T-shirt??!!” Michiko asked in disbelief.
“Yeah but we’re on vacation so why not?! It’s not everyday we can drink and be merry!”
“Well, go on. Are there other rules?” Jun urged Aiba to continue.
“The opponent team is given a chance to guess if your team fails to give the right answer. If the opponent team guesses right, your team must take another shot.”
“Wait wait wait. If the two members fail to guess right, they take a shot but not the person drawing?” Jun wanted to make sure he heard right.
“Right.” Aiba confirmed. Jun looked at Michiko. “We’re dead.”
“Aww, don’t say that Jun.” Michiko took Sho’s hand. “It’s okay, Sakurai-san. Gambatte.”
“Arigato, Michiko. And call me Sho from now on.”
“Let’s start! I wrote down different words in pieces of paper and rolled them up. There are 5 different categories that you might pick from. Things, people, animals, events, and actions. Best out of seven. Me and Jun will play Janken pon to figure who goes first.”
“I’m getting excited.” Michiko grabbed Jun’s hand.
“I’m gonna need that hand, Michiko.”
“Oh, sorry.” She smiled sheepishly.
“My left one’s free.” He smiled back. She moved to his other side and shyly held his hand.
“I want someone to hold my hand, too!” Aiba complained.
“Play already!” Nino was getting impatient. Aiba and Jun looked at him then played. Aiba had scissors while Jun had rock.
“YAY! You won!” Michiko jumped and kissed Jun’s cheek.
“Here you go. Take one.” Aiba held box with the rolled up papers in them. “I get to draw first then?” Aiba nodded. Jun reached in and pulled one. He unrolled it and read.
“You ready?”
“I’m ready.”
“I’ll hold the sketchbook while you draw. The marker is on the table.” Aiba pointed at it.
“Gambatte!” Michiko and Sho cheered him on. Just then Aiba dropped the sketchbook and waved his arms about. “Matte matte!”

Nino: “What now?”
Aiba: “We have to name our teams!!!”
Nino: “We don’t really need to.”
Aiba: “Of course we do! Since my stick is longer than yours, I get to choose.”
Ohno: “So RIIDA, what’s our team name?”
Aiba: “Aiba Saiko!”
Nino: “Iya iya iya iya iya iya. How about Ohmiya.”
Aiba: “But that’s just you and Oh-chan!”
Ohno: “Ohmiyaba?”
Aiba: “Bleh! I know, I know! Monkeys are cute and so is Aiba Masaki!”
Ohno: “Iya iya iya iya.”
Nino: “Okay, I got it. SKM.”
Aiba: “SKM Saiko! YAY!”
Ohno: “Sounds good.”

Jun, Michiko and Sho looked at each other. Sho pointed at Jun. “S.” Then pointed at Michiko. “And M.” Then pointed at himself. “Plus Sho.”
Jun: “Eh? S&M + Sho?”
Michiko: “I am not a masochist!”
Jun: “I beg to differ.”

Michiko started punching Jun’s shoulder. “Fine, fine! You’ll be the S, I’ll be the M. Now can I start drawing?”

Aiba: “By the way, there’s a time limit! 60 seconds. So we’re going to use Riida’s stopwatch.”

SKM VS S&M + Sho Round 1.

Michiko: “A net.”
Sho: “Basket. Iya, Basketball!”
Michiko: “Not basketball? Uuuh uuh…”
Sho: “Shooting!”
Michiko: “Free throw!”
Sho: “Bounce! Bouncing! Shoot!”
Michiko: “Basketball player?”
Sho: “Michael Jordan!”
Michiko: “The guy is jumping up to get the ball ne? Is he?”
Sho: “Defense! Offense!”
Michiko: “Wait the ball is bouncing on the basket?!” *starts hitting Sho* What’s that called! Shit!”
Sho: “Goal tending!”
Michiko: “No no no! REBOUND! REBOUND!”
Jun: “YES!!! Michiko saiko!”
Sho: “Suge! I didn’t think of that!”



Jun and Sho high fives Michiko who was grinning from ear to ear. “SUGE! Michiko-chan!” Aiba high fives her as well. “OI Aiba! No high fiving the enemy!” Nino teased.
“Ahh gomen gomen. It’s my turn now! Saa, something easy, onegai shimasu!” Aiba reached into the box and picked. After reading it, he clapped his hands together as if praying. “Yosh!” He started drawing. Sho kept time.

Ohno: “Flower.”
Nino: “Eh? What kind of flower maybe?”
Ohno: “Looks like an ordinary flower to me. The petals… daisy?”
Nino: “Matte, he’s drawing more flowers. Garden?”
Ohno: “Park!”
Nino: “EH? Nani nani nani? Grass? Greenhouse?!”
Ohno: “AH! Nanda sorya?! There’s a small one then a medium one… AH blooming!!”
Nino: “EEEHH. That wasn’t it?!”
Ohno: “Aiba-chan, can’t you draw it better?”
Nino: “He’s crossing out all of it! NANDE!!”
Ohno: “There there there! SPRING!! Ne? Am I right?”
Aiba: “That was close!!! YAY Oh-chan!”
Nino: “Why didn’t you draw that from the very beginning?”
Aiba: “Demo it’s listed as an ‘event’ not a ‘thing.’
Ohno: “Aahhh, I was right about the flowers blooming. Because it’s spring!”



Aiba: “So it’s tied 1-1. Michiko, pick one!”

Jun: “Matte! If it’s an event and you drew a thing, shouldn’t that be grounds for failure?”
Aiba: “IYA! You can draw it however you like!”
Jun: “Then what’s the point of the categories?”
Aiba: “Just to help you think of how to draw it I guess.”
Michiko: “Jun, it’s okay. It’s my turn.”


SKM VS S&M + Sho Round 2.

Jun: “Neko.”
Sho: “What else can it be? Eh, what’s that?”
Jun: “Matte, let her finish.”
Sho: “There’s something on the cat’s fur.”
Jun: “Draw faster, Michiko!”
Sho: “Those bloodsuckers!”
Jun: “FLEA! TICK! Which one?!”
Michiko: “That’s right! Bloodsucking flea! YATTA!”



Ohno: “That’s a good drawing, Michiko.”
Michiko: “Arigato!”
Nino: “Eh, so far nobody’s taken shots yet. I am disappointed.”
Sho: “Then don’t guess right so you can take shot.”
Aiba: “Maybe we should do that…”
Ohno: “Iya! Wait till I draw.”
Nino: “Oh-chan doesn’t like the taste of alcohol ne?”
Aiba: “Saa, Nino, it’s your turn.”
Ohno: “Gambatte.”
Nino: “Gambarimasu!”

It was Nino’s turn to pick and after he read his word, he smiled. “I’m ready. You guys better get this!”

Aiba: “A hat! HAT!”
Ohno: “It’s a guy with a hat on.”
Aiba: “A stripper!”
Ohno: “He’s got a gun. Police!”
Aiba: “Sheriff!”
Ohno: “Oh is that a compass? Nande?”
Aiba: “EEHHH, I don’t get it!”
Ohno: “AH, It’s a horse! Who rides a horse?”
Aiba: “Clint Eastwood? He's in a lot of western films ne? He’s not drawing his movie ne? I didn’t put that in there.”
Ohno: “Eh? Letters from Iwo Jima?”
Aiba: “Iya. Can’t be..”
Ohno: “UWAAA! Cowboy!!! NE? NE?”
Nino: “What took you guys so long??? The hat should have tipped you off. It’s a cowboy hat!”
Aiba: “Demo, it looks like a regular hat to me, Nino.”
Ohno: “Daijobu. We got it!”




SKM VS S&M + Sho Round 3.

Game
tied at 2-2. So then it was Sho’s turn. “Gambatte, Sho!” Michiko
cheered. “Whatever she said.” Jun muttered. She glared at him. “Hai,
gambatte!”

Jun: “A hand… holding…”
Michiko: “EHHH? Nande sore?”
Jun: “EEEHH EEHH. Sho!! That looks ecchi ne!”
Michiko: “Peeing?? Is he peeing?!!”
Jun: “NOO? Ano, Michiko, cover your ears.”
Michiko: “Nande?”
Jun: “Just do it. We’re gonna lose!”
Michiko: “Okay okay!”
Jun: “Onanii? Seshe?” (Masturbate? Sperm?)
Michiko: “It looks like he’s peeing in the grass! On the flowers!”



Sho
kept shaking his head and pointing at his drawing. Nino and Aiba were
laughing out loud. Tears were streaming down Aiba’s eyes while Nino was
on the floor clutching his side. But he had to get up and gesture to
Sho to stop drawing. In between bouts of laughter, he managed to tell
them that time was up. “MOU!!! This was easy!!! You two got your brains
in the gutter that’s why you couldn’t think of the right answer!” Aiba
and Nino still couldn’t stop laughing. “So? Do you guys know what it
is?” Sho asked Aiba’s team. “Matte, Sho. I gotta catch my breath.”
“Muzukashi ne.” Michiko kept looking at the drawing.
“No matter how you look at it, it still looks ecchi to me.” Jun was examining it, too.
Nino finally stopped laughing. “Okay. I know what it is.” Aiba looked at him, surprised. “Hontou?!”
“Hai. Sho. Watering the plants?”
“USO!!!” Jun exclaimed.
“Bingo!!! Watering the plants!” Sho showed them the paper.
“That’s a hose??! You should have drawn it longer, baka!” Jun smacked Sho’s head.
“You should have drawn a watering can!” Michiko suggested.
“Demo, Okaa-san uses a hose.”
“So that’s your mom’s hand?” Aiba asked. Sho nodded.
“Aaahhh…
that’s just wrong, Sho. That’s disturbing. Can you take that drawing
away now?” Jun buried his face into Michiko’s neck trying to get rid of
the image. That got Nino laughing again. “Before we continue… Michiko
and Jun need to take 2 shots while Sho needs to take 1.” Aiba reminded
them.

Nino: “I’ll pour the shots. Which one do you want, Jun?”
Jun: “I’ll have whatever Michiko’s having.”
Michiko: “Vodka.”
Nino: “4 shots of vodka coming up. How bout you Sho?”
Sho: “Same.”
Nino: “Okay. Here’s 2 for you Jun. 2 for you Michiko. And 1 for Sho.”

Sho took his shot first. “AAAHHHH! It burns!” Jun and Michiko looked at each other, holding their first shot. “Kampai.”
“FUCK!
I haven’t had vodka in awhile.” Michiko’s face looked like she ate
something sour. “No chaser?” She asked. Jun smirked at her. “Wuss.” He
grabbed the other cup and took his 2nd shot. “Cocky bastard.” She took
hers as well. “WOO!” She shook her head. “AAAHH. Alright. Who’s up
next?”

“That would be me.” Ohno took a paper out of the box,
read it, then asked Sho to hold the sketchbook. “We’re winning 3-2 ne?
‘Cause Nino guessed their word ne?”
“Hai hai!” Aiba nodded.

Nino: “Oh-chan! Oh-chan, not too detailed okay. Simple but effective.”
Aiba: “Nande? The more detailed, the better ne?”
Nino: “Iya, if he spends too much time on one thing, we’ll run out of time.”
Jun: “You’re running out of time already, look, Ohno is drawing already.”
Nino: “That’s not going to be included in your gallery, Oh-chan.”
Aiba: “It’s a moon! And a flying broom! A witch!”
Nino: “OH! Ghost!”
Aiba: “Nino! AAHH, what is that called! When they give out candies!”
Nino: “Eh? OH, he’s drawing a pumpkin!”
Aiba: “NINO! Listen to me! When people dress up in costumes! What is that called?”
Nino: “Cosplay?”
Aiba: “IYA!”



Michiko was jumping up and down, trying to stop herself from yelling out the answer.

Aiba: “ EH! Michiko knows. Whisper it to me!”
Jun: “No way!”

Jun pulled Michiko away from Aiba’s reach. “Ahahaha! Time’s up!”

Nino: “Chikusyo!”
Ohno: “Michiko, you know the answer?”
Michiko: “HALLOWEEN!”

Aiba
grabbed Nino and started shaking him. “I knew it! I knew it!” Nino
pushed him away. “If you did, why didn’t you say so?” Aiba’s shoulders
slumped. “I couldn’t remember what it was called.” Ohno patted Aiba’s
back. “Daijobu. We’re tied 3-3.”
“Hai, dozo!” Sho had already poured
their respective shots. Aiba tried sipping his first. “Aiba-chan, you
have to drink it quickly.” Michiko said. “Demo, I don’t think I can do
it.” She went to his side. “You can do it. Here, I’ll drink with you.”
She poured one for herself. “Iya, you don’t have to do that, Michiko!”
She smiled at him. “If I can do it, you can do it. Kampai!” They both
took their shots. “It doesn’t taste good.” He had his tongue out like
he was going to puke. Michiko laughed. Nino already drank 2 of his and
Ohno also finished his 1 shot. Aiba still had 1 more left. They were
sitting on the floor, around the coffee table. Aiba was next to Michiko
who was next to Jun. Sho, Ohno, and Nino were across them. “Come on,
Aiba! Who’s the man eh? You’re the man!” Michiko poured herself another
shot. “Michiko, you sure you wanna keep drinking?” Jun sounded
concerned. “I’ll be fine!” She leaned in and kissed him. The kiss
caught Jun by surprise. Sho and Ohno stared at her, mouths agape. Aiba
was too worried about taking his 2nd shot that he missed the kiss. When
she pulled back, Jun bit his lip and avoided the stares from the three
across from him. “Aiba-chan, kampai!” He took the shot then coughed a
little bit of vodka came out. “Daijobu?” Michiko rubbed his back. “Hai,
gomen gomen.”
“I’ll get you some water.” She quickly got up and went to the kitchen. While she wasn’t around…

Nino: “When are you going to tell her, Jun?”
Jun: “I was going to tonight.”
Ohno: “We still have two days here so that’ll give her time to adjust to the idea of…”
Sho: “Of us… of you being a famous idol.”
Aiba: “I hope she’ll be okay with it.”

Jun
was worried. There was no way to tell how she would react. And seeing
as her last relationship didn’t work out and she was with someone
famous, too… Plus, there was that rule on their contract. While they
were under Johnny’s, their relationships were not allowed to be known
to the public. Would she be okay with that?

“I was just out a
few minutes and you guys are sitting there looking all depressed. What
did I miss?” Michiko handed Aiba a bottle of water. “Sorry, I took so
long. I was debating on whether you’d rather have something sweet to
take the taste away. But water is better.” Jun held out his hand and
she took it. This time she didn’t mind when he pulled her down and she
ended up sitting on him, while he sat cross-legged. She leaned back on
him and he wrapped his arms around her. “Are we done playing?” She
asked. “I think those 2 shots might’ve killed some of Aiba’s brain
cells.” Sho said. “Aw, but nobody won!” She pouted. Jun held her hands,
lacing his fingers around hers. “You can’t always win.” He whispered to
her. Michiko twisted her body so she faced him. “You want your prizes
tonight?” She smiled impishly. “Ano…” He was suddenly feeling warm. Was
it the vodka or something else?

“AH. I know!” She suddenly
exclaimed. Everybody looked at Michiko. “How about we play Janken pon?
Our team vs. your team. Loser takes shots!” They all looked at her like
she was crazy. “I can’t stand a draw! Somebody has to win!” Nino
smirked. “I agree.”

And so it was decided. Well, it was forced
upon by two conspiring minds. Michiko and Nino showed off their evil
grins. “Who’s going against who?” Sho asked. “I challenge you.” Nino
pointed at Jun. He pointed back at Nino. “I accept your challenge.”
“Ano…
I’ll take Sho.” Sho looked at Ohno then jumped up enthusiastically.
“Riida! It’s on!” That left Aiba against Michiko. “I don’t think I can
drink much anymore.” Aiba crinkled his nose at the smell of alcohol.
“How about if it’s only half of the cup?” Michiko suggested. He thought
about it then agreed. “Okay, so the team who gathers 2 wins or more
gets 1 point. How may rounds?” She asked.

Nino: “10?”
Jun: “Maji ka.”
Nino: “Scared of losing eh?”
Jun: “You wish!”
Ohno: “That’s a bit too much.”
Michiko: “10 sounds good!”
Sho: “Well if we’re gonna do this. Let’s go!”

After
10 rounds, nobody knew who won. Everyone was drunk but still up except
for Ohno, who had passed out on the floor after the 3rd round. Aiba was
surprisingly still and coherent. But that was mainly because after the
5th round, he kept giving Michiko his shot whenever he lost and she
couldn’t say no to him. Supposedly, people acted differently when they
were drunk. Nino, who had always been partial to Ohno’s ass, was now
partial to everyone’s ass. He chased after Sho, who had proclaimed
himself the defender of the earth and was running around spreading
earthly love by kissing all the plants in the cabin. Aiba remained
frozen, still sitting on the floor, in front of the coffee table. He
had been eyeing the empty paper cups for more than 30 minutes now. The
hello kitty design on them must’ve hypnotized him into a daze. Jun
stood up then wobbled towards the couch. A giggly Michiko followed him.
“Jun babe, where are you going?” Jun turned around and got dizzy.
“Careful now.” She yelled at him. He used her shoulders to steady
himself. “I am not drunk.” Jun mumbled. “And when did you start calling
me babe?” She giggled. “Just now you dildo.” He dropped himself on the
couch then leaned back. “I prefer babe to dildo any day.” Michiko
joined him on the couch, sitting very close to him. “You’re as much of
a dildo as you are a babe, babe.” An idea entered her mind and she
carefully kneeled up and positioned herself on Jun’s lap. As she faced
him, she snaked her hands around his neck then leaned in to capture his
lips. Jun found her waist and pulled her closer to him. “ECCHI! ECCHI!”
They didn’t know when he got there but Aiba stood right behind the
couch, looming over them. Michiko broke the kiss and straightened up to
look at Aiba. “You want a kiss, too?” She cupped Aiba’s face and pulled
his head down slowly. Jun abruptly stood up, his head hitting Aiba’s
chin. “ITAI!” Aiba stumbled back and knocked down a passing Sho with
Nino still behind him. The trio’s feet got tangled up and all of them
fell to the floor. “Babe, look what you’ve done!” She exclaimed while
peering at the pile of limbs behind the couch. “Don’t go kissing other
guys. Your lips are mine.” She licked her lips and flashed him a
naughty smile then bent down and whispered in his ear. “I have another
pair of lips that you can have. Let’s go upstairs.”

End of Chapter XXIX

AUTHOR'S NOTES
Ahahaha,
gomenasai! I really don't know how each of the members draw. I'm not
very good -_- Ohno's could've been a lot better. But anyhoo!
What will the next day bring?
Will Jun get to tell Michiko? And how will she react?

Cosplay = Mostly known in Anime where fans dress up as their favorite characters.

Thanks for reading!! And if you wanna play pictionary online, you can check out http://www.isketch.net

Chapter XXX

Jun and Michiko half ran, half staggered up the stairs… occasionally stopping to kiss and grope each other. When they reached the top, Michiko’s foot didn’t fully go over the last step and she stumbled unto the floor. Jun tried to grab her hips but his hands slipped off. She landed on all fours laughing then started crawling forward. Jun’s vision was a tad blurry but it didn’t miss a single sashay of her behind. Watching her in that position elicited a slow growl from the back of his throat. He followed her slowly until she got up and knelt next to the bedroom door. She squinted then latched on to the knob. Jun knelt behind her. He pushed her hair aside and nuzzled her neck. Michiko threw her head back to give him more access while his hands roved all over her body. She slightly twisted her body to face him and the movement goaded Jun to look up and take her mouth. She still tasted sweet even after all those shots of vodka. His tongue wandered inside and sought hers. As her hunger for him grew so did his arousal. Michiko wanted to touch him like he was touching her so she let go of the door knob and turned her whole body so she faced him. And she did this without breaking their kiss. She was on his lap again; it was turning to be a favorite position of hers. Her needy hands roamed his chest and back. They paused at his waist and went underneath his shirt. The feel of his skin on her palms sent shivers down her spine and she hurriedly yanked his shirt up. “Matte, Michiko.” Jun stopped her. “We should go inside.” She nodded then started kissing him again; her fingers wove through his hair while Jun struggled with the knob. He felt her nibbling on his bottom lip and instantly forgot about trying to go inside the room. Jun pushed Michiko against the door and she let out a low moan. “Jun. You. Were. Supposed. To open. The door.” She reminded him in between kisses. “I’m busy.” He replied just before his tongue found her neck. That earned him another moan from her. “We can’t. Do this. Here.” Her left hand grabbed the knob and turned it. The door swooshed open, pushed back by her weight. She let out shriek when she felt herself falling back. Her arms flailed in the air before she landed. “OW!” Jun dropped on all fours on top of her. “Daijobu?”
“What happened to your quick reflexes?” He sheepishly smiled at her. “Gomen, all of my reflex actions are currently concentrated in just one area.” A wicked smile spread on his face. “Want me to show you where?”
“Take off your shirt.” She commanded.
“Is that an order?”
“You better believe it.” Jun pushed himself up and then took his shirt off. Michiko propped herself up on her elbows and drank in his semi-nakedness with her eyes. “And to answer your question before… it’s okay… I’ll find it myself.” She sat up and reached for his jeans but Jun swatted her hand away then waved his finger at her. “Uh uh uh.”
“Eeeehh?” She raised an eyebrow.
“Shirt off first.”
Without hesitation, Michiko yanked her shirt up but couldn’t pull it off her. It got stuck on her shoulders. “UGH. It won’t budge!” Jun stared at her lacy nude bra that held her breasts captive. The more she squirmed, the more her breasts were pushed together. It was quite an erotic sight that left his mouth dry. “Help me, dildo!” She cried out. “I can’t. You’re sexy writhing has me hypnotized.” She tried a mixture of bouncing and squirming to get the shirt off but to no avail. She only succeeded in making him harder. “Jun, you bastard. Stop staring at my boobs and get this off me!” He reluctantly helped her. With just one tug, she was free of the shirt. Her glaring eyes met his. “Took you long enough.”
“I’ll make it up to you. I promise.” Their lips found each other again and as their bodies were pressed against each other, Jun’s fingers made their way to her bra clasp while her hands fumbled on his jeans waistband. A few seconds later, Jun had successfully unclasped her bra but Michiko still had trouble unbuttoning his jeans. And then it hit her. “EH?!” She looked down, breaking their kiss. “Nande?!!” She bent her head lower, her eyes strained to see what was wrong. “What are you doing?” Jun was not aware of her confusion and simply thought she had a different idea in mind. “Michiko…” His breathing got heavier, his head thrown back with his eyes closed. Her hand was rubbing him up and down. “There’s no zipper!” She snapped her head up, her eyes wide open. Jun was obviously still enjoying the feel of her hand on him when he felt a slap on his right cheek. “Wha- What did you do that for?”
“Your jeans! It doesn’t have a zipper! I should know, I looked for it. And there’s no button!” Jun had to really focus to understand what she was saying. Then it dawned on him. “Oh. It’s fake. Not real denim. Sweat pants actually. Sho gave me a pair last Christmas.” Michiko blinked at him then burst out laughing. She covered her face with her hands and kept on laughing. Her bra fell down to her elbows and her breasts were exposed. Jun raked his hair and bit his lip. Great, he thought. She was laughing her ass off while he was still getting turned on. “Remind me to kill Sho before the night is over.” Michiko had tears in her eyes. “I. Am. So. Sorry.” She managed to spit out an apology in between giggles. Jun sighed. He was extremely disappointed but she looked so cute trying to stifle her laughter and even cuter as she tried to keep her bra from falling off completely. “You want me to help you with that?” He went behind her, pulled her straps in place then clasped her bra close. After that, he wrapped her arms around her and rested his head on her shoulder. “Let’s go to sleep.” Michiko stopped laughing and turned around to face him. “Sorry.” She said quietly. “Don’t worry your pretty little head about it. It’s not the end of the world. It’s not like we won’t ever try to…” Jun realized that they only had a couple more days before he left. “Michiko. There are some things that you need to know about me.” His face was so serious, it worried her. But she joked about it anyway. “You’re married with kids?” He chuckled at that. “No.” It looked like she had her thinking cap on. “You’re a serial killer and I’m your next victim?” He shook his head. “Yappari, the gay sex orgy theory was really true!” Jun gently hit his forehead on hers. “Baka! Will stop it with the theories?” She smiled. “Next thing you’re gonna tell me is you really hate cheese.”
Jun’s face grew somber. “I’m serious, Michiko. I’m not sure if you’d still want to be with me after I tell you everything.” Now, she was really worried. But it couldn’t be that bad right? The worse thing she could think of was that he already had a girlfriend. She didn’t want to be the other woman. “Are you already taken?” She apprehensively asked, her breathing felt erratic. “OF COURSE NOT YOU DILDO!” Relief washed over her and she was able to breathe normally again. She flashed him the biggest smile she could summon. “Then who cares?! You can tell me tomorrow. For now, let’s go and kill Sho!” Jun couldn’t say no to her when she was smiling so happily at him.

The sun slowly peeked over the horizon. Its warm rays stretched and reached for the sky and everything else in its path. Night had come and gone. Michiko slept next to Jun. Her back pressed against his chest, his arms around her, his leg slung over her leg. She held his hand right on top of her breasts. Jun had woken up just a few minutes ago but stayed in his current position, loving the warmth from her body. He noticed that she talked a lot in her sleep but she mostly repeated his name. The first time he heard her call to him, he thought he had accidentally woken her up. But she kept saying his name over and over. Made him wonder what she was dreaming about. Then he remembered what Aiba told him a few days ago. He had shared that they both dreamt of each other. It was safe to assume that Aiba had heard her call out his name before while she was asleep. So she had been dreaming about him since then. That realization made his heart skip a beat. He smiled and pulled her closer to him. Michiko let go of his hand then turned and snuggled closer to his chest. “Jun…” He kissed the top of her head and closed his eyes, wishing he could stay here like this…with her… for a long time. But it seemed like that wasn’t going to happen today. Jun heard the door open and close. “Wake up, Jun! We’ve got a problem.” He turned his head to find Nino at the foot of the bed. He quickly pulled the covers over Michiko. In the middle of the night, she had taken off her bra and wriggled out of her shorts because they bothered her. “This early?” He made no effort at getting up. “Get up now! I’m serious!” What could be serious at this time of the morning? Unless Aiba had puked all over the place, at which, it would still not be his problem. “Did you get to tell Michiko last night?” He shook his head. “JUN! You were supposed to tell her already!” Nino seemed really jittery. Jun carefully extricated himself from Michiko, careful not to wake her up during the process. He slowly got out of the bed, wearing only blue boxers. He took Nino into the bathroom and shut the door. “What is it?”
“Your manager’s here.” Shocked, Jun had to hold on the sink. “WHAT?! Why?!”
“Apparently, they couldn’t take care of the little scandal you created a week ago. She didn’t divulge any other information to us except that there have been new developments regarding damage control and Kitagawa-san himself wanted to see you.” Johnny Kitagawa wanted to see him? This was bad. “You don’t exactly have enough time but you need to tell Michiko who you are.” His head was reeling. What could’ve possibly gone wrong? His manager had reassured him before they left that she would take care of it quickly. He doubted that there were any opposition from the other side in regards to the plan. “Jun! Snap out of it. We’re already packed and ready to go. The others are just stalling her so you can talk to Michiko.” Michiko. Nino was right. He didn’t have enough time to explain everything to her. It would’ve been easier if she had an inkling as to who Arashi were. How was he supposed to tell her? Nino grabbed Jun’s shoulders and shook him. “Matsumoto Jun!!!” He looked at Nino then went out. “I’ll try to help them stall. Lock the door behind me though, just in case.” Jun nodded. As soon as Nino left, he got on the bed and stared at the woman sleeping soundly on it. He brushed the hair away from her face. “Michiko…” Jun bent down and kissed her forehead then her nose then her lips. “Michiko.” He gently shook her. She slowly opened her eyes then blinked several times before smiling up at him. “Why are you--.” She covered her mouth then jumped off the bed and ran towards the bathroom. “Michiko!” Jun ran after her and found her brushing her teeth. He chuckled and reached for the mouthwash and proceed to gargle. Once in a while, they’d look at each other and smile. When they were both done, Jun pushed Michiko towards the bed. It was only then that she noticed that she was only wearing panties. She quickly covered her breasts. “A bit too late for that, don’t you think?” He grabbed his shirt on the floor then put it on her. She didn’t argue. “You better sit down.” She cocked her head sideways but sat down anyway. “What’s wrong?” Jun paced in front of her. “Michiko, I told you last night that I had something to tell you. That there’s something about me that you needed to know.” He paused and looked at her. “I have to tell you now because we’re leaving.”
“Leaving?!! Why?! I thought we have two more days?!” Panic-stricken eyes looked back at him. Jun pulled her up into an embrace. “It’s okay, it’s okay. It’s not like we’re not gonna see each other again ne?” She pushed him back. “But why?”
“You see… I’m famous.”
She chuckled lightly. “You’re famous. Okay.”
“It’s not funny.”
“Are you serious?”
“Very.”
“Well, how famous?”
“Incredibly.”
“Like Justin Timberlake famous?”
“He can sing better but I’m definitely hotter and I can act.”
Michiko had to sit down while she slowly digested what he told her. As popular as Justin? That was definitely beyond My Chemical Romance.
“Michiko, are you okay?”
“I… I’m just… I don’t know what to say.” She met his eyes and she knew he needed reassurance. “Does this mean I get free concert tickets?” Jun cupped her face and kissed her passionately. When he pulled away… “Is that a yes?”
“Is that all you can say? Aren’t you going to ask me any questions?”
“I have a million questions but I guess… I am more concerned with why you’re leaving so soon…” She lowered her head and her nails started digging into her palms. Jun grabbed both her hands. “What did I tell you about that?” She sighed. “I can’t help it.”
“There’s a problem that I need to take care of. My manager is here to take me back. I have to go. We have to go. I’m not the only one leaving. Aiba, Sho, Ohno, and Nino. We are part of an idol group called Arashi.”
“You’re in a boy band?!!”
“Idol group!”
“Same thing!”
“Okay, fine whatever.”
“So you are like Justin! But you haven’t gone solo.”
“Not in the near future. Michiko. Where can I reach you?” He asked in a hurry.
“I don’t have a phone. Since I’m only here for a few weeks for the tournament…”
“Fuck, that’s right. Where are you staying?”
“At a vacation house in Kyoto. But I will be in Chiba at the Makuhari Messe for the Tokyo Game Show. The tournament is going to be held there. I’ll be staying at the APA Tokyo Bay Makuhari Hotel for one week starting Monday.”
“Wait, let me get a pen and paper so you can write it down for me.”
He quickly rummaged through his backpack. It was a good thing he had brought it up that night Michiko hurt her hip. After Michiko wrote the information down, there was an awkward silence. She was the one who spoke first. “Jun. I won’t be in the hotel room most of the time. But the room is under my name, okay? So make sure you leave a message, any contact information. A number I can call you back with. Anything!” Her heart was racing when she spoke. “I’ll find you.” She bit her lip and leapt into his arms. “You better.”

End of Chapter XXX

AUTHOR'S NOTES
Close but no cigar! Ahh, poor Jun. He was very understanding ne?
Sho's fake jeans?? check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIs7drZUlDk
But finally! Michiko knows! BUT... what about that scandal? Ahh do you guys remember how Jun was pissed at Michiko in the beginning because he thought she was from the press??? Any theories? LOL. Or you can just wait for the next chap! Hafta update My Beloved though first.

Thanks for reading!!!! Comments are intoxicating!!!

kyaaa~
It's sooo cute Mishi!! I absolutely adore it~
Please keep updating! I can't wait for more~

Chapter XXXI

The ride back home was quiet. Ohno slept on Nino’s shoulder while he played Final Fantasy IV on his DS. Aiba was also asleep with his head back and mouth slightly open. Sho stared at Jun who, all throughout the ride, kept looking out the window with a worried expression. He got up and took the seat next to him. Jun didn’t move but spoke. “We should have taken her with us.” Sho slung his arm around Jun’s shoulders. “We couldn’t have. How were you going to explain her to your manager? She’ll be fine, Jun. Don’t forget we’re talking about Michiko here.” He squeezed Jun’s arm. “Wasn’t she the girl who hit you the first day we met her?” Jun smiled at the memory. “Didn’t she also push you down that same day?” His smile grew wider. “When you guys left, she also tried to strangle me.” Sho chuckled. “And how about when she kicked you in your shins?” Jun started laughing and Sho joined him. “What’s so funny?” Aiba had woken up and was standing next to their seat, rubbing his eyes. “Aiba, sit down, you’re going to fall on your ass.” The RV was shaking as it drove on rocky terrain. He took the seat in front of them, knelt on it and faced them. “What’s so funny?” He repeated his question. “We were just remembering how violent Michiko was.” Sho answered. “She was, wasn’t she?!” Sho nodded. “Actually, last night, she and Jun beat me up.”
“I’m returning those fake jeans you gave me Sho.”
“I only gave them to you as a joke, you know. I never expected you to wear them.”
“Don’t get me wrong, I can appreciate comfort when it counts. That’s why I brought one with me. But I didn’t know it’d be such a mood killer.”
“Mood killer?”
“Well, we were in the middle of… never mind. You can have them back. I’m not wearing one ever again.”
“That was mean of you two though. I was drunk as hell. And Michiko… OH… was that why?” He burst out laughing. “I wasn’t imagining things. She WAS just wearing a bra.”
“EEHHH?!” Aiba’s eyes grew big. Color drained out of Jun’s face. He was too intoxicated last night that he forgot to tell Michiko to put on a shirt before they went hunting for Sho. “Jun, you need to be sober when she’s drunk. Or she will get into a lot of trouble.” He covered his eyes with his hand. “You’re right. She almost kissed Aiba-chan, too.”
“EEEHHHH??!!!” Aiba exclaimed. He didn’t remember any of that.
“I said almost, Aiba. Don’t get excited. I stopped her.”
“Demo why did you?” He looked disappointed. “I don’t mind being kissed by Michiko.”
“I mind.” Jun glared at him. Unfazed by Jun’s glare, Aiba leaned forward. “Does she really taste like peaches? I wanna taste it too.”
“Ano, Aiba-chan. You probably shouldn’t be saying that.” Sho warned him.
“Doshite?”
“Because Michiko’s with Jun now. She can’t be kissing other guys.”
“Ah. Of course. Silly me.” He turned around and sat down. Suddenly, he thought of something and abruptly went back to his kneeling position, facing Jun. “OH! When you were being ecchi with her, was she like “Yada! Yada!” Aiba hugged himself and shook his body left and right. “Like that? ‘Cause that’s mecha kawaii!” Both Jun and Sho smacked his head at the same time. “ITAI!”


Michiko’s trip from Nagoya to Kyoto took an hour and thirty minutes and required two train transfers. Time passed slowly for her. Throughout the trip she thought of her situation with Jun. She only knew him for less than a week but had fallen really hard. And then he dropped the bomb on her about him being some famous idol. WHY?! The previous relationship she was in was with someone famous, too and that didn’t end well. Even though she reacted lightly to his confession, in truth, she was worried. Yet again, she would have to deal with busy schedules, paparazzis, and the fans. She would have to wait in the sideline while he prioritizes his career. And then there was the jealousy. If Jun was as famous as Justin Timberlake, then he would easily be linked to numerous women. Her heart started beating fast, she thought she was having a heart attack. Did she have the strength to go through another emotional rollercoaster? And for a man she hardly knew? She shook her head. If the relationship was going to work, she would need to leave New York and move to Japan. Then she would need a steady source of income. Halo 3 was not as big here as it was in the U.S. plus her sponsors were not going to support her internationally. The idea of moving alone was tiring. So many papers to take care of. Would she be willing to do that? For him? She was not even sure if it was going to work out between them. Hell, he might not even end up finding her. With only her name and hotel information, would he really try to contact her? Michiko had her Ipod Mini on but only started really listening when a certain song played. She started singing it softly.

Don't know much about your life.
Don't know much about your world, but
Don't want to be alone tonight,
On this planet they call earth.

You don't know about my past, and
I don't have a future figured out.
And maybe this is going too fast.
And maybe it's not meant to last,

But what do you say to taking chances,
What do you say to jumping off the edge?
Never knowing if there's solid ground below
Or hand to hold, or hell to pay,
What do you say,
What do you say?

I just want to start again,
And maybe you could show me how to try,
And maybe you could take me in,
Somewhere underneath your skin?

What do you say to taking chances,
What do you say to jumping off the edge?

Never knowing if there's solid ground below
Or hand to hold, or hell to pay,
What do you say,
What do you say?

And I had my heart beaten down,
But I always come back for more, yeah.
There’s nothing like love to pull you up,
When you’re laying down on the floor there.
So talk to me, talk to me,
Like lovers do.
Yeah walk with me, walk with me,
Like lovers do,
Like lovers do.

What do you say to taking chances,
What do you say to jumping off the edge?
Never knowing if there's solid ground below
Or hand to hold, or hell to pay,
What do you say,
What do you say?

Don’t know much about your life
And I don’t know much about your world.


Michiko got off her stop. She was now in Kyoto. “What do you say, huh…” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Life’s too short to say no. So I say yes.”


When Matsumoto Jun arrived at Johnny’s & Associates Inc., his manager whisked him directly to Johnny Kitagawa’s office. The rest of the Arashi members were advised to go to their respective dressing rooms. Jun nervously opened the double doors and stepped inside. Stunned, Jun could only stare at the people who greeted him. Kitagawa-san was leaning back on his leather executive chair and had a big grin on his face. “Matsumoto-kun. You should see your face right now. That expression is priceless.” He turned to face Johnny Kitagawa. The man he owed his success to. The person who greatly influenced his life. He bowed his head in respect. “Let’s not waste our time on pleasantries and get to the meat of things.”
“I’m terribly so--.”
“I said let’s not waste our time, Matsumoto-kun.”
Jun nodded.
“As you can see, we gathered everybody that was involved in the small scandal that happened a week ago.”
He nodded again.
“Both of you, please leave the three of us alone.” Kitagawa-san gestured towards the two managers in the room. They quickly left without protest. When they were gone… “Both of you. Come closer.”
Jun looked to his left then walked forward.
“At first it was decided to simply ignore the whole thing. Let the press have their field day and eventually the story will die down. But unfortunately, that didn’t happen. However, who could’ve expected that one picture could boost the overall percentages of both your TV appearances and movies? Sales of Arashi’s latest album also went up.”
“What?” Jun asked, confounded.
“It seemed like your pairing is the talk of the town. Be happy. This is a good thing. Now I know that public relationships are not allowed for anybody under this company. But I will sort of allow yours.”
“Kitagawa-san. With all due respect…”
“Matsumoto-kun. Inoue-chan already told me that you are not in a relationship with her.”
Jun looked at Inoue Mao, who was standing next to him.
“Who do you think I am?” Johnny Kitagawa laughed heartily. After a minute of continuous laughter, he cleared his throat. “I am not changing the rules. It will still be known that you are not allowed to have a public relationship but since the public seems like both of you as a couple, I say, let them think that. Let’s see where this takes your careers. Who knows. If this becomes quite a success, I might think about changing the rules in the future.” Kitagawa smiled slyly. “There is nothing to think about, Matsumoto-kun. Inoue-chan’s manager already agreed to this and so has yours. Actually, Inoue-chan had agreed to it herself.”
This couldn’t be happening, Jun thought. Why would Mao-chan agree to this? How was he going to explain this to Michiko?
“Matsumoto-kun.”
“Hai.”
“Don’t stress too much about this. Your career is doing very well. This will only help you. Think of all the possibilities. In fact, while you were gone, several movie, drama, and ad offers started coming in. Same with Inoue-chan. Let’s milk the cow while it’s alive. I think that’s how they say it.” He laughed again.
Jun didn’t know how to react. The bit about the offers astounded him. But to pretend to be in a relationship. To pretend to be in love. That was something he couldn’t do. But he didn’t have choice ne?
“Meeting adjourned. You may both go.”
Jun bowed again then walked out of the office in a trance, next to Inoue Mao, who was now his acting girlfriend. He kept walking and walking until he reached his dressing room. Mao followed him inside. “Ouji…”
“Mao-chan. You agreed to this?”
“It’s not that bad. And it’s temporary…”
“Until when? And why? We met that night because you needed someone to talk to. Because you were having problems with Shun. Does he know about this?”
“Not yet.” She lowered her eyes down. “Gomen ne. I guess I wasn’t thinking straight.”
“Well make sure you explain it to him. Was the picture published already?”
“Not yet. It’s supposedly going to be on Mondays paper.”
“It wasn’t even that incriminating.”
“Ouji…”
“What?”
“Gomenasai.”
She looked like she was about to cry so Jun took her in his arms and hugged her.
“Daijobu. It’ll work out in the end.”

After his talk with Mao, Jun met with the rest of the Arashi members. They were gathered at their private break room. Jun had just told them everything that happened from the time he went in Kitagawa-san’s office up to part when he talked to Mao.

“NANDATO?!!” Nino was the one who reacted intensely to the news. Ohno had to pull him back down to the couch after he stood up screaming. “What about Michiko?!” He angrily asked Jun. “What about Michiko?!” Jun yelled back. “Nothing’s changed between her and me!” What was Nino implying? “I can’t do anything about it. Believe me if it was within my power to change things, I would. But unless I leave Johnny’s…” Jun couldn’t keep still. He paced around, his hands balled into fists. “Nino, calm down. You are not helping the situation.” Sho went over to Jun then pulled him towards the couch. He didn’t argue and sat down, his hands on his head. “What do you want me to say? I’m sorry I met with Mao that night? Sorry that I comforted her when she was feeling down? Sorry that I hugged her and kissed her forehead to make her feel better? Because I can’t. I can’t be sorry for being a friend.”
“It’s not your fault, Jun.” Aiba said quietly.
“Yes, it is! He could’ve been more careful!” Nino lashed out.
“NINO!” Ohno scolded him. He couldn’t stay in here. The stupidity of it all was suffocating him. Nino stood up and left. “Nino!” Ohno went after him.
“Don’t listen to Nino, Jun. It’ll be okay. Michiko will understand for sure.” Aiba tried to comfort him but Jun knew Nino was right. He could’ve been more careful. But he didn’t know he was going to meet someone like Michiko. If he hadn’t met her, having to pretend with Mao wouldn’t be such a big deal. It probably would’ve been fun.
“So what’s the plan?” Sho asked.

“Find Michiko before she finds out about this.”

End of Chapter XXXI

AUTHOR'S NOTES
WOW! I thought this fic will end soon but considering the new developments in the story... well... we have a long way to go ne? I just hope this doesn't get draggy and kinda lose it's steam. Especially with the added drama. Really wanna know what you guys think about this chapter. Regarding the whole scandal thing. It's not really that big a scandal... well... I guess it is. HAHA. But yeah. Just need some reaffirmation that I didn't make the wrong decision LOL. GOMEN! I am needy ^_^

Thank you for reading and I hope you keep reading. Comments will keep the fight going ^______^

***Also, to those who are read "My Beloved." I promise to work on it soon. Hopefully get at least 2 chapters done this weekend. Finish the Fight just won't leave my brain XP

Aiba being hentai. Got the the "yada yada" idea from watching this vid.
OH YEA! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCeLC6hc2IA

Chapter XXXII

Tokyo Game Show was the one of the biggest gaming conventions in Japan. This year it was being held again at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba. It was 7AM and the convention center was already packed with all sorts of gamers. From those who prefer PC games to those who solely play console games. The lights were bright inside and the air conditioning was blasting. And yet there were several skimpily clad babes promoting old, current, and upcoming games. Huge flat-screen TVs were everywhere. This was gamer heaven. The first Halo 3 Tournament was going to be introduced by Major League Gaming. Because of that, only the hardcore teams get to participate. Michiko’s team was one of them. In fact, they were top seed followed by Final Boss and then Str8 Rippin. But the other teams like StK (Shoot to Kill), MOD (Masters of Destruction), and TDT (The Dream Team) also posed a threat. And there were a few new teams that also made the cut. Michiko’s team will be participating in all three major game types. First was Capture the Flag, second was Team Slayer, and last was Skirmish. Aside from the team-based games, there was also Free for All. Free for All was basically survival of the fittest and it was all about killing or as what the gamers call it, frags. Every member of Michiko’s team was going to sign up for Free for All as well. So they will be against each other. But Michiko was their best player. Excitement swirled in the air and bounced off the walls. And yet amidst all the 360’s, the Wii’s, the PS3’s… Michiko felt a bit lost. There was no denying that she missed a certain someone. “OI! CF Goddess Michiko!” She turned to face freckled face Josh with bright orange hair. He was tall and skinny and had twinkling emerald eyes. “What?” He frowned at her. “You don’t look too good. Are you sick? You know you never told us where you spent those five days at before you returned to us.” She wasn’t sure if she wanted to share her experience. Though if she did tell them that she spent those five days with five guys, they wouldn’t think it odd. “You know how I get during a tournament, Josh. I already went to the bathroom twice before we got here.” She rubbed her tummy. “Already? The games don’t even start till tomorrow!”
“Yeah, yeah. Where’s Kyo and Mike anyway? We need to sign up already. The opening ceremony is about to start and from what we’ve been told, we’re supposed to be introduced to the crowd.” Josh rolled his eyes. “Bunch of crap. I’d rather spend my time practicing than hamming it up on stage.” She punched him lightly on his shoulder. “Bullshit. You know you like the attention.”
“Speaking of which, is that why you’re all dressed up and shit?” Josh eyed her get-up. “Eh? What are you talking about? I’m wearing a T-shirt and jeans.” She contemplated on wearing something nicer but in the end, she got lazy. “Yeah but your shirt’s not wrinkled and those are your good jeans.”
She laughed at his observation. “Whatever.”
He grinned. “I’m just saying… the last tournament we went to, there was a hole in your shirt AND in your pants.”
“Yo Michiko! Josh!” They both turned to find Kyo and Mike walking towards them. Kyo was as tall as Josh, around 6 feet and lanky. His jet-black hair was spiked up. She swore if anything living fell on it, it’d die. She had a huge crush on him before she met her ex actually. But when they got closer, she knew she couldn’t see him as anything but a friend. Mike was the shortest among the three guys. He was shorter than her, standing only 5 feet 3 inches but packed with muscle. One look at him and you’d know he could kick your ass but he was a wuss. He preferred to avoid conflict than face it head on. His blond hair was cut short. “Where were you guys? We’re supposed to be signing up already!” Michiko lectured them. “For your information Ms. Yoku. We already signed us up for the 4 on 4 games but you’ll have to sign up for yourself for the FFA (free for all.)” Kyo informed her. “Arigato gozaimasu, Kyo-kun. Ok, let’s go Josh.”

After signing up, the four gathered with the other Halo 3 teams waiting their turn to be introduced. There was a huge crowd in front of the stage. They were the last one called and when they asked for the team leader to speak, Kyo pushed Michiko forward. “Nooooo.” But it was too late to protest. All eyes were on her and so she slowly took the mic. Before she could speak, she was informed that there would be someone translating for her. “Good Morning. I’m Michiko Yoku also known as CF Goddess from the clan F.U. First of all, in behalf of my teammates, thank you for having us. This is the first time I’m competing internationally and I’m very excited to play all these awesome players gathered here today. Especially the local teams. I’m not sure if I have played any of you before…” There was some loud clapping and shouting in Japanese. “Well, I guess I have.” She smiled. “It must be a bit frustrating for the Japanese speaking players to play online when majority of the players on Xbox Live speak English. It’s more annoying when you’re on the same team with someone who can’t understand a word you say. But that is why I love Halo 3. Sometimes all you need to do is to observe how your teammates work and eventually you’ll learn how to play as team. Communication is vital but a lot of teams actually play online without headsets on. What I’m trying to say is, I hope that after this tournament, I’d see a lot more Japanese players on Xbox Live because I’m always up for new challengers.” After everything was translated, there was a big applause and whistling. “Also, I’d like to add that tomorrow when the games begin… please, don’t hold a grudge on me. Those who have played me know that I have the penchant for trash talking.” Laugher ensued. “And I’ve learned some colorful Japanese curses while I was here.” More laughter. “So tomorrow when I start cursing at you, just know that I don’t personally hate you… just in the game.” Loud cheers were heard and then someone asked in Japanese, “Like what curse words, Yoku-san?” The translator was about to tell her the translation but she held her hand up to stop him. When she responded, she spoke in Japanese. “There’s one that I especially like.” She cleared her throat then with her best Matsumoto Jun impression… “CHIKUSYO! NAMEN NAYO!” A thunderous wave of applause rang throughout the center as the crowd went wild. Michiko left the stage pleased with herself. Kyo and the others were laughing and cheering with the rest of the people. “That was SA-WEET!” Josh smacked her back hard. “You understood that?” She asked. “Kyo translated for us.”

Kyo: “Great job, Michiko. Now you’ll have Japanese fan boys to add to your fan club.”
Michiko: “HA! Jealous?”
Kyo: “Pffft! I don’t want fan boys. I want fan girls but they have better things to do than hang out at a gaming convention.”
Michiko: “Then why the fuck am I here?”
Josh: “Coz you’re not a girl.”
Michiko: “Oh thanks a lot, Josh. I sure spent a lot on these fake boobs.”
Josh: “You’re very welcome.”
Mike: “Guys, we should go to the Halo game room and set up a few games.”
Michiko: “That’s a good idea.”

They turned and headed towards the game room. Halfway there, Michiko heard somebody call out her name. “That voice…” She stopped, frozen in her tracks. Her heart started beating fast. It was weird but she didn’t expect that reaction. Kyo just noticed that she wasn’t following them. He turned back, “What’s wrong, Michiko?” Then saw a familiar face behind her. Stunned, he remained silent until she slowly turned around to face the owner of the voice she recognized. “How did you find me?” Kyo rushed to her side then protectively stood in front of her. “What are you doing here asshole!”
“Good to see you, too, Kyo. Now can I talk to Michi?” She couldn’t believe her eyes. Standing in front of her was Frank. What was he doing here? “Just stay away from her.” Kyo said in a menacing tone. “Kyo, it’s okay.” She squeezed his shoulder when she passed by him. That was when she noticed Frank wasn’t alone. “Ger! Mikey!” She ignored her ex and hugged the other two guys. “Where’s Ray and Bob? Are they here, too? Do you guys have a gig here or something?” Gerard Way, lead vocals of the band called My Chemical Romance felt uncomfortable. “Sort of. Ray and Bob stayed at the hotel. It’s been a while, Michiko. You look great.” She smiled genuinely at him. “Thanks. You too.” Frank coughed twice. She looked back and pursed her lips. “I’d be lying if I said it was good to see you. How did you find me?”
“How hard is it to find the sexiest gamer girl in a convention filled with mostly testosterone?” He tried to compliment her. She looked at her plain white T-shirt and stone-washed jeans then smirked. “Not that hard but I think you missed her. She’s over there.” She pointed at a woman dressed up as Ivy from Soul Calibur. “Funny as ever.”
“So what is the purpose of this visit? Make it quick, we have training to do.”
“No can do. We need to talk.”
“You want to talk after nine months?”
“I know it’s going to sound bad but I have been busy.”
She snorted.
“We were on tour, Michi. Can you just meet me tonight? After a show, at 9PM. We’re staying at the Makuhari Hotel. Same place you’re staying at…”
“How--.”
“I have connections. Come see us. Free admission.” Michiko stared at him in disbelief. The nerve of him. Asking her to watch them perform. “You seriously think I’ll go, Frank? There is nothing to talk about. We already had our talk when we broke up. Don’t go digging up the dead.”
“I’m still breathing and so are you.” Frank knew he made a mistake when he cheated on her. He didn’t want to keep hurting her and made a bad decision that lead to the break up. If he hadn’t been busy, he would’ve contacted her sooner. “Babe.”
“I am not your babe anymore. Just leave me alone.” She apologized to the brothers. “Ger, Mikey. Sorry. It was good seeing you both though. Take care.” When she turned away, Frank grabbed her elbow and spun her around. “Michi.” Kyo pulled Michiko back then pushed him away. Gerard and Mikey had to hold on to Frank as he tried to lunge at Kyo. “Easy now. We’re in public.” Gerard whispered to him. On the other side, Michiko held Kyo’s arm. “Yamero, Kyo!”
“You wanna take us on? 3 on 3?” Josh half growled at them. Mike’s eyes grew big. “Let’s not be hasty now. Violence is never the answer.” Michiko looked at Frank then sighed. “Fine. Where’s the show at?”
“Michiko!” Kyo protested.
“Kyo, I’m old enough to make my own decisions.” He grumbled at her. Frank pulled out a flyer from his back pocket. “You don’t have to be there from the beginning. Just make it to the ending.”
“Fine. But you only get one hour after the show. That’s it.”
“Agreed. I’ll see you later, Michi.”
“Fuck you.” She couldn’t resist it.

The whole day passed uneventfully. Michiko went back to the hotel several times to check for any messages left but was disappointed every time. On top of that, she slightly worried if it was a bad idea to meet with Frank. What could he possibly say to change what had happened between them? Assuming that that was his purpose for seeing her. She was pissed at him for showing up unexpectedly and expecting her to drop everything and talk to him. Michiko used practice to vent out her anger. She was constantly cursing and winning. At one point, Mike slinked out of the game room embarrassed by her vulgarity. But Josh mostly laughed his head off and quoted Yoda. “Michiko… anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” Kyo, on the other hand, kept to himself. Probably still sulking from the fact that she agreed to talk to Frank. She didn’t blame him. He was there for her when she went through the pain. Hours later, it was almost time to go to Starnite. That was the club where MCR was going to perform. The club was located at Chiba Ginza which was not too far from the hotel. She decided to time her arrival about thirty minutes before the end of the show. After a quick shower and change of clothes, she once again checked the lobby for messages. Her heart fell when she didn’t get any. She assumed that he was busy and couldn’t get away from work. No use moping around, she thought. She took a quick look at her appearance from the mirror at the hotel lobby. No make-up, hair held up with a clamp, another plain white T-shirt, and the same jeans she wore the whole day. “You sexy thing you.” She laughed. She must have looked a lot better last week for Jun to notice such an ordinary girl. Michiko checked her watch. “Time to go.”

Starnite was packed but she got in without a problem. Only had to
mention her name and she was escorted inside immediately. Two men made
way for her through the crowd until they arrived at the front of the
stage. She thanked them and waited. There was exactly twenty minutes
left to their performance and they were on break when she got there.
When they finally got back on stage, it was already quarter to nine.
Frank immediately saw her and smiled. The last three songs they sang
were “Welcome to the Black Parade,” “I’m not Okay (I Promise), and
Helena. Michiko couldn’t help but sing along and rock out to their
performance. She loved them as a band. At the end of Helena, there were
a few people who chanted for an encore. To her surprise, Frank took the
mic from Gerard. “We do have an encore for ya. But this song is not
part of our album. This was originally sang by Bill Withers. And then a
punk/alternative version was put out by Me First and the Gimme Gimmes.
That’s the version we’ll be singing. Also, my buddy Gerard here is
going to be backing me up as I take the lead vocals.”
Michiko eyed
him suspiciously. He kept looking at her during his introduction of the
song. She mouthed to him “What are you doing?!” Frank placed a hand
behind his ear and mouthed back, “What?” Michiko narrowed her eyes at
him while he continued his little speech. “Some of you would probably
recognize this song.” He stepped back and signaled to the others. “By
the way, this song is for my babe. I’ve missed you.” She glared at him.
Of all the fucking things to do. They started playing and Frank grabbed the mic.

Ain't no sunshine when she's gone.
It's not warm when she's away.
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And she's always gone too long anytime she goes away.

Wonder this time where she's gone,
Wonder if she's gone to stay
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And this house just ain't no home anytime she goes away.

And I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know…

You don't leave those things alone
But ain't no sunshine when she's gone, only darkness everyday.
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone,
And this house just ain't no home anytime she goes away.

Anytime she goes away. Anytime she goes away. Anytime she goes away. Anytime she goes away.

To listen to this song, here’s the link: http://www.imeem.com/people/LrewHd/music/qDDhJRcG/me_first_and_the_gimme_gimmes_aint_no_sunshine/


When
they finished, she was suddenly taken backstage. Frank was taking a
gulp from his bottled water when she found him. Gerard, Mikey, Ray, and
Bob stepped back after seeing her expression. “We were blackmailed.”
Bob had his hands up. “Frank Anthony Iero!” She yelled. “Music to my
ears, babe.” He grinned then threw the empty bottle into the trash.
“Stop calling me babe!” He ignored her outburst and said his goodbyes
to everybody. “We’ll take care of everything here. Just do what you
gotta do.” Ray said.
“Thanks man. Aight, Michi. Let’s go back to
the hotel. I need a shower. We’ll talk then.” He was aggravating her.
“I could’ve just met you there then!”
“Michi, babe, you know I suck at a cappella.” He took her hand and started walking.
“I said stop it with the babe!” She yanked her hand away from him but followed him out.
The
trip to the hotel was quiet as Michiko refused to acknowledge his
presence. All she wanted to do was get this talk over with so HE can
have some closure. They finally reached his room. “I won’t take long.
Five minutes tops.” He grabbed some clean clothes and headed to the
bathroom. “Your hour starts now.” She informed him. “That’s not fair,
Michi.”
“Life’s not fair, Frank. You taught me that nine months
ago.” His expression turned dark but he didn’t reply and simply went in
to take his shower. Five minutes on the dot, he came out wearing a
black shirt and a striped white and blue boxers. This was really
pissing her off. He was acting like they were still together. “Can’t
you wear shorts over that?” She said, indicating his boxers. “What? Am
I not allowed to be comfortable? Besides, you’ve seen me naked before.
What’s this compared to that?”
“FINE!”
“Sit down, Michi. You’re here for fifty-five more minutes. Relax.”
“Fifty-three minutes and counting.”
Michiko looked at the bed then went to the chair at the far end of the room then sat down.
He
better hurry up, she wanted to check the lobby for messages again.
Frank sat on the bed and faced her. “Why don’t you sit here so I don’t
have to yell at you when I talk?”
“I can hear you just fine over here even if you don’t yell.” He let out an exasperated sigh.
“Do you hate me that much?”
“I
don’t hate you, Frank. I do wanna beat the hell outta ya but no, I
don’t hate you. I just don’t understand why you’re doing this. And why
now?”
“Like I said before. I was busy. You should know how it is. You knew how our schedule was.”
“I don’t care. What do you want?”
“I want you back.”
“Then
that ends our talk.” She stood up. “Because I have no intention of
going back to you.” Michiko wanted to leave now. She hurriedly passed
by him only to be grabbed by the waist and thrown on the bed. She had
forgotten how quick and strong he was for a man who had suffered
bronchitis before. She tried to sit up right away but he climbed on top
of her. “I’m really sorry, Michi. I was wrong. When I said we were
done, I was lying through my teeth. I didn’t want to break up with you
then but I was weak. I thought that if I let you go, you’ll be better
off. Maybe I was right but I realized that I needed you. That’s a
selfish reason, isn’t it? I didn’t mean to hurt you. Instead of
breaking up, I should have kept asking for you forgiveness. I should
have kept trying to work things out. I’m sorry, I love you.” If he had
said this to her months ago, she might have forgiven him but it was too
late now. “I’m sorry, too, Frank. But the hole you left in my heart has
already been filled.” She stared at his face while pain flickered
across his eyes. She used to love staring at him. Used to study the
scorpion tattoo on the right side of his neck. Used to tease him for
stupidly getting a tattoo of N.J. inside his lip. There were a lot of
things she used to love about him. But now, after everything the he had
confessed, she could only think of finding out about those fucking
messages that Jun should be leaving her. “You’ve met someone?” He asked
slowly. “Yes.” After a minute or so, he got up and helped her off the
bed. “I was too late, huh. Fucking job.”
“Don’t say that. You love your job.”
“I love you.”
“I’m sorry but I don’t… anymore.”
“Is it that serious? With him?”
She was unsure.
“If it’s not then I have chance.”
“No. You don’t.”
“Can’t you sugar-coat the rejection, babe? That hurt.”
“Frank.”
“I know, I know. Can’t call you babe.”
“I gotta go.”
“Don’t you wanna talk about… him?”
“With you?! Seriously.”
“Yeah well, you can’t a blame a guy for sniffing out his competition.”
“Frank! There is no competition!”
“Must you keep stabbing my already bleeding heart?” He weakly smiled.
“You are better off without me. Take care of yourself.”
She
hesitated then gave him quick peck on the cheek. After which, she
turned walked towards the door. “Wait.” Frank ran to her then kissed
her. She didn’t push him away but allowed him this last kiss goodbye.

End of Chapter XXXII

AUTHOR'S NOTES
AWW,
no Jun in this Chapter. Gomenasai! ^___^ But a short visit from Frank
and the rest of MCR. Ehehe. Still no messages from Jun eh? But hey, so
far Michiko doesn't know about Mao yet ne? Plus, it seems like Frank
really cleared some things up for Michiko. Working on the next chap
already. Can't help it.

Thanks to all who commented!!!! Made my day, seriously! Love all my readers! YAY! ^__^

Chapter XXXIII

It was the starting day for the Halo 3 Tournament. Everybody in team F.U. was up except for Michiko. Josh already left to scout the gaming area and the competition. Mike waited for Kyo to finish getting ready. He was supposed to wake up Michiko but was stopped by her sleep-talking. Startled by a new discovery, he knocked on the bathroom door. “Kyo, come out. You gotta hear this.” A half-dressed Kyo opened the door. “What?”
“Michiko’s talking in her sleep.”
“Yeah and what’s new?”
“Well, that’s the thing. Hurry before she stops talking.”
Puzzled, Kyo followed Mike out and stood next to the bed. Michiko was hugging a pillow tightly. “Mou! How could she still be sleeping when we have a tournament to win?” Mike gestured for him to quiet down. “Ssshhh! Not too loud.” Kyo waited and waited then he heard her. “Eh?!” Kyo bent down to listen.
“I told you!”
“Ssshh!” It was Kyo’s turn to silence Mike. He couldn’t believe his ears. She started talking again. He straightened up then placed his hands on his hips. “Hmmm. At least she’s not cussing out Frank anymore. I suppose that’s an improvement.” Mike nodded.
“But who the fuck is Jun?!”

Back at Johnny’s & Associates Inc…

“You have a quick press conference at 8AM with Inoue Mao. Remember to keep your answers short and vague. Imply a relationship but admit nothing. After that at 12 noon, we have a meeting with Takashi Miike during lunch. I’m sure you are aware of his works.” Jun’s manager was keeping him informed of today’s itinerary. “Takashi Miike? Maji ka!” Of course he knew him and his works. He was a highly famous and controversial filmmaker. Oguri Shun had the pleasure of working with him in two films already. Crows Zero and Crows Zero 2. Sho also worked with him while filming the live action movie of Yatterman. It would be an opportunity of a lifetime to work with him. “Not sure about the details yet though. He was interested in casting both you and Mao. But we have no idea what kind of film it is that he’s thinking of.” Another offer because of this fake relationship. Johnny Kitagawa knew exactly what he was doing when he suggested this plan. That was not surprising at all. “When do I get off work?” But even with all the new interest in him by companies that hadn’t considered working with him before, Jun just wanted to see Michiko first before he gets too busy with his new schedule. “Do you have plans? I told you not to make any.” Irritated, Jun asked again. “When do I get off work?” She frowned at his tone. “10PM the latest.”
“Iya. I will be out of reach at 6PM.”
“Matsumoto-san!”
“Just give me this one night to leave early. Then you can schedule whatever you like, I won’t complain.”
“If it’s that important to you, okay. But remember what you told me. No complaining later on.”
Jun didn’t like how she said that but he had no choice but to comply. After his walk through with his manager, Jun met up with Nino. He had calmed down since yesterday and although he was not the person Jun wanted to ask a favor from, he was the only person he could ask. “So we leave at 6:30PM for the Tokyo Game Show?” Nino asked.
“Hai. I wanted to leave earlier but I just can’t.”
“I already know the schedule for the Halo Tournament. She will be done by the time we get there.” This was exactly why he asked Nino.
“The thing is, I don’t know if she’s going to hang around at the Messe or if she’s going back to the hotel.”
“What if she read the paper?! What if she thinks I’m really with Mao-chan?!” Panic started to weave itself into his already anxious mind. “Calm down, Jun. She doesn’t have time to read the news, trust me. She probably spent the whole day yesterday practicing. Honing her skills.” With Nino’s reassurance, Jun calmed down a bit.


Michiko yawned and sleepily munched on her piece of toast. They were having their complimentary continental breakfast at the hotel. It was cold and she was still groggy. Last night was anything but boring because of the sudden confession from her ex. And the kiss was unexpected. She hadn’t told Kyo about the events that took place and she had no plans on telling him either. Several times he tried to pry out the details from her but she firmly refused to give in. That only fueled his badgering and even now, he was still trying to get her to open up. He pointed his fork at her threateningly. “You are being such a bitch about this.” She rolled his eyes at him and focused her attention on the flat screen LCD mounted at the wall in front of her. “Stop ignoring me. What did Frank want?” If he was going to be a pain all throughout the day, maybe she should just tell him. “Can’t you just forget about it? Focus on the tournament. Capture the Flag is what we’re best at but let’s not underestimate our opponents ne.” He angrily bit off a piece of sausage. “He didn’t try anything, did he?” Michiko thought of the kiss. It was meant to be a sign of goodbye but Frank didn’t want any of that. Pushed by his emotions, he tried to go beyond kissing but she was able to stop him, fortunately. But something good came out of his visit. She knew now that she was indeed ready for a new start. Frank’s admission last night didn’t stir any repressed longing to be with him again. On the contrary, it sparked the anticipation of embarking on a new relationship. “Did he?!” Interrupted by Kyo’s outrage, Michiko hadn’t noticed that she had been silent for quite a long time. “Iya. Nothing happened.” Kyo was not convinced by her reply. “So is he leaving Japan?” She laughed at that. “I can’t force him to leave, Kyo. He still has a few shows here.”
“Eh?! For how long?”
“I don’t know. Another week… two weeks maybe. I didn’t ask.”
Michiko gulped down her orange juice when… “Who’s Jun?”
She coughed out OJ back into her glass. “Daijobu?”
“Yeah. I’m fine.” Pushing the glass away from her, her brows furrowed at his question.
“Was I talking in my sleep again?”
“When do you not?”
Not sure how to answer or if she should answer… “Well…”

WE’RE GOING LIVE AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WITH WELL-KNOWN ACTOR AND ARASHI MEMBER--

Arashi? Michiko glanced at the screen.

MATSUMOTO JUN WITH HIS RUMORED SWEETHEART--

Sweetheart?

INOUE MAO.

The camera focused at the couple sitting down and smiling.

SHE CO-STARRED WITH HIM IN THE WIDELY POPULAR TV DRAMA, HANA YORI DANGO. THE HANA YORI DANGO FINAL MOVIE WAS ALSO A BIG SUCCESS, NOT ONLY HERE IN JAPAN BUT ALSO IN OTHER ASIAN COUNTRIES LIKE CHINA, KOREA, AND SINGAPORE.

Michiko couldn’t breathe. The girl beside Jun was animatedly talking to him and he responded with the same intoxicating smile that he used to flash to her. They said rumored though, ne? It wasn’t confirmed ne?

“Oi, Michiko.” Kyo waved a hand in front of her face but she swatted it away. “Eh? I didn’t know you’re into gossip especially Japanese celebrity gossip. Do you even know who those two are?” She lied and shook her head no. “She’s kinda… cute.” Kyo looked at Inoue Mao. “She is, ne? I don’t really watch those dramas but my sister does and she was so into Hana Yori Dango. Of course her favorite was Matsumoto Jun. You know, he’s also part of this famous idol group called Arashi?” Michiko kept her eyes peeled on Jun. That was really him. He was really famous. It was de ja vu. The pangs of jealousy and insecurity racked her consciousness. “Sou desu ka.” She managed to reply.

A PHOTO OF THESE TWO WAS PUBLISHED YESTERDAY ON THE FRONT PAGE OF ASAHI SHINBUN. THE FIRST TIME EVER A CELEBRITY PHOTO WAS FEATURED ON THE FIRST PAGE.

The photo was suddenly shown on camera. Jun was engaged in what seemed like an intimate embrace with Inoue Mao. His lips were on her forehead while she looked up to him with her eyes closed.

“AAHHH! That’s a pretty damning shot! They must really be together! I mean, come on! Look at that!” Michiko wanted Kyo to shut the fuck up. This was tearing her insides apart. Her heart had started beating erratically, her mouth had gone dry, and she didn’t want to reach for the backwashed orange juice in her glass.

“Quite a scandal for a Johnny’s boy.”
“Huh? Johnny’s boy?”
“Yeah, my sister told me that Johnny’s, that’s the talent agency Matsumoto Jun is under, does not allow public relationships.”

Not allowed? He didn’t tell her that! What else didn’t he tell her?! That son of a bitch!

MATSUMOTO JUN AND INOUE MAO ARE HERE TODAY TO ANSWER A FEW QUESTIONS. OBVIOUSLY, THE QUESTION IN EVERYONE’S MIND IS… ARE THEY A COUPLE?

Reporter: Matsumoto-san, the photo of you and Inoue-san is quite an evidence that there’s something going on between the two of you and yet we heard that nobody from Johnny’s tried to stop it from being published. Why is that?
Matsumoto Jun: Doesn’t that explain everything already? If Johnny’s not worried about the photo at all then why should I?

Smart-ass! He was not really answering the question, Michiko thought.

Reporter: So you’re saying that you don’t have a relationship with Inoue Mao.
Jun looked at Mao and she smiled.
Inoue Mao: After working with Matsumoto-san, we’ve grown close to each other. Shoga nai yo, ne?
Matsumoto Jun: Un.
Reporter: Demo, wasn’t it just a few months ago when you and Oguri Shun supposedly became a couple?
Inoue Mao: Much like with Matsumoto-san, I also got close to Oguri-san. And this goes for all the other cast of Hana Yori Dango.
Matsumoto Jun: Didn’t you admit at an interview before that if you had to pick as Inoue Mao, you’d go with Nishikado-san?

She giggled at his comment.

Inoue Mao: And you got jealous ne?
Matsumoto Jun: Iya. I was just acting jealous for the camera.
Inoue Mao: Right.

“Ehh. They sure do act like they’re a couple. Demo, they’re not really admitting it but kind of implying it, ne? What do you think, Michiko?” Kyo turned to find Michiko’s complexion pale white. “Gomen, I have to go to the bathroom.” She abruptly stood up and left a bewildered Kyo.

Michiko splashed freezing cold water on her face. She did this over and over again until her skin was pink and numb. Her shirt was semi-soaked after all the splashing but she didn’t care. The numbness on her face traveled throughout her entire body. The only thing she could feel was her heart breaking into a million pieces. She looked at herself on the mirror. Compared to Inoue Mao, she was noticeably plain and unattractive. Why wouldn’t he be with that girl instead of her? The choice was obvious if she stood right next to her. She had a very sweet face and her laugh was melodious. She couldn’t even hate her even if she wanted to. They looked really good together. And she lived in his world. Michiko didn’t even live in Japan. Inoue-san knew him for years it seemed while she only spent five days with him. She couldn’t even call herself a rival since there was clearly no competing against her. Michiko wanted to hit something. Anything. But she had to control her anger, her frustration, the overwhelming pain. She still had a tournament to win. And by God she was going to win. Right now, it was the only thing that was keeping her from flying back to New York. “What happened to taking chances?” Her reflection stared at her accusingly.

End of Chapter XXXIV

AUTHOR'S NOTES
Nothing much to say ^_^ Thanks for reading!! And of course, as always, comments are LA-A-OOVED!

Chapter XXXIV

It was 6PM on the dot and Nino didn’t waste time going to Jun’s dressing room. It was awkward when Jun approached him early this morning to ask him a favor. He knew that Jun didn’t want to ask HIM but he was the most appropriate person to ask. He had originally planned to use Jun’s misfortune to his advantage. Knowing Michiko, Jun would have a hard time explaining to her and convincing her that everything would be alright. There was a good chance that she would decide not to be with Jun after all. And that was when he’d show up. He was not a prince or knight but he could be a shoulder to cry on. Eventually she would realize that he was the right choice. Very carefully planned ne? But now that Nino stared at Jun’s dressing room door, he faltered. He remembered Jun’s words to him back at the cabin after he almost hit him. He had said that if Michiko hadn’t confessed, he would’ve chosen friendship. He would’ve chosen him. Somehow he felt ashamed for even thinking about sneaking a fast one over him. Five minutes passed and he hadn’t knocked yet. Then he made a decision and had prioritized the reasons why he was there. First, he really wanted to go to the Tokyo Game Show. Second, Jun was going to succeed. Michiko had already chosen and he was going to make sure that she stuck with her decision. They were going to be together even if it meant duct taping them to each other. Ah, but he didn’t have duct tape. He finally knocked. “Jun-kun! Hayaku!”
“I’m coming!” He came out wearing a baseball cap under a hoodie and with sunglasses on. “Incognito is your middle name.”
“Japanese people don’t have middle names.” Nino rolled his eyes at him. “Why do you have to be so literal?” Nino put his cap on and sunglasses as well. “Well, we better go.”

The 4 on 4 Capture the Flag competition was almost at its end. F.U. easily swept all their opponents with a pissed off Michiko as their Team Leader. She was merciless. Her original role in CTF was team sniper but today she wanted blood on her hands so she instructed Kyo to be sniper while she hunted down every bastard on the map and killed them with melee (close combat) attacks and grenades. Most of the time, she snuck behind an unsuspecting player and bonked him on the back of his head, which was an instantaneous death, and then she’d yell out “Bitch.” This was normal behavior for most people who play competitively… the trash-talking, that is, so Michiko got away with a lot of unwarranted cursing. Only her teammates knew that there was something terribly wrong with her. But seeing as they were winning, they didn’t breathe a single complaint. Time flew by and it was the finals. It was F.U. VS Final Boss. The stakes were too high so Michiko took the sniper this time which basically guaranteed them the win. After the award ceremony, Michiko was beat. People thought gaming was not tiring but it was extremely exhausting especially for someone who had to really concentrate. The press conference she watched earlier played in rewind in the back of her mind. The best thing she could do was imagine Jun’s face on every opponent she faced and exacted her revenge on him by shooting a bullet through their head. Kyo and Josh decided that it was best for them to go back to the hotel and rest up for tomorrow’s Team Slayer competition. Mike wanted to stay around the center a bit longer though. Going back to the hotel sounded good to her. She needed a long bath.

“We should head for the hotel first. She might be tired after the games.” Nino suggested to Jun. Jun nodded and instructed the cab to go to Makuhari Hotel. When they arrived, Jun dashed into the lobby and persuaded the receptionist to give her Michiko’s room number. It didn’t take too long before he smugly strode towards Nino. “You got it? That was easy.” He shrugged. “By the way, I also reserved a room demo…” Nino raised an eyebrow at him. “I’m not invited to stay ne.”
“You can reserve a room for yourself if you want.” Jun bluntly replied.
“I just might do that. So what floor?”
“18th floor, room number 3012.”
The two got on the elevator and silently waited to arrive to their destination. Jun was nervous. “Make sure you explain it to her well. You had no choice.”
Jun could only nod. “I can’t help you with the photo though. She’ll eventually see it. I guess it’s best if you prepare her so she doesn’t go into shock. It’s going to look bad from her point of view.” Nino didn’t have to remind Jun of that. He knew exactly how the photo looked. The elevator finally stopped at her floor. They quickly got out and searched for her room number. They rounded a corner where it should be. “3010... That should be 3012.” There was a guy in front of it knocking loudly. “Michi! Open the door will ya?!” Jun stopped in his tracks. “Eh, what are you doing?” He pulled Nino back towards the corner they just turned then peeked out. “Jun!”
“Ssshhh!”
He recognized that guy. He was in Michiko’s video camera which was still in his possession. That was her ex-boyfriend. What was HE doing here?

“Michi, come on.” Jun heard the door open. She opened it for him?
“Yo, Kyo.” It was not her. But he got the right room number, didn’t he?
“Frank, she doesn’t want to talk to you. She told me to tell you that there’s nothing more to talk about. That everything should have been resolved last night.”

Last night? She met with her ex last night?! His chest tightened because of that information.

“I know. And I’m not here for that. The guys just wanted to hang out with her for a bit. You’re even invited. Just chill like the old times.” Jun saw this Kyo guy step out of the room and push the ex back. “Can’t you take a hint, dude? She wants nothing to do with you anymore.” Jun felt relieved after hearing that. But who was Kyo? Why was he in her room? He wished Frank would leave already so he can see her. Next to Jun, Nino was getting impatient.

“I’d like to hear that from her personally, if you don’t mind. No offense but I don’t believe you.” Kyo glared at him but reluctantly relented. “Stay there. Don’t move.” He went back inside. Seconds later, he heard her voice. “What the fuck do you want, Frank? I thought we settled this last night? Do you remember what I told you? DO YOU?!”

“Jun, that’s Michiko’s voice. What are we waiting for?” Nino tried to push Jun out into the open. “No, not yet.”

“I understood fully. But I wanted to make sure. Is it really over between us? I mean, fine if it is. But you just seemed a bit unsure about this new guy.” A loud “SHUSH” was heard from Michiko. “Ah, your buddies don’t know about him eh? Well, that rules them out then. Who’s the guy anyway? Why isn’t he here with you?”

Were they talking about him? He felt a bit gooey inside despite seeing her ex talking to her.

“Can’t we even hang out as friends?”
“How am I supposed to do that, Frank, after you said that you wanted me back?”

That bastard! Jun gritted his teeth. He was not getting her back if it was up to him.

“So just go. Please. I’m tired.” Jun wanted so badly to take her into his arms.

“Fine. But I’m not giving up until you tell me you love him.” Jun waited for her reply. But nothing came and the door just closed. Frank kicked the door then left. It was too early for her to actually say it but he kinda hoped she did. “Now can we go?” Jun moved as soon as the Frank was out of sight. When he got to the door, he took a deep breath then knocked. The door opened right away and it was that Kyo guy who he came face to face with. “Frank, she already sa--… Oh. Dare ga.”

“Can you get Michiko for me?”

Kyo stared at the guy in front of him. He was obviously dressed to disguise himself. “Gomenasai. But who are you?” Jun didn’t have time for this. He looked behind Kyo and saw her profile. She had her arms up, her hands fixing her hair… using a clamp to keep the layers up. He smiled when he noticed her wearing his shirt. But the smile left his face when he became aware that she wasn’t wearing a bra. And when his gaze lowered, he found her wearing the shortest shorts he’d ever seen. They might as well be underwear. Jun pulled his hoodie off and zipped out of the sweatshirt. He pushed passed Kyo who yelled out at him. “OI! Where do you think you’re going?!” Michiko turned, expecting to see Frank. Her jaw dropped when she saw Jun. It was easy for her to recognize him even with a cap and sunglasses on. His lips were pursed into a thin line. He looked mad. Why was he mad? She was the one who was supposed to be mad! He was not allowed to be mad at her! When Jun reached her, he wrapped the sweatshirt around her shoulders then pulled her towards the door. “YAAAAA! What are you doing?!” He stopped and barked his reply. “You’re coming with me, no buts!” Kyo blocked his way. “Let go of her, dude.” Nino was suddenly behind Kyo, he pushed him to the side and pinned his body against the wall. Kyo looked down at the short kid. “EH?!” Too stunned at the fact that some child just manhandled him, he could only stare as the other guy passed them with Michiko in tow, struggling to get out of his grasp. “Michiko, just go with him.” Nino said. She looked at him then at Jun’s back. “Fine but you only get one hour to explain everything.” With that, she allowed Jun to lead her out. Nino eventually let go of Kyo and followed Jun. When they finally got to Jun’s floor and room, Nino bid farewell at the door. “Try not to kill each other.”

cont...

Michiko walked into the middle of the room. Jun had gotten the most
expensive suite in the hotel. There was a Jacuzzi in plain sight and
the bed was super-sized! The room also had its own kitchen, living
room, and a balcony. She placed her palm on her forehead, she feared a
headache coming so she took the clamp off and let her hair fall on her
shoulders. If she hadn’t seen the press conference earlier, she
would’ve already jumped him. But things had changed. She just wanted
him to leave her alone. Jun went to her and wrapped his arms around
her. Michiko pulled back violently, dropping the clamp, the hooded
sweatshirt falling off her shoulders. Surprised by her reaction, he
stepped back. “What’s wrong?” She looked up and tears threatened to
fall. “I’ll tell you what’s wrong. WHO THE FUCK IS INOUE MAO?!!” So she
found out already. “YOU… SAID… THAT… YOU… WEREN’T TAKEN.” She was
shaking and the tears fell. Michiko quickly brushed them off her face.
Jun took a step forward. She took a step back. “Michiko, please. Just
listen to me.”
“I gave Frank one hour. You get the same.”
Jun’s face hardened at the mention of her ex’s name.
“I’m not with her.” He started.
“And yet you failed to mention that during the press conference ne?”
Fuck! She saw that?!
“I can’t… I’m not allowed to admit it.”
“How convenient.” Her face was cold.
Jun
wanted to touch her. To feel her skin against his. He moved closer but
she held her hand up. “Don’t touch me.” He stopped and tried explain it
carefully to her.
“Johnny Kitagawa, the person who helped me get to
where I am today. The head of the talent agency I’m in… he wanted me
and Mao to pretend that we’re a couple but not actually admit it to the
public. It’s just one of his plans to help our career.”
“Why didn’t you fucking tell me about this?!”
“I
didn’t know till I got back from Nagoya. That day my manager came to
see me? She didn’t tell me anything. But that was why I had leave.”
Michiko looked at him suspiciously.
“Fine. But how are you going to
explain the photo? I think… there’s no explanation needed for that.
Don’t lie to me, Jun. I rejected Frank when he came to see me last
night. I told him that I’ve met someone. And then this morning I saw
the press conference and the photo. How stupid of me. There was the man
I was telling him about. And he’s with another girl talking about close
they were. There YOU were flirting with her openly. I am disgusted with
myself. To think that I was willing to start a new relationship. It’s
fucked up, Jun. Really fucked up. I shouldn’t have met you. Why don’t
you just leave me alone? Think of it as a fling. I’ll try my best to
forget everything as well.” The last sentence rushed out of her mouth
and it really hurt. Just forget everything. Nothing happened. They
didn’t happen. He didn’t happen. Michiko had to cover her eyes when the
tears came flowing again. She heard him move and she held her other
hand up again. He had no right to comfort her. “Don’t come near me.”
Jun didn’t listen. He pulled at her hand and held her tightly against
his chest. Michiko squirmed and pounded her fists on his chest.
“Hanashite! HANASHITE!”
“I am not letting you go you fucking dildo!
SO SHUT THE FUCK UP AND LISTEN TO ME!” His voice rang in her ears. She
stopped struggling and looked up, wide-eyed.
“GOD! You’re so
emotional! That whole fucking speech… seriously! I shouldn’t have met
you? Forget everything? How cliché can you get? Did you hear yourself
when you said those? Aren’t you ashamed? You could’ve done a lot
better, Michiko. I expected you to be a lot more creative than that.”
Michiko frowned. Now that he mentioned it, it was kind of corny. Like
something out of a soap opera. But why was he preaching to her about
that?! “I was under a lot of stress okay? I can’t think under these
circumstances! Besides, even if they were cliché. They were true.” They
WERE true, ne? She regretted meeting him ne? She could forget him ne?
Michiko stared at her reflection on his sunglasses. Her expression
startled her. Tears were rolling down her cheeks freely and she didn’t
even notice them. The pain was etched on her face. Was that what he was
seeing? It sure didn’t look like she wanted him to leave her alone. No
wonder her speech was not convincing. “Why are you still wearing that
stupid disguise?! Maybe if you painted over your mole, I wouldn’t have
recognized you…”
“Baka! You can’t see it from a far anyway.” Jun
took his baseball cap off then the sunglasses and threw them on the
floor. “Actually, ca-ca-can you put the glasses back on?” Michiko
stammered after looking directly at his eyes. Whoever it was who wrote
that the eyes were the windows to one’s soul was right. One look at his
eyes bared everything that he felt. And it was getting harder for her
to resist. Her weakened resolution must have shown because Jun looked
at her thoughtfully. “Why are you looking at me like that?!” He
continued to do so. “Stop it!” He chuckled lightly. “The fuck are you
laughing for? Is this funny to you? When I saw you… and her… it was
too… I couldn’t take it.” She started pounding at his chest again but
that didn’t ease her pain. So she stood on her tiptoe and then bit his
neck. Jun jerked his shoulder from the pain when her teeth sunk into
him. “IT-IT-ITAI!” For a short moment, Michiko was happy. But the
feeling was fleeting. “Let me go or I will bite you again!” He
tightened his hold on her. “I don’t want to be with her. I want to be
with you.” She refused to listen to him. He must be lying. “The photo
don’t lie.” Frustrated, Jun head butted her. “OW!”
“Mao is a close
friend of mine. That is true. I did hug her that night. I did kiss her.
ONLY on her forehead. I was only trying to comfort her. She had
problems with her REAL boyfriend then. And that was it. Nothing else
happened.” That could be true, Michiko thought. If it was then all her
worrying was for naught. Well, no. Not exactly. There was still a big
problem. “So let me get this straight.” Jun sighed in relief. She was
finally listening to him. “You’re not allowed to have a public
relationship except with your fake girlfriend who you’re not allowed to
admit to as fake or real.” He thought about it for a second. “That
sounds about right.”
“Like I said earlier. That’s fucked up.” Jun
smirked then loosened her grip on her for a bit and reached up to touch
his neck. She probably left a mark.
“Gomen. I didn’t mean to bite hard… well, I did… but…”
“So do you believe me then?” His expression was serious.
“I do but…”
“BUT WHAT?”
“Even
if I did… where does that leave me? Who am I to you? I can’t be your
fake girlfriend nor can I be your real girlfriend, at least, not
publicly. It’s going to be hard. Too hard. I don’t know if I can deal
with it.”
That did it. He was completely pissed.
“URUSAI YO!”
Michiko blinked at him.
He
swiftly leaned in and kissed her hard. “Jun, matte.” She pushed him
back but he wouldn’t have none that. With one quick move, he bent down
and threw her over his shoulder then walked briskly to the bed. “Oh no,
you’re not! Put me down, Matsumoto Jun!” And he did. On the bed. She
sat up and crawled towards the head of bed, trying to get away from him
but before she could turn around, Jun was already behind her. Her ass
fit perfectly against his pelvis. He kept her on all fours, his chest
on her back, his hands pinned her own down. She craned her neck to face
him so she could yell at him, but that was a big mistake for that
allowed Jun to bend his head down and capture her lips. Michiko’s heart
was rocketing out of her chest. She tried not to kiss him back but she
failed miserably. And when Jun felt her response, he deepened the kiss.
But her neck was starting to hurt so she reluctantly pulled back. His
hands left hers and found her breasts. She gasped. “Tell me, Michiko…
why are you wearing my shirt?” Her knees and arms weakened and she
dropped her body unto the bed causing Jun to let go of her. He remained
stationary on top while she turned her body around to face him, her
arms crossed over her chest. “Did you even wash it?” He bent down to
smell it. “Washing it would defeat the purpose of…” Fuck, she tricked
him. He smiled arrogantly. “So even though you saw the interview AND
the photo already, you still wore it?” She was thoroughly regretting
that decision. “Why? I want to know. I want to hear you say it.” Her
arms left her chest when she covered her face with her hands. “I’m not
telling you! There’s nothing to tell!” Jun grinned at her reaction.
“You sure you want to keep covering your eyes?” He nudged her legs
apart with his knee. She quickly reached out and grabbed his arms.
“Yamero!”
“Nande.”
“Stop teasing me! You’re distracting me from the problem!”
“We don’t have a problem. I want to be with you and obviously, you want to be with me.”
Why couldn’t she see it the way he sees it? It wasn’t really that hard to understand.
“You
make it sound so easy. Don’t you know how difficult its going to be to
meet each other? And have you forgotten about your fake girlfriend? AND
I’m leaving after the tournament…” She shouldn’t be discussing this
with him. It was like they were looking for a solution.
“Then don’t leave.”
“I live in New York, Jun.”
“Then move.”
“ARGH!!!
How can you easily suggest moving to a girl you’ve only known for five,
six days?” Michiko said that while she poked at his chest. Exasperated,
Jun lowered his head down and touched her forehead with his.
“It
doesn’t matter how long we’ve known each other. I’m not going to risk
getting to know the person I might possibly want to spend the rest of
my life with just because I don’t have the guts to take a chance.”
Might possibly spend the rest of his life with? Really? REALLY?
“Yes, really.” Did she ask that out loud? Embarrassed, color tainted her cheeks.
“My
arms are getting tired.” Jun lowered his body down on top of her, then
moved his head and rested it on her chest. Michiko instinctively lifted
her hands to touch his hair then stopped in midair. Jun looked up. “Are
you conducting an orchestra?” She paused for a second then hesitantly
combed his hair with her fingers. He smiled and nuzzled the area
between her breasts. Tired from work, Jun almost fell asleep when the
image of her in her hotel room flashed back into his memory. He pulled
himself up and glowered right above her face. “What the--”
“Why
weren’t you wearing a bra while you were in a room with another guy?!
And why are you wearing really skimpy shorts?! AND WHO THE FUCK WAS
THAT GUY IN YOUR ROOM?!” He looked scary when he was jealous. “Kowai…”
“WELL?!” She stifled a giggle. He looked cute now.
“Ano…
I’ve known Kyo for years and I’m just comfortable like that around him…
and Josh… and I guess Mike, too.” His eyes widened.
“How many guys were sharing a room with you?!”
“Three?”
“THREE? How many beds were in the room???”
“Two?”
“TWO??!!! Tell me one of them slept on the floor!”
“If you want me to lie then yes, one of them slept on the floor.”
Jun immediately got off the bed. He started pacing back and forth.
“Jun?”
“You
get all jealous because I threw a few smiles and hug a FRIEND of mine
while you’re parading in almost nothing around three men and to top
that off, you even slept on the same bed with one of them?!”
She bit
her lip. It sounded horrible when he put it like that. It did seem like
he had more reason to be mad at her than her him.
“They don’t see me as a girl though.” She quietly replied.
“HOW
CAN THEY NOT? Look at you! When I saw you, it took every ounce of my
self-control to stop myself from tearing your clothes off and taking
you right where you stood.”
“Umm…” She was flattered and unexpectedly aroused.
“Any guy who tells you that they don’t see you as girl is a lying son of a bitch!”
Michiko thought it would be wise not to argue with him.
“I just can’t believe… just thinking about you with them… Will you promise me something?”
“Depe--. Okay.”
“You’re not staying in that room anymore.”
“But where--”
“I
booked this room for the whole week. It’s yours. Also, you will always
wear a bra unless you’re with me and me alone. Those shorts will also
be worn only around me.”
“FINE!” Fuck, she was agreeing with him. Michiko, you are so weak!
“And I don’t want you seeing your ex anymore.”
“That’s easy enough to keep.” Wait, how did he know she saw Frank?
“And you’re definitely moving to Japan. Preferably in Tokyo so I can visit you as often as I want.”
“CHOTTO MATTE!”
Jun
stopped pacing and placed his hands on his hips. It was going well, he
thought. Took her long enough to notice that her anger and needless
worrying had almost completely melted away. Michiko appeared confused.
Wasn’t she mad? Wasn’t she hurt? Wasn’t she supposed to be accusing him
of having a relationship with another girl? That he lied to her? But he
explained everything. And she believed him. She had let him off easy.
And now she was saying yes to everything that he demanded. How the fuck
did he do that?!
“Just wait a little longer…”
“You want something
to think about? Here’s something.” Jun looked at his watch. “It’s
8:38PM and I was supposed to have dinner with Mao tonight in public at
8PM. But I told my manager to cancel all my appointments from 6PM on.
Why would I do that, Michiko?”
“I still don’t like it… I don’t like you pretending to be someone else’s boyfriend.”
“I
know it’s going to be hard for you and I can only ask you to trust me
and believe in what we feel. So the way I see it, you have to make a
choice.”

Michiko stared at Jun.

“And I will accept whatever choice you make.”

He was going to leave it all up to her.

“Move to Japan so you can be with me…”

Tempting, she thought.

“Or go back to New York permanently and leave me with Inoue Mao.”

BASTARD!

That
intoxicating smile she was beginning to hate slowly tugged at the
corners of Jun’s lips. It seemed like it only took him a few days to
know her weakness and he had no qualms at using it against her.

“You win. YOU FUCKING WIN!”


End of Chapter XXXIV

AUTHOR'S NOTES
Wah,
I thought Michiko was gonna put up more of a fight but Jun was purty
convincing ne? Next chapters will be about how Michiko deals with Jun's
fake relationship, schedule, and other crap. HA! Maybe she'll regret
her decision.

Thanks for reading!!!!! Comments are WIN! ^^

NOTICE (PLEASE READ): When I started this Chapter, it started with of course, Jun finally getting his prizes. BUT I got carried away and it got purty detailed and of course HOT. So I didn't want to take the chance and decided to revise it. It doesn't flow as good but it was hard writing something I already wrote. I will post the revised version in this thread. Those who want the original uncensored version PM me for info. But just in case, please let me know that you are old enough. Thanks! Oh yeah, it's also longer than the revised XP

Enjoy!


Chapter XXXV

“I’d love to get my hands on my prizes now.” Jun said in a matter-of-fact tone. He was definitely pushing his luck, Michiko thought. But after the emotional roller coaster she just rode, she was game for some sort of stress release. And he had the perfect release in mind. She flicked her eyes over his body. “I’m not wearing fake jeans. See.” He unbuckled his belt. “I see. Keep going.” He unbuttoned his jeans. “Don’t stop there.” He took the latch of the zipper and slowly pulled it down. The sound of the metal teeth unclenching was making her mouth dry. She unknowingly licked her lips wet. Jun saw the quick sweep of her tongue and all sorts of indecent thoughts flashed through his mind. What happened next was like a repeat of what happened the last night they spent at the cabin, without the alcohol and the interruption of the fake jeans. Jun hastily shed his clothes off and then impatiently undressed Michiko. He then took his time memorizing every curve on her body while she squirmed under his scrutiny. She felt embarrassed and yet strangely aroused. He had insisted on tasting her and that drove her to the brink of release. When he finally took her, she was drunk from the pleasure coursing through her body. And Jun relished every moan that he elicited from her. He had also gotten her screaming in English. Michiko clung unto him while she quivered uncontrollably and Jun shuddered when he felt her tighten, causing a surge of electricity to go through him. “KUSO!” Jun quickly withdrew himself. “FUCK! I didn’t…” He stared at a giggling Michiko. “It’s not funny. What if…” She reached for his neck then pulled him down for a kiss. When she pulled back, she smiled. “Daijobu. I take pills.” He didn’t get it. “Pills?”
“Birth control pills, babe.”
“Oh.”
Jun lied down on his back and Michiko rested her head on his shoulder, her arm over his chest, while his arm went around her shoulder. “Why do you take them?”
“It helps prevent breakouts. And it makes my period regular plus it’s less painful. I do not take them expecting to have sex whenever and wherever with whoever.” Michiko turned to her side, her back to Jun, annoyed at his question. “Michiko…” Realizing his inquiry hurt her, he hugged her from behind. “Gomen. I didn’t mean to insinuate that.” She tried to wriggle out of his embrace but he held on to her tightly. “But that’s what you were thinking.”
“I said I’m sorry, okay? B-be-beb?” She snorted and turned to face him. “You pronounce it like this… beyb.”
“Be… ah, that’s hard.”
“Okay, it’s like this. Be. I. Bu. Except don’t pronounce the u at the end.”
“Be…I… b? Bei-b? Michiko is fine ne?”
She pouted. “Fine, guess my ex will be the only one who calls me that.”
“Iya… B-b-eb… ah chotto. Yappari, dame da yo.”
“Iya, iya! Beb is good. Oh oh, how about baby?”
“Bebi?”
She snuggled closer to his chest.
“How about Hime-dildo-sama?”
Michiko pinched his side.
“Itai!”
“I’m not a princess anyway.”
“And I like you that way.”
“I just hope you don’t regret this.”
It was Jun’s turn to pinch her.
“Ow ow ow!”
“If I didn’t want this, I would’ve ended it last week. I wouldn’t have tried to convince your jealous and insecure self that you’re the one I need. I wouldn’t have asked you move to Tokyo. Can you get all that in your thick skull?” He pulled her closer. Michiko sighed contently. She always loved reassurance. “Uh, Michiko. How does the pill work?” She looked up at him. “Eh? What do you mean?”
“I mean… how long does it last? Or um, how many times before it doesn’t work anymore?”
She laughed. “I take it everyday. Doesn’t matter how many times we do it in one day, it’ll keep working. Does that answer your question? And why are you asking?”
“Hai, that answered it perfectly. And umm…”
Something hard poked her. “Eh?!”
“Does that answer your question?”

Michiko collapsed on Jun’s chest, sweaty and out of breath. “Fuck, how am I suppose to function tomorrow?” Jun chuckled and wrapped his arms around her. “All you need’s your hands ne?” She was still trying to catch her breath and waited a few seconds before she replied. “But I have to walk to the Messe! My thighs are going to be so sore tomorrow!”
“You want me to massage it now?” He offered.
“Iya, that’s not a good idea.”
“Eh? Why not?”
“It might… lead to… something else.”
“I thought you’re tired.” He smirked at her.
“I am! Doesn’t mean I stop wanting when I’m tired. Haven’t you heard of the saying, the flesh is willing but the body is weak?”
“All too well.”
“What do you mean all to well?!”
He laughed.
“Not in that sense, Michiko. More in terms of like… wanting to go out and hang out with friends and such but am too tired from work.” She kissed his chest. “Okay.”
“AH!” She hopped off him and crawled away. “Oi, oi! Where are you going?” Jun pulled on her ankles and she fell flat on her face. “Jun!”
“You’re not getting away from me.” He kept pulling.
“I’m trying to get to the alarm clock you dildo! Gotta wake up early tomorrow to get my things from the other room. And then get ready for the tournament.”
“Oh okay. Set it for 5AM then.”
“That’s a bit too early for me.”
“I don’t want to wake up and leave you right away.”
“5AM it is!”
Jun impatiently waited for her to finish setting the alarm. His arms felt empty without her there. “How long does it take to do that? Seriously.”
“Almooooooost… done!” She crawled back to his side and into his embrace. “Matte, my head feels weird on that side.” She shifted her weight to the other side, so Jun was facing her back. “Eh?” Jun pulled her on waist so her back was pressed against his chest. “Sometimes my head feels weird on one side. I don’t know why. Could be something to do with my migraines.”
“You get them often?”
“Iya. Since I avoid the triggers, I don’t. The last time I got it was at the cabin and before that… well, I think three months ago.”
“Gomen.”
“You didn’t know. Not your fault.” She pulled the covers over them. “Go to sleep, Jun. I’m sure you’re busy tomorrow.” He was kissing her neck. “Jun… go to sleep.” His hand started caressing her arm, her side, and her waist. Then she felt him hard behind her. “How?!”
“I was remembering our first kiss.”
“Jun… it’s late.”
“I don’t know when I’ll see you again. I’m making sure every second I spend with you is time well spent.”
“If this is how we’re gonna spend all our time together tonight, I’m going to end up in a wheelchair tomorrow.”
Jun didn’t stop touching her. In fact, he got more adventurous. Michiko kept saying no but it only took a couple more minutes before she was saying yes to everything he did and asked of her.

Michiko awoke with a start when the alarm went off at 5AM. She abruptly sat up but when she tried to jump off the bed, Jun held on to her thigh. “Jun! Let go! I’m gonna take a quick shower.” Jun poked his head out from underneath the covers and yawned. “I’ll shower with you.” She eyed him suspiciously. “No. You stay here.” He stared at her drowsily. “Haven’t you heard of… conserve water, shower with a friend?”
“If you showered with me, we’d end up wasting more water.” She pried Jun’s grasp on her thigh and then headed to the bathroom. Jun immediately got out of bed and followed her. She was about to close the door when his hand pushed the door back. “I said stay, Jun.”
“I’m not a dog, Michiko. Although I did play one in a drama.”
“You played a dog?” That little information distracted her and Jun slipped into the bathroom with her. The door closed behind them. “Jun, I said no.” The sound of water running was then heard. “I’m not getting in. You shower first then!”
“Ow! Don’t push me!” And then… “Fine!” Jun remained silent while Michiko kept complaining.
“Don’t just dump the shampoo on my hair!”
“I can soap myself, okay? I have hands you know!”
“Iya, not there!”
“Yamete, Jun!”
“AH, that feels… iya…”
“Jun, I said no.”
“Yada!”
“Dame, dame!”
“What part of no don’t you under-- mmm.”
“Jun…”
“We’re wasting water, see?!”
*squeal*
“JUN! NO MEANS--”
Minutes later…
“YES! Yes!”

Finally, the two emerged from the bathroom. Michiko grabbed his shirt and pulled it down her head. “Next time I say no, listen to me!” Jun flashed her a teasing smile. “Demo, didn’t you just say no means… yes?” She glared at him. “That’s because you…” The memory of what just transpired in the shower came back to her and she felt her face getting warm. “…oh shut up! Where’s my underwear?” She looked for it on top of the bed, under the covers, on the floor… everywhere, but couldn’t find it. She placed her hands on her hips and stared at Jun. “What are you looking at me for? I don’t have your undies. They don’t fit me.” Michiko didn’t believe him. “Gimme it! Where did you hide it?! I don’t have time for this, Jun. I have to go get my things.”
“Now WHY would I hide it from you? So you can walk around half-naked? Please. Of all the crazy reasons…” She ran and pushed him towards the bed, jumped on top of him and pinned him down with her legs. “Where is it?!”
“Michiko… if you don’t get off me now, you will end up underneath me… again.”
She quickly got off him. “You know what? If you don’t want to give it back to me then I’ll just walk out of here like this.” Michiko turned and headed towards the door. “You’re not really going to--” Jun heard the lock on the door click. “OI! MICHIKO!” He jumped off the bed and ran to the door only to find her grinning from ear to ear, door still close.
“BAKA! You really thought I’d do it?” Jun scowled. “It’s in the desk drawer. Wear my jeans when you go. Forget about your shorts.” Satisfied with her first victory, she got dressed then kissed him before she left. “Don’t take too long.”

cont...

Michiko sat on one of the twin beds while Kyo paced around the room.

Kyo: Where the fuck were you the whole night?
Michiko: Uh… sorry Kyo. Didn’t expect that to happen.
Kyo: We were so worried! We didn’t know if you got kidnapped or what!
Michiko: Sorry! Really sorry. Where’s Josh and Mike?
Kyo: They went to the center already. Told them to look for you there.
Michiko: SORRY! Kyo, really, I am. Very. Sorry.
Kyo: Well? I deserve an explanation.
Michiko: Um…
Kyo: Those are not your jeans.
Michiko: No, they’re not.
Kyo: Spit it out, Michiko.
Michiko: It was Jun.
Kyo: I see. And where did you meet this Jun?
Michiko: In Nagoya. Where I spent my 6 days without games at.
Kyo: And it’s serious?
Michiko: Yeah… seems like it.
Kyo: How serious?
Michiko: I think… I’m moving to Japan.
Kyo: NANDATO!!!
Michiko: I said I was--
Kyo: I heard what you said you fucktard. I just can’t believe you said it!
Michiko: Sorry.
Kyo: IT’S THAT SERIOUS???! WHERE WILL YOU LIVE HERE? HOW WILL YOU LIVE HERE? ARE YOU MOVING IN WITH HIM?
Michiko: No. I’m not. I have a game plan. I think I can make it here just fine.
Kyo: Are you sure about this? I mean, are you DEFINITE?

Michiko nodded.

Kyo: Do I get to meet him at least so I can fucking make sure he’ll take care of you?!
Michiko:
You can’t. Well, I have to ask him but… Kyo… okay… promise me you won’t
tell anyone. Not even Josh and Mike. This is just between the two of
us. I trust you, Kyo and just you, okay?
Kyo: Okay.
Michiko: If anybody finds out, it’ll be really bad. It just can’t happen. You understand?
Kyo: Michiko. You know I’m good for it.
Michiko: The Jun I’m talking about is… the same Jun we saw on TV yesterday.

Kyo stared at her for the longest time.

Michiko: Umm…
Kyo: MAJI DESU KA!

Michiko nodded.

Kyo:
So that’s why… you reacted that way… SHIT! Do you know what you’re
getting into??!!! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA? Michiko, I definitely need to
talk to that dude.
Michiko: Kyo! You can’t. He’ll be leaving soon anyways. I actually need to go back. I just needed to grab my stuff.
Kyo: He doesn’t want you staying with us right? RIGHT? WHAT THE FUCK, Michiko!
Michiko:
Please don’t get mad, Kyo. He got jealous last night when he saw you in
the same room with me and I… didn’t have my bra on… and was wearing
short shorts.
Kyo: But you do that all the time!
Michiko: Can
you just try and see it from his point of view? If I were your
girlfriend, would you want me that comfortable with other guys?
Kyo: But… but… ah FUCK! He’s right.
Michiko: See! Well, I gotta go. I’ll see you later at the center, okay? I’ll meet up with you guys at the Halo arena.


Jun
was sitting on the couch in the living room area. His legs were crossed
and so were his arms. He kept glancing at the door, waiting for Michiko
to walk in. How long had it been since she left? What was taking her so
long? All she had to do was get her bag and that was it. Unless the
other guys were there and she had to talk to them. He still couldn’t
believe how she could walk around with no… Jun uncrossed his legs and
leaned forward, his hands on his head. There was no way they could look
at her, dressed like that and not want… He leaned back and stared at
the ceiling. It was eating him up. So this was what jealousy felt like.
There had been no instances like this before. He had always been the
cause of jealousy for other people. How the hell was he supposed to
deal with this? Where was she?!

“Tadaima!” Michiko just walked
into the room. “Eh?! What are you doing?” She looked up at the ceiling.
“Is there something there?” She didn’t see anything so she looked at
Jun again. Ooh, he was just wearing his boxer briefs. Iya, she
shouldn’t be thinking about that right now. “Oide.” He motioned to her.
She plopped down next to him. “Were they worried about you?”
“Yeah.” She replied, surprised by his question.
“Did you tell him about us?”
“Kyo was the only one there. And yeah, I told him. Don’t worry though! He can be trusted. Really.”
“If you trust him then I guess I’ll have to as well.”
“Is there something wrong?” Michiko searched his face. Jun met her gaze and smiled.
“Iya,
what could be wrong?” He leaned in and kissed her. She purred into the
kiss. Her hands started to unbutton her jeans. “Michiko… I have to go.”
She shook her head. “Noooo.” She whined. “Not yet.” She stood up and
let the jeans drop to her feet then sat down on his lap. “I thought
your thighs were sore.”
“Who cares…” Michiko went for his neck.
“Michiko… matte. We have to talk.” She pulled back and frowned at him.
“Are you serious?” He nodded. “What about?”
“When are you leaving for New York? When are you moving? How am I suppose to reach you?”
“Aw
man! Fine, fine!” She was about to move when Jun’s hands held her in
place. “Stay here.” She smiled then leaned forward… “Michiko!”
“Hai hai!”
“What’s the plan?”
“I
leave after the tournament. My flight back is on Friday. I don’t know
when I’ll be back here. I have to take care of stuff back home. Tell my
parents I’m moving. Meet with my sponsors from work. I’ll have to
either sell or give away my furniture. And then when I finish all that
and move here, I’ll have to stay in Kyoto until I find a steady job.
And only then can I start finding an apartment in Tokyo.” Jun was
overwhelmed. “That’s so much stuff to do!” Michiko chuckled lightly at
his frustrated tone. “What did you expect? You’ll be too busy to miss
me anyway. What with your girlfriend and work to take care of.” Jun
grabbed the front of her shirt then pulled her down. His lips met hers
and he kissed her hard. When he broke the kiss… “Who was I kissing just
now?”
“Me?”
“Eh? Maji de? Not my fake girlfriend? What a surprise ne.”
She smirked. “Point taken.”
“Take my phone. Keep it until we meet again.”
“You can’t visit me before I leave?” Jun couldn’t meet her saddened eyes. He knew he wouldn’t have the time to.
“Most likely not.”
“How do I know if it’s you who’s calling me?”
“I already set everything up.”
“You have to go now?”
He
sighed. Of course he didn’t want to leave but he needs to go home and
change before he goes to work. “Once you’re settled, I’ll try to get
some time off, okay?” Michiko could feel her chin quivering. She didn’t
want to cry. “HAI!” She sniffled. “I’ll see you then.”
“Before I go though.” A sly grin flashed on Jun’s face. “I have another point to make.”
“Eh…” Then she felt him. “Oh.”

End of Chapter XXXV

A/N
- Just some JunXMichiko time together b4 they both get all busy with
stuff. hopefully not too boring LOL. Thanks for reading!!!!! Love you
all!!!

Chapter XXXVI

The usual blue sky was painted purple and the horizon looked like a child had splashed tangerine juice all over it. It was a beautiful sight… sunset in Japan. Michiko stared at the view from her window seat on Flight 1320 to John F Kennedy Airport, her hands tightly clutched on a silver keitai. She waited and waited and waited for his call but it didn’t come. The stewardess had to tell her to turn it off and she had growled at her. Good thing Kyo was there to calm her down and talk to the stewardess or else she might have gotten thrown off the plane. He was probably very busy, she reasoned. Too busy to even say goodbye. This was what she signed on for though. She knew what she was going to go through for choosing to work it out with him. The heaviness in her heart told her that it was going to happen all over again. And she just needed to be stronger. Like gladiator-stronger. Or maybe Herculean-stronger. Or maybe…
“OI, Michiko!” Startled, she tore her gaze off the view and turned to face Kyo. “What?” He looked really grumpy. “I’ve been talking to you for maybe five minutes now! You didn’t hear a single word I said.” She smiled apologetically. “Sorry. My mind’s somewhere else…” Kyo reached for her hand. “Are you sure you’re going to be okay?” His hand was warm and comforting. She rested her head on his shoulder. “Honestly? I don’t know.” He wouldn’t be able to bear it if she got hurt again. “It’s going to be hard, Michiko. You of all people should know that. And yet… you’re such a dumb-ass.” She chuckled. “Thanks Kyo. Those are the words I needed to hear.” He turned and kissed her head. “You suck.”
“When did you two start dating?” Josh poked his head out from the seat in front of them. “Just right now.” Kyo replied sarcastically. “Awesome! I get to be your best man, ya?” Kyo rolled his eyes. “We just started dating and you’re marrying us off already?” He replied. Michiko laughed. “Josh, don’t be stupid. I’m only with Kyo for the sex.” Josh’s mouth formed into an O. “So I was right. Kyo is gay.” She raised an eyebrow at him. “You’re not a girl, remember?” Mike’s hand came into view and pushed Josh’s head down. “Leave them alone.”
“What is your problem?” Josh grumbled.
Michiko sighed. “I’m gonna miss all of you.”
“We’re not even in New York yet. Start missing us when you leave for Japan.”
“I’m really doing this… right? I’m going to be so busy once we get home.”
“Just take it one day at a time, Michiko. Try not to overwhelm yourself. You don’t want to die from stress, do you?”
“You’re right.”
“So…”
Michiko closed her eyes and was ready to fall asleep. They had about 18 hours in front of them. “So?”
“When are we having sex?” Kyo asked in his most serious tone.
“Sorry, Kyo. But I’m not gay.”

Day 1 in New York

Boxes were everywhere in the small loft in Lower Manhattan. Sunshine streamed through a glass window, warming an otherwise cold hardwood floor. The warm rays touched Michiko’s sleeping face. Last night, she had started sorting out the things she wanted to take with her and the ones that she was going to sell or give away or throw out. It was around 5AM when she finally finished and collapsed on the floor with Jun’s keitai held in her hand. Not knowing what time she would be done, she had set the alarm to 7AM. She had to meet her landlord and discuss the payment for the rest of the months left on her contract. The appointment was indeed too early but she had also planned to see her parents in New Jersey the same day. And knowing them, she would need to stay there for the night. It was still sort of a dream for her. When she went through her stuff last night, she had to stop and cry. She wasn’t sure why she was crying. Was it because she had to leave her friends and family behind? Was it because she was unsure of her future in Japan and with Jun? Or was it because he still hadn’t called her since their last meeting? She cried for almost an hour. And then she had continue sorting and packing what she could. The keitai laid motionless on her palm while she laid motionless on the floor. Only the slow lifting of her chest from breathing could be seen. Michiko always dreamt but today she didn’t. Nothing entertained her, comforted her, or even scared her during her sleep. Loud barking from the Siberian Husky on the floor above her woke Michiko up. She groggily looked at the clock on the wall behind her and noted that it was quarter to seven. Not even two hours of sleep yet. She abruptly sat up and checked the phone. No missed calls. Her heart fell to the bottom of her stomach. “WHAT THE FUCK, JUN!” More barking ensued. “SHUT THE FUCK UP! Stupid dog.” She got up dizzyingly and went to the bathroom. When she looked at her face on the mirror, she almost screamed. “You look like one of those zombies from Resident Evil.” She wrinkled her nose. “I think you smell like one of them, too.” After brushing her teeth, she took a shower. And while she was rinsing off, the phone rang.

Saying I love you… is not the words I want to hear from you.

“Eh?” Michiko pushed the shower curtain to the side and stared at the phone on the toilet seat cover.

It’s not that I want you… not to say, but if you only knew… how easy it would be to show me how you feel.

“It’s that song…” Could it be?

More than words is all you have to do to make it real… then you wouldn’t have to say that you love me…

“OH SHIT!” Michiko jumped out of the tub and grabbed the phone. It fumbled in her hands.

‘Cause I’d already know.

“HELLO?! HELLO?! JUN?!!”

1 Missed Call.

“NOOO… ARGH Michiko you dumb-ass! Why didn’t you answer it right away?!” She stood up and yanked a towel then walked dejectedly towards the couch but before she reached it, she dropped on her knees and started bawling.

Saying I love you… is not the words I want to hear from you.

Her head snapped up and she quickly answered. “Jun?!”

“Were you listening to the ringtone and forgot to pick up?” His tone was somewhat teasing and annoyed at the same time. “I…” She bit her lip and tried to stop herself from sobbing. “Michiko… are you crying?” She shook her head no then realized that he couldn’t see her. “Iya.” Her lie was busted by her sniffling. She heard a sigh on the other line. “Are you lying to me?” She nodded. “Hai.” A few seconds of silence past.
“I’m sorry I didn’t get to call and say goodbye. We were in the middle of a photo shoot.” Michiko tried her best to control her breathing. She didn’t want to talk. She just wanted to listen to his voice. “Michiko… are you still there?” He sounded worried. “Hai.”
“Well then, can you say something instead of just yes?” Now he was irritated. “Hai. I mean. It’s okay. I figured. You. Were. Busy.” Her reply came in gasps. “You’re still crying?”
“Cho-tto.” She took a deep breath. “Gomen. It was just that… when I missed your call… anyway… you’re not busy right now? It’s around 8PM there ne?”
There was silence.
“Jun?”
“JUN?!” She started panicking.
“You miss me ne?” She could hear him smiling. That bastard was teasing her. She refused to admit it. “Michiko. If you don’t answer, I’m going to hang up.”
“You are so… why do you do this to me?!”
“It’s not that hard to say, yes Jun, I miss you.”
It wasn’t hard. Besides, it was true. She did miss him… terribly.
“Jun… I miss you.”
“I miss you, too.”
“By the way, Jun…”
“Hmmm?”
“I’m naked.”
“Aha… NANI?!”
“Are you at home?”
“I… chotto matte… did you just say you’re naked?”
“Hai. Weren’t you listening? You called while I was in the shower, dildo.”
“Oh…”
Michiko grinned. He must be picturing her sans clothes right now.
“Are you going to sleep early?” She asked.
“Michiko…”
“Hmmm?”
“Can you put some clothes on right now?” His voice sounded strained.
“Eh? Nande?”
“Ano… you might get sick.”
“Okay.” She knew it wasn’t because of that but she was starting to get cold. So she stood up and walked towards her closet.
“Are you dressed?”
“Not yet. K, I’m putting my panties on. Hold on.”
“What did you do today? How come you’re up early?”
“I actually didn’t get much sleep. I was up all night packing stuff. I only had less than 2 hours sleep.”
“EH?!! Go sleep now!”
“I have to meet the landlord though. Have to pay rent and then I have to go to my parents later.” She quickly slipped on a shirt.
“Did you eat breakfast?”
“No, I basically just woke up, Jun.”
“Eat now.”
“I will. After you hang up. So you are at home ne?”
“Yeah. Got off early tonight.”
“You should get some sleep. You must be dead tired.” But she really didn’t want him to hung up yet.
“I can stay up a little longer.” He sounded tired.
“Where are you? In bed already?” She sat on the couch, cross-legged.
“Mmhmm. So, tell me. Did you win the tournament?”
Michiko suddenly got excited.
“Hale yeah! We won all 4 on 4 team games and I won 1st place in FFA. Kyo was 2nd.”
“I don’t care about Kyo. He’s not there right?” Jealousy laced his question.
“No. He doesn’t live with me, baka!”
“Good. What did you win?”
“A lot of money! 10 grand for each team game so the four of us will be splitting 30 grand. But I’m keeping all 10 grand from the FFA win. The money will probably be the security deposit I need when I find an apartment there.”
Talking about that made her optimistic. There shouldn’t be problem finding one in Tokyo. She was more concerned with finding employment. A trip to her sponsors tomorrow should give her some info if she could still do professional gaming in Japan.
“When are you coming back?”
“I’m hoping next week. But I can’t schedule my flight until I’m absolutely sure I’ve done everything that needs to be done.”
“A week? Maybe more? And then you won’t be in Tokyo when you do get here?”
“Shoga nai yo. I have to stay in Kyoto first but I will be in Tokyo when I look for a job. I’m just crossing my fingers that there will be some opportunities for me as a gamer there. If not then I might have to work at… McDonalds!”
“You are NOT working at McDonalds!”
“Whatever makes ends meet. I might need more than two jobs.”
“Gomen. I didn’t think of all of that. I just wanted you near me.”
She smiled happily.
“Are you smiling like an idiot?”
“Hai.”

Soon after that, Jun hung up to sleep. And Michiko sat on the couch for a little longer before she finally ate breakfast then dressed for the appointment with her landlord. It went smoothly. He didn’t give her a hard time at all. He was actually very excited for her move and waived the four months rent that was left on her lease. That really saved her a lot of money so she told him that if he wanted any of her furniture, he could go ahead and take them. That killed two birds with one stone because when he took a look at what she had to give, he wanted all of them. Now she didn’t have to worry about renting a U-Haul or dragging them herself. He said since they were his now, it was his responsibility to take them where they needed to go. Things were going well so far. Now it was time to take the train to New Jersey and visit her parents in Bloomfield.

cont..

Michiko arrived at 69 Naples Street. Her parents originally lived
in New York but when they got older, they decided to move somewhere
less noisy and bright. She didn’t mind them moving since they didn’t
move that far really. But she missed her Ma’s cooking. Her finger
pushed the door bell and in a couple of minutes, the door swung open.
“Osashiburi desu ne, Ko-chan.” She noticed that he still dyed his hair
black. Michiko’s father looked like one of those samurais in the old
Japanese movies. “To-chan. I swear you look younger every time I
visit.” A big toothy grin spread on his face. “Well, come on in. What
tickled your behind and got you to visit us?” Seriously, what
respectable parent would phrase questions like that? She went in and
took her shoes off. She was halfway in the living room when her father
yelled at her. “Where are you manners, Ko-chan!” She bowed slightly.
“Ojamashimasu.” He shook his head in disapproval. “Where’s Ma?”
“Where
else? In the kitchen.” Her eyes lit up. “I smell…” She sniffed the air.
“Oh my God, she’s cooking Sinigang!” She ran to the kitchen and there
she was, hunched over a big pot. “Don’t run around the house, Chiko.”
“Is
it almost done?! I want some!” She hovered around her, peeking at the
pot. “Go entertain your father. It’s almost done.” Ma turned and gave
her a kiss on her cheek. Michiko was a bit tanned like her but her face
was a mix of both her parents looks. “Buti naman naka bisita ka. (It’s
good that you were able to visit.)” She said in her native language,
Tagalog. Michiko smiled at her. “I have some news.” She looked at her
worried. “It’s not bad news, Ma.”
“Go, I’ll be out in a bit.” She
hugged her then went to the living room. Oto-chan was relaxing on the
couch watching news from Japan. “When did you get that channel?” She
asked after sitting down next to him. “Awhile ago. You would’ve known
if you visited often.” She should have kept her mouth shut. “To-chan.”
“So why have we been graced by your presence today?”
“Anata!
Don’t nag on your daughter.” Ma came out of the kitchen and sat next to
her. “Actually… I have some news. I guess they’re kinda big.” They both
looked at her concerned. She knew exactly what they were thinking.
“I am not pregnant, okay?” They were both relieved after hearing that.
“If you stopped having sex, we won’t be so worried.” Her father scolded.
“OTO-CHAN!”
“ANATA!”
“What? It’s true. No sex equals no unwanted pregnancies. They teach you that in elementary, don’t they?”
“I can’t believe you just forbade me to have sex.”
“Chiko… have you been doing it recently?”
She
tried not to but she blushed furiously after remembering the night and
morning after she spent with Jun. “Why are we talking about sex?! And
so openly?!”
“But communication is vital between parents and their kids.”
“That’s the thing, Ma. I’m not a kid anymore.”
“You still play kiddy games though.” Her father harrumphed.
“They’re
not kiddy games! I make money as a gamer you know. Good money. In fact,
I just took home $17,000 in less than week!” He looked at her and she
swore he looked proud.
“Fine. What’s the news then?” He asked.
Michiko took a deep breath. “I’m moving to Japan.”
Both their eyes widened in surprise. “What prompted the move?” Her Ma asked.
“If
it’s because of a boy then you better rethink your decision, Michiko.”
Oto-chan was very serious. Great, it was because of Jun.
“What can
I say? I fell in love… with Japan. And there’s a lot of opportunities
there for me in regards to my work.” She lied of course. And they
didn’t believe her.

“Who is he?”
“Do we know him?”
“Is he from a good family?”
“What’s his last name?”
“Is he Japanese?”
“He doesn’t play kiddy games, too, does he?”
“Are you already having sex with him?”

The interrogation began. They took turns asking the questions. What was
she supposed to do? Ignore all of them and continue to lie? They
deserved to know the truth.

“Okay, okay! I have met someone. AND I will answer all your questions EXCEPT for the last one, Ma.”

They waited patiently. She sighed. She kinda wished they just yelled at her then sent her to her room.

“This
will answer questions 1, 4, and 5. Maybe 2 but I’m not sure. His name
is Matsumoto Jun.” She looked for signs of recognition.

“CHIKO! You’re dating an actor!” Her Ma exclaimed. How did she know?
“Ma, how do you know him?”
“What actor?!” Oto-chan asked.
“Well,
they played his drama on TV. Hana Yori Dango. It was not subtitled but
I know enough to understand the story.” Her Ma elbowed her. “Ehh,
Chiko. Gwapo ah. (He’s handsome.)”
“HE’S A JAPANESE ACTOR?! JODAN DA YO!”
“Oto-chan! What’s wrong with that?”
“Soon I’ll be watching your scandals on TV.”
“Of course not!” That irked her to the max. “Anyway, that’s the big news. I might be moving next week already.”
“How
long have you known him? Not too long ago right? Don’t go jumping into
situations that you can’t handle, Ko-chan. You already got hurt before
when you went out with a celebrity. And now him? If your Ma is right
then he must be really popular. And you know what comes with dating a
guy like that.”
“I know.”
“Anata… if she’s willing to move all the way to Japan for him then she must really love him. Right, Chiko?”
It’s the million dollar question.
“Look, she can’t even answer right away.”
“Chiko, if you’re not sure then maybe…”
“I do.” She looked at them and for the first time, she was absolutely confident with her feelings.
“I love him.”

End of Chapter XXXVI

A/N
So
Michiko survives a day in NY w/o Jun. Got to take care of a couple of
things. That's good but there's still a few more things to do. So happy
she got to talk to Jun eventhough it took him about 4-5 days before he
called.
Wah, Michiko's parents... weird XP

Ringtone = More than Words by the Extremes (Jun mentioned this song to Michiko when he was trying to express his feelings.)
Tagalog - one of many Filipino dialects.
Sinigang - Filipino food. Usually pork with sour soup and veggies.

Hope
ya'll enjoyed this chap! Thanks for reading and I'm hungry... for
comments! HAHHAA. Actually, I'm literally hungry. need foooood...

Chapter XXXVII

“Matsumoto-kun, I need you to face to the right. Okay. Now place your hands on Inoue-chan’s shoulders. Good. Inoue-chan, look up. Very nice. Hold it… alright. Next pose.”
Jun was at another photo shoot with Mao. This time, it was a for the magazine Myojo. After the shoot, there will be a short interview as well. The past week, he and Mao had been featured in three magazine covers. Anan actually called for a shoot as well but he was relieved that Mao’s manager declined the offer. It was bad enough that Michiko might end up seeing all these photos of them, it would be worse if she saw them naked together. As always, he was very professional and it was easy enough to do realistic lovey-dovey poses with Mao. Like she said during the press conference, they had gotten close during their time together working at the Hana Yori Dango set. Plus Mao was easy to like. She was sweet and caring and funny. He had mentioned in an interview before that she had everything. But now he noticed things that she was incapable of. “I need one more pose of a near kiss. Like in that one episode of HYD where Domyouji leaned in to kiss an unsuspecting Makino.” Jun faced Mao. He softened his expression and leaned in slowly. “That’s perfect, Matsumoto-kun. Inoue-chan, don’t lean forward. You are not supposed to be meeting the kiss. Okay. That’s good. Done! That’s our last shot. Great job!” Mao squealed and clapped her hands together. “Happy it’s over?” Jun asked. “Un. I’m starving.” He chuckled lightly. “We still have an interview.” She pouted. “Can’t they feed us first? Just one scoop of ice cream would do.”
“You want your Haagen Dazs mini-cup?”
“Hai!” She smiled sweetly. Her smiles always looked sweet. “You should ask them to get a cup for you then. I’m sure they’d be willing to get one.”
“Iya! I can’t do that!”
“Fine, I’ll ask them myself.”
“Iya! Matsumoto, don’t!” Her hands grabbed his arm. He looked at her and she suddenly blushed then quickly let go of his arm.
“Matsumoto-kun. Inoue-chan. Ready for the interview?”
“Hai!” Mao followed the interviewer. Jun looked at Mao’s back, a bit confused at her reaction to him. He shrugged it off and caught up to them. The interview went smoothly. They talked a lot about their experience on the set of HYD and insinuated a lot of “stuff.” When they were done, Jun prepared to leave. He was supposed to meet up with his friends and just hang out. “Ouji!” Mao walked towards him and stopped by his side. “That went well ne?” He nodded. “Yeah. Did you need something from me?” She shook her head no. “I’ll see you tomorrow then. Take care.” Jun said.
“Matte.”
“What is it?”
“Ano… are we doing the keitai ad?”
“I rejected it. I’m staying with the cell company I’m with right now.”
“I noticed you have a new phone. Kakkoi. What happened to your old one?”
“I… uh… gave it to someone.”
“EH?! Did you transfer my photo to your new one then? Remember the one you took at the set?”
“Iya. I just transferred the contact info and deleted everything else.” Mao looked a bit sad after he said that. And she replied with a simple, “Oh.”
“I can take one of you now.” Ah, why did he say that? She smiled brightly at him and then fixed her hair. Jun hesitated but eventually took out his phone and focused the camera on her. She held up two fingers to form a V and flashed him a smile. “Ready? San, ni, ich.” He showed her the shot.
“Good one ne? Hey, lemme borrow that for a sec.” Mao said after looking at her picture.
“Huh?”
She snatched the phone from him. “Oi!” What was she doing?
“There!”
“What did you do?” Jun looked at his phone. Nothing seems different. The wallpaper’s the same. Still the default picture. “Ehehehe. Ja ne, Matsumoto-san.”


Day 2 in New York

Michiko arrived at the corporate headquarters of Major League Gaming or MLG at 420 Lexington Ave in New York. It was 9:45AM and her scheduled appointment was at 10AM. “Well. Good luck to me!” She went in the building, up the elevator, and into the office of the CEO in charge of professional gaming.

“Michiko. You do realize that we don’t really have a market for competitive Halo 3 tournaments in Japan, right?” He started. Michiko nodded. “I figured as much.”
“We’d really hate to lose you but I’m afraid we can’t really support your move. The 360 is doing well there but your specific skill lies in Halo. You win tournaments for us. Which is why we’d rather you stay in the U.S.”
“I understand.” This was what she was afraid of. If she couldn’t game then it would be harder for her to find a job there. But there must be something else that she could do. Jun said there might be a possibility that public relationships would be allowed in the future. If that happened, what did she have to show for? How would the public react to Matsumoto Jun, famous actor slash idol, dating an ex-professional gamer? That sounded terrible. She couldn’t be like Inoue Mao for sure. “Sorry to have wasted your time. But I’m not changing my mind. Thank you for taking care of me while I was part of your team.” They shook hands and she left the office miserable. Before she exited the building though, she heard someone calling her name.

“Michiko! Michiko Yoku!”

She turned and it was Sundance. One of the tournament coordinators for MLG. “Hey dude, sup?”
“Good thing I caught up with you.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. But I might have an offer for you.”
“Eh?”
“You might not like it so much as there’s an image clause in the contract. But I guarantee an awesome salary plus lots of fame in Japan.”
“Fame AND fortune? Sign me up!”
“I’m glad you said that. Come back here tomorrow. The big shots that has the deal for you will be in then. Big Japanese game industry specializing in the promotional aspects.”
“I’m not gonna be one of those skimpily-clad babes at conventions, am I?”
“Please! Most of them don’t even game.”
“Alright. I’ll see you then.”

An empty cup of instant ramen was on top of a box next to Michiko who was sitting cross-legged on the floor, staring at Jun’s keitai again. It was already 2AM in Japan so she didn’t really expect him to call at this time. She wanted to call him right after she got out of the MLG building but didn’t want to disturb him in case he was still working. Her loft was almost empty. All she had to do was ship some of her things to NJ. She was planning on taking only her clothes, shoes and a few essentials like her laptop, Xbox 360, games, photos, and some jewelry. It was a bit surreal… what was happening to her.

I do. I love him.

She covered her face with her hands from the memory. Did she really admit it? Wasn’t it too soon to be feeling this way? Did he feel the same way? All of the sudden, her local cell phone rang. She looked at the caller ID. It was her father.

“Moshi moshi.”
“What’s up, Oto-chan?”

Long pause.

“EH?!!” Michiko almost fell back on the floor.
“Why did you do that?!”
“If you wanted to know more about him, you should have asked ME!”
“You know you can’t believe everything that the media says.”
“Jun explained everything to me, Oto-chan.”
“It’s all fake!”
“I know that. But eventually…”
“That’s why it’s called TRUST.”
“I don’t have to listen to this!”
“If Ma finds out what you did…”
“I will tell if you don’t stop investigating.”
“So now he’s gay?!”
“OTO-CHAN! Don’t bring up sex again.”
“If you MUST know…”
“Now you don’t want to know. Make up your mind old man!”
“I’m 28 years old.”
“Don’t you think I’d know my own age?”
“Okay fine, go ask Ma.”

Long pause.

“I told you so.”
“Stop talking about promise rings.”
“I told you already! It’s all fake. He’s not with her.”
“Well, thank you but I do think she’s prettier.”
“I am not shopping with Ma for new clothes.”
“Oh so now you want me to impress him.”
“It is possible to look good in just T-shirts and jeans.”
“It doesn’t matter if my underwear don’t match.”
“Oh so now you’re all for sex.”
“Fine. Making love.”
“Why don’t you take Ma upstairs and…”
“She’s the one who told me about birth control pills.”
“No, it does not mean I’m promiscuous.”
“Yeah that song was the bomb.”
“Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Love you, too.”

Michiko
put the phone down and took the notebook that was lying on the floor
next to her feet. It was her “To Do” list. Talk to landlord had a
checkmark next to it. And so did talk to parents and take care of
furniture. What was left were find out about work opportunities, visit
bank, and schedule flight. It looked like she might be able to move
before next week since she will be taking care of two things tomorrow.
She was sure Jun wouldn’t mind the surprise. Just then, the phone rang.
She immediately picked up Jun’s phone. But that wasn’t the one ringing.
She frowned then picked up her phone. “Yo.”
“Yo Michiko. The guys and I are coming over tonight. You are not allowed to say no.”
“Okaaaay, Kyo. What for?”
“What do you mean what for? You’ve been so busy and we haven’t seen ya. It’s like a goodbye party thing.”
“I haven’t even scheduled my flight yet.”
“Yeah but just in case we get busy.”
“What time?”
“We’ll be there at 6PM. We got liquor!”
“Alright, see ya then.”

Kyo,
Josh, and Mike arrived at exactly 6PM. When it came to drinking and
having fun, they were never late. “Damn, Michiko! You don’t have any
furniture! Where’s your couch? Your bed?” Josh scanned the loft in
disbelief. “And we can’t sit on these boxes. They’re not sturdy
enough.” Mike complained. “Hey, hey. You guys were the ones who wanted
to come over. I can’t do anything about the lack of furniture. I had to
get rid of them already.” Kyo set the big cooler down in the middle of
the living room. “Well then, we sit on the floor! What’s the big deal?”
Josh shrugged and sat where he stood. Mike followed suit. Michiko
opened one of the boxes and took out four shot glasses then distributed
them. Kyo opened a bottle of Bacardi 151. “Whoa, whoa! We’re starting
off with that already? Are you trying to get me drunk?” Michiko said
after seeing the bottle. “Scared? Don’t worry, we know how you are when
you’re drunk. You know you can trust us.” She hesitated then handed Kyo
her glass. He filled it up to the top. “I need a chaser for this.” Josh
pulled out the Hypnotiq. “You have more glasses?” She pointed at the
box that had the glassware. So they lined up their shots. Bacardi 151
chased by Hypnotiq. Of all the idiotic things to do. Chase alcohol with
alcohol. “Do you have anything we can buffer this with?” She got up and
rummaged through the cupboards. Found a box of Basic 4 cereal. “This is
it.” They were all crazy. But this might be the last night she gets to
spend with them. “Kampai!”

“Mi-*hic*-ko. WHY? WHYRE YOUS
LEEEEVING US? Whas in Japan? Bunch off Japanesssssssssse peeful.” Josh
slurred his words. He was very lightweight when it came to alcohol. He
only had two shots. “Kyo issh Japaneeesssse. Yous dun neez to gooo
there.” She had five shots of 151 plus 5 shots of the chaser. She was
getting there. Kyo looked at Michiko… she was drunk for sure, he
thought. Because she was looking at him funny.

Saying I love you… is not the words I want to hear from you.

Kyo
watched in amazement as Michiko dove for the phone. “BABE?!” Her voice
was louder than usual. “Who else would it be, dildo.” She giggled
uncontrollably. “You say dildo weird.” On the other line, Jun’s brows
furrowed. “You’re giggling.” She giggled at that. “Yup. Why? Can’t I
giggle?” She rolled onto her back. Kyo listened to the highly amusing
conversation. That was Jun she was talking to. He wondered if he had
seen Michiko drunk before. “Oh oh oh. What are you doing up so early?
Are you off today? Can we talk all night? Coz it’s 7PM here. Must be
8AM there ne?” Something told Jun that Michiko was acting a bit weird.
“You’re talking a bit fast there. I got up early so I can call you… I
have to go to work around 10AM.” Michiko loved hearing his voice. “Jun
babe, have you had phone sex before?” Jun almost dropped his phone.
“NANI?” Kyo laughed in the background. Jun heard the laugh faintly.
“Michiko, is there someone else with you?”
“Yes babe. Kyo, Josh, and
Mike are here. We’re having a party. You know, my going away party!”
Michiko heard Jun curse. “You’re starting to sound like me. That’s
cute.”
“Did you drink? ARE YOU DRUNK?!” He yelled into the phone.
“Iya. I’m not drunk. But I drank. Drank but not drunk. Get it?” She giggled again.
“Okay…”
Jun started to panic. He was not there to protect her. And those guys
must be drunk as well. He cursed again. “Michiko, listen to me. I want
you to go to your bedroom and lock the door behind you.”
“I don’t
have a bedroom. I live in a studio loft, babe. And I don’t have a bed
either. I gave it away already. I gave the couch away, too. I just have
pillows. But I don’t need a bed to have phone sex with you. Do you want
to know what I’m wearing?”
“NO!”
Jun heard Kyo laugh again.
“Why not?!”
“Michiko, go in the bathroom and lock it. You hear me?!”
“But
what if the guys need to go? Or puke? Coz Josh is totally out. And
Mike… oh Mike passed out already.” Jun was somewhat relieved that two
of them were incapacitated. That meant Kyo was the only one he had to
worry about. “Michiko… babe…”
“OOOHHH. You called me babe! And you pronounced it really well. I am so proud!”
She
was kicking her legs in the air. Kyo slowly approached her. He didn’t
drink as much because he knew he had to eventually take care of the
three of them, especially Michiko.
“Michiko, please. Just go in the bathroom and lock yourself in there.”
“She
doesn’t need to do that Jun. I’m not going to let anything happen to
her.” Kyo had taken the phone from Michiko. Jun was pissed. “Kyo.”
“The
one and only. We met at the hotel room when you dragged my best friend
away and kept her to yourself for the whole night.” His tone was
pleasant. He didn’t sound drunk. Did he just call her his best friend?
“You have to excuse my rudeness but I don’t know you therefore I can’t
just trust you to take care of my girl.” Jun growled.
“Your girl?” Kyo didn’t mean to sound jealous.
“Yes, my girl.”
“I saw your girl on TV. Me and Michiko saw you two together. You should have seen the look on her face then.”
That hit a nerve. Jun gritted his teeth.
“See,
Jun. You don’t have a choice but to trust me. Don’t worry. She’ll be
fine. She trusts me and she trusts Josh and Mike. We would NEVER do
anything to harm her. I understand how you feel. But you have to
understand that we know her more than you do. We’ve been friends with
her for quite some time now. I’m really glad that you called. I wanted
to talk to you.” Kyo had to look down. Michiko was pulling on his
pants. “I wanna talk to Jun! Kyo, gimme the phone. I want my babe.” His
eyes softened. “Jun. Before I hand the phone over to Michiko, I just
want to say one thing… If you fucking hurt her, you’re dead.”
Jun didn’t get to respond to that because Michiko started talking.
“Jun!
Sorry bout that. Kyo is very protective of me. He’s like a big brother
but umm younger coz I’m older. Makes sense ne?” Jun had to admit that
Kyo’s threat comforted him. He must have stayed sober knowing that
Michiko and others were going to go overboard. “Are you feeling okay?
Do you need to puke?” But he was still worried. “Umm. No. I don’t need
to puke. I need you.”
“Gomen, I can’t be there…” Jun looked at the time. Fuck, he needed to get ready for work. “Jun?”
“What is it, Michiko?”
“NOW do you want to know what I’m wearing?” She just wouldn’t quit.
“Babe, we can’t. I have to go to work soon. Maybe some other time. Okay?”
She pouted. “Kyo! Jun won’t do it with me!”
“Michiko. Let the dude go. I’ll make you some decaffeinated coffee, okay?”
Jun heard all of that.
“Michiko…” Jun started.
“Yeah. Okay. I’ll talk to you some other time.”
“Be a good girl and drink the coffee.”
She sighed.
“Fine! I will.”
“Good night, Michiko.”
“Good morning, Jun.”

End of Chapter XXXVII

A/N
- A little glimpse of JunXMao. She is cute. ^_^ It was in the Tokyo
Park vid where she mentioned loving Haagen Dazs. And she calls Jun
"Ouji" which means "King/Prince."
Michiko might have a job in Japan after all! Wonder what it'll be.
Poor Jun, getting all worried when he heard Michiko drunk.

Thanks
for reading!!! I want them back together again in Japan which is why
I'm updating again ^^ But will try to write a chap for My Beloved first
before I continue with this. Comments make me drunk!!! with LOVE XP
corny....

Oh yeah, the Bacardi 151 + Hypnotiq + Basic 4 scene
was from experience. Don't try it. I passed out after 6 shots w/ the
chaser and vodka sours. BF told me I was yelling at my friend. I
remember force feeding our friend Marc, the dried cranberries from the
cereal.

Chapter XXXVIII

Day 3 in New York

The leather seat in the small conference room at Major League Gaming corporate headquarters was very comfortable. It was probably inappropriate for Michiko to be appreciating how it nicely cushioned her ass but she couldn’t help it. She had no couch, no bed, and no chairs at home. Her ass felt like it was flattening out. And she didn’t have enough ass to begin with. As she waited for the bigwigs from some promotional gaming company in Japan to show up, she thought about the image clause that Sundance was worried about. Were they going to drastically change her image and for what reasons? Whatever they may be though, she couldn’t possibly turn the offer down. This was the opportunity she needed. If this hadn’t come her way, she wouldn’t know where to start finding a job in Japan. Her credentials weren’t exactly versatile. About five minutes passed when the door finally opened and three Japanese men in business suits entered the room. Michiko stood up and bowed to them. They did the same then all of them sat down. After taking a good look at each of them, she recognized one of them from the Halo Tournament at the Makuhari Messe. “It’s good to see you again, Yoku-san.” Kitahara Ken smiled at her. He was one of the new young executives in the gaming industry. At only 29 years old, he had accomplished what most men in their mid 40’s had. She had no idea that the company that she might be working for was the one he was in.
“Kitahara-san!”
“I have to be honest with you, Yoku-san. I was already interested in you when we met in Chiba.” Michiko didn’t know how to react to what he said. “That’s a compliment.”
“Ah… hai. Arigato.”
“Did Sundance explain to you what the job is about?”
“Iya. He just said that it has to do with the promotional stuff?”
“I’ll get straight to the point then. We want you to be the spokesperson for gaming in Japan.”
“Excuse me? Spokesperson?”
“We don’t work for just one gaming corporation. We work for all of them. Nintendo, PlayStation, and even Microsoft’s Xbox. We have different clients who need to promote certain games to specific audiences. And we have employed different type of gamers to do the job. But we haven’t found one that could promote to both males and females in your age group until I met you.”
Michiko was certainly overwhelmed by all that information. It was quite a compliment indeed but was she the right person for that job?
“I know what you’re thinking. Are you the right person for this job?”
She nodded. How creepy of him to know exactly what she was thinking.
“We wouldn’t be here talking to you if we weren’t positive. In fact, the sole reason we’re here in New York is you.”
“I…don’t know what to say. It’s kinda nerve-wracking.” Kitahara-san chuckled.
“Well, there’s a lot of perks that comes with the job. One, you get to beta test all new upcoming games in development.” Michiko’s eyes widened.
“That got your attention huh? Two, you get in for free in all gaming conventions and we pay for your hotel room.”
“Are you kidding me?!” The other two men laughed at her reaction.
“No. We don’t joke about that.”
She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Beta testing new games? Free pass? Free accommodations? There was no way she would turn this down. But what about that image clause? “Ano, Kitahara-san… Sundance did tell me about an image clause?”
“Ah, that.” He flipped through a folder and took out, what looked like a contract. He looked through the pages until he found the one he was looking for. “Here it is. It’s quite a read but all it means really is that you simply need to adhere to a certain image or projection of yourself through physical appearance. For example, we would like you to appear sexy…” Michiko frowned. “… not that you’re not. But maybe you can change your style a bit. Nothing drastic. For example, what you’re wearing now. Simple white T-shirt over jeans. Very casual, as expected from gamers.”
“So what would be changed with my outfit?”
“Hmm. Make it a v-neck shirt. A bit tighter. Low waist jeans. And some make-up.”
That didn’t sound too bad, she thought.
“Don’t worry, Yoku-san. We’re not going to turn you into some sex-gamer-goddess.” He chuckled. “But we do want you to have that sexy aura… but at the same time be down to earth. So you can appeal to both males and females.”
“I see.” Made complete sense to her.
“To get the image done right, you’ll have a stylist and someone to help you shop for clothes.” EH? That would be weird. “But it’s not like she’s going to follow you around all the time. She’ll just guide you to where to shop and what you should be shopping for and then once you get the idea, you can create your own style based on what we’re trying to project to the public.” At least, she would eventually have control over what to wear.
“About the clothes…”
“Anything that you wear that will be used for commercials, photo shoots, conventions, and basically anything you use for work will be paid for by the company.” Maji ka?! Was there a catch? There must be…
“Seems a bit too good to be true?” Again, he read her mind. She nodded to his question.
“When I saw you at the tournament, I was amazed at how you quickly charmed the crowd. Your choice of words, your humor, the way you carried yourself. Very impressive. You got them all riled up. That is what we want. If you can deliver that then we’d do whatever it takes to keep you employed with us.”
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to read the contract first.” Never sign anything you haven’t read. Oto-chan’s voice rang in her head. “Sure, no problem.” Kitahara-san handed her the contract. “Yoku-san, we’ll leave you alone to look through it. We’ll be back later.”
“Thank you for thinking of me for this job, Kitahara-san.” He smiled. “Nobody else came to mind.”

It only took her fifteen minutes to read the whole contract. Surprisingly enough, everything was laid out clearly. There weren’t any fine print. The only thing that would have worried her was the one they already talked about. She actually looked for a rule regarding public relationships but she didn’t find one. So she was free to date whoever. Not that it really mattered since the person she was dating wasn’t allowed to be seen with her in public anyway. Well, it looked like she will be signing it. The door swung open as soon as she made her decision and Kitahara-san entered the room alone. Very uncanny. Was he psychic or something? “Ah, Kitahara-san. I just finished reading and have made up my mind.” He took the seat next to her and handed her a pen. “I believe you need this.” Michiko looked at him and smiled. “Confident that I was going to say yes, huh?”
“Not really, but I was hoping that if I handed you the pen, you’d instinctively sign even if you already decided not to.” That cracked her up. “Funny.” Her hand was poised to sign. “Kitahara-san. Just wondering… it’s not on the contract but I just want to make sure.”
“I’d be happy to answer any of your questions.”
“My image… allows me to date whoever I want? Or am I suppose to remain single to the public?”
“Good question. But like you said, it’s not on the contract which means we have no demands on your personal life. It would be nice if you dated though.”
“Eh?”
“Let’s break the stereotype about gamers not having a life apart from gaming.”
Maybe she needed a fake relationship, too. She smirked at the idea. Payback would be so sweet but might be troublesome. “Yoku-san?”
“Hai.” She signed it.
“Welcome aboard.”


Back in Tokyo, Jun just finished recording an episode of Arashi no Shukudai-kun with Inoue Mao as their guest. It was a bit uncomfortable for the four other members to interact with Mao-chan when they knew about Jun and Michiko’s relationship. It seemed more bothersome for Nino. Jun noticed that he didn’t even try to be nice to her. It was a good thing that Aiba was his usual cheerful self while Sho and Ohno tried their best to mask Nino’s uncooperative mood. The episode went well. They tasted different and weird flavors of ice cream and Ogura-san wanted to know more about how the last shot of the first season of Hana Yori Dango was accomplished. It was the Doumyoji and Makino kiss back lighted by a sunset. That led to a discussion of kissing techniques and Mao-chan’s preferred setting for a kiss. She had listed her top five and each member was supposed to guess what they were. Aiba-chan was the first to guess.

“You’re at the zoo ne. And then next to the monkey’s cage… you see the monkeys kiss. So then the guy says… I’m jealous of them. Can we do that, too?”

Mao-chan had a worried look her face. She probably wasn’t sure whether to laugh or be mad at Aiba’s guess. Sho guessed next.

“The two of you are in between the bookshelves in the library. You’re leaning back on one of the shelves and he pretends to reach for a book behind you… but he leans in and… kisses you instead.”

That was actually on Mao’s list. Next was Riida.

“You’re on a boat in the middle of the lake…”

Before Ohno could finish, everybody started complaining about his fishing fantasies. And he didn’t get to finish his guess. When his turn came, Mao leaned forward expectantly.

“Somewhere in the middle of the woods, with the moonlight shining above us. Her back would be pressed against a tree… and the kiss would be unexpected for her.”

Mao-chan liked the setting but preferred the beach as opposed to the woods but the moonlight was part of her top pick. Needless to say, Nino’s guess was not on her list.

“After you both just won a competitive game online. The adrenaline from the victory motivates him to kiss you.”

Mao was a bit disappointed that nobody really guessed anything right. She complained about it while Jun was preparing to leave. “Mou! Do guys really think those settings are really good for a kiss? I can’t believe it.”
“Well, guys think differently from girls. We don’t really care where we kiss you.” She pouted. She was cute when she pouts. “Why? Has Shun disappointed you in that department?” Jun teased and she glared at him. “That’s personal. I’m not gonna tell.”
He shrugged. “I’m going home. See you tomorrow. Don’t we have another photoshoot? Oh no, the digital camera CM ne?”
“Un. Bye-bye.”

Jun was headed home when his phone rang. He looked at the caller ID. “Eh?” Why was he calling him? “Shun. What’s up?”
“Ah. Okay. Sure. I’ll meet you there.”

Oguri Shun and Jun were seated in a private room of a well-known bar in Tokyo. Shun filled Jun’s glass with bourbon. “Iya… I’m driving.” He raised an eyebrow at him so Jun took the glass. “Just one glass.” Then sipped. The alcohol warmed his throat. “Gomen, Shun. I didn’t get to talk to you about… what happened. Mao-chan explained everything right?” He nodded and then drank. “I know I can trust you, Jun. But I’m not exactly happy with the whole fake relationship thing.”
“That makes both of us.”
Shun smirked. “You have girl that I don’t know about?” Jun smirked back. “Maybe.”
Shun’s face suddenly became serious after that. “When I saw the newspaper and the photo… I was concerned.” His eyes look troubled then and Jun wondered what he could be thinking about. “But I knew you wouldn’t do that to me. Mao, on the other hand…” He trailed off. “What are you talking about? Mao came to me because she was having some problem with you. She was deeply worried about your relationship.”
Shun looked at him and sighed. “That reminded me of back then. During the time we were filming the second season of Hana Yori Dango.”
“What reminded you of what?” Jun asked.
“I guess you were oblivious to it.”
“To what?!”
“Before Mao and I got together… I was the one she was running to for advice. I was the friend. And you were the one she wanted to be with.”
Jun looked at him like he was crazy. That was not possible. No, he was mistaken.
“Jun. She thought you liked her, too, but you never did ask her out. That was how we got close. She kept coming to me and I eventually fell for her. I guess after awhile she accepted the fact that you were never going to notice her feelings and she gave up.”

Just then, Jun’s phone rang. Shun looked at him with a funny expression on his face.

“You play Halo?”

He ignored his question and answered his phone. “Hey.”
“Gomen but I’m in a middle of something.”
“Can it wait? I really can’t talk right now.”
“I’ll call you later.”

Jun looked at Shun, he was still stunned from his revelation. The truth was, he did like Mao back then but he kept seeing her with Shun and thought that they were going out. That was the reason why he didn’t even try…

Back in New York…

“He’s still working at this time?” Michiko muttered to herself as she crossed the street to 34th street towards Bank of America. She was on her way to the bank to discuss her upcoming move and what could be done with her checking and savings. While she crossed, she thought about how Jun sounded a bit distant during the call. He didn’t even sound like he was happy to hear from her. She shrugged it off and went in the bank. There were a lot of papers to be filled and such and she ended up spending three hours in there. But when she finally came out, everything was settled. It was 1PM when she got out. She decided to go home and rest before she met up with her parents at Red Lobster for dinner at 5PM. Her parents wanted to eat early because they didn’t like staying out too long in New York especially at night when there’s a lot of people in the streets. If you asked her, there were always a lot of people in the streets of New York. The afternoon went by fast and so did dinner. She couldn’t really concentrate on what her parents were talking to her about because she kept thinking of Jun’s attitude on the phone. It really did bug her. Michiko apologized to her Oto-chan and Ma for spacing out most of the time. Ma just smiled and commented on how in love their daughter was while Oto-chan grumbled about how ungrateful their daughter was. Michiko arrived at her loft around 7PM. She wondered if Jun was going to call her tonight. When she reached her door, she saw him. Michiko threw her hands up in the air. “Oh gimme a break!” Standing next to her door was Frank with a bouquet of roses.

End of Chapter XXXVIII

A/N - Whoa! Okay. Michiko's got a job! She got the bank thing settled. So I guess, all she needs to do is schedule her flight ne? But what's up with Jun? Uh-oh. Will the revelation change anything? And here's Frank again. ^____^

COMMENTS MAKE MISHI HAPPY! Thanks for reading! Minna-san ga suki da! ^^