#40 Story: Replacement

"Your children are so cute," said the girl behind the cashier counter as I reached the counter with Bradley and Cameron. Bradley was a seven years old boy with blond curly hair while Cameron, a two years old girl with black curly hair. "Thank you," I replied. The cashier girl was looking at both of the children. "The baby girl looks more like you," she continued as I put my grocery items on the counter. "Do they have the same father?" the young girl added. I raised my eyebrows in disbelief, but I ain't making any scene. Calmly, I responded, "They have the same father, dear." I realized Bradley was looking at me with a blank look, maybe thinking over about what the girl had said. I hoped he didn't have the wrong idea.

"He has your curly hair though," the cashier girl said. She was looking at Bradley as he diligently put all items from our grocery cart to the counter. I just smiled. The cashier girl smiled back at me as she scanned each items - her smile was sweet and genuine. She didn't know our story, she didn't have to know.
After she had done scanning all our grocery items and I paid the amount, I said thank you to her and walked out from the market with my kids.

We walked to the car park together. Cameron sat comfortably on the cart while Bradley walked besides the cart. Bradley was checking on one of the paper bags. "Can I eat the ice cream in the car?" he asked. He looked up at me with his eyes twitching because of the sunlight. "Sure,dear. But promise me that you won't spill it on the car. Alright?" I made a deal. "Alright," he replied, looking forward.

After loading all our paper bags of groceries into the car and I placed Cameron on the baby's car chair safely, I drove us back home.

***

Peter was already at home when the children and I got home. He went out to help us out with the paper bags. Bradley went up into his room after we have done sorting out the groceries. I put Cameron on the high chair. Peter stayed with me in the kitchen to arrange all the items into the cabinets. As I was putting the flours into the upper cabinet, I realized a pair of brown eyes looking at me intensely. I turned and clearly, Peter was looking at me with a worried expression.

"What's wrong, babe?" I asked, closing the cabinet's doors. I gently rubbed his arm,maybe unconsciously hoping to make him feel better. He moved closer to me, his hand reached my cheek. Gently, he caressed my face like he always does. He smiled at me.

"I was the one who should be asking that, you know," he said. Before I could say anything, he added, "I know something is troubling you. Honey, I know that look on your face when something is on your mind."

Ah, this man. The man whom I married three years ago. The man that I had fall in love with since I met him a year before our marriage. He knew me well that he completes me. My one true partner in life.

I looked away from him to Cameron briefly before I turned back to him. I wished I had the bravery to speak out loud while looking right to his eyes. Unfortunately, I didn't. I looked down as I slowly opened my mouth to tell him. My lips were stammering. My heart felt a growing ache.

"It happened again," I started. "People looked at me outside with these kids, asking me if they're my kids. When I said yes, they'll ask again if they have the same father. Just..just because they don't look alike and..and..Bradley has no resemblance to me," I explained. I couldn't stop the tears coming out and Peter quickly hugged me to calm me down. Cameron was minding her own business with her toys, she was too small to understand anything.

"I love them both. I love Bradley as much as I love Cameron as my own child. There is no difference between them," I said between sobs. Peter rubbed my back and kissed my forehead several times. "I know, honey. I know," he whispered.

"I could never take the place of Bradley's real mother. But I will keep my promise to take care of him as my own," I didn't even know why I kept talking between sobs. I just felt like pouring all the inside out. I guessed Peter knew about it so he didn't stopped me.

Truth is, Peter was married before he met me. Bradley was his son from his first marriage. Peter's first wife passed away when Bradley was 4 years old. Another truth is, Bradley never called me 'mommy', 'mom' or even 'mama'. I,myself nor Peter never forced him to, because we both knew that he might still remember his real mother and miss her so much.

"I...I...I can't never replaced his real mother. Even so, I still...love him as much as I love Cameron. My heart aches every time people pointed out to me that he doesn't look like my child. I know he's not, but I still love him. He is still your son, Peter," the aching in my heart was deepen that I stammered as I speak. Peter pushed me gently and wiped the tears from my eyes. "I know that. I'm sure Bradley knows it well too," he assured. Again, he kissed my forehead to calm me down. I sobbed.

There was moment of silence except for my sobbing and Cameron's innocent playing voice.

"Mom, please don't cry."

I raised my eyes and looked up to Peter. He looked as surprised as I did. My heart was pounding. Is it what I thought it is? Was I hallucinating? Is it a dream or an illusion?

I turned to the kitchen's doorway and I saw Bradley standing there. Peter turned to him too. Slowly he walked towards us.

"Mom, please don't cry," he said again. "I know that you love me as much as you love Cameron. And I love you too," he added. He came closer to me. As he stood right in front of me, he looked up at me. There were tears in his eyes too but he was smiling genuinely.

"You are not a replacement for Mama. Mama is Mama. And you are Mom. Mom for me and Cameron."

Such words from a seven years old, I couldn't not hold myself any longer. I reached out my hands and hugged me tightly. Dear God, this is the day when I felt the love of family.

Peter went to carry Cameron from her high chair and walked back to me and Bradley. He together with little Cameron joined our hug. After a good one minute of family hug, everyone let go. Peter stood between me and Bradley while still carrying Cameron. Cameron was waving her hands happily when suddenly she spoke out her first word, "Mama."

*this story was featured in my combined blog here previously*

#38 Story: Pen pal

The boy was reluctantly biting his lower lips. He held the small gift box firmly inside his jacket's pocket. The girl stood in front of him, waiting for him to speak.

He was her pen pal and she was visiting his country with her friends. They had exchange correspondence for months and finally get the chance to meet.

Earlier this morning, as they walked in the park with their group of friends, the girl spotted her favourite band members and got excited. She hugged them and for the vocalist, her favourite member, she hugged him few times. She took pictures with them and the vocalist, Fujiwara was very kind to her.  He watched her excitement and felt a bit pang of jealousy.
In the cold night of winter, both of them stood outside a restaurant while their friends were enjoying their meals inside.

He went out to clear his mind of the mixed feelings he had been having. She excused herself to make a phone call to her parents back home. Then, she joined him and caught him startled. Because he was busy thinking to himself about her.

"So, you haven't told me why are you standing outside by yourself?" she asked again, raising her right eyebrow.

"I.. I just wanted to clear my head. That's..all. Yeah, that's all," he stammered.
"Oh, okay. Hmm.." She paused. She looked as though she was thinking on saying something.

"Yes? You want to say something?" He asked.

"Kind of. But maybe nevermind. I should head back," she replied.

"Oh." Deep inside he was hoping that they can spend more private time together though.

As she took her steps, she stopped few times. Being undecided, she turned to him again. She inhaled deeply as she looked at him. Exhaling, she asked, "You got something in your pocket, right?"

"Ah? I.. no..no.."

"Don't lie, Ayato. What is it?" She asked again. She too, wanted to spend more time with him, alone.

"It's.. Well, I will tell you if you tell me what is it that you want to say just now. Deal?" He smiled like a child. Not that he was confident that that was a good step to take but he just didn't know what else to say.

The girl thought for few seconds. "Okay. Deal," she decided. "But you must show me what it is first," she said.

"Okay. But! You promise to tell?" He needed assurance from her. "Yes, promise!"

"Hmm..okay then." He slowly took out the small gift box and shown it to here. "So cute!" She remarked with a wide smile. "Somebody gave to you?" she asked, inspecting the little box without touching it.

He shook his head. "I wanted to give it to someone." He replied. As she looked up to him, he added, "To you. Take it." He slightly moved his hand forward to her. She blinked her eyes few times in disbelief. She took the box anyway.

She found a pretty bracelet with half heart pendant attached to it inside the box. She smiled with excitement.

"I love it!! Thank you!!" She jumped and hugged him. He was taken by surprise. He hugged her back with mixed feelings.

"So, what is it that you wanted to say just now?" He asked, reminding her of their deal. She broke away from the hug. She turned around, as if making sure nobody nearby.

She gestured him to get closer to her, since he is taller than her anyway. She moved closer to his ear and whispered, "I like Ayato. Because you are kind and wondeful friend."

She smiled as he turned to her slowly. He felt much more confused now. Did he just got friend-zoned, as they said it in the internet?

"Like?"

"Yes, 'suki'. Ayato-kun no koto ga daisuki da," she said.

His face turned red. "Nana, that is.. you sound like you just confessed to me. I mean the Japanese sentence you were using.." he murmured.

"Eahhh.. you're right. Hehe. But.. I do really like you."

"Nana, if I asked you out.. will you go out with me?"

"Eh?!"

"Because I.. I really like Nana," he shyly confessed. She was surprised. "But you like Fujiwara-san. You were so excited and smiling the whole day after you met him," he added.

She chuckled at his words. "Baka..."

"Fuji-kun is an artist. There's no way I can be with him. I mean, not like how I can be with you, right?" She said.

He finally turned to her again. "You mean...?"

"I've told you, I do really like you. And since you've asked.. yeah, I would like to go out with you! Hehehe," she said, stepping closer to him.

He hugged her, tighter this time. She hugged him back.

#36 Story: Name Tag

She walked into the store with her friends. Finally, after 3 days in Japan, she made it into Tower Records. She had so much in her 'check-out' and 'to-buy' lists. 

She went separate ways from her friends as they looked for stuffs of their own interests. She got excited when she reached the corner featuring her favourite band. She took those in her list. Then she went to another side. 
She was checking few albums and singles by her other favourite band, but not exactly what she wanted. She looked up and down the racks.

"Er..Excuse me..?" A male voice called out behind her. In a split second she knew it must be a Japanese from the way he speaks. She turned and a staff member was standing few steps from her. A typical Japanese young man around her age, with sweet smile and friendly aura. 

"Oh, hi. I.. urm.. I am looking a CD from this band," she murmured. No idea what has gotten into her but she was losing control of herself. She absent mindedly pointed to one of the CD cover.

"Oh! Ok, ok! No worries. I will help you find it," he assured, still smiling as he moved forward to the rack behind her. 

Her heart suddenly beat faster that she couldn't help but to put both hands to her chest. Her face must've turned red as she realised how cute he was when he turned to her to ask which CD was she looking for. 

Stuttering slightly but able to control herself afterwards, she told him the CD she was looking for. He found it and gave it to her. His friendly smile attracted and charmed her whole heart.

She turned awkwardly to find other stuffs in her list. Her heart felt like it was pumped out of the body when she heard him calling out for her again. "Sorry.. do you..do you need anything..else? I can help you," he offered. "It's okay. It's okay," she shook her head, beaming a weird awkward smile to him. It did not creeped him out though. He insisted to help anyway.

Eventually she gave in, knowing it can be helpless in acting tough, especially in a foreign country. So, he helped her finding all possible stuffs available in the store. 

As she stood in front of the paying counter, the staff member placed the last items she was paying for on the counter. He smiled at her and thanked her. His last words before leaving to attend another customer was, "Hope you have a nice day, pretty lady." 

If it wasn't for her friends tapping her back, she might be daydreaming and melting on the floor. She paid for her items and went out of the store with her friends. She told them about the cute staff member who helped her a lot.

"So, what was his name?" One of her friend asked, as they walked together.

She stopped. She slapped her forehead and felt moronic. "I FORGOT TO LOOK FOR THE NAME TAG" she said. "Nah, don't worry.. maybe next time you'll get to meet him again," another friend consoled her. Then they continued walking back to their hotel.

A couple of years had passed and she is back in Japan. She smiled to herself as she remembered the memory of her and the guy who worked in Tower Records. This time, she is walking into the same store again though she had told herself that he might not be here anymore.

She walked around the store as she is now much more familiar with the writings therefore making it easier for her to go anywhere she wanted to. She stopped at a corner where her favourite band is featured again. She checks out the latest album and single. 

"Still liking the same band, pretty lady? A voice asked behind her. Such familiar voice, she thought. She turned and the same smile that greeted her few years back appeared. He had different hairstyle but he still looks almost the same, with the same uniform.

"You! You remember me?" She asked.

"Of course! How can I forget such a pretty lady like you?" His lips curl upwards at one side.

"Hehe. Thank you. Oh, I am sorry. I didn't catch your name last time."

"Oh?" He raised his eyebrows and pointed at his name tag. He replied, "My name is..."

#28 Story: 笑顔 PART 3

The Reunion

Himawari and Ryota went to their middle school reunion together but enter the hall separately. Ryota meet up with his group of friends while Himawari still walked around. Looking around while walking, Himawari accidentally knocked somebody.

“Oh, my goodness. I am so sorry!” she apologized quickly.

 “No worries. It’s okay,” a familiar voice replied. She looked up to the guy and it was Takuma. Himawari smiled.

“Wow, you are one fine lady. I shall offer you a drink. Let’s go to the banquet table,” Takuma offered. Then both of them walked to the banquet table together. From afar, Ryota silently watched the couple, feeling slightly bitter.

“So, what was your name again? I don’t remember you being in our middle school. I mean, not someone as attractive as you are,” Takuma said to Himawari. His remark on how attractive she is, made her blush.

“My…”

Before she managed to answer, few other guys and girls joined them. Himawari remembered them all, but it seems like they did not remember her at all.

“Hey, Takuma. Have you meet with the girl you rejected on the graduation day?” one of the guys asked. Takuma smirked. “Heh, I wish I had,” Takuma replied. “I wonder if she’s still in love with me – that silly fat girl,” he laughed, followed by the rest except Himawari.

‘He’s talking about me,’ she thought. She kept herself composed and calm.

“Did you guys remembered how she came and asked for Takuma’s second button on that day?” another guy asked, and more laughter in the group.

“Maybe she didn’t come today because she was so ashamed,” said a girl. “Yeah. Besides, she moved from Tokyo after the graduation day,” added another girl.

“Shizz..” Takuma hissed, his thumb moving along his lower lips. Everyone in the group turned to him. “That Kohama guy. Damn him. After I rejected that fat ugly girl, he just came and punched me after school,” Takuma murmured.

Curious, Himawari asked, “Why did he do that?”

Takuma rolled his eyes. He still feel the anger towards Ryota since that day. “Because of that fat ugly girl! Because I called her stupid, fat and ugly,” Takuma said. “They are both stupid and better off dying somewhere,” he added, in a lower voice.

Himawari heard it. Though it was said in a low voice, she heard it crystal clear. She couldn’t keep her calm any longer. She hated that guy; for judging people based on appearance, for saying such mean words to her and Ryota. She raised her handbag and swing it to Takuma’s face.

“What the…” Takuma and everyone in the group was shocked. Himawari is filled with anger that her face turned red. “Damn you all. You can call me whatever but don’t you ever! Ever! Say something like that about Ryota!” she yelled. Now, everyone in the hall turned to them.

She was about to swing her handbag to hit Takuma again, but a hand stopped her.

“Himawari, don’t. It’s not worth it,” Ryota said softly. Himawari felt like the strength she gained from her anger has gone. So, she lowered her hand.

Opposite to her, Takuma was surprised upon hearing Himawari’s name. The girl in front of him is Himawari, the one he called ‘stupid, fat and ugly’ and yet, he was praising her as if she’s a goddess a while ago.

Ryota put his arm around Himawari’s shoulder and brought her out from the hall, from the attention. Both of them walked out from the hall. While heading home in the bus, both of them were silent. But their hands were holding each other; both of Himawari’s hands were holding Ryota left hand while he put his right arm around her. 

The bus stopped at their station and the two youngsters walked down from the bus. Still holding hands, they walked together to Ryota’s house. Just as they arrived in front of the house, Himawari stopped walking. Ryota stopped and turned to Himawari. She was keeping her head down, unable to contain her tears any longer. Ryota hugged her, and let her cry all the way she wanted to.

“Please don’t cry, Hi-chan,” he said, comforting. She shook her head. “No, all those time in school. You keep telling me not to confess my feeling to him. But I stupidly insisted that he was a nice guy,” Himawari cried. 

“Please…don’t cry…”

“Be…because of me… Ryo-kun was…mocked and laughed at…” she sobbed.

“There…there… shhh,” still comforting her, Ryota gently caressed her hair. “I want to do that. I want to protect Hi-chan. Because for me… Hi-chan is a special person,” he added. Himawari stopped her sobbing and looked up at Ryota.

“What did you say…?”

Ryota blushed and scratched his head. He couldn’t look at Himawari in the eyes at first and then, took his breath and exhaled. He turned and looked at the girl in front of him. “I like you. I like you very much that I… I love you, Himawari. I don’t care if you’re fat or slim, I love you for who you are. And I love your smile the most. Because when Himawari smile, it’s like the sun shining its light to my world,” Ryota confessed.

Himawari couldn’t believe her ears. Was it real or just Ryota’s way of comforting her? Since kindergarten, the two of them were always teased as couple. Most of their friends said that Ryota is Himawari’s boyfriend because he always protected her. But she never believed it, she thought it were all just rumors. Only on this very moment she realized, Ryota always protected her – without her noticing. She smiled at him, making him blushed more. Without warning, she jumped and hugged him.

“I like Ryo-kun too! I love Ryo-kun’s smile the best as well! I love you, Kohama Ryota,” she replied finally. Her last words made Ryota smiled.

END

Check out the Part 1 | Part 2

#27 Story: 笑顔 PART 2

That feels.

“Ne, Hi-chan,” Ryota called, as both him and Himawari walked side by side in the city.

“Yes?” she responded. Looking down at the pavement they’re walking on, Ryota asked, “Are you still in love with Takuma-san? Or, you have a new boyfriend now?”

Himawari chuckled at Ryota’s questions. Her face slightly reddening. She quickly reacted by narrowing her eyes and turned to him. “Takuma? My goodness! That was long time ago. He rejected me on our middle school’s graduation day, remember?” she laughed and then continued, “Besides, my family is my priority now.”

He turned to her and saw her smile. The smile. Never changed. The smile that melts his heart. Feeling that his face just turned red, Ryota quickly turned. “So, anywhere else you want to send your resume to?” he asked. Changing the topic back to the main reason why they’re out in the city. Himawari checked the folder she had been holding.

“I think that is enough for today. I am getting hungrier too. Hehe,” she said. She wasn’t feeling very hungry actually, it was just that Ryota did look tired by accompanying her the whole day. After all, they went to almost 10 companies that is related to Himawari’s field of study.

“You want to eat somewhere or..?”

“Let’s go to the grocery store. I’ll cook something for you!” Himawari offered, making Ryota blushed. It has been long since she last cook for Ryota; well, before she moved, that is. She really appreciated Ryota spending his time to accompany her. For Himawari, Ryota is her precious friend.

—

While Himawari busy cooking in the kitchen, Ryota played his bass in the living room. His parents were out as usual and since his sister gotten married, she had moved and stayed with her own family. So, it was only Ryota and Himawari in the house at the moment.

Ryota was delighted when Himawari offered to cook lunch instead of eating outside. Secretly, he imagined a married life with Himawari as his wife. He shook his head to push the cheesy thought away but he could not help smiling.

“Let’s eat!” Ryota jumped from his seat and simply could not wait to enjoy his lunch.

After eating, Ryota volunteered to wash the dishes while letting Himawari to rest in the living room. She took her seat on the couch, then searching the coffee table in front of her for the TV remote control. Instead of the remote control, she saw two identical invitation letter. When she had a closer look, one of the letter is addressed to her.

Ryota joined her in the living room and sat beside her. One quick confused look from her, Ryota knew what her question was going to be. “It arrived this morning when we went outside. I picked it up when we returned home earlier,” he said. Himawari nodded. She turned back to the invitation, eyebrows raised as she read the content.

It was an invitation letter to their middle school reunion. “What a coincident!” she said, turning to Ryota. “Want to go together?” she asked, her face as bright and cheerful as the morning sun. Ryota smiled and replied, “Sure. Why not?”

“You know, Ryota. Since you have mentioned about Takuma-san earlier. It got me thinking,” Himawari murmured.

Ryota looked at Himawari, puzzled. “What do you mean?”

Smiling widely, Himawari stood up from the couch and turned around. “I’ve changed! I am no longer the fat girl like I was in middle school. Heh, I bet now that if Takuma ever see me, he’ll be the one falling in love with me then!” she beamed. Ryota smiled and nodded as Himawari took her seat back on the couch.

Deep in his heart, he felt his chest tighten. This feeling, he thought it would never come back. The feeling as if you have been weakened by some dark magic and you can only see your love one leave you.

But sitting close to him, Himawari did not realized a thing.

Part 1 | Part 3

#26 Story: 笑顔 PART 1

Back in the city.

Himawari turned to her side, smiled as she looked at the guy playing bass. Remembering that very moment made her heart beats faster and her face turned slightly red. As soon as the guy turned his head to her, she quickly shook her head so that he won’t see her blushing.

That guy saw her blushing face and smiled.

***

The train stopped at Azabu station, passengers entering and exiting. Himawari walked out from the train with her trolley luggage and a tote bag. She has reached Tokyo, finally. She carefully walked towards the platform exit and looked the surrounding in the station. There are skyscrapers and people walking in all directions, minding their own business.

It has been almost 2 years from the time she left this city. Her family moved to the countryside. There, her father works as fisherman while her mother works in a seafood restaurant. Now that her younger twin brothers starting middle school, the family needs more money.

Himawari is determined to get a job in the city, just as her mother has wished her to do. Her mother had told her that she can go back to the city to find job and that her mother’s best friend could help her there.

She looked into the piece of paper on her hand; there’s address and a phone number written on it. She took out her mobile phone and start dialing the number.

“Hello. Kohama resident,” a young man answered the phone. The voice sounds familiar to Himawari that she was stunned for a few seconds. “Hello,” the male voice over the phone called again.

“Ah, hello. Is Mrs Kohama there?” she quickly regained herself.

“Oh, Mom’s out to the market. Any message you want to give to her?” the young Kohama asked. “Hurm, Himawari here. I believed that my mother has told your mom that I’m going to your house?” she asked back.

“Himawari!! Yes, Mom has told me about it! Where are you now? I’ll go pick you up!” He is clearly excited about Himawari’s coming to his house. She then told him that she’s at the Azabu train station and he went out to fetch her.

—

“Welcome, welcome!” Ryota simply couldn’t hide his happiness. He helped Himawari with her luggage into the house.

By the time they arrived in the Kohama’s resident, Mrs Kohama has returned home from the market. She went to the front door to greet Himawari.

“Look at you! You’ve gotten prettier and… slimmer!” She hugged her tenderly, with motherly love. Mrs Kohama then asked Ryota to bring Himawari to the room that was prepared for her upstairs.

Himawari was very thankful that the Kohama are willing to let her stay with them before getting her own place to stay in Tokyo. After Ryota left her room, she sat on the single bed. She looked outside the window and see the house next door. The house that her family used to live. Back then, her room was exactly opposite of Ryota’s room. So it was very easy for them to communicate with each other.  They were always together too.

Inside the room next to where Himawari is, Ryota was laying down on his bed. There are moments when he’ll smile sheepishly and then stop himself. He shook his head vigorously and sat up. A heavy sigh was let out, as if he just realized the reality. He had been having crush on Himawari since middle school. They had been together since forever, since childhood. So, he thought he would never fall for her at all.

But he did. He realized that he care for her after she told him that she liked a boy in their class. He denied his feeling for her though he secretly hoped that the relationship won’t work out. Unfortunately, he didn’t had the strength to fight for his love. So he kept it for himself. Without her knowing it, he’ll protected her with all his might. Just as he did during their middle school’s graduation day.

Then, when she told him that she will be moving away, he wished he had grabbed her hand and hugged her tight. Never letting her go out of his sight. Remembering all the memories that he wished he had did more than just watching her go away, Ryota let out a heavy sigh again.

Part 2

#25 Story: 奇遇~The Unexpected Meeting PART 6

Not Alone Anymore

Miko had been listening to Taka telling her what exactly had happened last night and how he ended up there. She smiled and said, “Thank you, Taka.”

Taka turned to look at her face, slightly puzzled. She smiled again. “Thank you for being here,” she murmured. An upward curl drew on Taka’s face. “No problem,” he replied. He raised himself and sat up next to Miko on the couch. “You are most welcome,” he whispered.

Miko slapped his arms playfully. Her head did feel dizzy at times since she woke up but she ignored it because she thought it was due to her gastric. After Taka told her what happened, she finally able to remember. She was thankful that Taka stayed with her last night. She was grateful that fate brought them together. He might not feel the same way as her, but for her, Taka is a friend who stayed with her.

“Wait, so why are you sleeping with only your boxer?” Miko asked.

Taka chortled at the question. He shrugged and answered, “Well, I usually sleep naked, you know. Hehehe.”

‘Ahh, as expected of the little hentai ONE OK ROCK vocalist,’ Miko thought. As a fan, she had read few things about ONE OK ROCK members especially Taka.

“Ouch,” she squeaked. Taka has pinched her cheek. Again, she slapped Taka gently. Suddenly, Taka grabbed her hands and pulled her closer to him. Then he snuggled her warmly.

“Ne… Miko,” he called. Miko turned and looked up as it was the first time she heard him calling out her name this morning. Without waiting for her reply, Taka continued as he looked forward, “Please don’t feel alone anymore. I am here. I am here for you.”

Miko’s eyes widen in disbelief of what she had heard. Taka turned to her and looked her into the eyes. He gave her the eyes of a man that meant every single words that he had said.

“I mean it. I want to be with you. If you let me to,” he murmured sincerely. Miko bit her lower lip, and after a few moment she nodded. She was so speechless.

Taka smiled and leaned closer to her. Once again, she could feel his breath. And their lips touched. They kissed passionately with love to each other for sure this time. Tears were flowing slowly from her eyes but it were tears of joy. After they broke away from the kiss, Taka put his head on her shoulder as she leaned her head on his. They stayed in the position for few minutes, just to be thankful to be together.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

#24 Story: 奇遇~The Unexpected Meeting PART 5

What actually happened

After Miko finally calmed down, she kept apologizing to Taka for wetting his shirt with her tears. Taka smiled and said, “It’s okay.”

Earlier that night, Miko had told Taka that her flat was just around the corner. So, he suggested to walk her to the flat since she had parked the Toyota Subaru in a parking at the roadside anyway. He felt that it is better for her to rest for the night.

She eventually let out all her frustration of being alone in a foreign country, being used but unable to do anything much and also the fact that she couldn’t find her Japanese mother at all. She felt so useless but the comfort and warmth given by Taka held her strong and gave her strength to keep standing. When Taka suggested her to go back straight to her flat instead of going back to the club to fetch her friends, she just agreed and nodded to him. After all, Taka assured her that she can return the rental car the next day.

Both of them walked into the flat compound. Miko greeted the security man at the security post. It was obvious to Taka that this girl was quite familiar with the guard as she is a friendly person. To cheer her up, Taka told her stories about tour he had made across Japan. Upon hearing all the stories especially some funny ones, Miko did laughed and cheered up. Taka didn’t know why but it felt like a relief for him.

“LOOK OUT!!” the guard shouted behind them frantically. Taka quickly turned and saw something has fallen down from above. In a fast reflex, he hugged and pushed Miko to the side to avoid from the falling object. Both of them fell after the push with Taka on top of Miko.

“Miko? Miko!” Taka got himself up and raised Miko’s body. Unfortunately, even though he managed to save themselves from the falling object, Miko was knocked unconscious due to the strong falling impact. Taka felt guilty because it was due to his decision that Miko became like that. The guard came running towards the pair and checked if they’re okay. Taka told him that Miko was unconscious.

“Bring her to her flat in level 3. There’s a doctor living in the same level as her. I will call him to check on her. Thank God that at least she had no bleeding injuries,” the elderly guard said. Taka nodded and carried Miko into the flat building.

The guard came to Miko’s flat with a middle-aged man. The guard introduced him as Dr. Aikawa. As soon as they entered the room, Dr. Aikawa began checking on Miko. Taka has brought her back into her flat. His hands were shaking hard as he searched for Miko’s house keys in her bad and opened the door.

Dr. Aikawa stood up after he had done checking on Miko’s conditions. He looked at Taka and put his hand on Taka’s shoulder. “The falling impact was quite strong. And it seems like she did hit her head a bit on the floor. That’s why she is unconscious now. I have checked but there is no major injuries. To be on the safe side, bring her to check in the clinic tomorrow,” Dr. Aikawa said. Taka was relieved to hear that but he still felt guilty inside.

After the guard and Dr. Aikawa went out from the house, Taka decided to stay with Miko. Partially it was because of his guilt but another part of him just want her to be safe.

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#23 Story: 奇遇~The Unexpected Meeting PART 4

The night they spend together

Miko was sitting by herself inside the blue Toyota Subaru. The rented car was a better choice for her than the noise and hectic inside the club for her.

Suddenly, the front passenger door was opened and slammed close. Miko was taken by surprise. She turned and a young man around her age just entered the car. “Please look the door NOW,” he urged.

Panicking, Miko did as she was told. Within a few seconds, a group of screaming girls hit the car at the passenger side. Miko yelped and jumped a bit. They were screaming and chanting a name, ‘TAKA’.  She turned to the guy sitting next to her, her eyes widening.

“Morita Takahiro?” was the name that came out from her mouth. Her eyes blinked several times in disbelief.

“Er… yes?” the young man responded. “Uhm, can you help me? Drive away and go to somewhere quieter? Please?” he pled. He smiled.

‘Shit. Don’t give me that cute smile. You’re my dream guy, Morita Takahiro of ONE OK ROCK.’ Again, Miko did as she was told. She changed the car’s gear to reverse and started to drive out of the parking lot. Truth is, she had no idea where she should be heading. But she just drove anyway. The two was silence while they are still on the move. Finally, Miko pulled over to a small restaurant situated in front of a moderate height buildings. One of the buildings is Miko’s flat.

“Sorry, I heard your stomach growling. So I thought that you’re hungry,” she justified the reason why she stopped at the restaurant. She gave him some ‘please forgive me if I did wrong’ expression when he turned to look at her. Then he laughed because she was so nervous about it.

“Fair enough. I am hungry.” Both of them got out from the car and went into the restaurant.  

In the restaurant, they finally had their proper introduction of themselves to each other. While having their dinner, they enjoyed each other’s company. Though it wasn’t his initial plan to get away alone, but having Miko with him was also okay. She did admitted that she’s a fan of his band but at least she didn’t go all wild after meeting him. Besides, he had met her before even though she might not remember him back then.

After their unexpected dinner together, they cheerfully walked out from the restaurant. Taka felt relieved. He had the peace and break he needed. While walking together to the car, Taka asked, “Why were you sitting in the car alone just now?” The thought had been lingered in his head for a while. But the happy air they shared in the restaurant was too good to be ruined, in his own opinion.

Miko stopped her footsteps. She lowered her head, her lips trembling as if she was afraid of something. “My friends insisted on going to the club. I don’t like it there and I don’t want to. But if I don’t go with them, I’ll lose my only friends here. I’m afraid… I’m afraid of being lonely,” she cried, her voice was almost unheard of. But it was quite clear to Taka who stood very close to her at the roadside. To comfort her, Taka hugged her. He could feel her sobbing like a child, just with the fear of being alone.

Few months ago, Taka walked alone in a park. Nobody could recognized him as he put on his mask and hood. He walked and walked, until he spotted a bench. There was a girl reading an English novel entitled DUALED sitting on the bench. He sat down at the other end. He enjoyed the serenity in the park. Suddenly the ringtone of his phone rang, he opened and checked the incoming message. “Heh,” he said after reading the content of the message.

The girl stop reading for a moment but continued her read after that. Taka put down his phone while the message content he just received still appeared on the screen. The girl stole a peek to the phone screen and accidentally turned her head to read the content better. Taka realized it but he didn’t care at all. He just let out a heavy sigh.

“People doesn’t even know me and yet, they made critics about me. It’s so annoying,” he muttered.

The girl then turned to him. “Do you have family, friends or people around you… that would care with whatever things you are doing?” she asked in a soft voice. Taka raised his eyebrows and turned to look at the girl. For few seconds their eyes met. Then, he nodded. “I do, I guess. Yeah, the boys are quite busybody. Goto-san too. Other staffs…” he replied, one of his hand at his chin as if he’s thinking of more people.

The girl smiled at him. “That’s great then. You don’t have to be annoyed about all those people who are criticizing you. Ignore them. I mean, I might not know you well obviously. But still, why not just be happy and thankful for all the people around you. At least, you are not alone,” she said.

Behind the white mask, Taka smiled. The girl was right. Tonight, he met the same girl again by fate. And that the very moment, he understood the reason why she said ‘at least, you are not alone’ to him on that day in the park. Because the painful truth is, she is alone.

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#22 Story: 奇遇~The Unexpected Meeting PART 3

It’s coming back to her

The TV channels were frequently changed as Taka kept clicking the TV remote control. After done with the dishes and cleaning up the kitchen, Miko went to the living room. She took her seat at the left end of the couch while Taka sat at another end. His eyes followed her movement until she took her seat. To tease her, he purposely raised his eyebrows as if approving her. Annoyed, Miko decided to ignore him.

Without warning, Taka turned and put his head on Miko’s lap. Smiling sheepishly, he gave the TV remote control to her. She took it and changed the TV channel.

“So, what is it that I have to thank you about?” she asked. She could not wait any longer. She needed to know the truth or reason or whatever it is. Now facing the television, Taka just responded with a smile. But no answer. Silence.

“Mr. Morita, please.” Miko pled. Inside of her, she had been bursting with curiosity.

“Just call me Taka. I’ve told you that last night,” he murmured, still fixing his gaze to the television instead of her.

Miko let out a brief sigh. “Okay, Taka. Would you please tell me what is going on here? I am lost. I have no idea of what happened last night,” she pled again, almost crying this time. Her eyes started to be filled with tears. Taka turned to look up at her. “Please don’t cry. You’re sensitive as always,” he said, wiping the tears on her eyes.

“Promise me that if I tell you everything, you would still let me stay here… at least until tonight?” he asked.

“Promise.”

This time, it was Taka’s turn to sigh. He turned side way, and took Miko’s right hand. As he held her hand with his both hands, he said, “I met you again last night outside the club. You went there with your friends, didn’t you?”

Miko thought for a moment. Then she remembered being dragged along by her university colleagues to the club in Tokyo. “Yes. I don’t want to go at all. I don’t like it. But if I don’t follow them, they won’t be my friends anymore. I have no friends in Tokyo,” she murmured.

Miko was a post-graduate student by scholarship in one of the university in Japan. She made a choice to go to Japan to find her Japanese mother, who left her and her father to come back to Japan. So, she came to Japan alone and she had no friend at all. Then she met few students who were also the students of her supervisor. They became her friends but she never really like the activities that they do like clubbing and drinking every night. As for her so-called friends, they only liked her because she knows how to drive a car. Last night, her friends decided to go to a famous club in Tokyo. Miko made excuses and managed to stay in the car while her friends entered the club. On that same fateful night, Taka happened to be in the club with his friends.

“I felt like I just have to get away from there,” Taka said. He was gently caressing Miko’s hand. He could felt Miko’s left hand running through his dark black hair and it seemed like she didn’t even realized that she was doing that. Taka then added, “There was this one foreign girl there. She kept bugging me, to the point that I can’t even enjoy the night with my buddies. Don’t get me wrong, I love my fans. All of them. But I do need some private time too, you know.”

Miko nodded, listening to Taka obediently. “Then?” she asked. She wanted to know more.

“So, I excused myself and walked out from the VIP room. Then, straight out from the club. Unfortunately, some girls spotted me and a group of fan girls screaming and running towards me. Maybe it’s my guts, I don’t know what to do and I just ran. That’s when I saw you in the car,” he continued.

As if her memories came back to her, Miko finally remembered what happened last night outside the club. She might not be able to remember it earlier because of her shock, seeing Taka in her flat. Sleeping, almost naked. With only tight black boxer. Well, who wouldn’t be shocked at that when the guy is your dream guy?

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#21 Story: 奇遇~The Unexpected Meeting PART 2

Thank You

Taka went into the kitchen to join Miko. He went to the fridge and took out few cooking ingredients. “What are you doing?” Miko asked. Coolly, Taka responded, “Cooking. It is good to have a good and filling breakfast in the morning, you know.”

Speechless. Miko just looked at Taka walking around the kitchen as if he was familiar enough with the flat.

“Don’t worry, I’m good in cooking. I’ll cooking something good for you,” he murmured as his hands were in actions. Miko couldn’t stop him at all; he’s so cute when he’s focus in something. Miko seen it few times in the band’s videos shared online. Now that he is all 3D and real in front of her, her body just felt numb. The only thing she could do was to walk and check her fridge. A louder gasp was let out by her, a mixture of shock and angst. The cooking ingredients that Taka took were actually Miko’s one week food supply. Since she’s living alone, she had to consider her weekly budget too.

She quickly turned to Taka and run towards him. She grabbed his hands to stop him. Taka turned down his head towards her.

“Don’t…”

“This is the last one, so it should just go into the pot,” Taka said. He overpowered the panting Miko to put the last slices of tofu into the miso soup he had been cooking. The last tofu went into the boiling po, adding nice flavor to the miso. But to Miko, it was a misery. Admitting defeat, she let go of Taka’s hands.

Taka was eating his breakfast with full interest. However, Miko was only half interest with the food. She was more curious on whatever reason was that Taka ended up in her flat. Because part of her was annoyed with his brat side. Especially after what had happened during the breakfast preparation.

“I’m done! Thanks for the food,” Taka said as he put down his bowl and chopsticks. He turned left and right and then to the front, looking at Miko.

Miko, on the other hand, kept her head lower as she slower ate her breakfast. After realizing that Taka was looking at her, she just replied, “That was my one week supply of food you’ve cooked and eaten.”

Though her glaring was supposed to be out of anger, it made Taka chuckled. He tried hiding his amusement but his shaking shoulders wouldn’t do the trick. Annoyed, Miko turned her face away from him and pouted.

“I’ll pay you back for all the food, okay?” Taka said, not wanting Miko to be mad anymore. “Never mind,” she replied, silently finishing her breakfast.

Suddenly, without Miko realizing it, Taka reached out his hand and pinched her cheek. “You’re so cute,” he teased. Miko slapped his hand off.

“You haven’t say your thank you to me yet,” Taka said, making Miko puzzled. Then she realized she really hasn’t remembered anything from last night. But before she could ask Taka about what happened, he already stood up and took his dishes to the sink. Miko quickly stood up and brought her and the remaining dishes to the sink as well. “I’ll wash it,” she said. Taka moved to the side to give way to her. 

While Miko washed all the dishes, Taka was standing nearby, watching her. She quietly stole few glances of him without turning her head. She didn’t want Taka to know that she was actually looking at him. ‘Thank you’, she thought. ‘But for what?’, again, she could not recall anything at all. Everything was so blurry to her.

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#20 Story: 奇遇~The Unexpected Meeting PART 1

Wake Up

The beautiful sun was shining on Saturday. Birds chirping and singing songs only they knew. Inside a small flat house, a girl named Miko was laying down sleeping to her right side on her purplish bed. She opened her eyes slowly from her sound sleep. It was just like another Saturday morning, with the sun light and the birds’ songs. At least, that was what she thought it would be before she saw the sleeping face in front of her.

The black curly hair, flawless Asian face with moles below the eyes. And the little, as if teasing, goatee below that beautiful lips. Miko blinked her eyes several times. She turned away and then back to the sleeping beauty. Trembling, she slowly moved her left hand and gently tried to touch the cheek with the moles. As soon as their skin touched, she withdrew her hand and gasped silently.

‘He’s real!’ she exclaimed inside of her head.

‘How could it be? What happened last night?’ she asked herself. Thinking too much in the early morning hurt her head so she stopped. She calmed herself and sat up for few seconds before walking to the toilet in her room.

She washed her face few times more than usual. Brushing her teeth while looking at the mirror, she kept saying that it was all a dream. He will be gone from her bed as soon as she walked back to the room. Done refreshing up herself – much wide awake this time, she opened the toilet’s door.

Yawning and scratching his head, the figure she thought would disappeared stood in front of her. Awake. Unable to give any reaction, she squealed.

“Good morning!” he greeted, smiling.

“Good morning…,” she answered reluctantly. After few moments, she managed to move her head and looked at the guy from head to toe. She couldn’t hide her surprise when she realized that he was only wearing his tight boxer. Every emotions ran into her cells, mixing and exploding. This guy is Taka, the vocalist of her favorite rock band. The guy that was actually her bias among the band members.

“Your face is red,” Taka said, almost teasing as he moved his face closer to hers.

Miko took a few step back. “Er.. I guess you want to use the toilet? I’ll get out now then,” her cheeks reddening as she quickly walked out of the toilet to let Taka used it.

Miko sat down at the edge of her queen size purple bed. Train of thoughts had been running around her head. She wanted to ask Taka exactly how did he ended up sleeping in her room, what has happened last night, did she do anything embarrassing and so much more. But her heart was in a different opinion with her brain. She likes this guy, very much. To the fan girl level of loving him, if it is possible by all means. What if the moment after she asked all those questions, he’ll just go away from her… forever?

“No. I don’t want that,” she muttered. Taka was already standing next to her and asked, “Want what?”

No doubt that his voice made her surprised and jumped, almost falling off the bed. Taka quickly grab Miko by her waist but he almost lost his balance too. So, he pulled himself and her harder backwards and both ended up laying on the bed. Their eyes met, a lost connection felt like reconnected straight away. Miko kept telling herself to look away but she could not do so. She felt weak against the guy of her dream. She felt captured and trapped in her love for him. Then, he smiled. Without warning, he drew closer to her. Miko, still stoned in her position, could feel the rhythm of his breath. She felt like she needed to move, but her body would not listen to any of her command, as if they’re paralyzed by his spell. At that moment, their lips touched. Unwilling at first, Miko finally surrendered and return the kiss.

After a few seconds, Miko gained her strength and broke away from the kiss. She quickly covered her mouth with her hands. Confused at first, Taka kept his cool with his smile. “I think you cannot refuse of not wanting that,” he said, teasing. His smile turned to be a naughty one.

Feeling agitated, Miko turned and got up from the bed. “I’ll see what I can prepare for breakfast,” she murmured. As she walked out to the kitchen, Taka also got himself out of the bed and put on his long pants. “Ah, maybe I should wear loose boxer instead next time?” he muttered. As part of his naughty nature, he couldn’t help but to giggle especially as he remembered the redness shown on Miko’s face.

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