Chapter 5: Still caught in the past
“The cost constraints are these,” Satsuki mumbled and circled an amount of numbers. She tapped her forehead repeatedly and studied the papers spread on her desk. “So the minimum cost for the advertising is half the marketing expenses…” she picked a sheet of paper to her left and began jotting down notes. “Now with the scope we targeted, the outputs are—”
Nakao watched as she tugged the ends of her locks. He sighed as she groaned and crumpled the paper. “Ah—that didn’t add up! We should get total 30% advantage when we—”
“Satsuki-chan,” called Nakao from in front of her. “Let’s go and have lunch.” He idly stacked the papers on the desk and Satsuki yelped and stopped him. “Don’t! Those are the market research reports, Nakao-kun!”
Satsuki scowled and Nakao blinked at her. He gestured to the documents on his laps and sighed. “No, these are the reports. You already put them in a file, remember?” He showed the black hard-covered file and grinned. “And I volunteered to photo copy it for your presentation, Satsuki-chan. Or did you forgotten that too?”
Leaning against her chair, Satsuki exhaled sharply. “Sorry Nakao-kun, I’ve been too caught up with this project.”
He nodded as if understanding, “It haven’t even been a week you since received it. But who cares, that’s your way of handling things.”
Satsuki gave him a wan smile. “And frustrating your head,” added Nakao curtly and Satsuki’s lips formed into a scowl again. Nakao chuckled and took her hand. “C’mon, lunch hour started fifteen minutes ago. And you,” he eyed her with a smile, “need all the energy you need, right?”
“But, but my work,” Satsuki hesitated and stared at her messy desk. “I haven’t started on the advertising probability. And then, I haven’t write the risks control reports yet, Nakao-kun,” she sighed. “I should have made bento this morning.”
Nakao furrowed her eyebrows. “If it made you feel better, I haven’t done the table figures for my department even though Kanata-shunin asked me for it this morning.” He smiled, and she noticed that there were crinkles near his eyes. She always thought this made his smile look genuine. She smiled. “Fine. I felt relieved to know that Kanata-san will kill you tomorrow. You do know he’s picky with lateness, Nakao-kun.”
“Yeah, of course I do. He may be the head but he’s not going to stop me from having my stomach fill.”
*
It took her a week to finish her analysis report and then she had to face Atobe again. She knows that he’s not a picky boss and a demanding one at that.
She knows that despite the ‘you’re worthless’ look of his, he does actually care and is an understanding person.
She had known about him since her junior high days, and if he were the typical demanding, stuck up, know-it-all, spoilt brat, he wouldn’t have his team standing beside him, until now.
“We don’t like him,” that was what Mukahi Gakuto had said with a frown; Satsuki remembered when Yukimura teased them about it. But then Satsuki did notice the calm and comfortable looks on his and the others’ faces when they talk to Atobe.
So from all her experiences, Satsuki knows that Atobe Keigo is not an evil man.
Which concluded that the man in front of her was an imposter.
“W-what…” Satsuki asked, shocked. Atobe smirked and nodded his head. “You heard what I said Yukimura,”
“B-but…I don’t work there,” Satsuki tried to object. Atobe nodded, “But your cousin owns it,”
Satsuki kept quiet. How did it all come to this? Today, her agenda was to see Atobe and report to him, and discuss on which advertisement agency they should contact.
And then Atobe mentioned Yukimura’s advertisement company and Satsuki was excited about it. If they could get her cousin’s to work with them, it’d be her first time to actually do business with her own relative!
Then Atobe burst her bubbles by telling her to work on the advertisement alongside her cousin.
Now, her job as program manager basically include organizing the work and directing it, she had never seen any program manager actually making the advertisement. That was beyond her field.
“But you do know a little about producing an advertisement correct?” Atobe asked her.
Satsuki nodded her head weakly. “Yes, Tooru-ojisan and Seiichi-san explained a little about it to me,”
Atobe nodded, “Then I leave it to you,”
Satsuki stared at him in disbelief. Atobe looked at her and snapped his fingers, “Are you listening?’
She shook her head and looked at him, quizzically, “W-why?”
Atobe shrugged, “I do not want this project to screw up. Ore-sama has an image to keep you know,”
“And I have my limit,” Satsuki whispered to herself. Atobe heard it and narrowed his eyes, “Well, didn’t you said you’d do anything to get a good testimonial?”
Satsuki stared at her boss. He was only a year older than her, but he was so much powerful than even a director with 30 years experience in a workfield.
Anything for testimonials…
Satsuki sighed and nodded her head, “Fine, I’ll contact Seiichi-san when he returns,”
Atobe nodded his head as he picked up a stainless steel ball pen and twirled it with his long fingers, “Oh you don’t have to. I already talked to him and he agreed,” Atobe smirked. “Your next step is the orientation meeting with his agency,”
Satsuki stared at him in disbelief. When did this person plan everything? He might as well become the program manager himself!
Atobe saw her shocked look and smirked. He pointed his pen at her and narrowed his eyes seriously, “Itte yoshi,”
*
“That man is so—One day I am going to—ugh! And here I was thinking so highly of him—argh! He’s so—” Satsuki rambled on angrily inside the car.
Nakao looked at her from his driver’s seat, he broke into a smile, “You do know I can’t catch anything you’re saying,”
Satsuki paused and then looked at her friend, sighing. “It took me a long time to make that report and then as if my work is not enough, he puts on more,”
“But he did say he’s paying you double, remember?” Nakao reminded her. Satsuki shrugged, “So? It’s the workload that worries me”
Nakao laughed, “The great Satsuki is afraid of pressure, that just doesn’t seem right. Maybe it’s her who was replaced with an imposter, not her boss,” he joked.
Satsuki thought about it and nodded her head, “I’m not afraid of pressure, I need it to live,”
Nakao nodded his head as he signaled to his right and stopped in front of her apartment, “That’s right honey,” he said looking at her, “So take this challenge and show Atobe-san what you’re made of,”
The young Yukimura nodded her head, “Thanks, you’re the best,” she said, giving Nakao a hug. He laughed, “Of course.”
Satsuki smiled as she pushed open the car door and got out, “Thanks for the ride.” Nakao nodded his head, grinning, “Anytime babe,” he said before he started driving again.
Satsuki watched the car disappear from her view before walking into her apartment’s building. She was about to enter when she noticed a man with a big cap, and a ridiculously large pair of sunglasses staring at her.
She looked at the man, her eyebrows furrowed quizzically. The man walked towards her, and fearing for her safety, Satsuki quickly pulled out her apartment card to let her into the building.
“Satsuki!” she heard the man shouted her name before she could scan her card. She paused when she remembered the familiar voice. She turned around just as the man neared her and took off his glasses.
A pair of bright green eyes looked at her and his mouth turned into a grin, “Fancy seeing you here,” Kirihara Akaya said.
Satsuki sighed and then broke into a smile, “Akaya,” she called his name, a little surprised to see him too. “W-what are you doing here? In Tokyo?”
Akaya grinned, “I live here, well, I have my own apartment, but since I’m injured, Ayaka-neesan told me to live with her family, and I’m just taking a walk around town,” he told her, still grinning widely. “I haven’t been here for a long time you know,”
Satsuki laughed, “D-do you want to come in?” she asked him. Akaya looked excited and nodded his head, “Sure,” he smiled.
Satsuki nodded and was about to scan her card again when she remembered the state of her apartment. It was messy, with books, papers, dirty dishes and laundry everywhere. She hasn’t thrown her garbage out in a week too.
She can’t let him see the state of her house right now. It’ll be embarrassing!
Satsuki turned slowly and looked at a now curious Akaya. She smiled, “Um, have you had your dinner?” she asked. Akaya shook his head, “Nope, I was planning to eat out while I take my tour,”
Satsuki smiled, “Um, why don’t we have dinner together then? I was planning to eat out too. There’s this café not too far from here, they have a branch back in Kanagawa too”
Akaya looked at her curiously but didn’t ask further. He nodded his head, “Okay,” he said as he put his sunglasses back on. Satsuki walked beside him as she led the way and looked at him. “Do you really have to hide yourself?”
Akaya shrugged, “I think so. I mean the media hasn’t found out I’m in Japan, but even when I was in other countries…” he paused and shivered, “I’m still glad I’m alive,”
Satsuki laughed listening to him. How long has it been since she walked side by side with him, listening to him and laughing at his stories. He was much taller now, way taller than he was in high school and his shoulders were broader too.
She studied him from top to bottom and then a thought occur to her head when she watched the way he walked. “Doesn’t it hurt, to walk?” she asked curiously.
Akaya looked at her and then at his legs and smiled, “Well, if I pamper myself, then it’ll never be heal,”
Satsuki nodded her head, “So what really happened?” she asked. “The media said you were injured but your manager didn’t want to press further,”
Akaya laughed, “Ah…that’s because it was embarrassing,” he smiled. “I was out jogging and it was dark since it’s late…and there were these men that wanted to rob me,” he looked sheepishly at her. “Somehow they had knives and I was down, struggling for one of their knives when someone managed to stab my knee.” He shrugged when Satsuki made a face, “Ouch,” she commented.
“The reporters got it all wrong and my manager was too wrapped up with reorganizing my schedule to explain it. Well, better leave it that way,” Akaya finished and idly rubbed his nose. He scanned the scene before him and his lips curled into a small smile. “It did gave me a holiday, so I guess it was okay,” he added blandly and walked in the same pace as her.
Satsuki spared him a glance. “You sure? I mean you’ll be missing half the Grand Slams,” she pointed out. Akaya shoved his hands into his jacket. “Doesn’t matter. I’ll crush them anyway,” he smiled and Satsuki chuckled, happy that he was okay with his current situation.
They reached the said café not too long after that. Akaya looked at the sign and grinned to himself when he saw the name of the café, Ikebe.
“Hey, all of us always go to this café back at Kanagawa,” he said. Satsuki nodded her head as she stepped into the café, “Exactly why you should eat it here now that you’ve returned.”
They walked into the café and the waiter ushered them to their table and left not too long afterwards, after taking their orders.
“So you just return from work?” Akaya asked, looking at Satsuki’s white and striped shirt and pencil skirt. She nodded her head, “Yeah, and there’s mountainful of work to do when you’re Atobe Keigo’s helper,” she said, pointing to the thick file that she was carrying with her.
Akaya grinned and then paused when the information sunk in his head. “Wait, Atobe?”
Satsuki nodded her head as the waiter arrived with their drinks. “Yeah, and now he gave me a huge advertising product project to handle by myself.”
“What project?” Akaya asked, curious. “Well, the new product is a video camera and I have to organize the marketing and just today he told me to produce the advertisement too,” she sighed. “I have to plan how the CM is going to be like and everything,” she rolled her eyes, annoyed.
Akaya smiled, “You’re still working hard as ever,”
Satsuki shrugged as she took a sip from her cold peach tea drink. “Well I do have goals to accomplish.”
“Becoming a well known lecturer?” Akaya guessed and Satsuki nodded. He smiled, “I wondered about that, why you haven’t become one…”
Satsuki smiled, “Well I still want to be a well known lecturer, but since I need experiences and good testimonials while I’m working, that’d help me a lot,”
“So you’re becoming Atobe’s assistant because of this?”
“I prefer the word dog. He treats his assistant a lot better,” Satsuki said rubbing her temples. Akaya looked surprised, “Why is that?”
“Because his girlfriend is his assistant,” she grinned. Akaya’s eyes widened. “For real?” Satsuki laughed and nodded, “Yup.”
Akaya chuckled and looked at her, “So how about you?” His fingers were toying with his drinking straw and he had pulled out his glasses from his face. It rested on the table beside his drink and Satsuki blinked at his question.
It took her a second to understand his question and then she smiled. “Boyfriend?” she asked and he nodded his head.
When he was talking his walk, he did see her and the man she introduced to her, Nakao was it?, inside a car. He saw them hugged just before she got out of the car and Akaya remembered seeing the same man kissing Satsuki’s cheek at the wedding.
A waiter came over and placed down their orders on the table. Akaya looked at his hamburger and fries and grinned excitedly. Satsuki looked up from her pasta and at Akaya. “You sure that’ll go well with your diet?”
Akaya laughed, “I’m on holidays,” he grinned as he took a bite. Satsuki smiled and shook her head, same old Akaya. “So?” Akaya asked, his mouth full.
Satsuki picked up her fork and looked at him, “Ah right,” she said remembering his question. Akaya nodded his head, waiting for her reply.
“Well, I used to,” Satsuki answered. Akaya looked surprised, “Used to?” She nodded, “When I was studying in New Zealand, I met this Japanese guy there,”
“How long were you there?” he asked. “I studied my degree and masters there,” Satsuki answered. “I just returned last year,”
Akaya looked up, “Where?” he asked. “I went to Auckland a few times for Heineken Open,”
Satsuki nodded her head, “Ah, I heard, but I was way down in Wellington then, and life was pretty hectic back then, with assignments and theses, and then my masters,”
Akaya nodded and grinned, “And boyfriend too?” he asked. Satsuki smiled softly, “Yeah, he was really nice,”
“What happened?” Akaya asked. Satsuki twirled her pasta with her fork and looked up, “He reminded me a lot of my late father,” she said and paused, “Well, it was painful sometimes and it made me miss my father more, so…”
Akaya paused from eating and looked guilty that he had brought the topic up. “I’m sorry,” Satsuki shook her head and smiled, “Nah it’s fine. He was the one who dumped me in the end, he said I was too caught up with the past,”
She looked at him, “Then what about you? I read about you and Lana Lebed,” she grinned. “What’s that about?”
Akaya raised his hands up in defense, “Hey, it was just a dinner and the media misunderstood it,” he grinned, “I’ve dated but I’ve been single since we—” he paused and looked at her awkwardly. “Um…”
Satsuki understood what he wanted to say and she looked down at her plate. “Oh,” she said, feeling a little awkward too. It had been five years but she still remembered their times together.
“It’s not really good to bring up the past huh?” she asked. Akaya nodded, “Kind of,” he said. Satsuki smiled, “It’s the present now, I don’t want us to be awkward because of um, that”
Akaya nodded, “Same here,”
She felt the awkwardness lifted off of her and she smiled widely, “I’ve learnt my lesson not to be caught up with the past,” she said, “So if it’s like a movie, no more flashbacks, the camera’s focusing on now, the past is—” she stpped.
Akaya looked at his companion quizzically. There she was talking for one second, and the next she paused, her fork dropped on to her plate and looked like she was deep in thinking.
Then she suddenly looked up at him, her eyes widened and smiling. “What?” he asked.
“I’ve figured out how I want the CM to be like,” she said, looking excited. Akaya looked at her amusedly, “How?”
Satsuki waved her hand at him, dismissing the question, “Never mind that now,” she said and grinned, “Akaya, what if you starred in the CM?”
Akaya looked at her and blinked his eyes, “Eh?”
TBC
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Matchmaker: Yukimura Seiichi (Chapter 4)
Chapter Four: You're still the same
“Akaya,”
He turned around and his eyes widened when he saw the person who called his name.
It had been a long time since he heard that voice calling his name. He looked at her, at Yukimura Satsuki who was standing in front of him, looking at him in disbelief.
He stared too, at loss for words. He studied her; she was a lot taller now, slimmer and prettier.
Somehow his heart missed a beat when he looked at her in her dress and her loose curl hair.
How long has it been since he stands in front of her?
How much she had grown...how mature she had become…
Somehow he felt nervous seeing her and absent mindedly he rubbed his nose and grinned, "Hey Satsuki"
Satsuki broke into a smile. And she laughed, “So you haven’t forgotten about me,”
Akaya laughed too, “How could I.” We both went a long way before, he wanted to say, but it came out different. “You’re still the same,”
Satsuki rolled her eyes and Akaya kind of notice the disappointment in her eyes. Ahh…he shouldn’t have said that. Growing up and being around women taught him not to say that.
Never said a woman is still the same way she was when you met her the last time. It almost seem like you’re hinting she’s boring.
That was the rule his fellow professional tennis friends cum rivals said. And he understood. Yet he had forgotten about it tonight.
Perhaps it was finally seeing her, after more than five years already, and it made him slightly and strangely nervous. He had never expected himself to see her again, but then here he was.
“So how are you?” he asked, trying to start a conversation. Satsuki smiled as she tucked in a strand of hair behind her ear, “I’m doing good,” she smiled. Akaya nodded his head, his head spinning trying to think of more words to say to her.
It was strange. A few hours earlier, he was eager to talk and meet his old friend. He even had gone to try strike a conversation with her. He admitted he had forgotten his effort in the day to face her but the intention was still there.
Why then, he thought, he could not muster a word to her?
Well he did manage to spoke to her but his tongue tied when he realized that the person in front of him was perhaps, different than he remembered. He had noticed her physical changes earlier but maybe her personality had differ too?
Akaya studied her, hoping an idea could hop into his mind. He never was this blank around people—well, around people that spoke the same language as him because he couldn’t make a word those foreigners were saying—and ones that were close to him too, no doubt.
She wasn’t just close, the voice in his head went again. You guys dated, remember?
That should’ve explained the situation he was in. The nervousness and the awkward silence between them.
The fact that they were once lovers—though being high school students at that time didn’t earn that title—and they had not spoken for five years added in the rank of awkwardness.
He noticed that she was looking down and he followed suit only to noted that his tie match her dress.
He had chosen the green tie since his mother once said that the color brought out his eyes. Now, he wondered why he had followed his mother’s words when all the years he’d been growing up on ignoring it.
A woman bumped into Satsuki and Akaya looked up. Satsuki apologized to her and her dancing partner and the reality slowly sunk into Akaya. They were bothering the people dancing. He tried and gave her a grin and offered his hand. “Um, should we dance?”
Satsuki looked at his hand and back to his face. Maybe she was feeling the same way he felt. Akaya sighed and smiled. “Well, we’re on the dancing floor,” he conjured. “Somehow,” he added. “And we would look weird standing here…”
“Aren’t you, um, injured?” Satsuki wanted to address him as Akaya but stopped before the word come out. Maybe being a celebrity he is now demanded more on respect or something.
Akaya caught her doubts and gave a clearer smile. His eyes gleamed the same way she remembered and Satsuki felt another wave of relief and familiarity.
“C’mon Satsuki,” Akaya said, “When have you been so worried of me?”
Satsuki smiled back, eyeing the man before her and tried to re-edit the way he is now. He may be a grown man now but Satsuki sensed that his boyish attitude was still there. She took his hand. “Now, I was wondering if you can actually dance.”
His hand was bigger and more calloused than she had remembered, but it still had made her think of him. She smiled as he led their movements, following the music played by the hired band.
He was still the same, she thought as Akaya laughed when they made a mistake in their dance steps and gave her another grin. He was still the Kirihara Akaya she knew; extract the fact that he’s a famous world-ranked tennis player now.
The song had changed and a new one followed, only it had a quicker tempo. Satsuki swayed along with Akaya when she caught the sight of him flinching. It only happened at the flicker of a second but she saw another flinch and looked down at his leg. She paused and took his arm, bringing him to the nearest seats. She gestured him to sit and he blinked.
“Akaya,” she called, “You’re hurting. Sit down.”
The black haired man glanced down at his legs and shook his head with a grin. “Nah, I’m fine. Why don’t we dance? The song’s not bad.” He was about to move when he saw that Satsuki had put her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes. Yup, Akaya’s still as stubborn, she thought.
“You haven’t change,” she muttered and pulled him down to sit. Akaya glared at her. “Same goes to you. Demanding as ever,” he replied and eventually sat down when Satsuki pulled a look that resembled Yukimura’s ordering look. Satsuki smiled. “Why don’t I take some punch and we’ll talk? It’s been ages since we last seen each other.”
Akaya frowned. “Fine, I want a full glass. I’m thirsty.” Satsuki showed him her tongue, walked to the table, and took two glasses. She gave one to Akaya, sat down beside him, and took a long sip. It felt strange to be next to him after so many years. Attending a wedding to boot.
But it felt somewhat natural when Akaya began, in his laid back voice, “I caught you looking at me,” he grinned. “Liking what you see?” he said, wiggling his eyebrows jokingly.
Satsuki laughed and slapped his shoulder softly. “You haven’t change,” she smiled. Akaya looked at her and frowned, “Is that a good thing?”
She nodded, “Of course. And here I thought you’ve become stuck up when you’re all famous,”
“Hey,” Akaya looked at her smirking, “That’s stereotype. I’m not like that,”
Satsuki rolled her eyes, “And this is coming from the man who was voted top 100 sexiest men alive,” she smiled, “And top 50 of the young millionaires in the world,”
Akaya laughed and rubbed the tip of his nose, “So you’ve been reading a lot about me eh?”
Satsuki shrugged, “Just those that Seiichi-san and the others are always bragging about. They don’t really hear many words from you, so all of us just depend on the media” she smiled, “But seriously, how are you doing now?”
Akaya laughed. “I’m doing fine until someone made me sit down. He touched the outer brim of his glass. “You’re working now? Or are you still studying?”
“Work, of course, I’ve left the studying part,” she said and watched as Akaya laughed. “But you’re Miss Brainiac.”
Satsuki frowned and elbowed him, “So not.” Akaya smirked. “So where are you working at?”
Satsuki grinned and looked at the dance floor not too far away from where they were sitting. She could see her newly wedded cousin dancing with his wife, his friends and their relatives. “You won’t believe whom my boss—”
Her voice was cut off when someone neared them.
“Satsuki-chan,” Nakao’s voice was heard. Satsuki turned and saw the man stood behind her. She smiled and waved but the man did not notice. He was regarding Akaya, his face flushed from excitement.
“You’re Kirihara Akaya,” he said happily. “You’re the tennis player.” He turned to Satsuki interestedly. “And I thought seeing Echizen before was a surprise. Do you guys know each other?”
Satsuki nodded. “He’s my schoolmate, Nakao-kun. Didn’t I mention that before?” Nakao shook his head, smiling at Akaya, “I thought you were talking about Echizen. Didn’t know you were Kirihara’s friend. Hello, I’m Nakao.”
Akaya shook his hand. “You’re—”
“My friend had seen one of your matches. Last year Davis Cup, he said you were great. And the Masters series before. But—” Nakao glanced at Akaya’s legs. Satsuki wondered how many times Akaya’s legs had been paid attention. Maybe a lot. “Is it true you’re injured now? And you had to miss both French Open and Wimbledon?”
Nodding, Akaya answered, somewhat dazed at Nakao’s enthusiasm. “Um yeah. I’ll be attending ABC and US Open later. After it healed, I guess. You’re a fan of tennis, huh?” he guessed and Nakao smiled sheepishly, “Yes, I support the nation. Especially those who are in top three in the world” he winked.
Akaya smiled. He was used to getting people praising and congratulating him on his achievements. But he never had gotten the fame in his head. Being top three doesn’t mean he’s number one.
“Nakao-kun’s a patriotic person,” Satsuki told Akaya, interrupting his thoughts. “Nakao is always full of spirits.” She continued. “He’s my—”
Again her words were cut off when they heard some shouting inside the hall. Akaya, Satsuki and Nakao turned to look and they saw a group of women surrounding Yuna the bride who was standing on top of a chair, her back facing the other women.
“Satsuki, she’s throwing the flowers!” Nakao said to her excitedly. She nodded her head, “Yeah I can see that,”
“Well go,” Nakao quickly said, pulling her arm and dragging her to the group of women. Akaya watched them from where he sat, smiling and wondering as he watched.
Yuna threw the bouquet of flowers over her head just as Satsuki arrived at the group of women. She heard more screaming and saw people looking at her, and she looked up and saw the bouquet falling towards her.
Out of reaction, Satsuki held out her arms and the flowers dropped into her hands. She blinked her eyes as she stared at it, still in surprised. Behind her, people were cheering and clapping at her.
“Suppi you’re next!!!” She could hear Marui’s loud voice said over the screaming. Her face turned red and she tried to hide her face behind the bouquet.
Yuna and Yukimura clapped their hands for her and Kaori winked. Satsuki turned redder and Nakao hugged her. “It’s your turn next honey!” he laughed and kissed her cheek.
Satsuki laughed and hugged her friend back and Akaya watched them from a few feet away. A small smile appeared on his face. What was I thinking, he thought, of course she had moved on with life.
Of course she had found someone else, they were a thing in the past now.
*
Satsuki walked out of the escalator and dragged her sore feet towards the entrance door to her office. She flashed her identity card to unlock the door before entering.
She walked as fast as she can to her desk, giving her colleagues a small smile as she pass by them. She reached her desk, took off her shoes and sighed in relief as she sat down in her chair.
Two days have passed since the wedding and it had been two days since Yukimura and Yuna went to Venice for their honeymoon.
And it had also been two days since she had last seen Akaya.
They last met when all of them were sending the newlyweds away on their wedding day. Then after that, she and Kaori and their families were busy cleaning up and she didn’t even get the chance to say good bye to him or even ask for his contact number.
But he’d still be around, since he’s on his break, she thought as she pulled her hair up into a bun and puts on her black rimmed glasses as she started her computer.
Well, putting that aside, now’s she’s in her office, so she better focus on her work.
“Yukimura-san,” she heard one of her colleagues calling her name. Satsuki looked up, “Yes?”
Her colleague smiled, almost apologetically. “He wants to see you,”
Satsuki blinked her eyes in surprised as she let the information sink in. And then she sighed as she stood up. “Alright…” she said and looked at the pair of high heels shoes that she had just taken off.
Her feet had ached ever since the wedding and she had wished she had worn a pair of sensible shoes to work.
She put on the shoes and grabbed her organizer as she walked towards the big mahogany door that closed the huge room inside their office.
Satsuki had known her boss even before she had started working for him. Her boss was Yukimura’s acquaintance and that’s how she had gotten the job.
Although she didn’t want her cousin to pull the strings for her, and she had never let any of her colleagues knows about it, but she knew, it was needed if she wanted his friend’s, now her boss, testimonial for her.
The boss’s office wasn’t his real office, in fact he has an office in every company he owns and shares.
And his office here was one of his places to stop by if he wanted to check on one of his many business branches. And the man rarely visits Satsuki and the other workers there, but she’d still see him at least once a week.
If it wasn’t of business, it was socially. And it was all thanks to her cousin.
Satsuki took a deep breath and knocked on the door. She waited for three seconds before going into the room. She had known the man for a while to know that he didn’t want her to waste time by waiting for his “Come in” dialogue.
She walked into the room and headed straight to the desk where the man was seated behind it, in his huge leather chair. He was smiling at her and knowing him, Satsuki knew it meant trouble to her.
“Sore feet?” he asked as she sat across of him. Satsuki nodded her head. “You were dancing too much,” he smirked watching her.
Satsuki looked at her boss and smiled, “As far as I can recall, you enjoyed yourself there too.”
Her boss was still smirking as he passed her a black file. Satsuki looked at it curiously before opening it. “This is?”
“You know about the product business I have started,” her boss said and Satsuki nodded her head, “This is a new product that I am planning to sell,”
Satsuki studied the contents in the file and nodded her head, “Okay…what about it?”
He smirked, “I’m letting you to be the project manager of this,” he told her.
Satsuki’s eyes widened. “What?”
“It’s a great exposure,” her boss said, looking at her, his eyes sharp like a hawk’s.
“But, I haven’t work on anything solo…” Satsuki said, still surprised. She had just started working in the company for a year plus. All she had done is what the boss had told and instructed her. She had never been given a project of her own to handle.
“Good testimonials don’t come easy,” her boss said. Satsuki looked at him and narrowed her eyes. “Is that a threat?”
The man laughed, “Yes or no?” he asked back, looking at her and the folder in her hand. “If yes, you will handle everything of the project,”
Satsuki nodded her head, “From planning an advertisement, manufacturing and selling them,” she said, fully aware of her job’s description.
Her boss nodded his head, still smirking. “And if no,” he paused.
Satsuki knew what he meant, he had just said it a moment ago to her. “No testimonial,” Satsuki repeated. She sighed. It didn’t seem like she had any other choice.
“Yes, I’ll take it,” she said. Her boss nodded his head. “Very well, I will see you soon about this,” he said, still smirking as if mocking her.
Satsuki nodded her head and stood up. She said her excuse and was about to turn and leave the room when her boss called her back.
“Satsuki,” he said, as he snapped his fingers to gain her attention. The man smiled, “Tell them, it is still going on this weekend,”
Satsuki smiled, knowing what he meant. “You’re continuing, even though Seiichi-san is not around?”
Her boss laughed, “The more reason for the old Hyoutei to kick Rikkai’s asses,”
Satsuki smirked, “and here I thought the great Atobe believed in fair fights,”
Atobe Keigo smiled from the other side of the desk, “There’s that, and there’s still the Hyoutei’s pride,”
Satsuki laughed and nodded her head, “I shall inform Sanada-san and the rest then.”
“Akaya,”
He turned around and his eyes widened when he saw the person who called his name.
It had been a long time since he heard that voice calling his name. He looked at her, at Yukimura Satsuki who was standing in front of him, looking at him in disbelief.
He stared too, at loss for words. He studied her; she was a lot taller now, slimmer and prettier.
Somehow his heart missed a beat when he looked at her in her dress and her loose curl hair.
How long has it been since he stands in front of her?
How much she had grown...how mature she had become…
Somehow he felt nervous seeing her and absent mindedly he rubbed his nose and grinned, "Hey Satsuki"
Satsuki broke into a smile. And she laughed, “So you haven’t forgotten about me,”
Akaya laughed too, “How could I.” We both went a long way before, he wanted to say, but it came out different. “You’re still the same,”
Satsuki rolled her eyes and Akaya kind of notice the disappointment in her eyes. Ahh…he shouldn’t have said that. Growing up and being around women taught him not to say that.
Never said a woman is still the same way she was when you met her the last time. It almost seem like you’re hinting she’s boring.
That was the rule his fellow professional tennis friends cum rivals said. And he understood. Yet he had forgotten about it tonight.
Perhaps it was finally seeing her, after more than five years already, and it made him slightly and strangely nervous. He had never expected himself to see her again, but then here he was.
“So how are you?” he asked, trying to start a conversation. Satsuki smiled as she tucked in a strand of hair behind her ear, “I’m doing good,” she smiled. Akaya nodded his head, his head spinning trying to think of more words to say to her.
It was strange. A few hours earlier, he was eager to talk and meet his old friend. He even had gone to try strike a conversation with her. He admitted he had forgotten his effort in the day to face her but the intention was still there.
Why then, he thought, he could not muster a word to her?
Well he did manage to spoke to her but his tongue tied when he realized that the person in front of him was perhaps, different than he remembered. He had noticed her physical changes earlier but maybe her personality had differ too?
Akaya studied her, hoping an idea could hop into his mind. He never was this blank around people—well, around people that spoke the same language as him because he couldn’t make a word those foreigners were saying—and ones that were close to him too, no doubt.
She wasn’t just close, the voice in his head went again. You guys dated, remember?
That should’ve explained the situation he was in. The nervousness and the awkward silence between them.
The fact that they were once lovers—though being high school students at that time didn’t earn that title—and they had not spoken for five years added in the rank of awkwardness.
He noticed that she was looking down and he followed suit only to noted that his tie match her dress.
He had chosen the green tie since his mother once said that the color brought out his eyes. Now, he wondered why he had followed his mother’s words when all the years he’d been growing up on ignoring it.
A woman bumped into Satsuki and Akaya looked up. Satsuki apologized to her and her dancing partner and the reality slowly sunk into Akaya. They were bothering the people dancing. He tried and gave her a grin and offered his hand. “Um, should we dance?”
Satsuki looked at his hand and back to his face. Maybe she was feeling the same way he felt. Akaya sighed and smiled. “Well, we’re on the dancing floor,” he conjured. “Somehow,” he added. “And we would look weird standing here…”
“Aren’t you, um, injured?” Satsuki wanted to address him as Akaya but stopped before the word come out. Maybe being a celebrity he is now demanded more on respect or something.
Akaya caught her doubts and gave a clearer smile. His eyes gleamed the same way she remembered and Satsuki felt another wave of relief and familiarity.
“C’mon Satsuki,” Akaya said, “When have you been so worried of me?”
Satsuki smiled back, eyeing the man before her and tried to re-edit the way he is now. He may be a grown man now but Satsuki sensed that his boyish attitude was still there. She took his hand. “Now, I was wondering if you can actually dance.”
His hand was bigger and more calloused than she had remembered, but it still had made her think of him. She smiled as he led their movements, following the music played by the hired band.
He was still the same, she thought as Akaya laughed when they made a mistake in their dance steps and gave her another grin. He was still the Kirihara Akaya she knew; extract the fact that he’s a famous world-ranked tennis player now.
The song had changed and a new one followed, only it had a quicker tempo. Satsuki swayed along with Akaya when she caught the sight of him flinching. It only happened at the flicker of a second but she saw another flinch and looked down at his leg. She paused and took his arm, bringing him to the nearest seats. She gestured him to sit and he blinked.
“Akaya,” she called, “You’re hurting. Sit down.”
The black haired man glanced down at his legs and shook his head with a grin. “Nah, I’m fine. Why don’t we dance? The song’s not bad.” He was about to move when he saw that Satsuki had put her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes. Yup, Akaya’s still as stubborn, she thought.
“You haven’t change,” she muttered and pulled him down to sit. Akaya glared at her. “Same goes to you. Demanding as ever,” he replied and eventually sat down when Satsuki pulled a look that resembled Yukimura’s ordering look. Satsuki smiled. “Why don’t I take some punch and we’ll talk? It’s been ages since we last seen each other.”
Akaya frowned. “Fine, I want a full glass. I’m thirsty.” Satsuki showed him her tongue, walked to the table, and took two glasses. She gave one to Akaya, sat down beside him, and took a long sip. It felt strange to be next to him after so many years. Attending a wedding to boot.
But it felt somewhat natural when Akaya began, in his laid back voice, “I caught you looking at me,” he grinned. “Liking what you see?” he said, wiggling his eyebrows jokingly.
Satsuki laughed and slapped his shoulder softly. “You haven’t change,” she smiled. Akaya looked at her and frowned, “Is that a good thing?”
She nodded, “Of course. And here I thought you’ve become stuck up when you’re all famous,”
“Hey,” Akaya looked at her smirking, “That’s stereotype. I’m not like that,”
Satsuki rolled her eyes, “And this is coming from the man who was voted top 100 sexiest men alive,” she smiled, “And top 50 of the young millionaires in the world,”
Akaya laughed and rubbed the tip of his nose, “So you’ve been reading a lot about me eh?”
Satsuki shrugged, “Just those that Seiichi-san and the others are always bragging about. They don’t really hear many words from you, so all of us just depend on the media” she smiled, “But seriously, how are you doing now?”
Akaya laughed. “I’m doing fine until someone made me sit down. He touched the outer brim of his glass. “You’re working now? Or are you still studying?”
“Work, of course, I’ve left the studying part,” she said and watched as Akaya laughed. “But you’re Miss Brainiac.”
Satsuki frowned and elbowed him, “So not.” Akaya smirked. “So where are you working at?”
Satsuki grinned and looked at the dance floor not too far away from where they were sitting. She could see her newly wedded cousin dancing with his wife, his friends and their relatives. “You won’t believe whom my boss—”
Her voice was cut off when someone neared them.
“Satsuki-chan,” Nakao’s voice was heard. Satsuki turned and saw the man stood behind her. She smiled and waved but the man did not notice. He was regarding Akaya, his face flushed from excitement.
“You’re Kirihara Akaya,” he said happily. “You’re the tennis player.” He turned to Satsuki interestedly. “And I thought seeing Echizen before was a surprise. Do you guys know each other?”
Satsuki nodded. “He’s my schoolmate, Nakao-kun. Didn’t I mention that before?” Nakao shook his head, smiling at Akaya, “I thought you were talking about Echizen. Didn’t know you were Kirihara’s friend. Hello, I’m Nakao.”
Akaya shook his hand. “You’re—”
“My friend had seen one of your matches. Last year Davis Cup, he said you were great. And the Masters series before. But—” Nakao glanced at Akaya’s legs. Satsuki wondered how many times Akaya’s legs had been paid attention. Maybe a lot. “Is it true you’re injured now? And you had to miss both French Open and Wimbledon?”
Nodding, Akaya answered, somewhat dazed at Nakao’s enthusiasm. “Um yeah. I’ll be attending ABC and US Open later. After it healed, I guess. You’re a fan of tennis, huh?” he guessed and Nakao smiled sheepishly, “Yes, I support the nation. Especially those who are in top three in the world” he winked.
Akaya smiled. He was used to getting people praising and congratulating him on his achievements. But he never had gotten the fame in his head. Being top three doesn’t mean he’s number one.
“Nakao-kun’s a patriotic person,” Satsuki told Akaya, interrupting his thoughts. “Nakao is always full of spirits.” She continued. “He’s my—”
Again her words were cut off when they heard some shouting inside the hall. Akaya, Satsuki and Nakao turned to look and they saw a group of women surrounding Yuna the bride who was standing on top of a chair, her back facing the other women.
“Satsuki, she’s throwing the flowers!” Nakao said to her excitedly. She nodded her head, “Yeah I can see that,”
“Well go,” Nakao quickly said, pulling her arm and dragging her to the group of women. Akaya watched them from where he sat, smiling and wondering as he watched.
Yuna threw the bouquet of flowers over her head just as Satsuki arrived at the group of women. She heard more screaming and saw people looking at her, and she looked up and saw the bouquet falling towards her.
Out of reaction, Satsuki held out her arms and the flowers dropped into her hands. She blinked her eyes as she stared at it, still in surprised. Behind her, people were cheering and clapping at her.
“Suppi you’re next!!!” She could hear Marui’s loud voice said over the screaming. Her face turned red and she tried to hide her face behind the bouquet.
Yuna and Yukimura clapped their hands for her and Kaori winked. Satsuki turned redder and Nakao hugged her. “It’s your turn next honey!” he laughed and kissed her cheek.
Satsuki laughed and hugged her friend back and Akaya watched them from a few feet away. A small smile appeared on his face. What was I thinking, he thought, of course she had moved on with life.
Of course she had found someone else, they were a thing in the past now.
*
Satsuki walked out of the escalator and dragged her sore feet towards the entrance door to her office. She flashed her identity card to unlock the door before entering.
She walked as fast as she can to her desk, giving her colleagues a small smile as she pass by them. She reached her desk, took off her shoes and sighed in relief as she sat down in her chair.
Two days have passed since the wedding and it had been two days since Yukimura and Yuna went to Venice for their honeymoon.
And it had also been two days since she had last seen Akaya.
They last met when all of them were sending the newlyweds away on their wedding day. Then after that, she and Kaori and their families were busy cleaning up and she didn’t even get the chance to say good bye to him or even ask for his contact number.
But he’d still be around, since he’s on his break, she thought as she pulled her hair up into a bun and puts on her black rimmed glasses as she started her computer.
Well, putting that aside, now’s she’s in her office, so she better focus on her work.
“Yukimura-san,” she heard one of her colleagues calling her name. Satsuki looked up, “Yes?”
Her colleague smiled, almost apologetically. “He wants to see you,”
Satsuki blinked her eyes in surprised as she let the information sink in. And then she sighed as she stood up. “Alright…” she said and looked at the pair of high heels shoes that she had just taken off.
Her feet had ached ever since the wedding and she had wished she had worn a pair of sensible shoes to work.
She put on the shoes and grabbed her organizer as she walked towards the big mahogany door that closed the huge room inside their office.
Satsuki had known her boss even before she had started working for him. Her boss was Yukimura’s acquaintance and that’s how she had gotten the job.
Although she didn’t want her cousin to pull the strings for her, and she had never let any of her colleagues knows about it, but she knew, it was needed if she wanted his friend’s, now her boss, testimonial for her.
The boss’s office wasn’t his real office, in fact he has an office in every company he owns and shares.
And his office here was one of his places to stop by if he wanted to check on one of his many business branches. And the man rarely visits Satsuki and the other workers there, but she’d still see him at least once a week.
If it wasn’t of business, it was socially. And it was all thanks to her cousin.
Satsuki took a deep breath and knocked on the door. She waited for three seconds before going into the room. She had known the man for a while to know that he didn’t want her to waste time by waiting for his “Come in” dialogue.
She walked into the room and headed straight to the desk where the man was seated behind it, in his huge leather chair. He was smiling at her and knowing him, Satsuki knew it meant trouble to her.
“Sore feet?” he asked as she sat across of him. Satsuki nodded her head. “You were dancing too much,” he smirked watching her.
Satsuki looked at her boss and smiled, “As far as I can recall, you enjoyed yourself there too.”
Her boss was still smirking as he passed her a black file. Satsuki looked at it curiously before opening it. “This is?”
“You know about the product business I have started,” her boss said and Satsuki nodded her head, “This is a new product that I am planning to sell,”
Satsuki studied the contents in the file and nodded her head, “Okay…what about it?”
He smirked, “I’m letting you to be the project manager of this,” he told her.
Satsuki’s eyes widened. “What?”
“It’s a great exposure,” her boss said, looking at her, his eyes sharp like a hawk’s.
“But, I haven’t work on anything solo…” Satsuki said, still surprised. She had just started working in the company for a year plus. All she had done is what the boss had told and instructed her. She had never been given a project of her own to handle.
“Good testimonials don’t come easy,” her boss said. Satsuki looked at him and narrowed her eyes. “Is that a threat?”
The man laughed, “Yes or no?” he asked back, looking at her and the folder in her hand. “If yes, you will handle everything of the project,”
Satsuki nodded her head, “From planning an advertisement, manufacturing and selling them,” she said, fully aware of her job’s description.
Her boss nodded his head, still smirking. “And if no,” he paused.
Satsuki knew what he meant, he had just said it a moment ago to her. “No testimonial,” Satsuki repeated. She sighed. It didn’t seem like she had any other choice.
“Yes, I’ll take it,” she said. Her boss nodded his head. “Very well, I will see you soon about this,” he said, still smirking as if mocking her.
Satsuki nodded her head and stood up. She said her excuse and was about to turn and leave the room when her boss called her back.
“Satsuki,” he said, as he snapped his fingers to gain her attention. The man smiled, “Tell them, it is still going on this weekend,”
Satsuki smiled, knowing what he meant. “You’re continuing, even though Seiichi-san is not around?”
Her boss laughed, “The more reason for the old Hyoutei to kick Rikkai’s asses,”
Satsuki smirked, “and here I thought the great Atobe believed in fair fights,”
Atobe Keigo smiled from the other side of the desk, “There’s that, and there’s still the Hyoutei’s pride,”
Satsuki laughed and nodded her head, “I shall inform Sanada-san and the rest then.”
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Matchmaker: Yukimura Seiichi (Chapter 3)
Third Chapter: ...And They Meet
The day that all of them had been waiting for had already arrived. For the women, they were busily preparing themselves, and the bride, for the special day.
Satsuki, Kaori and all the other bridesmaids were up on their toes, trying to fix whatever little problems arose that day and trying to keep Yuna the bride, in a calm state.
But they didn’t have to do much, because unlike most brides on their wedding days, Yuna was totally calm and composed. Her face was glowing with happiness. She didn’t even start breaking down crying because she’s going to be a bride soon.
Her best friend and maid of honor looked like she was about to cry, and she was nervous as she kept fidgeting and kept glancing at the clock in the dressing room and at Yuna who was sitting down, already dressed in her white strapless gown, looking more beautiful than ever.
Satsuki was nervous as well, she didn’t know why. Maybe it’s because she’s one of the maids or because it’s her cousin’s wedding, but there she was, kept looking at the mirror, touching her loose curls and checking on her gown if there was anything wrong with it.
“Relax Satsuki,” Kaori smiled. “You look like it’s your wedding,”
Satsuki smiled weakly, “I don’t know why. But it’s like there’s so many butterflies in my stomach, it’s driving me crazy.”
“Maybe there’s someone out there that you’re going to meet later?” Yuna asked. Satsuki shook her head, “Who, Nakao-kun?” she laughed. “Yeah, I’m sure I’m nervous to see him.”
Then she looked at Yuna, “You look calm for a bride,”
Yuna shrugged. “I don’t know, but I really feel calm…” she said and laughed, “Maybe it’s because I’ve helped and watched my sisters in law on their wedding days…”
“Yeah…four weddings, I guess it became a norm to you already.” Kaori said. Yuna nodded. “I guess.”
Her best friend, Mika, a tall slim woman with red hair came over and smiled at Yuna. “I think we should place the veil now.” Yuna smiled, “Okay,”
Kaori looked at Satsuki as they watched Mika and the make up artist putting on the veil on Yuna. “It’s really starting soon huh…”
Satsuki smiled, “Yuna-san’s going to be your sister for real now.” Kaori laughed. “Good thing they’re moving to their own house, I can’t stand the lovey dovey acts already…” she looked at Satsuki, “You still nervous?”
“More than ever,” Satsuki said, rubbing her hands together.
*
In a few more minutes, the ceremony will begin. All the guests were already seated inside the hall and Yukimura was already inside waiting with his best man, Sanada, the priest and the ring bearer kid, Yuna’s smallest nephews.
They were right out the closed door, fixing their hairs, gowns, flowers, and the bride’s outfit too. Satsuki helped fixed the flower girls, also Yuna’s nieces, with their flower baskets and then she walked to the back, behind where Yuna was, all ready, and stood beside Kaori.
“This is it,” Kaori whispered. Satsuki nodded her head. “When we’re going out of this hall, it’s no more Masaki Yuna-san,”
Kaori nodded, “Hello, Yukimura Yuna-neesan,” she smiled.
“Everyone’s ready?” Mika asked and they waited for Yuna’s nod of approval. The bride was still calm and collected, smiling all the way from the dressing room to the door.
Then Mika gave a single nod and they could hear the “Here’s Comes the Bride” music from inside the hall and waited for the door to be opened.
Taking a deep breath, Satsuki and the others waited for their turns to enter the hall. From outside, she could see the hall decorated with bouquets of colorful tulips, Yuna’s favorite flower, and she could see the people looking at them.
And she saw her cousin, right at the front, smiling calmly as he saw them.
The flower girls were already spreading flower petals all over the red carpet, but the bride suddenly stopped walking.
Satsuki’s eyes widened and so did Kaori’s and the others when they watched Yuna turning around to face them. Yukimura blinked in surprised and the guests looked on quizzically too.
“W-what’s wrong Yuna?” Mika asked. Yuna looked at all of her bridesmaids, her face suddenly paled and she gulped.
“I-I’m scared,” Yuna whispered out of the sudden.
Satsuki, Kaori and Mika blinked their eyes in surprised. “Now you’re getting cold feet?!!” Mika whispered, shocked. Yuna’s father signaled to the organ player and the music behind them stopped playing.
“What’s wrong?” her father asked.
Yuna nodded weakly, “I don’t know…it feels overwhelming now…like I’m getting married and I’m gonna have a husband and-and a family soon…and I won’t have time to see you anymore and…”
Satsuki looked shocked as she watched Mika and Yuna’s father trying to calm down Yuna. She looked like she was at the verge of crying. All of the guests were looking at them weirdly.
Satsuki walked forward towards the nervous Yuna and smiled. “Daijoubu!” she said, placing her hands on the bride’s shoulders and squeezing them tight. Then she gave Yuna a hug and whispered, “You don’t want Seiichi-san to be worried seeing you like this right…you’ve been waiting for this for a long time.”
Yuna nodded her head and calmed down. Then she broke the hug with Satsuki and smiled. “Thank you Satsuki,” she said. “I’m okay now…”
Satsuki smiled and then broke into a laugh. The guests who were watching, realized what happened and started laughing too.
Yuna flushed red from embarrassment. Her father smiled at her and looked at the organ player. “Um, we can continue,” he said grinning. The musician nodded his head and continued playing the music.
The ceremony resumed again and this time Yuna walked down the aisle towards her future husband calmly, and upon arriving, kissed her father on the cheek and took Yukimura’s hand as she stood beside him.
Satsuki smiled watching the lovebirds and took her seat beside Kaori at the front bench. She loves watching movies about weddings, and seeing one herself, one that felt close to her, it was something unforgettable.
*
Akaya blinked his eyes and stared in disbelief. He was surprised.
One second there he was sitting inside the hall, waiting for the ceremony to begins and then the music started and he stood up, watching the bride walking down the aisle.
Then she stopped halfway and that caused a small commotion. He, along with the other guests, watched how the father of the bride, and the maid of honor trying to calm her down.
Then Akaya watched one of the maids walking up to Yuna and gave her a comforting hug. It worked and Yuna was once again relax as she walked towards her future husband and the priest.
That was something different than how a normal wedding would go, but that didn’t surprise him as much as the bridesmaid did.
It was no mistake, he thought. That familiar look, that hair, those eyes, that smile. He knew that bridesmaid.
Yukimura Satsuki.
But what was she doing here on his ex buchou’s wedding?
And a few moments later he hit his head for his stupidity. She was there because it’s her cousin’s wedding. Duh.
Akaya watched the said bridesmaid as the ceremony starts. He heard the couple exchanging vows, but his eyes were fixed on the bridesmaid sitting at the front, watching the couple intently.
It’s been a long time, since he last saw her.
*
Niou watched his junior interestedly. He had only met Akaya an hour ago, but the latter had never failed to amused Niou.
He had amused Niou before in junior high, and then in high school, and when he became a professional tennis player, and now here in the hall. Niou studied the younger man who watching the ceremony intently.
Only it wasn’t the couple who were exchanging vows that Niou noticed Akaya was watching. It was the bridesmaid that was sitting near the couple.
Of course Niou was aware of whom Akaya was staring at. He had known the woman, Satsuki to be exact, for a long time, and he knew the history between Akaya and her.
Smirking to himself as he watched how obsessed Akaya was looking at her, Niou nudged Yagyuu.
The latter turned, looking displease, being interrupted from watching the ceremony. He raised an eyebrow when he saw Niou’s grin. Then he saw Niou pointing to his left and Yagyuu turned and saw his junior, Akaya staring intently at something.
Yagyuu followed Akaya’s gaze and saw whom the latter was staring at. Then Yagyuu smiled to himself, getting the hint, and he pushed his glasses high up the bridge of his nose.
*
Akaya watched as his newly wedded senior walked with his bride, basking under the rice grains thrown by the guests. It was a tradition for luck and Akaya was eager to throw the rice but he had already thrown his entire share. He scanned the guests, Yagyuu was the farthest left, Jackal was with his date across him with Niou and Marui. Then he saw Yanagi beside Sanada who was throwing his rice with a face full of concentration. Akaya wanted to laugh but his mirth subdued when he caught a familiar face.
Satsuki was standing beside Kaori and the other bridesmaids, laughter in her face as she tossed the rice. Now that he had seen her, Akaya noticed that her hair was shorter than before and she had grown taller. Akaya almost mentally smack himself. Of course she had grown taller; it’s been five years since he had last seen her.
Akaya smiled and tried to near her. It was quite difficult with the crowd but he managed to close the distance. He wouldn’t miss a chance to talk to her, it had been a long time since they had met and between the years they hadn’t even exchange words be it in any form of media.
However, a pair of hands grabbed his shoulders, interrupting his effort. Akaya looked up, feeling slight annoyance seeping through his skin when he lose sight of his old friend. He blinked when he recognized the owner of the hands.
“Momoshiro,” Akaya mouthed, blinking again at the sight of the spiky haired man. Beside him stood a woman with light brown hair and Akaya instantly realized who she was.
“Tachibana,” he murmured and Tachibana An laughed good-naturedly. “Thank goodness you remember us, Kirihara,” Momoshiro grinned. “Thought all the fame had gone to your head.” “Nah,” Akaya replied and studied them for a second before pulling a snicker of his own.
Though they had once been in different schools that were rivals in tennis arena, somehow out of the courts, Akaya liked them as his friends. They had shared a lit of memories before; either good or bad and Akaya was glad to meet them again.
“Doing good, Momoshiro?” Akaya asked, eyeing them with interest. An smiled as she replied after sparing Momoshiro a glance. Akaya had knew them as an item since school days and he himself couldn’t decided either he was surprised or not seeing the two persons still together. He remembered his past days and wondered out loud how their current lives were.
He learnt Momoshiro was working as a junior chef in a hotel and An was working at the management section in the hotel. Akaya wiggled his eyebrows when they mentioned they worked in the same building and Momoshiro and An laughed. “Ah, Kirihara,” a voice said and Akaya noted Ohtori’s presence not far. He was standing with a few Hyoutei ex-members and Akaya waved excitedly.
“I thought I heard your voice,” Ohtori explained with a smile. He shook hands with Akaya. “How are you? I heard you had an injury,” he asked. Ohtori was taller than Akaya and he still spotted a short hair cut for his silver hair.
“You look fine, Kirihara,” Shishido said and Akaya nodded. “Yeah, it wasn’t much. I’m pretty okay, I guess,” he answered and Momoshiro grinned. “Of course, Kirihara’s made out of hard stuffs. Remember all those injuries he had before?”
An giggled, “He never passed a match without a scratch, ne?”
“Kirihara was always a bit passionate,” commented Ohtori. Shishido nodded and motioned to Oshitari, who was nearing them. “Yeah like him and his romance novels.”
They erupted into laughter and Oshitari regarded them curiously. Soon they had exchanged stories and Akaya listened to his old friends interestedly.
*
“Akaya,” Marui called and inclined him to come near. The redhead was dressed in a blue shirt and golden-brown stripes tie. Akaya placed the empty punch glass on the tray a waiter was holding. He walked and felt tiny sparks of pain but ignored it as usual. The pain ignite every now and then but his condition was getting better.
Akaya noticed that all his senpai-tachi were standing in a small group and their faces were plastered hints of smiles. He tilted his head slightly. “Wassup, Marui-senpai?” he asked.
Sanada was standing beside Niou who was two persons away from Akaya and he looked bothered. Akaya could relate the feeling, everyone will feel uncomfortable standing beside a man once dubbed as the trickster but the Sanada Akaya knew always manage to hide his emotions from appearing in his facial.
“Genichirou is nervous about his speech,” Yanagi informed him and Akaya grinned as he nodded in agreement. “Naruhodo,” he muttered slowly. Sanada fixed his eyes on the younger boy, irritated. Niou was smirking beside Sanada and pulled out two sheets of papers from Sanada’s clutch.
“Yo mitaimishai,” he began, “Sanada wrote down his speech.”
Sanada had furrowed his eyebrow, a sign that usually made Akaya run as if avoiding a plague back in days Sanada was the fukubuchou. His lips were in a tight scowl and he glowered at the silver haired man. “Niou. Give that back or you—”
“Run a hundred laps?” smiled Yanagi. “How nostalgic Genichirou, but it won’t work now.”
Sanada glared daggers at the snickering Niou. He had clenched his fist and his eyes had darkened dangerously. Yagyuu pushed his glasses. “Niou-kun, please don’t pester Sanada-kun anymore. He’s already troubled.” Jackal’s lips twitched and Sanada glanced at him slowly and the half-Brazilian gulped his laughter.
Yanagi took the papers and handed it to Sanada. Marui popped a bubble and grinned at the latter along with Akaya. “To let Niou-senpai take that, you’ve became careless, fukubuchou,” Akaya said. “Tarundaro,” he intoned and Sanada smacked his head.
“OW!” exclaimed Akaya and Sanada smirked. “I could still beat you, Akaya,” he declared and Akaya’s eyes glinted. “Well, we’ll see ‘bout that.”
*
“Nakao-kun!” Satsuki tried without attracting attention. Luckily her friend heard her and smiled as he neared her excitedly. He wore a white shirt with puce tie and Satsuki greeted him.
“Took you long enough, eh, Nakao-kun?” she asked and watched as the man moved his hand to tidy his short brown hair. “They already made the speeches and everything.” He gave her a smile and explained how he was caught in traffic. Satsuki nodded and touched her green ruffled chiffon dress. “How do I look?” she asked.
“Very pretty,” he commented. “It suits you.” Satsuki smiled as she thanked him and introduced him to a few of her relatives. Nakao smiled and bid them politely, his greenish-hazel eyes shinning.
After taking a few bites and downed a glass of punch for each, Satsuki stood beside him near the food table, scanning the guests. “Wow, Yukimura-san had invited a lot,” Nakao voiced, glancing here and there. Satsuki grinned, “Are you trying to find someone to hit, Nakao-kun?”
Nakao turned at her and winked. “Hm, maybe,” he said and looked again at the guests. The air was laced with music and couples had begun dancing. Satsuki was about to pick another glass of punch when Nakao tugged her hand softly. She turned to look at him. He looked anxious and claimed, “Satsuki-chan! There’s famous people here!”
Satsuki blinked. “Famous people?” She didn’t remember Yukimura having any actors as friends…
“There’s that tennis star!” Nakao pondered, “Um, what was his name?”
Tennis star? Satsuki smiled and couldn't help nodding, understanding his sentence. “Ah, Echizen-kun right? Seiichi-san and him—Hey!”
Niou had took Satsuki's arm and pulled her close to him. He grinned at Nakao and explained that he wanted a dance with Satsuki. Nakao nodded and waved at them before he himself disappearing into the crowd. Probably trying to find someone that interest him, Satsuki thought and looked at Niou.
She shrugged as Niou tried batting his eyes and laughed as they danced. “I better take my chance to dance with you while you’re still unattached, Suppi,” Niou said and Satsuki feint a frown. Suppi was Niou’s pet name for her since school days.
He led the dance, and she swayed along with him, moving to the beat of the music. She smiled after a while, enjoying the dance. How often does she get to dance with a handsome man like him?
Niou smiled back, and there was something secretive written in his smile.
Satsuki couldnt decipher it, but then he raised their arms and let go as he twirled her.
Before Satsuki could stop twirling, she blinked her eyes. When she stopped and was about to ask Niou what was wrong, another pair of arms touched her and before she could turned and see who it was…
Yagyuu took her hand and continued the dance for her. "Yagyuu-san?' she asked, surprised by the changing of dancing partners.
Yagyuu just smiled at her, "Well, Niou can't hog you all night…"
Satsuki raised an eyebrow and took a glance at Niou who grinned at her in return and turned to ask another woman to dance with him.She then turned her attention back to Yagyuu and pushed any suspicion away.
Well.how often does she gets to dance with another handsome man like Yagyuu?
"But then again," Yagyuu said in the middle of their dance, and Satsuki looked at him, "hm?"
Yagyuu smiled, "I can't occupy you all night too..." he said and gave her a twirl and pushed her from the back gently. Satsuki was pushed forward and before she could ask, Yanagi took her hands and smiled, "May I have this dance?"
Satsuki felt confused, why were these men passing her around to their friends? She glanced at Yagyuu and saw him with Niou smiling at her. Not far away from them, Jackal and Marui were standing, looking at them eagerly.
"Let me guess," Satsuki said as she swayed to the music, "Everyone gets a turn” she voiced her opinion, regarding the ebony haired man curiously. Yanagi nodded his head, a smile that seem almost similar to Niou’s previous smile. "One way to explain it," he said. Satsuki laughed, "Okay...I can handle that.”
They danced for a few minutes and just as Satsuki began to enjoy her time with Yanagi, their dance came to a stop. Satsuki smiled at Yanagi and they both bowed their heads to each other. Then just as Satsuki turned, she saw Sanada standing in front of her, one hand extended. He didnt speak a word, but Satsuki knew him to be more action than verbal.
However, the thought of Sanada dancing with her flickered a splash of surprise to herself. She gave another smile, took Sanada’s hand, and led him to dance.
All through their dance, Satsuki had to admit, she should have given Sanada more credit. Despite looking aloof and stone like, the man knew how to dance. He didnt move rigidly, but he led her gently following the music.
Sanada moved ever so slowly, taking into consideration, her two steps to his one. Like Yanagi, he ended the dance slowly and just as Satsuki bowed at the man, the next man, Jackal was already waiting for her. Satsuki laughed and took his hand and continued dancing again. "Maybe I should charge all of you.”
Jackal laughed as well, "I think you got paid well enough from your boss.” Satsuki rolled her eyes, "Don't talk about him now, I'm trying to enjoy the dance.”
Jackal smiled, "You do know he is here.”
Satsuki nodded, "But I can pretend," The half Brazilian smiled, "Maybe I should pass you to dance with him next," he joked. Satsuki tilted her head, still smiling, "I would dare you to, but I think Marui-san wants a turn next,"
"Damn right I do," Marui Bunta said, appearing beside the pair. He grinned at Satsuki, "Sorry old mate," he said to Jackal who chuckled in reply. Jackal released her hand and Satsuki faced her redhead senior.
Marui took the next lead and he was grinning at her throughout the dance. "What’s so funny?" she asked, her voice curious. Marui shook his head, his violet eyes gleaming. "Nothing...I just remembered that the best ones gets the last dance."
Satsuki smiled, "You're saying you're the best one?" she joked.
Marui shrugged, as he twirled her, "I could be, but not for you," he winked and pushed her from behind. Satsuki was once again pushed forward and before she could stop herself, to look at Marui, and asked him what he meant, she had bumped into someone.
"Ow," the man in the black suit said. Satsuki quickly composed herself and gulped, as she faced the man's back. "I-I'm so sorry," she said, looking at the man's messy black hair.
Watching the man's back and his messy hair, reminded her vaguely of watching a certain boy in yellow and black jacket, swinging his racquet over his messy black hair.
Her eyes widened in surprised, as the man turned to look at her, and she saw that the man in front of her was the boy she remembered in her past. She eyed him; the feeling of familiarity enveloped her, making her heart almost beating quickly than before.
"A-Akaya,” the word came out of her mouth faster than she could stop herself. It had been a long time since she mouthed that name. Until then, she had never realized how she missed saying it, saying his name.
Akaya, on the other hand, blinked in surprised when he saw Satsuki standing in front of him, looking shock.
written by Ra1
The day that all of them had been waiting for had already arrived. For the women, they were busily preparing themselves, and the bride, for the special day.
Satsuki, Kaori and all the other bridesmaids were up on their toes, trying to fix whatever little problems arose that day and trying to keep Yuna the bride, in a calm state.
But they didn’t have to do much, because unlike most brides on their wedding days, Yuna was totally calm and composed. Her face was glowing with happiness. She didn’t even start breaking down crying because she’s going to be a bride soon.
Her best friend and maid of honor looked like she was about to cry, and she was nervous as she kept fidgeting and kept glancing at the clock in the dressing room and at Yuna who was sitting down, already dressed in her white strapless gown, looking more beautiful than ever.
Satsuki was nervous as well, she didn’t know why. Maybe it’s because she’s one of the maids or because it’s her cousin’s wedding, but there she was, kept looking at the mirror, touching her loose curls and checking on her gown if there was anything wrong with it.
“Relax Satsuki,” Kaori smiled. “You look like it’s your wedding,”
Satsuki smiled weakly, “I don’t know why. But it’s like there’s so many butterflies in my stomach, it’s driving me crazy.”
“Maybe there’s someone out there that you’re going to meet later?” Yuna asked. Satsuki shook her head, “Who, Nakao-kun?” she laughed. “Yeah, I’m sure I’m nervous to see him.”
Then she looked at Yuna, “You look calm for a bride,”
Yuna shrugged. “I don’t know, but I really feel calm…” she said and laughed, “Maybe it’s because I’ve helped and watched my sisters in law on their wedding days…”
“Yeah…four weddings, I guess it became a norm to you already.” Kaori said. Yuna nodded. “I guess.”
Her best friend, Mika, a tall slim woman with red hair came over and smiled at Yuna. “I think we should place the veil now.” Yuna smiled, “Okay,”
Kaori looked at Satsuki as they watched Mika and the make up artist putting on the veil on Yuna. “It’s really starting soon huh…”
Satsuki smiled, “Yuna-san’s going to be your sister for real now.” Kaori laughed. “Good thing they’re moving to their own house, I can’t stand the lovey dovey acts already…” she looked at Satsuki, “You still nervous?”
“More than ever,” Satsuki said, rubbing her hands together.
*
In a few more minutes, the ceremony will begin. All the guests were already seated inside the hall and Yukimura was already inside waiting with his best man, Sanada, the priest and the ring bearer kid, Yuna’s smallest nephews.
They were right out the closed door, fixing their hairs, gowns, flowers, and the bride’s outfit too. Satsuki helped fixed the flower girls, also Yuna’s nieces, with their flower baskets and then she walked to the back, behind where Yuna was, all ready, and stood beside Kaori.
“This is it,” Kaori whispered. Satsuki nodded her head. “When we’re going out of this hall, it’s no more Masaki Yuna-san,”
Kaori nodded, “Hello, Yukimura Yuna-neesan,” she smiled.
“Everyone’s ready?” Mika asked and they waited for Yuna’s nod of approval. The bride was still calm and collected, smiling all the way from the dressing room to the door.
Then Mika gave a single nod and they could hear the “Here’s Comes the Bride” music from inside the hall and waited for the door to be opened.
Taking a deep breath, Satsuki and the others waited for their turns to enter the hall. From outside, she could see the hall decorated with bouquets of colorful tulips, Yuna’s favorite flower, and she could see the people looking at them.
And she saw her cousin, right at the front, smiling calmly as he saw them.
The flower girls were already spreading flower petals all over the red carpet, but the bride suddenly stopped walking.
Satsuki’s eyes widened and so did Kaori’s and the others when they watched Yuna turning around to face them. Yukimura blinked in surprised and the guests looked on quizzically too.
“W-what’s wrong Yuna?” Mika asked. Yuna looked at all of her bridesmaids, her face suddenly paled and she gulped.
“I-I’m scared,” Yuna whispered out of the sudden.
Satsuki, Kaori and Mika blinked their eyes in surprised. “Now you’re getting cold feet?!!” Mika whispered, shocked. Yuna’s father signaled to the organ player and the music behind them stopped playing.
“What’s wrong?” her father asked.
Yuna nodded weakly, “I don’t know…it feels overwhelming now…like I’m getting married and I’m gonna have a husband and-and a family soon…and I won’t have time to see you anymore and…”
Satsuki looked shocked as she watched Mika and Yuna’s father trying to calm down Yuna. She looked like she was at the verge of crying. All of the guests were looking at them weirdly.
Satsuki walked forward towards the nervous Yuna and smiled. “Daijoubu!” she said, placing her hands on the bride’s shoulders and squeezing them tight. Then she gave Yuna a hug and whispered, “You don’t want Seiichi-san to be worried seeing you like this right…you’ve been waiting for this for a long time.”
Yuna nodded her head and calmed down. Then she broke the hug with Satsuki and smiled. “Thank you Satsuki,” she said. “I’m okay now…”
Satsuki smiled and then broke into a laugh. The guests who were watching, realized what happened and started laughing too.
Yuna flushed red from embarrassment. Her father smiled at her and looked at the organ player. “Um, we can continue,” he said grinning. The musician nodded his head and continued playing the music.
The ceremony resumed again and this time Yuna walked down the aisle towards her future husband calmly, and upon arriving, kissed her father on the cheek and took Yukimura’s hand as she stood beside him.
Satsuki smiled watching the lovebirds and took her seat beside Kaori at the front bench. She loves watching movies about weddings, and seeing one herself, one that felt close to her, it was something unforgettable.
*
Akaya blinked his eyes and stared in disbelief. He was surprised.
One second there he was sitting inside the hall, waiting for the ceremony to begins and then the music started and he stood up, watching the bride walking down the aisle.
Then she stopped halfway and that caused a small commotion. He, along with the other guests, watched how the father of the bride, and the maid of honor trying to calm her down.
Then Akaya watched one of the maids walking up to Yuna and gave her a comforting hug. It worked and Yuna was once again relax as she walked towards her future husband and the priest.
That was something different than how a normal wedding would go, but that didn’t surprise him as much as the bridesmaid did.
It was no mistake, he thought. That familiar look, that hair, those eyes, that smile. He knew that bridesmaid.
Yukimura Satsuki.
But what was she doing here on his ex buchou’s wedding?
And a few moments later he hit his head for his stupidity. She was there because it’s her cousin’s wedding. Duh.
Akaya watched the said bridesmaid as the ceremony starts. He heard the couple exchanging vows, but his eyes were fixed on the bridesmaid sitting at the front, watching the couple intently.
It’s been a long time, since he last saw her.
*
Niou watched his junior interestedly. He had only met Akaya an hour ago, but the latter had never failed to amused Niou.
He had amused Niou before in junior high, and then in high school, and when he became a professional tennis player, and now here in the hall. Niou studied the younger man who watching the ceremony intently.
Only it wasn’t the couple who were exchanging vows that Niou noticed Akaya was watching. It was the bridesmaid that was sitting near the couple.
Of course Niou was aware of whom Akaya was staring at. He had known the woman, Satsuki to be exact, for a long time, and he knew the history between Akaya and her.
Smirking to himself as he watched how obsessed Akaya was looking at her, Niou nudged Yagyuu.
The latter turned, looking displease, being interrupted from watching the ceremony. He raised an eyebrow when he saw Niou’s grin. Then he saw Niou pointing to his left and Yagyuu turned and saw his junior, Akaya staring intently at something.
Yagyuu followed Akaya’s gaze and saw whom the latter was staring at. Then Yagyuu smiled to himself, getting the hint, and he pushed his glasses high up the bridge of his nose.
*
Akaya watched as his newly wedded senior walked with his bride, basking under the rice grains thrown by the guests. It was a tradition for luck and Akaya was eager to throw the rice but he had already thrown his entire share. He scanned the guests, Yagyuu was the farthest left, Jackal was with his date across him with Niou and Marui. Then he saw Yanagi beside Sanada who was throwing his rice with a face full of concentration. Akaya wanted to laugh but his mirth subdued when he caught a familiar face.
Satsuki was standing beside Kaori and the other bridesmaids, laughter in her face as she tossed the rice. Now that he had seen her, Akaya noticed that her hair was shorter than before and she had grown taller. Akaya almost mentally smack himself. Of course she had grown taller; it’s been five years since he had last seen her.
Akaya smiled and tried to near her. It was quite difficult with the crowd but he managed to close the distance. He wouldn’t miss a chance to talk to her, it had been a long time since they had met and between the years they hadn’t even exchange words be it in any form of media.
However, a pair of hands grabbed his shoulders, interrupting his effort. Akaya looked up, feeling slight annoyance seeping through his skin when he lose sight of his old friend. He blinked when he recognized the owner of the hands.
“Momoshiro,” Akaya mouthed, blinking again at the sight of the spiky haired man. Beside him stood a woman with light brown hair and Akaya instantly realized who she was.
“Tachibana,” he murmured and Tachibana An laughed good-naturedly. “Thank goodness you remember us, Kirihara,” Momoshiro grinned. “Thought all the fame had gone to your head.” “Nah,” Akaya replied and studied them for a second before pulling a snicker of his own.
Though they had once been in different schools that were rivals in tennis arena, somehow out of the courts, Akaya liked them as his friends. They had shared a lit of memories before; either good or bad and Akaya was glad to meet them again.
“Doing good, Momoshiro?” Akaya asked, eyeing them with interest. An smiled as she replied after sparing Momoshiro a glance. Akaya had knew them as an item since school days and he himself couldn’t decided either he was surprised or not seeing the two persons still together. He remembered his past days and wondered out loud how their current lives were.
He learnt Momoshiro was working as a junior chef in a hotel and An was working at the management section in the hotel. Akaya wiggled his eyebrows when they mentioned they worked in the same building and Momoshiro and An laughed. “Ah, Kirihara,” a voice said and Akaya noted Ohtori’s presence not far. He was standing with a few Hyoutei ex-members and Akaya waved excitedly.
“I thought I heard your voice,” Ohtori explained with a smile. He shook hands with Akaya. “How are you? I heard you had an injury,” he asked. Ohtori was taller than Akaya and he still spotted a short hair cut for his silver hair.
“You look fine, Kirihara,” Shishido said and Akaya nodded. “Yeah, it wasn’t much. I’m pretty okay, I guess,” he answered and Momoshiro grinned. “Of course, Kirihara’s made out of hard stuffs. Remember all those injuries he had before?”
An giggled, “He never passed a match without a scratch, ne?”
“Kirihara was always a bit passionate,” commented Ohtori. Shishido nodded and motioned to Oshitari, who was nearing them. “Yeah like him and his romance novels.”
They erupted into laughter and Oshitari regarded them curiously. Soon they had exchanged stories and Akaya listened to his old friends interestedly.
*
“Akaya,” Marui called and inclined him to come near. The redhead was dressed in a blue shirt and golden-brown stripes tie. Akaya placed the empty punch glass on the tray a waiter was holding. He walked and felt tiny sparks of pain but ignored it as usual. The pain ignite every now and then but his condition was getting better.
Akaya noticed that all his senpai-tachi were standing in a small group and their faces were plastered hints of smiles. He tilted his head slightly. “Wassup, Marui-senpai?” he asked.
Sanada was standing beside Niou who was two persons away from Akaya and he looked bothered. Akaya could relate the feeling, everyone will feel uncomfortable standing beside a man once dubbed as the trickster but the Sanada Akaya knew always manage to hide his emotions from appearing in his facial.
“Genichirou is nervous about his speech,” Yanagi informed him and Akaya grinned as he nodded in agreement. “Naruhodo,” he muttered slowly. Sanada fixed his eyes on the younger boy, irritated. Niou was smirking beside Sanada and pulled out two sheets of papers from Sanada’s clutch.
“Yo mitaimishai,” he began, “Sanada wrote down his speech.”
Sanada had furrowed his eyebrow, a sign that usually made Akaya run as if avoiding a plague back in days Sanada was the fukubuchou. His lips were in a tight scowl and he glowered at the silver haired man. “Niou. Give that back or you—”
“Run a hundred laps?” smiled Yanagi. “How nostalgic Genichirou, but it won’t work now.”
Sanada glared daggers at the snickering Niou. He had clenched his fist and his eyes had darkened dangerously. Yagyuu pushed his glasses. “Niou-kun, please don’t pester Sanada-kun anymore. He’s already troubled.” Jackal’s lips twitched and Sanada glanced at him slowly and the half-Brazilian gulped his laughter.
Yanagi took the papers and handed it to Sanada. Marui popped a bubble and grinned at the latter along with Akaya. “To let Niou-senpai take that, you’ve became careless, fukubuchou,” Akaya said. “Tarundaro,” he intoned and Sanada smacked his head.
“OW!” exclaimed Akaya and Sanada smirked. “I could still beat you, Akaya,” he declared and Akaya’s eyes glinted. “Well, we’ll see ‘bout that.”
*
“Nakao-kun!” Satsuki tried without attracting attention. Luckily her friend heard her and smiled as he neared her excitedly. He wore a white shirt with puce tie and Satsuki greeted him.
“Took you long enough, eh, Nakao-kun?” she asked and watched as the man moved his hand to tidy his short brown hair. “They already made the speeches and everything.” He gave her a smile and explained how he was caught in traffic. Satsuki nodded and touched her green ruffled chiffon dress. “How do I look?” she asked.
“Very pretty,” he commented. “It suits you.” Satsuki smiled as she thanked him and introduced him to a few of her relatives. Nakao smiled and bid them politely, his greenish-hazel eyes shinning.
After taking a few bites and downed a glass of punch for each, Satsuki stood beside him near the food table, scanning the guests. “Wow, Yukimura-san had invited a lot,” Nakao voiced, glancing here and there. Satsuki grinned, “Are you trying to find someone to hit, Nakao-kun?”
Nakao turned at her and winked. “Hm, maybe,” he said and looked again at the guests. The air was laced with music and couples had begun dancing. Satsuki was about to pick another glass of punch when Nakao tugged her hand softly. She turned to look at him. He looked anxious and claimed, “Satsuki-chan! There’s famous people here!”
Satsuki blinked. “Famous people?” She didn’t remember Yukimura having any actors as friends…
“There’s that tennis star!” Nakao pondered, “Um, what was his name?”
Tennis star? Satsuki smiled and couldn't help nodding, understanding his sentence. “Ah, Echizen-kun right? Seiichi-san and him—Hey!”
Niou had took Satsuki's arm and pulled her close to him. He grinned at Nakao and explained that he wanted a dance with Satsuki. Nakao nodded and waved at them before he himself disappearing into the crowd. Probably trying to find someone that interest him, Satsuki thought and looked at Niou.
She shrugged as Niou tried batting his eyes and laughed as they danced. “I better take my chance to dance with you while you’re still unattached, Suppi,” Niou said and Satsuki feint a frown. Suppi was Niou’s pet name for her since school days.
He led the dance, and she swayed along with him, moving to the beat of the music. She smiled after a while, enjoying the dance. How often does she get to dance with a handsome man like him?
Niou smiled back, and there was something secretive written in his smile.
Satsuki couldnt decipher it, but then he raised their arms and let go as he twirled her.
Before Satsuki could stop twirling, she blinked her eyes. When she stopped and was about to ask Niou what was wrong, another pair of arms touched her and before she could turned and see who it was…
Yagyuu took her hand and continued the dance for her. "Yagyuu-san?' she asked, surprised by the changing of dancing partners.
Yagyuu just smiled at her, "Well, Niou can't hog you all night…"
Satsuki raised an eyebrow and took a glance at Niou who grinned at her in return and turned to ask another woman to dance with him.She then turned her attention back to Yagyuu and pushed any suspicion away.
Well.how often does she gets to dance with another handsome man like Yagyuu?
"But then again," Yagyuu said in the middle of their dance, and Satsuki looked at him, "hm?"
Yagyuu smiled, "I can't occupy you all night too..." he said and gave her a twirl and pushed her from the back gently. Satsuki was pushed forward and before she could ask, Yanagi took her hands and smiled, "May I have this dance?"
Satsuki felt confused, why were these men passing her around to their friends? She glanced at Yagyuu and saw him with Niou smiling at her. Not far away from them, Jackal and Marui were standing, looking at them eagerly.
"Let me guess," Satsuki said as she swayed to the music, "Everyone gets a turn” she voiced her opinion, regarding the ebony haired man curiously. Yanagi nodded his head, a smile that seem almost similar to Niou’s previous smile. "One way to explain it," he said. Satsuki laughed, "Okay...I can handle that.”
They danced for a few minutes and just as Satsuki began to enjoy her time with Yanagi, their dance came to a stop. Satsuki smiled at Yanagi and they both bowed their heads to each other. Then just as Satsuki turned, she saw Sanada standing in front of her, one hand extended. He didnt speak a word, but Satsuki knew him to be more action than verbal.
However, the thought of Sanada dancing with her flickered a splash of surprise to herself. She gave another smile, took Sanada’s hand, and led him to dance.
All through their dance, Satsuki had to admit, she should have given Sanada more credit. Despite looking aloof and stone like, the man knew how to dance. He didnt move rigidly, but he led her gently following the music.
Sanada moved ever so slowly, taking into consideration, her two steps to his one. Like Yanagi, he ended the dance slowly and just as Satsuki bowed at the man, the next man, Jackal was already waiting for her. Satsuki laughed and took his hand and continued dancing again. "Maybe I should charge all of you.”
Jackal laughed as well, "I think you got paid well enough from your boss.” Satsuki rolled her eyes, "Don't talk about him now, I'm trying to enjoy the dance.”
Jackal smiled, "You do know he is here.”
Satsuki nodded, "But I can pretend," The half Brazilian smiled, "Maybe I should pass you to dance with him next," he joked. Satsuki tilted her head, still smiling, "I would dare you to, but I think Marui-san wants a turn next,"
"Damn right I do," Marui Bunta said, appearing beside the pair. He grinned at Satsuki, "Sorry old mate," he said to Jackal who chuckled in reply. Jackal released her hand and Satsuki faced her redhead senior.
Marui took the next lead and he was grinning at her throughout the dance. "What’s so funny?" she asked, her voice curious. Marui shook his head, his violet eyes gleaming. "Nothing...I just remembered that the best ones gets the last dance."
Satsuki smiled, "You're saying you're the best one?" she joked.
Marui shrugged, as he twirled her, "I could be, but not for you," he winked and pushed her from behind. Satsuki was once again pushed forward and before she could stop herself, to look at Marui, and asked him what he meant, she had bumped into someone.
"Ow," the man in the black suit said. Satsuki quickly composed herself and gulped, as she faced the man's back. "I-I'm so sorry," she said, looking at the man's messy black hair.
Watching the man's back and his messy hair, reminded her vaguely of watching a certain boy in yellow and black jacket, swinging his racquet over his messy black hair.
Her eyes widened in surprised, as the man turned to look at her, and she saw that the man in front of her was the boy she remembered in her past. She eyed him; the feeling of familiarity enveloped her, making her heart almost beating quickly than before.
"A-Akaya,” the word came out of her mouth faster than she could stop herself. It had been a long time since she mouthed that name. Until then, she had never realized how she missed saying it, saying his name.
Akaya, on the other hand, blinked in surprised when he saw Satsuki standing in front of him, looking shock.
written by Ra1
Monday, December 24, 2007
Matchmaker: Yukimura Seiichi (Chapter 2)
Second Chapter: Bringing back the Past
“Okay, try moving around now,” the tailor ordered. Yukimura Satsuki nodded her head and moved around in her gown.
“It’s better,” she said as she tried sitting next. She twirled around in her peach, long, spaghetti-strap dress.
Masaki Yuna sighed and pushed her brown bangs away from her eyes. “You scared me,” she said to Satsuki. The other turned, tucking her straight black hair behind her ear, “Sorry.”
Yukimura Kaori stood up and smiled. “Well, that’s done, we don’t have to fix mine.” She said and looked at Satsuki. “You’re losing weight.”
Yuna laughed and nodded her head. “I’m the one all stressed out getting married, and you’re the one getting skinny. Unfair,”
Satsuki looked at them and frowned. “I’m not.” She objected. Then she smiled, “I just…got shrunk in the winter.”
Kaori laughed, “Right.” She said as she watched Satsuki going into the dressing room to change. The younger Yukimura looked at her brother’s fiancée. “So we’re all set right?”
Yuna nodded her head. Kaori smiled, “Cool, let’s get back. Niisan’s cooking.”
“Oh, I can’t see him,” Yuna said. Kaori blinked, “Why not? I never heard any rule saying you can’t see your fiancé two days before your marriage. Besides, there’s rehearsal dinner tomorrow night.”
Satsuki walked out of the dressing room, dressed in her white, off shoulder knit and jeans, holding her gown in one hand. She smiled. “Oh, I heard what happened yesterday.”
Kaori blinked. “What, what happened?”
Satsuki passed her gown to the tailor to wrap it up. “Well, since Yagyuu-san was supposed to manage the bachelor party, Niou-san dressed as him and took in charge.”
Kaori nodded her head, “I heard that. Niisan told me.”
Yuna looked at her, “Did you know that he invited a dozen of strippers to the party?” she said, rolling her eyes. Kaori’s eyes widened a little and a smile crept on her face. “That’s expected, coming from Niou-san,”
Satsuki nodded and laughed, “And I heard everyone were choking on their margaritas. And Sanada-san was outraged.” She continued laughing. “But since it’s Seiichi-san’s party, he couldn’t say anything.”
Yuna turned, “That’s because he was drunk and enjoying the show,” she explained. Satsuki looked at her and then nodded, “Yeah, and by then all of them were partly drunk anyway.”
Kaori looked half amused and disgusted. “Well, niisan’s came back home early, so I’m sure nothing happened.” Yuna nodded. “I know, he messaged me then that there were strippers, and I kind of knew it would happen already,”
“But you’re still upset?” Kaori asked. Yuna shook her head. “No. I just don’t plan on seeing him until the rehearsal dinner,”
Kaori looked lost so Satsuki leaned and whispered, “You see, when a man sees nude women everywhere, and they can’t have some…sugar,” she smiled, “When they see their partner after that, they’d instantly get turned on,” Satsuki laughed.
Kaori turned red, “Oh gross.” She said. Yuna laughed too. “Satsuki, where’s your modesty?” she laughed.
Satsuki laughed and shrugged, “It’s just us girls, we can drop it off,” she winked.
*
Satsuki looked around her, at the surrounding and the people attending the rehearsal dinner. She has attended a lot of posh dinners in the past, due to her boss’s invitation and businesses, but what really surprised her this time was the people that were there.
The posh decorations, the grand center pieces, the bouquet of flowers that filled the whole room and the extravagant food were already a norm to her. But seeing these people, these people that she hasn’t seen in years, was something different.
It was her cousin’s rehearsal dinner, and the place was filled with family members, family friends, colleagues and old friends.
More specifically, Yukimura Seiichi’s old tennis friends.
If she could describe it easily, she would say the whole Rikkaidai, Hyoutei, Seigaku and other old schools’ tennis regulars were there. Never mind the Rikkaidai members because she had seen them around, since Seiichi and them would sometimes meet.
And never mind her boss too, since she’d sees him at least once a week. But the other people, those that she had never talked too, those she only knew by faces and names, those who she has heard many successful stories of their jobs, those who were already living far away, seeing all of them made her remember back her past.
The junior and high school days where she would, no matter what, attend the Rikkaidai tennis matches, to support her school and her cousin’s team, of those days where she would see her cousin and his friends and their supposedly rivals, sitting down and having dinners together.
It also reminded her of her cousin’s sick days, lying in the hospital bed and looking pale. She remembered saying it was not fair, back then, to her cousin that he couldn’t enjoy his life.
She remembered how he would smile gently, despite the emptiness in his eyes, and tell her that good times will come.
Satsuki guessed it was right, because it was then that Seiichi had met with Yuna. If he was never sick, they wouldn’t have met and fell in love. After that, Satsuki had never seen her cousin’s empty eyes.
They were always full of mirth and love.
Seeing these people that brought the past back to her was bittersweet, it was sweet that it made her remember, but it felt bitter because she knew these teams weren’t completed. Nearly, anyway.
“Yen for your thought,” she heard someone said beside her, breaking her thoughts.
Satsuki turned and saw Niou Masaharu standing beside her, holding two glasses of wine, grinning at her. She smiled and took one of the glasses, “Thanks,” she said and took a sip. “I was just thinking that seeing these people reminded me of junior and high school days.”
Niou nodded his head as he took too a sip. “Yeah, it’s annoying actually,”
Satsuki looked at him amused. That was an answer she didn’t expect. “How so?”
“’Cuz you’re not supposed to see them until you’re old and gray,” Niou said. Satsuki looked at him and grinned. “You’re old, and gray,” she said pointing to his hair. Niou smirked at her, leaned over and took the glass of wine back.
“Hey,” Satsuki said, frowning when Niou handed the glass to a waiter nearby. Niou was still smirking, “You get drunk easily, I’m not taking any chances,”
“That’s good to hear,” Yukimura’s voice was heard behind them. He smiled at Niou, “I guess you already felt full after taking chances on those strippers,”
Niou laughed and sipped his wine, “Well, Marui’s the one who kept their numbers,”
Marui Bunta’s head perked up from the nearby dessert table and he frowned when he heard the conversation. “I did not.”
Satsuki smiled to herself, she liked watching her cousin and his old friends. They were something that she had gotten used to for many years, and already became her comfort, like her own blankee.
“Satsuki,” she heard someone calling her name. She turned her head away from watching Marui trying to deny Niou’s accusations, and saw Kaori looked at her shyly.
“I got lost trying to find the ladies room, accompany me?” she asked. Satsuki smiled and walked away from the group of guys that were now getting more attention and gathering more of their old friends.
“Too bad you weren’t there to take the pictures,” Niou said, winking to Fuji who was also present. The latter, laughed in return. “I don’t do rater R,”
“You should see the look on Sanada’s face,” Marui laughed. “Tarundaro!” he joked.
“You seem like you’re having fun,” a voice said behind him, “Talking about me.” Sanada Genichirou glared at the red head. Marui choked on the blueberry tart he was eating and smiled awkwardly. “Oh, hi.”
“Sanada,” Oshitari smiled, walking over towards the group and extending a hand. “It’s been a long time,” he said as both men shook hands. Sanada nodded his head.
“Congrats again, Yukimura,” Oshitari said and Yukimura smiled. “Guess you’re the first one to break the record huh?”
Yukimura chuckled. “Well, we’re not getting any younger,”
Marui nodded his head. “True that,” he said, popping another tart into his mouth. Yagyuu pushed is glass higher on his nose and smirked. “No wonder you were jotting down their numbers hurriedly.”
Marui glared. “I did not.”
Niou smirked. “So who wants to bet for who’s getting whipped next.”
Oshitari grinned, “I’m betting on Atobe.”
“As the last one,” Atobe Keigo added in, glaring at his old teammate and greeting the others.
“Well, even the new Samurai been whipped.” Fuji chuckled, pointing to Echizen Ryoma not too far away from them, talking to his old captain, a woman standing beside him.
“He beat us again huh,” Momoshiro who stood beside Fuji laughed. Then he blinked his eyes.
“Eh, Yukimura-san,” Momoshiro started, “You didn’t invite Kirihara over? I heard he’s returning,” he said and grinned. “Wanted to see how those two would react when they see each other.”
The ex-Rikkaidai regulars paused and turned to look at their old buchou. Yukimura nodded and smiled. “He’s back, but he just returned to Kanagawa today and spending time with his parents,”
Marui grinned, “Can’t wait to see that seaweed hair again.” Niou nodded, “We have to make him feel at home, ne Yagyuu?”
Yukimura smiled, watching his friends’ excited reactions when they speak of their old junior. Then he turned to Atobe, as if he had suddenly remembered something important.
“Speaking about this,” Yukimura smiled, watching a waiter passing by with a tray of glasses of wine “There is something I have to discuss with you Atobe.”
Atobe raised an eyebrow as Yukimura handed him a glass of wine and smiled in return.
*
It had been more than a year since Akaya returned to his house. The last time he was in Kanagawa, heck in Japan even, was when his niece Aoko was born.
All these times he’s been living in hotels, traveling and training all over the world. It’s not like he doesn’t have a house of his own, he does; an apartment in the heart of Tokyo, that he bought using his winnings money, but he rarely returns.
But at times when he does, especially now, he felt it was worth it and really special. Seeing his parents, hugging his dad and eating his mom food and sleeping in his old room, it made him felt relaxed.
And it had been a long time since he was this relaxed.
His door was knocked, awakening him from his reverie. He looked up from his bed and found his mother standing in front of the door; a smile etched oh her face and a folded towel on her right hand.
“Here’s a clean towel,” she handed him the checkers print towel and Akaya inhaled the familiar scent of detergent and softener and put the towel on the right side of his bed. He grinned up at his mother and mouthed ‘Thank you.’
Mariko chuckled. “You’re speaking in English,” she pointed out and Akaya shrugged. “Not really. Marco made me. Said he was doesn’t want to hire any translator. I’ll say his too stingy.” Akaya hmphed and crossed his arms. “I only take up until basics conversation for payback.”
Mariko scowled, “Mou Akaya. It would do you good if you did.” She was placing her hands on her hips and Akaya absently rubbed the back of his head. “Nah. Marco’s a lot worse than my high school English teacher. He was too demanding.”
“It sounds like you still enjoy tormenting people,” sighed Mariko. “You don’t realize that people are worried for you, do you?”
“I’m not a little boy,” Akaya said and scoot over as his mother sat at the other end. “I can handle myself fine,” he declared. “I get myself up there and I know how to handle it.”
Mariko shook her head, chuckling. Her hand touched his knee and she felt him flinched slightly. Akaya pouted as she apologized. “People keep forgetting I’m injured,” he murmured. Mariko rolled her eyes.
“Tomorrow’s the big day huh?” she asked. Akaya nodded his head. “Can’t wait to see them,” he grinned.
His mom sighed. “You purposely avoided the rehearsal dinner tonight so you can surprise your old friends tomorrow?”
Akaya nodded proudly. “Yup! Give them more suspense to see me,”
His mom shook her head, “It’s Yukimura-san’s wedding you know, not yours,” she paused and then smiled. “Speaking about that, when are you going to have yours?”
Akaya felt himself getting woozy from the question. “What? Marriage?” he laughed. “Not now,”
“When then?”
Akaya thought for a second and then shrugged. “I don’t know…when I’m finally number one, maybe,”
His mother smiled and nodded her head. “I’ll keep that promise then,” she said and left his room.
Akaya stared at the clean towel and lied down on his bed, covering his face with the same towel. The smell brought him back to his younger days and he closed his eyes and began to recall them.
He remembered the yellow and back Regular jackets. He remembered the seven seniors that were always with him back then.
He remembered Yukimura’s warm smile, Sanada and his stern frown. He remembered Yanagi’s calm face no matter in what situation. He remembered Marui popping a bubble gum, Jackal smiling sympathetically at him whenever Sanada scolded him. He remembered Niou’s silver ponytail and Yagyuu’s smirk whenever they both were up to no good.
And he vaguely remembered the presence of a girl, black, straight, shoulder length hair and chocolate eyes looking at him irritated, yet the corner of her thin lips turned, amused.
Akaya smiled to himself. He can’t wait for tomorrow.
TBC
-written by Ra1
“Okay, try moving around now,” the tailor ordered. Yukimura Satsuki nodded her head and moved around in her gown.
“It’s better,” she said as she tried sitting next. She twirled around in her peach, long, spaghetti-strap dress.
Masaki Yuna sighed and pushed her brown bangs away from her eyes. “You scared me,” she said to Satsuki. The other turned, tucking her straight black hair behind her ear, “Sorry.”
Yukimura Kaori stood up and smiled. “Well, that’s done, we don’t have to fix mine.” She said and looked at Satsuki. “You’re losing weight.”
Yuna laughed and nodded her head. “I’m the one all stressed out getting married, and you’re the one getting skinny. Unfair,”
Satsuki looked at them and frowned. “I’m not.” She objected. Then she smiled, “I just…got shrunk in the winter.”
Kaori laughed, “Right.” She said as she watched Satsuki going into the dressing room to change. The younger Yukimura looked at her brother’s fiancée. “So we’re all set right?”
Yuna nodded her head. Kaori smiled, “Cool, let’s get back. Niisan’s cooking.”
“Oh, I can’t see him,” Yuna said. Kaori blinked, “Why not? I never heard any rule saying you can’t see your fiancé two days before your marriage. Besides, there’s rehearsal dinner tomorrow night.”
Satsuki walked out of the dressing room, dressed in her white, off shoulder knit and jeans, holding her gown in one hand. She smiled. “Oh, I heard what happened yesterday.”
Kaori blinked. “What, what happened?”
Satsuki passed her gown to the tailor to wrap it up. “Well, since Yagyuu-san was supposed to manage the bachelor party, Niou-san dressed as him and took in charge.”
Kaori nodded her head, “I heard that. Niisan told me.”
Yuna looked at her, “Did you know that he invited a dozen of strippers to the party?” she said, rolling her eyes. Kaori’s eyes widened a little and a smile crept on her face. “That’s expected, coming from Niou-san,”
Satsuki nodded and laughed, “And I heard everyone were choking on their margaritas. And Sanada-san was outraged.” She continued laughing. “But since it’s Seiichi-san’s party, he couldn’t say anything.”
Yuna turned, “That’s because he was drunk and enjoying the show,” she explained. Satsuki looked at her and then nodded, “Yeah, and by then all of them were partly drunk anyway.”
Kaori looked half amused and disgusted. “Well, niisan’s came back home early, so I’m sure nothing happened.” Yuna nodded. “I know, he messaged me then that there were strippers, and I kind of knew it would happen already,”
“But you’re still upset?” Kaori asked. Yuna shook her head. “No. I just don’t plan on seeing him until the rehearsal dinner,”
Kaori looked lost so Satsuki leaned and whispered, “You see, when a man sees nude women everywhere, and they can’t have some…sugar,” she smiled, “When they see their partner after that, they’d instantly get turned on,” Satsuki laughed.
Kaori turned red, “Oh gross.” She said. Yuna laughed too. “Satsuki, where’s your modesty?” she laughed.
Satsuki laughed and shrugged, “It’s just us girls, we can drop it off,” she winked.
*
Satsuki looked around her, at the surrounding and the people attending the rehearsal dinner. She has attended a lot of posh dinners in the past, due to her boss’s invitation and businesses, but what really surprised her this time was the people that were there.
The posh decorations, the grand center pieces, the bouquet of flowers that filled the whole room and the extravagant food were already a norm to her. But seeing these people, these people that she hasn’t seen in years, was something different.
It was her cousin’s rehearsal dinner, and the place was filled with family members, family friends, colleagues and old friends.
More specifically, Yukimura Seiichi’s old tennis friends.
If she could describe it easily, she would say the whole Rikkaidai, Hyoutei, Seigaku and other old schools’ tennis regulars were there. Never mind the Rikkaidai members because she had seen them around, since Seiichi and them would sometimes meet.
And never mind her boss too, since she’d sees him at least once a week. But the other people, those that she had never talked too, those she only knew by faces and names, those who she has heard many successful stories of their jobs, those who were already living far away, seeing all of them made her remember back her past.
The junior and high school days where she would, no matter what, attend the Rikkaidai tennis matches, to support her school and her cousin’s team, of those days where she would see her cousin and his friends and their supposedly rivals, sitting down and having dinners together.
It also reminded her of her cousin’s sick days, lying in the hospital bed and looking pale. She remembered saying it was not fair, back then, to her cousin that he couldn’t enjoy his life.
She remembered how he would smile gently, despite the emptiness in his eyes, and tell her that good times will come.
Satsuki guessed it was right, because it was then that Seiichi had met with Yuna. If he was never sick, they wouldn’t have met and fell in love. After that, Satsuki had never seen her cousin’s empty eyes.
They were always full of mirth and love.
Seeing these people that brought the past back to her was bittersweet, it was sweet that it made her remember, but it felt bitter because she knew these teams weren’t completed. Nearly, anyway.
“Yen for your thought,” she heard someone said beside her, breaking her thoughts.
Satsuki turned and saw Niou Masaharu standing beside her, holding two glasses of wine, grinning at her. She smiled and took one of the glasses, “Thanks,” she said and took a sip. “I was just thinking that seeing these people reminded me of junior and high school days.”
Niou nodded his head as he took too a sip. “Yeah, it’s annoying actually,”
Satsuki looked at him amused. That was an answer she didn’t expect. “How so?”
“’Cuz you’re not supposed to see them until you’re old and gray,” Niou said. Satsuki looked at him and grinned. “You’re old, and gray,” she said pointing to his hair. Niou smirked at her, leaned over and took the glass of wine back.
“Hey,” Satsuki said, frowning when Niou handed the glass to a waiter nearby. Niou was still smirking, “You get drunk easily, I’m not taking any chances,”
“That’s good to hear,” Yukimura’s voice was heard behind them. He smiled at Niou, “I guess you already felt full after taking chances on those strippers,”
Niou laughed and sipped his wine, “Well, Marui’s the one who kept their numbers,”
Marui Bunta’s head perked up from the nearby dessert table and he frowned when he heard the conversation. “I did not.”
Satsuki smiled to herself, she liked watching her cousin and his old friends. They were something that she had gotten used to for many years, and already became her comfort, like her own blankee.
“Satsuki,” she heard someone calling her name. She turned her head away from watching Marui trying to deny Niou’s accusations, and saw Kaori looked at her shyly.
“I got lost trying to find the ladies room, accompany me?” she asked. Satsuki smiled and walked away from the group of guys that were now getting more attention and gathering more of their old friends.
“Too bad you weren’t there to take the pictures,” Niou said, winking to Fuji who was also present. The latter, laughed in return. “I don’t do rater R,”
“You should see the look on Sanada’s face,” Marui laughed. “Tarundaro!” he joked.
“You seem like you’re having fun,” a voice said behind him, “Talking about me.” Sanada Genichirou glared at the red head. Marui choked on the blueberry tart he was eating and smiled awkwardly. “Oh, hi.”
“Sanada,” Oshitari smiled, walking over towards the group and extending a hand. “It’s been a long time,” he said as both men shook hands. Sanada nodded his head.
“Congrats again, Yukimura,” Oshitari said and Yukimura smiled. “Guess you’re the first one to break the record huh?”
Yukimura chuckled. “Well, we’re not getting any younger,”
Marui nodded his head. “True that,” he said, popping another tart into his mouth. Yagyuu pushed is glass higher on his nose and smirked. “No wonder you were jotting down their numbers hurriedly.”
Marui glared. “I did not.”
Niou smirked. “So who wants to bet for who’s getting whipped next.”
Oshitari grinned, “I’m betting on Atobe.”
“As the last one,” Atobe Keigo added in, glaring at his old teammate and greeting the others.
“Well, even the new Samurai been whipped.” Fuji chuckled, pointing to Echizen Ryoma not too far away from them, talking to his old captain, a woman standing beside him.
“He beat us again huh,” Momoshiro who stood beside Fuji laughed. Then he blinked his eyes.
“Eh, Yukimura-san,” Momoshiro started, “You didn’t invite Kirihara over? I heard he’s returning,” he said and grinned. “Wanted to see how those two would react when they see each other.”
The ex-Rikkaidai regulars paused and turned to look at their old buchou. Yukimura nodded and smiled. “He’s back, but he just returned to Kanagawa today and spending time with his parents,”
Marui grinned, “Can’t wait to see that seaweed hair again.” Niou nodded, “We have to make him feel at home, ne Yagyuu?”
Yukimura smiled, watching his friends’ excited reactions when they speak of their old junior. Then he turned to Atobe, as if he had suddenly remembered something important.
“Speaking about this,” Yukimura smiled, watching a waiter passing by with a tray of glasses of wine “There is something I have to discuss with you Atobe.”
Atobe raised an eyebrow as Yukimura handed him a glass of wine and smiled in return.
*
It had been more than a year since Akaya returned to his house. The last time he was in Kanagawa, heck in Japan even, was when his niece Aoko was born.
All these times he’s been living in hotels, traveling and training all over the world. It’s not like he doesn’t have a house of his own, he does; an apartment in the heart of Tokyo, that he bought using his winnings money, but he rarely returns.
But at times when he does, especially now, he felt it was worth it and really special. Seeing his parents, hugging his dad and eating his mom food and sleeping in his old room, it made him felt relaxed.
And it had been a long time since he was this relaxed.
His door was knocked, awakening him from his reverie. He looked up from his bed and found his mother standing in front of the door; a smile etched oh her face and a folded towel on her right hand.
“Here’s a clean towel,” she handed him the checkers print towel and Akaya inhaled the familiar scent of detergent and softener and put the towel on the right side of his bed. He grinned up at his mother and mouthed ‘Thank you.’
Mariko chuckled. “You’re speaking in English,” she pointed out and Akaya shrugged. “Not really. Marco made me. Said he was doesn’t want to hire any translator. I’ll say his too stingy.” Akaya hmphed and crossed his arms. “I only take up until basics conversation for payback.”
Mariko scowled, “Mou Akaya. It would do you good if you did.” She was placing her hands on her hips and Akaya absently rubbed the back of his head. “Nah. Marco’s a lot worse than my high school English teacher. He was too demanding.”
“It sounds like you still enjoy tormenting people,” sighed Mariko. “You don’t realize that people are worried for you, do you?”
“I’m not a little boy,” Akaya said and scoot over as his mother sat at the other end. “I can handle myself fine,” he declared. “I get myself up there and I know how to handle it.”
Mariko shook her head, chuckling. Her hand touched his knee and she felt him flinched slightly. Akaya pouted as she apologized. “People keep forgetting I’m injured,” he murmured. Mariko rolled her eyes.
“Tomorrow’s the big day huh?” she asked. Akaya nodded his head. “Can’t wait to see them,” he grinned.
His mom sighed. “You purposely avoided the rehearsal dinner tonight so you can surprise your old friends tomorrow?”
Akaya nodded proudly. “Yup! Give them more suspense to see me,”
His mom shook her head, “It’s Yukimura-san’s wedding you know, not yours,” she paused and then smiled. “Speaking about that, when are you going to have yours?”
Akaya felt himself getting woozy from the question. “What? Marriage?” he laughed. “Not now,”
“When then?”
Akaya thought for a second and then shrugged. “I don’t know…when I’m finally number one, maybe,”
His mother smiled and nodded her head. “I’ll keep that promise then,” she said and left his room.
Akaya stared at the clean towel and lied down on his bed, covering his face with the same towel. The smell brought him back to his younger days and he closed his eyes and began to recall them.
He remembered the yellow and back Regular jackets. He remembered the seven seniors that were always with him back then.
He remembered Yukimura’s warm smile, Sanada and his stern frown. He remembered Yanagi’s calm face no matter in what situation. He remembered Marui popping a bubble gum, Jackal smiling sympathetically at him whenever Sanada scolded him. He remembered Niou’s silver ponytail and Yagyuu’s smirk whenever they both were up to no good.
And he vaguely remembered the presence of a girl, black, straight, shoulder length hair and chocolate eyes looking at him irritated, yet the corner of her thin lips turned, amused.
Akaya smiled to himself. He can’t wait for tomorrow.
TBC
-written by Ra1
Matchmaker: Yukimura Seiichi (Chapter 1)
Chapter One : The begining
When Kirihara Akaya turned up at his sister’s doorsteps, the older woman gave a slight smirk. “So,” she beagn as he entered the house, dragging behind his suitcase with slight difficulty. “It took you a wedding, an injury and countless phone calls to make you come home, huh?”
Akaya scowled and met with his brother-in-law, Fujima Kenji, as he walked down the hall. His sister, Ayaka, didn’t even help with his luggage. Talk about being mean!
Luckily, his brother-in-law was informed of his injury since the whole week the press had exposed it in every form of media. And as Kenji offered to help, Akaya was glad that his brother-in-law still had a shred of humanity towards him regardless of the long time he had visited them. He shot his sister a look. Unlike some people that only glared at one’s husband for helping a poor injured tennis player that was blood related to them.
“Oh please Akaya,” Ayaka said, rolling her eyes and managed to give her husband a Look for lending a hand to her brother. Honestly, the woman had forgotton that traveling alone with a suitcase for an injured person was painful enough for a punishment. But no—she still wanted to nag him for not visiting for all these times.
“Do you know how worried Mom was? All those stories on the papers—” So she did read, Akaya silently spoke and earned him a nudge from the elbow by Kenji. “We were worried, even Dad, and you only called in like what? Once in three, four months?”
“There’s the call that said I’ll come for Yukimura-buchou’s wedding,” offered Akaya. “And on Wednesday to tell you that I’m injured and will be coming home—”
“It was your manager that informed us. And the papers told your injury first before your manager called,” she cut in, ending her sentence with a glare and Akaya managed a shrug.
Marriage had done good things to his sister, she was happy for one, and her cooking had improved for the better. However, motherhood had shaped certain traits that made Akaya wondered if her husband had ever doubted the choice for his wife. Nagging, in Akaya’s mind, was terribly annoying.
Akaya remained silent and he could feel his sister’s glare. Any moment now, she would continue he nag…Akaya was ready; he of course had had practices with his mother’s in the past and an added bonus of practice with his nagging manager. Though in his sister’s case, violence was somehow promised.
His sister’s lips twitched and fortunately, Akaya’s two years old niece cried. Ayaka glanced at her brother and her husband, the latter almost accusingly and walked upstairs to Aoko’s bedroom. Akaya felt a hand on his shoulder and looked at Kenji. Kenji offered a smile. “Good flight?”
The green-eyed tennis player shrugged. “Guess so. I’m hungry though,” he added, a grin on his tanned face. “Got anything to eat?”
Kenji chuckled as he placed Akaya’s luggage beside the stairs, and lead him to the kitchen. Ayaka had made sandwiches for him (“He still has that black hole stomach of his,” she said said, spreading mayonnaise on top of his lettuce and shredded chicken while waiting for Akaya’s arrival) and Kenji opened the fridge and took out a carton of apple juice.
“Itadakimasu!” Akaya murmured happily and devoured his food with much gusto. Kenji watched him stuffing his face and called him. Akaya paused, there was slight traces of mayonnaise on the side of his lips.
“Your family was wondering about you very often. Do we have to break your legs everytime to get you to visit?” he asked, his blue eyes looking straight at the younger man.
“I wouldn’t mind doing that,” Ayaka said at the kitchen door. She sat beside her husband, ruffling her younger brother’s curly locks before she did so. “And I bet your manager will have my head by the next day.”
Akaya licked his thumb away from crumbs. “Nah, he prefers slow torture. Been a fan of Hannibal.”
“Kenji laughed and Ayaka gave a small smile as she leant in and patter Akaya’s head. “Welcome back, Akaya.”
*
“Just because you’re a celebrity,” Ayaka started, fresh from sleep and bath at the morning. “Doesn’t mean you can sleep until noon, Akaya.” She glared when Akaya yawned and turned to Aoko to feed her breakfast. “Look, even Aoko-chan wakes up early! Good girl,” she cooed and Akaya ate his meal.
“It’s my holiday,” Akaya mumbled and found his sister slowly looked at him. “You still got three months of it to relax. Today,” she said, eyeing him. “You are to call Mom and clear her head from those stories she’d read. She still thinks you’re having an affair with that Russian girl.”
“What? Lana was modeling watches with me! We’re not even chummy!”
Ayaka wiped her daughter’s lips with a hand towel. “Well, the press did took a photo of you two going for lunch. (“The crew went too,” Akaya declared defensively.) And it didn’t help things that Lana was caught taking illegal drugs.”
“Lana did?” Akaya asked, recalling the blonde tennis player. She was little thin and giddy but Akaya had dismissed it as her personalities.
“It was in the the news last Monday,” Ayaka sighed and face her brother. Akaya was in a blue T-shirt and green pajamas pants. His hair was messy from sleep and there were bags under his eyes. Akaya caught her looking at him and asked what between sips of tea.
“Akaya, are you tired?” Ayaka asked as she poured milk for Aoko. Aoko was regarding him closely and Akaya made faces to entertain her. Aoko’s small voice was laced with mirth and Akaya grinned at his niece. When he looked up, his sister was anticipating his answer.
He shook his head slightly.”Nah, I don’t usually get jet lag.” He reached out to take Aoko’s hands. “Aoko,” he called, “Akaya-niisan! Say it! Akaya-niisan!”
“Jiisan,” Ayaka corrected. “It’s uncle, Aoko-chan.” She spoke and took Aoko into her arms. Aoko giggled and muttered ‘mama’ every now and then. Akaya frowned as Ayaka pointed at him and mouthed, “Jiisan,” under her breath. “I’m still young, you know,” he protested and Ayaka shrugged. “Go and take your shower, you still have phone calls to do.”
Akaya pulled a face which she ignored and continued,” And you better buy a tux if you didn’t bring any. You’re not borrowing Kenji’s.”
“Can’t Kenji-san pick—”
“You’re injured, not dead, Akaya,” Ayaka replied as a matter-of-factly. “And you’re too spoilt and lazy. Thank goodness you’re an athlete. If you weren’t, you’ll probably be the size of a sumo wrestler. Right, Aoko?”
Aoko eagerly laughed as Akaya strutted upstairs. He went back downstairs later when his sister demanded his to clear the table.
“Meanie,” Akaya grumbled and earnt a smack at the back of his head.
And thus, Akaya’s break began.
*
Ayaka sighed as she plopped herself down on the couch. The Fujima household was ensued in silence. Her daughter was already fast asleep upstairs after playing energetically with her uncle for the past hours.
Ayaka looked at the stairs and remembered the state of Aoko’s nursery. Apparently, Akaya had bought more toys for his niece and the two had spent the whole morning playing together. Aoko was a mess maker, being in her troublesome twos and with the presence of Akaya, the room could easily be dismissed as a junk yard. It made her wonder if he’s really was injured.
Footsteps echoed through the halls and Ayaka found her brother dressed in a brown sweater and khakis pants. Ayaka cocked an eyebrow when she saw the pout on his face. She immediately pulled up a magazine and pretended to read when the said person sat across her. She was used to the sights of Akaya’s pleading looks, being exposed to it since youth but unfortunately, being his older sister didn’t guaranteed the immunity to it.
“Ayaka-neesan,” Akaya said, in that tone of his that Ayaka deciphered as pretty please, with sugar on top? Moreover, if she was not mistaken, he had added another dose of sweetness in his voice. She remembered he had used this tone in his teenage years to beg their parents to buy him the new video games. And, if her memories hadn’t defied her, it usually work.
“Weren’t you supposed to get yourself a suit?” Ayaka inquired behind the magazine. “Yukimura-kun’s wedding is the day after tomorrow, you know,” she added and finally brought the magazine down by an inch.
“I know, but can’t I—”
“You need to buy a new one. You can’t keep wearing those clothes people sponsored. Everyone around the world had seen you in them.”
Akaya frowned again and crossed his arms. “But—”
“Akaya, you can afford a new one, you’re rich for God’s sake!” she glared as he began to open his mouth and continued, “And don’t you dare say a thing about uneconomical. Who’s the one that spent his allowance on those junks before?”
“That was—”
Ayaka had placed the magazine on her laps, her eyes narrowed on the tennis player. He gave another pout and Ayaka said tentatively, “Do you want me to call Mom to assist you?”
Akaya stared at her and sighed. “Fine,” he said and stood up, his lips formed into another pout. She watched his back as he moved and smiled. “Akaya! Don’t forget the tie.”
“Wakatta, wakatta,” came his lazy reply. “Ittekimasu.”
“Itterashai,” Ayaka answered, a smile still plastered on her face.
*
“Oniisan, you’re up,” Kaori asked, looking up from the newspapers as her brother walked into the living room. Yukimura was wearing a white T-shirt and black pants and slung around his neck was a blue towel. His hair was slightly wet almost making it looked darker than its usual bluish shade.
Yukimura gave his sister a wan smile and entered the kitchen. He walked out carrying a mineral bottle and Kaori noted the paleness of his skin. “Are you okay?” she asked as the older man seated himself beside her.
“Hm,” nodded Yukimura. “A little headache, but I’m fine.”
Kaori grinned, “Did last night wear you off?”
“Not really. It was like being back in high school though, with Masaharu pulling a switch with Hiroshi,” Yukimura replied, taking a long sip of his water. “I wonder if the word chaotic could describe it…”
Kaori pulled a face as she turned a page of her newspapers. “But I though Yagyuu-san was organizing it. When you mean switch—oh,” she said meaningfully and looked back at the newspapers. “Must been a fun outing,” she muttered and glanced at her brother. Yukimura smiled. “It was, but you’re not supposed to know, Kaori,” he replied.
“Thank you for excusing me from all the gory details, niisan,” Kaori laughed. “Yuna-san and I was exchanging stories about bachelor party the other day. Oh, I’ve been meaning to ask you. Will Kirihara-san be there? I heard he’s injured and the papers said he’s taking a long break,” Kaori said and spread the newspaper on the coffee table for his brother to see. There was a two-paragraphed article with a small insert photo of Akaya playing tennis on a clay court for his past tournament. “It’s been a long time since we saw him,” Kaori was folding the newspaper into half.
Yukimura placed his water bottle on the table. “I’ve sent him an invitation. Ayaka-san did text me saying he could come but that was before he got his injury. Maybe I should give a call,” Yukimura voiced and took the cordless phone on the table. “Maybe he’s already in Japan.”
Yukimura nodded and dialed the number of Kirihara’s parents house number. He didn’t need to look it up his phone book to know. It was something that he had carved in the back of his head since he was teenager. And it was still there.
Yukimura listened to the beeping patiently. Behind him, his sister’s cell phone rang. He glanced at Kaori and watched his sister picking up and answering the phone.
“Moshi moshi?” he heard the person on the other side of call said. Yukimura turned his attention to the phone in his hand. “Ah, It’s Yukimura Seiichi,”
“Ahhh…Yukimura-kun,” Kirihara Mariko, Kirihara Akaya’s mother, said back. “How are you?”
“I’m fine,” Yukimura said, “A little busy here with the preparation,”
“You must be nervous,” Mariko laughed. Yukimura laughed too, “Yeah.” He said. “Anyway, has Akaya return?”
“Yes, last night.” Mariko answered. “But he’s at his sister’s house now, Ayaka called and told me yesterday.”
“I see,” Yukimura nodded his head. “Well that is all. You will be coming for the wedding, right?” he asked. Mariko laughed, “We wouldn’t miss it.”
Yukimura smiled and after bidding goodbye he hanged up the phone. Then he paused before dialing the next number, “What is Ayaka-san’s number again…” he said to himself.
“Oh, I remember,” Kaori asked as she stood up and took the phone from her brother. She dialed it for him and passed him back the phone. “Here you go,” she said and started walking hurriedly, taking along her handbag and car keys that she left on the kitchen counter.
“Thanks,” Yukimura said and looked at his sister, “Where are you going?”
Kaori looked at her brother just as she was putting on her shoes, “Oh, Yuna-san called. She said she wants to do a last dress check up,” she said. “Turns out that Satsuki-san’s one was a little loose,”
Yukimura nodded his head, “I see. And where’s your dress?” he asked.
Kaori paused and her eyes widened. “Oh shit!” she said and ran up the stairs as fast as she can.
“Language,” Yukimura warned. He could hear his sister’s loud steps on the second floor of the house.
“Hello?” he heard a voice from the other end of the phone said. Yukimura focused on the call. “Oh hello, Yukimura Seiichi desu.”
“Ah, Yukimura-kun,” Ayaka said. “How are you?”
“I am good,” Yukimura said. “How are you?” he asked back as he watched his sister stepped down the stairs hurriedly, carrying her bridesmaid gown, wrapped in clear plastic.
As she was putting on her shoes again, her cell phone rang the second time. “Yes, Satsuki-san,” Kaori said as she answered the call. “I’m about to leave the house—I’ll be there in 15 minutes—yes, I know we all want to look good for the wedding,” she was saying into the phone as she walked out the house, “Bye niisan!”
Yukimura watched the doorway for a while, his sister’s words ringing in his head. He thought for a while.
“Hello, Yukimura-kun?” Ayaka’s voice broke his train of thoughts. Yukimura blinked his eyes and looked at the phone in his hand. He smiled.
“Ah, gomen Ayaka-san, what were you saying?”
“It’s okay,” Ayaka said, “I said that Akaya is here,”
Yukimura smiled, “That’s good,” he said. “May I speak with him?”
“Unfortunately, you just missed him,” Ayaka apologized. “I told him to go out and buy a tux for your wedding.”
Yukimura thought for a while. “Ah, so he is coming then?” he asked. Ayaka laughed, “Yup. It took him a long time to return, he should at least give some respect to his senior who’s getting married soon.”
Yukimura laughed. “That’s good then, I can’t wait to see all of you.” He said. “Send Akaya my regards.” He said as he bid goodbye.
He hanged up the phone and looked at it for a second. His brain begins to work and he smiled to himself.
“This is perfect.”
TBC
-written by Ra2
When Kirihara Akaya turned up at his sister’s doorsteps, the older woman gave a slight smirk. “So,” she beagn as he entered the house, dragging behind his suitcase with slight difficulty. “It took you a wedding, an injury and countless phone calls to make you come home, huh?”
Akaya scowled and met with his brother-in-law, Fujima Kenji, as he walked down the hall. His sister, Ayaka, didn’t even help with his luggage. Talk about being mean!
Luckily, his brother-in-law was informed of his injury since the whole week the press had exposed it in every form of media. And as Kenji offered to help, Akaya was glad that his brother-in-law still had a shred of humanity towards him regardless of the long time he had visited them. He shot his sister a look. Unlike some people that only glared at one’s husband for helping a poor injured tennis player that was blood related to them.
“Oh please Akaya,” Ayaka said, rolling her eyes and managed to give her husband a Look for lending a hand to her brother. Honestly, the woman had forgotton that traveling alone with a suitcase for an injured person was painful enough for a punishment. But no—she still wanted to nag him for not visiting for all these times.
“Do you know how worried Mom was? All those stories on the papers—” So she did read, Akaya silently spoke and earned him a nudge from the elbow by Kenji. “We were worried, even Dad, and you only called in like what? Once in three, four months?”
“There’s the call that said I’ll come for Yukimura-buchou’s wedding,” offered Akaya. “And on Wednesday to tell you that I’m injured and will be coming home—”
“It was your manager that informed us. And the papers told your injury first before your manager called,” she cut in, ending her sentence with a glare and Akaya managed a shrug.
Marriage had done good things to his sister, she was happy for one, and her cooking had improved for the better. However, motherhood had shaped certain traits that made Akaya wondered if her husband had ever doubted the choice for his wife. Nagging, in Akaya’s mind, was terribly annoying.
Akaya remained silent and he could feel his sister’s glare. Any moment now, she would continue he nag…Akaya was ready; he of course had had practices with his mother’s in the past and an added bonus of practice with his nagging manager. Though in his sister’s case, violence was somehow promised.
His sister’s lips twitched and fortunately, Akaya’s two years old niece cried. Ayaka glanced at her brother and her husband, the latter almost accusingly and walked upstairs to Aoko’s bedroom. Akaya felt a hand on his shoulder and looked at Kenji. Kenji offered a smile. “Good flight?”
The green-eyed tennis player shrugged. “Guess so. I’m hungry though,” he added, a grin on his tanned face. “Got anything to eat?”
Kenji chuckled as he placed Akaya’s luggage beside the stairs, and lead him to the kitchen. Ayaka had made sandwiches for him (“He still has that black hole stomach of his,” she said said, spreading mayonnaise on top of his lettuce and shredded chicken while waiting for Akaya’s arrival) and Kenji opened the fridge and took out a carton of apple juice.
“Itadakimasu!” Akaya murmured happily and devoured his food with much gusto. Kenji watched him stuffing his face and called him. Akaya paused, there was slight traces of mayonnaise on the side of his lips.
“Your family was wondering about you very often. Do we have to break your legs everytime to get you to visit?” he asked, his blue eyes looking straight at the younger man.
“I wouldn’t mind doing that,” Ayaka said at the kitchen door. She sat beside her husband, ruffling her younger brother’s curly locks before she did so. “And I bet your manager will have my head by the next day.”
Akaya licked his thumb away from crumbs. “Nah, he prefers slow torture. Been a fan of Hannibal.”
“Kenji laughed and Ayaka gave a small smile as she leant in and patter Akaya’s head. “Welcome back, Akaya.”
*
“Just because you’re a celebrity,” Ayaka started, fresh from sleep and bath at the morning. “Doesn’t mean you can sleep until noon, Akaya.” She glared when Akaya yawned and turned to Aoko to feed her breakfast. “Look, even Aoko-chan wakes up early! Good girl,” she cooed and Akaya ate his meal.
“It’s my holiday,” Akaya mumbled and found his sister slowly looked at him. “You still got three months of it to relax. Today,” she said, eyeing him. “You are to call Mom and clear her head from those stories she’d read. She still thinks you’re having an affair with that Russian girl.”
“What? Lana was modeling watches with me! We’re not even chummy!”
Ayaka wiped her daughter’s lips with a hand towel. “Well, the press did took a photo of you two going for lunch. (“The crew went too,” Akaya declared defensively.) And it didn’t help things that Lana was caught taking illegal drugs.”
“Lana did?” Akaya asked, recalling the blonde tennis player. She was little thin and giddy but Akaya had dismissed it as her personalities.
“It was in the the news last Monday,” Ayaka sighed and face her brother. Akaya was in a blue T-shirt and green pajamas pants. His hair was messy from sleep and there were bags under his eyes. Akaya caught her looking at him and asked what between sips of tea.
“Akaya, are you tired?” Ayaka asked as she poured milk for Aoko. Aoko was regarding him closely and Akaya made faces to entertain her. Aoko’s small voice was laced with mirth and Akaya grinned at his niece. When he looked up, his sister was anticipating his answer.
He shook his head slightly.”Nah, I don’t usually get jet lag.” He reached out to take Aoko’s hands. “Aoko,” he called, “Akaya-niisan! Say it! Akaya-niisan!”
“Jiisan,” Ayaka corrected. “It’s uncle, Aoko-chan.” She spoke and took Aoko into her arms. Aoko giggled and muttered ‘mama’ every now and then. Akaya frowned as Ayaka pointed at him and mouthed, “Jiisan,” under her breath. “I’m still young, you know,” he protested and Ayaka shrugged. “Go and take your shower, you still have phone calls to do.”
Akaya pulled a face which she ignored and continued,” And you better buy a tux if you didn’t bring any. You’re not borrowing Kenji’s.”
“Can’t Kenji-san pick—”
“You’re injured, not dead, Akaya,” Ayaka replied as a matter-of-factly. “And you’re too spoilt and lazy. Thank goodness you’re an athlete. If you weren’t, you’ll probably be the size of a sumo wrestler. Right, Aoko?”
Aoko eagerly laughed as Akaya strutted upstairs. He went back downstairs later when his sister demanded his to clear the table.
“Meanie,” Akaya grumbled and earnt a smack at the back of his head.
And thus, Akaya’s break began.
*
Ayaka sighed as she plopped herself down on the couch. The Fujima household was ensued in silence. Her daughter was already fast asleep upstairs after playing energetically with her uncle for the past hours.
Ayaka looked at the stairs and remembered the state of Aoko’s nursery. Apparently, Akaya had bought more toys for his niece and the two had spent the whole morning playing together. Aoko was a mess maker, being in her troublesome twos and with the presence of Akaya, the room could easily be dismissed as a junk yard. It made her wonder if he’s really was injured.
Footsteps echoed through the halls and Ayaka found her brother dressed in a brown sweater and khakis pants. Ayaka cocked an eyebrow when she saw the pout on his face. She immediately pulled up a magazine and pretended to read when the said person sat across her. She was used to the sights of Akaya’s pleading looks, being exposed to it since youth but unfortunately, being his older sister didn’t guaranteed the immunity to it.
“Ayaka-neesan,” Akaya said, in that tone of his that Ayaka deciphered as pretty please, with sugar on top? Moreover, if she was not mistaken, he had added another dose of sweetness in his voice. She remembered he had used this tone in his teenage years to beg their parents to buy him the new video games. And, if her memories hadn’t defied her, it usually work.
“Weren’t you supposed to get yourself a suit?” Ayaka inquired behind the magazine. “Yukimura-kun’s wedding is the day after tomorrow, you know,” she added and finally brought the magazine down by an inch.
“I know, but can’t I—”
“You need to buy a new one. You can’t keep wearing those clothes people sponsored. Everyone around the world had seen you in them.”
Akaya frowned again and crossed his arms. “But—”
“Akaya, you can afford a new one, you’re rich for God’s sake!” she glared as he began to open his mouth and continued, “And don’t you dare say a thing about uneconomical. Who’s the one that spent his allowance on those junks before?”
“That was—”
Ayaka had placed the magazine on her laps, her eyes narrowed on the tennis player. He gave another pout and Ayaka said tentatively, “Do you want me to call Mom to assist you?”
Akaya stared at her and sighed. “Fine,” he said and stood up, his lips formed into another pout. She watched his back as he moved and smiled. “Akaya! Don’t forget the tie.”
“Wakatta, wakatta,” came his lazy reply. “Ittekimasu.”
“Itterashai,” Ayaka answered, a smile still plastered on her face.
*
“Oniisan, you’re up,” Kaori asked, looking up from the newspapers as her brother walked into the living room. Yukimura was wearing a white T-shirt and black pants and slung around his neck was a blue towel. His hair was slightly wet almost making it looked darker than its usual bluish shade.
Yukimura gave his sister a wan smile and entered the kitchen. He walked out carrying a mineral bottle and Kaori noted the paleness of his skin. “Are you okay?” she asked as the older man seated himself beside her.
“Hm,” nodded Yukimura. “A little headache, but I’m fine.”
Kaori grinned, “Did last night wear you off?”
“Not really. It was like being back in high school though, with Masaharu pulling a switch with Hiroshi,” Yukimura replied, taking a long sip of his water. “I wonder if the word chaotic could describe it…”
Kaori pulled a face as she turned a page of her newspapers. “But I though Yagyuu-san was organizing it. When you mean switch—oh,” she said meaningfully and looked back at the newspapers. “Must been a fun outing,” she muttered and glanced at her brother. Yukimura smiled. “It was, but you’re not supposed to know, Kaori,” he replied.
“Thank you for excusing me from all the gory details, niisan,” Kaori laughed. “Yuna-san and I was exchanging stories about bachelor party the other day. Oh, I’ve been meaning to ask you. Will Kirihara-san be there? I heard he’s injured and the papers said he’s taking a long break,” Kaori said and spread the newspaper on the coffee table for his brother to see. There was a two-paragraphed article with a small insert photo of Akaya playing tennis on a clay court for his past tournament. “It’s been a long time since we saw him,” Kaori was folding the newspaper into half.
Yukimura placed his water bottle on the table. “I’ve sent him an invitation. Ayaka-san did text me saying he could come but that was before he got his injury. Maybe I should give a call,” Yukimura voiced and took the cordless phone on the table. “Maybe he’s already in Japan.”
Yukimura nodded and dialed the number of Kirihara’s parents house number. He didn’t need to look it up his phone book to know. It was something that he had carved in the back of his head since he was teenager. And it was still there.
Yukimura listened to the beeping patiently. Behind him, his sister’s cell phone rang. He glanced at Kaori and watched his sister picking up and answering the phone.
“Moshi moshi?” he heard the person on the other side of call said. Yukimura turned his attention to the phone in his hand. “Ah, It’s Yukimura Seiichi,”
“Ahhh…Yukimura-kun,” Kirihara Mariko, Kirihara Akaya’s mother, said back. “How are you?”
“I’m fine,” Yukimura said, “A little busy here with the preparation,”
“You must be nervous,” Mariko laughed. Yukimura laughed too, “Yeah.” He said. “Anyway, has Akaya return?”
“Yes, last night.” Mariko answered. “But he’s at his sister’s house now, Ayaka called and told me yesterday.”
“I see,” Yukimura nodded his head. “Well that is all. You will be coming for the wedding, right?” he asked. Mariko laughed, “We wouldn’t miss it.”
Yukimura smiled and after bidding goodbye he hanged up the phone. Then he paused before dialing the next number, “What is Ayaka-san’s number again…” he said to himself.
“Oh, I remember,” Kaori asked as she stood up and took the phone from her brother. She dialed it for him and passed him back the phone. “Here you go,” she said and started walking hurriedly, taking along her handbag and car keys that she left on the kitchen counter.
“Thanks,” Yukimura said and looked at his sister, “Where are you going?”
Kaori looked at her brother just as she was putting on her shoes, “Oh, Yuna-san called. She said she wants to do a last dress check up,” she said. “Turns out that Satsuki-san’s one was a little loose,”
Yukimura nodded his head, “I see. And where’s your dress?” he asked.
Kaori paused and her eyes widened. “Oh shit!” she said and ran up the stairs as fast as she can.
“Language,” Yukimura warned. He could hear his sister’s loud steps on the second floor of the house.
“Hello?” he heard a voice from the other end of the phone said. Yukimura focused on the call. “Oh hello, Yukimura Seiichi desu.”
“Ah, Yukimura-kun,” Ayaka said. “How are you?”
“I am good,” Yukimura said. “How are you?” he asked back as he watched his sister stepped down the stairs hurriedly, carrying her bridesmaid gown, wrapped in clear plastic.
As she was putting on her shoes again, her cell phone rang the second time. “Yes, Satsuki-san,” Kaori said as she answered the call. “I’m about to leave the house—I’ll be there in 15 minutes—yes, I know we all want to look good for the wedding,” she was saying into the phone as she walked out the house, “Bye niisan!”
Yukimura watched the doorway for a while, his sister’s words ringing in his head. He thought for a while.
“Hello, Yukimura-kun?” Ayaka’s voice broke his train of thoughts. Yukimura blinked his eyes and looked at the phone in his hand. He smiled.
“Ah, gomen Ayaka-san, what were you saying?”
“It’s okay,” Ayaka said, “I said that Akaya is here,”
Yukimura smiled, “That’s good,” he said. “May I speak with him?”
“Unfortunately, you just missed him,” Ayaka apologized. “I told him to go out and buy a tux for your wedding.”
Yukimura thought for a while. “Ah, so he is coming then?” he asked. Ayaka laughed, “Yup. It took him a long time to return, he should at least give some respect to his senior who’s getting married soon.”
Yukimura laughed. “That’s good then, I can’t wait to see all of you.” He said. “Send Akaya my regards.” He said as he bid goodbye.
He hanged up the phone and looked at it for a second. His brain begins to work and he smiled to himself.
“This is perfect.”
TBC
-written by Ra2
To Our Bunnies
Dear bunnies,
We thank you for coming into our lives and trying to take over them. Now our heads are clouded with so many of you that we aren't sure how we can get our lives back to the way it was.
On one side, it is nice to have you as a companion, but this is not reflecting well on our studies and real life.
We hope by posting here, you and your families will slowly migrate here and soon our heads will be clear. We do not mean to be rude, but we are running out of space to keep all of you.
We wish you all the best and hope that you will have more visitors here than you ever had while you were in our heads.
Lots of love,
Ra1 + Ra2
the Ra-squared team
We thank you for coming into our lives and trying to take over them. Now our heads are clouded with so many of you that we aren't sure how we can get our lives back to the way it was.
On one side, it is nice to have you as a companion, but this is not reflecting well on our studies and real life.
We hope by posting here, you and your families will slowly migrate here and soon our heads will be clear. We do not mean to be rude, but we are running out of space to keep all of you.
We wish you all the best and hope that you will have more visitors here than you ever had while you were in our heads.
Lots of love,
Ra1 + Ra2
the Ra-squared team
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