Chapter 2: Hayama's New Face
The next morning, Usagi woke up by a scream that came from the hallway.
"Don't worry Usagi, there's no one out there that might hurt you," Usagi said, trying to reassure herself as she took a step out the door.
"Ow!" someone screamed and Usagi jumped back and gulped. She found Sana screaming in the other room.
"Sana? Is that you? Are…you ok?" Usagi said as she peeped into the room.
"Oh Usagi, you're up. Of course I'm fine…" she said halfway and tripped over a leg of a chair, "Ow!" Usagi walked into the room and sat on Sana's bed.
"Hey Sana, I have a question for, who is that Hayama?" Usagi asked.
"Hayama? Oh, I knew him since 6th grade. He was the class bully and he would always make the teacher cry. Then somehow he changed and I think it's because I know him better now," Sana said and smiled to herself. She had on a face that Usagi knew.
"Ah so you like him?" Usagi said.
"What? No I don't, who could like a jerk like that. Plus I have Rei and I love him," Sana said and smiled.
"Rei?" Usagi said.
"Yup, Rei's mine and mine only. He's my gigolo and I won't let anyone else steal him away," Sana said quickly.
"G-Gigolo?" Usagi said, disbelieving.
"Yup so no one better touch him cause I pay him and he works for me," Sana said, "Well there's work today. Rei got me four commercial shoots to do by the end of the week so I got to work hard"
"What four shoots? Wow, I hope you do well then," Usagi said.
"Thanks Usagi. Hey, better get cleaned up. It's almost time for breakfast," Sana said.
"Breakfast?" Usagi said happily. She was hungry. "Ok Sana, see you downstairs," Usagi said and headed to the door.
"Wait Usagi? Why did you think that I like Hayama?" Sana asked.
"I just thought so because I used to have that same look with…" Usagi paused, "Someone else. See you Sana," Usagi said and left.
"Me? Like Hayama? Yeah right!" Sana said and sat on her bed. Meanwhile, Usagi stood outside the door, staring at the floor.
How did it end up like this? I thought Mamoru and I were going to be together forever. I guess I was foolish again, Usagi thought to herself.
"Miss Usagi? Are you alright?" someone asked her and Usagi looked up to see Rei's face.
"Oh Rei, you can called me Usagi that's all. There's no need to be formal," Usagi said.
"Uh, yeah Usagi, is something the matter?" Rei asked, a little blushing.
"No not really, I was just thinking. Hey Rei do you know where _____ street (dunno where she lives) is?" Usagi asked.
"Yes, that's about 16 blocks away from the café where we met," Rei said.
"What? Only 16 blocks?" Usagi said and fell to the floor.
"Usagi, you don't mean that you live there do you?" Rei asked.
"Yeah I do actually," Usagi said, a little embarrassed.
"Well then I can drop you off there," Rei said.
"Thanks. Uh Rei?" Usagi said.
"Yeah?" he said.
"Why are you still wearing sunglasses," Usagi said and pointed to his sunglasses, "You're inside. Don't you ever take it off?"
"Uh, no, girlfriend's orders, can't take them off for anyone except Sana," Rei said.
"You mean it's true that you're Sana's gigolo? I thought she was lying," Usagi said.
"Well, I'm not…. See it's…I'm only Sana'a manager and lover, that's all", Rei sweatdropped.
"Okay," Usagi said. The two of them stood next to each other silently.
"Um I think I'll go and check on Sana," Rei said.
"Ok," Usagi said and Rei left. Usagi went downstairs and went to the kitchen. She volunteered to help cook and Shimura was not willing to let her work since she was a guest, but then she surrendered to Usagi's powerful puppy face and sparkly eyes, and allowed Usagi to help.
"Thanks Shimura, don't worry I won't mess up this time," Usagi said and grabbed a handful of anything that she can find. She started to throw things one by one into a pan and Shimura looked at her, frightened.
"Um, Miss Usagi, are you sure that you don't need any help?" Shimura asked.
"Nope. I got it under control," Usagi said and Sana came in.
"Usagi, what are you doing?" Sana asked.
"Cooking what else," Usagi said and tossed in a handful of spinach.
"Cool, that looks fun. Let me help," Sana said and grabbed a handful of chopped onions, "Can I toss this in?" Sana asked and Usagi nodded. They kept on this act for about 30 minutes and Shimura was scared to look at the result.
"Done!" Usagi said and looked down at it, "Uh, it doesn't look like what it was suppose to", Usagi sweat dropped. Smoke was coming out of the food and parts of it look a little burnt, "But I bet it'll taste good. I think"
"Wee. That was fun," Sana said.
"Yeah, Shimura do you want some?" Usagi asked.
"Ah no thanks Miss Usagi…. I'm already full", Shimura said with a gulp.
"Ok then," Usagi said and carried the food out in four plates.
"Here you go," Usagi said and she placed one plate in front of Ms. Kurata, one in front of Rei, One in front of Sana, and one was for her until someone said, "Hey where's mine?" Usagi looked down and saw Hayama sitting in her seat.
"Wha! What are you doing here?" Usagi screamed and jumped up.
"I always come here in the mornings for breakfast," Hayama explained, "Now where's my food?"
"Eh…. Fine here!" Usagi said and placed the food in front of him.
"What is this?" Hayama said looking at the messy glob of food.
"Your breakfast. I made it," Usagi said.
"You've got to be kidding me. This is my breakfast. Is this even edible?" Hayama said and poked at the food with a chopstick.
"Hey I helped too," Sana said.
"Is that supposed to comfort me?" Hayama said and looked at her.
"Why you…" Sana was going to hit him with a plastic hammer but Usagi had already punched him on the head.
"You shouldn't talk like that, you'll always end up getting hurt," Usagi said.
"Ow!" Hayama said, "What did you do that for?"
"Huh? Do what?" Usagi said, "Oh Rei, you will eat my food right?"
"Eh…Ma'am," Rei looked to Ms. Kurata for support.
"Sorry Rei but this one you're on your own," Ms. Kurata said. She laughed and got on her little car and left.
"Eh…Ma'am!!" Rei said as he stretched an arm out to reach for her.
"So Rei, are you going to try it?" Usagi asked while Sana is trying to force Hayama to eat his.
"Eh…" Rei said.
****
A few minutes later,
"Hey this is really good," Rei said.
"Thanks," Usagi and Sana said at once and they both laughed.
"Hey meatball head, he's right you know. Your food looks like crap but at least it tastes good," Hayama said.
"What did you call me?" Usagi lowered her voice.
"What are you going to hit me again?" Hayama said and moved a little away and covered his head with his arm.
"No, did you call me meatball head?" Usagi asked.
"Duh, with that hairstyle of course. Your hair reminds me of two meatballs that's all," Hayama said.
"Hayama, that's too mean!" Sana said and hit him with her plastic hammer.
"What? It's true," Hayama said while he touched the part where Sana hit him.
"It's ok Sana. Someone else used to call me that too. So I'm used to it," Usagi said and smiled.
"Uh, ok Usagi," Sana said and sat down again.
"Well, Sana, it's about time. Anymore slacking and we'll be late for your ice cream shoot," Rei said and got up, "I'll get the car ready"
"Ok, Rei," Sana said with a little sweet tone and a cute smile, "Usagi, do you mind if you stayed here for now? Rei told me that you lived in _____ street. So we'll drop you off later. My shoot is going to be long and I don't want you to wait"
"Ok," Usagi said.
"Hey, Meatball head, I can walk you home. I know where that place is," Hayama said, I get sushi from a store near there.
"What? What are you up to?" Sana asked.
"What? I can't help walk her home?" Hayama said.
"See that's the part, you can't, what are you up to, Hayama?" Sana asked.
"Hey, Fine with me if you don't trust me. I'm just offering, shish," Hayama said.
"Hayama, can you walk me home?" Usagi said and Sana looked at her.
"Fine, if you want him to then, Usagi, come and visit soon, ok?" Sana said.
"Ok Sana, I'll be sure to," Usagi said and smiled.
"Alright I got to go, bye Usagi, Hayama," Sana said and left.
"Alright meatball head, come on. I got to go to judo class after this," Hayama said.
"Ok," Usagi said and followed him out.
"This way," Hayama said and they walked to the left.
"Ok," Be careful Usagi, he might do something perverted again, Usagi thought to herself.
"Hey meatball head," Hayama said and Usagi jumped up, "I'm sorry if I offended you," he mumbled.
"Huh?" Usagi looked at him, "Did you just…? Can you repeat it again? I missed it"
"Huh? No, it's nothing, forget it," Hayama said and looked away from her.
****
A few minutes later, they reached Usagi's house. Usagi's house was the fifth house down the street.
"I'm home!" Usagi said as she walked in. The living room was a cozy little place with a couch, table and television. The windows were covered with fancy curtains. Next to the living room was a door that led to a stairway and then another to a kitchen and closet. " Shingo? Are you home?"
"Shingo?" Hayama said with a surprise, "You live with another guy?"
"What? What the heck are you saying?" Usagi said, "Shingo is my brother"
"You have a brother?" Hayama asked.
"Yes, he's a few years younger than me," Usagi said and placed her jacket on the hanger.
"And you don't care whether he's home or not?" Hayama asked.
"Of course I do. I told Shingo that whenever I can't make it home, he can go to Ami's house and wait there for me," Usagi said and straightened out the table, "Please sit," Usagi said as she pointed to the couch. Hayama sat down.
"So this Ami is your brother's girlfriend?" Hayama said.
"No, she's one of my best friend and I trust him with her. Ami said that she wouldn't mind and since we just moved here a few weeks ago, I just took the chance," Usagi said, "Also she lives four houses down the street. So I don't have to worry if he walks there"
"You love your brother that much?" Hayama said.
"Yes of course. Shouldn't every sister care for their brothers?" Usagi said. Hayama looked at her and then whispered, "I guess so" my sister had never cared before a year ago, he thought.
"Where are your parents?" Hayama asked, "Did they leave you here for death?"
"No, why the heck would they do that?" Usagi said.
"Who knows that's why I'm asking!" Hayama said, "Shish, if you don't want to tell me then fine. I was just wondering anyways. I mean who cares where are they."
"A week ago, my parents had an urgent trip that they had to make so they left me in charge. Mom said that I'm old enough and that they do not know when they might be back. Therefore, I have to make sure that everything is in shape before they come back," Usagi said, "Tea?"
"Uh, no. I have to go. Class starts in ten minute. If I'm late I'll just blame it on another car accident," Hayama said and got up.
"Oh, thanks Hayama. You know Sana's right, you are nice even though you make harsh and mean comments to other people," Usagi said and smiled.
"Sana said that?" Hayama said.
"Yup," Usagi said.
"Great, so you guys are talking about me behind my back?" Hayama said harshly.
"No, that's not it…" Usagi said.
"Don't think you guys know me ok?" Hayama said, "I'm leaving," Hayama left.
"Wait!" Usagi said and followed him out to the sidewalks. "Wait!" she screamed as she got a hold of him on the arm.
"Let go!" Hayama said and yanked his arm away. Hayama increased his pace.
"Please don't be angry. I didn't mean to," Usagi said and continued to follow him. "Ow!" Usagi said and fell. "I'm sorry!" she screamed with her eyes closed. Her ankle was bleeding a little. She was crying, "Ow."
"You're not dead right?" someone said and Usagi looked up. It was Hayama. Usagi shook her head, "You can walk right?" Usagi tried to get up but her ankle hurt again.
"Ow," Usagi said.
"Here," Hayama said and grabbed her by the shoulders, with one arm around her, "Come on," Hayama said and helped Usagi into her house. He placed Usagi on the couch.
"Hey, you shouldn't run if you can't," Hayama said and got her a pack of ice, "Here," he handed her the pack.
"Thanks," Usagi said and placed it on her ankle.
"Great now I'm late. Oh well I think I'm not going to go today," Hayama said.
"I'm sorry," Usagi said with her head faced down.
"Why are you always apologizing? Is 'I'm sorry' the only thing you can say?" Hayama said.
"Sor--, no," Usagi said. Then the phone ringed. "Hello?" Usagi said. It was Minako.
Hey Usagi, did you die or something? Why didn't you come to the café? I was waiting there with Raye for a long time.
"The café? That was where we were supposed to meet?" Usagi said shyly. Minako was screaming so loud that Usagi had the phone a foot away and covered her other ear. Hayama stared at her. Then Usagi heard Raye's voice over the phone.
Hey Dummy! When you meet someone you are suppose to be there at the right time. Not a day later. You are lucky that I came by and met Minako or she would have been there waiting for a whole day
"Sorry, I…" Usagi was about to say. Then Minako got on the phone again.
What did you forget again? You were the one who wanted to meet in the first place. Really Usagi you need to get a planner or something. I thought that you died or something worse had happened to you. Seriously, you are going to give us a heart attack someday Minako shouted.
"Sorry, I got lost," Usagi said.
Did you even get any of my messages? Minako said.
"No, wait hold on," Usagi said and she looked at the phone. 99 new messages, it said. Yikes, I must have really worried them.
Hey are you still there? Minako asked.
"Oh, sorry. Minako, I'm really, really sorry. I didn't get home till this morning. I'm sorry if I had worried you guys," Usagi said.
What? Where were you?
"You wouldn't believe me," Usagi said.
What? Where you at Mamoru's? Did you and Mamoru get back together? Come on Usagi, say something. Minako and Raye said at once.
"No, it's not that," Usagi sweat-dropped.
Well then tell us. What? Did you meet another guy? Minako said.
"No, that's not it either," Usagi said.
Usagi, are you going to tell us or we have to keep on playing guessing games all day? Raye shouted.
"Ok, Ok, I was at Sana Kurata's house," Usagi said.
Sana Kurata? Who's that? Minako said.
"She's my new friend. You should know her, the child star?" Usagi said.
What?! Minako screamed, You met her?! Even I can't meet her and I used to be a star too. How did you two meet?
"Well when I was lost, her manager found me and brought me to meet her. She's really nice," Usagi said and nodded.
What?! That's it? Is her manager that hot guy? The one with the sunglasses? Minako said.
"Er…Yeah that's the one," Usagi said.
Oh Usagi, you have to introduce us sometime. Uh hold on, is he single?
"Uh, no, he's Sana's gigolo," Usagi said and she took the phone a foot away from her ear.
WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?! ARE YOU SERIOUS? YOU MEAN THAT WAS TRUE? I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST FOR THE IMAGE. OH MAN NOT ANOTHER CUTE GUY TAKEN Minako wailed.
"Ow Minako, you broke my ear drums," Usagi cried, "I think it's true or at least that's what he said."
NO!!!!! Minako wailed again.
Ow! Minako, stop that. It's hurting my eardrums too you know that? Raye yelled and Minako quieted down a little. Usagi looked around the room. Hayama was staring at the phone and then got up.
"Hey, I'm leaving. I can't take this anymore. Bye," He said and hurried out the door before Usagi could say anything.
Wait, what was that? Was that a guy's voice, Usagi? Come on Usagi tell us, are you hiding a guy? Raye asked.
A guy? Is he hot? Minako asked.
Ow, Minako stop that. You're stepping on my toe! Raye yelled.
"No, that guy was…he was…he's just a friend. He brought me home from the Kuratas," Usagi sweat-dropped.
Are you sure that that's all? Hmm, Usagi? You better not be lying. Raye said.
"Of course I'm not lying! Why would I like a perverted guy like him? He just offered to bring me home that's all," Usagi said, "Now look, I have to go. This conversation is making me sick. Bye you guys," Usagi said.
What? Wait! They said but Usagi hung up the phone. Her ice pack fell and she tried to get it. But she fell to the floor on her attempt and she cried. "Ow!" she wailed. A few minutes later, the phone rang.
"Hello?" Usagi said as she climbed back on the couch.
Hello? Usagi? You're home?
"Oh, hey Shingo. Are you at Ami's house?" Usagi asked.
Yeah, well I just called to see if you're home. I'm coming there right now ok?
"Sure, I'll unlock the door. Alright see you," Usagi said and got up. She went to the door and unlocked it. She placed her back to the door and then it opened.
"Wha…" she said and she fell down, "Ow," she started to cry again.
"Oh, sorry sis, what were you standing by the door anyway?" said a boy about 14 and with light brown hair.
"Ow Shingo. Why did you have to come home so quick," Usagi cried and got up. She limped to the couch.
"What happened to you?" Shingo asked.
"I fell," Usagi said.
"Hey do you know that guy, standing in front of our house?" Shingo asked.
"What guy?" Usagi wondered.
"A guy with light brown hair like mine's and he's mean looking. He looks like he's been standing out there for a while. When I asked him why was he out there, he said nothing and started to leave," Shingo said as he poured a glass of juice, "Man if you know him, then you make some weird friends"
"Brown hair and mean looking? Is that Hayama?" Usagi said and limped to the window. She saw Hayama leaving her house. Was he out there the whole time? Usagi thought to herself, why?