Chapter 4: Oh, Yay, More Surprises…
Teenagers share one apartment, all by themselves. To me, it sounds a bit fishy...
Mimi buttoned her pale beige blouse down. She looked at her blouse before slipping the vest on then smoothed all the wrinkles visible to her.
Face it , Mi-chan, you're living with every girl's fantasy.
Mimi then jumped into the section of her skirt that was made for her waist. She took the left side of the waist line, buttoned, and zippered till the skirt was neat and tidy.
Tell me, how many Japanese guys have blue eyes and blond hair!
"She has a point there," Mimi commented to herself, thinking of the Miyako pointed out to her. She finished brushing her hair till its fullest gleam appeared. "Perfect!"
"I can leave without you, ya' know." Yamato's voice cried throughout the hall.
"O-oi! Chotto matte! (1)" Mimi cried trying to find her school bag. She looked under the study desk; not there. She lifted the blanket of her bed; not there either. "Dammit, where is it?"
"Tachikawa!"
"Chotto matte! (2)" Mimi yelled. She took a final look next to her desk and laughed to herself. Her school bag was on the desk, not under it. 'Why didn't I notice that before?'
"Itekimasu…(3)"
Mimi nodded, "Hai, hai, ite—ah?" She grabbed her schoolbag and ran after her roommate. She ran to the front door where his house slippers already were left behind and his converse-like sneakers missing. Mimi grunted, "Bastard…" She quickly tore off her slippers and replaced it with her pink tennis shoes. Mimi opened the door and locked it as she made her way outside. She then quickly ran to the elevator where her palm was able to catch the door before it closed.
The doors quickly retreated. Knowing that elevators contained sensors that can prevent a person from get it's body amputated, Mimi took this chance to inhale and exhale like she has never done so before thanks to the amount of running she had to endure. When she lifted her head, she eyed the smirking Yamato holding the button preventing the elevator doors to close. Mimi quietly grunted to herself before walking into the compartment.
"I hate you…" She said soft enough for Yamato to hear. He chuckled in return as the doors closed shut.
Yamato and Mimi walked in total silence, without a word even said to each other since they had left the apartment. Yamato saw a girl wearing the familiar gray uniform skirt, white blouse, black blazer and white socks. He suddenly stopped.
"Remember what I told you last night?" Yamato asked Mimi before they entered the trail (4). Mimi ignored his question and continued walking. With a force, Yamato grabbed Mimi's arm and pulled her into a dark alleyway.
"A-ha! I knew you were going to rape me eventually!" Mimi exclaimed preparing to get the pepper spray from her schoolbag while fighting Yamato's hands.
"Don't be so full of yourself!" Yamato mocked, yet he still had troubling controlling her. "Calm down, will you?" He gestured by pulling Mimi's hands down making her face him, eye to eye. "Now do you remember what you agreed to last night?"
"Now remind me why again must I ignore you?"
"Wouldn't you find it weird if these two people, opposite from each other in every way possible, be so close to each other all of a sudden?"
"Not really." Mimi said bluntly, "They could have met each other over break."
"And where could they have met?"
"They—" Mimi paused, "—that's a good point."
Yamato sighed, letting go of Mimi's hands. He raised his head slipped his forehead, "You do know who we're talking about, right?"
"The two people, right?"
Yamato sighed, "Sometimes I wonder about you. Am I the only one who's sane in this world?" He quickly messaged his forehead before continuing, "Okay, you see? We could not been seen together. They will start having the wrong impression about us."
"Fine," Mimi gave up with the argument.
'That's it?' Yamato thought. "So, you promise?" Yamato paused for Mimi's nod. "No, waves." Nod. "No, flashy greetings." Nod. "And most importantly, you won't tell anyone about meeting me or Taichi."
"What? That's not fair!" Mimi exclaimed; she wanted to brag at least she met the guy.
"You promised, woman!" Yamato exclaimed louder with his head still up in the air.
"Fine…" Mimi pouted.
"Good," Yamato sighed as he moved to face her again. "I'll be going first."
"Huh? Why you?"
"I woke up earlier, that's why." Yamato smiled before exiting the alleyway.
Mimi growled quietly knowing that he had been awake hours and hours before she was.
After ten minutes since Yamato passed through the gates of school, Mimi entered with her face down.
"Mi-chan!" Mimi felt Miyako suddenly jump on her back causing her to almost fall. Luckily, Mimi was able to maintain a good balance of the added weight. "Eh? Where's Yama-kun?" Miyako added, putting her hand parallel to her eye brows as if she was a first mate spotting land.
Mimi narrowed her eyes and looked straight at Miyako and yelled, "What the hell is your problem? I was about to fall and probably get a concussion and here you are wondering where that good for nothing bastard is? Are you purposely trying to kill me?"
Miyako paused after hearing Mimi take two deep breaths. "So, you don't know where he is…?" Mimi sighed.
"Ohayou, Mimi." Koushiro bent to Mimi's eye-level and asked, "Daijoubou?" Mimi took the opportunity to see Koushiro's neat and orderly self. His blazer was buttoned down along with the shirt under it. His pants were pressed. He was neat and orderly as usual.
"I'm barely living…" She managed to say.
"Speaking of living, now do you know where Yama-kun is?" Miyako asked using one hand to keep her balance on Mimi's back and the other as a visor to search for her idol.
Mimi took a good look at her best friend before saying to Koushiro, "Can I kill her?"
Koushiro shook his head in disappointment, "Unfortunately, we need her." He sighed and fixed his posture in order to talk, "Miyako, don't pretend you haven't seen Yamato entering school about ten minute ago."
"Izumi-kun!" Miyako squealed as she jumped down from Mimi's back.
"What? He's only right there, anyway." Koushiro pointed to the crowd of girls around the poor blond. Mimi didn't want to stare at Yamato and some of his fans. However, the wind made the little loose hair strands tickle her forehead. Her eyes were helpless but to follow those strands and happened to see Yamato and his over-obsessed fans.
He didn't respond to their girlish cries, favors, and confessions. He stood there perfectly poised. His hands are deep into his pockets of his black winter-uniform pants. His white shirt was sloppily done. The tail of the shirt in the back was showing, along with the front sides as well. The wrinkly effect was a nice blend. The top button of the shirt was undone and his black uniform tie hung loosely three buttons down. Yamato kept his non-expressive face on and down. Mimi found it surprising that he could remain so calm with all these girls screaming and giggling in front of him.
"Now that's what I don't understand." Mimi said aloud.
"Excuse me?" Koushiro chuckled slightly receiving a glance from Mimi.
"Gomen ne, Izumi-kun." Mimi smiled.
Koushiro remembered that smile before. And he had a special place for that smile. He knew though what happened the last time he had received it. This time he smiled back, hoping that nothing would harm him. (5)
"Those girls are posers." Miyako folded her arms, eyeing her nemeses.
"You say that because…?"
"They cling to him too much."
"Oh, really?" Both Mimi and Koushiro sweatdropped thinking of the ironic twist of words Miyako was sharing with them.
"Yeah, plus they're wearing I love Yamato buttons." Miyako shook her head, "That's just sad."
Mimi looked at her best friend and shook her head in disbelief, 'This comes a girl that stalks him at his own home.' Mimi sighed, "I'm going to forget this ever happened…" Mimi turned her body a full one-eighty degrees with a small wave to Miyako and Koushiro. "Ja ne, Mi—OOF!"
"Mi-chan!"
"Mimi!"
Mimi raised her head from the sudden meeting with the ground. She rubbed the sore bottom of hers and groaned from its slight pain.
"Gomen ne, Ore—" The student paused, then laughed quietly to himself. "So, Tachikawa-san, we meet again." Mimi turned to face him. She smiled sweetly to see Taichi's happy face. "Here, let me help you, it's the least I can do." Taichi extended his hand towards Mimi. She reluctantly took it and was brought up to her feet.
Mimi took a good look at Taichi's version of their school's uniform. His was more sloppy that Yamato's. She thought that Yamato's looked wrinkly, but Taichi took the cake. His shirt was so wrinkled that it looked like it was never iron pressed. His shirt was unbuttoned, revealing his white undershirt. The undershirt clang to most of his chest and defined some parts as his abs. His tie was done but like Yamato's it was loosely that it hung several inches down his chest. His sneakers were on. They looked old and somewhat dusty. At least his black pants were normal.
"Yagami-sama, Go—" Mimi tried to hide her blush.
"—Ah, iie. It's was my fault. I was playing soccer with some of my classmates. I guess… I didn't see where I was going." Taichi laughed while a hand scratched the back of his head while the other held the soccer ball.
"Where's your blazer, Yagami-kun? It's October for God's sake!"
"There's no need to talk to me so formally, Mimi. Just plain Taichi will suffice. And my blazer is stuffed in my shoe locker. It suddenly got warmer when we were playing soccer."
'You've got to be kidding me,' Mimi thought to herself knowing how small those lockers were.
"Did you come here with Yamato?"
"Ano…we decided not to. He said it was best that no one knew about us."
Feeling slightly uncomfortable talking with him, Mimi turned to see Koushiro and Miyako where she left them, "Oh, let me introduce you to my friends. This is Koushiro and Miyako." Taichi offered his hand to Koushiro, who in return accepted it. Taichi faced Miyako, but almost got the fright of his life. She accepted his handshake and then…gleamed. Her eyes started to sparkle and her mouth hung wide open.
"Ha-hai, nice to meet you guys. I'll see you around, Mimi." He smiled towards the brunette.
In return, Mimi made another wave. Taichi nodded before turning around to join his third year pals. She sighed then turned to her two friends and said, "He's nice, isn't he?"
"Mimi, you know him, personally?" Koushiro asked in disbelief.
"Somewhat." Mimi replied nodding trying to hide the smirk on her face.
Koushiro raised a brow, "What does he mean by if you came to school with Yamato?"
"I'll explain to you later Koushiro," Mimi sighed as she examined Miyako face. She knew that face was from somewhere. "Miyako?"
"You personally know Yagami Taichi, the Yagami Taichi?"
"I guess," Mimi raised her eyebrow.
"Yagami Taichi is one of the biggest names in our school!" Miyako exclaimed. After seeing that Mimi's expression hasn't changed, she continued, "He is a star athlete in our school. He is also one of the top hottest guys the world has to offer!"
Mimi shook her head. and turned towards the front doors to the school. Koushiro shrugged his shoulders as he caught up with the brunette.
"Tachikawa, didn't you just see his abs through that undershirt of his?" Miyako said while running after Mimi with a slight drool in her mouth.
"Here we go, again," Koushiro prepared himself to sit through another argument between his best friends.
"And how was your weekend, Aisha-chan?" One of the first year female students walked through the school gates.
"I hated it, Maori-chan. I couldn't get the tickets to that concert I wanted to go to." The one named Aisha groaned.
"That's a good thing," The other student sighed, "Because I them right here!" She finished as the three students squealed in delight.
"Yay! Now we can go to that concert featuring Teenage Wolves and Ishida-sama!" Aisha said with a little drool forming. "I still can't believe I'm attending the same high school as him!"
"She's drooling again…" The final student said, becoming a little scared of her friend's actions.
"You don't have to sound like that, Reiya-chan. And don't tell me you don't drool when it comes to Yagami-sama." Maori said elbowing her.
"Well, of course, Yagami-sama is different," Reiya said feeling her palms upon her cheeks and swaying back and forth. "Yagami-sama is more muscular and practically manlier than Ishida-sama."
"That's a lie! I'd say Ishida-sama is manlier!" Reiya defended.
"Yagami-sama!" Aisha shouted.
"What about you, Maori-chan?" The two said in union, catching poor Maori off guard, "Who do you think is manlier?"
"I like both actually," She laughed.
"Yagami-sama, Go—"
The three first years turned behind them too see one of their beloved idols helping out Mimi arise from the ground.
"Who the hell is she? And why is she holding Yagami-sama's hand?" Aisha grunted as she made glaring eyes at Mimi.
"Isn't she a second year student?" Maori asked remembering Mimi's appearance before.
"Let's get closer! I can't hear them!" Aisha mumbled trying to love closer to the two.
Reiya and Maori stared at the obsessed fan then each other. "I still say Ishida-sama is manlier," Reiya commented before Aisha grabbed both of their collars.
Where's your blazer, Yagami-kun? It's October for God's sake!
There's no need to talk to me so formally, Mimi. Just plain Taichi will suffice. And my blazer is stuffed in my shoe locker It suddenly got warmer when we were playing soccer.
Aisha gasped, "She gets to call him by his first name?"
"Oh brother…" Reiya sighed.
Did you come here with Yamato?
Ano…we decided not to. He said it was best that no one knew about us.
"What the hell does she mean by that?" Reiya fumed.
"Maybe they somehow met each other and became friends?" Maori brought out a suggestion. She instead received glares from the two. "Okay, maybe not."
"That's it! We're got to find out what the hell this Mimi character has to do with Ishida and Yagami."
"Why me?" Maori sighed.
His back was slouched down. His thumbs were twiddling for a while trying to avoid bring up the topic again. "So... that's what he meant by going home with you?" Koushiro asked Mimi as he sat on the seat next to Mimi in her class room as the bell signaled for the break to begin. All Mimi could do was nod almost being embarrassed of the whole situation. "And that means you met Yagami through Ishida." Koushiro commented seeing that the pieces finally fit together. Mimi nodded in reply. "I see," He chuckled to himself, "It's strange that you two ended up getting the same apartment."
"It's not funny, Kou-kun!" Mimi pouted.
"But it is!" He said in between his chuckles. "But you also have to be honest with me. I deserve the same respect as Miyako." He changed the attitude of his voice. He leaned in close to Mimi's ear, cupped his hands and whispered, "Did you guys do it yet?"
"IZUMI KOUSHIRO!" Mimi exclaimed in shock. She would have expected this response from Miyako, but Koushiro? That was almost impossible. "You—have—a—dirty—dirty—mind!" Mimi stated after a hit on his head with her small notebook (the ones that aren't hard covered).
Koushiro continued to chuckle as his hands touched the ides of his head and duck from Mimi's hits. "Gomen nasai! Gomen nasai!" He said repeatedly.
"You're terrible," Mimi stopped and calmed down.
"But, you know, even if you guys agreed not to attract any attention towards yourselves, you still get their attention."
"Their?"
Koushiro chuckled looking at Mimi. "You have stalkers, Mimi. They are three first-years that have been following you." Mimi raised her eyebrow and looked towards the direction where Koushiro's glance was heading. The three first year's heads suddenly hid behind the window leading towards the hallway. Mimi had to laugh when she heard she sees us, hide!
"Why are they watching me?" Mimi turned back to Koushiro.
"Apparently," he paused opening his palms with his fingers stilled intertwined with each other then to her, "they're big fans of Ishida and Yagami. I suppose they got jealous when they found out you were somehow tied into their life."
"So, I'm going to have them as stalkers; that's nice." Mimi said sarcastically. Then she laughed at herself, "You know, when you said stalkers, I thought you mean like guys who had secret crushes on me." She paused, remembering that sudden predicament. "Gomen."
"It's okay," Koushiro smiled making a playful punch on Mimi's arm, "As long as I'm your friend, I'm okay with that. And speaking of friends," He paused, noticing the silence between them for the passed time, "Where's Miyako?"
"Miyako's in Phys Ed, I think." Mimi stood to walk towards the window. She peeped to see the purple-haired girl huffing and puffing in the track field. Miyako rested her hands on her knees as she took deep breaths. Mimi could even hear the coach screaming Com'on! Com'on! You're out of shape you sissies. Especially you, Inoue! Keep moving!
"She has gym, now?" Koushiro asked walking towards the window and stood next to Mimi with one hand in his pocket, and the other leaning on the window frame.
"Well, she's not supposed to be in that class. She decided to join the class for today because that class has the hottest guys." She mimicked Miyako's voice.
"I see, Ishida and Yagami are coming from behind her." Koushiro commented. They laughed in unison seeing Miyako suddenly run after seeing the two bishounen ran passed her.
DING-DONG-DING-DOOOONG
DONG-DING-DONG-DIIIING
"Break's over," Koushiro smiled solemnly to Mimi noticing that the type of conversation they had was short-lived. Mimi caught this stare. His dark black eyes didn't have much effect on her. But to Koushiro, the little sunlight reflecting on her eyes through the window was had a reverse effect.
Mimi nodded, "It's been nice talking to you, Kou-kun."
Koushiro's smile remained, "You too, ja ne." Without another word said, Koushiro pushed himself from the window frame and walked towards the door. Mimi's gaze followed Koushiro as he went his way to his homeroom. Mimi turned back to Miyako running around. She folded her arms over the window's ledge and rested her head on the arms. She watched the students of the PE class continue to run. She caught a glimpse of Yamato.
Him.
Argh.. the idea of his rude attitude towards her made her stomach churn with disgust. Of all the brilliant ideas, pretending to not be friends was not the best. How can they-WAIT!
Mimi got up from her resting pose. Since then did she ever consider herself friends with him? Mimi literally shook the idea off. Her gaze went back to Yamato who was already done with his laps. He appeared to be cold towards his classmates. He'd avoid glances, make quick responds, and (most importantly) ignored the reactions by the girls. Yet, when Taichi would approach him, Yamato would respond positively. He would talk, interact, smile... He has a nice smile.
Mimi smiled back remembered times when he would make a smirk after he had argued with her for-HOLD ON!
Mimi got up wide eyed. What was wrong with her?
"She sees us! Hide!" Maori whispered as the tree head's ducked until they weren't able to be seen.
"Guys, I don't understand why we have to do this. It's obvious that she doesn't have any ties with Ishida or Yagami."
"She can be secretly talking to them, though." Aisha suggested.
"—Or worse, dating them secretly!" Reiya added.
"Demo…" Maori tried to think of an excuse. She thought what they were doing was stupid. "But she's talking to Izumi-san."
"She probably wants him to get both Ishida-kun and Yagami-kun alone to herself." Reiya commented while an eager nod from Aisha.
Maori sighed, "So, what do you suggest?"
"We'll keep an eye on her! Something's bound to turn up!" The two said together with their fists up in the air.
Maori stared at her friends in disbelief. There's no way they could keep this charade up. Then again, they were just a trio of crazy first years obsessed with two of the hottest guys in school. "Sure, why not?" She sighed as she raised her fist along with them. Maori closed her eyes and allowed her head to lean on the wall behind her. "God help us…"
DING-DONG-DING-DOOOONG
DONG-DING-DONG-DIIIING
"So, Mi-chan, what do you plan on doing this afternoon?" Miyako asked with curiosity as the trio walked outside. The final bell has rung. Every student continues their daily rituals. However, Miyako wasn't interested in hers. She was more interested in Mimi's life.
"Go home, do some homework, watch some television, then eat." Mimi summed it up.
"Sounds like fun, can I come over?" Miyako smiled receiving only what-the-hell-is-your-problem looks from Koushiro and Mimi.
"In what way does that sound interesting to you?" Koushiro asked digging his hands into his pockets.
"Since Yamato is more likely to be there!" Miyako said ending with a little wink.
With a little sweatdrop appearing on both Koushiro and Mimi's faces, Mimi said, "He's usually working though. I don't think he'll even be home—"
"—Oi! Tachikawa!" Taichi called for Mimi. Mimi turned to Taichi who just waved in a friendly matter along with Yamato by his side, looking like his usual self.
Mimi made signals and moved her lips that could be read as It's okay, Don't talk to me with Ishida around, or Are you sure you're talking to me?
After a good time of argument silently, Taichi walked up to Mimi and grabbed her arm, "Com'on already." With a great grip, Taichi took Mimi away with him, leaving her two friends being with a puzzled look.
Though Mimi was dragged to Yamato in 5 meters in length, it felt as if she was dragged 5 kilometers. Everyone in the school had to stop and watch. They all stared at the sudden encounter Taichi made with Mimi. After all, the weekend vacation was only for three days. Mimi stared at the grip Taichi had on her. It wasn't a hard or a tight grip. It was rather like a firm one. She stared at Taichi, who had a cocky smile. It was more likely to make her worry, but she didn't have that kind of thought about him.
"See, Ishida? I told you it was Tachikawa!" Taichi laughed bringing Mimi to the side of Yamato.
"Oh, I see." Yamato glared at Mimi knowing that she had broke their agreement. Mimi returned the glare by making an it-wasn't-me-idiot look.
"So, what are ya gonna do now, guys?" Taichi continued smiling without realizing what he has done.
"Go home." The two replied in unison. Yamato glared at Mimi as she did vice versa. Then they faced Taichi and said, "Go to work." Again, with the unison! Yamato and Mimi gave each other the same glance and said, " Study…then work!" at the same time.
After a final glare, Yamato turned to best friend first and said, "I'm going home, right after I go to work." He emphasized the words I'm, I and work, making sure that the whole student body doesn't misunderstood.
"Un! You'll do that. I'm going to my home, then I'll study…at my home." Mimi nodded, doing the same.
"And you know what?" Taichi asked bring his right arm over Yamato's shoulder and the other around Mimi's waist. "I think I'll go with you two."
"Oh, great…" Yamato laughed sarcastically, "But, oh darn, I have to go to work, best bud. I guess I can't join in your journey."
"That's okay," Taichi smiled, "I'm sure Mimi wouldn't mind if I would walk her home." He finished as he faced to Mimi with his smile.
"Mimi's doesn't mind," Mimi replied with a hint of joy in her voice.
Yamato looked at Mimi's face after she had said her opinion about the situation. 'She's got to be kidding, right?' He thought to himself. He understood that Mimi's a big girl, and that Taichi's a good guy and all, but they were going to be teenagers in an apartment alone. Yamato knew he doesn't have a-what's a good word...? A give-into-pressure problem... but could he say the same for Taichi? Yamato was technically responsible for her because he was the man of the house. If something were to happen like damage of rented property, wrecking the apartment, getting Mimi knocked up—okay, Yamato's inner thoughts kicked in, that's wrong beyond all reason.
"Ya know," Yamato added, "I'll just call in sick."
Mimi and Taichi's faces lit up in delight. Mimi jumped and squealed where as Taichi placed Yamato in a headlock, laughing. "Okay, then," Taichi cheered, "let's go!" He proudly said and started marching off campus.
With Taichi gone, Yamato grabbed Mimi's shoulders and leaned towards her ear. "I'm going to have a talk with Mr. Cheerful and Ms. I-forgot-the-agreement…" Yamato whispered to her. Mimi looked at Yamato suspiciously before having to be pushed off the campus by Yamato and being close behind Taichi.
After the front door of apartment no. 431's lock was secure, Yamato led their dear, dear friend, Taichi, and his dear, dear roommate, Mimi, to the dear, dear couch. Taichi and Mimi sat side by side one another and stared at each other for a split second before facing Yamato, who was walking across the floor back and forth.
"Now, I'm very sure that both of you know why you're here."
Both nodded. Mimi started, "I live here—"
"—And I," Taichi paused, "—I just followed."
"—You more likely lead," Mimi commented.
"—I think I did too—"
"—that's not the point, you two!" Yamato shouted causing both Mimi and Taichi to jump in fright. "We had an agreement, Mimi. You have promised not to have any interaction with me or Taichi!"
"Ey, ey, Yamato, you don't have to be so hard on the girl." Taichi defended.
"You too!" Yamato exclaimed pointing a finger.
"Me?" Taichi asked in skepticism, "What the hell did I do?"
"You've seen me at work yesterday. I've told you about the plan. It's to protect the truth about Tachikawa and me living together."
"Couldn't they believe that you guys met each other over break?"
"I don't believe this…" Yamato sighed as he crash landed on the arm chair opposite of the two. Yamato made his hands cover his face with utter disbelief. He sighed, "I might as well order dinner. This is going to be a long night." And with that said, he stretched his hand and grabbed his cordless phone. "Either of you got money?"
The two looked at Yamato with a solemn look, though Taichi had more of a half smile. Yamato groaned to himself before dialing the number.
"That was the best dinner I ever had!" Mimi exclaimed leaning back on her chair.
"That's because you didn't have to pay for it." Yamato grunted.
"Well, I thank you very, very much for the meal, Yamato. I gladly appreciate it!" Taichi smirked as he rose from his chair. "I guess gotta go home now. Hey, Yamato, can I pack this for Hikari?" Taichi took a small proportion of the left-over meal.
"Knock yourself out." He said gesturing him to take whatever he wanted. Taichi took some food and packed it into the empty Tupperware Yamato handed him. He made a small salute to the two and said, "Itekimasu!"
Mimi's pupils grew a bit after she allowed Taichi's previous words to sink into her head. "Chotto matte!" Mimi exclaimed standing up and following Taichi to the door. "Taichi!"
"Hmm?" Taichi turned just putting on his sneakers. Mimi sat next to Taichi outrageously close because of the space given to them. This made Taichi blush a bit.
"Ano…this is just pure curiosity. You don't have to answer my question if you find it too—" Mimi somehow managed to say in one breath.
"—you might as ask now since you're here." He laughed a bit trying to calm her down.
"Ano…who's Hikari?" Mimi asked with a little color running through her cheeks. In return, Taichi stared at Mimi with his mouth slightly open and his eyes read as what-the. "You know, gomen nasai. I had no right to ask—" Mimi shook her head turning her gaze away from Taichi.
"—she's my sister—" He said tying his shoe laces.
"—and I don't know why—" Mimi paused realizing what he just said. "You're sister?"
Taichi laughed, "Yeah, my sister. Yagami Hikari."
"Oh," Mimi sighed with a little whew in her breath, "for a minute there I thought she—"
"—was my girlfriend?" He smiled at Mimi, finishing her sentence and his last shoelace. He rested his arms on his knees, looking forward towards the door, and said, "Yeah, I get that impression a lot. I guess it's because I'm very protective of her. And I take care of her too." He said with a little wave of his doggie bag. Mimi couldn't help but let out a small giggle. "She's all I got, I guess. And…" He lets out a small laugh, "and I guess I'm still looking for that special girl."
"Special girl? As in your future girlfriend? You want someone really committed? At the age of what…17, 18?" Mimi asked knowing that third years were usually around that age.
"Actually, yeah," Taichi took the opportunity to look at Mimi's reaction. She was defiantly caught of guard with that answer. He could tell because of her sudden intake of breath and her widened eyes. "Well, I better be going." He arose from the floor and made a small salute to Mimi, "Itekimasu." He closed the door behind him.
With her bottom still on the ground, she smiled warmly and said, "Be safe, Taichi."
"I saw that."
Mimi's heart jumped after hearing Yamato's voice behind her. She rotated at an one-eighty degree angle and looked at Yamato leaning against the wall with a small smirk on his face. Mimi got up and walked passed him and into the dining while saying to him, "I don't know what you are talking about." She grabbed the dirty plates from the table and entered the kitchen where she started to clean those plates. Yamato made a small laugh and decided to play a little.
"Oh, com'on, I saw what you were doing." He smirked while leaning against the ledge of the window-less frame that peered through the kitchen. "You were flirting with him."
"I was not." Mimi scrubbed the plates. "If you must know, he was putting the moves on me." Mimi paused and turned towards Yamato. His brows were raising up and down. He was making fun of her and he knew it.
"Yeah right, Taichikawa."
She grunted turning her attention back to the dishes. "I'm serious. He was telling me about his future girlfriend and how sensitive he is when it comes to his sister's well being."
"Everyone knows that he has a sister and how protective he is about her. She's still in middle school."
"And what about his future girlfriend?"
Yamato sighed, "He's been in relationships before, Mi-chin. He just wants a stable relationship." Mimi closed the running water and wiped her hand on the cloth closest to her. She eyed Yamato with a hand on her hip, who in return jolted back a bit. "What?"
"You're jealous, aren't you?"
"Come again?"
"You don't want Taichi and me together. That's the only reason why you don't want me to be with him."
"That's not the reason why I don't want you—"
"—a-ha!" Mimi exclaimed pointing a finger at him.
Yamato blinked. "A-ha what?"
"You don't want me to be with him."
"I don't believe this," Yamato sighed as he turned around towards his room. He was going to loose this battle. There was no hope in trying.
"I bet he really does care about me and my well being." Mimi smiled with a little blush at the thought. "He would probably react if I had told him that I started to have stalkers."
Yamato stopped. He turned to meet Mimi's gaze. "Wait, you have stalkers?"
"Hai," Mimi laughed wickedly in her mind, "I started having some today."
"Some?"
"I have received word that I have three."
Yamato's brow raised. "Three?"
"Yup!
"Three stalkers?"
"Yup!"
Yamato allowed a couple of silent seconds to pass before he could say this, "…hahahahahahahahaha!"
"You're laughing?" Mimi questioned, "De-demo, this is a serious matter!"
RIIING!
"Hai," He said in between laughing heading towards his phone, "You—snort—are—snort—in—snort—grave—snort—danger!" Mimi turned her head to the side and walked down the hallway leading towards her room. When her room's door slammed shut, Yamato shook his head, "Stalkers…"
RIIING!
Yamato picked up the cordless phone, "Moshi-moshi?" His eyes widened a bit hearing the person on the other line.
The next morning, around seven-thirty, usually most students would be just getting up to start the next school day. Yet, Mimi wasn't one of them. She was already up, live and kicking. She sat on the table next to the kitchen eat her piece of toast. A creak heard from Yamato's door swung open. Mimi could hear him sniffling through the air, smelling the aroma of Mimi's breakfast.
Discombobulated, Yamato walked into the living room leading into the kitchen and looked towards her, "What the…?"
"Ohayou," was all that Mimi could say. Yamato's hair looked like it was pulled by a magnet to opposite areas. His pajamas were composed of plaid pants and a faded grey shirt.
"Why are you up so early? And in uniform no doubt?" He said in a groggy tone on his way towards the kitchen.
"I'm going to school first." She replied with a smile.
"Fine, I don't care." Yamato sighed taking two slices of bread and placing them into the toaster.
"Wait, that's it?" Mimi nearly dropped her breakfast. "No sarcastic come backs? No argument? No nothing?"
Yamato paused for dramatic thought then said, "Yeah, that's basically it." The toaster popped out his slices of bread and placed them on a plate. He made his way towards the table and sat on the opposite end of Mimi.
"Okay, if that's how it is, I'm going to school." Mimi swallowed the last bit of her toast and walked towards the front door.
"Eh? So early?" Yamato asked with a slight suspicion as she walked by.
Mimi nodded while putting on her sneakers. "I walk, if you haven't noticed. Plus, I wanna show off my sneakers." Mimi said looking at the article of clothing.
Yamato sighed, "Suit yourself, Mi-chin."
"Would you stop calling me that?" Mimi shouted, "I hate that nickname."
"Gomen ne, Mi-chin." Mimi groaned. Yamato leaned against the wall leading towards the front door, "Oh, yes, I forgot to tell you. I have to meet with someone later today. So, I want you to go straight home. "
"You have to meet someone?" Mimi asked in clarification. "Later today?"
"Yeah," Yamato made a small nod, "Later today. So, I want you to go straight home."
"Okay, dad," Mimi said before finishing the final touches of her shoes. "Hai! Itekimasu!" Mimi waved to Yamato playfully before closing the door.
Yamato stared at the door blankly and shook his head after words.
"Ah! It's such a nice morning today!" Mimi stretched her arms wide. "Nothing weird or wrong must come near this day!" She entered the school grounds and made her way into the school building.
"Ah! Tachikawa-sempai!" A voice cried. Mimi turned to see a first year student running towards her. "Ohayou," She said before stopping in front of Mimi with deep breaths.
"Ohayou," Mimi said in reply. Mimi examined this first year's state. She was huffing and puffing, Mimi assumed that something serious had happened, "Daijoubou?"
"Ah! My friend is badly hurt! She needs help!" The first year cried.
"O-o-okay," Mimi found this too sudden, "Ta-take me to her." The first year grabbed Mimi's arm and took her off the trail to the building. Mimi followed the student as they turned a corner.
"She's here!"
"Are you hur—" Mimi was about to ask as she stepped into the back of the school building where the first year showed her. Mimi stopped her sentence when she saw the other two first year okay, without any injury.
"We're okay, thanks for asking." Reiya said with a little smirk.
"It was very nice of you to come to her rescues when she doesn't really need it, Tachikawa-san." The one who called her said from behind.
"What the hell are you psycho first years gonna do?" Mimi raised her firms in front of her face. "If it's a damn fight you want, you'll need to contact your health insurance immediately!"
"Com'on guys," Maori said, "I don't think it's necessary to do this."
"Like hell it is! Reiya ignored all six guys for just a shot with Ishida-sama." Aisha patted her poor, unfortunate friend on the head.
"If you want Ishida, you can have him, I'm not interested." Mimi sighed turning around.
"Then you can't touch or talk to Yagami-sama either!" Aisha stated.
"Sorry, sweetie, I think I already passed the stage of having a childish crushes." Mimi sighed once more.
"And we have never become sluts neither!" Reiya laughed.
"What are you insisting, first year?" Mimi turned fuming at the little runt.
"Reiya-chan, I think we should go now." Maori whispered while tugging on their shirts.
"Are you insisting I'm a slut because I'm friends with your obsessions?" Mimi fumed as she approached them.
"Reiya-chan, Aisha-chan, she's scary…" Maori commented.
"Bitches, I'll—!" Mimi prepared to roll her selves.
"You should censor that mouth of yours, Mi-chin." Yamato came and covered Mimi's mouth before she could say anything else. Mimi's pupils shrank seeing Yamato coming to her rescue. "Now, what are you doing behind the school building?"
"I—I—I wa—was…" Mimi was practically speechless.
"You'll have to excuse my girlfriend for her foul mouth." Yamato smiled to the first years, leaving the blank expressions on their faces, especially Mimi.
'Girlfriend? As in one-word, girlfriend?' Mimi stood still speechless.
"If you'll excuse us," Yamato smiled leaving the dumbfounded first years. "Com'on, Mi-chin. You didn't get your school shoes yet."
"What the hell was that for?" Mimi screamed while Yamato placed his school shoes on.
"I should ask you the same." Yamato replied a bit irritated, as he got up to placed his sneakers inside. He slammed the shoe locker closed. "You said you had stalkers."
"I did. They were the stalkers."
"I imagined forty-year old perverts that try every little trick in the book in order to see your underwear! Not little adolescents with minor crushes on Taichi and me!" Yamato shouted back.
Mimi blushed slightly on his response, "You…you were concerned about me?"
"Wha-what?" Yamato hid his blush under his bangs, "I needed the other half of the rent too." He pushed her out of the way to make his way to homeroom. Mimi smirked as she followed the blond boyfriend.
"And I'm allegedly your girlfriend?" Mimi asked with her brow raised.
"How else would you explain we're seen together no matter how hard we try?" Yamato sighed. "This way, you don't have to strain yourself by waking up every morning so early." Yamato hid his blush one more time, "We can just walk together."
Mimi smiled after hearing that statement. Somehow walking home with Yamato seemed to be the highlight of the day till he said, "If you're going to be my girlfriend, you'll need a bigger chest."
Mimi stopped walking. Her mouth gaped open. "I should hurt you for saying that!" Mimi turned a heel and headed toward the second year's part of the building.
That afternoon, Mimi walked down the streets of Odaiba to her apartment. 'To be Yamato's girlfriend…' She thought to herself. After thinking too strongly, she accidentally knocked over some items from someone's hand. Mimi turned to see the girl frantically picking up her items and contents of her purse.
"Ah! Gomen nasai," Mimi apologized repeatedly till all the items were picked up.
"It's okay," The girl said in reply as she dusted off herself. Mimi observed the girl before her. She wore a vintage brown shirt with simple jeans that was rolled up mid-way to her knees with cute tennis sneakers. Her figure was thin and slender. She also seemed athletically built too. Her hair was a dark red, short and was tied back with short strands that were not able to be held up.
"Okay then," Mimi nodded, "Ja ne." she turned to leave but this girl stopped her by tugging on her sleeve.
"I'm sorry if I'm bothering you in anyway, but can you help me look for this place." The girl asked by pulling out a card with a restaurant name on it. "You see, I'm new in town and I don't know where this place is. You seem to be a trustworthy person."
"Well, I do consider myself one," Mimi laughed as the girl joined in. "Sure, I'll take you there."
Already several minutes into their walk, Mimi felt as if she could relate to this girl. She seemed to have similar interests as her. It turns out that this girl is going to be transferred into Mimi's school the next day.
"So what brings you to Odaiba?" Mimi asked while walking through the zebra walk.
"Well, I wanted to become closer to my fiancée."
"Fi-fi-fiancée?" Mimi questioned and had a nod in reply. "But you're so young!"
"It was slightly arranged." She laughed. "We met when we were kids. Our parents watched us and said it was best for us to get married in the future. This would help their businesses as well."
"Oh," Mimi sighed, "It's all because of money."
"But I did love my fiancée." The girl smiled. "He is the nicest man to me. He is so sweet as well. He didn't treat me like a respected girl just because he was supposed to. I mean,even outside of the house, he is always polite."
"Sounds like a great guy." Mimi replied, "I'm glad that you didn't give up on him."
"Me too." The girl's frown suddenly disappeared, "My parents want me to bring him back home and make him forget about living in Odaiba. But if he chose to stay and live here, then I'll follow him here." She remembered his face then smiled again.
"That's so romantic." Mimi cooed. Mimi couldn't help but smile. This girl... she was so smitten by love. If this girl was able to have a happy ending, who's to say that Mimi couldn't have her's. Her gaze changed to see the familiar restaurant about two meters away. "Here it is. It's been nice meeting you."
"You too." The girl smiled. "Oh, yes!" She buried her hand into her purse and took out a calling card. "Since I'll be living here, we can keep in touch."
"Oh, yes, that's a great idea." Mimi said excitedly, "But I left my calling cards at home."
"It's okay," The girl cheered, "At least you have my number."
"True." Mimi nodded then turned to leave when the girl grabbed her sleeve again.
"Why don't you meet my fiancée?"
"Me? Your fiancée? No, no it's okay." Mimi replied pulling back from this girl's tugs, "I—I have to get home. My boy…friend told me to go home immediately." Mimi purposed said to make her think she had to go as soon as possible.
"Nonsense. If you got along with me, you can get along with my fiancée." The girl pulled Mimi into the restaurant. The place itself wasn't as elegant but it was a cute little place.
'Okay, this is just a quick hi, hello, bye deal. I can surely get home in time before Yamato does.' Mimi thought to herself while the girl looked for her fiancée. 'And she did say that she and her boyfriend are similar. Who knows? I might be introduced to some of his rich friends.' Mimi smiled to herself.
"I found him!" The girl squealed pulling Mimi half-way across the restaurant.
'At least she's happy,' Mimi thought.
"Oh, I didn't catch your name." She commented walking her way towards the table.
"It's Mimi. And you're…?"
"Sora…" She replied.
'Sora, eh?' Mimi asked herself, 'Sora? You mean…?'
"Mimi, I'd like to introduce to you my fiancée," Her thoughts came to an abrupt stop when Sora introduced, "Yamato."
"Yamato?" Mimi repeated wide-eyed.
"Mimi?" He asked in the same tone.
'Are you kidding me?' Mimi felt like time had stopped and laughed at their facial expression.
Ishida Yamato has a fiancée?
(1) Hey! Wait a minute!
(2) Wait a minute!
(3) I'm off… (as in going to somewhere)
(4) I got this from a text book, so don't kill me, okay? I read that students have to follow a certain "trail" on their way to school. I think it said it prevents something from happening like assaults for example.
(5) (sniffs) I think I smell a small interlude! (laughs) If you're interested in this one, please include in your review. If not, I can just mention what happened.
Hihi, everyone! School's over, yes! Woohoo! Hahaha, but I got it done in a difficult way. Yup, but that's to your support I was able to survive. And a Silver Presidential Award! Yay! And perfect attendance! (laughs) I love you, guys! The following are this fic's heroes:
can't think- (laughs) I'm glad that you're enjoying the series as much as I am.
Cosmos-Choas- A silent reader, I see. (laughs) I don't mind really, I'm just happy to see that you enjoyed the story so far.
CrAzYbOuTaNiMe- It's nice to know that you're crazy about Anime. (laughs) Wow, I'm in a laughable mood.
Diamonte – Another silent reader? Wow! (laughs) Thanks for the support though!
Digital Damita – To be honest, you're one of the reasons why I started fanfictions. I was so happy when you reviewed. In fact, I didn't even know you were in FFdotNET. I read your fanfictions on your website years back. I think it's dead now though. Oh well, thanks so much for supporting this fic!
EUR3K4- Ah, EUR3K4, I always looked liked that little face you added into your review. I always enjoyed it. I always wondered what your penname meant. (laughs)
Jordsan- Another silent reader? (laughs)
Kirashakisama- Two in a row?
Mattmimiishida- Three in a row?
MimiandMatt- I guess that ends it. (laughs) I don't consider this fic to be the best. I really don't. But I appreciate your review. It made me blush.
Pan-kuzu- Pan! Where can I start about Pan? I'm in love with Pan! I lurve you too and always will! (laughs) Pan is one (out of bizillions) of the reasons why I wanted to continue writing, no matter how crappy I was at the time. Reason being, she's been supporting since the beginning. I was nobody. (Yes, it does get a bit cheesy from here) And Pan was there reviewing my stories, no matter how crappy they were. She even guessed right on one part of my other fic, She's a Gray?. (laughs) Pan won! She makes me feel so calm and easy, like a big sister would. Aww, man. Pan rocks! Thanks for your inspiring words!
PiNk PriNcEsSzZ- Are there any bad things to say about you? You're so sweet. And you're Japanese too? Interesting! Greetings from America!
Pinkdigi- Too bad the four in a row wouldn't count.
SailorNeo- Loved your review. Short and right to the point. (laughs)
sakurastar-008- Another silent one?
starry eyeddaydreamer- Two in a row this time!
Tamao Chan xP- That makes it three in a row! And you're Tamao! (laughs) I love Tamao from SK.
Tiffany Dincht- Four in a row! Ladies and gentleman, I've hit a new record!
Timea Macska- (laughs) I love your review. And you're a German fan, too? (laughs) Don't feel bad about your grammar. There's a quote from…Evangelion, I think, "You're thinking in Japanese! If you must think, do it in German!" (laughs)
Some wonderful honorable mentions:
Yhi
Coffeefresh
xInfernal
krNKyutEe
Isabel Black
Thanks for the support! And the reviews! They are what keeps me going! Plus, if I get enough, it might motivate me to update quicker! (snickers)