The only thing missing is blue
Chap. 8
The scenery is very breathtaking with the sight of sunset and the peaceful surrounding.
Akama walked back with grilled corn on his hand and a bag of drinks. He saw Kuroda and Miki sat side by side quietly and just staring out on the sea.
"Feeling better?", greeted him as he passed on the grilled corn to them. "Have something to eat and drink".
Miki looked up at smiling Akama and nodded in appreciation as he threw himself on the sand next to her. The three of them enjoying the grilled corn without a word and just stare at the sea enjoying the view. Deep down Miki really appreciate them coming and just sat there saying nothing.
"Thanks again for coming all the way here and I still don't know how you find me but anyway.. Glad you did. I need to go back to the dorm soon. So shall we eat before I head back?", Miki got up and clear up sands that's stuck on her jeans.
"We're actually looking for you thinking of taking you out. We have something that we want to celebrate on", said Kuroda as he got up too. Akama didn't say a word, at this point he doesn't feel like celebrating anything anymore. He shot a quick glance to see Miki's reaction.
"What's the good news? Tell me! Tell me!", she said as they all walk back to the car park.
"Its official! He'll be my neighbour very soon", said Akama as he look around for a place to eat.
"Waaaahh! You are serious!", she said excitedly toward Kuroda. "Congratulations!", she said to both of them feeling excited for them. "So where shall we go then?"
"There!" Pointed Akama to a very cute little noddle at a corner of the street. "I heard of that place somewhere but never get the chance to try them. I heard its nice, shall we?"
Kuroda and Miki nodded in agreement as the three of them crossed the road.
"By the way, eat your heart out Miki. Kuroda is paying", said Akama teasingly before he enters the shop, sending Kuroda and Miki into laughter.
They're still laughing as the sat down when all of them was startled by the slam of menus that scattered their new found table. Automatically the three looked up to see just who's the rude waiter that treats customer that way when they saw a familiar face.
"Kijima!"
"What are you guys doing here?!", Kijima ask slapping Akama's and Kuroda's back quite hardly as he smiled toward Miki greeting her.
"What are you doing here?", Kuroda asked back as he returned just as hard back slap toward Kijima. "Good to see you, man!".
"This is my shop! I live with my dad now and few years ago we decided to open a noddle shop. I guess I was good at anything that's food related", he grinned widely as he explained. "So where's Aoyama? I didn't know you guys were keeping in touch."
Kijima found out that his dad is actually alive during sentai days but his dad didn't acknowledge him back then worry that his feeling will get in between his focus as Goggle V and they parted ways afterwards. But Kijima must have search for him as soon as they all returned to the normal live.
"Its a great that you re-unite with your dad, Kijima. I'm happy for you", said Kuroda genuinely as others nodded in agreement.
"Actually we all just bumped in into each other yesterday. We don't know where about is Aoyama too. And we're here in this area today thanks to Miki", explained Akama as he winked at Miki playfully making her blushed unexpectedly.
"Are you busy Kijima? Can you join us for dinner. We got lots to catch up", ask Miki sweetly. Akama and Kuroda both look at Kijima hoping he would too.
"Never too busy for you guys! I'll close the shop if I have to", he said grabbing a seat between Kuroda and Miki. "Dinner is on me. Let me order you all the best we have on the house"
"Yes!", exclaimed Kuroda excitedly. The rest laughed at his excitement. "Oh Kuroda! Kijima just saved your wallet", teased Miki sending everyone into further laughter.
"This is a celebration indeed! Let's make a toast for it", called Akama raising his tea cup and the rest followed suit.
"To Kijima!", called Kuroda
"To my new neighbour", called Akama
"To a great friendship", called Miki
"Here! Here!.. Cheers", yelled Kijima
"You seems so happy Miki. Is something going on?", asked Hitomi when she find Miki smiling to herself looking at her wardrobe.
Miki smiled shyly at Hitomi. She finally finished her apology letters and resignations from the team this morning and put it all behind her. She's looking forward to the festival and a beginning for her new dream whatever that may be.
"Ah Hitomi. I was just trying to find my yukata. I'm going to the festival tomorrow and quite excited about it. Its been a while since I went. It sounds so silly isn't it?", she said taking out her Yukata out of the wardrobe.
She's been dreaming about doing things like most those girls at her age are doing and hardly had the chance to actually experience it.
Going to festival with friends or going on a date, trips to the beach or skiing with group of friends. She always missing out. Its her fault that she doesn't let anyone close to her and she was too busy focusing on getting into national team that she just wasn't paying attention to her social life. She turned down many invitations to parties, dates and just pushing herself to achieve her dream.
She went out on a date once when she resumed to normal life but to her surprise the guy who she was seeing told her that she's not feminine enough and way too independent for any guy to be able to like. For days she had his voice repeating over and over in her head "Its such a shame, Miki. You're a very beautiful girl. But after spending time with you, it feels like hanging out with one of the boys. You should be more girly girl."
Regardless if you like the guy or not, hearing that about yourself its like getting a slap on the cheek and that's just how she felt back then. And ever since, she turned down any guy who asked her out one by one and the same goes to friendship with the girls. She doesn't seems to be able to relate much and so she give up in trying and contented with just being herself even if that means she's on her own.
"Its not silly, Miki. I'm glad you're back to your cheerful self. I was worried for you." Hitomi said kindly.
"Thank you, Hitomi", said Miki gratefully.
"So, are you going on a date?", said Hitomi.
She smiled at the thought of Akama and nodded shyly "I guess you can call it that" and she can see Hitomi's eyes glittered with excitement.
For as long as she knew Miki, she never seen her going out on a date or with any guy for that matter. She knew few guys at the team has tried their luck and asked her out but she turned them down politely. Which is why it was a surprise to see two guys were asking about her yesterday. It makes Hitomi wonder what kind of guy who's finally getting Miki's approval.
"Well, have a great time tomorrow and we might just bump into each other at the festival tomorrow. See you later, Miki", She left Miki continue pulling out more stuff from the wardrobe.
Miki let out a big sigh. She hope she's not over excited about this. She still have more things to think about, such as where will she go by the end of the month and how she would support herself from now on. The school still allowed her to be there without scholarship but what the use of being a gymnast that's not part of national team and for her to wait her chance at the next olympic is just too far and she would be much too mature for it.
Finally happy with her selection of clothes and accessories, she dim the light and went to bed with a big smile.
-
Miki gaze at her watch, she feels like a school girl giddy with excitement. All dolled up in her Yukata and hair do, she waited at the front of the gate waiting for Akama to arrive. She knew she's a bit early but she knew Akama would be there any minute and she just doesn't want to attract any attention by waiting inside with many already surprised to see her dressed up let alone going on a date.
Most the street will be closed for the parade so they will walk there with the rest of the crowd from every direction of the city and meet up with Kuroda and Sayaka in front of the shrine.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Miki", called Akama just when she was starring at the sky trying to calm her own excitement and maybe nervous. She can't help but hearing her own heart pounding so loudly at the sight of Akama. He looked handsome and more formal. She's used to the boys in their casual outfit or training suits.
"You looked stunning!", said Akama smiling at her while giving her the look-over and let out a whistle sound.
Miki hopes she's not blushing and that Akama couldn't hear her heart beat at this minute.
"You're not bad yourself", she said finally. Akama just smiled and grab her hand "Shall we go?"
Miki just nodded and start walking along him and can't help but starring at their hands. It feels so different. Holding hands with the boys is not something she never did given the circumstances but somehow today it feels so different.
The streets are full of people with many girls dressing up and some guys also dressed in their yukatas. Miki saw many couples walking along them and wonder if they also looks like a real couple on a date.
"I thought you would wear Yukata too", tease Miki as the passed by some guys in Yukata.
"If I do then I might just outshine you", he said jokingly.
"You mean like when we're lost in Edo's world?", said Miki sarcastically and the memories of all of them dressed up in Edo era makes the two of them burst into laugther. "You should! It suits the festival", she added teasingly.
"Aaah.. That was bad!", said Akama in between his laugh.
Suddenly Akama put his hand over her shoulder and pulled her closer to him.
"Its too crowded here, be careful Miki", he said as they move through the crowd to the shrine.
"Yo! Akama! Miki!.. Over here!", Kuroda's voice so loud they spot him straight away. Sayaka stand next to him in her Yukata looking very beautiful with her hair tied up with few beautiful curls let loose.
"You look so beautiful, Sayaka-san.", Miki can't contain her admiration toward Sayaka. And then she noticed Kuroda also look so handsome and all dressed up. "You look great too Kuroda". She feels like her wishes just came true. Here at the festival with friends and people that she can be herself with.
Kuroda make a whistle sound at the sight of Miki as she turned around to greet him. "You look beautiful, Miki!" He looked at Akama "What a lucky guy!"
Akama just smiled in agreement without taking her eyes off Miki. The moment she saw Miki in front of the gate all dressed up, he knew he would have a hard time taking his eyes off her. He's seen her dressed up especially during many of her disguises back then but today he really sees her as his date and that makes everything different. He noticed that he likes the feeling of Miki's hand in his palm.
"Silly Kuroda! You're not meant to compliment other girl infront of your dates", said Miki to which Sayaka interrupt "That's fine. He's right, you look stunning, Miki", she said genuinely.
Kuroda and Akama smiled looking the two girls praising each other. "You both are beautiful. And Sayaka already knew what I think of her anyway", said Kuroda as he winked at Sayaka making her blushed.
"So what should we do? Where to first?", asked Akama at the girls.
Sayaka and Miki exchanged glance. The both overwhelmed with the number of crowd there and everywhere seems so packed. Its the second day of the festival at Asakusa and since its the weekend there's just many travellers as well as festival goers.
"Maybe we should eat first then see from there", suggested Kuroda grabbing Sayaka's hand and put it around his arm.
"Let's go!"
Miki and Akama both watched as they start making their way through the crowd coming up to the shrine. Sayaka is very feminine and Kuroda's just seems very manly and protective next to her.
Akama saw the wishful look in Miki's eyes and he grabbed her hand and put it around his arm as well "Let's go, shall we?" And with that Miki smiled and followed Akama through the crowd.
They ended up trying many food at the stalls and just taking their time exploring the festival. And by the time they sit in the nearby cafe to rest it was afternoon already. They can see more couples starts looking forward to the night festival walking around as the parade almost over.
"I had such a great time!", said Miki as they ordered their drinks. Sayaka nodded in agreement.
"Its been a while, isn't it? I can't remember when the last time I went to a festival", recall Akama.
"Let's go for the games next!", suggested Miki excitedly. Kuroda look at her in disbelief "More walking? Arghhhhh... Aren't you girls tired already?" He looked at Sayaka hoping she would say so.
"Actually, I am also looking forward to the games. I never win anything", she said looking at Kuroda "can we please play some games? Pleaseee..", she said sweetly. At that Kuroda just rolled his eyes and smiled at her "Sure! Anything you want"
"Today is your day. We'll do anything you want. Just name it", said Akama before Miki can even say anything.
"Game it is then! After that the surprise concert, then the fireworks", listed Miki enthusiastically. Akama just smiled seeing how much Miki looks like a child at disneyland this very moment. He wondered if she's actually ever been on a date.
"Hey! Hey! Be considerate, you're on double date", warned Kuroda playfully then he saw a familiar figure passing through the cafe window and make a run out of the door leaving everyone at the table confused and wondering what could he possibly see to make him run that way.
"I hope everything is ok", said Sayaka full of concern. Miki just smiled at Sayaka. She's very pretty, soft spoken, feminine, thoughtful and obviously care about Kuroda very much.
"Don't worry. He'll be fine", said Akama smiling at Sayaka. "Ah! He's back"
"What's wrong, Kuroda? Is everything ok?", asked Miki straight away even before he managed to sit.
"I thought I saw Aoyama just then but when I try to chase him, I lost him in the crowd. Could it be him?", said Kuroda feeling a bit disappointed.
"Hnm.. What are the odd. We saw each other 3 days ago, then bumped into Kijima the next day and now Aoyama. After 5 years.. Can we really be that lucky?", said Akama.
"You're right. I might be wrong", said Kuroda quickly.
"You've made Sayaka-san worry dashing out just like that", tells Miki making Kuroda feel bad.
"You can make it up to her by winning lots of prizes at the games", said Akama cheerfully. Kuroda nodded straight away shoting Akama a grateful look.
"Yosh! Let's hit the game then", he said
As soon as the got out of the cafe, they can feel the breeze starting to change. The street lights and festival's lampoons lit up and the atmosphere changes.
Akama can feel Miki's excitement straight away. Her eyes was busy looking around while Sayaka seems to enjoying walking along Kuroda more than the festival. Akama felt slightly relief at the sight of Kuroda and Sayaka. He can tell than Kuroda showed a lot of attention and treat Sayaka differently.
"Aha! Shooting game! Which prize do you want, Sayaka? I'll get it for you", said Kuroda confidently before paying the guy for the game.
Akama and Miki laugh at the sight while Sayaka happily pointed out the teddy bear of her choice.
"Yosh! Let me do it too then", exclaimed Miki handing out change to the guy before Akama could stop him and stand next to Kuroda. Akama just shakes his head laughing before taking a seat with Sayaka behind them.
Both Kuroda and Miki had a perfect score no doubt. Akama just laugh and clapped his hand along with Sayaka.
The guy handed two teddy bears to Miki and Kuroda and like a child at candy shop she can't stop grinning.
"Next!", said Kuroda approaching the next stall. Miki followed suit as she handing her teddy bear to Akama.
Akama can't stop smiling watching her face full of excitement trying different games and always winning just as good as Kuroda. Its not a surprised to Akama. He knew she's good or else she's not Goggle Pink. And he doesn't need to feel like he has to be her knight shining armour the way Kuroda is to Sayaka. He's just as happy to watched them enjoying the moments.
Soon enough Sayaka and Akama has lots of soft toys on their hand and passer byers smile at them every time they passed.
"Miki?! Is that really you?", called a guy they didn't recognised as he approached Miki. Miki startled as she turned to find Ryo the guy she used to dated few years back.
Looking by her reaction, it doesn't seems like she's happy to see him. Kuroda and Akama shot a suspicious look at the guy. He's quite good looking and obviously well dressed.
"Ah.. Ryo", greeted Miki awkwardly. She never keep in touch with him and didn't expect to bumped into him today out of any other time.
"You look so good! Are you here on a date?", he asked looking at Kuroda.
"You can call it that", she said quickly trying to end the conversation. "Good to see you." She turned her back on him and returning her gaze at the game.
Feeling slightly ignored he suddenly grab Miki by the shoulder and whispered to her closely "I can see you haven't change apart from getting more beautiful. Give it a break Miki. Take a seat, be a girl for once and let the guy win it for you. You're cuter that way" mocked him.
As soon as he starts whispering those words to her, she was reminded of what he said to her at the end of their date back then. She pushed him away without realising and he fall on the ground instantly as it happened so quickly.
Akama and Kuroda approached them straight away. "Are you ok, Miki?", asked Akama wondering what that guy said to make Miki so worked up. And he wonder just what relationship they had for him to come so close to Miki. If he didn't know any better he felt like punching the guy already.
Sayaka grabbed Kuroda's hand quickly signalling not to interfere. "Let Akama handle this", she said softly and Kuroda nodded in agreement. He stepped back.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to push you like that ", said Miki apologetically as soon as she realised what happened. But Ryo got up already and giving her a disgusted look "You're not cute at all!"
Akama giving him a warning look as he took a step closer to Ryo and grabbed him by his collar "You'd better apologise to her. I don't care who you are but that's not how you talk to my girl"
"Then I suggested you change your date. She's just like one of the boys with a pretty face!", he said making Akama lost his control and before he knew it punching Ryo to the ground.
Miki was too stunned to move. She heard people around was screaming witnessing what just happened and Kuroda quickly try to hold Akama back and separating the two as Akama was about to throw another punch. Ryo didn't even had the chance to defend himself from Akama.
"Calm down Akama! C'mon.. Leave that loser! Its not worth it", said Kuroda trying to pull Akama back to his sense.
Sayaka hold Miki's hand trying to console her without saying a word and slowly guide her to the bench under a nearby tree.
Akama closed his eyes momentarily. He just lost control. He lost it as soon as he saw the look on Miki's eyes when Ryo said that words. She looked hurt. So hurt that somehow it makes him wants to hurt the person that makes her feels that way and so he did.
"I never see you losing control like that! Take a deep breath and compose yourself. You'll make Miki feel uneasy otherwise. Let's forgot about that loser and make the best of the rest of the evening", said Kuroda calmly.
"I just ruined her night didn't I?", asked Akama feeling frustrated with himself. Kuroda smiled at him "You didn't, that loser did! But if you're going to sulk all night like this .. You might just will", he said making Akama smile eventually.
"Thanks Kanpei! I owe you one", he said honestly.
"No, we're even! Just look after our girl carefully", he said as he winked at Akama meaningfully.
"Don't worry.. I will.. Definitely", he said finally and with that they both give each other a slap at the back and walk towards Miki and Sayaka.
"Sorry about that Akama. You're almost in trouble because of me. You really shouldn't bother. I'm fine, really..", said Miki apologetically as soon as they reach her.
Akama just smiled and take a seat next to her. "Don't worry. He needed that."
Kuroda laughed as he recall the look on Ryo's face and how bad Akama must've hurt his pretty face.
So do you have enough teddy bear and other dolls already or should we play some more?", asked Akama pointing at all the winning prizes she has won earlier.
Both Sayaka and Miki chuckled at the sight. There's sure plenty of soft toys as it is.
"Let's go to the concert then", said Kuroda pointing out the crowd that starts gathering in the garden not far from where they stand. "Looks like its starting soon."
"What if we take a picture together first?", suggested Sayaka taking out a camera from her hand bag. "Agree!" Said Akama, kuroda and Miki in unison.
"Did you hear that?.. The mystery celebrity is Chage & Aska", exclaimed Sayaka enthusiastically making Miki jumped from her seat straight away and her eyes was wide open with excitement instantly.
Akama and Kuroda laughed at the sight. "Girls! So easy to get excited like that", commented Kuroda looking at Akama.
They're just finished taking lots of picture when a group of girls giggling and running towards the garden's stage mentioning the artist's name.
"Shall we go then?", asked Akama toward Miki. They had all the soft toys on their hands.
"Ah.. You guys go first, I'm getting another prize for Sayaka", said Kuroda suddenly as they're about to make their way to the garden.
"Eh?.. Another? Don't you have enough?", asked Miki then she realise its probably Kuroda's excuse to spend a time alone with Sayaka. "Fine. We'll go first. If you can't find us in the dark, meet up at the fireworks ok?"
"Sure! See you soon", replied Kuroda as he grabbed Sayaka's hand toward the fish pond without looking back.
"Let's go then", said Akama taking Miki's hand before walking through the crowd to get a good view of the stage just as the first song started.
As there's more people coming to watch the open air concert she felt Akama stand behind as he took the soft toys off her hand and dropped them on the ground around them. He then slowly wrap around her from behind. She can't see his face but she can feel his breathing and his warm hands around her.
Straight away she can feel her heart beat so loudly she's sure Akama could hear it even in the middle of concert noises.
Akama didn't say a word and even though she didn't expect him to say anything but she can no longer concentrate at the concert. The crowd was excited, the music was great and one by one people sing along to the each song performed but she just couldn't move.
"So, are you going to tell me who is that guy before?," said Akama suddenly in between the songs. Her heart skip a beat at the question. She's about to turn facing him but he tighten his arms around her making her unable to move.
"He was a guy I used to date few years ago", she finally told him. Akama said nothing. At the thought of Miki dating that guy makes him feel sick.
"He dumped me after few dates. He said
... You heard what he said..", she let on further and felt Akama's hold on her even tighter and finally he rested his head on hers but still he said nothing.
She was too busy feeling nervous in Akama's arm and controlling her heart beat she didn't aware they're playing her favourite song until the crowd suddenly scream in anticipation and stage lights brighten the garden and the band starts playing the intro to "Say Yes" the song that was made famous by a drama that was on TV few years back.
She closed her eyes for a second and instead of worrying about everything she decided to enjoy the very moment. She leaned back against his chest comfortably and staring at the stage taking in everything in front of her as the music starts.
Akama hold her closed and could sense that Miki started to relax as the next song starting. The thought of such a guy could hurt Miki makes him so angry but there's nothing else he can do. Its all part of her past that he can't change. One thing he knew for sure is how much he cared for her. After all this time, he never knew he would see her that way.
"I'm not cute, am I?", said Miki suddenly without taking her gaze from the stage.
"You're cute to me" Akama putting his face next to her.
"I'm not girly enough", added Miki
"You're girlier than me" his voice so closed to her ears.
Miki can't help but chuckled at his replies.
"You don't need to act cute or be girlie, I like you just the way you are, Miki", said Akama suddenly as he lifted up her chin to face him. Miki was surprised to find Akama's face so close to hers. His eyes piercing through hers so gently and before she knew it, she closed her eyes and felt Akama's lips on hers as he turned her body around facing him and drew her close.
Akama's kiss so soft and gentle making her feel so dizzy. She can feel that she's kissing him back without even realising it. And for a while, it feels as if the rest of the crowd wasn't there.
"Just as I thought!", exclaimed Kuroda who was watching them not far from where they stand. Sayaka just smiled at the sight. She hugged Kuroda lovingly as he stroked her hair.
"You hoped this would happened, didn't you?", asked Sayaka to which Kuroda just smiled.
"To be honest I wasn't sure. I knew Miki secretly has been admiring Akama but I never knew what he thinks of her until few days ago at the beach when I saw his reaction as I consoling Miki", he admitted.
"And just then, did you see how angry he was? I never see him like that. Akama was always very good at controlling his emotions"
"You're a good friend, Kuroda", said Sayaka before planting a kiss on his cheek "and that's just one of the reason why I love you so much".
Kuroda just looked at her lovingly and kissed her.
