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[BITTERSWEET CATASTROPHE]

chapter ten

on the same boat

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An alert goes off on my phone. People within my radius send me displeased looks as I shamefully bow my head in apology. The fault is completely mine considering I'm in a enclosed space that is universally recognised to be of a quiet environment.

Flipping open my phone, I set it to silent before reading the message.

Where are you?

It's not often I get a message from the sender. If Koushiro does contact me, it's usually through group chat, but on rarity does he go out of his way to single me out. That, and well, he's not the social type unless it's with the handful of people he is comfortable with.

I reply to his text. Harukawa Library.

See you in five.

If Koushiro's seeking me out and has to see me, then it must be something important.

Shrugging, I turn back to the shelves of book spread out before me. To some degree, I'm familiar with this library, just not this department. I had been here in my late teens and early twenties, pouring over business textbooks as the library belonged to my university. Considering it has a wide range of sources with prominent specialties, the library is also open to the public.

To be honest, I would have never expected myself to be caught dawdling in the arts section, so it kind of feel weird, like I'm in a new world that I had only recently discovered. I've decided it to be my latest hobby that has preoccupied my time as of late, considering I needed a distraction from thinking about what has happened between my friends and I.

The argument with Mimi was nearing a week ago and we still haven't made amends, nor do I plan to. I'm quite hurt about it, but what's the point of me lingering on about something that has happened? I know I may have went around the wrong way about it, but what I did, I don't regret it. Once Mimi gets it together, perhaps then I'll be ready to speak to her. As for now, I just need a break from everybody and their drama.

Which has led me to my new project: Spruce up the jewellery store.

By spruce up, I mean give the store a good old fashioned interior make-over. Taeko-san was a bit hesitant at first, but when I presented her some sketches and ideas with what I had in mind, her opinion changed. The least the two of could try was change it's old, gaudy appearance to something a bit more with times and modern because then, perhaps, more customers would show some interest to slip into the store out of curiosity.

Minimal Design: An Invaluable Technique.

Nodding at the title, I stack it on top of the other books in my carry basket. I've missed the physical sensation of feeling the books. I had done enough scrolling and browsing through different types of interiors online, so it was nice to be here instead of being stuck behind a computer screen. Besides, whenever I'd research online, it was impossible to avoid social media.

I don't want to see any more people posting vague statuses on Facebook, nor do I want to know that Makino got married to Tsuyoshi-kun last weekend. And if I spot one more album of baby photos, I will lose it. Most of all I find that travel photos are the worst. It's like a fire of desire burns inside me because whenever I notice them, my need to leave the country becomes more pronounced. It's really effecting me lately. I need a holiday; I need to get out of here. I just don't feel like I belong in Japan anymore.

Everybody is moving on in their lives, and I'm still in a cloud of uncertainty. I'm thirty for crying out loud!

Travel has been my distraction whenever these idiotic anxieties and thoughts would get to me. Whenever questions loomed in my mind whether I was doing the right thing or not, I already found myself packing my belongings and taking a flight out of the country. Taichi has accused me of doing this, and you know what...he is right in a sense. I can't completely disagree him, but don't tell him I told you that.

"Of all the places, I find you here."

I revert my gaze to the newcomer. He's giving me a meek smile, forming his hand in a fist. It looks odd coming from a fully grown man dressed in a business suit and striped white and purple bow tie. Nevertheless, I greet him back by boyishly bumping my fist with his.

"What are you doing here?"

"Thinking up designs to liven up the store," I explain to him. "Taeko-san's thinking about closing it, so I'm going to find every way possible to keep it open."

"That's very noble of you."

"Thanks." I smile. Because people are sending me looks again, I redirect him to a group-study room and once I close the door, I say, "Doesn't it take you back, Koushiro?"

"It's like we're back in university talking - not so animatedly - about our group assignments," Koushiro chuckles.

"I say it's perfect timing that I'm here since your work is just about 'round the corner," I point out. "Finished work?"

"Yeah," Koushiro replies, gingerly tapping his fingers on the desk. "Earlier than I had expected because I have plans tonight."

"Plans on a Thursday?" I tease him. "What type of plans. Are you going on a date, Izumi?"

"Which I need your advice on."

He trails off and I look at him directly in the eye. I half-expect him to let out a laugh and say he's joking, but Koushiro remains pressed on the subject. I gape and try to hold myself together from giggling because I know it's taken a lot out of Koushiro to actually admit this. I honestly had only been making fun of him, but it turns out my false accusation may in fact be correct.

However, it still does not make sense why he's come up to me for advice. I lean back on the plastic chair, voicing my thoughts out loud, "Why me though?"

"I surmised that you'd be the best girl to talk to." As Koushiro continues to speak, his face becomes redder by the second. "Mimi's not the best person to approach right now because of her ongoing fights with Taichi. Anyway, she is out of the question because she'll embarrass me to no end, and well, Mimi's advice would be only useful if I were trying to seduce Taichi, and I'm not into a combat style of relationship-"

I snort.

He proceeds on, "-Miyako? I know she'll tell me a brutal, forceful kind of way to woo the girl I like, since she practically had screamed out her affections to Jyou in a public confession. And Hikari, well, let's just say she doesn't count because she married her first love. She wouldn't have enough experience on dating. In summary, the best option way you."

"Gee, thanks," I mumble. "I feel like I've won the trophy for being the most hopeless one at romance. Are you sure you've asked the right person? I wouldn't say I have the most dating experience either..."

"The right person?" He questions, smirking, "I'm not so sure. As for the person I feel the most at ease talking about it to, you're definitely the right person Sora. The nicest too."

"Now you're making you blush. This is why you're my favourite," I smirk back. I then let out a sigh, "It's the nicest thing I've heard since being called 'heartless' anyway-"

Koushiro blinks, "What?"

"Nothing," I wave off.

I've been trying to let it go, trying to not let Mimi's words get to me. But although it's been almost a week later, I'm still sore about it. Perhaps, over the years, I've built such a strong, impassive wall around myself that I naturally appear cold and insensitive. Yet, I would have never thought that my own best friend would call me heartless.

I shake my head, not wanting to revisit the thought in my head. I go back to the topic, "Our problem is that we're too nice, Kou. This is why we finish last. And you are the nicest guy I know. Therefore, it's only fitting that I help you out. So...tell me the details? Who is this special someone?"

It's cute listening to Koushiro rant about this new woman in his life. She's a work colleague of his and seems decent enough to be a potential partner possibility. I had seen her at Koushiro's launch party, and faintly remember her pretty face, but she had been shadowing him the whole time. The way he describes her resembles a little school boy infatuated on his first crush. Then again, I can't help but see Koushiro through motherly eyes. He's our baby in the group, despite him never wanting to admit. Despite being the most successful, we all keep an eye out on Koushiro likes he's everybody's child we share responsibility for.

"This is for you." I unhook the ruby necklace from around my neck and hand it to him.

Koushiro dubiously takes it from me. "I don't know what purpose this will serve for me?"

"Not for you, silly, it's for your date tonight," I explain, chortling.

"Even then, I don't understand why you're giving your jewellery away. Doesn't this hold some special meaning to you?"

"No, not really," I admit. "I've been lately wearing the store's jewellery to try and get future customers on the street to notice. It's been another one of my tactics to get people interested in what the store has to offer. But, since you're one of my good friends, I'm giving this to you for free."

"But I-"

"It will be a perfect gift," I say. "After all, rubies are a love stone. It'll bring you luck, especially in the love department with her."

Koushiro groans out, "Sora!"

"It's only the most I can do since you're checking on me," I mutter.

He stares at me, almost guiltily, but I give him a small smile. "That's the other reason why you're here, isn't it? Have the girls sent you to keep an eye on me?"

"You saw through that, huh?" Koushiro awkwardly scratches the back of his head.

I deadpan, "With flying colours."

"They're worried about you, that's why. If you're fighting with Mimi, fair enough. You easily said yes to me seeing you just now, but why aren't you responding to the other girls or even texting them back?"

"Maybe later," I say quietly, trying to sound not bothered by it. However, I know Koushiro sees through my flawed guise.

While being hurt about Mimi's comments, I'm not ready to face Miyako and Hikari. I'm just sick of everybody relying on me, and whenever I need them, nobody ever picks my side. And, well, I'm not like Mimi either. I won't get down on my knees and cry my eyes out until somebody consoles me. I'd rather lock myself in my room and have my own space.

He speaks my name again, "Sora…"

"It's fine," I brush off. "I'll talk to them another time. Just not now. You can pass that message to them if they're that desperate to know. Honestly, Koushiro, I don't really want to talk about it right now."

Koushiro nods. It's good for a change because if it had been the others, they would have pressed further into it. I want time to resolve itself, and I did not want to face the girls yet. It's too soon and I personally don't have the energy to deal with it.

That's when Koushiro chooses to pick another subject that I don't want to think about.

"What about Yamato?"

I blink, bemused. Why is Koushiro bringing him up? I can't help but think about how we had left off the last time, and I subconsciously crinkle my nose at the thought.

This peculiar, fleeting look on my face is something that Koushiro immediately picks up. I know this because there's a hidden smile forming on his lips, as if knowing he's struck a note - even when I didn't know about it myself.

He shamelessly delves further into the topic, "I saw you leave with him at my launch. Did anything happen?"

Jeez. Koushiro surely knows how to hit the bullseye.

I supply an unconvincing answer, "Nothing went on."

"It would be nice if you both work out."

"Huh?" I burst out.

"I'm just getting back at you for teasing about my date." Koushiro's chuckling. "I have to say that even though I doubt anything will happen between the two of you-"

I try to keep my face straight, using my utmost willpower to not think that time when Yamato's lips were running down my neck when we were in a heated frenzy on his couch.

"-it would be interesting if two nice people, like yourselves, would get together." Koushiro concludes. "Though, it's a shame that the both of you hold the same similarity whenever it comes to dating. You're both not looking for anything…"

"Hm, perhaps, but if something happens I'd rather go with the flow. I'm not the type of girl to look for a relationship. In the past, I just find myself in one without even knowing it."

Koushiro mocks me, "So you've considered Yamato?"

"No!" I slap him on the arm. "In general!"

"I don't even remember the last time you were in a serious relationship." He studies me.

Avoiding his gaze, I give a weak smile. Recalling old, unwanted, memories is not something I fancy. "Sometimes serious relationships ends up disastrous too."

"What does that mean?"

I begin to take the books out of my basket, placing them on top of each other. I should get around to checking them out and-

"Sora?"

Koushiro's still waiting for an answer.

I give a stiff laugh. "It really is nothing. Just a silly memory, that's all."

Standing up, I throw my backpack on and I don't wait for Koushiro as I stride out the door. I check out my books and as we exit the library I give him a bright smile. "Your date is in three hours, yes?"

Koushiro looks at me suspiciously, "A-huh…"

"Let's go shopping." My eyes bright up.

He frowns. "What for? I need to go home first."

"You're not going on a date dressed like that. Fashion involves more than just a tie and suit, Koushiro."

"What's wrong with my clothing?" He glances down at his suit, unable to comprehend that his style may in fact be outdated.

I roll my eyes. "You're not going to a business meeting, nor an expensive restaurant. Wasn't it just the movies that you in mind? We need to get you something stylish and casual since I know nothing fits that category in your wardrobe!"

"Hey!" Koushiro exclaims, slightly offended. "These clothes are stylish."

Before he can come up with an excuse to leave, I'm already kicking him along around the corner to the closest shopping mall.

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Despite my feet aching, I take the longer alternate route to the subway. Shopping with Koushiro had been highly amusing and, in some sense, therapeutic.

As soon as Koushiro and I had parted ways, my mood had taken a tumble. After a week of practically not socialising, asides from the customer service with my day job, I had forgotten how much I missed interacting with my friends. I really shouldn't be complaining because it is what I wanted.

I needed time for myself, but when Koushiro left the shopping centre I had begun reevaluating my life again. I even went to the extent of thinking about how it was unfair that Koushiro was going on a date tonight.

I'm already envious about everybody in my life moving forward and has some form direction in life, but sometimes I can't help and wonder...what about me? Will I even get struck by Cupid? Is my sole purpose to be alone?

Giving a forlorn sigh, I kick a pebble on the footpath.

What has gotten into me lately?

When I look up at a sign of blue, neon lights I let out a dry laugh. For some reason, I had found myself at the a sport's bar. It's a bar that Mimi, Taichi, Koushiro and I would frequently visit when we were university students, since it was next to the station conveniently located near our old university. My body seems to have remembered this place as, while lost in my thoughts, I had found myself back at the old hang-out...that or I'm really craving a beer.

For old memory's sake, I decide to go in.

This place sure brings back memories. From Taichi trying to teach Mimi how to play billiards, Koushiro getting drunk for the first time and that time when I won the bar's annual darts contest (which consisted of 10,000 yen tab of spirits and cheap wine).

Clubbing and bars were fun back in the day, but this particular one was the main place where we'd always meet up after class. The drinks were cheap and there was no dress code, so you didn't look like an idiot when you were simply wearing jeans, runners and a shirt.

I sit at the bar and order a pint of Kirin. Sipping up the foam, I take a gulp of the beer and I feel immensely satisfied by the refreshing taste. I casually watch a soccer match that is playing on the big screen and when the commercials go on, I slip in and out of the toilets.

Upon arriving back to the bar, I'm about to ask for another drink when somebody beats me to it.

"1 litre of Kirin onegaishimasu, pleazu. Please! Beeru-beer...Berri? Very pleasu!"

I'm already letting out a strangled moan when I recognise the voice. Of course there's only one idiot who mixes Japanese and English when drunk.

Just when I wanted to rest, Taichi Yagami has interrupt my peace and quiet by being the moron he is. He's got his tie circled around his head (rocking the typical drunk business man look), face red as a tomato, one leather shoe missing and his white shirt is stained with God knows what!

I've seen this side to him one too many times. One more drinks and he'll be passed out and on the floor. The bartender is equally as dunce because he still gives him a jug of beer with a glass. Being Taichi, he drinks from the jug and starts to high-five a random, confused stranger that is sitting next to him.

I want to hide from him. I cover my face, hoping he won't turn my direction.

Unfortunately, he does.

"TAKENOUCHI!" He roars.

Taichi stumbles next to me and boy does he reek! I try to wriggle away from him, but his arm has already fallen around my shoulder. He plants a sloppy kiss on my cheek.

"Get off me!" I shove him away. "You're being disgusting."

He guffaws. "I'm funny."

"No, you're not," I disagree. I cross my arms together. "Go back to Mimi."

I'm may not have been contacting any of my friends lately, but the only reason I can think of Taichi getting this drunk (and by himself) has to do with Mimi. Which namely means that the two haven't made up yet.

"We broke up," Taichi replies to me in a croaky voice.

He points a shaking finger at me, about to say something else, then turns back to his jug of beer. He can't formulate sentences now?

Oh crap…

Taichi's eyes are getting droopy, which means this isn't a good thing. His elbows bend onto the counter, anchoring his head in between his hands. I give him five minutes before he crashes his head onto the counter.

Since I've been out with him on several drinking occasions, it's like I've memorised his drinking pattern off by heart. I'm lucky that Taichi's not a vomiting drunk. However, whenever Taichi passes out it's impossible to rouse him and transferring him around is a strenuous activity because his dead weight is hard to deal with.

The bartender sends me a warning look.

From the looks of it, I guess he's my responsibility now. I sigh. Even when I want to avoid my friends, they somehow manage to find me and I'm stuck caring for them because I love them oh so much. I roll my eyes to myself, wishing I hadn't dropped by the bar at all.

Knowing that I can't look after Taichi alone, I call Hikari.

I would have picked Koushiro, but he's on a date. Besides, the Takaishi residence isn't too far from the bar. Despite me being on avoiding terms with Hikari, by not answering her calls or texts, I can't leave her brother here on his own. I'm not that mean. Takeru needs to give me a hand because it's not worth me risking and breaking my back to get Taichi home.

"Hello?"

I mumble onto the phone, "Hey Takeru. Do me a fave and come over to the sports bar right next to Nezu eki? Your moronic brother-in-law had a bit too drink and is just about to crash on me-"

"Sora?" There's a pause. "It's me. Yamato."

"Yamato?!" I stammer out.

Knowing it's Yamato has completely thrown me off guard, and yes, my thick-skull is thinking about that night - brain, stop thinking! I had assumed that it was Takeru because on the phone Yamato almost sounds identical to his brother.

Taichi hollers, "YAMA BABY!"

"Shut up, Taichi!" I nudge him in the gut. I hear Yamato laugh on the other line. "So-uh..is Takeru home?"

His voice is amused, "He's out with Hikari. It's Thursday, remember?"

That's right! It is Thursday! Which means that Yamato's babysitting the kids because it's Takeru and Hikari's weekly date night!

I cringe. "Um, uh...don't worry about it!"

"Taichi's drunk," Yamato states. "You reckon you can take care of him on his own-?"

"Well-I, well…"

"You need a hand. I get it. This is all about Mimi, isn't it?"

"If you get it, then come over right now!" I exclaim, catching Taichi's hand before he's about to accidentally knock over the jug of beer. "I'm so sick of this ! I can't be the only one having to look after our stupid friends. You're on the same boat as me, which means you've got to help me out. Get your ass here and talk some sense into your infuriating best of a friend-"

"Fine, fine." He cuts me off, mid-rant. "I get it, Sora. I'm going to have to bring the kids though. Can't leave them by themselves."

"What?" My eyes bulge.

"Bye!"

He hangs up the phone.

Out of all people, it has to be Yamato. Why hadn't I called Miyako instead? I glance at Taichi who has officially passed out now. The darn idiot always causes such a scene.

I don't have to wait long until I find the blond-headed man strolling into the bar. Women had turned their heads to stare at him as he stalks over to my direction. His eyes are narrowed and tired, hair dishevelled and his shirt is even stained with what appears to be soy sauce. As unkempt as he looks, he still manages to look attractive and replacing the typical scowl on his face is a wry grin once he sees Taichi's retired figure.

"What an idiot," he mouths to me.

I nod. It's unfair that he seems relaxed and calm about us meeting again, despite our last hangout having turned into a semi make-out session. I guess making out with randoms is a common thing in his life. He is a rockstar. Although some of my friends have told me that Yamato isn't like that, I can't help but stereotype.

He yanks Taichi up from the stool and I support Taichi's other side as we carefully drag Taichi out of the bar. The sudden movement awakens Taichi for a brief moment. He catches Yamato's gaze and brazenly smirks at him. "You've come to my rescue, Yama baby."

"Seriously?" I snarl. "No wonder Mimi's left you."

Taichi passes out again. Yamato and I let out a groan because that means we're still stuck half-carrying, half-dragging him to the car. If Taichi wakes up tomorrow, accompanying his hangover headache will be bruises on his legs and feet.

Yamato throws Taichi into the front seat. Snoozing Keita is resting in the middle baby's seat. Hiroto is sitting behind the driver's seat, so I take the opposite side in the back, making Risa sit on top of my lap. Risa is giggling when she sees me, giving me a kiss on the cheek. "Aunt Sora!" She hits Taichi's head with a plastic sword. "Is Uncle Taichi sick?"

"He's suffering from a mental disorder called daftness," I inform her, face straight. Yamato hears me and lets out another one of his infamous chuckles.

Yamato glances at me through the rearview mirror. "Don't brainwash them, Sora."

Hiroto looks irritated. "Hurry up, Uncle Yamato! You promised you'd finish that pirate story before papa and mama gets home!"

"Aye Aye, Captain." He salutes.

Five minutes and we arrive at the children's house. I get out first, unbuckling the seatbelts and allowing Hiroto and Risa to file out of the car. Yamato's already in the process of unlocking the front door. He comes back to my side, bending his back to snatch up baby Keita and takes him into the house. The kids follow him inside.

I unfasten Taichi's seatbelt. He groans. I punch him in the arm. Pretty mean, even for my standards, as I'm punching the victim without his knowledge, but it serves him right for putting me in this situation.

Nevertheless, I take his arm and place it around my neck, heaving him out of the car. Yamato comes out in time to lug Taichi's other side. As we nearly reach the door, headlights beam at our direction. Footsteps jog up to us and I see Takeru from the side of my vision.

Takeru taps my side, winks and gestures to me that he's take care of the rest. He replaces me, assisting his older brother to relocate Taichi into the house.

Seeing that the task is no longer in my hands, I retrace my steps back to the car to grab my handbag. As I do this, I lift my head out of the car when I hear somebody call my name.

"Hikari?" I reply. I give her a small smile. I feel like I'm sweating bullets watching her stand before me, scrutinising my every move.

She clicks her tongue at me, hands on her waist. "Why haven't you been talking to us?"

"It's…uh-"

Takeru chooses the right time to unintentionally barge into our conversation. "Sora, did you want to come in for tea?"

I excuse myself. "I really need to go. I have work in the morning and I need time to sleep. It's been a big day."

Hikari protests, "But-"

"I'm going." I confirm. Hikari's sending me an incredulous look, but I've already given a low bow and am turning on my heels and living the scene.

My amble turns into a walk, which then transits into a run. I'm huffing and puffing when I'm a block away. I do owe Hikari and explanation, but I really don't want to face anybody right now. I'm still upset and hurt and...well, I just can't deal with all this drama. I have enough going on at work, with the chance of the store shutting down, and listening to what Hikari and Miyako has to say is something I already can predict. They'll take Mimi's side and say that I'm not being a good friend and it's something that I don't need right now.

I duck into a Family Mart and find myself scanning through the beverage section. At least I can pick a drink to bring home since Taichi's ruined my night.

My chest is rising up and down as I stare at the selection of drinks like I'm making a very important decisions in life. And because I'm staring blankly at all the brands for so long, I don't notice the person standing besides me until he crushes an ice-cold beer can onto my neck.

Shuddering, I take it into my hands and stare in bemusement at the man.

"It's on me." Yamato says. He nudges his head at the door. "I'll take you home, Takenouchi."

(a/n) Happy New Year! :) Sorry for the late update. Been caught up with my other stories xD Hope you've enjoyed this chapter!