Haven't updated since... FOREVER. So sorry, guys... *self-slap* Been extremely busy lately. 2 words: HELL WEEKS. I wanted to at least upload this for "Chinese New Year" lol. What an excuse, it's supposed to be for New Year, but it's like a month ago. :/ I can't even reply to reviews :( Heck, I'm rushing just by uploading this ._. The next time I upload a new chapter? I'll try on THURSDAY this week, but if not, then probably WEEKS later... or even a month o How disgraceful.
Chapter 12
One cool night, the evening breeze was chilly as it blew and entered a white summer house. A girl, seated alone in the dining room felt the sudden blow and a shiver ran all throughout her body; the hair on her skin instantly stuck up like needles. The girl, Paigee, swore that even her bones felt it, so she hurriedly shut the glass window; calming the waving silk curtains. She returned to her warm chair and continued pondering. Paigee obviously got a mental block since she let out a low groan and laid her upper body on the dining table. Beneath her was a blank piece of paper and within her grasp was a pen which by now should have rolled down the table when she subconsciously loosened her grip.
Tick Tock Tick Tock. The room was poorly lit and the only area in the whole house with the lights still on. Each second that passed, Paigee became more conscious and soon gave up stalling time; deciding that she needs to write something! Time flew by swiftly when Paigee realized it was already 11pm as she glared at the annoyingly noisy clock; as if it would magically stop. A deep sigh escaped her dry lips. What was she suppose to do during New Year? What would she want..? What would… Luffy want? It was the day after tomorrow, so it only made sense that she needs to work on the preparations tomorrow! Absentmindedly, Paigee glanced at the sleeping figure at the Living room; she managed to see he was sprawled all over the red velvet couch and she spotted his black hair even though it was purely dark in that room. Again, she sighed disappointingly while staring at the blank paper beneath her. "I guess I'll have to think about it while in bed."
Thankfully, Paigee didn't fall asleep as soon as her back made contact with her cool soft bed. Instead, she lied there, her head lying on her hands like a pillow; an uncomfortable one, but that's what she does when she's thinking. She stared at the jewels shining in the dark sky; she considered staying at home and cooking a big meal, then watching the hopefully starry sky with Luffy. With a turn of her body, a wooden desk was visible; there was a poster pinned by the wall next to the said desk. Paigee also considered going out to a festival and watching the New Year sunrise with him. That certainly sounded exciting, but Paigee never wore a Yukata and she was afraid of crowds to be honest.
Once, back then, she got lost and wandered alone in a festival. That event still gave her a slight sting of pain in her chest; it just emphasized the fact that she was alone, all alone. Paigee was only afraid. She bore with the loneliness all her life, but it seemed too sweet to have company that it's quite hard to let go. She wanted to enjoy everything life has to offer while Luffy was there; while she still has someone. Deciding she was too mentally beat, Paigee rolled to her side and once again faced the window; ever so slowly drifting off to a dreamless sleep.
Morning came fast as birds started chirping their merry little tune; a sign that a new year was awaiting them soon. Paigee was already up, making breakfast; she felt like she didn't had any sleep. Those memories flooded her mind after all, those awful images and scenes; with a sigh her dream problem vanished along with the deep breath she took. As Paigee focused solely on cooking, she failed to notice a certain form entering the kitchen and taking a seat. She was so into cooking and her thoughts, she still haven't noticed the boy who was seated on the dining table and reading the poster on the table with an interested grin. "Hey Paigee!" the girl suddenly jumped slightly at the loud greeting. "A-ah, G-good Morning, Luffy." She herself was surprised that she did not manage to sense his presence. "I want breakfast!" he childishly demanded and Paigee looked at him with the corner of her eyes; "I'm still cooking it, just wait a bit." The metal spatula and pan's contact produced a sound of clashing metals and the boiling oil just added to the sparking sound; that sound echoed through the silent room. Luffy decided to speak up what was bothering him just this morning.
"Paigee, what's this festival tomorrow night?" he asked out of the blue while impatiently waiting for his dear food. She remained silent for a bit; realizing Luffy found out her plan! Paigee decided to spill it out since he'll just be bugging her all day about it. "It's a festival celebrating New year. I was planning on taking you there with me." She placed the freshly cooked bacon at the side for the moment, just in case Luffy might try taking it. Luffy seemed to ponder on the matter and spoke up again, "Will there be food?" he asked innocently, "Yeah. There'll be plenty of food stands. It's a festival after all." Paigee shrugged, both of them not noticing. The stove's knob was quickly turned to stop the growing flame. The girl carefully placed two white plates containing bacon, two for her and six for Luffy; sunny side eggs and a French Croissant for each. "Yosh!" Luffy said as if he decided on something. Paigee looked at him questioningly as she took a seat next to Luffy. The boy held a fork in his right hand and exclaimed, "We are going to that festival!" the next thing Paigee knew, Luffy was already munching on his third bacon. Paigee gave up; she knew there was no way in changing his mind now. "We need to wear yukatas though." She said while stuffing a slice of croissant in her mouth. "Eh?" Luffy looked at Paigee with a frown. "Don't worry; we'll be buying them after breakfast." Her smile could've been identified as a cheeky one, but it seemed like she herself was uneasy about it.
Luffy was leaning on the wall by the door and waiting impatiently for Paigee to get ready. Honestly, he was feeling quite hungry, so he was looking forward to grab a bite at the food stands outside. "Paaaaaaigeee…" Luffy groaned slightly. Something caught his attention before he could continue groaning in boredom; it was their scarf. The cream colored scarf was hanging on the metal hook attached behind the door. He quickly grabbed it and wrapped it around his neck. Luffy grinned cheekily at the comfortable warmth. This scarf holds their dear memories together as nakama! Surely, both of them value this piece of clothing as their treasure. A question popped in Luffy's mind suddenly; what was Paigee's treasure?
Luffy was pulled out of his musings as he felt a light tap on his shoulder; it was Paigee. She wore a simple dress, but Luffy didn't really pay much attention to it. Although Paigee did notice Luffy's additional accessory; their scarf. As usual, Luffy enthusiastically went out the door like a dove was freed from its cage. During their trip to the city, Luffy, as usual, was awed by the tall buildings and flashy lights. The trip was quick. Paigee had to drag Luffy out of the taxi and into the store. Luffy wasn't very interested in a boring store full of clothes. He just doesn't get the point of getting so much clothes or even getting that 'yukata'. Luffy had no choice but to go in as well; so he ended up innocently looking at the clothing on display with curious eyes. "Luffy,you can freely choose from the displays; you need something to wear tomorrow too." Paigee suggested and Luffy seemed a little reluctant, but ended up doing it anyway.
After countless suggestions from the store keeper and presented choices by Paigee, Luffy spotted something he decided to get. He wasn't very picky though; it's just that Paigee and the store owner brought out too many clothes for his liking. Luffy presented the yukata to Paigee and she just nodded in agreement. It was a simple plain dark green yukata, nothing more. Now it was Paigee's turn; she was still a bit nervous about wearing something alien to her; so this is how Luffy felt when he wore the school uniform. Honestly, Paigee has been wandering around the store without even picking up a yukata. She's a bit too much conscious. Meanwhile, a certain boy was curiously eyeing a bunch of yukatas at a corner and something actually caught his eye. Swiftly, he grabbed a certain yukata and immediately went to Paigee's side. The sudden contact of Luffy's warm hand placed on Paigee's shoulder made her jump slightly before turning to Luffy. "Try this on." He blankly asked. All Paigee could do was slowly nod and she headed to the dressing room.
The door to the dressing room creaked open slowly. Luffy, who was twirling his precious hat with his finger for the last five minutes, noticed the creaking sound and quickly averted his attention to the source. His eyes widened ever so slightly. Behind the door was a lady, a lady who Luffy could barely recognize. The lady, who's hair was tied up into a bun, wore a light green yukata complimenting her unusual teal eyes. The light green yukata's design consisted of white silhouettes of cherry blossom petals gracefully gliding through mid-air. At the edge of the yukata was what seemed like a stash of white petals. The yukata had a slightly darker shade of green on its outlines. The obi has the same shade as the outline of the yukata. Overall, the clothing looked easy on the eyes; it gave a calming and soothing effect. Luffy was caught in a daze as he stared at the figure. After what felt like an eternity, the lady decided to interrupt the thick silence going on for a few minutes, "Oi! Luffy, well?" she huffed as she placed her hands on her hips and raised an eyebrow at the straw hat boy. Luffy, who blinked rapidly, was brought back to his senses, "Ah, gomen, Paigee!" he sheepishly rubbed the back of his head as he stared at the ground. Paigee halfheartedly frowned at the peculiar reaction and decided to get back into the stuffy dressing room. She sighed as she entered, pulling of the bun, "Paigee, wait!" a voice made her turn around; making her hair sway in the air enchantingly.
"What?" she asked blinking. "It looks good on you." Luffy smiled cheekily. Her cheeks reddened as she attempted to cover her face. Instantly, she slammed the wooden door and clasped her hot cheeks. "I-idiot…" she murmured to herself. A faint chuckle escaped the boy's lips, "Are you gonna buy it then?" he asked. A brief silence followed before she spoke up, "Yeah," she said almost hesitantly. Paigee was clutching the poor dress, still flustered. Paigee swore she heard Luffy mumble, "Food, here I come." Resulting into her giggling, "I guess it wouldn't hurt to try it…" she whispered to herself before changing into her casual clothes.
Yeah, sweet and romance scenes for the next chapter... meaning it'll take me some time... A LOT. Hopefully, God'll be merciful and let me upload another chapter a few days from now, (Doubt it.) By the way, it's our exams this Wednesday and Thursday. Oh hell~ and submission of a project the next day. Oh hell again~ Weekend? Parish service... the WHOLE WEEKEND. Next week? Another project. tsk. Everyday? 5 hours of sleep... T^T But hey, I'm the top in my year level just last term. Still. I want summer. -_- Oooooo btw, I just remembered! I'll make sure to spare some time to make a SPECIAL chapter for Valentines day~! OMYGAWD, how can I not notice?! I almost forgot! TSS! Although I myself do not have any plans, I shall spend the night writing the chapter ;D Happy Advanced Valentines day, minna! Love ya my readers~