"Akama! Wake up!", he heard Miki called as he opened his eyes to find her grinning like an 8 years old.
He smiled at the sight of her excitement. "What is it?" He asked lazily.
"Its snowing outside. Shall we go out and make some snowman?", her eyes sparked as she pointed at the window he actually laughed.
"What are you? 8?", he said in between his laughter and she hit him playfully.
"It will be fun!", she said as she got up from the bed and pulled her ski jackets and pants from the bag.
Akama shook his head in disbelief.
"Shouldn't you be resting?", he asked.
"I have rested enough. Beside I'm not sick. You've cured me. Let's go before its dark", she said rushing him.
"I gotta get my jacket and stuff in my room. You'd better come with me", he said.
"Why do I need to come? I just wait for you in the lobby", she said as they walked out.
"You're not going anywhere without me", he said making her laugh.
"Are you my bodyguard now?", she teased him making him smile. "You can say that."
"So glad to see you, Miki." Sayaka ran towards her as she hugged her looking genuinely happy to see her as they approached the group who's been busy building a snowman.
"Akama! You left me all alone here. Everyone build up a snowmen in pair except for me. How could you just ditch me?", Mariko complained making Miki smiled as Akama rolled his eyes at her.
"I'm here now and we got Miki to help us too", he said lazily as Mariko eyed her.
"How are you, Miki? Feeling better?", she asked at which she beamed "better and better", she said cheerfully when Aoyama aimed a snow ball at her head.
"Ouch!", she yelled before trying to take him back when Akama suddenly strike Aoyama with a snowball aimed at his face.
"Hey!", he protested as Akama and Miki laughed in unison.
"That's two against one!", he protested again before they all ended up in snowball fight.
Akama saw how happy Miki looked and he's so pleased to see her finally smiled again as if nothing ever happened.
"Miki! Is that you?", called few guys as they walked towards her. Automatically they all turned and stood next to Miki protectively. But to their surprised Miki's face lighted up as she recognised them and straight away ran towards them looking happy as she called "Koji.."
Aoyama and Kijima exchanged glanced as Kuroda and Akama did the same and they all shrugged as they watched her talking to them and joking around as the guy she called Koji put his hand around her shoulder as the rest surrounded her and she hit him playfully before they all laughed.
"Do you know anything about that guy?", Aoyama asked Akama who's been staring at them.
"He's the guy in the car with Miki that night", he said before he took his eyes off her and made his way to the snowman that Mariko has been working on.
He felt uneasy at the sight and somehow it hurt to see her close to other guys.
Miki waved goodbye at them before making her way back towards Kijima, Kuroda and Aoyama.
"Eh? Where's Akama?", she asked them before she spotted him with Mariko busied himself with the snow.
"I think you made him jealous just now. Girl can be so cruel", Kijima said to her.
"What are you guys talking about? We broke up remember? Nothing to be jealous about. They're just my team mates", she said nonchalantly as she walked towards Akama and tapped him lightly before she smiled at him and help them with the snowman.
Ever since that night at Ginza, she started to get close to both Hitomi and Koji and warming up to her team more and realise just how nice they were and how warm they all treated her.
"Ah Miki, we're planning to go for Karaoke tonight at nearby pub. Want to join us?", Mariko asked her.
She smiled at Mariko before she shook her head. "I just promised my team mates to go for the team outing dinner with them tonight. I didn't know you guys had plans. But I tried to finish early and drop by ok?", she said as Mariko nodded.
"Yes Miki! You better turn up as yourself this time and sing one song at least. This whole karaoke thing was your idea in the first place, remember?", Aoyama said as he smiled at her.
"Sure sure! I promised", she said.
"Hi guys! I'm just taking Miki here since our coach wouldn't let her go anywhere on her own." Koji greeted them all as they arrived at the pub as Miki smiled.
"Here I am! As promised", she winked looking happy.
Koji looked at Akama as he smiled meaning fully, "You must be Akama. I'm not staying so I take it that you would walked her back and make sure she's back safely in her room".
Akama just nodded "Sure. I'll do that. Thanks".
"Have you sing yet?", she asked him.
"You missed it Miki. Just like you said. Our chief has talent alright. " Aoyama grinned at her as Miki look disappointed.
"Can you sing again?", she looked at Akama and he shook his head "tough luck. You missed it", he said as everyone laugh.
"Fine! Be that way", she said as she took a seat next to him making him sit between Mariko and herself.
"You should sing, Miki. I want to hear you sing", said Aoyama as he passed on the mic to her but she shook her head.
"You guys first. I'm a bad singer. Once I sing everyone will want to go home." She laughed as she passed the mic to Sayaka.
"It can't be that bad", Akama chuckled as she nudged him softly. "Be quiet", she said without looking at him.
Everyone was having so much fun as they all take turn to sing except for Miki and Akama who seemed to enjoy listening and refused the mic so many times before finally Kuroda dragged her and made her stood up and hold the mic.
"I can't sing! Not after everyone doing so well." She protested as everyone laughed.
"This is no singing competition, Miki. Just have fun. We won't tease you. We would just laughed at you", Aoyama grinned at her. "Sing for me, will you. Make it a love song. Let me choose the song for you", he grinned as he flipped through the music pages.
"Ah! Here it is. I'll make love to you by boyz II men", he read it out loud as Miki glared at him and hit him with the music book. Mariko laughed so hard she nearly fell off her seat.
"If you not going to sing that for me, I'll sing that for you then", he grinned as his date gave him a stare and that shut him up.
Miki just rolled her eyes at him and shook her head in disbelief.
"I'll sing if Akama sing first", she said as she grinned at Akama.
Everyone clapped as they patted Akama's back. "Go chief! Make her sing", Kijima winked at him as Akama stared at Miki before he shook his head and took the mic off her hand as he made his way to the centre of the room with everyone clapped at his spontaneity.
Mariko squeezed her arms as she smiled at Miki and Miki beamed at her as they both stared at him waiting in anticipation to hear him sing.
Everyone suddenly quiet as the room gets dark with only spotlight lighting the centre stage as he looked at Miki before the song started.
"Life is full of lots up and downs,
But the distance feels further when its headed for the ground and there's nothing more painful than to let your feelings take you down.
Its so hard to know the way you feel inside, when there's many thoughts and feelings that you hide. But you might feel better if you let me walk with you by your side.
And when you need a shoulder to cry on, when you need a friend to rely on and when the whole world is gone, you won't be alone cause I'll be there.
I'll be your shoulder to cry on. I'll be there. I'll be your friend to rely on when the whole world is gone, you won't be alone cause I'll be there.
All of the times when everything is wrong and you feeling like there's no use going on. You can't give it up, I'll help you work it out and carry on.
Side by side, with you till the end. I'll always be the one to firmly hold your hand. No matter what was said or done, our love will always continue on
Everyone needs a shoulder to cry on, everyone needs a friend to rely on when the whole worlds gone, you won't be alone cause I'll be there.
And when the whole worlds is gone, you'll always have my shoulder to cry on"
Miki just stared at Akama as he sang the song that felt so deep as if that's what he's trying to tell her. She saw the way he looked at her as he sang the song and noticed how everyone started glanced her way knowing well that song was dedicated to her. She felt so grateful she just smiled at him as he walked back to his seat and passed the mic to her.
"Wooot! That was so cool, Akama!", Aoyama clapped as he patted his back.
"That was great. You really good at singing, chief!", Kijima patted his back too.
"Your turn", Akama ignored them as she looked straight at Miki as everyone clapped and pushed her to stand up.
She took a deep breath as she walked reluctantly toward the centre before she pressed in her song choice.
"Sing it to me, Miki!", she heard Aoyama screamed making her chuckled. She felt nervous as the light went off and she could feel all eyes were on her.
Akama has said what he was trying to tell her so its her turn to say what she wanted to tell him the way he did.
She closed her eyes bracing herself as the song started before she open them and looking straight at him. And just like that she forgot her nerves as if there's no one else in the room and she's not on stage where the spotlight was on her.
"I can't pretend
not to love the things you do or said.
I didn't want to fall again, I didn't want to let you in.
You look my way without a word I seem to understand.
You, you can take my breath away..
And in your arms I'm not afraid..
There's a million stars out tonight.
A million reasons to look in your eyes.
So before I go,
I just want you to know..
Forever in my heart, forever you will stay,
Forever I'll be thankful because you made me feel this way..
Forever in my dreams, forever you will be, forever I will love you cause you're the only one who can set my spirit free.
Only time will reveal if we'll be together once again.
We, we must always believe..
Believe that what we feel is real.
There's a million stars out tonight.
A million reason to look in your eyes.
So before I go, I really want you to know..
Forever in my heart, forever you will stay, forever I'll be thankful because you made me feel this way.
Forever in my dreams, forever you will be, Forever I will love you cause you're the only one who can set my spirit free.
Forever I will love you cause you're the only one... The only one."
She smiled at him as the song comes to an end and went back to her seat as everyone clapped and made so much noise she felt her cheeks in flame.
She felt Akama staring at her intensely as she took a seat next to him. She smiled at him and winked at him as he finally smiled back.
"What about a song for me?", Aoyama protested.
"What a bull shit saying you can't sing when you obviously can. With a very cute voice too", Kijima grinned at her making her smiled. "Glad you find it cute Kijima".
She gazed at her watch before she looked at them "Sorry to spoiled the fun guys. But I better head back as we leave early tomorrow. I guess I'll see you guys on new year then? I'm leaving for london two weeks after that so I don't think before new year or after new year I could catch up with you guys. Let me know what's your plan for new year. I will definitely make it, even if that means as another girl', she winked at them.
"I'll let you know once we decided. Wow. You're going to be so busy soon ya. All the best Miki", Kurode gave her a hug as they stood up.
"Thanks Kuroda.. For everything. Merry Christmas", she said as she hug him back before she spread her arms toward Aoyama making him grinned widely as he stood up and pulled her in his embrace.
"Merry Christmas, my love", he said jokingly as Miki chuckled. "Merry Christmas Aoyama".
"Can I hug him, Rei?", Miki asked Rei as she walked toward Kijima.
She nodded as Kijima stood up and gave her a big bear hug.
"Even if she said no I would always welcome your hug", Kijima said making her smile. "Merry christmas", she said before turning to Akama.
"Do I get a hug from you?", she asked him teasingly.
He grinned at her as he stood up "You get more if you ask", he said making everyone laugh.
"Ask him to pay the bill", chimed Kuroda making her laugh.
"Girls..Sorry to hug all your dates and Merry Christmas", she said as she kissed them on the cheek in turn making them all smiled. "Merry Christmas, Miki! All the best!", said Mariko as Rei and Sayaka nodded. The model didn't say much. Its very clear she's not too happy with her much after all the banter she had with Aoyama today.
"See you all next year then!", she winked at them as she waved good bye and Akama stood up and followed her.
"I'm fine on my own. I don't wear my uniform. Stay here and enjoy the rest of the night. I will be sleeping straight away anyway", she said stopping him before running out without waiting to hear from him.
"Don't worry about us.. Just chase her already. She's too stubborn sometimes", said Kuroda as the rest of the boys nodded signalling Akama to leave.
He smiled at them "thanks guys. See you guys at breakfast tomorrow then" he said as he walked out and made a run towards Miki as it snowed.
"Why am I not surprised you're here", she smiled as she saw Akama beside her.
"You should know better than running away from me like that", he smiled back.
"Will you be ok Miki?", he asked as they entered the room.
She let him in before closing the door behind them.
"Thanks to you, I will be just fine", she said confidently.
Akama smiled as she turned to the bathroom.
"That's right Miki, you will be just fine. That's my girl", he said to himself.
Miki stared at the mirror almost couldn't believe her eyes seeing her neck was finally marks free. She smiled at her own reflection feeling relief as it finally gone as she traced her neck with her fingers recalling what Akama did to it to help her erase the bad memory. If its not for Akama and his constant presence by her side she wasn't sure if she would be this strong.
Having bruises and cut was very normal during sentai days not to mention getting injured. She never had any problem recovering from every shock and injuries that happened but she was shaken up emotionally which was a first for her. And thanks to Akama, she managed to get passed that too. She's really thankful for everything he did to help her get back on her feet.
Everyone on the team seemed to know what was going on but she didn't care much knowing she did nothing wrong. Despite the obvious of the marks she kept on practising and refused to took the sick leave she was entitled for. After everything she's been through she won't let those marks stopping her from her dreams. No way. She won't let her bad experience defeated her.
Its the last day of the year and she was determine to put everything behind her and start a fresh as the new year coming.
She grabbed her jacket as she made her way to the gym.
She smiled at the sight of Mr. Ryusuke as she made her way for warm ups,
"You're one strong girl, Miki", he said as he walked towards her.
She beamed at him. "Thanks coach".
"I just want you to know again how sorry I am about everything that happened to you. Akama helped me see that I'm partly to blame. You have one great guy who loved you Miki." He said making Miki stopped at her track.
"Did Akama said something to you?", she looked surprised as her coach nodded.
"He wasn't afraid to tell me just what he think. That's for sure", he chuckled as he recalled it. She didn't say anything. She wondered just what Akama might have said.
"Anyway, I went through your song selection and costumes few weeks ago. The costumes for the coming trip arrived today. So come by the office later to pick it up. " He said before he left her to continued.
-
"Over here, Miki!", she heard Kuroda's voice loud and clear as she made her way through the crowd in her kimono and found the four of them eyeing her from head to toe as they grinned.
She chuckled at the sight as a sense of deja vu coming back where she was dressed up as Japanese doll during one of her many disguises back then.
She didn't join them on new years eve but she made it on new years day and since they all spent new years eve with their love ones, the girls were spending their new years day with their respective families and thus only five of them meeting up today which work out just great for her.
"As always, you looked stunning!", admired Aoyama as Miki smiled at him thankfully.
"You guys all look great too. Where shall we go today?", she asked them.
"Where else but the temple", said Kijima as she laughed before walking along side them feeling like its goggle v all over again.
"Ah ... I brought the photo prints for you to take on your trip. I didn't know I left the camera at Akama's place and you guys took so much pictures when I thought I was only going to print a few." He said sounded annoyed making Miki and Akama laughed as they recalled the day they brought the camera on the trip to Izu.
"Thanks Aoyama, you're the best", she said as she took the envelope off his hand.
They spent the rest of the day laughing, sharing stories and teasing each other as they enjoyed each other company. Miki felt so much at ease with them especially now she started to get used to being around Akama as a friend. He always cared for her but never try to make her uncomfortable by showing too much care and she really appreciated it.
"So when do we get to see you next, Miki?", Aoyama asked her as they walked her back to her dorm later that evening.
"Hmm... I will be back here before end of the month but since the next trip won't be until March I guess I would see you around. Maybe valentine?", she joked as they all grinned.
"What?", she asked them.
"I'm expecting chocolate from you this year", said Kuroda as other nodded in agreement.
"You already have a girlfriend. Why would I need to give you one. So do you Kijima", she protested.
"I don't!", said Akama as he grinned at her.
"I don't!", Aoyama chimed in.
"Your chocolate is customary, Miki. Regardless its your duty to give me one", Kuroda said making her chuckled.
"Fine! Fine! I'll get one from the store", she said as they arrived in front of the dorm.
"I expect you to make mine from scratch though", said Aoyama.
"Mine too", said Akama as she laughed.
"When would I have the time to do anything like that? You both might have food poisoning instead", she laughed and they all joined in.
"I thought you don't like sweets", Miki eyed Akama making him laugh recalling the last time they went to the ice cream parlour on their date.
"Ah.. Valentine is exceptional", he said smiling at her "Look forward to it, Miki".
She sighed as she look at all of them.
"Fine! But I'm expecting a return from all of you on White day", she said making them all laugh.
"Yes Ma'am!", they said in unison.
"So I guess this is it! See you all on valentines day. Happy New Year!", she gave them all a group hug as she turned her self in.
"Well done Miki! Congratulations", Hitomi hugged her as they saw the immediate result of the Test Event in London.
"You made it to top five on a first day. That's impressive Miki. Your hoop number was perfect. Let's hope you do just great with Ribbon and Clubs tomorrow and it will be a smooth sailing for you", Mr. Ryusuke smiled proudly as he hugged Miki.
Miki stared at her name listed at number five among the list of the 25 individuals from different countries that just competing at the test events. They're all so talented she didn't expect its going to be quite overwhelming making her feel like she's already at Olympics.
She smiled at her self as she look around the arena. She finally made it. She finally putting her foot in, making her marks toward her dream.
She took out the picture from her bag as she saw Akama's face smiling at her. The picture that she took in Izu. She smiled at the picture as she kissed it and put it back in her bag before she made her way out of the arena back to the hotel.
"Your lucky charm?", Koji asked her as they got on the bus.
"What?", she asked him as he smiled pointing at her bag.
"That picture you kissed before", he grinned at her making her laugh as she nodded.
"Congratulation Miki. You made it!", he said as she beamed at him "you too Koji. I heard you made it to top five too. Let's do our best tomorrow", she smiled as he returned her smile and nodded. "I won't lose from you, Miki".
"See you at the press conference tomorrow", he said as he winked at her as they made their separate way upon arrival at the hotel.
She was about to get in the lift when she heard someone called her name and surprised as she turned to the person standing before her.
"I thought it was you. I'm so glad I run into you. Do you have time to talk?"
"Did you see the newspaper?", Kuroda asked excitedly as he barged in to Akama's place to find Aoyama and Akama flipping a newspaper infront of them.
They both nodded as they grinned to each other at the sight of Miki's beautiful pose as the picture was taken during one of her routine.
"That's my girl! She's holding a hoop", Aoyama smiled triumphly.
"Too bad the newspaper is black and white. I want to see her in that blue custome", he sighed as Kuroda took a seat infront of them before reading the article through.
"Wow! She finished at fifth position on first day before making her way to second place in day 2 which guaranteed her position in the final and she scored the highest in ribbon number. Well.. That's not surprising for Miki to excel with her ribbon", Kuroda read out loud sounded very impressed.
"She did it!", Aoyama shook his head in disbelief as he stared at her picture again.
"They made a big deal out of this because apparently its a first for Japan Gymnasts to made it to top 5 ever! Man.. I'm so proud of her", Kuroda smiled as he tossed the newspaper on table and eyed Akama who's been smiling as he saw the picture.
"I can't wait to see her next month", he said as they all nodded.
"Too bad she can only make time for us on Valentine. We should throw her a welcome home party or something", Aoyama said.
"Ah talk about party, my cousin from Brazil will come to Japan in next week. She will be staying with me for a month or so. Her parents just called me last night." Akama said as Aoyama eyed him.
"Your female cousin? Did her parents knew you only have one bed?", he asked as Akama laughed.
"I told them but they told me to keep an eye on her since she can be quite a trouble maker. So I guess I would sleep on the sofa for a month", he shook his head in disbelief.
"How old is she?", Kuroda asked as Akama looked up to the ceiling trying to think.
"If I'm not wrong she's just a year younger or same age as Miki", he said as Kuroda and Aoyama both looked at him in surprised.
"What did you do to earn her parents trust like that leaving their daughter to stay with you for a month", asked Aoyama as Kuroda laughed since he was about to ask the same thing.
"Some kind of friends you guys really are. What kind of guy do you take me for?", he glared at them.
"Its just that she's no longer kids you know. And staying with a guy for a month.. Hmm I don't know", Kuroda said.
Akama chuckled "We're a childhood friends, she's my cousin and to me she's always like a little sister and his parents knew that I would keep her in line if she tried to do anything out of line AND... She has a boyfriend." He shook his head in disbelief as he stood up to get a refill.
"In that case, I guess its fine. Is she pretty?", Aoyama grinned as he tried to picture Akama in a girl version before he bursts to laugh.
"I guess she can be cute. The last time I saw her was 5 years ago when we just finished with sentai and I went overseas where I stayed with them for a month", he explained.
"What's her name?", Kuroda asked. "Any picture?"
"Her name is Megumi and no I don't have her picture. Why should I?", he said as he stared at Miki's picture again. She looked so beautiful.
"Like I said, she can be quite a trouble maker so for the next few weeks I think I'll be busy babysitting and hopefully I don't strangle her before the month ended", he sighed.
"I can't wait to see her then." Aoyama said as Akama smiled.
"I think you both will get along well since you both have one thing in common", he grinned at Aoyama.
"And what is that?", he looked at Akama excitedly.
"You both can be very annoying", he grinned as Kuroda laugh and Aoyama threw a punch on his back playfully.
"Good morning!", Miki said to Akama's sleeping picture next to her bed. She smiled to herself as she saw the picture. She has put the sleeping picture of Akama that she took on their last few days together and put them in a frame next to her alarm clock and been waking up to see the picture every time she opened her eyes and it really made a different to her mornings.
She gazed at the beautiful chocolate that's packed in a very nice wrappings on her desk.
Its valentine's day and she's been looking forward to this day ever since she got back. She played with her hair that's getting longer as she intended not to cut them until she achieved all of her dreams. It would be like her personal measurement.
She took out the soft pink outfit that she prepared for today as she loosely curled her hair leaving a soft curls on the tip of her hair before applying a lipgloss to add a difference to her normal look.
She put on her boots before headed out with the bag of chocolates in her hand.
"You look so nice, Miki. Going on a date?
Where's my chocolate?", Koji grinned at her as they passed each other on the hall.
"Your chocolate is still at the store", she laughed as he joined her before waving good bye.
She pressed the bell before she heard a girl's voiced from inside as the door swung open.
Miki's eyes widened as she saw the girl. She looked very cute with a very nice eyes that caught her attention as its reminded her of Akama's eyes. The same brown eyes and it sparks with excitement as she smiled at her.
"You must be Miki. The boys just out to buy some food and drink. Come in!", she said cheerfully as she opened the door to let her in before she walked to the bed and tidying it up as if someone just slept on it.
Miki looked at her feeling confused. The girl obviously looked very comfortable around the place even more so than Mariko and she just went to the bed so casually as if its her own bed.
".. And you are?..", Miki asked trying to put all the pieces together as she fluffed the pillow and turned around as she walked towards her.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't get to introduce myself. Akama would tell me off if he's here." She laughed freely as she rolled her eyes before extending her hand towards her "I'm megumi, Akama's new room mate slashed girlfriend", she grinned at her and Miki felt her heart stopped at what she just heard.