Chapter 8's out. Hope you'll like it. I haven't checked if there are
grammatical errors and and if there are things here that doesn't make
sense; so please don't be judgmental and think that I'm very stupid. TY.
And please remember, R&R :)
Chapter Eight
Today is Sunday. It's about 7 in the morning and I'm jogging to no specific place. I haven't really jogged in a while; for I was too busy studying, managing Ryonan and doing some other stuff so I have no time for running around. Actually, I do have time for jogging, but I'm too lazy to jog. I usually sleep or watch television during my free time. I used to be one of the fastest runners in my junior high's track and field club, but now, I'm getting slower and slower. From now on, I'll jog everyday, even if I'm too lazy to jog. But I doubt that I'll do that.
I jogged past Sendoh's house. Sendoh is still sleeping during this time of the day. It's Sunday anyway so I don't have to wake him up for school. When I was a freshman, I usually run to his house at around six and go to his room (through his window) and wake him up. I have to wake him up or he'll be late for school. He got the hang of it so he's now used to being up before six. What if I wake him up right now? Why would I wake him up this time with no reason at all? I luckily remembered that we'd have a practice today before lunchtime. What if he'll get angry with me? I'll just smile at him innocently and I'm sure he will not get mad because I've tried that stunt many times and he never got mad. But my reason is not enough. What else would I tell him? I'll tell him, "That's all. Go back to sleep now," then he'll not be able to go back to sleep and he'll get annoyed with me. I should tell him something else. Why would I want to wake him up anyway? Do I miss him that much? I'll just take a peek at him then I'll go back to jogging. That's all.
I sneakily walked towards the window in Sendoh's room and took a peek. Wow, what a mess! His room was so.messy and dirty. I helped him clean his room a couple of times last year (I actually forced him to clean his room with my voluntary help) but still, his room is still a mess. I spotted Sendoh lying down on his bed, wearing boxer shorts and blue t-shirt, sleeping happily. I can tell that he's happy because he was smiling. But, he always smiles, doesn't he? Even in his dreams! I love to see him smiling all the time, especially when he's with me. And his eyes, his hypnotic blue eyes, I love them too. I love everything about him. The way he talks, the way he walks, the way he laughs.whoa, I'm in love with him again? After 24 hours, I'm in love with Sendoh again after deciding in the gym that he'll remain to be my best friend. I didn't really stop loving him like this. I just decided that it would be best if we remained friends. But what if he really loves me back like this? I should tell him my real feelings, or if I'll never have the chance to tell him them at all. Hmm.maybe next week.
I entered the window and shouted, "Sendoh, my love! I love you so much! I loved you from the moment that I saw you! Please wake up!" And then Sendoh woke up and was startled to hear this. "Nanami, I love you too." He said passionately. Then he pulled me into his arms and kissed me..
NOT! That never happened. That was only in my mind. I kind of wished that that happened. But maybe that will never happen. Or maybe it would. I'm sooo confusing, ain't I? I sat on the windowpane and decided to wait for him to wake up. "Wake up you idiot," I said to myself. I waited for about three minutes and in that little time I already grew impatient. What if I clean his room? He'll definitely be happy if I do that. Maybe he'll even see the side of me who's deeply in love with him. I wish he would. I started with the clothes scattered on the floor, then with the magazines, books and other pieces of paper under his bed. Then after fixing everything, I swept the floor (fortunately, there was a broom and a dust pan in his room, and also a trash can) and there you have it, the new and improved room of Sendoh! I wonder where I got all the strength to do all of that hard work. I sat on a chair inside Sendoh's room and waited for him to wake up. After five minutes of waiting, he finally woke up. He rose up from his bed and stretched his arms. He opened his eyes widely when he saw me. "What are you doing in here?" He didn't even saw what improvement I made to his room! Grr.
"Well, have you seen what I've done with your room?" I said sweetly.
"Yeah. it's nice. Thank you. But I should have done it all by myself."
"Maybe you won't even clean your room." I said. "You're lucky I'm your best friend. It was so difficult to clean your room. You're room was so messy..."
"I really appreciate your help. But why are you here anyway?"
"I looked a while ago if you're awake because I have something to tell you, but you were not" Pause. "So I decided to wait for you but I grew impatient so I cleaned your room so that.umm.so that you'll.err.so you won't waste your time in cleaning your room but you'll spend your time by practicing.?"
"Okay.so what was it that you want to say to me?" Sendoh said.
I angrily looked at him. "You know what? You don't really look like you appreciate my help. I thought you would be happy that I helped you and all but you're not!"
"Nanami, you're getting the wrong idea. I do appreciate your help."
"You don't sound like you do."
"Thank you for cleaning my room." Sendoh said appreciatively.
"You don't look like you do." I grinned. I'm really a pain, but it's okay!
Sendoh bowed and said, "Thank you for cleaning my room."
"That's not enough."
"What? What else would you like me to do?"
"I want YOU to clean my room." I laughed.
Sendoh paused then spoke up, "Okay, okay. I'll clean your room in exchange for cleaning my room."
"Great!" I simpered.
"I knew there's a payment for what you did." Sendoh muttered.
"Of course there is. At least you don't owe me anything and I don't owe you anything."
Sendoh finally smiled and said, "Yes, that's a fair deal. So what was it that you wanted to tell me?"
"That there would be a practice later." I answered.
"But you already told me that a thousand times."
"Really?" I said, looking amazed. "I'm so forgetful these days."
"Maybe you're too pressured with school. Why don't we go out before practice?" Sendoh said.
"Sure. That'd be a good idea. As long as it's your treat." I smiled.
I waited for Sendoh outside my house. I had to change my clothes because my previous clothes were all wet because of sweat. I changed into a white t- shirt, which is oversized, and pants. When I saw Sendoh, he was wearing the same thing.
"Hey, we look like we're related to each other." I laughed, when we were walking to our destination, to the nearest fast food restaurant.
"Yeah. We look like twins." Sendoh grinned.
"Maybe I should also spike my hair." I said.
"I wonder what you'll look like when you'd spike your hair."
"Like this?" I said, lifting my hair up with my hands. Sendoh laughed.
"What's so funny?"
"Nothing." Sendoh said.
I kicked Sendoh gently. "What?"
"You look.somewhat stupid."
"Are you implying that I'm stupid?"
"I didn't say you are stupid. I said your hairstyle looks stupid."
"Then YOUR hairstyle looks stupid too!" I giggled.
Sendoh looked at me like he was hurt (in my opinion), "My hairstyle's not stupid."
"It isn't." I said, removing my hands on my hair. "It's cute."
"Cute?"
"I'm serious. It's cute." I said, pulling down a strand of his hair then pushing it up again, "Look, it's up," then I pull it down again, "then it went down." Then I pushed it up again and said, "Up" then pulled it down again and said, "Down."
Sendoh smirked. I smiled pleasantly and said, "Did I successfully annoy you?"
"Yes, you did." Sendoh answered.
"I did it! I finally annoyed somebody today." I laughed.
Sendoh smiled, "Is annoying someone everyday really necessary?"
"Yeah. It's a daily ritual." I said, circling Sendoh.
"You seem to be very happy today. What's the occasion?" he asked.
"Nothing's special today. I don't know, I'm just happy." I said, "I should savor this moment because later I'll be annoyed again, because I'll see Yukino."
"Are you still angry at her?"
"I'm always angry at her! It's already natural to me to be angry with her. But we still remain friends."
"So, are we going to eat somewhere?"
"Oh yeah. You're buying, right?"
Sendoh nodded his head, "Yes."
"Just joking. I'm not that dependent. I have my own money."
"But I'll be happy to treat you out anyway." Sendoh said.
I want to ask "Why?" but I just kept silent.
"Do you want Shigeki and Teijirou to join us?" Sendoh interrogated.
Why does he have to ask that? Of course Shigeki's... a friend but I want Sendoh and I to be alone. Oh, I forgot that it's Teijirou's last day today. Tomorrow, he has to leave already. So I guess, it's okay for me to have them around.
"Yeah, sure." I said.
We continued walking until we got to the hotel where Shigeki and Teijirou stayed in. They were quite surprised when they saw us on their front door.
"Sendoh, Nanami! What a surprise. Come in." Shigeki said as we entered their hotel room.
Teijirou was too busy watching tv to notice us come in. "Hello Teijirou." I greeted nicely.
"Oh hi." Teijirou said, his eyes still focused on the television.
"So, what's up?" Shigeki asked.
"Well, we were wondering if you want to join us eat outside." Sendoh replied.
"Sure!" Shigeki smiled. "Hey Teijirou, did you hear that?"
"Yeah I did. But I have no money left." Teijrou said, not even looking at his brother.
"I've been paying for our food ever since we got here." Shigeki muttered.
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Then I'll go with you." Teijirou said, finally turning off the television.
"So, shall we go now?" I asked.
"Of course. Let's go." Shigeki said.
"Where do you like to eat?" I asked.
"Somewhere." Teijirou answered rudely.
Shigeki looked at each restaurant he can see. "I don't know. there's so many restaurants we could choose from, but I think I'd like to eat homemade food instead."
"Yeah. But where can we buy homemade food here?" Sendoh inquired.
"There's no restarurant here where we can buy homemade food. If you want to eat homemade food, then you cook your own food." Teijirou said.
"Hey, I have an idea!" Sendoh started. "Why don't we let Nanami cook for us?"
"What? Me? I object!" I said.
"She's a great cook." Sendoh added. I then glared at Sendoh.
"But I don't want to cook for you. I'm not really a good cook."
"I think you are, but if you don't want to cook for us, then don't." Shigeki said.
"Nanami? You can cook? I didn't think a girl like you could cook at all." Teijirou laughed.
I pulled Teijirou's collar and shouted, "I can cook, you idiot!"
"Then prove to me that you can cook." Teijirou answered.
"What kind of food do you want for breakfast?" I asked.
"Anything.but it should be good."
"Okay." I coldly said then let go of his collar. "I CAN cook and I will prove it to you."
We all went to my house. My mom was knitting a sweater in the living room when we arrived.
"Oh hi Nanami. " She said, standing up. "And Akira's also here. What a surprise."
"Hi mom." I greeted.
"Good morning Mrs. Noboru." Sendoh said.
"So, who are your new friends?" my mom asked, smiling at Shigeki and Teijirou.
"They're Sendoh's cousins." I said, "Teijirou's the small kid while Shigeki's the other guy."
"Nice to meet you, Teijirou and Shigeki."
"Nice to meet you too, ma'am." Shigeki said politely, bowing, and then smiling back at my mother.
"Yeah, nice to meet you Nanami's mom." Teijirou said discourteously.
Shigeki nudged his brother. "I'm sorry for the rude tone of his voice."
"It's okay." My mom laughed. "Have you eaten yet?"
"No, we haven't." Sendoh answered.
"What do you want to eat?" mom said.
Teijirou opened his mouth to talk but I spoke before he could say any word. "I'll cook for them."
"Okay. Go ahead." Mom said.
"I'm not saying that you're a bad cook." I said immediately. "You can cook better than me."
"Wow, if you can cook better than Nanami, then you must be really good." Sendoh said.
"Thank you Akira. Nanami, entertain your guests, okay? I'll just be right here when you need me." Mom said, sitting on the couch again to continue knitting a sweater.
"Yes mom." I said.
I went into the kitchen and wore an apron. Teijirou followed me and laughed at my appearance but I disregarded him.
"What are you going to cook? Chicken butt?" Teijirou grinned mischievously.
"No." I said then approached him and looked at him evilly, "If you like, I can cook you instead."
"Hmm.I won't taste good. Besides, I haven't bathed for 3 days." Teijirou answered.
"What?! You haven't bathed for three days? Maybe that's why it's suddenly so stinky around here." I said.
"Maybe you just smelled yourself."
"I don't think so." I started. "Besides, I bathe twice a day, unlike a very stinky boy who's around here somewhere, who hasn't bathed for three days."
"Are you talking about me?" Teijirou asked demandingly.
"Maybe." I said, "Go to your brother and your cousin now and watch TV with them."
"Have you thought about what I said to you yesterday?" Teijirou suddenly changed the topic.
"What you said?"
"About my brother." Teijirou said. "Are you willing to go out with him?"
"Me? Why me?" I said stupidly, "There are lots of pretty girls out there."
Teijirou sighed, "Becaauuussse.you know he's got a crush on you and he won't date other girls until you'd go out with him."
I looked at him strangely, "Why are you doing this?"
Teijirou paused. "I don't know the reason myself."
"I thought you hate your brother."
"I do not hate him. I just want to annoy him."
".So you do love your brother." I smiled.
"I don't want to discuss that topic." Teijirou pouted, "So do you want to go out with him?"
I didn't know what to say. I thought more about Sendoh than Shigeki. What will Sendoh say when he hears this? I imagined myself on a street, alone. I was walking, and walking then there came an intersection. I looked to the left and saw Shigeki. I looked to the right side and saw Sendoh. I walked clumsily towards Sendoh ("Aki-chan!!"). Then Teijirou, out of nowhere, pushed me towards Shigeki. "What are you doing?!" I exclaimed. Then I tripped right in the middle of the street and somebody helped me up. I brushed away the dust on my shirt and looked at who helped me. It was.me. "Go to Shigeki. He's the right man for you." I, or the other me, said hoarsely. "I can't. I don't want to. What will Sendoh say?" I cried. "Nothing. Absolutely nothing. He doesn't care. He'll never care. All he thinks about is basketball, basketball and basketball. Go ahead. Go to Shigeki, now!!" the other me said, pushing me hard. I fell into Shigeki, but he caught me before I fall to the ground. He held me tight and then closer to him. "I like you Nanami... I wish you'd notice me instead of.him!" Shigeki said, pointing at Sendoh. Sendoh was facing the other side, so he didn't notice us. "Hey Sendoh." Shigeki shouted. Sendoh turned around and saw Shigeki holding me close to him. Sendoh looked as if he didn't care, and turned around again. "Sendoh!" I shouted. The other me laughed and ran to Sendoh's side and hugged him.. And then.
"Nanami, answer me. Are you planning to go out with him or what?" Teijirou's voice said.
That woke me up from my daydream. "I don't know."
"Come on Nanami..pleeeeeaaassee?" Teijirou looked at me innocently.
I turned away from him and stuck my nose in the air, "I don't think so."
"Why not?" Teijirou asked.
"This isn't the right time."
"Why?"
I shrugged my shoulders. "Don't nag me too much. I can kill a person when I'm angry."
Teijirou crossed his arms. "Just think about it, okay?" he said, and then went outside the door to join Sendoh and Shigeki.
I made Korean style savory pancake (which isn't really my favorite), since I can't think of anything to cook and I made its batter yesterday. I know Teijirou's going to remark on my cooking negatively, but I don't care. At least I know how to cook, and I'd prove that to him later. And my cooking's not bad. That's what my mom says. But she's my mom. All moms always remark positively on their children's work. But, Sendoh also said that I'm a good cook. Ah.Sendoh. he's so kind, so sweet. hey, I'm losing my concentration again. I wonder what Shigeki will say.
I served the pancakes on the dining table. Sendoh, Shigeki and Teijirou were already seated on the table, so there was no need for calling them.
"Yuck, what are those?" Teijirou asked, looking disgusted.
"Pancakes." I answered, ignoring Teijirou's facial expression. I'm really getting good at ignoring, because of Yukino and Teijirou.
"They look. foreign. Korean I presume?" Sendoh said.
"Yes. They're Korean style pancakes." I smiled.
"I like Korean food." Shigeki said.
".I hate Korean food." Teijirou said.
I gave Teijirou an evil gaze, then sat on the table. "Come on, let's eat now." I said loudly.
After eating, Teijirou ran straight to the bathroom. I think he puked or something. Shigeki said compliments about my cooking while Sendoh looked weird. Maybe Korean food wasn't his cup of tea. After that, we hang out in my house for a while, then we went to the gym for practice. We met up with Yukino, whom I immediately teased and annoyed, and also Koshino and the other players. Then, practice began. Shigeki and Teijirou looked like they were surprised at how their cousin plays. I was quite surprised too because Sendoh played better than before, much better. It's like he's using all he's force. After practice, Teijirou was babbling about how cool Sendoh shoots and dunks. Shigeki was saying a few comments, and Sendoh was just smiling. "Cool down." I whispered in his ear, "You might get an injury or something if you work too hard. It's only a practice." Sendoh sheepishly smiled and agreed. I smiled back and handed him a face towel. Then we all left. Shigeki invited me to come with them when they escort Teijirou in the airport. I sadly answered no and said I still have a lot of schoolwork to do. Sendoh accompanied his cousins while I decided to go home alone. I'm not really scared of going home alone, because I know how to defend myself, for I once studied karate. I reached my house just in time for dinner. My mother cooked Chinese food (I don't know exactly what its name is). Only Dad, Mom, and I sat on the table, for my brother is in the U.S., in college. I don't miss him much. That's because pestered me a lot when we were young, but that doesn't mean that I hate him. Sometimes, he calls when he has good news. He rarely calls when he has bad news, because he doesn't want to be scolded by mom. But mom usually knows if something is wrong, so there's no use of hiding. I don't know how she figures out that something's wrong. Must be magic. I excused myself from the table after eating, and went to my room. After freshening up and all, I looked around for something to do. I opened my windows and looked outside. Nothing's outside. I wish I'd see Sendoh walking past my house. Then he'll see me and call me. He'll then smile at me, and I'll smile at him back. He would then wave his hand at me then continue walking. I sighed. Nothing's still outside. I thought of Teijirou's telling me to go out with his brother. Hopefully, he's not here anymore to nag me about going out with Shigeki. He cannot control the way I feel, even if he persecutes me!
Chapter Eight
Today is Sunday. It's about 7 in the morning and I'm jogging to no specific place. I haven't really jogged in a while; for I was too busy studying, managing Ryonan and doing some other stuff so I have no time for running around. Actually, I do have time for jogging, but I'm too lazy to jog. I usually sleep or watch television during my free time. I used to be one of the fastest runners in my junior high's track and field club, but now, I'm getting slower and slower. From now on, I'll jog everyday, even if I'm too lazy to jog. But I doubt that I'll do that.
I jogged past Sendoh's house. Sendoh is still sleeping during this time of the day. It's Sunday anyway so I don't have to wake him up for school. When I was a freshman, I usually run to his house at around six and go to his room (through his window) and wake him up. I have to wake him up or he'll be late for school. He got the hang of it so he's now used to being up before six. What if I wake him up right now? Why would I wake him up this time with no reason at all? I luckily remembered that we'd have a practice today before lunchtime. What if he'll get angry with me? I'll just smile at him innocently and I'm sure he will not get mad because I've tried that stunt many times and he never got mad. But my reason is not enough. What else would I tell him? I'll tell him, "That's all. Go back to sleep now," then he'll not be able to go back to sleep and he'll get annoyed with me. I should tell him something else. Why would I want to wake him up anyway? Do I miss him that much? I'll just take a peek at him then I'll go back to jogging. That's all.
I sneakily walked towards the window in Sendoh's room and took a peek. Wow, what a mess! His room was so.messy and dirty. I helped him clean his room a couple of times last year (I actually forced him to clean his room with my voluntary help) but still, his room is still a mess. I spotted Sendoh lying down on his bed, wearing boxer shorts and blue t-shirt, sleeping happily. I can tell that he's happy because he was smiling. But, he always smiles, doesn't he? Even in his dreams! I love to see him smiling all the time, especially when he's with me. And his eyes, his hypnotic blue eyes, I love them too. I love everything about him. The way he talks, the way he walks, the way he laughs.whoa, I'm in love with him again? After 24 hours, I'm in love with Sendoh again after deciding in the gym that he'll remain to be my best friend. I didn't really stop loving him like this. I just decided that it would be best if we remained friends. But what if he really loves me back like this? I should tell him my real feelings, or if I'll never have the chance to tell him them at all. Hmm.maybe next week.
I entered the window and shouted, "Sendoh, my love! I love you so much! I loved you from the moment that I saw you! Please wake up!" And then Sendoh woke up and was startled to hear this. "Nanami, I love you too." He said passionately. Then he pulled me into his arms and kissed me..
NOT! That never happened. That was only in my mind. I kind of wished that that happened. But maybe that will never happen. Or maybe it would. I'm sooo confusing, ain't I? I sat on the windowpane and decided to wait for him to wake up. "Wake up you idiot," I said to myself. I waited for about three minutes and in that little time I already grew impatient. What if I clean his room? He'll definitely be happy if I do that. Maybe he'll even see the side of me who's deeply in love with him. I wish he would. I started with the clothes scattered on the floor, then with the magazines, books and other pieces of paper under his bed. Then after fixing everything, I swept the floor (fortunately, there was a broom and a dust pan in his room, and also a trash can) and there you have it, the new and improved room of Sendoh! I wonder where I got all the strength to do all of that hard work. I sat on a chair inside Sendoh's room and waited for him to wake up. After five minutes of waiting, he finally woke up. He rose up from his bed and stretched his arms. He opened his eyes widely when he saw me. "What are you doing in here?" He didn't even saw what improvement I made to his room! Grr.
"Well, have you seen what I've done with your room?" I said sweetly.
"Yeah. it's nice. Thank you. But I should have done it all by myself."
"Maybe you won't even clean your room." I said. "You're lucky I'm your best friend. It was so difficult to clean your room. You're room was so messy..."
"I really appreciate your help. But why are you here anyway?"
"I looked a while ago if you're awake because I have something to tell you, but you were not" Pause. "So I decided to wait for you but I grew impatient so I cleaned your room so that.umm.so that you'll.err.so you won't waste your time in cleaning your room but you'll spend your time by practicing.?"
"Okay.so what was it that you want to say to me?" Sendoh said.
I angrily looked at him. "You know what? You don't really look like you appreciate my help. I thought you would be happy that I helped you and all but you're not!"
"Nanami, you're getting the wrong idea. I do appreciate your help."
"You don't sound like you do."
"Thank you for cleaning my room." Sendoh said appreciatively.
"You don't look like you do." I grinned. I'm really a pain, but it's okay!
Sendoh bowed and said, "Thank you for cleaning my room."
"That's not enough."
"What? What else would you like me to do?"
"I want YOU to clean my room." I laughed.
Sendoh paused then spoke up, "Okay, okay. I'll clean your room in exchange for cleaning my room."
"Great!" I simpered.
"I knew there's a payment for what you did." Sendoh muttered.
"Of course there is. At least you don't owe me anything and I don't owe you anything."
Sendoh finally smiled and said, "Yes, that's a fair deal. So what was it that you wanted to tell me?"
"That there would be a practice later." I answered.
"But you already told me that a thousand times."
"Really?" I said, looking amazed. "I'm so forgetful these days."
"Maybe you're too pressured with school. Why don't we go out before practice?" Sendoh said.
"Sure. That'd be a good idea. As long as it's your treat." I smiled.
I waited for Sendoh outside my house. I had to change my clothes because my previous clothes were all wet because of sweat. I changed into a white t- shirt, which is oversized, and pants. When I saw Sendoh, he was wearing the same thing.
"Hey, we look like we're related to each other." I laughed, when we were walking to our destination, to the nearest fast food restaurant.
"Yeah. We look like twins." Sendoh grinned.
"Maybe I should also spike my hair." I said.
"I wonder what you'll look like when you'd spike your hair."
"Like this?" I said, lifting my hair up with my hands. Sendoh laughed.
"What's so funny?"
"Nothing." Sendoh said.
I kicked Sendoh gently. "What?"
"You look.somewhat stupid."
"Are you implying that I'm stupid?"
"I didn't say you are stupid. I said your hairstyle looks stupid."
"Then YOUR hairstyle looks stupid too!" I giggled.
Sendoh looked at me like he was hurt (in my opinion), "My hairstyle's not stupid."
"It isn't." I said, removing my hands on my hair. "It's cute."
"Cute?"
"I'm serious. It's cute." I said, pulling down a strand of his hair then pushing it up again, "Look, it's up," then I pull it down again, "then it went down." Then I pushed it up again and said, "Up" then pulled it down again and said, "Down."
Sendoh smirked. I smiled pleasantly and said, "Did I successfully annoy you?"
"Yes, you did." Sendoh answered.
"I did it! I finally annoyed somebody today." I laughed.
Sendoh smiled, "Is annoying someone everyday really necessary?"
"Yeah. It's a daily ritual." I said, circling Sendoh.
"You seem to be very happy today. What's the occasion?" he asked.
"Nothing's special today. I don't know, I'm just happy." I said, "I should savor this moment because later I'll be annoyed again, because I'll see Yukino."
"Are you still angry at her?"
"I'm always angry at her! It's already natural to me to be angry with her. But we still remain friends."
"So, are we going to eat somewhere?"
"Oh yeah. You're buying, right?"
Sendoh nodded his head, "Yes."
"Just joking. I'm not that dependent. I have my own money."
"But I'll be happy to treat you out anyway." Sendoh said.
I want to ask "Why?" but I just kept silent.
"Do you want Shigeki and Teijirou to join us?" Sendoh interrogated.
Why does he have to ask that? Of course Shigeki's... a friend but I want Sendoh and I to be alone. Oh, I forgot that it's Teijirou's last day today. Tomorrow, he has to leave already. So I guess, it's okay for me to have them around.
"Yeah, sure." I said.
We continued walking until we got to the hotel where Shigeki and Teijirou stayed in. They were quite surprised when they saw us on their front door.
"Sendoh, Nanami! What a surprise. Come in." Shigeki said as we entered their hotel room.
Teijirou was too busy watching tv to notice us come in. "Hello Teijirou." I greeted nicely.
"Oh hi." Teijirou said, his eyes still focused on the television.
"So, what's up?" Shigeki asked.
"Well, we were wondering if you want to join us eat outside." Sendoh replied.
"Sure!" Shigeki smiled. "Hey Teijirou, did you hear that?"
"Yeah I did. But I have no money left." Teijrou said, not even looking at his brother.
"I've been paying for our food ever since we got here." Shigeki muttered.
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Then I'll go with you." Teijirou said, finally turning off the television.
"So, shall we go now?" I asked.
"Of course. Let's go." Shigeki said.
"Where do you like to eat?" I asked.
"Somewhere." Teijirou answered rudely.
Shigeki looked at each restaurant he can see. "I don't know. there's so many restaurants we could choose from, but I think I'd like to eat homemade food instead."
"Yeah. But where can we buy homemade food here?" Sendoh inquired.
"There's no restarurant here where we can buy homemade food. If you want to eat homemade food, then you cook your own food." Teijirou said.
"Hey, I have an idea!" Sendoh started. "Why don't we let Nanami cook for us?"
"What? Me? I object!" I said.
"She's a great cook." Sendoh added. I then glared at Sendoh.
"But I don't want to cook for you. I'm not really a good cook."
"I think you are, but if you don't want to cook for us, then don't." Shigeki said.
"Nanami? You can cook? I didn't think a girl like you could cook at all." Teijirou laughed.
I pulled Teijirou's collar and shouted, "I can cook, you idiot!"
"Then prove to me that you can cook." Teijirou answered.
"What kind of food do you want for breakfast?" I asked.
"Anything.but it should be good."
"Okay." I coldly said then let go of his collar. "I CAN cook and I will prove it to you."
We all went to my house. My mom was knitting a sweater in the living room when we arrived.
"Oh hi Nanami. " She said, standing up. "And Akira's also here. What a surprise."
"Hi mom." I greeted.
"Good morning Mrs. Noboru." Sendoh said.
"So, who are your new friends?" my mom asked, smiling at Shigeki and Teijirou.
"They're Sendoh's cousins." I said, "Teijirou's the small kid while Shigeki's the other guy."
"Nice to meet you, Teijirou and Shigeki."
"Nice to meet you too, ma'am." Shigeki said politely, bowing, and then smiling back at my mother.
"Yeah, nice to meet you Nanami's mom." Teijirou said discourteously.
Shigeki nudged his brother. "I'm sorry for the rude tone of his voice."
"It's okay." My mom laughed. "Have you eaten yet?"
"No, we haven't." Sendoh answered.
"What do you want to eat?" mom said.
Teijirou opened his mouth to talk but I spoke before he could say any word. "I'll cook for them."
"Okay. Go ahead." Mom said.
"I'm not saying that you're a bad cook." I said immediately. "You can cook better than me."
"Wow, if you can cook better than Nanami, then you must be really good." Sendoh said.
"Thank you Akira. Nanami, entertain your guests, okay? I'll just be right here when you need me." Mom said, sitting on the couch again to continue knitting a sweater.
"Yes mom." I said.
I went into the kitchen and wore an apron. Teijirou followed me and laughed at my appearance but I disregarded him.
"What are you going to cook? Chicken butt?" Teijirou grinned mischievously.
"No." I said then approached him and looked at him evilly, "If you like, I can cook you instead."
"Hmm.I won't taste good. Besides, I haven't bathed for 3 days." Teijirou answered.
"What?! You haven't bathed for three days? Maybe that's why it's suddenly so stinky around here." I said.
"Maybe you just smelled yourself."
"I don't think so." I started. "Besides, I bathe twice a day, unlike a very stinky boy who's around here somewhere, who hasn't bathed for three days."
"Are you talking about me?" Teijirou asked demandingly.
"Maybe." I said, "Go to your brother and your cousin now and watch TV with them."
"Have you thought about what I said to you yesterday?" Teijirou suddenly changed the topic.
"What you said?"
"About my brother." Teijirou said. "Are you willing to go out with him?"
"Me? Why me?" I said stupidly, "There are lots of pretty girls out there."
Teijirou sighed, "Becaauuussse.you know he's got a crush on you and he won't date other girls until you'd go out with him."
I looked at him strangely, "Why are you doing this?"
Teijirou paused. "I don't know the reason myself."
"I thought you hate your brother."
"I do not hate him. I just want to annoy him."
".So you do love your brother." I smiled.
"I don't want to discuss that topic." Teijirou pouted, "So do you want to go out with him?"
I didn't know what to say. I thought more about Sendoh than Shigeki. What will Sendoh say when he hears this? I imagined myself on a street, alone. I was walking, and walking then there came an intersection. I looked to the left and saw Shigeki. I looked to the right side and saw Sendoh. I walked clumsily towards Sendoh ("Aki-chan!!"). Then Teijirou, out of nowhere, pushed me towards Shigeki. "What are you doing?!" I exclaimed. Then I tripped right in the middle of the street and somebody helped me up. I brushed away the dust on my shirt and looked at who helped me. It was.me. "Go to Shigeki. He's the right man for you." I, or the other me, said hoarsely. "I can't. I don't want to. What will Sendoh say?" I cried. "Nothing. Absolutely nothing. He doesn't care. He'll never care. All he thinks about is basketball, basketball and basketball. Go ahead. Go to Shigeki, now!!" the other me said, pushing me hard. I fell into Shigeki, but he caught me before I fall to the ground. He held me tight and then closer to him. "I like you Nanami... I wish you'd notice me instead of.him!" Shigeki said, pointing at Sendoh. Sendoh was facing the other side, so he didn't notice us. "Hey Sendoh." Shigeki shouted. Sendoh turned around and saw Shigeki holding me close to him. Sendoh looked as if he didn't care, and turned around again. "Sendoh!" I shouted. The other me laughed and ran to Sendoh's side and hugged him.. And then.
"Nanami, answer me. Are you planning to go out with him or what?" Teijirou's voice said.
That woke me up from my daydream. "I don't know."
"Come on Nanami..pleeeeeaaassee?" Teijirou looked at me innocently.
I turned away from him and stuck my nose in the air, "I don't think so."
"Why not?" Teijirou asked.
"This isn't the right time."
"Why?"
I shrugged my shoulders. "Don't nag me too much. I can kill a person when I'm angry."
Teijirou crossed his arms. "Just think about it, okay?" he said, and then went outside the door to join Sendoh and Shigeki.
I made Korean style savory pancake (which isn't really my favorite), since I can't think of anything to cook and I made its batter yesterday. I know Teijirou's going to remark on my cooking negatively, but I don't care. At least I know how to cook, and I'd prove that to him later. And my cooking's not bad. That's what my mom says. But she's my mom. All moms always remark positively on their children's work. But, Sendoh also said that I'm a good cook. Ah.Sendoh. he's so kind, so sweet. hey, I'm losing my concentration again. I wonder what Shigeki will say.
I served the pancakes on the dining table. Sendoh, Shigeki and Teijirou were already seated on the table, so there was no need for calling them.
"Yuck, what are those?" Teijirou asked, looking disgusted.
"Pancakes." I answered, ignoring Teijirou's facial expression. I'm really getting good at ignoring, because of Yukino and Teijirou.
"They look. foreign. Korean I presume?" Sendoh said.
"Yes. They're Korean style pancakes." I smiled.
"I like Korean food." Shigeki said.
".I hate Korean food." Teijirou said.
I gave Teijirou an evil gaze, then sat on the table. "Come on, let's eat now." I said loudly.
After eating, Teijirou ran straight to the bathroom. I think he puked or something. Shigeki said compliments about my cooking while Sendoh looked weird. Maybe Korean food wasn't his cup of tea. After that, we hang out in my house for a while, then we went to the gym for practice. We met up with Yukino, whom I immediately teased and annoyed, and also Koshino and the other players. Then, practice began. Shigeki and Teijirou looked like they were surprised at how their cousin plays. I was quite surprised too because Sendoh played better than before, much better. It's like he's using all he's force. After practice, Teijirou was babbling about how cool Sendoh shoots and dunks. Shigeki was saying a few comments, and Sendoh was just smiling. "Cool down." I whispered in his ear, "You might get an injury or something if you work too hard. It's only a practice." Sendoh sheepishly smiled and agreed. I smiled back and handed him a face towel. Then we all left. Shigeki invited me to come with them when they escort Teijirou in the airport. I sadly answered no and said I still have a lot of schoolwork to do. Sendoh accompanied his cousins while I decided to go home alone. I'm not really scared of going home alone, because I know how to defend myself, for I once studied karate. I reached my house just in time for dinner. My mother cooked Chinese food (I don't know exactly what its name is). Only Dad, Mom, and I sat on the table, for my brother is in the U.S., in college. I don't miss him much. That's because pestered me a lot when we were young, but that doesn't mean that I hate him. Sometimes, he calls when he has good news. He rarely calls when he has bad news, because he doesn't want to be scolded by mom. But mom usually knows if something is wrong, so there's no use of hiding. I don't know how she figures out that something's wrong. Must be magic. I excused myself from the table after eating, and went to my room. After freshening up and all, I looked around for something to do. I opened my windows and looked outside. Nothing's outside. I wish I'd see Sendoh walking past my house. Then he'll see me and call me. He'll then smile at me, and I'll smile at him back. He would then wave his hand at me then continue walking. I sighed. Nothing's still outside. I thought of Teijirou's telling me to go out with his brother. Hopefully, he's not here anymore to nag me about going out with Shigeki. He cannot control the way I feel, even if he persecutes me!