Author's notes: it's been so long since I wrote a chapter for the shiyuan fanfic. Things have not really been going smoothly for me. I missed my exams but of course I had a valid reason. Pardon me if the chapter sounds strange or whatever-I will get back on my tracks. Thanks!
Chapter 11: The Friends' Opinions
"The bluest sky should be infinitely high and crystal clear," Shiyuan read aloud. She was in her bedroom on a sunny Saturday morning, reading aloud some of her favourite anime characters' favourite catchphrases. Oh, wait a minute. It was not that Gentatsu was her absolute favourite in the anime Rurouni Kenshin, it was just that she needed some form of distraction and reading aloud phrases was her favourite way of getting distracted.
"WHY DOES HE KEEP POPPING UP IN MY HEAD???" Shiyuan screamed as she flung her body back on the bed forcibly, in a resigned state. The past day's memories haunted her.
Shiyuan closed her eyes, memories flooding back into her head. She revisited the scene when Shinsani and her were in the music studio, and their music teacher had deliberately made them do funny actions to sing along with the song, My heart will go on. She remembered the awkwardness and yet the strong touch of Shinsani as they interlocked their arms together in a standing position, just like Jack and Rose in the famous movie blockbuster Titanic. She remembered the closeness that she felt towards him at that moment. She remembered looking into his eyes and seeing his hazel brown eyes that seemed to penetrate deep into his soul. She remembered how momentarily handsome he was at that flash of a moment. She remembered his scent and she remembered his unique hair colour. She smiled a little at the thought of them becoming intimate. Alas, the truth was, both of them were infatuated with each other but refused to accept the truth.
"Alright…ladies! Make yourselves at home!" Laura said as she picked up a McDonalds bag full of French fries. Putting one French fry into her mouth, she chewed it slowly to savour the wonderful taste of fast food.
"Your house is so pretty Laura!" Misaki gushed.
Indeed Laura's house was splendid-looking. It was three levels high. The living room was nicely furnished with black leather sofas and a PHILIPS television set. The living room was linked to the dinner table. The walls were beautifully decorated with pictures of Christianity. Laura's room was like a Barbie dollhouse set. Located on the third floor, Laura's room had the theme Starry Night. Her bed was splashed with dark purple and twinkling stars bed sheet covers. Her walls were hung with posters that featured beautiful nature. Her dressing table had all sorts accessories from lip gloss to eye shadow. Her cupboard was spilling with a gazillion clothes that she had spent her monthly allowances on. The floor was furnished with a dark blue carpet that summed up the whole theme.
" I didn't know you were a nature's girl," Izumi commented as she took a sip from her Vanilla Coke can.
Laura smiled and said," Well…welcome to the world of Laura!"
" I still don't get it. Why did you invite both of us over?" Misaki asked, puzzled.
Laura said thoughtfully," Do both of you know about the latest up comings with Shiyuan and Shinsani?"
Misaki and Izumi nodded their heads vigorously. The news had spread like wildfire throughout the school campus. Both of them expected something like that to happen.
"So my main sole aim today is to invite both of you over to give me your views and we shall have a discussion on their relationship. After all, we are Shiyuan's best friends and yes, we shall intervene with their business. If necessary, we shall do something to force the pair to admit that they are in love with each other." Laura concluded.
"You're wicked…" Izumi remarked, shaking her head. She smiled widely and looked at Misaki, who smiled with a guilty conscience too.
The three girls sat down on the floor, with the comfort of snacks and drinks. They decided to go in rounds to comment about Shiyuan and Shinsani.
Misaki went first. " I feel that both of them are running away from reality. Shiyuan especially."
Izumi went second. " If only both of them could just be normal and go steady."
Laura went third. " But remember, Shiyuan still blames Shinsani for slapping her. It was like a heinous crime in her opinion."
" But Shinsani did so many things to make up for it. He taught Shiyuan how to fence and he apologized profusely for it." Misaki argued.
" But that can't undo the fact that Shinsani had indeed slapped her." Laura debated.
" OOH I KNOW!!!" Izumi jumped up from the ground suddenly, startling the rest. Misaki and Laura looked at her with bewildered expressions, expecting her to speak of her wonderful and fantastic idea.
" Let's take Shiyuan for shopping at the Heeren again! Who knows, the rurouni kenshin soundtracks's stocks may be replenished again! Shiyuan will be elated! And we shall…invite Shinsani to be there at the Heeren too!" Izumi said, obviously proud of her idea.
It was then decided that Misaki should call up Shinsani, for she was brilliant at disguising the truth and she could twist the matter of things so that Shinsani would not suspect a single thing that was about to take place. Laura would call up Shiyuan to invite her out to Orchard Road for fun whereas Izumi would receive confirmation from both sides and organize the time and setting.
Shinsani was pacing in his bedroom. He was contemplating whether to attend fencing training later. As if instinct caught him, he looked up at the note placed neatly on his bulletin board stuck on the wall, at his study area. The note read," Fencing training only resumes three weeks later, as the coach has to return to Japan for some personal business." Letting out a sigh, he flopped down his bed, his hands behind his head, and he pondered. At least I won't have to face her for three weeks…singing practice doesn't resume until one week later too…How do I feel about her? It was all too weird…simply too weird for me to comprehend my feelings for her…in the music studio. Damn that Cherissa singing coach…for putting us in such an awkward spot. How am I supposed to look at Shiyuan in the eye from now on? Oh well…I sort of…I don't know…I don't want to think about it…
The ringing of his cordless phone interrupted his thoughts. Grabbing the phone and pressing the talk button, his weary voice boomed a weary hello. " HEY SHINSANI!" Misaki screamed into the phone, causing him to jump up from his lying position in shock. "What…" He had wanted to say the word bitch…but then again…he refrained himself as he realized it was Shiyuan's friend, Misaki on the other line.
" Ooh Misaki it's you…what's up?" He asked.
" Hey do you want to hang out at the Heeren tomorrow? I'm feeling kind of…hmm…bored with my butt stuck at home right now. Besides, there are some things I shall have to discuss with you. I understand your mind is in a whirl right now…never fret! I'm here to help out!" Misaki's gregarious voice sounded.
" Erm…like…I need your counseling?" Shinsani replied sarcastically.
" Oh hey! It was just a kind offer! So anyway, would you like to come? It will be fun!" Misaki said, trying to sound enthusiastic.
" Alright…I guess it's better than rotting at home…aren't you going to tell me the time and stuff?" He asked.
" Well, believe it or not, I haven't planned that yet. Can I call you back in half an hour's time?" Misaki asked.
Shinsani said yes and they put down the phone. It was a good thing he did not suspect a single thing about this fishy business.
While at Shiyuan's place…
"Hi Shiyuan!" Laura said chirpily.
" Oh hey Laura…" Shiyuan said in a somewhat depressed tone. Clearly she was troubled, for the usual bubbly Shiyuan would have shrieked through the phone for she would be so happy for a friend to call her up.
" Aww cheer up man! You sound totally awful…unlike your usual self! I have a brilliant idea! Let's hang out at the Heeren tomorrow! I believe the rurouni kenshin soundtrack stock has been replenished! Misaki and Izumi will be coming too! See, isn't the offer tempting?" Laura said enthusiastically.
Shiyuan pondered for a moment before she cheered up a little. A little weight had been lifted off her shoulders and heart. " Rurouni kenshin soundtracks do sound extremely tempting indeed!!! Alright! What time shall we head down to the stores tomorrow?"
Laura replied," Well believe it or not…I wanted to call you up first to confirm if you're going before I decided on the time. Can I call you back in half an hour?"
Shiyuan agreed and put down the phone. Laura crossed her fingers and hoped their plan would work out successfully.
Misaki and Laura contacted Izumi and they worked out a perfect time-2pm at the Heeren on Sunday afternoon.
Recently, Laura had installed a three-way phone system. It meant that three people could talk on the phone at the same time. It certainly proved to be really useful.
" We shall find a time to slip away when both of them are in the Heeren….Misaki shall have to pick up Shinsani from Somerset MRT. Remember, Shiyuan CANNOT see Shinsani beforehand. Laura, you will go to Shiyuan's house and Shiyuan's mother will fetch both of you to the Heeren directly. For me, I'll be at the Heeren directly and will be contacting both of you to make sure the plan isn't foiled. Misaki, go and call Shinsani and ask him to meet up at a later time…like say…3pm so that Shiyuan can have time to do some shopping first. Laura, you go to Shiyuan's house at 1.50pm. For me, I'll be at the Heeren all the way from 2pm onwards. Good luck girls!" Izumi said strategically.
That night, three friends crossed their fingers and hoped for the best for their dearest friend and her dearest partner. That night, two people were also confused and tormented by the mere memory of the incident in the music studio. That night, the same two people did not know what was in store for them. It was a definite surprise that would hopefully work out.
THE NEXT DAY….
Sunday was a beautiful mix of sunny weather and wind. Birds high up in the green lush trees chirped songs and the morning dawn of fresh air was intoxicating to one's senses. From 8am onwards, the quiet roads will be filled with roaring vehicles, people rushing to and fro work (for those extremely hardworking people who love their jobs) and people attending church services. The whole of Singapore would be awake soon and everybody would up bustling on the streets. Orchard Road, which is the heart of Singapore, will be packed with tourists, Singaporean families and Singaporean teenagers.
The clock struck 2pm. Laura and Shiyuan met up with Izumi at the opening of the Heeren. Laura was clad in a purple racer bike top complete with lime green hipster Bermudas. Izumi dressed Japanese style. She was clad in a sweet black miniskirt with a yoga top, complete with a hat and high multi-coloured knee-length socks. Shiyuan was dressed in an all-Singaporean look. She wore a nice baggy blue top that said," I'm screaming my head off" with Levis' Jeans. The three of them smiled at each other.
" Where's Misaki?" Shiyuan asked, her wide eyes spilling with innocence.
" She's running late…" Izumi said as she pretended to check her handphone.
Shiyuan nodded in understanding as Laura whizzed her off into the mega HMV music store. The HMV had too many a memories for Shiyuan. Shiyuan walked slowly through the entire all-too familiar place. "The Japanese soundtrack music area is on the second floor," Shiyuan concluded as her feet got on the steps of the escalator. Laura and Izumi followed suit and they tried to smile, smiling brightly despite their anxiety for their surprise. Soon, they reached the area.
"HEY WAIT!" Izumi screamed midway up the escalator. Shiyuan jumped a little and gave her a look. " You scared me with your psychotic self you know…" She commented.
The three of them got off the escalator on the second floor. Izumi said hurriedly," Misaki wouldn't like it if… if…you went ahead to buy any rurouni kenshin merchandise without her…I was thinking…we do some shopping first before she comes and then we can go into HMV together."
Shiyuan thought for a while and smiled logically." That makes sense! Come on then, I'm sure we shall have loads of shopping to do before Misaki arrives!" Shiyuan skipped ahead out of the HMV store, leaving Laura and Izumi behind.
"That was sure some good thinking…you wanted Shiyuan and Shinsani to meet up again in the HMV store right?" Laura whispered to Izumi. Izumi let out a sigh of relief and nodded her head. " You sure are smart Laura…" She commented. Laura smirked.
For the next one whole hour, the three girls did some girly stuff. First they visited the badges shop called Bloomington. It was a gifts shop and sold all kinds of badges with funny and sarcastic remarks. Shiyuan bought five badges and one perfumed sunflower toy. They headed down to the Wallet Shop but could not find any wallets suitable. They then went down to hit the clothes store, much to Laura's delight. "If only Misaki was here too…to share my sentiments on clothes!" She murmured under her breath.
Laura bought a vintage white long-sleeved top for Misaki as a present and the three girls decided to buy three long knee-length multi-coloured socks. They proceeded to spend $24 on taking neoprints-their favourite indulge.
"GRRRRR…Why did I have to volunteer to pick that stupid boyfriend of Shiyuan's up….I'm simply regretting my choice." Misaki was kicking herself mentally as she regretted her decision to drag Shinsani into the surprise plan. She sat down on the statue benches available in the MRT station. Scratching her neck, she was thinking of 100 ways to rid herself of boredom. She checked her McDonalds watch and it read, 2.55pm. Shinsani was on his way soon. Well, he'd better be.
The MRT train came to a halt and the electronic doors opened. Out came Shinsani looking so…cool. Yes, that was the word to describe him! His hair was slick back, he was wearing a baggy shirt and baggy pants and a beanie hat on his head. IT fitted his tall athletic build excellently. He was wearing sunglasses that totally put Misaki off. "Take that sunglasses off…oh please…do you really think you're Mr DJ Cool Personality?" Misaki snapped sarcastically.
Shinsani shrugged as he took off his sunglasses. Misaki sms-ed Izumi to inform her that both of them would be entering the Heeren now. "Let's hit the shops then!" Misaki said, in a somewhat strained tone. Both of them began walking and crossing the pedestrian's crossing into the Heeren shops.
Meanwhile, Izumi received the sms. " Misaki has arrived! Let's wait for a little while for her to get into the Heeren shops. She requests for us to meet her at the Rurouni Kenshin music area specifically!" Izumi announced to the other two. The two of them smiled and nodded.
After five minutes, they made their way up the second level to the Rurouni Kenshin section. Izumi squatted on the floor, her face hidden from the other two. Shiyuan frowned and asked with concern what the matter with Izumi was. Izumi looked up at her with a pained expression and said," Bad stomachache…I seriously need the toilet." Laura looked at the two them with faked concern. The both of them were doing a great job at being good actresses!
"I shall have to take her to the toilet then…she's so troublesome…" Laura stated, sighing. Shiyuan nodded and said," I'll wait here for Misaki then!" Laura helped Izumi up from the floor. Izumi winced in pain and she clutched her stomach tightly, as if the excruciating pain was killing her internally. The two disappeared from sight soon.
"OH SHIT!!!" Misaki screamed, startling Shinsani. Shinsani rolled his eyes. Misaki's vague big expressions were getting on his nerves. " WHAT?" He grumbled in an irritated tone.
" I…I…I…have some menses cramps…I seriously think I need to go to the toilet…" Misaki replied sheepishly, obviously acting.
Shinsani replied with an " Oh".
"Meet me at the rurouni kenshin music section of HMV! Bye!" Misaki said before she sprinted off to the Ladies before Shinsani even had time to reply.
The CDs on the racks of the Japanese music section shelves were beautifully rearranged in order of alphabetical order. Her fingers quickly browsed to the R section. There were three new soundtracks sitting down there. Shiyuan's wide eyes widened as she could not believe her eyes. The Rurouni Kenshin stock was finally replenished after a long era!!! It was an indescribable feeling of instant happiness on the spot, for a rurouni kenshin fanatic. Shiyuan picked up the rurouni kenshin DEPARTURE soundtrack from the racks gently and stared at the cover. A smile was spreading on her lips.
Suddenly, she noticed someone standing behind her…breathing… She figured it was someone who was taller than her as she felt that someone's hot breath down her neck. Her feelings of being on cloud nine turned into feelings of irritation. The reflection on the CD cover showed it was a guy covered with a beanie bag. " Act cool," She muttered under her breath. She turned around and faced that guy and the sight of him shocked her. The departure soundtrack fell to the ground with a large plonk.
END! YAY! IT'S FINALLY DONE!!! THIS MUST BE MY LONGEST CHAPTER SO FAR!!! YAY!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE REVIEW!!! THANKS SO MUCH!!! TWIRLS