In this chapter : Hwoarang is left alone to start packing and calling up Julia…
A/N : Whew, longer than I thought it would be XD. Anyways, here's the 22nd chapter n.n. Nothing much more is left to be said in the A/N today! n.n;; Enjoy the chappie!
Reminiscence
Chapter 22 : Calling
"BYE JIN!!" And there he goes, leaving me alone all day. Not without anything to do though. Let's say I don't care much about tidying around since we're moving soon, so I'll skip that. I never liked it anyway.
Let's see… second task is to call Julia. I'm gonna have loads of fun with this one! Jules and I have been good friends after the Third Tournament, talking her into coming here will be a piece of cake. And I like cake. OK yeah… that made more or less sense. Whatever.
Third would be to call Xiaoyu, but I'll leave that to Jin. She's his best friend after all. So it's only fair if I call Julia and leave him Xiaoyu. Not that I wouldn't like to tease her. Oh well.
What a fucking long number… country code, plus 1, and then the phone number, including the area code. If she'd live in Japan it'd be much easier. Wouldn't need all that country code shit. So let's dial all those numbers…
I've never been good with numbers though. OK, you might think it's because of my low education… you're part right. I'll never do what Jin does. Never been good at it, never liked it, never will. I'm more of an art guy. Give me a pen and a piece of paper, tell me to draw something and I'll do some good stuff. Now put me in front of the same things, ask me to do a mathematical operation and see me give up after 10 minutes.
Don't think I'm stupid! I'M NOT. I know the basics, maybe a bit more… but it stops there. Jin SEES the whole world in numbers. He's very logical. Not that he doesn't show his emotions, but… yeah, still not really. Depends of the situation. As for me… depends of the situation, but it'll happen much more often. And as you figured out, I just won't shut up while he's pretty quiet.
Wow… really got to call Julia now. Get ready, get set, DIAL!
After what seemed like an eternity to me, while it only lasted a few seconds, got the line. And it's not Julia. "Hello?" A woman, but not her. Hope I have the good number…
"Hi… is Julia there?"
"Yes she is. Hold on… what's your name?"
"Hwoarang. She knows me from the Tekken tournament…"
"Ooh you're Baek's adopted son, are you?"
"Yeah."
"I've heard about what happened to him… I'm so sorry to hear that. Are you doing good?"
"Me? Yeah, I have a very good life right now. But could I speak to Julia?"
"Of course. She spoke a lot to about you… hold on. JULIA! PICK UP THE PHONE! SURPRISE!" What a voice.
"ALRIGHT MOM! Hello?"
"Jules!"
"Huh… who's speaking?"
"Hey, don't you recognize your old buddy Hwoarang or what?"
"HWOARANG!!?? HI!!!! I'm so happy to hear from you? Still in Korea?"
"No. I moved, I'm in Japan right now."
"Japan? Cool!. Let me guess. You're trying to stay away from Jin, right?"
"Nah, the opposite actually. Closer than that I'd have to be his Siamese twin or living inside his body…"
"Closer than THAT… you mean… nah. Hold on. It's a big joke is it? Isn't it??"
"Not at all. I'm living with him."
"YOU, Hwoarang Doo-San, is LIVING with JIN KAZAMA? The guy who you hated so much what… a few months ago?? LIVING WITH HIM?? Where the Hell is the world coming too? And WHY??"
"Well… we're lovers. It's normal that we kind of live together…"
"YOU'RE WHA-A-AT!!???"
"Lovers."
Can't say is she thinks it's a good thing or a bad one. It's a good thing that she doesn't freak out, or maybe she does right now…
"You guys. Together? OH MY GOD!"
Oops. She's freaking out.
"SUCH A CUTE SIGHT IT MUST BE!!"
Tell ya SHE IS FREAKING OUT! In a good way, that is.
"You called me to say that?" she continues in a rather… excited… voice. Guess she likes the idea. Remind me to ask her NOT to bring any camera.
"Not really. You see, we're moving to a bigger house. Much bigger actually. And we need help. Since you're my good friend, as well as Jin's, and since your classes ends soon, we thought about asking you to come and help us. Would be a vacation for you; expenses paid, except your personal stuff."
"Wow… no problem! I'll go for sure as soon as my classes are over, in no more than three days. Four to get to Japan."
"I think we can wait. So this means you come?"
"YOU BET!! I wouldn't miss that for all the money in the world. So count me in!"
"Good good, I'm glad you can come. Help is always needed, and so are friends."
"You have a computer?"
"Jin has one. Why?"
"I'll send you guys an e-mail later tonight. OK?"
"OK."
"Oh… well I gotta go study some. Tests tomorrow."
"Alright, good luck girl!"
"Thanks Hwoarang sweetie. Bye bye and take care!"
"Take care you too!"
I still can relate the first time me and Julia met.
FLASHBACK
"May I sit here?"
"Sure…" Hwoarang was sited at one of the cafeteria's many tables, alone… until this young woman walked up to him. She was short, with light brown hair and eyes of the same color. She was dressed in a short skirt ("and a long, long jacket…" Hwoarang continued the Cake song in his mind) and a brown tank top.
To say the truth, he had saved the seat for Eddy Gordo, the tall and good looking Brazilian he met a few hours ago. He hoped to talk to him again... maybe he'd get out of the tournament with another boyfriend… if Eddy was attracted to guys, anyways. But the girl seemed to be interested in him. She was nice, but he surely didn't want a girlfriend.
"So you're new to the tournament too?"
"Yeah."
"My name's Julia Chang. You are…?"
"Hwoarang Doo-San."
"Are you related to Baek Doo-San?"
The redhead was taken by surprise by the question. "You… you knew him?"
"My mother did. She was real fond of him… let's say she had a hard time dealing with his death, even if she hadn't seen him for over 15 years. She never told me that he had a son, though."
"I'm not his biological son… I was adopted by him 15 years ago."
"I see… If I ever find my mother, I'll tell her that."
Hwoarang raised an eyebrow. "If you ever FIND her…?"
"She was taken by Toshin…" she trailed in a sad voice. "I wonder if she's still alive…"
"I sincerely hope she is."
"Thank you, you're such a sweetheart" Julia giggled some before taking another bite out of her hamburger.
"Yeah well, don't expect me to be more than a "sweetheart". I prefer guys so…"
"Oh, then we'll form the stereotyped girl and her gay male best friend couple, it seems!" The Native girl laughed happily.
"Heh, I'm everything but stereotyped."
"You like to talk about guys?"
"Fighting is better. And I don't think you'll make me listen to disco or pop music. HATE those styles…" Hwoarang shuddered at the single thought of listening to that.
"Don't worry. I don't like those either. It solves a few problems, doesn't it?"
"Yeah."
Julia turned her head around and waved. "HEY! OVER HERE JIN! GOT SOMEONE I WANT YOU TO MEET!!"
The Korean muttered "Not him… come on not him please… not here…" and looked away. Sharing a room – and a single bed – wasn't enough?! He had to eat with him as well?! Whoever though it couldn't be worse after the night he had "slept" through (slept was a big word, it was "too fucking warm") or when he woke up, almost snuggling against him…
"Well well well… if it isn't my roommate!" Jin said with a smile. "Slept well?"
"Could've slept much, much better. Can you tell me why the HELL they paired US up?"
"You're the one who told me you liked guys better. Funny reaction… if I were you, I'd be happy."
It took everything for Hwoarang to stay calm and not punch Jin, who sat in front of him. "You learn about people everyday!" he continued, laughing. "Don't worry, I don't mind. Tell me… you don't have a crush on me, do you?"
"HELL NO!!!"
"Awww come on, you guys would be so cute together!"
Even Jin laughed at Julia's comment. The redheaded youth took it rather seriously, even though it was obviously a joke and the girl didn't intend to hurt him, or Jin for that matter. If only Jin hadn't shown up…
"Don't get mad, that was just a joke…"
"Next time, try to be funny."
Jin brought his plate closer to him and got up. "If you'll excuse me, I was supposed to meet up with Xiaoyu for lunch time. I'll see you later."
"Bye Jin!"
"Yeah, bye."
Once the Japanese teenager was away, Hwoarang let out a sigh.
"You don't like him much, do you?"
"You could say that, yeah."
"Why?"
He took a deep breath before talking again. "He's linked to Baek's death. A year ago, he challenged me in a street fight. During this time, Toshin attacked Baek at his dojo, and died at his hands. I wasn't there, and that was Mishima Heihachi's plan. Not having me there to protect anybody… and well, we also tied in the fight. I've never lost. I'm used to win…"
"Hold on… Heihachi Mishima… the one who organized this tournament??"
The male nodded. "Hmm-hmm."
"Could he be linked to my mother's disappearance?"
"Most probably, yeah."
"God…"
"Don't worry. You'll find her."
END OF FLASHBACK
Hmmm… I wonder if I could start packing up. Not my clothes and not Jin's. I wouldn't mind living naked for a week. I bet Jin doesn't listen to all of his CDs, but I'll wait until he gets back to ask him. Might pack the beddings... yeah. Dining ware… nah, we eat. Can't pack the TV either, and not the bathroom stuff. Although… maybe I'll check that stuff out. Soap : one bar should be enough. Washing cloths : one for me, one for Jin, multiply those by seven days… fourteen… meaning I'm not packing that either. Also doesn't mean I don't suck at Maths THAT much. Shaving cream and razors : gotta keep them.
In the bedroom, can't pack the pillows either, or the comforter.
There's nothing I can pack…
I give up.
What a day in perspective. Might as well go back to bed…
…To be continued…
A/N 2 : Next chapter, stuff will happen n.n;; Stay tuned for me, and keep reviewing! Thanks a lot!
A/N : Whew, longer than I thought it would be XD. Anyways, here's the 22nd chapter n.n. Nothing much more is left to be said in the A/N today! n.n;; Enjoy the chappie!
Chapter 22 : Calling
"BYE JIN!!" And there he goes, leaving me alone all day. Not without anything to do though. Let's say I don't care much about tidying around since we're moving soon, so I'll skip that. I never liked it anyway.
Let's see… second task is to call Julia. I'm gonna have loads of fun with this one! Jules and I have been good friends after the Third Tournament, talking her into coming here will be a piece of cake. And I like cake. OK yeah… that made more or less sense. Whatever.
Third would be to call Xiaoyu, but I'll leave that to Jin. She's his best friend after all. So it's only fair if I call Julia and leave him Xiaoyu. Not that I wouldn't like to tease her. Oh well.
What a fucking long number… country code, plus 1, and then the phone number, including the area code. If she'd live in Japan it'd be much easier. Wouldn't need all that country code shit. So let's dial all those numbers…
I've never been good with numbers though. OK, you might think it's because of my low education… you're part right. I'll never do what Jin does. Never been good at it, never liked it, never will. I'm more of an art guy. Give me a pen and a piece of paper, tell me to draw something and I'll do some good stuff. Now put me in front of the same things, ask me to do a mathematical operation and see me give up after 10 minutes.
Don't think I'm stupid! I'M NOT. I know the basics, maybe a bit more… but it stops there. Jin SEES the whole world in numbers. He's very logical. Not that he doesn't show his emotions, but… yeah, still not really. Depends of the situation. As for me… depends of the situation, but it'll happen much more often. And as you figured out, I just won't shut up while he's pretty quiet.
Wow… really got to call Julia now. Get ready, get set, DIAL!
After what seemed like an eternity to me, while it only lasted a few seconds, got the line. And it's not Julia. "Hello?" A woman, but not her. Hope I have the good number…
"Hi… is Julia there?"
"Yes she is. Hold on… what's your name?"
"Hwoarang. She knows me from the Tekken tournament…"
"Ooh you're Baek's adopted son, are you?"
"Yeah."
"I've heard about what happened to him… I'm so sorry to hear that. Are you doing good?"
"Me? Yeah, I have a very good life right now. But could I speak to Julia?"
"Of course. She spoke a lot to about you… hold on. JULIA! PICK UP THE PHONE! SURPRISE!" What a voice.
"ALRIGHT MOM! Hello?"
"Jules!"
"Huh… who's speaking?"
"Hey, don't you recognize your old buddy Hwoarang or what?"
"HWOARANG!!?? HI!!!! I'm so happy to hear from you? Still in Korea?"
"No. I moved, I'm in Japan right now."
"Japan? Cool!. Let me guess. You're trying to stay away from Jin, right?"
"Nah, the opposite actually. Closer than that I'd have to be his Siamese twin or living inside his body…"
"Closer than THAT… you mean… nah. Hold on. It's a big joke is it? Isn't it??"
"Not at all. I'm living with him."
"YOU, Hwoarang Doo-San, is LIVING with JIN KAZAMA? The guy who you hated so much what… a few months ago?? LIVING WITH HIM?? Where the Hell is the world coming too? And WHY??"
"Well… we're lovers. It's normal that we kind of live together…"
"YOU'RE WHA-A-AT!!???"
"Lovers."
Can't say is she thinks it's a good thing or a bad one. It's a good thing that she doesn't freak out, or maybe she does right now…
"You guys. Together? OH MY GOD!"
Oops. She's freaking out.
"SUCH A CUTE SIGHT IT MUST BE!!"
Tell ya SHE IS FREAKING OUT! In a good way, that is.
"You called me to say that?" she continues in a rather… excited… voice. Guess she likes the idea. Remind me to ask her NOT to bring any camera.
"Not really. You see, we're moving to a bigger house. Much bigger actually. And we need help. Since you're my good friend, as well as Jin's, and since your classes ends soon, we thought about asking you to come and help us. Would be a vacation for you; expenses paid, except your personal stuff."
"Wow… no problem! I'll go for sure as soon as my classes are over, in no more than three days. Four to get to Japan."
"I think we can wait. So this means you come?"
"YOU BET!! I wouldn't miss that for all the money in the world. So count me in!"
"Good good, I'm glad you can come. Help is always needed, and so are friends."
"You have a computer?"
"Jin has one. Why?"
"I'll send you guys an e-mail later tonight. OK?"
"OK."
"Oh… well I gotta go study some. Tests tomorrow."
"Alright, good luck girl!"
"Thanks Hwoarang sweetie. Bye bye and take care!"
"Take care you too!"
I still can relate the first time me and Julia met.
FLASHBACK
"May I sit here?"
"Sure…" Hwoarang was sited at one of the cafeteria's many tables, alone… until this young woman walked up to him. She was short, with light brown hair and eyes of the same color. She was dressed in a short skirt ("and a long, long jacket…" Hwoarang continued the Cake song in his mind) and a brown tank top.
To say the truth, he had saved the seat for Eddy Gordo, the tall and good looking Brazilian he met a few hours ago. He hoped to talk to him again... maybe he'd get out of the tournament with another boyfriend… if Eddy was attracted to guys, anyways. But the girl seemed to be interested in him. She was nice, but he surely didn't want a girlfriend.
"So you're new to the tournament too?"
"Yeah."
"My name's Julia Chang. You are…?"
"Hwoarang Doo-San."
"Are you related to Baek Doo-San?"
The redhead was taken by surprise by the question. "You… you knew him?"
"My mother did. She was real fond of him… let's say she had a hard time dealing with his death, even if she hadn't seen him for over 15 years. She never told me that he had a son, though."
"I'm not his biological son… I was adopted by him 15 years ago."
"I see… If I ever find my mother, I'll tell her that."
Hwoarang raised an eyebrow. "If you ever FIND her…?"
"She was taken by Toshin…" she trailed in a sad voice. "I wonder if she's still alive…"
"I sincerely hope she is."
"Thank you, you're such a sweetheart" Julia giggled some before taking another bite out of her hamburger.
"Yeah well, don't expect me to be more than a "sweetheart". I prefer guys so…"
"Oh, then we'll form the stereotyped girl and her gay male best friend couple, it seems!" The Native girl laughed happily.
"Heh, I'm everything but stereotyped."
"You like to talk about guys?"
"Fighting is better. And I don't think you'll make me listen to disco or pop music. HATE those styles…" Hwoarang shuddered at the single thought of listening to that.
"Don't worry. I don't like those either. It solves a few problems, doesn't it?"
"Yeah."
Julia turned her head around and waved. "HEY! OVER HERE JIN! GOT SOMEONE I WANT YOU TO MEET!!"
The Korean muttered "Not him… come on not him please… not here…" and looked away. Sharing a room – and a single bed – wasn't enough?! He had to eat with him as well?! Whoever though it couldn't be worse after the night he had "slept" through (slept was a big word, it was "too fucking warm") or when he woke up, almost snuggling against him…
"Well well well… if it isn't my roommate!" Jin said with a smile. "Slept well?"
"Could've slept much, much better. Can you tell me why the HELL they paired US up?"
"You're the one who told me you liked guys better. Funny reaction… if I were you, I'd be happy."
It took everything for Hwoarang to stay calm and not punch Jin, who sat in front of him. "You learn about people everyday!" he continued, laughing. "Don't worry, I don't mind. Tell me… you don't have a crush on me, do you?"
"HELL NO!!!"
"Awww come on, you guys would be so cute together!"
Even Jin laughed at Julia's comment. The redheaded youth took it rather seriously, even though it was obviously a joke and the girl didn't intend to hurt him, or Jin for that matter. If only Jin hadn't shown up…
"Don't get mad, that was just a joke…"
"Next time, try to be funny."
Jin brought his plate closer to him and got up. "If you'll excuse me, I was supposed to meet up with Xiaoyu for lunch time. I'll see you later."
"Bye Jin!"
"Yeah, bye."
Once the Japanese teenager was away, Hwoarang let out a sigh.
"You don't like him much, do you?"
"You could say that, yeah."
"Why?"
He took a deep breath before talking again. "He's linked to Baek's death. A year ago, he challenged me in a street fight. During this time, Toshin attacked Baek at his dojo, and died at his hands. I wasn't there, and that was Mishima Heihachi's plan. Not having me there to protect anybody… and well, we also tied in the fight. I've never lost. I'm used to win…"
"Hold on… Heihachi Mishima… the one who organized this tournament??"
The male nodded. "Hmm-hmm."
"Could he be linked to my mother's disappearance?"
"Most probably, yeah."
"God…"
"Don't worry. You'll find her."
END OF FLASHBACK
Hmmm… I wonder if I could start packing up. Not my clothes and not Jin's. I wouldn't mind living naked for a week. I bet Jin doesn't listen to all of his CDs, but I'll wait until he gets back to ask him. Might pack the beddings... yeah. Dining ware… nah, we eat. Can't pack the TV either, and not the bathroom stuff. Although… maybe I'll check that stuff out. Soap : one bar should be enough. Washing cloths : one for me, one for Jin, multiply those by seven days… fourteen… meaning I'm not packing that either. Also doesn't mean I don't suck at Maths THAT much. Shaving cream and razors : gotta keep them.
In the bedroom, can't pack the pillows either, or the comforter.
There's nothing I can pack…
I give up.
What a day in perspective. Might as well go back to bed…
…To be continued…
A/N 2 : Next chapter, stuff will happen n.n;; Stay tuned for me, and keep reviewing! Thanks a lot!