DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN ULTRA MANIAC
Sorry if wasn't able to put the disclaimer thing before. i was having a problem with my computer. anyway, i hopeyou guys will like this Chappie. i made it a little longer than usual. also, i've already started writing the last chapter. i might post it tomorrow... we'll see. enjoy reading!
Chapter 11 - New Love Pairs?
When Nina got home, she immediately called her best friend and told her everything that happened. She was happy to know that Ayu wasn't crying anymore. Although she still feels sad, Nina can sense that Ayu will be over Kaji after a few weeks. At least that's what she wants to believe. After calling Ayu, she went straight to the living room to play scrabble with Rio and her mom.
"Nina, before I forget. Maya came here a few minutes ago and she told me to give you this." Nina's mom said while handing her a letter.
"Ok. Thanks mom." Nina said while she started to read the letter.
It said:
Dear Nina, Ayu, Tsujiai, Kaji and Yuta,
Hi guys! How are you? I know that it seems kinda weird that I wrote a letter to you guys but I just want to apologize to all of you. I'm really really sorry for all the bad things that I've done especially to Ayu and Nina. I hope you can still forgive me. Maybe after some time, we can be friends again? I'm not expecting that you'll accept me that easy but I am hoping that you will. You might think that this letter and I apologizing is part of a bad or dirty scheme but it's not. I really am sorry. I hope that you'll give this a lot of thought. Don't worry; I won't be bothering any of guys. Ever again. But I just want to let you know that I'll be going to the U.S. to have a better life. A new beginning. So that if ever I decide to come back, you'll be able to see and know that I've changed. I hope that it'll be a better change. That's all I want to say for now. Bye and always take care.
Maya Orihira.
"Wow… she seems pretty sincere. I've gotta show this to Ayu and the others. Oh, wait. Maybe this is not a good time. I'll just show this to Tsujiai first tomorrow, then I'll go to Ayu's and then to Kaji's. and maybe I can also talk to him about what happened with him and Ayu." Nina said to herself.
The next day at the park…
"Is everything alright? You seem quiet today." Nina said
"Yes. Everything's fine." Tsujiai said
"So, what do you thiuk about Maya's letter?" Nina asked
"Well… she seems sincere." Tsujiai replied
"I thought so too. I hope that she's made the right decision to go to the U.S. though." Nina said
"How was your night stroll with Yuta? Tsujiai suddenly said
"Huh? What do you mean?" Nina asked in shock of what she heard.
"You know, that night stroll you had with Yuta last night. You went to the convenience store with him, right?" Tsujiai said seriously
"Oh, that. Umm… I have to explain." Nina said
"Explain? Explain what? You don't have to say anything. It's perfectly clear to me. You LIED." Tsujiai said
"But… but I have a good reason." Nina said
"Ok, then. Let's hear it." Tsujiai said
"Well… I just thought that maybe you'll get mad or jealous if you knew that I went for a stroll with Yuta last night. That's why I decided not to tell you." Nina said
"Ok. But do you know how I feel now?" Tsujiai said
"I'm sorry." Nina said
"You know what's bothering me? It's not that fact that you were with Yuta. It's just that you lied to me. We were supposed to trust each other. Did you really think that I'm that shallow to get that mad so easy?" Tsujiai said
"I know. I'm really sorry." Nina said
"And besides, I already know that Yuta likes you. I can feel it. The way he cares for you, the way he looks at you and the smile that he has every time you're with him. It's pretty obvious, actually." Tsujiai said
"You knew? And you didn't tell me?" Nina said
"I had the feeling that he's gonna tell you sooner or later so I didn't even bother telling you." Tsujiai said
"So, you wouldn't get mad if ever I told you that I was with Yuta?" Nina asked
"No. In fact, I would have been happy." Tsujiai said
"Happy? And why would you be happy?" Nina asked
"Because you could have told me the truth." Tsujiai said
"Oh, I'm really really sorry. Can you forgive me?" Nina said
"Of course! But promise me one thing." Tsujiai said
"And what's that?" Nina asked
"Don't lie to me. Ever again. Okay? I love you so damn much to the point that I will try to understand everything that you're gonna say and do." Tsujiai said seriously
"Ok. I promise." Nina said as Tsujiai hugged her.
After solving the problem with Tsujiai, Nina went to Ayu's house. She showed her the letter that Maya wrote. She was still sad for her friend but all she can do was wait. Wait until Ayu finally gets over Kaji.
"You know Nina, Kaji came here last night." Ayu said
"He did?" Nina asked
"Yes. Just a few minutes after you've gone home." Ayu said
"So, what happened? Did you talk to him?" Nina asked
"No. I didn't want to see him… but he did leave a letter." Ayu replied
"Really? Can I read it?" Nina said
"Sure. Here." Ayu said
It said:
Dear Ayu,
I can't blame you if you don't want to talk to me. but please, just let me explain. Everything happened so fast and I didn't get the chance to tell you that you're the one I love and not Akiho. Please believe me. I don't care about the engagement or the agreement between my parents and Akiho's parents. Just listen to me. I'm sorry if I didn't tell you about this but please… please give me a chance.
Kaji Tetsushi.
"So, what do you think?" Ayu asked
"Well… I think that he's really sorry about what he's done but of course we can't deny the fact that you heard him say that he loves Akiho. But maybe you should give him a chance, I mean you should just think about it. I don't want to push you on giving him another chance because if it doesn't work out you might blame me." Nina said
"Maybe… just maybe I'll think about it." Ayu said
"Ok. Anyway, I have to go." Nina said
"Already? Oh, ok. Bye." Ayu said
Nina felt kinda bad because she didn't tell Ayu that she was going to Kaji's house to talk to him. She thought that it was the best way to be able to talk to Kaji even though she felt guilty.
At Kaji's house…
"Hi, Kaji. Can I talk to you privately?" Nina asked
"Sure. What is it about?" Kaji said
"Well… Maya wrote a letter and I just wanted to show it to you because after all, it was addressed to all of us. Here." Nina said as she gave the letter to Kaji.
As he read the letter, Nina was thinking whether she should bring up the topic about Ayu. She was getting very nervous and was thinking about what would happen if Ayu found out that she was trying to find a way to make her forgive Kaji on what he has done. She thought that if they wouldn't get together as bf/gf maybe they could just be friends, just like before.
"You know, I didn't expect Maya to ask if we'll be able to forgive her. But I think we should. Everyone deserves a second chance, right?" Kaji said
"Yes… but are you one of them?" Nina suddenly said
"Umm… you know?" Kaji asked
"Of course! Ayu is my bestfriend and she tells me everything… I can't believe you did that!" Nina said
"Did what? I just didn't get the chance to explain to her. I wasn't playing with her or anything. I really do love her." Kaji said
"Oh yeah, whatever. You're telling me that you love Ayu but then again, you also told Akiho that. Is it so easy for you to say those three words? For your information, those three words are special. You just don't go out with a girl and say it without actually meaning it. It's just not right." Nina said
"Yeah, I know that. But love has different kinds. And to tell you the truth, it's not easy for me to say it to a girl. And when I say it, I mean it. Really really mean it." Kaji said
"I just don't get it. Everything is so… so mixed up. If you're telling the truth then… but what she said was that you… and then she saw you… she couldn't have lied… Arrgh! I don't know what's happening!" Nina said, confused
"What do you mean? I just don't get what you're saying. Are you okay?" Kaji said
"I'm okay. It's just… everything is so confusing." Nina said
"Wait a minute, did you just say that I told Akiho that I love her?" Kaji suddenly asked
"Yes. Don't deny it. Ayu heard you loud and clear." Nina said
"She did? But I didn't say that I love Akiho as a girlfriend." Kaji said
"What do you mean?" Nina asked with a very confused look on her face.
"Well… I don't know where to start. But here goes…" Kaji said
Nina was listening very well because she didn't know what's wrong. The fact that Ayu heard Kaji say that he loves Akiho is so confusing. Is there really another story to it? She was sure that Ayu wasn't lying. Why would she lie? There's no reason for that. Upon hearing Kaji's side of the story, Nina was now sure that neither of them was lying. Their story on what happened were the same except on the last part. There was a slight difference.
"Okay… this is still quite confusing but I think I get it." Nina said
"I know. But please believe me and help me with Ayu." Kaji said
"I don't know. I'll think about it. Umm… can I ask you something?" Nina said
"Sure. What is it?" Kaji asked
"Do you really want me to help you ?" Nina asked seriously
"Yes. Please do." Kaji said
"Okay. Can I have Akiho's phone number and address then?" Nina said
"Why? What for?" Kaji said
"Just give it to me. you want me to help you right?" Nina said
"Oh, alright!" Kaji said while getting a piece of paper and pencil.
"Anyway, I've gotta go. I'll talk to you tomorrow." Nina said
"Okay. But how will you be able to help me?" Kaji asked
"Just leave it to me. I have a plan. I'll just tell you tomorrow, okay? Just be patient. Bye" Nina said
And so, when Nina got home she immediately went to her room to think of a plan. She was having a hard time. She couldn't think of a good reason to tell Ayu to make up with Kaji.
"Mmm… maybe I could just tell her to go to the park tomorrow night. But then what would be a good reason for her to go there? And what if she doesn't show up? Arrgh! This is hard… Mmm…what am I suppose to do? Oh, wait! I've got it!" Nina said
Phone conversation…
"Hello. May I speak to Tsujiai?" Nina said
"Oh, hi. It's already 11:30pm. Anything wrong?" Tsujiai said
"Nothing's wrong but I do need your help." Nina said
"Sure. What is it?" Tsujiai asked
"Well… I kinda need you to fetch someone tomorrow evening and then drop her off at the park. You can also stay there with me if you want to." Nina said
"Sure. Who is it?" Tsujiai asked
"I'll tell you later. But please don't tell Kaji or Ayu on what I'm about to say to you." Nina said
"Does this have to do with Kaji and Ayu's fight?" Tsujiai asked
"Yes. And I think I might just be able to solve their problem." Nina said
"Ok. So, what's the plan, madam?" Tsujiai said
And so Nina told Tsujiai the plan. After that, they both called Kaji and Ayu regarding some party going to be held at the park. She was hoping that it would work. Tsujiai made some other arrangements for their plan. They just wished that Ayu and Kaji would show up. It was very hard for them to lie to their bestbuds but it was the only way to make sure that neither of them would back-out from the plan.
Nina was having a hard time sleeping that night for she was very nervous.
The next day…
"This is it… just a few hours away and then… oh! I hope it'll work out." Nina said to herself.
"Nina-chan, Ayu called earlier and said that she won't be able to go to the park later. She said that something came up." Rio said
"WHAT? When did she call? What time is it anyway?" Nina said
"Hey, don't shout. Anyway, it's already 8:00am. You overslept. Mom didn't want to wake you up because you were sleeping so soundly." Rio said
"Oh my gosh! This is NOT good… what am I suppose to do now?" Nina said
Nina was panicking! Now that Ayu decided not to show up, their plan was ruined! So, Nina quickly took a bath, called Tsujiai, skipped breakfast and went straight to Ayu's house.
At Ayu's house…
"Oh, hi Nina. What brings you here this early morning?" Ayu's mom said as she opened the door.
"Good morning Mrs. Tateishi. I just wanted to talk to Ayu. Is she in?" Nina asked
"So sorry Nina. You just missed her. She went out." Ayu's mom said
"Went out? Where?" Nina asked curiously
"At the Bean Coffee Shop. I was kinda shocked when she asked permission to go out. I think she's feeling a lot better." Ayu's mom said
"Oh ok. Thanks. Bye." Nina said as rushed off to follow Ayu.
"At the Bean Coffee Shop? What the heck is she doing there? And besides, of all of the places that she could go to, why there? That's the place where she and Kaji usually hangs-out after classes. It's weird… has she finally got over him? If so, it didn't even take her a week?" Nina thought as she was making her way to the shop.
When she got there…
"Ayu! What are you doing here?" Nina said as soon as she saw her.
"Oh, hi Nina! Nothing. I'm just drinking a Mocha Latte. Want some?" Ayu said with a smile on her face.
"Ayu, I got you some croissants." A guy with dirty blonde hair and green eyes said
"Thanks." Ayu said
"Umm… Ne Ayu, who is that?" Nina asked
"Sorry, I forgot to introduce you two! Nina, this is Paul McGregor. And Paul, this is Nina Sakura, my bestfriend." Ayu said
"Very nice to meet you." Paul said as he shook her hand.
"Same here. Umm… Ayu, can we like talk for a sec?" Nina said
"Sure. Paul, can you excuse us for a few minutes. Thanks." Ayu said as she walked outside with Nina.
"What's wrong, Nina?" Ayu asked
"Have you gone mad? Who is that guy? And why didn't you tell me that you were out with him?" Nina asked
"Hey, chill. I haven't gone mad. I'm just happy. Paul is my first ever crush! He was one of my closest friends when I was in elementary. I just learned last night that he had come back here for a vacation." Ayu said
"First crush? Elementary? Wasn't that Kaji?" Nina asked in confusion.
"Kaji was my first love not crush. I met Paul first. Me and Kaji met when we were in grade 7 but I met Paul when we were in grade 2. He's pretty close to my heart, actually." Ayu said
"I think you've really gone mad. Are you even hearing what you're saying? Have you finally got over Kaji?" Nina asked
"No and Yes. No, I haven't gone mad and yes I'm over him. I realized how pathetic I was acting for the last couple of days. I mean, he's not the only guy in this world, ne? And besides, I made my mom worry so much. It's no big deal Nina. Maybe what I had with Kaji was just infatuation. Anyway, I don't want to keep Paul waiting that long. Do you want to seat with us and have a cup of Hot Chocolate?" Ayu said
"No. Thanks. I'm just a bit shocked on what you said. Sorry if I acted so stupid. You're right, he's not the only guy in this world. I'm just glad that you're feeling a lot better. Anyway, I've gotta meet up with Tsujiai today. So, bye. See you later." Nina said
While Nina was making her to Tsujiai's house, she was so confused. Confused more than before. She just couldn't believe that Ayu would really get over Kaji that fast. She just couldn't believe it! But she saw it with her own eyes. Ayu was feeling a lot better. She was smiling. She was so cheerful. It was like she was back to the Ayu that had no problems. Nina was glad for her, but she was also a bit worried.
At Tsujiai's house…
"What am I suppose to do now?" Nina said
"Hey, take it easy. There's nothing we can do. It seems like Ayu has moved on." Tsujiai said
"I know. But it seems a bit impossible. I mean, Ayu loves Kaji so much. Much more than you can imagine. I can't believe that she got over him that easy… it's so… so… weird. I don't know what to think anymore!" Nina said
"Maybe we should just let them be. Let them get on with their lives with someone else. Not every relationship works out." Tsujiai said
"Let them be? I can't do that! I mean, I haven't even solved their problem yet. And I have the feeling that Ayu is just forcing herself. Anyway, have you talked with Kaji yet?" Nina asked
"Yes. And there's a bit of bad news to go with what you saw earlier." Tsujiai said
"What is it? Don't tell me that Kaji has a new girl?" Nina asked
"Well… kinda." Tsujiai said
"KINDA! What do you mean?" Nina said
"Well… his parents have already met up with Akiho's parents and they have decided that they'll be moving to Canada next month." Tsujiai explained calmly
"NANI? Oh, great. Just great. This has become from bad to worse! What else can happen?" Nina said in disappointment.
"He'll also be living with Akiho. As in, in the same house. When I talked to him earlier, he seems to be a bit sad and he was just saying yes and nodding to everything that his parents say." Tsujiai said
"Forcing yourself to love somebody is just so… so WRONG! It's pretty obvious that they both love each other. All they need to do is talk. Talk things over." Nina said sadly
"How can they talk things over if they don't even want to see each other. And besides, Kaji seems to have given up on Ayu. I actually couldn't believe it." Tsujiai said
"All this thinking has actually given me a headache." Nina said
"Have you eaten? You skipped beakfast, didn't you?" Tsujiai asked with a concern face
"Umm… yeah. I haven't eaten anything. Nothing at all." Nina said
"That's why! Don't worry, I'll have Mina prepare some food for you." Tsujiai said
"Ok. Thanks a lot." Nina said
Everything was so confusing at this moment. Everything have gone worse. It would be quite impossible to fix things now. Just imagining Kaji with Akiho and Ayu with Paul just makes things more complicated. Nina just couldn't believe everything that's happening.
Anyway, let's see what's happening with Ayu and Paul…
"So, is everything okay?" Paul asked as soon as Ayu got back
"Yup. Nothing to worry about. Nina was just curious about you. It's the first time that she saw you." Ayu explained
"Oh, ok. She seems like a nice girl." Paul said smiling.
"Oh really? Hey, don't even think about courting her. She already has a boyfriend." Ayu teased
"Hehehe. I wasn't thinkin' about something like that. Hey, wait a minute. Don't tell me that you're jealous!" Paul said
"Of course not! Why would I be?" Ayu said
"I don't know. You tell me." Paul said smiling
"Mmm… can't think of any reason, actually." Ayu said as she smiled back
"Right… anyway, can I walk you home?" Paul asked
"Sure. That would be nice." Ayu replied
So as they walk their way back to Ayu's house, you can see that she was happy. She and Paul are going out now for about 1 month. Everything seems to be back where it used to be. Except that Ayu and Kaji are no longer together. Maybe they have definitely moved on with their lives. But there was only one person who can't accept it, Nina. Even though she was happy for Ayu, she just can't help but worry. She has a feeling that the two of them were just forcing themselves to love someone else.
End of Chapter 11! Now that's over, I really have to write another chapter. The next chapter will be the last one and then maybe I'll start a new story… just maybe.:) So, what do you guys think about this Chapter? Wanna find out who would end up together? Just read the last chapter. Ja ne!
