Chapter Twenty Five

Osaka – Day Four

Takeda was in the living room waiting for Fay when someone knocked on the door. Eh? Did we order something? He thought, walking towards the door. He opened it, and found a staff member of the hotel holding a FedEx package. "Takeda-san, an express package for you from Atobe-san. He's instructed that you open it before you leave."

Takeda looked confused. He signed for the package and accepted it. He walked back in, and opened the package. Inside, was a note from Atobe Mitsuru.

She seems to be enjoying her time. This is a bonus for you and your friends today – Atobe Mitsuru

Takeda looked inside an envelope, and smiled slightly. What a father. He sure spoils his little girl, he thought, noticing that it included five free VIP passes to Universal studios, and lots of fast passes for the rides so they didn't need to wait in line. How did he know how many people we were?

"Good morning, Ren," Fay said, walking out of her room. "Who was at the door?"

Takeda threw the envelope at her. "Courtesy of your father,' he said.

Fay looked at it curiously, and her eyes widened. "No wonder he asked me who I was going with last night," she murmured. "Oh well, shall we go eat something before we meet your friends?"

Takeda nodded. He picked up his jacket, and followed her. Today, he was sporting jeans and a white fit t-shirt. Fay was dressed in black leggings with an off the shoulder white blouse. She wore ballerinas to complete her outfit. Her hair was set in a ponytail as she accompanied him.

Fay studied Takeda as she walked along his side in Namba station. Day by day he's looking hotter in my eyes. The fit t-shirt he's wearing doesn't make it any easy. He really is fit.

He looked at her, and gave her a smile, making her blush at her own thoughts. "So, who are your friends?" she asked, sitting next to him on the train.

"They're a crazy group of three," he said with a chuckle. "If you think I'm weird, then you should meet them."

I don't think you're weird anymore, Fay thought.

"Tanaka Shigeru, Sakamoto Hikaru, and Sawada Aya. I met them a couple of years ago when I was at the national tournament for volleyball in Kyoto. They're a fun group. We've kept in touch since then," Takeda explained.

"Did Emi know them as well?" she asked, then paused. Uh-oh…

Takeda raised an eyebrow, pursed his lips and sighed. 'I'm guessing An couldn't keep her mouth shut," he muttered bitterly.

Fay stood up, and bowed. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked. I was out of line."

"Please sit back down," Takeda said in a firm tone. "As you said, you were just curious, but my sister is off-topics for now," he said. "I'm sorry, but it's something I don't want to talk about."

Fay nodded. "I respect that." Damn. I did something stupid. What will he think of me now? Argh! She leaned back on the seat, and crossed her arms. The rest of the ride was silent, and Fay felt that she had dampened the mood.

They changed trains at the next station, and Fay knew they were getting closer because the train was starting to fill with children, and a lot of young teens that were dressed up as characters.

Finally, they reached. Takeda stood up, and told Fay to follow him. a huge burst of crowd and energy rushed out of the train, and Fay almost lost her balance if he hadn't caught her arm. He took her hand in his and pulled her closer, "hold on to me. People go crazy here," he said, walking ahead and pulling Fay with him.

Fay felt her cheeks heat up as he held her hand. She tried catching up with him, and they walked until they reached the entrance of the park. Takeda stopped, and looked around. "They're still not here," he said.

Fay felt her heart beating fast; he's still holding my hand. Why do I feel like I'm a kid in high school? I'm all excited and jumpy.

Takeda pulled out his phone from his jeans pocket, and dialed a number. He waited for it to ring, and finally spoke, "Shige-chan, late as usual. We're waiting by the entrance."

Shige-chan? Fay thought.

Takeda spoke for a few more minutes, and hung up.

"Umm…"

"What?" he said, looking at her.

Fay glanced at their hands intertwined, and he got the message.

"Sorry," he said, letting go. "I tend to worry when someone's with me in a crowded area."

Fay hesitated, "Ren?"

"Hmm?"

She tugged his jacket lighly. "I'm sorry if I said something that bothered you earlier."

Takeda seemed to have a melancholy look on his face, but went back to his normal poker face. "You didn't know, so it's alright. I just don't talk about it. It's best to leave it be."

Fay seemed still worried, "so you're not mad?"

He chuckled, "I can never be mad at you," he said quietly.

His answer Fay surprised her, what did he mean by that? She thought. What did…

"Yo! Takeda! Takeda! We're here!' a voice shouted.

Fay saw a tall, lanky boy walk towards them. He had extremely long red hair, and was dressed completely in black. One piercing in an ear, and she could see bright green eyes looking at her from that distance.

"That's Tanaka Shigeru," Takeda answered, knowing what was on Fay's thoughts.

So I guess, the dark haired one is Sakamoto Hikaru, and the girl with them is Sawada Aya, Fay thought. Wow! The girl is really cute, but hmmm… A bit tomboyish though, she thought noting that she was wearing baggy jeans, a green sweater, and a pair of Toms. She also had fiery red hair, and striking emerald eyes.

Takeda introduced them all one by one, and Fay couldn't help that they were all drinking her in. Takeda noted that and casually put an arm around Fay, "Guys, she scares easily, so go easy on her." He winked, making Fay blush.

Sawada pulled Fay from him, and put an arm around her. "Since you and I are the only girls then we should stick together."

"Ah…" Fay muttered, I don't want to be away from Ren!

They all went to the main entrance of the park, and Takeda showed them the VIP entrances.

"Hey! Hey!" Tanaka exclaimed. "VIP tickets? You're spoiling us."

Sakamato looked seriously at Takeda, "you shouldn't have done that. We've all come here prepared for this trip."

Takeda glanced at Fay, then at him. "Don't worry. They are complimentary tickets, so it should be fine to use them. We also got free passes for the rides."

Tanaka put an arm around him. 'Awesome! Let's go then."

The five of them entered the park, and were awed by the transformation. It was simply colorful, loud, and joyous. With Christmas coming along, it was decorated as a Christmas theme. The characters were walking around the park, children were everywhere, and couples waking together looking all cute and cuddly.

"So where to first?" Tanaka asked.

Takeda looked at all of them, "Hollywood Dream Ride!"

Sawada nodded excitedly and grabbed Fay's arm. 'Yes! Rollercoaster here we come!" she dragged Fay, and walked ahead of them all.

"Waaiiii…." Fay tried to breathe as she was dragged along by her. She was taken all the way to the entrance of the rollercoaster.

The boys caught up, and Takeda showed them the passes. They had to empty their pockets, belongings, etc… and then walked into the fast queue.

Takeda walked next to Fay. "Hey…"

Fay smiled at him. "Hey."

"I never asked you, are you alright riding rollercoaster's?" he asked concerned.

I'm terrified, Fay thought, but she gave him a brave face. "I'll manage."

Takeda leaned forward, and whispered in her ear. "Then stay close to me."

Fay felt her breath caught in her throat. What the hell… He was so close. She turned her face, and caught Sawada glancing at her with a mischievous smile.

"So is he your boyfriend," Sawada whispered.

"No, a classmate," Fay answered automatically. "We're in Osaka for an assignment."

She nodded, and then spoke seriously. "But that doesn't mean that you don't like him."

Fay seemed embarrassed, but composed herself. "He's a likable guy," she said with a laugh. "Fun to hang out with."

"You know…" Sawada began, but was interrupted because they reached the end of the line.

They all got in, and buckled up. Fay was actually nervous now. She was seated between Takeda, and Sawada. Close your eyes, Fay. It will be alright. She clutched tightly onto the railings, and tried not to think of anything. Suddenly, she felt someone pat her thighs. She saw Takeda's hand there. She looked at him, and he grinned.

"Just think…"

[WOOSH]

Twelve minutes later, the five of them walked out all excited. Fay had her hand on her heart and coughed. "I think I lost my voice," she said in a raspy voice.

Sawada patted her back, "you did scream so much," she said with a grin.

Fay glared at her, and noted Takeda place a finger in his ear and shaking it slightly.

"Man, you can scream!" Tanaka whistled at Fay. He was obviously enjoying himself.

Sakamoto walked a few steps forward, "let's not embarrass her further. I want to go to the Jurassic Park Ride. Come on."

They all followed him, and again walked fast past the queue. While they stood a bit in line, Fay looked at Sawada. "Sawada-san…"

"Aya. You don't need to be so formal with me," she said cheerfully. "A friend of Ren is a friend of ours."

Fay felt that she was really sincere. "Thank you," she said softly, as she followed them.

They walked through the fast queue, and waited for their turn to sit in the side. There were five seats and all of them sat together on the front ride. "Do you know this ride?" Tanaka asked Fay.

"Umm.. No Actually." Fay answered.

"Then let's not spoil it for her," Aya said cheerfully.

The ride went on boringly for a while, but Fay was excited as she saw the dinosaurs. She looked to her left, and saw Takeda watching her. "Enjoying?" he asked.

"Very much." Fay nodded.

They were touring in the boat, and Fay could hear Sakamoto and Tanaka argue over something while Sawada was busy humming a song. The reached a tunnel, and it started climbing upwards around 25.9m high. Uh-oh… If we're climbing up, then that means there's a fall coming. Argh.

"Relax, Fay. It's not that Bad," Tanaka said cheerfully. "When you see the T-Rex close your eyes."

Fay felt a bit scared, "close my eyes?"

"Trust me." He winked.

Fay decided to do as he says. Suddenly they were in a dark tunnel, lashes of lights appeared, little ferocious dinosaurs were squirting water at them, and then Fay saw the T-Rex. She closed her eyes tightly and before she knew it, the whole ride was in screams and they were climbing down fast into the lake. Huge waves of water splashed all over them. Yikes! Cold…

'Oh man! I got wet!" Sawada screamed. "And the water is freaking cold. Sakamoto, idiot! I told you I wanted to buy a rain coat."

The ride ended, and they all got out. Fay covered herself. Oh my God. I'm soaked, and it's freezing. She thought, hugging herself. They left from the shop and went to the exit.

Outside, Sakamoto looked at Fay, and cleared his throat. "You better do something about that."

Fay looked confused. 'About?"

Tanaka's cheeks went red. "Your bra is showing."

"What?!" Fay exclaimed, looking down her chest and noted that her white lace bra was clearly visible beneath her white top. She quickly covered herself even more. In a few minutes, she found a jacket on top of her head.

"Wear that," Takeda said, "Go with Aya to the restroom she'll help you dry up."

Sawada placed her hands on Fay's shoulders and pushed her to the restroom. "Come on, Fay."

Fay didn't object.

In the bathroom, Fay took off her top and placed it under the hand dryer. She let the machine dry it while she just held it. "That was embarrassing," Fay admitted, looking at Sawada.

"You don't need to worry about those two, they're both gay and Ren didn't see you so it's fine," Sawada answered.

"Oh." Fay folded the top even more as it dried. Wow. They're gay. Interesting.

"Fay?"

"Yes?" Fay answered.

"Do you like Ren?" Sawada asked bluntly.

Fay paused at the question. Why would she bluntly ask such a question, and I don't even know you. "I'm not sure what like means Aya," Fay answered quietly. "I think he's cool, but you know…"

Sawada seemed confused, but didn't push it.

The two of them walked out, and found the boys waiting. Fay held the jacket, and gave it back to Takeda. "Here."

"No, you wear it. It's cold," he said, taking it from her and putting in on for her.

The gesture made Fay blush, and she looked away from him. When she glanced away she found Sawada looking at her with a mischievous smile. Argh! Fay took a step away from Takeda.

Sawada looked around, "Where's Shige-chan, and Hikaru."

"They went to get us snacks from the Jurassic Corn snack bar," Takeda answered.

The boys came back, and the five of them spent the next half an hour eating. They strolled around more, went on more rides, checked out a few theatres and finally after six hours settled at the gift shops by the exit.

They all bought boxes of sweets, souvenirs, hats, accessories, etc… and finally went to the station. "Well, that was fun," Tanaka said, taking Fay's hands. "You passed the test, and it was good to meet you."

Test? What test? Fay thought.

Sakamoto kicked Tanaka, and looked at Fay. "Ignore him. He just really wanted to meet you," he said. He took Fay's phone from her hands, and began typing a few things. He handed it back to her and looked at her seriously. "I've added all of our emails. The minute Ren does something stupid, let us know."

Takeda cleared his throat, and pushed Fay towards the platform. "We'll be leaving now," he said.

"Wait," Aya said, walking towards Fay. "It was nice meeting you." She hugged Fay, and… "Maybe you'll do Ren some good after all, but be careful," she whispered in Fay's ear.

Before Fay could respond to that, Takeda was already walking her to the platform. That was weird, Fay thought as she got into the train with Takeda. He gestured for her to sit while he held all the things they've bought.

She studied him, and felt a sense of pride. He's so caring. So responsible. I feel alive when I'm with him… and… I know I'm officially in trouble.