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I do not own B-project kodou*ambitious, I wish I did, but sadly… it's, just not the case.
To Be Continued.
By Alimackatjac
Chapter 8. The silent answer.
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Ryūji Korekuni's POV
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Serval days later.
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The sweet taste of cherry bursts in my mouth as a frustrated huff blows from my red stained lips. Somewhat annoyed, a small paperback slides from my fingers, falling back into the over packed cardboard box. The well-read curled pages fan out, after landing on its curved spine.
Seeing I hadn't really made a dent in unpacking the box I begin to inwardly question if ANYONE, not just our clumsy, yet diligent A&R should have this many previously read paperbacks. I mean most people give them away, to friends or donate them, after they finish diving in their chosen pages. They don't rat hole them away as some damn collection that they may, or may not read again. Leaving it for me to spend my entire day shelving these worthless books, I mean there's a reason there paperbacks.
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Heck, when does Tsubasa even have enough spare time to sit, let alone read an entire book? I mean she's constantly running, always on some kind of crazy task for one group, or another. I let out a heavy sigh…I guess it really shouldn't bother me so much, perhaps she reads a lot before bed. Although I'd be surprised if she didn't just collapse the moment, she made it through the door.
Kneeling in front of a practically empty bookshelf in a pair of cute black overalls, cuffed just below my knees. My head and shoulders drop begrudgingly admitting defeat, as I reluctantly turn back to the filled box, picking up the next book.
An annoying strand of hair falls in my face, tickling my cheek, making it difficult to continue with the next book. Rather bugged by the annoying feeling I quickly tuck my out of placed strand neatly back under the hot pink handkerchief, like some adorable housewife.
All things considering, I think I was taking being dragged out of my warm cozy bed, on my only day off, fairly well. I mean most roommates would be rather snippy if their best friend excitedly exposed your boxer covered body to the frigid morning air, before the sun was even up. But there I was fully dressed, half-asleep, on my wavering legs, standing next to my panicked best friend with several coffees in hand. Waiting patiently at our A&R's BRAND NEW door .All under the guise of supporting the love-struck dummy. Because today, of all days was circled in bold red marker, on my roommate's calendar, as Tsubasa's moving day.
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The auspicious day our A&R moves into B-pro's building …. And by the looks of it, Tomo's calendar wasn't the only one being marked for the coveted occasion.
"Kento, what the heck do you think you're doing?" My immediate attention is abruptly called to my perspiring roommate, wearing an ordinary plain grey sweatshirt, of all things. Nothing even close to what he usually wears. Of course, he isn't ACTING as his usual self, either. He adamantly stands at the flat's front door, just barely peeking over the stacked moving boxes, he's carrying in his arms.
"What does it look like Tomo, I'm just helping Tsubasa-chan move into her new place." With a sly smile he shakes the large cardboard box marked, "private, Bedroom." in thick black marker.
Tomo lets out a frustrated sigh "Reeeeally, I may be rather new to this whole moving business, but even 'I' know, the moving boxes go 'INSIDE' the new flat." Tomo sharply turns, nodding his head to the hallway. "NOT OUT. Of new apartment." Exasperated at the mischievous bluenette my roommate just shakes his head.
"Oh." Being caught red handed Kento pretends to read the side of the box, for the first time, "Will you look at that." With slightly blushed cheeks, the Thrive singer coolly shrugs his shoulders. "Well, then I guess I should drop this off at the local dry cleaners, for our busy A&R. It's really no problem I know the way."
"Drop it." Tomo stands firmly in front of the door.
Kento cautiously glances around the flat before leaning in to quietly speak, just above a whisper. "Come on Tomo, you can't tell me you've never wondered." Sharing a meaningful look, dropping his eyes to the box. "I mean you're still a guy, Right?"
My platinum roommate lets out yet another exasperated sigh. He's been doing that a lot lately. He extends his arms out, already filled with boxes. "Kento, Just throw it on top, I'll make sure Tsubasa's things, remain PRIVATE, like a gentleman should."
Kento's sky blue eyes blink up at the stack already over the platinum's head. "Uh Tomo, do you really think that's such a good idea? I could just-"
"Kento, just do it." He gives the bluenette a sharp warning look.
"Okay boss, if that's what you really want?" The bluenette shrugs his shoulders, before placing the box on the very top of Tomo's stack.
Seeing the stack teeter far above my roommate's inexperienced head, I quickly popped the cherry lollipop out of my mouth to say something. "Uh, Tomo."
"Relax guys, I'm perfectly capable of moving a few boxes." Tomo blindly begins to maneuver in the room, towards the main bedroom.
Suddenly seeing the impending collision over my roommate's oblivious head I hastily call out, "Tomo, look out!" However, it's a bit too late, as I squeeze my eyes tight, curling into my tense shoulders, waiting for the inevitable crash. Once I hear all the boxes topple to the floor I cautiously peek, opening one of my fuchsia colored eyes. "For the low threshold." The rest of my useless warning kind of slips out, like a hesitant afterthought.
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An abrupt gasp escapes my dropped shocked mouth as I quickly notice my normally 'graceful' roommate, stunned, standing in the middle Tsubasa's previously packed items. All Kento and I can do is helplessly watch as the panicked platinum dives to his knees, thoughtlessly cramming the items back in the opened box, at a frantic pace. Completely unaware at what's actually scattered around the floor as he's entirely too caught up in his self-appointed task.
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"Kitakado-san!" That is until a completely red-faced A&R walks in from the Kitchen. Causing my bumbling roommate to finally realize what exactly is in his frenzied fingers, wrists deep. Seeing a colorful jumble of silky brassieres tangled in his fingers, like some kind of crazy spaghetti. He suddenly screams, violently shaking his hands, frantically trying to free himself from Tsubasa's intimate apparel.
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Finally freed, my best friend falls back, leaning on his arms. "I'm so, so sorry Tsubasa, You see it was an accident! I was just carrying some of your things, and I didn't see –"
Tsubasa quickly kneels down, holding out a hand, and letting out a frustrated breath. "It's fine Kitakado-san," For the first time since we were introduced, Tsubasa's tone came out strained. "Like you said, it was an accident….Please, let me just do it, myself." She begins to hurriedly pick up the items, looking straight ahead, avoiding my sputtering roommate's pleading eyes.
"Yeah, that's probably for the best….again, you have my deepest apologies, Tsubasa." Embarrassed, and completely irritated with his useless attempts he slowly raises to his feet and walks over to me. Standing with his arms crossed, with his head dropped in defeat.
Once our blushing A&R gathers all her things, she quickly stuffs the box under her arm, before standing to her feet.
Kento peeks in the box with a raised teasing eyebrow over his sky-blue eyes. "Well, well, Tsubasa-chan, I whole heartily approve." Lifting one of the straps of the lacey garments on two held out fingers. "I'd be happy to help you put them away."
Irritated, she snaps the garment from Kento's fingers. "Uh, no thank you Kento, I think I can manage it on my own." Tsubasa walks pass the bluenette in a huff.
"Yeah, that's what I thought you would say." Defeated, he speaks to himself, but as he's tenacious as ever he quickly tries to catch up. Only to find a slammed door, just inches from his leering face. Salvaging whatever he has left of what remains of his dignity, he casually shrugs his shoulders and strolls through the swinging kitchen, joining his Thrive bandmate.
With the room now empty, I couldn't help but chuckle, and shake my head at the entire foreseeable incident. Of course, my mortified roommate didn't find my amusement, "Funny" in the slightest. He unfolds his arms, sinking his clutching fingers deep into his platinum strands, "Ah, what the hell am I doing?"
I couldn't help but continue to chuckle at my confused roommate, albeit not as much at first.
He slides down the wall, with his long denim clad legs stretched out in front of him. "Come on Ryūji, give a guy a break." Tomo sadly refuses to lift his head, speaking in a depressed tone.
Of course, my perfectly mannered roommate meant well enough, but being born with a silver spoon, he wasn't exactly experienced at lumping boxes, like some of the more capable members. Which for the most part turned out to be my pinket friend, who immediately started organizing the kitchen, the moment he rushed through the door, ready to work."
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As for the rest of Thrive, well, Kento was his usual self and I'm pretty sure Goushi, is strumming his guitar somewhere in the basement, refusing to lend a hand. The Moons however, were unavoidably absent, as they were assigned to a last minute gig, much to their dismay. Leaving little ole me, and unlike Tomo, I happily accepted my shortcomings, as a burly moving man. Hence, the reason I find myself toiling over a mountain of paperbacks, and stubbornly empty bookshelf.
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"Here, Tomo." Seeing the depressed platinum chiding himself my laughter immediately died. I held out a worn paperback to my irritated friend. "Grab a book and follow my example. Just leave the rest to the professionals…After all, knowing what I know, I'm sure, you're the one who hired them, In the first place." Noticing the last bit of cherry candy held in my cheek and my troubled roommate, I decide not to replace it. Crunching the remainder before tossing the stick in a nearby trash bin.
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His ice blue eyes cautiously flash around the room. "Shhh, Ryūji will you be quiet." Tomo hisses out "What if someone hears you?" He snatches the book from my held out fingers. "Besides, I never said-"
"Yeah, yeah go ahead and remain buttoned up, even from your best friend." I quickly speak over my rambling friend in a sarcastic tone, rolling my eyes as I blindly reach into the box to retrieve another beat up book. "Just like on the island."
"Really, you're going to bring that up, now!" My platinum blonde roommate hisses out, cautiously glancing around the room. "Ryūji, the island was your fault, with your little phone stunt." Tomo snatches the book from my held out hand.
"Not like you said anything good. You haven't said a single word about what REALLY happened. By the way, you're welcome." Seeing my confused friend, I can't help let out a sigh. "Look Tomo, you can deny it all you want, I'm sorry to tell you this… but it's written all over your face.." I teasingly tap his plain grey sweatshirt, with the top of a tattered book. "At least to me, that is."
With round stunned eyes, my roommate thoughtlessly rubs his cheek. "My face, really?"
"Yeah, and here I thought you were a pretty good actor, too. But now …Man, you better invest in a drama coach, if you plan on hiding it much longer."
My platinum bandmate shakes his head, as if to clear it, before grabbing the book on his chest. "Come on Ryūji this is serious, I'm not really in the mood for your usual jokes."
"Who's joking? I'm serious." Peeking in the box next to me, I discover a title that appeared interesting. "Here's an idea." I begin to speak in a distracted tone as I thumb through the bright yellow paperback. "Instead of portraying yourself as a bumbling, know nothing, moving brute, take a peek at some of these titles … find out what makes Tsubasa tick."
Tomo attempts to grab the book from my hands.
"Well maybe not all of the books, at least not this one." It was true, by the wide range of titles, and topics I wasn't entirely convinced Tsubasa ever turned down an offered book, in her life…not from a well-meaning friend, a nosy neighbor, not even the post master general himself ,no one . For that matter, she probably rescued abandoned books off the side of the road. I mean the box seemed endless, and we kept pulling out one bizarre title, after the next.
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"On second thought, I'm pretty sure the only knowledge you'll ascertain by going through this heaping mound, is that your future girlfriend either has a grudge against trees or she secretly a hoarder. Either way, you're in trouble." I chuckled, nudging Tomo with a suggestive elbow.
"Ryūji, will you please stop saying that. She is nothing of the sort."
"Which 'one' are you referring to?"
"Ryūji."
"Fine," My eyes cautiously glance over to our A&R's closed bedroom door. "Hey, here's something novel to think about." I shake a book towards my friend.
Frustrated, Tomo silently lifts a hand to the side of his head, rubbing small soothing circles in his temple, a sure sign I've irritated him.
"Take Tsubasa out on a real dinner date. You know, one with food, plates, and a snarky waiter. Oh, and the most important little detail, NEITHER of you should be falling asleep in the middle of it …That kind of stuff isn't supposed to happen until looonnng after the actual date ."
"Ryūji!"
"Yeah, yeah, I know you're such a broken record. Although, by the looks of it, before I came home, things were set up rather cozy."
"I told you nothing happened! " Tomo spoke just a little too loud, causing his blue eyes to flash to the closed door. Relived for the unmoving door he leans in closer, lowering his voice. "She merely dropped off a birthday gift that night, so I ended up inviting her to stay and listen to it. That's all that happened."
"Yeah, that's what you keep saying." Speaking in a distracted tone as I find myself drawn in with the first riveting chapter of the yellow paperback. "Wait a minute!" My head snaps up, blinking up at my platinum roommate. "Is it that same cd you've been driving me crazy with, lately? I wondered where that damn thing came from. I thought it was for some kind of upcoming project you were working on."
"Oh. Sorry about that. " Tomo slides his eyes to the floor, "I…uh didn't realize it bothered you." I hand the book I was reading to my roommate. "I'll use earbuds when you're at home."
I couldn't help but be annoyed. I love music as much as next person, but he just kept playing it, over and over. I could probably recite the playlist from memory. Now, that I know, it's completely clear. Tomo, may not be willing to admit to himself, but it was totally obvious,
…..Tomo is looooong gone, for our A&R.
"Don't worry about it.. You know me, if it really bothered me, I would have said something." Seeing my roommate so upset, I lied about the music. "Anyway, we kind of strayed off topic….now, about the island?" My voice turns curious.
"Again, just like the flat… it's was…um … mostly innocent." Tomo places the book on the shelf, awkwardly avoiding my eyes.
I reach out and stop his arm. "Wait, Mostly?" I raised an intrigued eyebrow. "What does 'mostly' mean?
However, he just shakes his head, stubbornly staying silent, pulling his arm away.
"TOMO, WHATEVER DO YOU MEAN?" I purposely raised my voice.
"Shhh, Ryūji!" A panicked Tomo glanced over to the closed door, before sliding them over to me. However I just acted like I was about to say something even louder. With pleading eyes, his voice almost comes out in a whisper. "Alright, alright you win." His eyes cautiously glance back to the door before dropping to the floor. "It's 'mostly' innocent because, well …we ….almost kissed….There, are you happy?"
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"What really?" Stunned I blinked up at my sheepish roommate.
"Yeah." He nodded his dropped head, "but at the last minute, she pulled away. I didn't even realize what was happening, until it was over." Tomo lifts his hands in his hair, roughly rubbing his silky mop, as if he was vigorously washing the thoughts from his head. "Uhg damn it! I just don't understand what has been going on with me, lately! Half the time I can't concentrate, and the other half, I find myself unconsciously getting closer to her? "
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I shrug my shoulders, as I slide another paperback on to the shelf. "I already told you, what I think is going on. You just need to admit it to yourself. "I teasingly poke a finger at my roommate's chest. "Aaand start acting on it. You two just need a little shove in the right direction, that's all. Closer isn't necessarily a bad thing …maybe YOU or 'Tsubasa,' will finally catch a clue of what's really going on… before someone else actually does. I mean the impromptu date, the flat…. the movers… It's completely obvious from where I'm standing."
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Tomo raised a hand, rubbing the back of his head as he listened to my words. "Ryūji, I told you, I'm just being supportive of a friend in need, that's all."
I swiftly swing out my arms in exaggeration, making my point. "Really Tomo, you're leasing an entire flat for her. Granted, it's not as extravagant as the individual groups' floors but it's still an entire flat. I would say that's a little more than being supportive."
"The flat, is because B-project, minus Goushi, decided it was the best course of action."
"Yeah I know all that, remember I was there."
"Then, I don't understand, what's your problem?"
"Knowing you, I bet you tried renting an entire floor, like the rest of the bands. What, they didn't have any available penthouses, at the time." I quietly teased in hushed tones.
"No, I knew if I did that she would most likely go to Gandara and make a fuss. " His eyes contently glance around the medium sized, two bedroom apartment. "This is the perfect amount of space for a single person. And the view is gorgeous from her Balcony, perfect for a morning cup of coffee."
"Really?" Giving my roommate a knowing look.
"What?" He awkwardly clears his throat, "Uh…. anyway, you have to admit there's a lot of strange accidents occurring….and I think the group will relax, now that she here."
"So what, you've found a new hobby, being a realty agent?" Speaking in a sarcastic tone "Damn it, Tomo, will you listen to yourself! You've put so much thought in this. Can't you see that?"
"Honestly, I tried to get Gandara to spring for it. It would have been nothing for them, to do so, but for some reason the chairman wouldn't budge. Besides this way, everybody wins .Tsubasa is safely close by, where ALL of the members can watch over her, not just me. I get to keep my word to the group, about being B-project's representative in the matter, with nobody being the wiser….I would do the same for any of the other members."
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"Oh come on, you just told me you practically kissed her… Wake up Tomo!" Realizing how loud I was speaking, I quickly glanced over to her door.
"Ryūji!" Tomo quietly hissed out.
I sarcastically rolled my eyes, "Yeah I'm sure you and Hikaru will enjoy that romantic dinner for two, in an empty flat. " I reach out with a comforting hand, placing it on Tomo's shoulder. "Look, I understand, coming from your background, this type of thing can be difficult to acknowledge. I mean mommy and daddy, are certainly going to flip with the news. I'll give you that."
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He shrugs away from my hand, "Oh, do you think? Remember what happened when I told them I wanted to change schools, and attend Bambi with you?" His perfect posture falls as he woefully slides a book on the shelf. "Now, that's a 'fun' memory, to relive ."
"Yeah, I know ….but listen to me, Tomo. You need to stop denying it. From what I know, 'IT' just doesn't go away, without some serious pain involved." A heavy sigh blows from my lips, "and even if it could, why would you want it to? I mean, you of all people should want it. No, you should be ravenous for it …Then maybe your birthdays, could be something to look forward to, instead of your usual …..At least give Tsubasa the chance to hear how you really feel."
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"Yeah, I hear what you're saying, Ryūji. I honestly do, I'm just not sure it's that simple." Tomo nudges me with his shoulders, "Hey not to change the subject, but why the heck did you have to bring THIS exact topic up, HERE?" He glances around the apartment. "I mean really, here, of all places? It's not like were roommates, or anything." Tomo surprisingly mixes in a little sarcasm with his usual tone.
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"Well, to be fair, I did TRY ever since we came back from the island….but you just stubbornly avoided the topic, every time I even came close to it." My lips curled into a gratifying smile, for the spontaneous idea that just sort of 'popped' in my fuzzy sleep laden head, this morning. "I figured you wouldn't have anywhere to run, if I confronted you here. Besides, call it a bit of sweet revenge for this morning's rather rude wake up call."
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"Okay, smart guy, let's just say you're right." He blindly picks up a book from the box.
"Hello," I confidently chuckle, while nodding my head. "I am right."
"Whatever, let's say you're right. What about B-Project?"
"What ABOUT B-Project?" I shrug my shoulders as I slide another book on to the self.
"The mere suggestion of dropping the other groups had us practically at each other's throats …..And to be honest, just between the two of us," Tomo cautiously glances around the room, making sure it's completely empty, before speaking in a hushed tone. "I can't say I entirely hate the idea of Tsubasa working for Kitakore, exclusively. I think even temporary it would do her a world of good. I mean she works so hard, all the time. If she's not with us, she has two other groups to contend with…I think it's just too much for one person to do on their own….. Ryūji, is it selfish of me to just want, Tsubasa happy and safe? No matter what it costs B pro?"
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"No. I think deep down that's what we all want. At least that's what it feels like, to me. I believe everyone understands what needs to be done, but not a single group is willing to do it …..And well you heard what she said."
With his shoulders weighed down heavily in concern for our A&R, he rubs the back of his neck and blows out a long breath ."You mean how she refuses to pick one group for another? Yeah she's being stubborn as usual…For such a sweet good natured person she does have a rather strong obstinate streak."
"Only for her friends." Seeing my roommate's eyes turn dreamy I can't help but chuckle. Man, I wish I had a mirror ….You really need to see the weird face your making.
"Pardon, what about my face?"
"It only happens when your around me ….but Just now when you start talking about our A&R the way you just did, you get this dopey look on your face…If you could only see that face you would stop debating yourself, and jump in with both feet, like 'I' know you should."
"Fine, fine, focus Ryūji." He lets out a sigh. "With that being said," Tomo points to his face, drawing a swift imaginary circle in the air, around it. "What do you think THIS….whatever, THIS, might be…how do you think it will affect the group?"
"I'm not really sure." I lift my head, giving my confused roommate a serious look. Some might say a clear warning. "Although, I have this strong feeling that were about to find out, and soon."
….and Judging from what I've been seeing, it won't be dependent on what 'YOU' finally decide, either."
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End of Ryūji's POV
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Tsubasa Sumisora's POV
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Several hours later.
A long relieved sigh passes through my lips, breaking the still silence of my new flat, my new home. My tired muscles begin to relax and sink against the polished grain of the front door. Taking a quiet moment to glance over the fairly modern apartment, feeling a sudden heaviness fill my chest.
Everything sparkled with a newness. The handle on the oven door didn't occasionally wiggle loose. I'm sure the bathroom faucet didn't drip, just as the lavender spare bedroom wasn't filled with old packed boxes of bittersweet memories, I can't bring myself to explore …..Although in truth, it felt slightly cold and unfamiliar.
But I guess that's only natural, I lived in my mother's house since I could remember. As comforting as it is, as it always will be, it feels like living in the past. The sparkling skyscraper apartment is ….now my future, that I not only need to get used to, but embrace whole heartedly.
The sound of running water and clinking glass produces a genuine smile on my lips. My thumb lightly brushes against the chilled box that is dotted with moisture and wrapped in my fingers. The cold box gives me a gentle reminder as I slowly push off the front door, heading for the kitchen. With my hands filled, one with a steaming cup of tea I cautiously maneuver my way through the swinging kitchen door.
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That is, until I'm suddened, seeing soapy water spilling over the counters edges I sprint across the polished floor and quickly reach in front of the spaced out singer. "Ashū-san!" My sudden arrival causes the pinket to shake his head, dropping the brush and the glass back in the water.
"Oh damn!" Noticing the water pooling around his checkerboard sneakers, he hastily kneeled down, whipping the daisy covered dish towel from over his shoulders to sop up the water. "I'm so sorry for the mess, Tsubasa-chan!" He blindly apologizes while anxiously drying up the floor.
"Relax Ashū-san, it's just a little spilled water." I swiftly grab another spare dishrag from the thick glass counter and quickly go right to work, attacking the small puddle from the opposite side. It wasn't a few minutes later until the polished floor was dry. "You see, no harm no foul. " I held out my hand for the soaking wet dishtowel.
Seeing my out stretched hand he carefully handed me the towel. "Even so, I should have watched what I was doing. I don't know if you've realized this or not but at times … I can be a little clumsy." He nervously looks down at his hands.
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I quickly tossed the towel in a nearby bucket, under the sink. Planning on washing it later. "Are you kidding me, you unpacked my entire kitchen, and on your day off, no less. No, you deserve a metal or at the very least my thanks, I couldn't have managed it without you." I sit formally on the floor and respectfully lower my head at the anxious pinket. "Thank you, Ashū-san."
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Which seems to make him even more nervous, frantically waving his hand out in front of him. "Oh no it was nothing really….but your uh, welcome." With blushed cheeks, he quickly nods his head. "Although, you don't need to be so formal. I was just helping out a uh …..Friend. That's all."
Although, as soon as I was able to get a good look at him, kneeling on the floor I couldn't help but lift my hand to my mouth , covering a burst of laughter, "What on earth are you wearing Ashū-san?"
He innocently blinked down with wide rose colored eyes, "What do you mean, this?" He runs his thumb under the pink frilly strap, tied around his broad chest. His black horizontal striped t-shirt only emphasizes the fact… I don't know if it's a mandate from Daikoku-san or what. But Yuta, like the rest of Thrive, payed EXTRA attention to the development of their muscles. I mean, sure the other groups did as well, but Thrive brought something extra special ….something primal. Hard and edgy, it was practically the band's calling card.
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"Oh, isn't this yours, I thought you wouldn't mind. Since I was working in the kitchen." His large hands nervously reach around his back to fumble with the bow. "I'm sorry, I should have asked, I'll just take it off- "He turned his head, to avoid being embarrassed.
"OH, no! Yuta, don't worry about it! "I reached out a hand to touch his knee. "It's fine really, you just surprised me that's all." Seeing Yuta's expressive rose colored eyes framed by a black handkerchief, tied in his shaggy pink hair caused my lips to press firmly together, holding back a fit of giggles.
I realize immediately what I had done the moment he snapped his head up, revealing a quick knowing smile. …I accidently called him by his giving name, again. Although he didn't comment, or tease me like he normally does when I do. He just shrugs his shoulders continuing. "Reiji, and I found it in the packed boxes. He thought I should use it, you know with the water and everything."
Even though the pinket was being nothing but sincere a few giggles began to slip out.
His cheeks blazed, with an annoyed look. "Hey Tsubasa, don't laugh… I was trying to explain myself.
"Oh sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you, but you look so damn ….ADORABLE!" I slapped a hand over my giggling mouth, but the laughter just bursts through as I tried to explain. "It's just….. I mean…. you're so handsome and edgy, the utter definition of a heartthrob rock star." My eyes began to water. "But now you're so sweetly kneeling on my kitchen floor, wearing my mother's frilly pink apron with your hair tied in a handkerchief." My arms wrapped around my soar stomach, as I continued to laugh. "You look like some kind of bizarre, house wife …it's just so adorable!"
"Wait Tsubasa!" His rose colored eyes go wide, "you um, think….I'm adorable?"
My giggles died on my lips the moment I realized what I had just said, causing a hot feeling to swirl on my cheeks. "Well uh," I awkwardly drop my eyes to my fidgeting hands, nodding my head "Yeah sure, I ah ….mean anybody would, dressed like you are" I shrug my shoulders, acting like it was obvious anybody would think the pink was adorable.
"Oh." HIs eyes dropped.
It's true any woman would have squealed in utter delight, before passing out from massive blood lost, from just the innocent sight. Although I had to admit, I could feel my heart race…and I didn't think it was from your usual crazed fangirl reaction. Although, I can secretly admit to those, too.
I found my eyes drawn to his strong broad shoulders, and muscled chest, hidden under the sheer pink ruffled fabric. Not his usual costumes he dons for Thrive. Momentary flashes assaulted my head with his muscled arms firmly, but gently guiding me to the soapy covered floor. His normally good natured smile, turns serious as he leans in, hovering over my soaking wet body. Reaching a trembling hand up, the pinket softly slides his large fingers under my jaw, tilting my face to his. Suddenly my heart is whipped up in frenzy as an unyielding warmth presses against my needy lips.
"Tsubasa-chan …Tsubasa?" I feel a hand gently shake my shoulders.
I quickly shake my head, clearing the less then innocent flashes from it. Realizing I had been staring at him this entire time, I nervously drop my eyes to the perfectly dry floor. With no soap suds in sight, I realize I was just fantasizing about the pinket. I could feel my rapid heartbeat hammer under my fingers as I sat there bewildered of what just happened.
His long eyelashes blink up with concerned eyes. "Tsubasa are you sure, you're alright?" Seeing my cheeks burn on my face a playful teasing smile emerges on his features, "If I didn't know better, it looked like you were lost in some rather INTERESTING, thoughts. " He bluntly applies.
"I uh." I nervously look away,
His curled fingers brush against my cheek, "Now, what could you POSSIBLY be thinking about, that has your cheeks so warm?"
Stunned by the sudden feel of his rough fingers against my face, caused my breath to catch in my dry throat, as I just wordlessly stared at the playful pinket.
"Hmm?" He raises an inquisitive eyebrow, "Care to share?"
"Oh!" My eyes suddenly break his teasing expectant gaze. "I nearly forgot, I bought you something." I could feel my anxious heart begin to slow to a normal pace, thankful for the desperate need of the change of topic.
"Really?" When Yuta notices my eyes glance towards the glass counter, over our heads, he quickly gets up on to his feet. He wipes his wet hands on the pink frilly apron, before gently offering me his hand, with a sweet smile playing on his lips. "Here, allow me?"
"Uh, thank you Ashū-san." I cautiously slide my fingers into Yuta's warm hand, he gently squeezes around them as he easily tugs me to my feet.
He must have misjudged his own strength, because I ended up practically crashing in the pinket's firm chest. With blushed cheeks, his rose colored eyes gaze down towards me. "Uh sorry, Tsubasa –chan I guess I kind of…slipped." He nervously licked his lips.
I anxiously swallow while looking up, "I …Uh…No, I should have watched where I was….um, going."
"How can you say that, it was obviously my fault." He softly chuckles, with his eyes peering down. "Of course, where I'm standing, it isn't necessarily a bad thing."
I nervously look away, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "Anyway, I just came from the down stairs lobby, I was surprised, but the café had your favorite fully stocked." I went to reach for the chilled box on the counter, noticing he still had my hand.
As if he was caught in a thought, he quickly shakes his head, before glancing at our joined fingers. "Oh, sorry." He clumsily unlaces our fingers, dropping his hand, from mine. "So Tsubasa-chan, you met Adachi-san?"
My eyes glanced from my hand, uncomfortably turning to face the pinket, before simply nodding my head.
He awkwardly takes a step back to lean against the counter. "When I first moved to the building he watched me repeatedly walk to the convenience store. I was just a kid, I didn't realize Daikoku-san arranged an account with him, and if I didn't see, what I wanted all I had to do was simply ask for it. I mean within reason, you know a tea, a burger, that sort of thing."
He mainly fed us when Yashamaru-san was -"Once he realized who he began to talk about he awkwardly trailed off, dropping his eyes to his feet. "Well you know… he fed us between rehearsals and gigs. That was the arrangement. I guess that was a big reason why Daikoku-san picked this particular building. "
My heart grew heavy as I could plainly see swirls of pained confusion churning in the pinket's lost depressed eyes, as with most of the B-pro members. The former director's behavior, only brought up unresolved questions ….and most of them were painful, even to consider.
He forced a smile on his face, "So uh …anyway," He cleared his throat, "Every few days I would run to the local store to stock up until, one day I saw Adachi-san stand proudly, with his arms crossed at his chest, with a fully stocked refrigerator filled with nothing but little pink boxes. I was just so confused from what I saw I blinked up at him, wondering what the man was up to." Yuta happily chuckled to himself with the memory, "This man who could easily be mistaken for a professional sumo wrestler, leaned down, pointed his enormous finger at my scrawny chest and said, "You're spreading a bad habit that's bad for business….I now have your favorite."
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"Well then, that explains a lot." I reached over and grabbed the box from the counter before tossing it to him.
He easily catches the box, "Thanks Tsubasa-chan." He gives me a little two finger salute. "Explains what?"
Leaning against the kitchen counter, with my red ballerina flats casually crossed at the ankles, I cautiously uncap the white lid on the paper cup. Being careful not to slosh the tawny colored liquid around the edges. Swirls of steam erupt out of the top, wafting against my face before smelling a delicious hint of spicy apple. I quickly puckered my lips to the edge, blowing the sweet steaming puffs momentarily away from the cup, cooling the tea. "Oh, you see, when I went to pay at the counter, the clerk asked about you, and if you were slacking off? I figured you must know him, but I'm afraid I was bit taken back by the question, so I just dumbly nodded."
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"Slacking off, why that guy." He shakes his head, while blindly spearing the straw in the pink box. "Never mind, it's uh just little inside joke, between the two of us."
"Oh, I see."
"Anyway, since I'm the only one in the building who drinks the stuff, he must have figured you were buying it for me. I wouldn't worry about your reaction too much, "He shrugs his shoulders. "That's how everyone acts around Adachi-san, when they first move in. He's a little intimidating. "
"Yeah, you could definitely say that."
The clear tiny straw slips from his lips, before continuing . "He pretty much knows everything that goes on in the building. He's not just a café clerk, he's part of the building's security too." He chuckles to himself, "He's a good guy. I bet you'll like him, once you get settled. "
Seeing his wide content smile I innocently babble out, "So Ashū-san have you always drank strawberry milk?"
The usual sparkle in his rose colored eyes suddenly dulls, into something almost lifeless. His face twists in apparent sadness, while his sullen eyes fall to his fingers, lingering over the pink box. "Uh no, actually when I was much, much…. um younger I couldn't stand the stuff." He awkwardly lifts his head, with a small forced smile molded to his lips. "I thought strawberry milk was for ….uh babies, and well, girls…You know I've never told anyone that before. Everybody just assumes when they see me, that I've always drank the stuff."
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"I'm sorry Ashū-san, did I say something wrong?" A little taken back by the sudden change of his good natured mood, "I ah, didn't mean to pry."
Seeing my concerned face, he swiftly waves his hand in front of the frilly apron, before dropping it. "No, its fine Tsubasa–chan, I've told you before, you can ask me anything." He lifts the box to his lips, taking a long sip, and closing his eyes… truly savoring the flavored milk. He slowly pulled the straw from his lips, lifting it to his face so his eyes could linger, practically reminiscing over the pink box. "Heck, what did I know, I was just a small boy. For a long time, I didn't exactly understand what actually happened myself." He spoke to himself with a shadow of his former sadness across his features.
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A tense feeling hovered around the brightly lit kitchen, "But Ashū-san, that seems to be all you drink, so um…what changed your mind?"
"Uh well, I'm afraid that's a bit of a long story, really." He anxiously rubs the back of his neck, with a nervous chuckle. "Although-" A sly smile quickly fills his face, as he playfully strolls over , one foot in front of the other , until he stands right in front of me . "I'll tell you what Tsubasa-chan, I'll tell you the entire story. Everything, from beginning to end. "He lifts a hand, and lightly pokes the tip of my nose before crossing them at his chest. "For a price."
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My crimson eyes nervously blinked up at the pinket. "What kind of a price?"
He points a finger at me, "Ha! That's what I want, right there!" He chuckles, while shaking his head, "It's my name, Tsubasa-chan. If you truly want to hear it, my PRICE is you're FORBIDDEN from calling me 'Ashū-san' from here on out. It's that simple."
"Y…y..your name?" My wide eyes flicker up, shaking my head, "Wait, Ashū-san …I ….I'm not sure I can, I mean, I don't call the other guys by their –"I anxiously trail off.
He chuckles, "Relax Tsubasa, it's not a hard fast condition."
Relieved my hand rests on my heart, "Wait, so you were joking?"
"No, not really. I really do want you to call me Yuta, I asked as much, repeatedly. "He turns his head, letting out a heavy sigh as he steps forward, reaching out with his long arms . "Bu-t, if it causes you this much trouble even considering it …..Well, then I guess I'll leave it to you." He place his hands on the counter …on either side of my hips, while speaking in a self-contemplating tone. "I just hope someday, soon, you would consider it….That you'll consider me." The pinket mumbles the last part under his breath.
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"Uh… Ashū-san, what did you just say?" My voice barely came out as a whisper.
"Oh, never mind Tsubasa-chan, it seems it's not the time, seeing as you decided to use my last name yet again." He chuckled with a forced smile. "I was just thinking out loud," He waves a dismissive hand. "Besides….I had already decided, that night, I was going to tell you."
"You mean that night…. in my uh….Hospital room, when you- ?" My hand thoughtlessly drifted up to my warming cheek.
"Shhh," He gently brushed a finger on my lips, lifting his head, revealing a small genuine smile. "Yeah, that night." Yuta gives me a knowing look.
Having him so close, I anxiously turn away from his finger, nervously sliding a strand of my hair behind my ear. "Well, were both here, now?" I attempt to sooth my rambling dry mouth as I force myself to swallow.
"And there's no nurse on duty." He added with a teasing eyebrow. "Lucky me."
"Yeah …you're uh right." I nervously nod my head, avoiding the pinket's eyes. "There's uh nothing stopping you." I had to wonder if Yuta could hear my heart madly pounding in my chest.
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"Yeah. I think it's time." He lifts a hand, playfully ruffling the top of my head with a chuckle. "But first." He steps a few feet away, sliding his hand in his black cargo shorts, pulling his phone out. With a quick swipe of his thumb, he turns off his phone, tossing it back in his pocket. He nods his head to himself before holding out an expectant hand. "Tsubasa-chan, may I see your phone?"
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End of Tsubasa's POV
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Come on now, let's hurry up. It's getting late."
A blonde tall man, wearing a wide ecstatic grin happily kneels down on to the grassy field while throwing out his awaiting arms. Just as an excited 5 year old boy, carrying a bright red ribbon practically leaps in the man's arms. The man sweeps the boy off his feet and tightly squeeze him with an affectionate hug. "Did you see it? Did you see it? Dad, did you see how fast I ran!" The excited boy thrusts the red ribbon in his father's face, nearly knocking off the man's glasses.
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"I sure did champ, you were like lightning out there!" With a wide beaming smile, the father happily lifts a hand, adjusting his crooked glasses before proudly rubbing a shaky hand in his son's mop top.
The little boy vigorously shook his head, before brushing his bangs to the side, fixing his mussed hair. His eyes quickly catch sight over his dad broad shoulder causing the little boy to slowly unfurl his fingers, giving his precious trophy a good look. His once wide cheerful smile falls. "I'm sorry dad… I tried really, really, hard, but that Yamato, "The little boys expression turns cold as his eyes glance over to another little boy, with ginger hair, happily dancing around his parent's legs, waving a blue ribbon over his head. "He was just too fast for me, to catch up. "The little boy gives the ribbon a disgusted look, almost allowing it to slip through his tiny fingers. "I wanted to win the blue one for you, dad."
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The father's expression firms, as he gently takes the scorned ribbon. "Now Champ, I won't have any of that." He lets out sigh, gently raising his son's chin to look in his father's kind rose colored eyes. "Now son, did you try your best?"
With his dad holding up his chin, the little boy considers it for a moment, before sharply nodding his head. "Yeah, I sure did, I tried so hard my legs felt like they were on fire."
"On fire you say, well then, that's all the matters." The father looks down, checking his son's legs. "Well, it looks like it's out now." He exaggeratedly wipes the sweat from his forehead, blowing out a relived breath, "That was a close one."
The little boy begins to chuckle, shaking his mop top head, "No, no, they were ALMOST on fire, dad."
"Oh, my mistake." The father begins to tickle his son's ribs.
The little boy happily squirms in his father's arms, jerking his torso this way and that. "Stop! Stop! I can't take it anymore." Seeing his son's usual wide beaming smile return, the man stops tickling the boy's ribs.
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"You see son, unlike in TV shows or storybooks it's a hard fact in life that we can't ALWAYS win. I know that seems like a bit of a disappointment, but I'm afraid it's true…But as long as you tried your best and kept that beaming smile on your face," He playfully taps the end of his son's nose. "It doesn't matter if you get a blue ribbon or a pink polka dotted ribbon or no ribbon at all. As long as you gave it your best shot, that's what matters… So be happy for your friend, and for you, as well. "
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The little boy scrunches up his nose. "A pink ribbon, why on earth would ANYONE want a pink ribbon?" The little boy quickly snatches the ribbon from his father's offered hand, hugging it to his chest.
"Yeah, I'm with you champ, I'd much rather have a bright red one." The father begins to playful tickle his son's ribs, this time with intention of not stopping.
"Click…click ….click." Several blinding flashes quickly halt the sweet father and son moment.
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A rather tall slender women wearing a wide brim hat, and long sundress peeks out from behind a modest black handheld camera. "What's that, it's so happens I love the color pink." She lifts a hand, playfully flipping her long flowing hair that hangs just below her shoulders. "Let's get a photo of the champ, and his proud papa." Without another warning, the camera's flash goes off a few dozen times.
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"Mom warn us next time." The little boy rubs his eyes. "All, I can see our spots, now."
"Opps sorry," She lifts her wide crimson eyes to the clouds. "I'll uh turn the flash off since it's still somewhat light out." Supporting a small boy with one hand, she fumbles with the camera's setting, before nodding to herself.
The man slides a thumb and forefinger under his glasses, rubbing his irritated eyes. "Way to go Honey, Keep capturing those family memories." The man sarcastically replies.
"Oh poo." The women gives her foot a little stomp. "You never say that when you're asking me for current pictures of the boys."
"Okay truce." The blond man strolls over to his wife, wrapping his one arm around her shoulders kissing her on the cheek. As her wide brim hat blocks the tender kiss, from any unwanted onlookers.
Without even thinking about it, her hand holding the camera slides under his arm, giving him a tight squeeze. "Alright, you're forgiven, it's getting kind of late. We better start heading back."
"Yeah, give me minute, dear." The man lets out a sigh, while holding his little family in his arms as a content smile slowly emerges on the man's handsome face.
Just a little bit later …
"I win! I win!" A pair of small hands reach out and slap a polished dark blue door. With a heaving chest, the energetic little boy excitingly yells back to his family, who's casually walking towards the blue sedan. "Look dad, I did my best! "
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A large hand ruffles the boy's shaggy head, "That's right champ, you sure did." His father chuckles as he walks pass his animated son, while reaching out to open the car door. "Well done, son." As soon as his father swings open the door, the boy leaps into his seat, waiting to be buckled in.
On the passenger side, the content mother happily pulls her hat off her head, allowing the last bit of sinking sun to reflect a warm orange glow off her silky tresses. She lifts a hand and flips her wavy pink locks off her shoulders before sliding it over the top of her head, subduing any flyaway strands.
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Like most mothers, the beautiful woman manages to do most things with a single hand. Usually balancing a sleeping child in one hand, juggling numerous essentials with the other. But always figuring out a way to find two free arms for what's truly important.
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Her floppy hat dangles in her fingers as her arms gently squeeze around her wakening son, giving him one last hug, before carefully peeling his arms from around her neck. Like a well-seasoned pro, the slender woman smoothly places her two year old son in his navy-blue car seat, sporadically decorated with small dancing brown bears, dressed in bright yellow vests. The little boy's big chocolate eyes flicker up to his mother. "Tursty Momma! Tursty."
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"Alright, alright, just give momma a second." With a small nudge of arm her quilted hobo bag slides off her hip, landing in front of her. With no time wasted, she quickly digs in its depths before pulling out two small boxes. Ignoring the little blond toddlers grabby hands she swiftly spears the boxes with two clear straws. She wags a finger, "Ah, ah, ah, little man, now what do we say?" With a kind smile, the mother holds the two boxes just out of reach of the needy toddler.
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"Peeease!" The little boy proudly yells out. "Pwetty Peeease!"
"Aw, what a polite boy." She happily hands a small pink box to the excited toddler. She affectionately brushes his blonde bangs neatly to the side, gently kissing his forehead while the greedy toddler happily slurps up the sweet milk.
The blonde Toddler happily glances up at his mother. "Tank you."
While admiring his red ribbon, the five year old boy silently rolls his eyes at his brother's babyish behavior. The woman just softly chuckles to herself after seeing her eldest son's behavior. He was growing up so fast it was hard to imagine her 'little boy' had celebrated his last day of preschool, today. Next month her 'baby' would start the 'short' journey before adulthood. Now every step he managed to take was somehow a step away from her.
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Fighting her inner feelings the mother just chuckles at her younger son. "Aww, your welcome, sweetheart." The woman lovingly reaches to the other side of the car, where her eldest son sits buckled in his rocket covered car seat. "Here you go sweetie, I have one for you, too."
The older boy scrunches up his face, clearly unsure about his mother's kind offer. "Is it?" He points to the box with a disgusted look on his face.
She simply chuckles at her son's extreme expression, handing him the box of apple juice. "Don't worry I know what BOTH my sons like." She reaches up and ruffles the boy's thick hair, before closing the car door.
"Thanks Momma." With a wide beaming smile, the five year old begins to happily slurp on his straw. The slender pinket woman swiftly slides in the front seat, where her beaming husband awaits, leaning over the center console.
She lifts her hand to cover her giggles, seeing her husband's playful expected expression on his handsome features. Clearly knowing what the man wanted, she leaned over the console, giving her husband a quick peck. Which was the couple's tradition before starting the car. "Yeah, thanks Momma." The blonde man teasingly speaks to his wife, with a wide beaming smile. However, she doesn't say another word and just laughs at her playful husband.
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Seeing his wife's expression the husband reaches over and squeezes her hand before gently pulling her closer. "Hey, he's not gone yet." He tenderly kisses her cheek, giving her hand a comforting squeeze before letting go.
With the family settled the blond man starts the car, and cautiously rolls out of the school's parking lot.
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A few miles later….
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"You take it!" The two year old boy whines, pushing his half-filled box over to his brother.
"I don't want it!" The five year old pushes it back, shaking his head.
"I'm done!" The blonde toddler pushes the box out of his car seat.
The five year old glares at the leaking pink box, its sweet contents spilling all over the backseat. "Momma, it's going to get all over my ribbon!" He swiftly snatches up his coveted prize, protectively hugging it to his chest.
"Here boys, let me help." Seeing the growing mess on the backseat, she twists and stretches over her seat.
Concerned for his wife, the worried husband takes a single hand off the wheel, reaching out, and resting it on his wife's shoulder. "Hun, this isn't safe, while I'm driving. The spilled milk will still be there when we get home. Don't worry, I'll make quick work of it, while you get dinner ready." The blonde man blindly speaks, dropping his hand from his wife's shoulder.
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"Sweetie, just keep your ribbon safe, until we get home." With a kind smile, the woman agrees with her husband and turns back around.
Her relieved husband tenderly squeezes her hand before quickly returning it to the steering wheel. "Relax, they'll be fine." He softly adds. She anxiously peels her eyes away from the seat, and nods her head. "Boys, please try and be patient with each other." His eyes flash in the rearview mirror, for an instant before looking back to the road..
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Two blaring circles come barreling towards the family
….seconds before a panicked father turns the wheel, sending screeching tires over the edge.
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Seconds later …
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A truck driver's hands roughly jerk at the wheel, as the trailer of the eighteen wheeler dangerously swings in the opposite direction. With his large sweaty hands, white knuckled around the rig's wide steering wheel, the driver hurriedly brings his rig back under control, barely escaping his truck jackknifing off the road.
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The driver, now awake, repeatedly blinks his blurred tired eyes, as he out stretches a shaky hand to turn up the radio. A familiar song, from some nonspecific top twenty chart, from years pass loudly echoes off the cab's walls. An aged, chipped hula dancer rhythmically sways back and forth on the dusty dashboard as he doggedly continues to drive down the road. The driver's frantic heartbeat gradually returns to a normal rhythm, with every passing drumbeat of the boisterous song. Before long he lets out a long breath, relieved nothing happened in his brief moment of weakness.
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Red taillights continue to roll down the road, on to its next hurried destination. Unaware of the true devastation his 'all-nighter' bestowed on the little family, he unknowingly left behind.
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Hours Later… Only three miles away from their home.
In the dark of night, bouncing beams of light slowly follow tightly leashed barking dogs.
At the very bottom of the ravine, a dense white fog hovers around a crumpled heap of metal. Revealing one side of a dark blue sedan practically wrapped around a tree. Inside, the barely recognizable family car, a five year old boy lets out a pained groan, breaking the eerie silence. With his head throbbing, he lifts a shaky hand to his pink mop top head, feeling something sticky coat his fingers.
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His rose colored eyes slowly flicker open seeing something like snow slowly flutter down above his head. Shaking his pained head, his blurred vision begins to clear, only to see delicate cherry blossoms drift into a shattered car window.
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Seeing a pink petal resting on his little brother's still arm, laying over his teddy bear car seat ,the boy yells for his younger brother ."Yoshi!" He begins to frantically glance around, only to earn instant relief, seeing his parents slumped over, in the front seat of the car, as if they were secretly whispering to one another. Confused and hurt, the five year old calls out, "Momma! I'm scared…. mommy!" "Daddy?" But there's still no answer.
Yuta's single panicked scream echoes from the crumpled car. Into the still forest.
"DADDY!"
In the end… No one else answers.
End of chapter.
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I really wanted to get this particular update right.
Please Follow/ Review /Favorite/Share.
I'll be honest, lately I've been feeling discouraged, even though last month I met my million word goal. I'm not sure my struggling endeavors have been touching the stories' readers.
Okay well, I'll update soon. Prince-sama, and Ouran up next. Thanks for taking a peek ;)