Chapter 1
Wheeling around a large yellow suitcase, a girl with ash-colored hair scanned her surroundings. She had been walking for a while dressed in a white maxi dress topped with a long sleeved pastel green blazer tied in the front. Her new apartment was supposedly near the airport via bus stop. She must've gotten off the wrong station. Huu… this is bad, she thought worriedly.
With a suitcase beside her, Kotori fiddled with her phone. She was trying to make the GPS work to know where she would go from there. She wasn't sure if it was because her phone was an older model or because it's not compatible here in Japan. It was her first time back in Japan after years of studying abroad.
Seeing no change in her phone, she sat on her suitcase with a pout and gave up trying. But before she could hide her phone safely, an orange blur passed by her, knocked the gadget out of her grasp and it hit the pavement hard.
She looked back and saw a guy peeking from behind an alley. He looked apologetic for a second but before she could call out to him; he hid his head under his hood and concealed himself.
"Hey!" A girl shouted. She was about a meter away from Kotori along with three other girls. "Have you seen a guy wearing an orange hoodie around?"
That was oddly specific. Now that she mentioned it, that guy was wearing an orange hoodie, she thought. She discreetly glanced at the alley where he was hiding and could see an orange mess trembling. It was a wonder how the other girls haven't spotted him yet.
"He went that way." She pointed at the opposite direction. She doesn't really know what's going on yet but she decided to help him anyway. The girl nodded and led her group away.
Kotori could only sigh. "Now what?" She picked up her phone and saw that it was off. She tried to turn it back on but it didn't seem to work even when she pressed the on/off switch.
While she was busy with her phone, the guy slowly approached her while cautiously looking around.
"Thanks for that. Takumi would grill me alive if I had another run-in... Is something wrong with your phone?"
His question finally made her look up and she saw the bluest eyes she had ever seen in her life. It reminded her of the tropical blue sky in summer time. Even his ginger hair peaking underneath his hoodie looked beautiful. He wore a dark blue blazer over an orange hoodie with the hiragana character of "Ha" imprinted on it, jeans and white-orange sneakers.
"Wait, did I do that? Crap, I'm sorry!" he said and that broke her out of her trance. She blushed a little for gawking at a complete stranger. Luckily, he didn't notice as he was busy checking all his pockets for something.
"Looks like I left my phone," he mumbled, "Say, would you mind coming with me? It's not far from here. I'll surely get your phone fixed."
"N-no, it's okay!" Kotori said, waving her hands in refusal. "It's pretty old anyway. I'll just get a new one later."
"Uwaah... Now I feel even worse! Let me at least thank you for saving me, please!" he bowed, fervently asking for her permission. Wah, such an intense character, she thought.
Kotori looked around and noticed that a number of people were starting to stare at them curiously. Worried that he'd get mobbed again for a reason unknown to her, she reluctantly agreed.
His face brightened up into a smile and he eagerly pulled her by the hand. "Let's go!" he said, taking her suitcase from her hand and led the way across the street.
"Wait. I can carry my own suitcase…" she said, trying to keep up with his fast strides.
"Don't mind it. I can do this much for you." He grinned. "So what's your name, my hero?"
"Hero?" she giggled. She hadn't encountered anyone who would call her that before. "I'm Kotori. Kotori Minami." She smiled.
"Kotori-chan, huh?" he nodded his head in approval. "I like it. It suits a girl like you."
"Ah! There he is!" they heard a female voice from a distance.
"Uh, oh. Let's run, Kotori-chan!" he said, carrying the suitcase on his back.
"Hai!" she answered automatically and they fled from the streets like a pair of runaways hand in hand.
Kotori slid down to the floor and sat with her back against the wall while the strange guy was sprawled on the pavement, exhausted. They ran for about half an hour until they finally lost sight of those girls. Why were they following them anyway? Did this guy do something to them?
Now that she thinks about it, she never really asked for his name or why he was being hunted down by those girls. She did have fun running around the city. Being with him and seeing his radiant smile made her peculiarly happy and full of life. Even the way they met reminded Kotori of those cliché romcom movies she loved to watch.
"Say, what's your name? And why were those girls following you?" She asked, trying not to sound rude.
He looked at her oddly; he was clearly surprised and another emotion she couldn't tell. Was that disappointment?
"You don't know who I am?" he asked finally.
"Should I know who you are?" Kotori tilted her head. She racked her brain but she doesn't recognize him at all. If they had met before she would have remembered. They've obviously not met in the States. How about on the airport? He did look like he travels a lot. Maybe he meant figuratively like have I seen him on TV or on the Internet? Her inner musing continued as she exhausted all possibilities.
"Wait, are you famous or something?" She jumped up all excited. It was the only conclusion that made sense. She has seen a lot of models back in the States because of her field of specialization and she had even worked with some of them for strictly business purposes. The fashion world is a competitive world. However, meeting a celebrity—even though she doesn't know him at all—had never lost its appeal. It made her all giddy. His eyes widened at her outburst and made him sit up straight, pulling on his hood self-consciously.
"What? No, I mean—my parents own a local pastry shop, so I guess I'm well known around here. Those girls just wanted discount coupons for our limited edition manjuus." He laughed awkwardly.
"Oh..." Her shoulders visibly drooped and he smiled apologetically at her. His explanation finally settled the issue that he wasn't famous like she expected. That's too bad. He would've made it if he wanted to, she thought, eyeing his physique more closely. She had an eye for such things. This guy here had the perfect combination to make in the world of fashion or maybe even entertainment. His bright smile would undoubtedly be his main selling point, she noted.
Her intense scrutiny made him fidget nervously. It wasn't everyday he'd be stared at by a cute girl like her... well, not up close anyway.
"Is there something wrong with my face?" he asked, blushing profusely.
Kotori blinked. "Ah, sorry. It's a force of habit." She chuckled.
He sighed with relief. He honestly thought he made her mad or something. "Well then, shall we go?" he asked, as he stood upright and grabbed her suitcase.
"Oh. Here, let me help you..." she offered, feeling guilty for letting him carry it around all this time. It must've been heavy.
"No, it's okay. I'm a strong guy, see?" He flexed his arm to show off his strength but he looked goofy somehow and made her giggle. Her laughter was contagious so, he laughed as well and the previous tension was forgotten.
"Come on, Kotori-chan. We're almost there!" He grabbed a hold of her hand once again, "Oh, and by the way, my name's Haruki. Haruki Kousaka."
Kotori felt uneasy when they arrived before a staircase leading underground. It reminded her of the underground subway stations in the States. But unlike the accessible and visible subway entrance, this one is situated in a deserted alleyway behind a building she's not familiar with.
"We've arrived~" Haruki smiled brightly, his arms outstretched in welcome. His enthusiasm had Kotori smiling back in return. Was she too trusting? Her mother did say she was a little naive.
Haruki led her downstairs, the green colored bricks for foundation made an eerie effect. There was a single door down there with a small device on the side that she had once seen in five star hotels nowadays.
This sure is a sophisticated setup for a simple basement, she thought.
The orange-haired guy reached into his hoodie jacket's pocket, produced a single orange card and swiped it on the device, making a small beep sound. With the door unlocked, Haruki opened the door and motioned for her to come in with a sweep of his hand.
"Lady's first," He said then he winked at her in a charming way.
Setting her doubts aside, she accepted his invitation and stepped inside the premises. What she saw inside made her catch her breath and her eyes widen in awe. Based on her standards, it was one of the most exquisite rooms she had ever seen.
Several luxurious red and white leather loveseats with red cushions were set against the wall and three-tiered chandelier floor lamp on each side. There were bean bags and a large entertainment system with different consoles and game library lined up. She looked to her right and noticed there was a small, but impressive, U-shaped kitchen, too.
"Wait, is that a bar?" she asked, noticing the three chandelier lamp shades over the countertop, the red bar stools and the array of wine and wine glasses nearby.
"Yep. Neither of us knows how to make drinks though." He shrugged and carefully put her suitcase down next to his feet. She stepped inside the room and looked around some more, taking it all in. Everything was bright, bathed in red and white. Red is an exciting color but it didn't seem to suit Haruki. In her opinion, he's more of an orange hue.
Near the cupboards in the kitchen, there was a door and she assumed it led to the lavatory. However, it was the white-walled room in the middle with a sturdy looking door that intrigued her the most. Kotori wasn't sure what's inside of it and that made her curious.
She was too focused on the white-walled room that she failed to notice the moment a tall young man with blond hair and blue eyes came out of the lavatory, wiping his hands dry with a paper towel. At the sight of the two, the blond male discarded the towel in the trash can nearby and approached them in a few strides.
"Oh! Elli-chan, you're here!" Haruki greeted the blond male with a wave. "Oh, that's Elliot Ayase. He looks strict but he's super nice once you get to know him." He whispered to Kotori.
That broke Kotori out of her trance and her gaze shifted towards the approaching male. He moved elegantly across the room, his long legs and set of broad shoulders bespoke confidence and grace worthy of a male model. His blond hair was like spun gold and his blue eyes even rivaled Haruki's. He doesn't look like a typical Japanese male and that gives him more appeal, she thought. He's exactly the type of model any fashion stylist and designer like herself would have no trouble dressing up or designing clothes for. With his build, fair skin and facial features, he would look good in anything even if he goes topless with only a few accessories on but…
Her eyes looked over his outfit critically. He wore a light blue letterman jacket with white accents and a reversed R in purple embossed on the right side. He had a black V-collared shirt underneath, dark blue jeans and patterned sneakers. She did say he'd look good in anything but the stylist in her is screaming to change his outfit immediately because it doesn't do justice to his superb features. "If he put these together himself then he's one of those models who have a weird fashion sense," she concluded while nodding her head, remembering some models she worked with who can't be left to their own devices when it comes to choosing their own outfits.
Seeing her nod as if she came to a private conclusion rubbed him the wrong way. "Okay...? Why is she staring at me like that?" Elliot asked Haruki, with a hand to his hip. "And who is she?"
He eyed Haruki with a frown, like he disapproves about something. Haruki was quick on the uptake and vigorously shook his head and hands in apparent denial.
"Waaah! It's not like that, I swear! She helped me earlier so I want to return the favor." Haruki explained.
"Helped you... did you have another run-in?" the blond male asked.
"Uwaaaah!" Haruki immediately shushed him and looked from side to side to check if someone else, aside from Kotori, heard Elliot's question. Seeing none, he stared at Elliot earnestly. "Elli-chan, please don't tell Takumi!" he said, his hands clasped in a pleading position. "I'm begging you, please!"
"Well, it's not really my business to babysit you. That's Toujou's job." Elliot answered which made Haruki thank him while fist-pumping in the air in delight. "By the way, where is she?" he asked, ignoring Haruki's antics.
"Oh, I don't know. I just got here actually." Haruki said. "Is Makoto-kun in the music room right now?"
"Yes," Elliot answered with an annoyed look on his face. "I guess I'll head up to see if she's there. I want to talk to her about something." Without another word, Elliot went past them and entered the room beyond the white wall. Kotori could hear a soft melody for a brief moment but it was gone as the door closed. Was that a piano playing? She thought.
"Well, I guess it's just us for a while." Haruki smiled. "Ah! Do you want something to drink?" he asked then he heads towards the kitchen without waiting for her answer.
"Uhm, no it's fine," Kotori said but Haruki was already back, carrying two cans of soda. "Why did you bring me here, Haruki-kun?" she asked, taking the soda can he offered to her reluctantly.
Haruki opened his soda can and drank from it. After a few seconds, her question finally came to him. "Huh? Oh yeah!" he face palmed and quickly headed to the table to get something before he came back to her.
"Here you go," he said, handing over a smart phone to Kotori.
"Eh?" the girl looked at the phone in his hands in confusion.
"Well, I can't really fix your phone and I don't think buying at a store is okay right now, so I'll give my phone to you." He said like giving an expensive mobile phone to a stranger was the most natural thing in the world.
"Ehhh?!" Kotori tried to push his hand away in a panic. "No, I can't take that!" she said.
"Don't worry, I have a spare for work. This is my personal phone." He said, then he unlocked the phone and showed her the screen icons. "See? There are tons of games! Oh, but you can delete them if you're not into gaming."
After a few more minutes of convincing, Kotori finally gave in and accepted his offer. His gift at persuasion is something to be reckoned with. Soon, they were seated together in one of the loveseats in the living room.
"Here, let me show you how to change the email address." Haruki said then he showed her all the ropes. "Also, my subscription ends this month. You can just renew it by then."
Kotori had lost track of the time. After tinkering with the mobile phone Haruki gave her, they ended up playing video games, eating lunch and Kotori talking about how her flight went and her deep interest in fashion. She had so much fun with him that she felt that she had gained her very first friend in Japan. Soon, Haruki's work phone rang and that ended their little adventure.
That night, Kotori finally arrived at home. Upon flicking the light switch, she immediately saw the boxes of her belongings scattered around the furnished living room. She removed her boots, placed it at shoes rack beside the door and slipped on the provided slippers. Then, she carried her suitcase inside her bedroom and collapsed on the bed. But not before taking out her favorite pillow from her suitcase, hugging it close to her chest. Her first day in Japan wasn't bad at all. The travel was long and tiring but she made her first friend and that made it all worthwhile.
Kotori smiled as she recalled today's events. She just felt a little disappointed it ended so abruptly. She turned over to the other side and remembered the moment Haruki's work phone rang. He just took one look at the caller and he became tense. He excused himself to take the call and after a while, he came back with an apologetic look on his face. As much as he wanted to continue their chat, he had to go but not before sending her home in a cab. Kotori understood so she thanked him for spending time with her and that, she would be on her way. Once the cab arrived, she insisted on paying the fare but Haruki shoved a ¥10,000 bill to the cab driver and instructed him to drop her home safely. She appreciated his effort, so with a smile and a wave, they parted ways.
She yawned sleepily. She had lots of fun today mostly because of Haruki but by tomorrow, things are about to get serious. She hasn't even started unpacking her stuff yet. "I guess that could wait for tomorrow..." she mumbled. Slumber was about to take her when the phone she got from Haruki rang. The caller's name is "Takkun".
Heiki, daijobu yo!
Kanashikute mo so kotaenakya
Minna kigatsuite
Honto janai tsuyo garidato
Naite miyou ka sukoshi
Chigau jibun o daseba kawareru?
Hii tari michi tari
Kokoro no nami ga watashi o sarau no
Konnani nanika o motomeru chikara ga
Watashi no naka hageshiku naru reason
The ringtone was something she was unfamiliar with; it was different from what she heard when they were exchanging emails earlier. This means Haruki assigned this ringtone to a specific caller and she had to admit, the song was very catchy. It actually took her drowsiness away for a little bit. And the male voice singing it sounded so cool and soothing. I wonder who sang this song… she wondered. Satisfied with what she had heard so far, she answered the phone.
"Hello?" she asked but no one answered.
"Hello, is anybody there?" she asked again. She didn't want to be rude by hanging up because the contact was enlisted in Haruki's phone.
After a few seconds of waiting in silence, a male voice came from the other line, "Who is this?" he asked. His voice sounded cool in her ears, yet familiar like she heard him before.
"Ah, actually, Haruki-kun gave me this phone…" Kotori said hesitantly.
"Why?" It's just one word but Kotori already felt a sort of cold hostility coming from the other person. So, she quickly explained to him how she and Haruki met and how his phone came into her possession.
"That idiot..." The caller was hostile now for a different reason. Right then, Kotori remembered the name "Takumi" that Haruki kept on fretting about all day.
"Wait! Please don't get mad at Haruki-kun. H-he means well!" she said in Haruki's defense. "He was really worried about what you would say."
There was a few seconds of silence until the guy at the other end sighed. "All right. I'll let it slide this time." He said in compromise.
"Thank you very much!" Kotori said in delight. "You're a very good friend."
The caller merely cleared his throat and said, "I'll let you have your rest then. Good night."
"Yes. Good night to you, as well."
The call ended promptly. After putting the phone down, she snuggled in her bed with a smile on her face. She's glad that she did something in return for Haruki's kindness. Also, she's thankful to that "Takkun" person for letting Haruki off the hook. He's kind enough to listen to her request even though they haven't met each other personally. Though he seemed like the type who wouldn't bother with a stranger, he was polite enough to wish her a good night, too. She let out a yawn again.
I wonder what surprises awaits me tomorrow… With that optimistic thought in mind, she finally succumbed to her drowsiness and slept.
BETA & Co-writer: Keirajoy
