---Chapter II---
I Don't Love You
Four days have passed since the rescue happened, and yet, Aoi couldn't find a job.
"This sucks…" he whined. I'm never gonna prove my point…"
Poor Aoi… You're really not meant to work… tsk, tsk, tsk…
Meanwhile, Shido's cousins had just arrived at the palace…
"Kaho!! Kazuki!!" Shido said, surprised.
"Hey,Shi!!" Kahoko said as she embraced her cousin.
(Shido narrates)
These are my cousins, Kahoko and Kazuki Hino. They are the princess and prince of Melodia.
Compared to me, they don't have any problems since their big sister Kaori is ruling their kingdom.
They're in luck…
(Kazuki talks as Shido narrates)
Kazuki is Kaho's older brother. He's already nineteen.
He always has a smile on his face. That's a good thing for him.
But sometimes, I can't stand his enthusiasm…
He pisses me…
(Kazuki says something that offends Kahoko so Kahoko snaps at him)
(Shido narrates)
Kaho is the baby. I kinda envy her coz' she gets what she wants.
But Kaho's not like me – oh no – she's the fairytale type of princess, like Snow White.
Eeew… I hate saying that…
Anyway, she's pretty oblivious -- numb, I would say. She doesn't know that a lot of hot and rich guys are courting her…
She's stupid. VERY STUPID.
(Back to story)
"So Shi, we'll be staying here 'till your birthday is over." Kahoko said. "You know how much we like to stay here for the preparations, right?"
"Yeah…" Shido faked a smile. So you could take embarrassing pictures of me… she thought, mortified.
(Flashback)
The photo of Shido tripping on her dress at her seventeenth birthday.
The photo of Shido throwing up after riding the roller coaster at her sixteenth birthday.
The photo of Shido with her bra exposed after her blouse snaps a button at her fifteenth birthday.
The photo of Shido falling into a pile of—
"That's enough embarrassing picture flashback!"
(Back to story)
"Seriously… you couldn't get over the roller coaster incident" Kahoko teased.
"I love that photo of Shido's bra…" smiled Kazuki.
"You guys are weird…" Shido said behind their backs.
(Shido narrates)
Obviously, weirdness runs in the family. But even though, they are great cousins, and friends.
(Back to story)
Kahoko noticed his uncle and two boys walking together.
"Hey, isn't that your fiancé?" Kahoko pointed out to her cousin. "And his brother?"
Shido turned around to see that his father was walking with the two princes of Kin. And one of them is her fiancé candidate.
"Here we go again…" she frowned.
(Shido narrates)
It sucks being royalty… I'm required to have a fiancé candidate.
My dad seems to be in favor for Ryoutaro Tachibana, the prince of Kin.
He likes me A LOT. And he's head over heels in love with me.
Me, I'm just… well… thankful that he loves me. *shrugs*
Ryoutaro is sweet and all… and I've known him since I was, like, ever since I was born. But he'll always remain as a friend.
I just don't have any special feelings for the guy.
(Back to story)
Ryoutaro caught sight of Shido, and automatically, he rushed up to her.
"Shido!" Ryoutaro greeted. "It's been quite a while."
"It's nice to see you too, Ryo." The princess faked a smile.
"I've been thinking of you…" he said, sparks flying as he smiled at her. Shido blushed a bit, embarrassed.
Her two cousins were watching.
"Isn't this quite…" Kazuki sneered, searching for words to describe the incident.
"Cheesy?" Kahoko helped her brother.
"Yeah…" he nodded.
Hiroto then approached them together with Ryoutaro's brother. "Nice to see you all." He greeted.
"Good afternoon, uncle!" greeted Kahoko. She glanced at the boy beside her uncle, and her cheeks turned to a light shade of red.
(Kahoko narrates)
His name is Len Tachibana, Ryoutaro's fraternal twin brother and the prince of Kin.
Um… he's really good-looking, and talented. And he, well, he….
He's actually my crush…*blushes*
He's a bit cold, but I think he's starting to warm up towards me…*blushes even more*
I'd like to talk to him, when I finally found the confidence I need…
And if possible… confess to him.
Go Kahoko~!
(Back to story)
Len felt Kahoko's gaze, and turned to look at her. She expected him to give her a stern look, which he did, of course. And this made Kahoko's heart beat faster.
"Why are you staring at me?" Len asked, somewhat pissed.
"O-oh…" she gasped. "Sorry… Len…" she bowed her head in embarrassment.
[David Archuleta's "Crush" is playing in the background]
Do you ever think when you're all alone?
All that we could be? Where this thing can go?
Am I crazy or fallin' in love?
Is it real or just another crush?
Do you catch a breath when I look at you?
Are you holding back like the way I do?
Coz' I'm tryin', tryin' to walk away
But I know this crush ain't goin' away…
(Len narrates)
It's stupid… Kahoko looks at me and I talk to her rudely.
I mean, it's a rude thing to do: stare at me like that. It feels uncomfortable.
It's not my fault… She's the one stalking me, so why should I brag about it?
It's completely idiotic…*scowls*
Why do I keep running from the truth?
All I ever think about is you
You got me hypnotized; so mesmerized
And I just got to know
Do you ever think when you're all alone?
All that we could be? Where this thing can go?
Am I crazy or fallin' in love?
Is it real or just another crush?
Do you catch a breath when I look at you?
Are you holding back like the way I do?
Coz' I'm tryin', tryin' to walk away
But I know this crush ain't goin' away…
Why the hell is "Crush" playing in the background!?
Oops… sorry. I thought that it would help set the mood…
Just what the heck are you talking about!?
Let's just move on with the story, OKAY?!?
(Back to story)
It's awkward, Shido thought, because Ryoutaro suddenly asked her out. He never asked her out before… so why is he asking her out right now?
"Please…?" he sincerely asked.
(Shido's thoughts)
I've never been asked out before… so why is he doing this now? Does he think that I'm serious about him?
No! It's not like that! He just wants to hang-out like we usually do! Why the f*** am I blushing?!? *shakes her head*
Crap!!! I don't know what to do!!! If I say yes, he will ask me to be his girlfriend, but if I say no, I might end up hurting him big time!!!
Okay… just relax… think of your happy place… *smiles like crazy*
Oh no, my happy place is burning down!!!
What the hell do I do?!?!?
S***!!!
(Back to story)
Shido continued shaking her head vigorously while Ryoutaro waited for her answer.
"Shido, are you alright?" he asked.
"Yeah! Yeah! Sure! Sure!" she nodded fast like a bobble head. "I'll go out with you Ryo!!!"
"Really?"
"Of course dum-dum, ah I mean Ryoutaro!!"
Idiot!! Why'd you just do that?!?
I DON'T KNOW!!!
"So do you wanna watch a movie? And dinner perhaps?" Ryoutaro offered.
"A movie sounds great!!!" she said excitedly. Man, what a plastic…
Meanwhile…
Aoi was walking downtown to the bookstore because he wants to buy a new notebook. Hey, my notebook pages aren't enough to store algebra notes…
So, while walking, he has this weird feeling of being followed around by freaky ninjas just like in Naruto. But he's not being followed by ninjas, assassins or even Aoi fan girls; he's being followed by the special espionage team from the palace.
"Whoever are you guys, I know you're following me so cut the creepy spy stuff…" he sighed.
A group of men in black showed up in front of him. "How did you know we were following you?" their leader said with a cracked-up James Bond accent.
Aoi rolled his eyes. "Well, first of all, it's because all twenty of you are following me together." He explained. "Why didn't you just split up?"
"Clever…" the leader said, scratching his chin.
"Dude… you're kinda embarrassing me in public…" Aoi said. "Just tell me what you want so I can get outa here…"
"You must come with us to the palace. The king wants to see you."
"Whaaat?"
"You might be smart but you're deaf…"
"Seriously… What?"
A couple of guys suddenly dragged him inside a black van. "You ask too many questions, kid. Shut up and prepare yourself to meet the king." The leader instructed.
"No wait I—"Aoi struggled to escape. These guys may be brainless, but they're buff…
The buff guys then transported Aoi to the palace with a blindfold on. Weird right?
It kinda feels like a TV show déjà vu…
Well, at the movie theater, something weirder than déjà vu is showing…
(Movie audio)
"It's the apocalypse! THE END OF DAYS!! The judgment day!! THE END OF THE WORLD!!"
Shido and Ryoutaro are watching the movie "2012"…
Shido gaped in horror. "What the f*** is this Ryo?!?" she choked.
"It's just a movie, Shi… jeez…" Ryoutaro shrugged.
Shido continued watching the so-called movie. But to her, it's a film filled with tsunamis, earthquakes, erupting volcanoes, hurricanes, ancient prophecies, cannibalism, Nostradamus, explosions, death, destruction, etc… I gotta admit… this movie is cool, but overly weird…
"…"
"…"
"HOLY S***!!!"
"…"
"…"
"…"
"MOTHER F*****!!!"
[Cue: Bohemian Rhapsody]
Let's head off to the palace and let the both of them enjoy this movie.
Aoi was unaware that he was inside the throne room of the palace. He looked around the place – big – and walked around, until he heard a loud voice booming everywhere inside the room.
"Aoi Kaji…" said the voice.
Surprised, he looked around the room to find anyone talking to him. Strange though, he was the only one inside.
The voice then spoke again.
"Aoi, go to the door to your right."
Aoi decided to talk. "Who are you?" he asked.
"You must go to the door first." The deep voice answered.
So Aoi walked to the door, and automatically it opened before him. He must've thought: Is this some kind of reality TV show?
"Can I go in?" he asked.
"Yes."
He then went inside the room and sat on one of the sofas. Funny thing, there's a microphone in his side. Weird…
AK: So… are you going to tell me who you are?
BB: You mean you don't recognize my voice?
AK: Huh?
BB: You see my house on TV…
AK: BIG BROTHER?!?
BB: Yes. I'm Big Brother Corda. Welcome to the confession room.
AK: Whathe? Confession room!?
Is this some kind of sick joke or are you for real?
BB: Yes. You are in the confession room but you're still inside the palace.
AK: A confession room inside the palace, huh? Cool…
BB: By the way, someone wants to talk to you.
AK: …
BB: He will be in the confession room shortly.
After a minute, Hiroto Noda, the king, entered the confession room.
BB: Welcome, your highness.
HN: Please, call me Hiroto.
BB: OK then Hiroto, you may now talk to Aoi.
AK: Talk to me about what, Big Brother?
BB: About the rescue.
AK: Ah… OK.
HN: Aoi Kaji, I give you my most sincere gratitude for saving my daughter's life.
AK: You're welcome, your highness. I just did what's right.
HN: You're a boy with a good heart, I see.
AK: Well… I don't know about that…
HN: You are very modest too. I like that.
AK: Thanks. Ah, your excellence.
HN: Anyway, I heard that you are looking for a summer job.
AK: Yes your majesty.
HN: Why? You have a very good life!
AK: I know, you're Excellency but I want to help out a bit and well…
I want to experience working for the benefit of others. I want to feel what it's like to serve.
HN: Awww… *tears*
How about working here at the palace?
AK: SERIOUSLY?!? That would be awesome!
HN: So you'll accept my offer?
AK: Yes your highness! You are so kind! Thank you very much!!!
What job do I get?
HN: I want you to be my daughter's personal bodyguard.
AK: A bodyguard? I'm not sure about that.
HN: Oh, but I am sure that you will be the PERFECT bodyguard for my daughter! Aren't you the one who rescued her from certain death!?
AK: … *clears throat*
HN: Please, Aoi.
AK: I'll gladly guard your daughter.
When do I start working?
HN: After your training.
AK: Training?
HN: You want to be a bodyguard? You have to train.
AK: …
OK.
HN: And after your training, you will start your job.
BB: Hiroto, you may leave the confession room.
HN: Yeah. See you, kid.
Hiroto left the confession room, leaving Aoi with Big Brother again.
BB: Do you have any questions regarding your job, Aoi?
AK: No. I'm good.
BB: Then you must now go back to your school and pack your things because you will be staying in my house during your training.
AK: Really?!? Me?!? ALONE in your house?!?
BB: Yes. Go. You only have one hour to retrieve your things. After that, you must go straight to my house.
AK: Am I gonna be on TV?
BB: No. Only the king will observe you.
AK: I see.
BB: Now go.
AK: Wait a minute… are the guys in black coming with me?
BB: Of course, to accompany you to my house. Any more questions?
AK: None. I'll go now.
BB: Are you sure you don't have any questions?
AK: Yes.
BB: Sure?
AK: *Annoyed* Like I said, YES.
BB: OK.
(A minute of silence)
AK: Can I go now?
BB: Yes you can.
AK: No more questions?
BB: Yes.
AK: You sure?
BB: I'm sure.
AK: Really?
BB: Don't waste time in here, GO!!!
And after wasting three more minutes inside the confession room, Aoi left the palace with the guys in black and went to his school to pack his things. After that, he went to the Big Brother house, consuming about 46 minutes and 28 seconds in the clock.
Meanwhile, outside the palace…
"Everything's got to be perfect…" said a man with a subtle voice.
"We must do anything to complete that mission. Five hundred billion yen is at stake." A woman replied.
"Right. And all we have to do…
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Is to kill the princess…"
Suddenly, the trio of notorious killers broke out with their devilish laughter. And the princess of Corda… is in grave danger.
Oooh… creepy… but let's check on Shido and Ryou and see what their doing.
Ryoutaro looked at Shido, smiling. "So, did you enjoy the movie?"
Shido glowered and crossed her arms. "ISN'T IT OBVIOUS?" she twitched her right eye.
"OK, I get it… the movie's too much for you, huh?"
"*long sigh* let's not talk about it. But anyway, thanks for treating me to a movie."
"Anytime Shido…"
They then went inside Ryoutaro's car which is a green Ferrari. Paparazzis and interviewers surrounded the car, curious about the fact that the prince of Kin and princess of Corda are together.
In between stolen shots, Ryoutaro smiled and answered all their questions.
"What are you two doing together?" asked a guy from TMZ.
"We watched a movie. No big deal." Ryo answered.
"Are you guys like, on a date?"
"I don't know. I just asked her out…" he shrugged.
The camera then focused on Shido. "He asked you out? Seriously!?" the TMZ guy widened his eyes.
The princess replied, irritated by both the lights and the TMZ guy. "He asked me out. To HANG – OUT."
The TMZ guy and all the other paparazzis stared in disbelief. If you're a Filipino, say Ooows…?
"If you don't mind, we'll be leaving…" Shido glared at Ryoutaro who's posing for the cameras. "RIGHT?"
"Y-yeah… Later, guys…" he said, humiliated.
They left the theater, and the pestering gossipers.
While driving down the road, Shido and Ryoutaro argued about what happened earlier. None of them seems to be winning.
"Cut the crap, Ryoutaro. You know everything you do is just flipping me off." Shido said strictly.
"What are you talking about?" he smiled nervously.
"What do you mean 'what are you talking about'?" she was skeptical.
"Look, I'm TRYING to drive here so would you just QUIT IT!?" he lost it.
"I won't! Not until you tell me why you act like that in front of those paparazzi people!"
Ryoutaro stopped the car near a corner. "What!? Was it something I said? What did I do now, huh!?" he asked heatedly. Shido looked away from him.
"Why do you have to be someone else in front of me?" she toned down a bit.
"What are you talking about?"
"Ever since we were young, you used to be so open. But now, why do you have to be so afraid of me? Just because you can't say that you dig me or you love me? Spit it out!"
"Okay then, I LOVE YOU!!!" Ryoutaro exclaimed. After realizing what he had done, he then blushed deeply.
For a long moment, the two were quiet until Shido broke the silence with a sigh.
"Why do you have to be so darn afraid?" she said, upset. "You only have to say THREE WORDS."
"You think that it's so easy?" he said embarrassed and still blushing. "I know that you don't even like me. I know I'd be rejected. That's why I'm so afraid."
"What are you talking about? You're a nice guy and I like you a lot, but not enough for me to love you."
Ryoutaro looked at her for a long moment, and then realized that she doesn't have the sparkle in her eyes to feel the same way as he feels for her. He smiled and closed his eyes, like he usually do when he's down.
"So this is what it feels like to be rejected…" he said as he sighed.
"I didn't reject you, Ryo. I just…" she couldn't say anymore. She might hurt him deeper.
"You don't have to say anything." He smiled at her, practically holding back his sadness. "I get it."
"I'm sorry, Ryo…"
"You don't have to be sorry…"
Ryoutaro started his car again and drove away from that dark corner in the street. The surroundings grew brighter, but his view was dim. The sadness he felt was so strong and he just can't accept the fact that he's rejected by the girl he so desired to be his girlfriend.
He turned on the radio, and it played a very heartbreaking song.
Here I am
Alone and I don't understand
Exactly how it all began
A dream just walked away
I'm holding on
When all by the passion's gone
He continued driving, trying not to look at her; trying to imagine that she's not there. But, how can he? She's there, her presence so near, her distance just a few breaths away. It's clearly impossible that he can't get her off of his mind. Especially now…
And from the start
Maybe I was trying too hard
It's crazy 'cause it's breaking my heart
Things can fall apart but I know
That I don't want you to go…
She looked outside the car window, confused about what's going on. Ryoutaro hasn't spoken a word to her, and she wondered why. But then, when he saw his face, heartbreak was written all over it. She could see the sadness in his eyes and the lost in his gaze. She started to ask herself: Had I really hurt him? Well, the answer was clear. Yes.
Oh, it's just too much
Takin' all the whole world all by myself
There's not enough
Unless I start trusting somebody else, somebody else
And love again…
After what seemed like a long time, the car reached the palace gates. He stooped the car and prepared himself to say goodbye to her, but it's impossible. He couldn't say a word, and instead he let out a miserable sigh. He hunched down, holding the steering wheel for support.
"Ryoutaro…" she said with symphaty. But Ryoutaro kept on looking down.
She was worried. She'd never seen him so sad and miserable before. She looked at him for a second time, and still, he was deeply hurt. All she could think was the words "I'm sorry Ryo". She wanted to say them out loud but she knew that it would only deepen his wound.
She got out of his car, looking at him so gently, and tried to curve her lips to flash him a smile.
"See you later, Ryo…" she grinned weakly.
Ryoutaro looked at her and laughed. "You know," he said in between fake chuckles. "You should've said goodbye…"
And right before she realized what he meant by his words, he drove away from her as fast as he could, just to get away from her. He left her, and she left him with a crushed spirit and a broken heart.
He drove by the country, going back to his own kingdom. He thought that if he was to stay one more minute in Corda, he'll go crazy weeping about his first heartbreak. But the song kept on playing, and he couldn't help but feel the sorrow and regret.
And from the start
Maybe we were trying too hard
It's crazy 'cause it's breaking our hearts
Things can fall apart but I know
That I don't want you to go…
Say that you won't go...
9:47 PM, inside the Big Brother House…
Aoi was already inside the house, making supper. While he was cooking chicken curry, the TV in the living room suddenly went on and showed a home video of Shido, the princess of Corda.
(TV Audio)
Shido: Do we really have to do this, huh Kaho?
Kahoko: C'mon Shi! It's for my project!!
S: Fine, whatever…
Actually, it was an interview between Shido and Kahoko.
Aoi quickly ran to the living room to watch the video. He stared at the TV with delight.
K: First of all, thank you for sparing some time with me.
S: Don't mention it.
K: So then, tell the whole world who you are.
S: Um, hello to anybody viewing this video… I'm Shido Noda, princess of Corda. I'm seventeen and um… what can I say… Oh yeah! I'd like to say hello to my friends, especially to the Queen of England!!! What's up, Eli?
K: Ok then… do you have particular hobbies and interests?
S: I have. Let's see, I like to go out and have fun. Also, I like to read, write, and watch in flat screen LCD TV. Um, I also play the guitar and the piano. I compose songs, listen to any type of music, surf the internet and play "Farm Bill" on Facebook, and draw. I like to hang–out and stuff… That's all!
K: *jaw drop* wow, you have a lot of hobbies and interests…
S: Well, it would suck if I only had one…
Aoi couldn't believe it either. But this made him more interested in knowing her more.
K: Do you play sports?
S: No. I play Nitendo Wii.
K: Any particular genre of music?
S: Um… pop, pop–rock, alternative rock, rock, R&B, country, j–pop, classical…
K: Ok, Ok! I now that you like every type of music!
S: So why did you ask if you already knew?
K: *sweat drop*
K: Anyway, let's move on. Ok, who's your favorite singer?
S: I don't know… but if you base it on what I'm listening to these days which is country–pop, it would be Taylor Swift.
K: Favorite food?
S: Caviar and sushi.
K: Fave drink?
S: I like to drink fruit juices and different kinds of tea…
Since he's getting a lot of information, he decided to write it all down in paper, but he couldn't catch up with Shido's answers.
K: *pants* ok, we're down to the last basic question… what is your motto?
S: Don't know, don't care.
K: Ok then, describe yourself.
S: I'm not a perfect person. I do a lot of bad things, but I'm not bad. Also, I'm not saying that I'm a saint; I just do well every now and then. And also, if I would describe myself in one word, it would be "talented".
Two hours later…
Aoi almost fell asleep because of the boring questions…
K: I'm getting tired…
S: How many more questions are you gonna ask me?
K: Let's see… WHAT?! A HUNDRED AND FORTY!?
S: I'M GONNA KILL YOU!!!
K: Ok then I'll ask you the last question!!!
S: Finally!!!
K: Ok… what are your dreams for the future?
S: Huh?
S: Well… I don't have any dreams right now… but I'd love to know what it's like to have Robert Pattinson as my boyfriend.
K: Seriously?!?
S: I'm just kidding!!! But wouldn't it be fun?
K: HAHAHA!!! No… seriously… *creepy look*
S: Um…*sweat drop* I just wanna be happy with my life! You know… be with someone who loves you no matter what… that would be awesome…
S: You know what I'm talking about right Kaho? I now you do… *sly grin*
K: What the heck are you talking about…?
S: Hihihihi!!!
K: Quit it!!!
"Cut the crap already…" Aoi said, exhausted. That's enough information, he thought. Suddenly, he smelled something burning. He then remembered that he left the stove open.
"OH S***!!!" he rushed towards the burning food and tried to get it off the stove. But the pan was so hot, so instead, he used the fire extinguisher and sprayed the thick foam all over the place. When he finished, he realized that he just did a violation. "Oh my god! I'm going to be dead!!!" he said, panic-stricken.
After a couple of minutes when the fire was completely stopped, Big Brother called Aoi to the Confession Room.
"Aoi, go to the Confession Room right now!" Big Brother exclaimed.
And without delay, Aoi ran to the Confession Room, bracing himself for the punishment Big Brother's gonna give him.
Quickly making his way to the Confession Room, his heart pounded so fast like a drum roll. His mind was blank and he has no idea what punishment he's going to face. Will it be eviction?
What are you talking about? He can't be evicted 'cause he's the only person in the house!!!
Oh yeah! Thanks Narrator!!!
As I was saying: what's it gonna be? No sleep for five days? No food for this week? Or worst, will his head be shaved bald?!?
Aoi: NO PLEASE!!! I love my bouncy and soft hair!!!
At last, Aoi was in the Confession Room, waiting for Big Brother's punishment….
"Aoi…" he began…
I'm glad to finally talk to my narrator in this chapter!!
Oh yeah, bet you wanna know who the assassins are huh?
It's a really big secret! And I just wanna say that I'm addicted to Pinoy Big Brother!!
Yun lang!! haha!!!