INEVITABLE
Chapter 6
Ran was currently lying on a couch at the reception area of Sumida's office. It was very unnatural for this orange-haired girl to be seen quiet and thinking seriously about something. She just finished taping an episode of 'All About Life' this afternoon. Despite her busy schedule, she was usually full of energy, laughing or chatting happily with Sumida and Ami but not this time.
While Ran was busy staring at the ceiling, Ami was preparing tea and cakes. Ami was of course, glancing at Ran every now and then while Sumida who was reading a magazine also glances once in a while at Ran's direction.
A knock was heard and Ami opened the door and came face to face with no other than Rei.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Rei" Rei nodded at Ami and then he was ushered inside the room. He noticed the silent Ran and was surprised.
A week has already passed since Kyouya and Rei were assigned by Mr. Anzai to be responsible for the photographs that would be included in the magazine as anniversary special of Starlight Network. During that time, Ran invited Rei and Kyouya to have tea with them. Today, Rei and Kyouya finished taking all the needed pictures. Kyouya also left earlier for a meeting with a friend.
"Ran, Rei's already here." Sumida tried to bring her back to reality.
It seemed that Ran had not heard Sumida at all for she didn't budge.
"Ms. Ran, Ms. Ran" Ami approached Ran and was gently tapping her shoulder.
"Huh?" Ran became aware of the people looking at her. She sat up and smiled sheepishly.
"So let's start eating!" Ran said a little too loudly.
Sumida and Ami can only look at each other for they knew what was bothering her. Rei can only frown, 'What's up with this usually noisy girl?'
-shshshsh-
The ringing of the phone snapped Ran from her reverie. Upon reaching her house, she just slumped on the couch, her thoughts drifting back to her dilemma.
"Hello"
"Hello, Kotobuki." Rei greeted.
"What's up Rei?" Ran easily recognized his voice and besides, no one else calls her Kotobuki anymore. It still confuses her why Rei calls her Ran in the presence of Sumida, Ami, Kyouya and other people for that matter but reverts back to Kotobuki when no one is around. She tried to persuade him to stick to Ran but like before, was told that he's not that used anymore. Of course, she did not believe him but she let it go.
"Do you have any plans tomorrow?"
"Not really. I'm just staying at home." Tomorrow was her rest day-no commercial or photo shoot, no tv appearances, no interviews.
"Then come with me tomorrow. I'll pick you up at 8:00am. You don't have to worry about wearing any disguise."
"What makes you so sure that I'll agree with your sudden request?" Ran frowned. No one is allowed to think that he or she can order 'The Great Ran' around.
"Let's just say that I'm asking for payment for the times that you asked me to treat you and help you with your studies." Rei reasoned out. He was supposed to ask Ran nicely, but he was Rei after all.
"Aha! I never knew you had it in you-asking something in return. All this time, I thought that you're a good friend who's willing to lend a hand to those who are in need. Hmph. I'll just pay you some other time."
"Come on Kotobuki, I could really use some company." Ran wasn't sure if she imagined it but there was some sort of a pleading tone in his voice.
'Rei needs some company?! Now, that's new.' She can't help but muse. "So where are we going?"
-shshshsh-
They drove for about 3 hours and were now far from Tokyo. During that drive, Ran was munching potato chips and cookies while offering Rei some food as well. Rei declined, saying he was not hungry.
'More for me then. hehehe.' Ran mused.
After passing lots of trees and some houses, they finally reached their destination, a cozy house with a beautiful garden.
"This is indeed the perfect place to relax. It's so peaceful and beautiful." Ran commented while walking toward the house.
"Wait until you see the waterfall."
But Ran wasn't able to inquire anymore for the door opened and revealed a lovely lady in her 50's.
"It's nice to see you again Rei." Rei and her aunt hugged each other briefly. He then introduced the two women to each other, though her aunt recognized his nephew's friend, not only because Ran was a celebrity but also because of a picture he caught Rei was staring at some years ago.
'I'm sure Rei asked me to prepare food for two guests with big appetites. Oh no! I think I've prepared too much.' Aunt Madoka can't help but wonder.
Aunt Madoka found out that she had nothing to worry about because of Ran. 'So that's why Rei asked me to prepare so much food.' She had a small smile throughout lunch. Besides, Ran kept on praising the food.
-shshshsh-
After walking a great distance, Ran and Rei finally reached the forest. They walked further and Ran was awed by the sight before them. In front of them was a waterfall. This sight indeed makes you feel peaceful and wonderful.
While Rei was taking out the camera he brought with him to take a picture of this beautiful scenery, Ran chose a spot where she can sit. She then removed her socks and rubber shoes, then rolled her jeans up to her knees. She then dipped her feet in the cool water.
"So how many pictures do you still need to take for the photo exhibit?"
"I'm not sure, but I still need to go to 5 different places." Rei replied then started to take pictures of the waterfall and its surroundings at different angles. Ran decided to just watch Rei do his work.
After some time, Rei joined Ran where she was sitting. Unlike Ran, he didn't remove his socks and shoes and dip his feet in the water. He just sat beside her, still holding the camera. "So what's bothering you yesterday?"
"Can I borrow your camera?" Ran asked instead. Rei lent it to her. She just stared at it for a few minutes then gave it back to him.
"Do you remember what I told you before that for the first 2 months that you left, we sent you e-mails and then you said that you forgot your password on that account?" Ran was staring at the water.
"Yes."
"Well, I did write to you that I still don't know what I'd like to do during that time. I'm not sure whether to study further, work, relax or follow the footsteps of my parents." Of course, Rei read about that.
Ran continued, "A month after that, I finally decided to train and become a police officer." She paused then looked at Rei. Rei was looking at her with an expression saying' I don't believe it.'
"I know it's unbelievable. But I figured that maybe I was really meant to be a police officer since I like helping people, fighting crimes, you know- ensuring the safety of the citizens. Besides, I figured that since I was still undecided on what to do with my life, might as well make my family proud and happy. Well, they were indeed ecstatic when I told them about my decision. For more than a year, I trained hard and sacrificed not wearing fashionable clothes and trinkets everyday. That is until I helped an old lady get her purse back from a thief. While trying to catch the thief, a beautiful lady witnessed it and became impressed with my actions, my clothes and looks. Well, I wasn't training that day and was about to go to the mall. That's the day I met Sumida and offered me to become an actress and model. It was a difficult decision especially when you're going to let your family down. But, I realized that being an actress and a model was what I really wanted. Besides, I can still help people even if I become a celebrity. My father was very furious when I told them about it. He said that if I didn't become a police officer like them, he wouldn't treat me as his daughter anymore. He even said that I better change my name because I will be a disgrace to the Kotobuki clan. I thought that he'll be able to forgive me some time but until now, we're not even talking. He treats me coldly whenever I go to our house in Shibuya. I know my mom, Yamato and Sayo tried to talk to him but he wouldn't listen. He told them that he'd only forgive me if I became a cop. I tried to talk to him but it was all in vain. And since, I'll be celebrating my birthday next week, I again asked mom if she could convince dad to come to Shinjuku with her. I'm sure he wouldn't come but I can still hope right?" Ran wasn't crying when she finished telling her story but there was great sadness in her eyes. Rei knew that Ran was trying to be strong.
"Don't worry, everything will turn out fine." He tried to comfort her.
"I know that you wouldn't tell anyone that I'm worrying about this, right?"
"So does this mean that you're not even sharing this problem with Miyu or Aya?"
"Well, I led them to think that even though dad doesn't show up every time I celebrate my birthday since then, I'm quite fine and positive that he'd forgive me soon. I'm not a good actress for nothing, you know. If you didn't catch me off guard yesterday, I bet you wouldn't know that I have a problem."
"Yeah. I wouldn't have a clue that even the 'The Great Ran Kotobuki' has a problem like this. But you know, it's not bad to let people, especially your friends, see that you're not always strong and happy."
"I know. But, I don't like people worrying about me. Besides, look who's talking. Since, I answered your question, answer mine: why did you leave Japan besides for the reason that you want to study in America and that your family was migrating there and what went wrong between you and Aya?" She countered.
"What makes you think that there was another reason?"
"I just have this gut feeling."
They heard a bird chirping in the distance.
"I just don't want to hurt Aya anymore. I really tried to teach myself to reciprocate her feelings, but I can't. It's difficult, especially because I already like someone else during that time. I also want to forget the girl that I like because I know the feeling is not mutual and that liking her will hurt other people."
"So what's the girl like? There must be something really special about her if you chose her over my good friend." Ran was really curious.
"Well, she's pretty and a very independent girl. She is kind-hearted and has a very warm personality."
"So have you seen her since you came back?"
Rei suddenly stood up. "We really need to go back now."
"But you didn't answer my question!" She hurriedly put on her socks and shoes.
Rei was already walking ahead.
-shshshsh-
Ran was now walking ahead of Rei. Ran decided that there was no use interrogating Rei anymore for he was keen on not answering. A moment later they saw 2 kids staring up a tree. A kite was apparently stuck on the said tree. The smaller boy was crying while the taller one was saying that they'd be able to get it eventually.
Ran approached them, "Hey kids, I'll get it for you, okay. So stop crying." And without further ado she climbed up the tree gracefully. She carefully untangled the kite from the branches. She then decided to just jump down from the tree. She was about to land safely on the ground but a cat suddenly appeared on where she was about to land. She was able to avoid stepping on the cat but sprained her ankle during the process of doing so.
"Ouch!" She just glanced at her foot then looked if the cat was okay and examined if the kite was still intact. Rei and the kids approached her. Rei helped her get up.
"Thanks, but I'm okay." She then turned her attention to the kids. "Here you go, don't play with kites in this area again, okay?" She handed it to them.
"Thank you miss. We're sorry about your foot."
"It's not your fault. Go home now." She smiled at them, it required a lot of effort on her part for her foot was hurting.
When the kids left, Rei surprised Ran by carrying her bridal-style.
"What do you think you're doing?! Put me down!" She struggled. "Ouch! Ouch" She again felt the pain when she tried to break free from Rei's powerful arms.
"I'm carrying you because it's obvious that you'll have a hard time walking. Stop struggling, you'll only hurt yourself more." He said gently.
Seeing that Rei was right, she relaxed herself and accepted her fate that Rei was going to carry her until they reached Aunt Madoka's house. It's not right to feel happy when a misfortune befall on someone, but Rei was sort of happy that this happened to Ran, for if it didn't, he wouldn't be able to carry her like this in his arms.
They were silent throughout the way back. When they were near the house, Rei reassured her, "Don't worry, I wouldn't tell the others about this."
"Thanks." Ran wasn't worrying about it at all. What she was worrying about was the feeling that she doesn't want to reach that house so soon. For when they do, he would put her down. She was confused because when Rei was carrying her like that, it just felt right.
-shshshsh-
AN: Got lazy checking the whole chapter. Please review. Thanks.