S2 Chapter 7
Except For Them
«Three. Two. One - Smile!» A cheerful, pretty voice called out. The sound of a crisp click followed it. Ageha impatiently watched the film strip from her polaroid camera appear in excitement. Waiting patiently for the picture to appear her eyes went to her friend's in front of her.
«I'm so happy you made it, An!» Ageha cheered happy to have her best friend back.
An smiled proudly. «Of course! It's not like I came back for that jerk. I'm here to kick his butt.» A fierce flame lit up in her eyes when she said this. Ageha sweat-dropped as she watched An's burning desire to avenge Rin.
Ageha smiled. An might say this, but Ageha knew that An was pretty busy in France. There's no way she could have come over on such a short notice. This meeting had been planned beforehand, and for a long time at that. Naturally, all of their excitement was heightened. Leaning closer Ageha playfully hugged An. «Sure! Whatever you say.» She said in an amiable voice. An blushed when she noticed the stares and friendly smiles they were getting.
«Oi! Stop it. We are in public.» She admonished her best friend, terribly aware of the fact that some people might recognize them as the popular personas that they were.
Ageha chuckled and playfully winked. «I'm pretty sure us being close, isn't a secret. Let's call it fan service.» It's been a few years since Ageha started working as an idol under Yuusuke's company. During these years, she had developed a suave way of handling the media and garnering attention without too much of a scandal.
Throughout the years, Ageha kept her relationship with Shuu a secret from the media. It wasn't done out of ill-will, she just didn't want her beloved to be bothered at his work, because of it. Shuu understood and agreed to watch over her from the shadows. Their relationship was going strong as ever.
Talking about Shuu, Ageha started to look around in wonder. 'When will he appear?' She couldn't help the small frown that formed on her face.
«... Don't make that look, Age-chan. It makes one feel terrible.» An admonished her friend with a soft sigh. An had matured a lot. While she was still as temperamental as ever, she had gotten much better at regaining her calm than before. It was a necessary skill to survive in the Pro world after all. Her journey abroad had allowed her to bloom into an independent, striven, mature woman. Sometimes, when looking at her friends she would feel a sense of jealous with how cozy their life seems to be.
To be surrounded by loved ones was truly a blessing.
«Fine. You're right! Oh-» Just as Ageha was about to say something she saw three familiar figures approaching from the a far.
«Yui! Here.» She called them over with an excited wave. Her movement froze the moment she realized the weird mood going on.
An stood up and took a stand next to her. «There he is! The dastard!» An murmured and cracked her fists. An was ready to give Sae a run for his life. She had grown terribly protective of Rin during the past few years. In her book, anyone that hurt or harmed Rin deserved a beating! Nobody was allowed to harm her little Tsun-Boy.
After Yui's attempt to dissolve the icy mood in the car, Sae and Rin were left to their own devices. Yui couldn't tell what Rin was thinking about, but when she had glanced at the raven-head next to her. All she saw was that he was in deep thoughts. His mood seemed to have lifted a bit as a solemn mood covered him like a blanket.
When Yui turned her head to the red-head, the only thing she could see was Sae looking at her. Yui gave him a small smile and turned away feeling the heat rushed to her cheek. Her own response flustered her and she nervously fiddled with her hands in her lap.
There was something mysterious about his eyes that got her heart to beat harder than ever. Maybe it was the fondness she saw in it or the calming fire these teal-colored orbs shone with - the more Yui thought about it, the more aware she felt of his eyes on her.
She tilted her head to the side and looked painfully obvious at anywhere but Sae.
Sae watched her reaction with mild interest. His hand inched with the desire to lightly grab her chin with his fingers and tilt her head look at him. He wanted to see what expression Yui would make. He wished to see Yui's crystal blue eyes grow hazy with passion just for him. As much as he wanted to protect her, he also wanted Yui to want him more.
Saw was getting painfully aware of his need for her. His patience was running empty. He felt a fuse being lit and if no one were to stop it, soon everything that held him back would explode like the fireworks they saw that day.
Despite his temporary distraction, Sae noticed when Yui turned her head back to him. «I- is there anything you want to do, Sae?»
Her innocent, sudden questioned confused him and Sae blinked once calmly. «I'm talking about Disneyland.» Yui elaborated calmly and Sae felt a light bulb lighten up.
Sae thought for a bit. In his opinion, they were far too old to get excited over Disneyland and yet... - he blamed his childhood memories for this - positive feelings still stayed.
«No. Nothing. Just walking around, I guess.» Sae replied blandly with a soft smile.
Yui saw his smile and smiled along with one of hers. «In that case, we can walk around and try out the food there.» She suggested friendly. The way Yui naturally suggested for them to do something together moved him a bit. His heart felt warm and full around her.
Sae closed his eyes briefly. «Okay.» And mumbled this in a complacent mood.
The moment Yui got off the car there was only a short walk to their meeting spot - The Maihama Station. From afar she could see the tall, gorgeous figure of Ageha waving at them. With her height of 1,75m Ageha certainly looked like the model she is. Her long, beautiful, wavy hair were curled and fluttering in the wind behind her. She was wearing a dark brown beret with a stylish-lengthy coat along with a black scarf. Her attire made her look slightly older than she was and gave her a mature and sophisticated air.
Next to her was An who was clad in a more casual way. She was wearing a black turtle neck, with a thick black coat over it and a pair of high-waist, ankle free dark-blue jeans and black Timberland's Boots. Overall her look spelled the rich, cool, city-girl look, who wouldn't take any advice from anyone.
Her straight brown hair reached her shoulder blades and were dyed in an unique, but beautiful style. Her hair underneath was dyed a pink that complimented her brown well. (Peekaboo-Hairstyle)
There certainly was a strong air that surrounded the two beautiful females and Sae too noticed them, but didn't recognize them. Whatever aura surrounded them however disappeared when the blond one (Ageha) waved at them with a bright, vivid smile on her face. Sae didn't recognize whom she was waving to until Yui waved back at them with a smile.
Yui dashed a few steps. A light spring in her steps at the sight of her friends. She however stopped soon and turned back to the boys when she remembered them behind her.
With a slightly embarrassed smile Yui dashed back to them and tugged on each of their coats. «Sae, Rin. Let's go!» Her voice could barely contain her excitement. She lightly tugged once more hoping that they would follow her. Yui knew fully well that even with all of her strength she had no chance against two promising athletes. She could only hope that they would be lenient and listen without putting up a fight.
Yui's behavior did well in getting their attention. Her tugging was so light and careful it was barely noticeable. Yet, the urgency in her voice did not quite go unnoticed. Rin and Sae's eyes accidentally met each other briefly and the same thought crossed their mind. As soon as their eyes met, Rin turned his eyes away in disgust and Sae too returned his attention back to Yui without missing a beat.
Still, with unspoken synchronicty each of them took a step forward. While doing so Rin gave her a light nudge/tap on the shoulder blade as if to encourage her forward. Sae on the other hand, softly put a hand on her arm and wordlessly waited for her to catch up and follow.
Yui's heart fluttered as she felt the strange bond these siblings had. She could feel it clearly. Even if it's barely noticeable, maybe even forgotten and hidden by different feelings and matters. Their bond was still there. Turning around with a smile, Yui wished to protect the precious bond between them for the rest of her life.
But for now, she only wished to make fun memories with everyone.
«An! Ageha!» Yui greeted once they were a good yelling distance away. Even if she restrained her urge to run he energetic wave conveyed enough message.
Ageha mirrored that smile and Yui could see An getting up and taking a stand next to her. At first, Yui thought that An stood up to take a better look at them, but something confused her when she saw An folding her hands in front of her chest and then lowering herself into some light stretching.
«What is she doing?» Rin mumbled from next to her. Yui wondered the same. Sae didn't pay it any attention, but for some weird reason he had a nasty feeling about this.
The feeling worsened when he saw the girl straighten up. Sae quickly realized that it was An, and before he had time to be confused about her appearance, he heard an alarm rang in his head when the girl dashed up at them like a bull. Fuck!
«Suffer, you dastard!» An yelled as she aimed a solid kick at his face. Sae barely managed to dodge it with his quick reflexes. However, what he saw next surprised him. In the time, it took An to land on her feet and ready herself for another punch, Yui had inserted herself between the two of them.
«An!» Yui roared in a dangerously calm, yet cutting voice. She was obviously mad and her voice sent down a chill in him. However, this wasn't enough to calm An down.
«Move, Yui. You can't expect me to let him off like that after what he did to Rinnie!» Her eyes locked with his and An prepared to move past Yui and get a good punch at him.
Of course, this was about Rin. An really saw him as a brother and always had a protective streak for what she considered hers. As a friend Yui could understand. But this didn't mean that she would allow anyone to harm Sae. Feeling a strong sense of protectiveness well within her Yui refused to move.
«I refuse. Violence is not an answer.» Yui stood firmly and An looked at her friend with annoyance. She couldn't help but scoff when she looked at the small and petite looking female.
«Yui, move. This is between me and him.» An glared viciously at Sae who was quietly assessing the situation.
After a few seconds Sae spoke. «Yui, move. I'm not punching a woman.» Right now, Sae was more worried about Yui than himself. Mainly because he thought that An as a woman had no chance against him.
Upon his words, Yui turned around defiantly. «Don't underestimate her only because she's a woman. She grew up sparring with Yuusuke!» Yui fought back stubbornly. Sae was surprised at how well she pinpointed his line of thoughts but before he could respond, An launched herself at him, Sae quickly moved to dodge but realized that it will hit him, so he moved to block it.
However, before he could feel it he heard a small yell that resembled more of a yelp, it was followed by the sound of yelling.
«An, I told you to stop, you idiot.» Yui gently admonished her friend who was on the ground with a small mad frown. An was lying on her back and staring at the sky and her friend's admonishing look. She couldn't tell what happened. An was sure she had pushed passed Yui, who had her back turned to her. She was sure she was only an inch away from hitting Sae.
Moments before her punch could land however, An felt her balance tip and the next thing she knew she was being hauled and landed onto her back with a thud.
«Wha-... What did you do, Yui?» An asked confusedly. Any hint of anger had completely dissipated as she sat up slowly with Yui's help.
«Goodness, An! I felt my soul leaving me when you suddenly jump kicked Sae like that.» Ageha proclaimed after catching up to them. She had seen it all from afar too baffled to move until she saw Yui intervene and maneuver An to the floor in a beautiful arc.
«I didn't know you know material arts, Yui. That was beautifully done!» Ageha commented and hugged her fondly.
«You did what?» An questioned not quite caught up.
A few pair of footsteps were approaching them from the other side. Three tall, well-dressed and stylish guys and a beautiful girl in a red, open knee-length coat approached them.
«Sup. Looks like everyone is here.» Yuusuke's voice domineered their attention and Yui and Ageha naturally stood up to make way. Ageha happily dashed up to Shuu who gave her a soft smile and small nod.
Yuusuke stopped and looked at An, Yui and Sae with a smile. «I saw what you were doing. Looks fun.» Yuusuke commented with a smile that did not reach his eyes. He turned to look at An with a serious voice. «I'm sure you were taught not to use your skills to harm others.» He admonished her and An looked slightly sullen at that. She sighed and got up dusting the dust off her clothes.
«He was being a jerk first... Stupid brother and all.» An didn't elaborate on it more and she didn't need to. She huffed in annoyance and flicked her hair. Everyone (except Sae) got what she meant without needing her to elaborate.
Yuusuke then turned his attention to Yui. «And you Yui. That was wrong.» He said these three words clearly and Yui looked to the ground sadly.
«I'm sorry.» She mumbled and went up to bow to An. The girl looked at her best friend flabbergasted and suddenly started laughing.
«Teach me that move and we are good.» An offered friendly and gave her a nudge. Yui smiled along and moved in for a hug.
«I'm happy you're back, An. Welcome back!» Hearing these words A returned the hug, picked her up and twirled her around once easily.
Before she let go, she quickly whispered something into Yui's ear. «I swear I will get my revenge on Sae one day.»
Hearing these words Yui couldn't help but chuckle a bit. An was always determined. It was a trait of her friend's she has gotten to adore and respect. It was also a reason why An was good at what she's doing. Everyone had that one thing they were determined in. Something they wanted to achieve or accomplish. In this regard no one of them was any different. Yui too understood that trait of her friend very well. Given that she couldn't feel mad at An.
Instead Yui sighed to herself. Making enemies of Rin, was the same as making enemies with An. She could only hope that Sae would come out of this unharmed.
Rin who had watched this whole fight from the sides at first didn't knew that he was the cause of it. Only after An had let that comment slip, did Rin realize that she was venting for him. He started to see the girl in another light. The An Rin knew always had been selfish and willful. She was loud, had a weird obsession (fondness) for him and literally dotted on him the most.
He couldn't explain where that fondness and protectiveness came from. Receiving this much affection and care was something Rin wasn't used to. Sure it was different as a child, but as he grow older he gradually got used to being treated in an aloof and cold, slightly more distant way like Sae usually did. If Sae was like ice then An was like fire. Her way of caring differed from Sae greatly. It was weird.
Still, when he replayed the sight of An jump-kicking his brother and the shocked, slightly startled expression on Sae's face a small hearty chuckle came from Rin's lips. That small chuckle soon formed into a hearty laugh when Rin remembered Yui's slightly panicked response that led her to haul An to the ground. Rin couldn't stop laughing.
«You are all insane.» He muttered while laughing. Tears were forming in the corner of his eyes. Never in his life did he imagine he would meet and be surrounded by people like that. Crackheads, nutcases - but genuinely good people at heart.
The group was facing with smiles and understanding. Rin soon stopped his outburst and a small blush remained on his face. He felt the best he had in the last few weeks.
Rin straightened up and turned to look at his brother properly - eye to eye - for the first time since his return.
Rin took a deep breath and calmly spoke with unwavering conviction.
«I hate everything about you, Sae-niisan...»
Sae noticed the changed in suffice and his expression remained as distant as ever. Not many noticed the clenched fist behind him.
«...Everything. - Except for them.»
Rin continued to look at his brother for a little longer. He then turned away with a small, genuine smile and went to catch up with Takao and Shuu.
Sae watched Rin leave. He felt a sense of lost that came with it. It was a strange feeling to him. One Sae couldn't quite understand, and maybe he didn't need to.
When Sae looked up he saw Yui standing in front of him with a gentle smile. Silently, without saying anything Yui held onto the fist he had clenched hard enough to let behind finger nail marks.
«They're gonna heal soon.» Yui softly explained and quietly slipped her hand into his. She covered up the marks he left behind and filled him with a sense of purpose and warmth.
Sae didn't know what expression he was making right now, but he clasped his hand around hers and exhaled.