Title: EVERYBODY’S GOT SOMETHING TO HIDE EXCEPT ME AND MY HONEY
Starring: Yamashita Tomohisa and Inoue Mao and A LOT of other famous people
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Love/comedy
Disclaimer: No I don’t own Yamapi (though I wish and pray hard I do) or Mao. I am not whatsoever affiliated with JE either. It’s fiction. Look it up in the dictionary.
Chapters: ?


CHAPTER 10

Mao wasn’t sure if she really slept soundly through the night. She was sure she was awake when she heard Yamapi talking discreetly on his phone and she didn’t know is she slept after that. It got her thinking after hearing him say the words photographers, Johnny, and quitting. She squirmed under his arms and opened her eyes to see that it was about to be morning. It was minutes before the actually sunrise. She looked at him, who was peacefully asleep. She searched under the covers for her clothes but she only found his shirt, so she slipped it on her. For no apparent reason, she crawled under the covers to get out of bed. She then reached the floor and got on all fours looking for the missing pieces of her clothes. After she was able to collect everything, she saw his phone lying on the floor. She opened it and looked for Akanishi’s number. She peered at Yamapi to make sure he was still asleep before copying Akanishi’s number to her phone.

“I knew something was wrong.” she whispered to herself after successfully saving it to her phone.

She sat on the floor, thinking about Yamapi. It was clear that he had a problem, and his problem was her problem too. Why didn’t he tell me something was wrong? she thought, biting her nails. She needed to know what was really happening, so she opened her phone and attempted to dial for Akanishi, but then…

“Oi.” Yamapi said, sitting up, with a massive bed head.

Mao covered her legs immediately, since she hasn’t really put on her clothes yet and was only wearing his big shirt.

“Don’t look!” she cried, covering herself.

Yamapi arched his eyebrows and peeked at her.

“I’ve seen you a lot more naked than that last night.” he pointed out, scowling.

“That was last night. What happens at night stays…in the night. Now close your eyes.”

“Why?”

“Just close them”

“Fine, fine.”

Yamapi closed his eyes obediently before she turned around and speedily put on her clothes piece by piece. When she was almost done, she turned to him to make sure he was still closing his eyes but when she did, he was looking at her, with his head tilting to the side.

“Aaaahh!” she yelled and threw a slipper at him, which he easily dodged.

“You pervert!” she snapped, after successfully pulling her shorts up.

Yamapi had to laugh as he got out of bed and walked towards her.

“Then you slept with a pervert last night.” he said, yawning.

“Pervert boyfriend.” she told him.

“What’s so wrong? I already know every inch of you too well, we did it twi—“

She put her hand over his mouth.

“Okay, enough.” she said.

“Last night was special. We celebrated all your favorite holidays together.” he said, putting his hands on her face.

“We didn’t celebrate Christmas.”

“Yes we did.”

“No we didn’t. We stopped at Valentines.”

“No, no. We celebrated Christmas after that. We celebrated it twice, if I remember correctly.” Yamapi said with a boyish grin and Mao hit his stomach.

“Merry Christmas.” he whispered and hugged her.

She rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes.

“Pi…why did you bring me here and celebrate holidays? Is it because there’s a problem and you’re running away from it?”

“No.”

She fastened her arms around his waist tightly.

“I there’s a problem you’d tell me right? You won’t shoulder it all by yourself right?”

Yamapi nodded.

Mao prevented herself from shedding tears, because she knew he was lying.

They headed back early, because Yamapi wanted to meet with News and discuss something. Mao had a feeling she knew what it would be about. The whole car ride home she was unusually quiet and absent-minded. She was in the car with him, but her mind was elsewhere. She pretended to sleep too, but she was just really thinking of a way to help him deal with whatever it was that was troubling him. When they got back to the city, he dropped her off and told her he’d come by late at night. Yamapi noticed a couple of photographers lurking nearby again when he drove off. As he passed by them, he gave them the finger before speeding off. Mao sat in her living room and stayed still for a couple of minutes. She was still wearing his shirt, because he had insisted on her keeping it. She smelled it and it smelled exactly like him, it was as if he was wrapped around her. Se opened her phone and began pressing. She held it to her ear with a worried look on her face.

“Hello?” the voice on the other line said.

“Akanishi-san. This is Inoue Mao. I don’t know if Pi mentioned—“

“Yeah Pi mentioned you. In fact you’re all he talks about.”

She paused and smiled softly.

“Sorry. Are you busy?” she asked.

“No…why?”

“I need to talk to you. It’s about Yamapi. It’s kind of important.”

“Wait, is this about his ex girlfriends, because I only know 6 of them I have no idea about the—“

“No, no. It’s something else.”

“Oh. Okay then. I guess I can meet you.”

“Right. Don’t tell Pi about this.”

“Got it.”

They decided to meet where she and Yamapi first studied together, in the mini park near the TBS building. Akanishi would be the answer to Mao’s questions and he was the key to the solution of their plight. Mao arrived first, and Akanishi, who is rarely on time when it comes to meetings, only came after a good five minutes after the allotted time. He hot out of his car looking either tired or hung over, but it didn’t matter which, since he’s always both. It was their first meeting, so they exchanged polite greetings and bowed courteously.

“Thank you for coming.” she said as they sat at a mushroom table.

“No problem. What is this about?”

Mao decided not to beat around the bush and be straight to the point.

“We’ve been found out right, Yamapi and I? Johnny-san found out and he wants him to stop seeing me right?”

Akanishi didn’t want to be blunt, but he had no choice but to be honest with his beast friend’s girlfriend.

“Yeah. That’s about right.”

“Yamapi wants to go against his wishes. Truth be told, I don’t want to give in either. His personal life has nothing to do with his career.”

“The rule does suck, and the system is a bit harsh but I guess it’s also for our own good. Look, Mao-chan, I am not against you or your relationship with Pi. I’ve never seen him this happy and….weird. But HE is a scary place. In JE, we have to make certain sacrifices. We can’t just act as we please, because we are under a microscope. People are scrutinizing us and we to live up to the image they have for us.”

Mao fiddled with her fingers and shifted in her seat.

“What happens if…if he defies Johnny? What will happen if he continues to be with me even though the whole world already knows?”

“I don’t really know, but I’m sure it will not be good. The least I can say is that there’s a possibility there will be mass suicide. If Pi ever decides to quit JE…” his voice trailed off, as if he was afraid to continue his sentence.

Mao looked at him, waiting for a flicker of hope in his next words. But it seemed as if the more he talked, the more she lost hope.

“Pi can’t quit. At least we can’t let him. He’s been in JE for most of his life, I mean, it’s his home. It’s our home. That home made him and he can’t just abandon it. If he leaves, he has nowhere else to go.”

Mao cast her gaze down. Which would Yamapi choose to leave: his home for most of his life that made him big, or her, whom he only knew for a couple of months. The question sounded ridiculous in her head, she wanted to cry and laugh at the same time.

“Of course he won’t leave. I won’t let him either.” she said quietly. She wasn’t a selfish person, she didn’t want him to ruin his career for her.

“Mao-chan. Please understand that I’m not trying to keep him away from you. I personally want you two to get married someday. Someday. But as for now, the two of you are vulnerable to the media. You are one of the most respected actresses today and Pi is considered as a demigod in the whole country. Now that some sleazy tabloid reporters know, this thing is going to blow up soon if you two continue to be seen together.”

Mao smiled at him, but he could tell through her eyes that smile wasn’t a happy one.

“You are a good friend. I’m glad Pi has someone like you, who is very concerned about him. Thank you, Akanishi-san.” she said feebly.

“Uhm…what’re you going to do now?”

“I guess I’m going to do what’s good for everybody.”

Akanishi looked at her, knowing what she was implying.

“And by that, you also mean nobody gets hurt in the end right?” he asked, worried about her and his best friend.

“Sacrifices always involve pain, ne?” she said, rather casually, covering up the pain that was slowly building up inside her chest.

Akanishi showed a small assuring smile.

“You two will go far. It would be like pausing a CD. If you can put everything on pause now and wait for the perfect time, in the future, you can press play and continue where you left off.” he said, trying to draw a silver lining for her.

She let out a tiny laugh. Akanishi had never heard the saddest laugh in his life until now.

“Actually I’ve noticed he’s been troubled lately. He didn’t tell me about Johnny or the pictures or anything. He’s been facing this alone without telling me. I have to end this for him. He’s been pressured enough.”

“Are you sure about this?”

“If he’s at stake, I’ll do anything.”

He looked at her in admiration. No wonder Yamapi was so head over heels for her, he thought.

“I’m sorry this has to happen to you.” he said consolably.

“It has to happen sooner or later, ne. Akanishi-san, honto arigatou for being here. I’m going to be able to save him now.” she said, half-laughing. They stood up and shook hands.

“Mao-chan. Thank you. Please take care.” he said sincerely.

Her lips curled into a smile, a beautiful yet heartbreaking smile. Mao got into her car and went back home, where she curled up in her bed for a long time. Yesterday she was blissful. They both were. It seemed as if they were going to stay like that forever but as it turned out, their happiness would be short-lived, just like Yamapi said about his curse. She didn’t realize that she’s been in bed for the whole day thinking about him and how she would tell him. She hasn’t eaten lunch (and after she realized it was dark already) and dinner as well. You can do this, Mao, she told herself. You’re an actress, you’re a pro, you can do this. She already promised herself she would not cry—it would only make her feel worse. She practiced the scene in her head over and over again and tried to control the tears. She wasn’t doing such a good job at that. She made a mental list of Yamapi’s negatives, like, he’s kind of a pervert, that he’s cranky in the morning and that he pinches her a lot. It was so that she wouldn’t get too depressed at the idea of losing him. But no matter how hard she tried to make the list long, she was still pained and if possible, grew more and more depressed. She looked in the mirror and fixed her hair.

“Do it for Pi-chan.” she said aloud, trying to cheer herself up. Just then, a knock came on the door. She braced herself and went to get it.

“Whoa. You look pale.” Yamapi said to her as she opened the door. She quickly touched her face and fanned herself.

“Really? I must’ve overslept or something.”

Yamapi touched her forehead, and the warmth of his hand on her skin made it harder for her than it already is.

“I have to go to the bathroom. Sit down, we have to talk.” she said then sprinted to the bathroom. She turned on the faucet and splashed water on her face sloppily.

“Daijoubu, daijoubu. It will be just like taking off a band-aid. Quick and painful.” she told herself, blinking away the water and the tears that came too early.

She rubbed a towel on her face viciously and went out. He was seated at the dining table, and she slowly walked towards him. She had to start acting now.

“Pi-chan.” she said as she sat with him.

“Nanni?”

“Uhm… my manager called today. And it looks like she found out about us. Someone had told her, and she asked me if it was true…and I said yes.” she began, sounding calm and nonchalant. Yamapi listened intently.

“And she said that, even though she is not against it, she advises me that it’s not a good idea to be dating co-stars now at this point in my career, because as it turns out…I’m one of the most eligible actresses today. So…I should live up to that title.” she paused for a moment, trying to recall the next line that she had practiced in her head.

“You are also in the same situation as me, ne. So the two of us are clearly a disaster waiting to happen. It dawned on me this afternoon while I thought about what my manager said, that I think it’s good for us to…break up.” she finally said the main line, but she felt as if the hard part was yet to come. Yamapi stared and blinked.

“Nanni?” he simply asked.

“Break up.”

Yamapi scoffed at her but she remained timid, showing no signs that she was joking.

“Are you serious?”

“I thought about it the whole day. You aren’t allowed to date and I am strictly advised to focus on my career just like you, and I’m a pro, Pi. I think the right thing to do is put our careers first more than anything. What we have now…an wait—“

Yamapi got up from his seat and held her face.

“Mao-chan, you’re joking ne? You’re trying to put a mean prank on me because I didn’t close my eyes while you were getting dressed, ne?”

Mao closed her eyes and felt the tears coming. She had to keep calm and maintain her pace.

“Pi, I’m sorry for this outburst. But actually I’ve been contemplating about this for a while now—“

“What’re you saying?! Are you trying to fool me?”

“No!”

“What’re you trying to do?”

“I’m trying to save us.”

“Save? From who? From what?”

Mao stood up and faced him.

“I know we’ve been found out. And I know Johnny probably already knows too. Things are going to get worse of we don’t end this.”

“Would you listen to yourself? Whatever happened to that ‘I don’t want to go’ and ‘Stay by my side always’? Were they all lies?”

No, they were the real more than you’ll ever know, she thought.

“Are they lies?” he repeated.

“Yes, they were lies.” she replied, looking away.

“What else weren’t true? When you said you liked me, that wasn’t true either?”

“That was true. But things have happened and we have to think rationally.”

Yamapi grabbed her wrists and held them tight.

“Do you love me?” he asked.

God, no, please not that question, she thought. Tears began flowing uncontrollably and it streamed down like waterfalls on her cheeks. She didn’t look at him.

“No I don’t.” she whimpered, averting her eyes away from his.

“You’re lying. You’re just saying that to make it easier for me to let go of you but I’m not letting go.”

“No, Pi, I’m not lying.” she simpered, but she knows she was. It was the biggest lie she’s ever told to anybody face to face.

“Yes you are!”

She tried to break free from his grip.

“No, let me go!” she retorted.

He grabbed her into a tight embrace. So tight it was enough to cut off her blood circulation.

“No I’m never letting go.” he said, not understanding everything. His face was hot and his hands were ice cold. Mao sobbed harder in his embrace, though she didn’t hug him back. It wouldn’t make things easier. She tried to compose herself and get back to acting.

“I lied about Koichi.” she said flatly, blinded by the remaining tears on her eyelashes.

Yamapi slowly loosened his hug but still held on to her. Mao looked at him straight in the eye this time, even though it was extremely painstaking.

“When he confessed to me I realized I like him too. I was confused at first and tried to ignore it. But now it’s clear to me.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“I figured being with him would be less of a hassle. And pressure-free—“

“Please don’t say things like that.”

“Pi. These past few weeks were great. But we have to grow up and open our eyes. Maybe we’re not really meant to be together.”

Yamapi rubbed his face and ran his fingers violently through his hair.

“Is this what you really want? To hurt me?”

“No, Pi, I don’t mean to hurt you.”

Mao went to her room to retrieve something form her drawer and took it to him—it was the lavender flower that Koichi had given her.

“See this? This is the flower Koichi gave me when he confessed. If it didn’t mean anything to me I wouldn’t keep it.” she said, showing the flower on her palm.

Yamapi took one look at it then sat at where he had seated a while ago. Mo followed him and stood in front him. He looked up at her, before burying his face on her stomach and hugging her waist.

“Even after you’ve said all those things I still don’t want to let you go.” he said, restraining himself from crying.

I don’t want to either, she thought, tears coming out again. She gently slid his arms off her waist and pulled him up.

“You have to go now.” she said through hot, stinging tears.

She realized he had tears streaming down his face as well, and it made her chest want to burst with pain. He held her face again, and slowly leaned in, until their lips touched. He kissed her as tears continued to roll down, but right before she was tempted to kiss him back, she stopped him.

“No, Pi.” she whispered, controlling herself from blubbering. She held his hand and led him to the door.

“Goodbye.” she said, and saying that one simple word made her want to crumble and die.

She opened the door as he slowly walked out, but not letting go of her hand. She tried to pull it back.

“Please. Go home.” she said between sobs. By this time, she was hysterically weeping.

She pulled her hand back, and closed the door and locked it. She buried her wet face into her hands, slid to the floor and cried as quietly as she could. Yamapi stayed on the spot where she had left him at the other side of the door, immobile. He leaned his head on the door.

“I know you can hear me so listen up. Don’t try to be the hero. If you think that you’re saving me for doing this, you’re wrong. I know you were forced to do this.—“

Mao continued to wail silently, hugging her legs on the floor.

“—If you don’t know how much I care about you, how much I think about you then you don’t know anything. By doing this, you’re throwing away the best damn thing that ever happened to me!” he yelled, hitting the door hard with his fist.

Mao closed her eyes and leaned against the door, all curled up.

“You’ll see what a big mistake this is.” he said darkly and marched off.

She heard his footsteps fading away, and even until he left, she continued to cry. She was weak, dazed and lightheaded all at the same time from everything, and all she could do was cry. She even cried herself to sleep that night, hugging his shirt like a safety blanket.

--END OF TENTH CHAPTER--

missingY O U

Title: EVERYBODY’S GOT SOMETHING TO HIDE EXCEPT ME AND MY HONEY
Starring: Yamashita Tomohisa and Inoue Mao and A LOT of other famous people
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Love/comedy
Disclaimer: No I don’t own Yamapi (though I wish and pray hard I do) or Mao. I am not whatsoever affiliated with JE either. It’s fiction. Look it up in the dictionary.
Chapters: ?

CHAPTER 9

Johnny sat down in front of Yamapi with a cigar between his lips. He was old indeed, but he still had that perpetual intimidating aura that all that juniors feared and respected at the same time. Yamapi sat timidly in his huge modernly-designed office. It was cold and the eerie silence was deafening. He knew what was coming, so he wasn’t nervous or scared. However, he was a bit surprised at how fast news traveled. Yamapi clenched his fists and showed no fear. Johnny put the pictures of Yamapi entering Mao’s building at night and another one of him leaving the next morning. Yamapi caught a glance of it and had to laugh in his head. These photographers need a life, he thought.

“I was able to negotiate with the publishers. They weren’t exactly eager and easy to talk to, but I had my way.” Johnny said calmly, his vice husky and low.

He almost sounded like the Godfather. He puffed another puff from his cigar.

“Who is she?” he asked.

“Inoue Mao.”

“Ah. The actress.”

“Right.”

Johnny leaned back in his armchair leisurely.

“Even though I stopped the tabloids from printing these pictures, they will not discontinue their plot. The word is out, and you will see that everyone will be watching your every move. Including hers. When another picture or rumor comes out, I will not be able to prevent it anymore. Do you understand?” he explained in a mild tone.

Yamapi nodded.

“News is at its height of success today. I’m happy about that. Are you?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Then I want you to enjoy and cherish this time of your life. This is an opportunity that will simply not happen to everyone. You are on top. You are young, popular, and successful. This is the time in your life where’ you’re supposed to be focused on yourself and your career, while you still have it all.”

“With all due respect Johnny-san, my world does not revolve around my profession alone. I love it, and I am grateful but I also like a normal life where I can be with a girl I like, like all the other normal guys in the world.”

“Yes I understand that. But the public doesn’t. You are not just normal for them, and it’s true. They demand perfection. They don’t want to see flaws. You hold an image that everyone fawns over, and they put you on a pedestal. You do not want to throw that away. You did not enter here to disappoint people who loved you and supported you while you climbed your way up.”

Yamapi watched the cigar smoke billow as he thought of a good comeback.

“You’re young. You have all the time in the world to be with the person you like. But for now, the only time you have is for yourself and for the world. A little soon, when you’re older perhaps and graduated from News, you can do anything you wish. That is the perfect time, because you have already done everything.”

There is no way out, Yamapi thought. He didn’t want to be dictated and manipulated again, especially this time. He didn’t want to be defeated.

“I can’t break up with her.” he spoke up, mustering all the courage he had in him.

Johnny merely looked at him, placed his cigar neatly on the ashtray, then leaned back comfortably in his leather armchair.

“You are aware that you could not only be jeopardizing your own career, but your band members’ as well? You are a big part of the group.”

Yamapi didn’t really think about that. He didn’t want the whole News to get dragged down with him. This time he didn’t have an answer in mind.

“You’re a smart boy. You’ll think this through. I’ll give you at least two days to clear your head. After which, you can come back to me and tell me what you really want out of this business.” Johnny said nonchalantly in a final tone of voice.

Yamapi knew that the conversation was done, and he had to leave. Leave, he thought. The word echoed in his head like a foghorn. he got inside his car and drove beyond the legal speed limit. His head was all mixed with different thoughts; thoughts he couldn’t comprehend and make out. He had no idea what was going to be his next step, even though he knew that time will come eventually, only it came earlier than expected. He barged into his house, skimmed through his closet and grabbed a few clothes. He paced it in a bag and left a note for Akanishi on the mirror saying he was going away for a while. He then hurried back to his car with his stuff and called up Mao.

“Hello?”

“Mao-chan? Are you at home?”

“Yes. Why?”

“Pack your stuff. We’re going somewhere.”

“Heh? Now?”

“Yeah.”

“Where?”

“I don’t know yet. Just bring only a few stuff, ne.”

“But why are we going so suddenly?”

“You are very inquisitive. Enjoy a little mystery from time to time. Hurry up I’m on my way.”

He hung up before she could ask more questions. I will not falter, he said to himself. He needed a break, and he needed to get away for a while. I have a right to enjoy life the way I want it, damn it, he added. He arrived at Mao’s place in a snap, and she was already waiting outside with her stuff. She got in looking confused.

“What’s happening?” she asked.

“We’re celebrating holidays.”

“Heh? Holidays? There’s no holiday today.”

Yamapi stepped on the gas and began their road trip to nowhere. He was still deciding whether to go to Osaka or Kyoto.

“What are your favorite holidays?” he asked.

The strangeness of his behavior still startled her, but then again, he was an impulsive person.

“Hmm. I like Christmas of course. Uhm… Valentines too. My birthday, and then New Year.”

“Yosh. Then we’ll celebrate all of those holidays today.”

“Eh? Nande?”
“Why, would you rather stay with Koichi, because I can just drop you off there.”

“No, no I’m fine.” she said, patting his arm.

Something is definitely fishy, she thought, but shrugged aside the thought. The whole ride they had the radio on full blast , singing along to songs of Ayumi Hamasaki, Morning Musume, Orange Range, GReeeN, etc. When News’ single Weeeek came up, Mao jokingly covered her ears and switched it to another radio station. Yamapi laughed and hit her head playfully. They made a stopover at a store where Mao bought lots of food (and candies) and Yamapi bought a few packs of fireworks. They played like kids while shopping—Mao jumping into the shopping cart and Yamapi pushing her through the aisles while she says “Faster! Faster!” When their joyride continued, Mao fell asleep, tired from all the playing and singing. Yamapi felt a little lonely with her sleeping so he kept singing on his own.

They ended up somewhere in the Kyoto Prefecture. It was a part where it wasn’t exactly deserted, but it was surely a peaceful and quiet part. There were establishments and buildings, which looked just like the ones in Osaka. He felt comfortable with the place so he decided to stay there. He found a small but decent-looking hotel (not a motel, mind you) and parked in front of it.

“Mao-chan. Wake up.” he said.

Mao stretched and yawned and looked out the window.

“Where are we?”

“Kyoto Prefecture. Come on.”

The got off, bringing and carrying everything. They checked in and the concierge gave them a room with one bed (they totally didn’t ask for it). When they went up to their room, Yamapi raided the mini bar and Mao checked the view from the window.

“Oh! Champagne!” Yamapi cried, sticking his head inside the mini bar.

“That’s probably an expensive one don’t touch that.” she said.

“Ne, let’s celebrate New Year first.” he said excitedly, rummaging through the shopping bags.

“Where are we supposed to do the fireworks?”

“They have a rooftop. There’s a pool thee too.”

It was perfect. It was early in the evening. The fireworks would light up the dark sky beautifully. They went to the rooftop wearing shorts and thick jackets. They jumped up and down as soon as they got up because of the stinging cold wind.

“Hurry, hurry.” Mao urged him, as he hastily lit the fireworks one by one. He ran far from it as soon as he was done lighting them and he and Mao covered their ears.

“Countdown. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5…”

“…4, 3, 2, 1...”

The fireworks set off, like mini space shuttles shooting up the sky and bursting into beautiful beads of light. One sparked after another, embedding the sky with diamond-like sparkles.

“Happy new year!” they greeted each other and hugged while jumping and bouncing.

“Sugoi.” Mao yelled amidst the cracking sounds of the fireworks.

“What’s your resolution?” he asked.

“To get inside from the cold.”

“Okay.”

They hurried back inside before any of the caught a cold. They held hands as they walked their way back to their room.

“It was nice, ne?” Yamapi said in a cutesy voice.

“Hai, hai, I liked it Pi-chan.” she chirped and tiptoed to give him a quick kiss.

“Yosh. Let’s celebrate your birthday next.” he said.

They went back to their room and sat on the bed with candies and junkfood before them.

“This is such an unhealthy birthday.” he said, looking at all the candy she bought.

“This is my fantasy birthday party. With candy and junkfood.” she chirruped, and put a lollipop in her mouth.

“You’re really still a kid.”

“Where’s my birthday present?” she demanded, extending her hand to him, palm facing up. Yamapi grabbed it and kissed it.

“Eh? None?”

“That was my gift. A kiss.”

“You suck.”

“Ah. Chotto matte.”

Yamapi got up, took something from a shopping bag and ran to the bathroom. Mao laughed.

“Eh? Is this the perfect time to take a dump?”

Seconds later, Yamapi came out holding a nig cupcake with yummy-looking icing and a small candle on it. He jumped on the bed and held it before her.

“Kyaaa I have a cake.” she squealed.

“Make a wish.”

Mao closed her eyes and opened them after a long time.

“That was a long wish.”

“I had to be specific.”

“Blow it.”

“Aren’t you going to sing?”

“Do I have to?”

“Of course. It’s not a birthday without the singing.”

Yamapi reluctantly sang the birthday song while Mao looked at him amusedly.

“Okay, now blow the candle.” he said after his song.

Mao grinned and blew the candle.

“Kawaii! Now eat it before I do.” he said, handing the cupcake to her. He took the lollipop from her mouth and put it in his.

“Oichi!” she said after taking a bite.

They devoured on candies until their stomach and teeth ached. It was more like they went trick or treating than celebrating a birthday. Yamapi lied down on the bed while Mao rested her head on his stomach.. They were half in pain, half in sugar rush.

“I want a letter for valentines.” she said.

“I’m bad at writing letters.”

“Come on. I’ll write you one too.”

“Okay.”

They lazily got up and each picked their corner in the room to write each other a letter. They were quiet and busy on their own for a long time, putting a lot of effort and thought into their rather fake Valentine letter.

“I’m ready when you are.” Mao said after what seemed like forever.

“I’m done.”

They sat on the bed again, holding their letters.

“Hai. Let’s switch.” she said, and they exchanged, and began reading silently, their backs turned to each other. Yamapi sat up and walked towards the window. Mao’s letter for him went:

Pi-chan! ^_^

Happy Valentines! <3 Although it’s not really Valentines I want to say that I like you. But you probably know that already, ne. >_< While I was watching the fireworks, I wanted to grasp them in my hand. They were so beautiful and I wanted it to go on forever. I didn’t want it to end. Much like this day. I don’t want this day to end. Life became more interesting since you and I met. I didn’t expect you would somehow end up in my life. I learned a lot. I learned how much of a good person you are, how down to earth you are, and how sweet you are. The you I’ve come to know is different from the you that I expected. I want you to stay beside me always, even if you don’t have to say anything. We don’t really need words to keep each other company ne? So I ask you to stay, unlike the fireworks that disappear quickly. I’ll have you in a leash to make sure you don’t go! >_<
Love, Mao-chan

Yamapi didn’t know why, but reading her words somehow caused pain to rise in his chest. He leaned on the window as he watched her read his letter in silence.

His letter went:

Honey…<3
I don’t rally know how to make letters. But for you I’ll try my best to explain how I feel since its Valentines. ^_^ I guess I can tell you a story. I’m good in that area. Once upon a time, there lived a girl. Black hair, black eyes. When she smiled, I smiled. When she cried, I cried. Every single thing that happened to me that mattered in some way had to do with her. She’s very sweet, but she hits. She’s very thoughtful, and reminds me of my mother sometimes. She smells really good. After I spend the day with her, I go to bed at night with my clothes still smelling like her. She’s someone truly special that I can’t stop thinking about. She’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met and just knowing she’s not far from me has given me this constant fluttering in my stomach. It keeps me awake at night. When I think about who I can tell talk to about this, the only person that comes to mind is you, because you are the one I feel this way about. You know the girl I’m talking about, ne? She’s holding this letter. If I tried to tell this to anybody else, they’d say that you and I are impossible, that our lives are too complicated, that we would never be right for each other. But we understand each other and care for each other and ages from now, I believe we still will. I love you. Now, forever, and everyday in between. Happy valentines.

Mao finished the letter with tears streaming down her face. Yamapi didn’t realize she was crying since she had her back turned to him. She got up from the bed sobbing, walked towards him and hugged him.

“Heh? Nanni?” Yamapi aid.

She cried a little harder, making his shirt wet.

“Ne, ne. I told you I hate seeing you cry.”

She didn’t budge and held him tighter. He remembered his talk with Johnny and it occurred to him at that moment that if Mao wasn’t letting go, he wouldn’t either. He hugged her back and stroked her little head.

“Why are you crying?” he asked.

“I don’t know either.”

He silently laughed and wiped her cheeks with his shirt. The little droplets of tears that clung to her eyelashes made him want to cuddle her. It was the most adorable thing he ever saw. He led her to the bed and they both tucked themselves in. They got too dizzy from all the sugar and the writing they did. Yamapi turned off the lam and took his shirt off. He leaned in to give her their usual goodnight kiss but somehow they both didn’t ant to part from that kiss. They sunk it deeper and deeper into it, until gradually became more than just a kiss. When one thing leads to another, there’s usually no stopping it and so they begin to undress each other and unlike the other nights that they slept in one bed, this time, something actually happened. And the only description of it that you’ll ever get is that it was definitely worth Yamapi’s wait.

Yamapi woke up at the dead of night. He looked at the clock on the bedside table and it glowed 3:45. Only then did he realize that he was naked, and so was Mao who was curled up in a fetal position close to him. They were buried under the thick heavy duvet covers but it was still a bit cold. He smiled at Mao’s outline in the dark, and kissed her bare shoulder. He felt for his boxer shorts on the floor beside the bed and blindly reached for it and slipped it on before quietly getting out bed. He took his phone from his bag and dialed for Akanishi.

JIN: [mumbling] Hello?
PI: [whispering] Jin.
JIN: Where the hell are you?
PI: Ssh. I’m in Kyoto.
JIN: Why are you there? Johnny found out didn’t he? I heard it awhile ago from the juniors.
PI: Yeah, photographers followed me. Johnny got hold of it though.
JIN: He asked you to end it?
PI: Not really. He told me to think about what I really want out of the business.
JIN: That’s the same thing. He’s implying that you dump that girl because JE is far more important. I mean, the guy made you. He put you on the map.
PI: I don’t want to be told what to do with my personal life. Not anymore. I came here with her to find out what to do and I’ve decided I’m not leaving her. If Johnny resolves to suspend me for defying his orders then so be it.
JIN: [gasps like a girl] What are you turning into?
PI: I’m sick of the system. I’m close to quitting.
JIN: Don’t say things like that. We all are. You’re not the only one who’s suppressed you know. We’re all not allowed to have a normal relationship. We can sleep with girls for a short time then end it, I mean, that’s the fun part, remember?
PI: See that’s the thing that makes me different from you guys. I want to be serious. I’m sick of screwing around.
JIN: So what are you going to do now?
PI: I don’t know. Look I called to let you know where I cam. And don’t worry, we didn’t elope. We’re coming back tomorrow. Bye.
JIN: Pi. Please make the right decision.
Pi: [long pause] Ja ne.
Yamapi hung up and sat there on the floor for a long time, leaning on the bed. What was the right decision, he thought. A lot was going on in his head and it was driving him mad, and the only sanctuary that can pacify him was being beside Mao, so he climbed back up in bed and carefully wrapped his arm around her. He closed his eyes to go back to sleep and didn’t realize she was actually awake.

--END OF NINTH CHAPTER--

missingY O U

Title: EVERYBODY’S GOT SOMETHING TO HIDE EXCEPT ME AND MY HONEY
Starring: Yamashita Tomohisa and Inoue Mao and A LOT of other famous people
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Love/comedy
Disclaimer: No I don’t own Yamapi (though I wish and pray hard I do) or Mao. I am not whatsoever affiliated with JE either. It’s fiction. Look it up in the dictionary.
Chapters: ?


CHAPTER 8

It was another brand new day and it is business as usual for Yamapi. He didn’t sleep in his girlfriend’s house for a change but he was in an uncontrollably good mood when he woke up in his and Akanishi’s shared abode. He had another itinerary with his band, and Mao had to go to school without him, which meant they won’t be seeing each other for a whole day. Nevertheless, Yamapi’s happiness could not be controlled. He checked himself in the mirror and he was smiling from ear to ear. Akanishi, who just woke up and looked utterly hung over, stared at him weirdly. Their morning conversation went like this:

PI: [realizing Akanishi is awake] O~ha~you.
JIN: [sleepy and has a bed head] Did you sleep with a hanger in your mouth? Wipe that smirk off your face.
PI: Nope. I’m just glad I’m alive for another day.
JIN: I got it! You’re back with Keiko. No, wait. With Aoi. Or is it…Gotssan?
PI: Goodness no. [takes out the photo sticker of him and Mao and sticks it on the mirror]
JIN: [squinting his eyes at the photo sticker] Who’s that?
PI: I’ll give you a hint. [Hanazawa Rui tone of voice] Ma~ki~no.
JIN: Heh?! Inoue Mao? You’re sleeping with Inoue Mao?
PI: Why does it always have to be sex with you, I mean I can be in a platonic relationship you know.
JIN: You lucky bastard. I’ve been trying to get respectable and popular actresses today to go out with me but I’m not their type at all! It’s like I’m a magnet to gravure models and singers but I repel actresses. [looks at the photo sticker and points at Mao] Oh she’s cute. And she’s got really nice skin. Wonder what it feels like…
PI: [slaps Akanishi’s hand away from the beloved photo sticker] Okay stop touching it. Yes she is cute and has nice skin. And just for the record, it feels like silk.
JIN: Ne, ne, ne, ne. When you break up with her, I can go after her, right?
PI: [death glare] Just because I’m in a good mood doesn’t mean I can’t hit you right now.
JIN: Heh? But you’re going to break up with her sooner or later, just like always.
PI: I’m never breaking up with her.
JIN: [laughing awkwardly] No seriously, Pi, come on.
PI: I am serious. I’m keeping her. Forever.
JIN: Whoa. This has never happened before. Okay, uhm…how do I explain it to you to make you understand…uhm, you are a superhero. With superpowers. Superheroes are not allowed to get involved with anybody. Superheroes cannot be attached, because those he is attached to, will end up hurt by the enemies. Superheroes cannot love a girl because girl equals weakness. Superheroes have to put the world first before the girl, do you understand the logic here?
PI: I’m. Not. Breaking. Up. With. Her.
JIN: Johnny’s going to kill you.
PI: I don’t care.
JIN: Johnny’s going to break you two apart once he finds out.
PI: He can try.
JIN: I am not comprehending this Is she that great in bed?
PI: Seriously, I am this close to hitting you, you’re ruining my good mood. I’m off to work.

Yamapi left, fuming with agitation. The only reason why he’s so agitated is because Jin was right. Johnny and the company forbid him to date anybody for the mean time, ever since the scandal of him and Goto leaked out. Tabloids printed pictures of them canoodling in public and it stirred anger among his crazy female fans. Because of that, he was forced to break up with her and if that wasn’t painful enough for her, Goto started receiving death threats from random people, and is constantly stalked by mentally unstable fans of him. It also ruined his reputation somehow because he had dated a girl who everyone hated already in the first place. As a super idol, he had to maintain an image—pure, innocent and virginal, yet oozing with sex appeal. People expect Johnny’s Boys to be saints; perfect and hallowed They expect them to be virgins and mama’s boys. Famous, rich, extremely handsome singers who can easily get any girl, are supposed to be virgins? Yamapi thought. Please. Even the youngest juniors have done it already. Being god-like was his job and if his newfound relationship with Mao comes out, he is going to get a mouthful from Johnny, and he might probably even make them break up the way he did when he was Goto. Even before he and Mao decided to date, this has been the plight that’s been bugging him. He decided to call Mao before he gets into his serious “work” mode. He held his phone to his ear while he drove. He was going to yell “Kawaii!” as soon as he heard her voice but to his astonishment, a guy’s voice greeted him.

“Hello?” it said, a manly voice.

Yamapi almost lost control of the wheel.

“Heh? Who’s this?” Yamapi inquired, caught off guard.

“Oh uhm, sorry, Mao-chan went to the bathroom for a while. Can I take a message?”

Yamapi was silent for a few seconds.

“No, just tell her I called. Is this, by any chance, Koichi?”

“Yes.”

“Why’s her phone with you?”

“She left it on the table. She’s coming back, we’re studying.”

“Oh I see. Tell her I called.”

“Okay.”

They both hung up. Yamapi deliberately stomped on the gas pedal in anger but he didn’t exactly know what he was angry about. Normally he never gets crazy jealous over little stuff, but this time it’s different. He has never been this possessive over anyone before.

Mao strode her way back to where she and Koichi sat in the library.

“Yamashita-san called.” Koichi said without delay.

“Oh. You…answered it?”

“Yeah.”

“Did he sound…angry?” she asked worriedly, thinking how Yamapi likes being in a jealous fit.

“No. Why would he be angry?”

“Nothing.”

It didn’t take long for Koichi to realize the obvious.

“Oh I get it. You and him are…” he said, and she just smiled meekly in reply.

Koichi nodded.

“Why did he call? What did he say?”

“I don’t know, he didn’t leave a message.”

“That’s surprising. He should be too busy to call me up.”

“But isn’t that good? He makes time for you.”

Mao laughed a little.

“I guess.” she said, turning slightly pink.

Koichi closed all his books and moved closer to her.

“I have a favor to ask. I’m taking an outside photography class and I was hoping you could be my model.”

“Me? Okay. But what’s the theme?”

“Anything, really. I was thinking of bringing you to my grandmother’s butterfly garden later and take pictures. Is that okay? It’ll b quick.”

“Butterfly garden?”

“Yeah, she breeds butterflies and grows exotic flowers too. She has this big garden full of them, you’ll love it.”

“Sugoi. I’d love to see that.”

“Hai. We’ll meet up later after class then. I’ll take you there.”

“Okay.”

Before Koichi left for his next class, he thanked her deeply. Mao was thinking whether or not she should call Yamapi but she figured he would be busy anyway so she decided to call him later.

“Why isn’t she calling back? That Koichi probably didn’t tell her I called, the jerk.” Yamapi grumbled in the dressing room, making his band members look at him weirdly.

“So? Why don’t you call her again?” Ryo said.

“No. That would be too needy. And pathetic. I’m neither of those.” Yamapi said with an air of arrogance.

“Oh stop it, gimme your phone I’ll dial for you.” Tego said bluntly.

Yamapi looked at him disdainfully.

“I know your tactics, idiot. You’re trying to trick me so you can get her number.” Yamapi said flatly.

The other members guffawed while Tego said “Damn it.” under his breath. Yamapi decided not to call her back (even though he knew he wanted to because he missed her) and preoccupy himself with the TV appearance they were going to do.

It was mid-afternoon when Mao and Koichi met up after their classes.

“Are we taking the train?” Mao asked as they walked out of the building.

“No.” Koichi simply replied and led her to a parked, shiny black motorbike. A Harley one at that.

Mao stood there, gaping at it.

“Kak~koi.” she breathed.

Koichi laughed amusedly and handed her the extra helmet.

“Are you alright riding here?” he asked.

“Yeah of course. I’m kind of scared though. What happened to your car?” she asked, putting on the helmet.

“I still have it, I just like to switch to motorcycles from time to time. Daijoubu, I’ll keep you safe.” he assured, and hopped on his bike. He beckoned her to follow and she did.

“Kyaa sugoi!” she exclaimed as soon as he started it.

“Hold on tight.” he advised, and she held his waist firmly, and felt his athlete abs.

She flinched and yelled a little when they zoomed forward.

Meanwhile, Yamapi, in the studio with his band, was thinking hard and quietly talking to himself.

“She probably doesn’t miss me. Maybe she might not really like me that much. That’s why she hasn’t called back. Oh no. Maybe she’s breaking up with me. How can she break up with me? She can’t break up with me.”

“Oh my god if you don’t stop that I’m breaking up with you.” Ryo said exasperatedly.

“Do you think she likes me?”

“Most probably because you told us a million times that she said the person she likes is you.”

“Oh yeah, I forgot about that.”

Ryo rolled his eyes.

“Ugh, she just wrecks me. Her cuteness just wrecks me. She’s so cute I want to eat her up. And did you see her cute skinny figure? Have you seen her cute petite body? It’s such a killer.” Yamapi babbled like a girl.

“No Pi, I haven’t, because Mao is just a floating head.” Ryo said with heavy sarcasm.

“Do we look good together? Are we the compatible type who would last forever?”

“Yes, Pi you’re a match made in heaven.”

“Yosh. I feel confident now. Ryo-chan’s always there to support me, ne.” Yamapi said cheerfully, patting Ryo, who looked worn out from all his ramblings, on the back.

“I think I’m going to come by her house tonight. Surprise her a bit.” he added as an afterthought.

Going back to Mao and Koichi, they have reached their destination. It wasn’t as far as Mao had expected but it was long ride for her considering that it was close to a rollercoaster ride. She was frightened yet excited the whole time. They both got off the bike, and took off their helmets—no helmet hair whatsoever.

“I think there are two Sadako hand marks on my stomach.” Koichi joked, rubbing the spot where Mao had held him for dear life.

Mao laughed shyly and attempted to punch him on the arm, but she remembered he was not Yamapi. Yamapi, she thought. She remembered she was supposed to call him, so she reached for her phone, but as it turned out, she was out of battery. She swore under her breath. Koichi led her to a sort of pentagon-shaped glass house/ green house. From outside she could already see the myriad of colorful flowers and the little vibrant things fluttering around, which she concluded as butterflies. They walked a stone path towards it, while Koichi took his camera out of its little bag.

“It’s beautiful.” she already said, even though they haven’t entered yet.

“It is. My grandmother should be here.” he said.

He opened the glass door to a paradise of flowers and butterflies. The fragrance automatically hypnotized Mao. She didn’t know where to look first; it was simply a whole different world. Koichi had to take her by the hand because she seemed too dazed to continue walking.

“Grandma?” he called out.

“Hai!” an old woman wearing a huge straw hat and a butterfly net popped in out of nowhere, causing Mao to jump back in surprise.

“There you are.” Koichi said, and hugged the tiny old woman.

“You are getting taller and taller everyday. Oh. Is she your girlfriend?”

“No, no. She’s a friend in my university. We’re here to take pictures.”

The old woman looked at Mao in a loving way.

“Such a pretty face.” she crooned.

“Thank you. I’m Mao.” Mao said politely, bowing appropriately.

“Are you sure you don’t like Koichi?”

“Okay, we have to start now, bye.” Koichi interrupted before the situation got awkward. He pulled Mao away as his grandmother smiled at them.

Mao ogled at the variety of flowers, occasionally stopping to lean in and take a whiff of them. Butterflies fluttered all over the place, and there were more in little containers displayed in an array. Mao tired to catch one that flapped above her head, while Koichi clicked away. She was so photogenic, it was like every capture was a Kodak moment.
The sunlight helped with the effect too, enveloping her like she was a holy apparition.
Between shots he would just pause and look at her a little bit, which isn’t creepy, but it would be something Yamapi would be pissed about.

“Your grandmother is nice. Don’t you want to live her?” she asked, gazing upwards, where butterflies played above her. Click.

“No, I want to live alone for once.”

“So you can bring home girls, huh.” she laughed and looked at him. Another click.

“Nah, I’m not the type.”

Mao looked out the glass windows, where the sunlight came in. It was the kind of dark orange light the sun gave off when the afternoon was about to end. She had her back turned to him. Click.

“That’s refreshing. I rarely know men like that.” she muttered, narrowing her eyes into slits as she stared at the sun. Click.

“Oh, you mean your boyfriend was like that?”

“Yeah, kind of.” she smiled weakly.

“Hey.”

She turned her head to face him. Click.

“Perfect.” he smiled, knowing he got the best shot.
Yamapi has been trying to contact her but her phone was shut off. This made him all jumpy than he already was. Their work was done for the day, and he wanted nothing more than to go and see her, since he hasn’t for the whole day. He hurried himself after everything was done.

When the sun had finally set, Mao and Koichi decided to head back, but not before his grandmother offered them to have tea with her. They had a brief chat over tea, and Mao kept laughing, since the old woman still has some spunk left in her. She told Mao to come back anytime, which thoroughly touched her. She promised she would, since she fell in love with her lavenders. They headed back when the sky was already turning dark. On the way back, she wasn’t so frightened of the ride anymore. She loosened her grip and sat comfortably behind him. She was going to ride a motorcycle in her next drama, so she was grateful she was able to get used to it beforehand. Koichi stopped in front of her building, and she got off, giggling.

“That was better than the last ride.” she said gleefully, taking off the helmet and handing it to him.

“Thank you for today.” he said sincerely.

“Thank you too. I love your grandmother.” she smiled.

He looked at her intently, which sort of gave her a funny feeling—he looked at her the way Yamapi always looked at her.

“I’m going now. Be careful.” she said and was about to leave.

“Wait.” Koichi said.

She turned to him. He reached for something inside his jacket pocket and took her hand.

“Here.” he said, placing a small lavender on her palm, the flower she loved so much.

She beamed at him.

“Koichi-san. Thank you.” she said, meaning it.

“I know this is very sudden, but I think it’s the perfect to time to say it, before the opportunity passes by.” he said, suddenly sounding serious.

She looked at him curiously.

“I like you. I have no intentions whatsoever, because I know that you have someone. But I want you to know that I am probably one of the few who would stand aside and wait. I don’t mean to complicate things by confessing to you, because I still want to be your friend.”
His words seemed to elude her. She felt so taken aback she didn’t know how to react. She didn’t see this coming.

“You…” she faltered, but she couldn’t find the next words.

“Yes I do. But I won’t do anything. I respect your relationship with Yamashita-san and I do wish you two the best. I hope this doesn’t change our friendship.”

“No, of course not.” she finally said.

He smiled.

“When everything doesn’t work out, I’ll be here. I’m going to fall in love with you, even if you don’t have to love me back.” he said, then to her surprise, he kissed her on the cheek. She froze in the moment.

He started his bike, then before she knew it, he whizzed out of sight. For a few staggering moments, she just stood there, her feet planted to the ground. She looked at the lavender flower on her palm and smiled. He was a good guy. And maybe in another world, in another dimension, where Yamapi didn’t exist, she could fall in love with him. But in this lifetime, she was crazy for one guy only. She started walking towards the entrance of her building, holding the lavender in her fist, but almost toppled sideways when she saw Yamapi sitting on the steps to the entrance, looking like he was about to murder someone.

“Pi-chan.” she said in hushed tone. As if she wasn’t surprised by Koichi’s confession already.

He slowly stood up and as he walked towards her she secretly hid the lavender in her pocket. She had to admit she was a bit frightened. She has never seen him look this angry before. She expected him to create an outburst.

“I didn’t know you were coming. You waited for a long time?” she asked.

“Yeah.” he answered quietly, and there, she knew she was supposed to be scared.
She’d rather have him yelling at her.

“You should’ve told me.” she said.

“I tried calling you.”

“I ran out of battery.”

“Where did you two go?”

“He needed me as his subject for his photography class. We went to his grandmother’s green house.”

Yamapi gritted his teeth and flexed his jaw. He was trying to restrain himself.

“I don’t want you being around him anymore.” he said forebodingly.

“What? He’s—“

“I saw everything. From the moment you arrived to the moment he kissed you. I was supposed to kick his ass right then and there but see, I’m a good guy. And I don’t want to do it in front of you. I know he likes you and I don’t trust him one bit. I don’t want you hanging out with him.”

“He has no intentions. He promised he won’t make things complicated, because he knows that I have you.”

“Bullshit. We are complicated enough as it is. I am trying to keep this thing between us intact because sooner or later, everyone’s going to be saying ‘Break up with her! Before things get worse!’ and it’s killing me because I don’t want to break up with you and now, a third party comes in, and you expect me not to worry? He will tear us apart.”

“No. Your anger and jealousy will tear us apart.” she retorted.

“You just don’t understand, do you?”

“No I don’t understand. I can’t understand why you don’t trust me. I don’t understand why you make me feel like I’ve done something wrong. I don’t understand why you can’t understand that I—“

At this point she pressed her index finger on his chest and started crying.

“—want to make this work too, you’re not the only one who’s worried because believe it or not, I love you, and not even Koichi-san or Johnny-san or your past girlfriends or the whole world can change that fact.” she cried, hot tears rolling down her cheeks.

Yamapi sighed, and hugged her head.

“Don’t cry, I hate it when you cry.” he said inaudibly, feeling pained again from seeing her tears.

“Are you still mad?” she whimpered, her voice muffled by his shirt.

“No. I can never stay mad at you.” he said soothingly and wiped her tears.

“You were scary” she sniffed.
“Gomen ne.” he said, and attempted to kiss her cheek but then moved to her forehead.

“I don’t want to kiss you there anymore, he kissed you there.” he said jokingly.

“You’re not going to beat him up, are you?”

“No. I can’t blame him for liking you. But if he tries anything, I won’t hold back.”

She lightly slapped his face.

“Did you mean that? You really love me?” he smiled.

Mao frowned.

“Say it again.” he said.

“No. Go home.”

“Huh? I came here to see you and you send me away? Come on, just whisper it to me.”

“No.”

Mao went inside and he followed her all the way upstairs. He was planning on spending the night again there, but she wouldn’t let him unless he stopped asking her to say it again. He stopped then. He spent the night beside wanting to hear the words again, but even if she was reluctant to say it again, he was happy. The climactic evening ended good, even though nothing happened between them that night (again, yes, I know, let’s keep this PG-13 first).

He walked out of the building the next morning feeling once again giddy. They had a fight, but made up in the end, and even found out that his girlfriend actually loved him. That was enough for him, and the happiness it gave him couldn’t be taken away. Nearby the building, a car was parked, and in it were two unknown men, who took photographs of idols for a living. They were on standby since last night, ever since Yamapi went in with Mao, and now as Yamapi exited the building after having spent the night, the photographers took a good photo of him, just as they did the night before.

missingY O U

CHAPTER 7 (Part II)

“Ohayou…” he whispered in her ear multiple times after watching her sleep for ten minutes.

She slightly moved and made a small, cute groan.

“Ohayou…” he said again.

This time she fluttered her eyelids open and looked at him.

“Kawaii, you looked like a kitten sleeping.” he said gaily, lying on his stomach.

“Ohayou.” she whimpered, stretching her arms

“Maybe I should sleep beside you from now on because it puts me in an extremely good mood when I wake up.”

Mao yawned and closed her eyes, willing to go back to sleep.

“Hey wake up, let’s go outside, it’s a sunny day.” he said, shaking her.

“No, you go alone.” she grumbled, cuddling his pillow.

He hovered over her and showered her cheek with continuous bruising kisses. Mao cringed and gave in.

“Alright I’m up.” she said, while he pulled her up.

“Let’s buy ice cream.” he said.

“Heh? Ice cream for breakfast? You really are odd sometimes.” sneered.

Just then there was a knock on the door. Mao and Yamapi quickly looked at each other and panicked. Mao pushed Yamapi off the bed and she scrambled to her feet to apologize.

“Sorry, sorry. Get under the bed. Hurry!” she whispered, and helped Yamapi get under the bed.

Mao rushed to the door and opened it. It was Teppei, who tied his hair up in little pigtails.

“Koike-kun!” she said brightly.

“Mao-chan. Did I wake you?”

“No. Why?”

“Have you seen Yamapi? Is he here?”

“No. He’s not.”

Teppei cracked a smile, almost wanting to laugh.

“Of course he is.” he said, and came in. “Pi, you can come out now.”

Mao closed the door behind her speedily, unable to speak. Yamapi crawled out from under the bed, to Teppei’s amusement.

“Eh? You know that he’s here?” Mao stammered.

“Yeah how did you know?” Yamapi said, staggering as he stood up.

“You guys don’t need to hide anything from me I already know about you two. The moment you got on the plane I already knew.” he said, grinning at them.

“Why didn’t you say so?” Yamapi said, bedazzled.

“Well I thought it was quite too obvious to say it to you. It’d be like telling Tego, ‘Hey you’re hentai.’”

Mao and Yamapi laughed uncomfortably.

“But don’t worry, if you don’t want anyone to know, I won’t say a thing.” Teppei said, being the genuine nice guy that he is. He and his partner Eiji Wentz had that in common.

“At least not now.” Yamapi said elucidated.

“Your phone was ringing off the hook. Here.” Teppei said, handing Yamapi his phone.

It was Akanishi who kept calling, and Pi wasn’t surprised.

“Thanks.” Yamapi told Teppei.

“Yeah, thank you so much.” Mao repeated, before Teppei went out the door and winked at them.

“Akanishi’s probably out of food again.” Yamapi said, checking his messages.

“I’m just going to change, or take a bath.” Mao said and went into the bathroom.

“You can change in front of me it’s not like I’m a stranger or something.” he said.
“Get naked in front you? We haven’t even had a real date yet.” she pointed out.

Oh right, Yamapi thought. He didn’t realize that they’ve had their first kiss but they haven’t had their first official date yet.

“You’re right. As soon as we get back to the city let’s have a date. Today.” he guaranteed.

By lunchtime, everyone was already set and ready to go back and it was the wrong time too, because the sunny and bright Okinawa that they came for only appeared when they were leaving. The whole crew had a group picture on the seashore before leaving the resort. The jet ride home was different, because this time Mao and Yamapi were awake. Teppei kept filming with his digital camera while Yamapi and Mao goofed around and played in front of it. Everyone else was asleep, which is funny, since during the ride to Okinawa everyone was awake except Mao and Yamapi, and now it was the other way around. They arrived back home in high spirits, especially Yamapi, who had a whole day off from work and school. It was a beautiful Saturday. They bid everyone goodbye before parting, and then he and Mao went on their way.

“What do you want to do?” Yamapi asked her as they rode in the company car.

“I was thinking we should disguise ourselves as highschoolers. A high school couple. And then let’s not drive, we should walk or take a cab, like the other young couples. Oh and no expensive restaurants.” Mao replied with eagerness.

Yamapi blinked at her for a few seconds then chuckled.

“You sure know how to make an adventure, don’t you.” he said.

She leered at him in an approving way.

And that they did. They went home to change in subtle and ordinary clothes to easily blend in and then they took a cab together. Yamapi wore an Astroboy shirt and brought a messenger bag while Mao wore a bright Pucca shirt. If they were going to disguise as a high school couple they might as well dress like it.

They stopped at the most crowded streets so no one can recognize them. They got off the cab holding hands and meshed in with the massive amount of people leisurely loitering the streets. They instantly blended in. Their first stop was to buy takoyaki at a takoyaki stand.

“Have you ever had a date like this before?” Yamapi asked as they ate.

“Yeah, during junior high school. We only have enough money for takoyaki.” she replied.

Yamapi suddenly pictured her in her school uniform eating takoyaki in the streets. It made him giddy somehow.

After they ate, they continued to walk holding hands and Yamapi got all excited when they passed by a photo-sticker booth. It was the most high school thing to do. They went inside and chose the design of their photo-sticker. They fought over which to use, the hearts or the flowers even though they all looked the same. In they end, they chose the hearts. They had four shots in total—one where they did the ever so popular V sign, one where Mao was pretending to strangle Yamapi, one where they’re hugging (aaww…) and one where they’re kissing (which Yamapi really liked). They both had a copy, and they laughed as they looked at it.

After that, they went into a pachinko place and they played pachinko, then went into a pet shop to hold the cute animals, then Mao bought a big slurpee, which they shared. They walked their way to the mall, with Mao occasionally letting him sip from her slurpee. They decided to watch a tragic and sad movie, where Mao cried hysterically even after the movie had ended. They stayed inside the theatre while Yamapi watched her in amusement. It was his first time seeing her cry. Seeing her tears somehow pained him, but the way she cried was also endearing and charming.

“What’re you looking at?” she sobbed, wiping her eyes.

“Nothing. You’re just cute that’s all.”

“You’re always saying I’m cute. It makes me feel I’m a puppy.”

“But you are cute. Everything you do is cute. The way you tiptoe whenever you kiss me is cute. The way you tie your hair, the way your nose wrinkles when you hit me, even your yawn is cute. The way you’re crying right now irresistible.”

“Really? What if I’m not cute anymore?” she laughed amidst her tears clogged nose.

“You’d still make me go crazy.”

“Yeah right. If I get really fat you won’t be thinking that.”

“I would still find you cute and a turn on.”

“I thought surfing turns you on. You get turned on by a lot of things because you’re a guy. What really turns you on, Pi?” Mao said, sniffing and wiping the last of her tears. Yamapi looked at her pensively as she did so.

“My girlfriend’s laugh turns me on.”

She looked at him and tried to choke back laughter.

“Then I’ll never laugh again in front of you.” she joked, her nose shining red.

They left the movie house and wandered idly around the mall. They were still incognito, although a few people ogled at them once in a while, probably because they were an attractive pair. They had dinner at a ramen house where there were only two customers besides them. Mao’s eyes were still puffy and red from all the crying and she still kept sniffing.

“People might think I’m the one who made you cry.” he said, putting his hands on her face and wiping her wet eyelashes with his thumbs.

“One of these days you’re going to make me cry.” she said.

“I’d never do that. Seeing you cry makes me want to cry.” he said nonchalantly, then their orders came.

Yamapi kept every receipt of everything that they bought that day. He kept their movie ticket, the receipt from their dinner, Mao’s receipt from buying the slurpee, he kept it. He didn’t know why, but he felt like savoring everything associated with her and their first date. After their heavy dinner, they took a cab and headed to Mao’s place.

“You’re planning on spending the night here aren’t you?” she asked smiling wryly, as they walked into her building.

“Well, it’s a Saturday night and when it’s a Saturday night, Akanishi invites his posse of pretty boys and the rest of KAT-TUN to come over and I’d rather not go home to that because I have to meet up with News early tomorrow. Plus, I like sleeping next to you.” he explicated.

They were beat from all the walking they did, so when they got inside they immediately settled in. Yamapi jumped on the couch and lied down, sending Akanishi a message that he wasn’t coming home. He turned on the TV while Mao took a quick bath. He really had planned to stay over at her place, which is why he brought clothes in his bag. He changed in the living room, in front of Hug-chan, who merely sat there looking up at him. He didn’t bother wearing a shirt since he’s normally shirtless whenever he goes to bed. He was watching an episode of Utaban where Utada Hikaru was the guest and he laughed amusedly everytime the Nakai talked. Mao came out and joined him in watching. She snuggled up to him on the couch and rested on his arm and had a close look at his wonderful abs. She nodded off after half an hour on his arm, and he wouldn’t move her an inch even though his arm was turning numb. It was getting late and he was sleepy himself, good thing Hug-chan sneezed and woke Mao up. She lifted her head, and Yamapi rubbed and flexed his arm immediately.

“Gomen ne, Pi-chan, I fell asleep on your arm.” she said, after realizing why he looked a bit pained.

“It’s okay, let’s go to bed.” he said and switched everything off, before they went into the room.

They got under the covers and Mao switched off her lamp. Yamapi buried his face in her blanket.

“Your bed smells really good.” he whispered gleefully, which made her laugh.

They lied down facing each other again.

“Do you know there’s a bed scene in our dorama?” Yamapi asked in the dark.

“Yes.”

“We are so well-practiced, then.”

She gave out a small laugh, then they kissed, with the moonlight streaming through her window and onto them. It was just the kind of kiss Yamapi wanted before going to sleep. Sweet, yummy, and leaves him satisfied yet wanting for more. It was a long kiss goodnight, but it didn’t get farther than that, except for the instance where Yamapi somehow winded up making out with her neck (sorry, kids, PG-13). They fell asleep cuddling (and no, ‘cuddling’ is not a sexual innuendo like you’re thinking) and they slept really well.

But again, nothing happened between them—well, except for a lot of kissing and holding, but other than that, they slept soundly in each other’s arms the way they did the night before.


--END OF SEVENTH CHAPTER--

missingY O U

Title: EVERYBODY’S GOT SOMETHING TO HIDE EXCEPT ME AND MY HONEY
Starring: Yamashita Tomohisa and Inoue Mao and A LOT of other famous people
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Love/comedy
Disclaimer: No I don’t own Yamapi (though I wish and pray hard I do) or Mao. I am not whatsoever affiliated with JE either. It’s fiction. Look it up in the dictionary.
Chapters: ?


CHAPTER 7 (Part I)

Mao was wearing a skimpy cowgirl outfit, and holding a whip. She stood before him, looking at him as if beckoning him to come nearer, yet it also glinted with danger, as if she was ready to whip him any second.

“What’s the matter? Don’t you wanna come closer?” she droned, her voice strangely seductive.

Yamapi froze in place, unable to snap himself to focus; she was a vision in a cowgirl outfit, she was the embodiment of his fantasies, she was his liquid dreams come true.

“Fine, then. I’ll come closer.” she said, then began walking in a cat-like manner towards him, her whip in her hand.

“What’re you going to do?” he stammered.

“Sshh.” she shushed him, putting her index finger on his lips.

“Do you really love me?” she whispered.

He nodded.

“Will you do everything I say?”

“Eh…?”

“Will you, Pi-chan? Pi-chan?”

Her seductive voice faded and echoed in his head, and it was replaced by her normal, sweet voice.

“Pi-chan?” Mao said softly, nudging his shoulder.

He slowly opened his eyes to see Mao with messy hair. He realized his head was resting on the pile of books on the table, and he had slept in that position. He gradually lifted his head up and squinted his sleepy eyes. He glanced at his watch. 1:35 AM.

“I fell asleep?” he asked, his voice cracked.

They both had fallen asleep while studying and reading at the table together.

“We both did. But I woke up earlier when the phone rang.” Mao answered, packing away all the stuff on the table.

Wait, he thought. He had a somewhat pornographic dream of her in a racy cowgirl outfit with a whip, was their magical kiss also a dream too?

“Wait, we kissed…right?” he asked, looking uncertain.

“Uhm, yes we did. And you kept holding my hand while we studied, I woke up and you were still holding it.” she said, laughing a little.

Yamapi did recall doing that before dozing off and he smiled.

“You better go home and sleep because tomorrow we’re going to Okinawa.”

“Eh?”

“They called, saying that the whole staff and cast will have some kind of bonding thing in a resort which they rented. They said that that they told out managers to cancel our original plans for tomorrow, seeing as it is last minute.”

“Why do they always bring news at the last minute? They never recognize the perfect time to break the news unless it danced naked in front of them. So annoying.” he said exasperatedly, remembering the last time they called him up at such a short notice.

“Well, I’m excited. Aren’t you? It’s an overnight stay. I want to go surfing so bad.”

“You surf too? I am so turned on. We’re a match made in heaven.”

“Yosh. You better get going now. It’s dangerous to drive this late so be careful.” she said, pulling him up from the chair and walking him to the door.

“Make sure you wear a bikini tomorrow. The kind where you tie the straps into a ribbon at the back of your neck… I like that kind.” he joked, and she slightly pushed him on his firm abs.

“Bye-bye. Be careful.” she said, and opened the door for him.

“I’m not going without a kiss. Chuuuuu….” he said, puckering his lips.

“Oh, do we do that now? Kiss goodbye and stuff?”

“Of course. That’s what couples do. Haven’t you had a boyfriend before me?”

“Yeah I have, but we don’t really kiss goodnight and all that, although we do kiss a lot and—“

“Okay that’s enough, no need for details.”

Mao semi smiled at his childishness.

“Goodnight.” she said, then gave him a quick kiss on the lips, to which Yamapi responded with a loud MWAH sound.

“Yosh! Ja ne, honey.” Yamapi exclaimed like a drunken person.

He skipped away jauntily, then Mao closed the door. He’s becoming more and more like his former character, Akira.

The following morning was a blur for them. They barely got any sleep and they had to wake up extra early when separate company cars came to pick them up to usher them to the hangar where a huge private jet plane was waiting for them. Miraculously, everyone involved in the dorama fit into the private jet. Yamapi and Mao were warmly welcomed by everyone when they boarded. The jet was oozing with noise and buzz, it seemed as if everyone had already bonded. The two sat together and both of them were still pretty groggy, especially Mao who had to wake up at the dead of night because Hug-chan peed in her room and she had to clean it up. She had dark circles under her eyes, and she looked like she was about to snooze off any second.

“Daijoubu?” Yamapi asked her with his morning voice, putting his hand on her head.

She nodded and rubbed her eyes.

“Go to sleep.” he told her in a soothing way and kissed her on the forehead.

Not a minute later, she did, and so did he. They slept throughout the whole ride. They woke up just as soon as the jet landed, where Koike Teppei, who was seated just in front of them, took a picture of them with his digital camera.

“Kawaii.” Teppei said, as Mao and Yamapi stretched and rubbed their eyes.

“Koike-kun.” Mao greeted, still in a sluggish daze.

“We’re here. I took pictures of you two while you were sleeping. It would’ve been cute without Pi drooling.” Teppei smiled.

“Nanni?” Yamapi laughed and looked at the pictures in Teppei’s cam. He did not look attractive at all. Mao laughed a breathy laugh at them.

Before they boarded off the jet with everyone, the three of them took one picture together. They walked excitedly out of the jet, ecstatic to see sunny and bright Okinawa. When they climbed down the steps, they were startled to find everyone immobile, and dumbstruck. Then that’s when they learned it was raining. Not only was it raining—it was raining hard, with dark clouds, lightning and thunder, basically the whole shebang.

“I shouldn’t have brought my surfboard.” Yamapi said, crestfallen.

Everyone was pokerfaced and silent as they rode a shuttle bus to the resort hotel. Yamapi’s phone was ringing off the hook, all his friends were wondering where he had gone to. Koichi called up Mao, asking if she had any spare time that day because he needed help in something, but she told him she couldn’t, and explained the situation they were currently in.

“We head back tomorrow. Maybe we’ll see each other then.” Mao said discreetly, otherwise Yamapi, who was just beside her, would have a jealous fit once again.

“Are you okay coming over to my apartment?” Koichi asked.

The real question was, if Yamapi knew about this, would he be okay with it.

“Hold on. I’ll have to see, I’ll call you back.” she said.

They hung up.

“Who was that?” Yamapi asked, drinking a bottle of distilled water.

“It was Koichi-san. He was asking for help in History, and he thought maybe we should meet again tomorrow at his apartment, is that okay?”

Yamapi choked, spat out water and coughed liked mad, Mao had to slap his back as everyone in the bus turned to their direction.

“If you go there I will make you sing and dance Seishun Amigo a hundred times in the middle of Shibuya.” Yamapi seethed.

“It’s not like we’re going to do something bad.”

“I didn’t say you can’t go. I just said that if you go to his apartment, I might never forgive you and make you dance in public. But it’s your choice really.” he said so casually, causing Mao to make a face at him. One of these days, I will have the opportunity to manipulate and punish him, she thought.

When they arrived at the resort, they all filed out of the bus and made room assignments inside the hotel. Yamapi would share a suite with the other guys in the staff and cast, but Mao got special treatment and had a room to herself. They not only had the hotel to themselves, they also had the beach to themselves as well. One of the producers had told them that as soon as the rain stopped they would play volleyball outside so for the meantime they had to settle into their rooms. Mao was blissful she had her own room, while Yamapi was not so thrilled about sharing a room with a dozen other guys, as if being around NewS all the time wasn’t enough already. He wanted privacy for at least one day and he was expecting to get it from this overnight stay. Mao was unpacking her stuff on her queen-sized bed when Yamapi called saying he was coming over. They talked over on the phone even until he knocked on her door. They only hung up when she let him in. Such dorks.

“Was anyone following you? Or see you come in?” she asked apprehensively, quickly closing the door.

He was wearing a plain white shirt and board shorts, kind of like he was at home. Mao had changed into shorts too, and tied her hair up messily, just like she would when she sleeps.

“No. Even if there was, why would that scare you?” he asked, opening the mini bar.

“It wouldn’t. It’s just that I’ve never been with someone famous before and if everyone found out, it would cause a huge stir. My family and friends don’t even know yet and they’d be mad if the public found out about us first.” she explicated, continuing her unpacking.

“Oh I see. But as far as I’m concerned, we’ve got nothing to hide. Hiding and secretly going out would seem as if we’re ashamed of each other. I’m tired of hiding relationships and keeping it a secret.” he said, looking out the window, which had a good view of the ocean…and the dark rainy clouds above it.

“You’re supposed to hide it. You’re a Johnny’s. You’re going to get reprimanded by Johnny himself if we just, you know, blurt it out to the public.”

He stood on her bed and jumped up and down, messing up the clothes that she just folded nicely.

“I don’t really care anymore. Pi-chan is dating Mao-chan. Period.” he said babyishly.

“Pi, get down! You’re messing up everything.” she bleated at him, who messed up the bed sheets as well.

He jumped down from the bed and snatched her yellow bikini top with the halter straps from the pile of clothes.

“Kawaii!” he said euphorically, stretching it in front him.

“Don’t do that it’s going to stretch! It’s going to get big I only have small boobs.” she cried, trying to grab it back.

Yamapi stopped dead and stared at her chest. Mao slapped him lightly on the cheek and he laughed.

“At least they’re real. I like it more natural.” he said, giving the top back.

“Why, did all your concubines have fake boobs?” she scoffed.

“Yeah. Most of them. Goto Maki’s was fake for sure.”

“How would you know?”

“I would know once I touch them. Fake ones are hard and stiff. Like, the moment I touch a girl’s boob, I instantly know if she’s got some work done—“

“You are one step away from getting kicked out of my room.”

“Ha-ha. Looks like I’m not the only jealous one in this relationship.”

“I’m not. I just don’t want to know about your past sexual rendezvous with probably all the gravure models and ex-Morning Musume members there is.”

He sat on the edge of her bed and rested on his elbows.

“So you want to do it too or what?” he said jokingly and got hit on the stomach. She’s small and thin but she sure can hit. He flinched and groaned a little.

“So we won’t have sex at all forever?” he goaded, still amused at the expressions her face was showing.

“Oh my god, stop talking right now.” she said agitatedly and threw a balled up sock at him.

“I’m bored, let’s go outside.”

“It’s raining if you haven’t noticed.”

“We can swim now, because the thunders are gone and look, the rain had slowed down. It doesn’t matter if it’s raining, we’re going to swim and get wet anyway.” he said, looking out the window again.

Mao thought about it and it would be a shame to bring her swim suit if she wouldn’t wear it.

“Yeah okay let’s go.” she said.

Before they knew it they were running towards the beach in the rain, with Yamapi carrying his surfboard, even though there weren’t waves. Mao quickly took off her shirt and shorts, revealing her yellow bikini that Yamapi thought were cute. They were both wet before they even got into the water. They hastily ran to the water before it got cold.

“Why are you bringing the surfboard for?” Mao asked.

Yamapi got on the surfboard and lay down on his stomach.

“I brought it all the way here so I have to use it.”

Mao looked around and it was as if it was a deserted island. The atmosphere was grey and ominous; she had never been swimming under a weather like this.

Yamapi sat up on his surfboard.

“Come up.” he said and extended his hand to her.

She took it and he pulled her up, almost slipping out of balance in the process. They straddled on the surfboard like it was a motorcycle and held on to it whenever a strong current swept them away. It was like a ride in the amusement park. The rain gradually went away, but the dark skies remained hovering above. They then jumped back into the water and splashed around, having a water fight like kids. They even had a contest on who could hold their breath longest underwater, in which Mao won three times in a row. Mao didn’t realize how built Yamapi really was since it was the first time seeing him shirtless. He kept goofing around, flexing his biceps and showing his abs.

“Is that how you do fan service?” she laughed.

“Depends. Are you a fan?”

She nodded.

“Then my fan service for you is this.” he said, pulling her towards him and attempting to kiss her.

“No. What if someone comes out and sees us?” she said cautiously.

Yamapi turned to look around, and for sure there was no one around. He put her hands around his neck and pulled her closer.

“Breathe in and hold your breath.” he told her.

Looking dubious, she breathed in deeply and then held her breath. That was the cue for Yamapi to pull her underwater with him and as soon as they were submerged, he kissed her. It took Mao by surprise, but she didn’t want to go up the surface any time soon. It was each of their first underwater kiss and it felt as if they could go on forever, even if it meant running out of air. She didn’t care if she would drown, because he was there with her, and for the record, he was already practically giving her CPR.

The rain had finally seized when they went back inside, and by the time they went back inside, everyone was gathered in the lobby singing and playing a game. They were careful not to be seen as they snuck into their rooms. That afternoon they had a mini volleyball game and some of the guys played Frisbee, while the others swam and sunbathed even though there was no sun. Mao and Yamapi joined in, though they only watched at the sides and talked with their co-workers. There was a large picnic wherein everyone pigged out, and by that time, everyone knew each other already. Teppei kept taking pictures and Yamapi, the camwhore that he was, was never missing in a shot. When it was almost getting dark, the men set up a big bonfire and everyone was free to put whatever they want in a stick and roast it on the fire. Mao was overjoyed at the fact that she got along and bonded with everyone she has ever worked with in a dorama. This was what kept her going and this is why she is motivated to work.

After their heavy dinner and a lot of talking and laughing, everyone set out to their rooms to get some rest, after their long day. Yamapi’s roommates however, decided to throw a private party in their suite, with alcohol and a mini karaoke marathon. Yamapi politely excused himself and told everyone he would be going to bed first, since he lacked sleep. But then he realized it was hard to even close his eyes with all the noise and the smell of cigarettes and beer. It was just like bringing Akanishi with him.

Mao, after going to a long onsen session with the other ladies, went straight to bed. She looked at her clock and it was almost midnight. She wondered how Hug-chan was, leaving him with a next door neighbor. She yawned, then wondered if Yamapi was already asleep. She smiled, and thought he was probably still partying with his roommates. After that, she fell into deep slumber. It only seemed to last for like half an hour, because she woke up when someone knocked. She walked in slow motion on her way to the door, feeling heavy-eyed. She opened the door to see Yamapi, looking adorably sleepy with his hair messed up and holding a pillow.

“I can’t sleep in that room.” he said then went in, Mao closing the door behind him.

Yamapi sat on her bed, hugging his pillow.

“I thought you were staying up all night partying and drinking.” she yawned.

“No. I’m actually tired of it for once.” he said lazily.

Mao stroked his hair the way she would with Hug-chan. He looked so cute looking like he just got out of bed. He crawled his way under the covers and curled up to his favorite sleeping position. Mao went under the covers as well, lying beside him.

“No unnecessary touching.” she warned him, whose eyes were already closed.

She turned off the lamp and Yamapi pulled her to him and held her as if she was a teddy bear. He noisily took a sniff of her hair.

“Did you wash your hair?” he joked and they silently laughed after Mao pounded his arm.

They faced each other, with Yamapi still holding her tight like a stuffed toy.

“Mao-chan. I’ve never slept beside a girl before without having to do it.” he whispered.

Mao was about to kick him in the groin, but he went on before she could.

“But that kiss we had will never top anything. Even though I was super turned on I never thought of going further than that kiss, because that long kiss was way better than any sex anyone will ever have.” he said in a low, soft undertone.

Mao smiled, putting aside the kicking-in-the-groin idea.

“Goodnight, Pi-chan.” she murmured.

“Goodnight.” he replied.

She shifted to lay on her back and Yamapi followed by snuggling her and nuzzling on her neck. She fell fast asleep to his soothing breathing on her neck and he fell asleep to her sweet lulling smell.

Sorry to disappoint you, but nothing happened between them that night.

missingY O U

Title: EVERYBODY’S GOT SOMETHING TO HIDE EXCEPT ME AND MY HONEY
Starring: Yamashita Tomohisa and Inoue Mao and A LOT of other famous people
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Love/comedy
Disclaimer: No I don’t own Yamapi (though I wish and pray hard I do) or Mao. I am not whatsoever affiliated with JE either. It’s fiction. Look it up in the dictionary.
Chapters: ?

CHAPTER 6

It was a party that got everyone washed out and hammered. Yamapi was supposed to bring Mao home but he had to give Tego a ride home too because he was as drunk as a fish. He didn’t want to put Tego and Mao together in one car otherwise Tego would harass Mao. Mao rode with Shun and the others on the way back, and as eventful as the night turned out to be, she was glad she came. She was able to see her beloved ex-co-stars once more and catch things up with them.

The next couple of days happened and went by so swiftly, as if they were on fast-forward mode. Yamapi and Mao’s sessions continued, and one time, they went to school together using Mao’s car (while Mao drove) so that Yamapi could coach her with directions. This was when they had their first argument. They bickered over which was the better shortcut, debating and arguing like kids until it got to Mao hitting him on the arm multiple times, Yamapi constantly grabbing the wheel, and at one point, using of yakuza language. In the end, Yamapi apologized at least 40 times. Exams were getting nearer and so was their drama. Yamapi felt more pressured everyday. But stressed though as he was, Mao was his silver lining, who never failed to make him happy and in love with each passing day. The same goes with Mao. She lives alone and felt a tad bit lonely and incomplete but when Yamapi came, she felt like she gained a new family and best friend at the same time.

It’s another day, and they were in school sitting at a table in some study lounge studying together, this time, with Koyama. Koyama observed Yamapi’s sudden shift of behavior. He’s never seen him act so differently before. He watched Yamapi trying to steal another picture of Mao with his phone while she was reading. But then she snatched it from him and held it with both her hands. Yamapi reached for it but she wouldn’t give it back. They looked like kindergarteners fighting over a toy.

“Give it.” he said, holding both her wrists.

Mao resisted, not even looking up from her book.

“Sexual harassment. Sexual harass—“ she told him but Yamapi was too strong for her and grabbed his phone back.

Koyama shook his head, knowing too well what was going on between them.
At that moment, a tall, foreign-looking guy (who resembled a bit like Shirota Yuu) passed by their table and waved at Mao.

“Mao-chan.” he said, in a low, manly voice.

Yamapi turned to Mao, who looked pleasantly surprised.

“Koichi-san.” she chirped.

“I’ll see you later.” he said.

“Right.” she replied, before he went.

She kept her smile on even until he went, while Yamapi looked at her as if she had slapped him in the face. Koyama on the other hand, watched the guy walk away in awe, then turned to Mao and Yamapi.

“Kakkoi!” Koyama exclaimed like a fangirl.

This time, Yamapi looked like he was about to punch his friend.

“Who was that?” Koyama asked curiously.

“Koichi-san? He’s a transfer student from England. He’s mixed race. His mom’s half-Japanese and half-Chinese. He’s so good at speaking Chinese I don’t know why he has to take it up.” Mao replied.

“You seem to know a lot about him.” Yamapi said, interested to know how they know each other.

“He sits beside me in class.”

“And what was that ‘I’ll see you later’ part about?”

“Oh, since he’s new he has to make up for the things he missed, which is a lot, so I have to help him.”

“Why does it have to be you?”

“Because it’s the polite thing to do, since I’m his first friend here.”

“So you’re seeing him later?”

“Yeah.”

“Isn’t there another guy you have to teach, sensei? Like me?”

“We an study at my house tonight. After I help Koichi-san. You can wait for me in my house, I’ll give you the key.”

“Why do I have to wait? I’m your first student, you should prioritize me.” Yamapi debated.

Mao handed him the keys, then patted his head.

“Don’t worry, you’re still the teacher’s pet.” she said playfully.

She gathered her things and then stood up.

“Ja ne.” she chirruped.

She was about to leave but then Yamapi held her back by the hand.

“Nanni?” she asked.

“Where are you going?”

“Class. I still have one more class.”

“Oh.”

She turned t leave but he didn’t let go of her hand.

“Nanni?” she asked again.

“Where will you and he be studying?”

“At a café nearby maybe.”

“Will you be home by dinnertime?”

“I don’t know. Probably.”

“I’ll cook dinner. SO be early.”

“Eh? All the food in my house is instant.”

“Just don’t take long.”

Mao nodded hurriedly and attempted to go but he still held her by the wrist.

“Tomohisa, I’m late!” she said urgently.

“Call me after your class.”

“Okay.” she said absent-mindedly, trying to break free and run.

“Please?” he asked, a trace of plea in his voice.

“I’ll call you.” she said reassuringly.

At that, he let go and she sprinted away after waving goodbye to Koyama.

Yamapi rested his chin on his palm and looked as if he lost in a match.

“That sucks, huh.” Koyama said sympathetically.

“Shut up.” Yamapi said miserably.

All throughout the afternoon, Yamapi didn’t think about anything except of the probability of Mao being swept away by the handsome, multi-lingual transfer student, who looked like he was better than anyone in sports. I bet I can beat him in surfing, though, Yamapi thought. When the day was about to end, Yamapi headed to Mao’s place. He browsed through her kitchen cupboards and drawer.

“Wow, everything really is instant.” he said, after seeing all the instant cups of noodles and soup.

“That’s why she’s so thin, ne Hug-chan?” he smiled at the dog, which was happily wagging its tail at him.

His phone rang loudly and he fumbled over himself to answer it, knowing that it was her calling.

“Pi-chan, my class is done.” she said immediately, sounding chipper.

“Where are you going now?”

“I’m with Koichi-san right now. We’re on our way out of school.”

“Did you hear that Hug-chan? She left us for another guy. What do you say to her?” Yamapi told the dog and held his phone in front of Hug-chan as it barked.

“See? He’s pretty mad at you.” Yamapi pointed out.

Mao laughed on the other line.

“I’ll just give him a kiss when I get home, and he’ll forgive me.” she said.
“Well I won’t forgive you even if you kiss me.”

“You can stay made at me then.”

“Don’t be late.”

“Why? Yesterday you were late.”

“That was different. I had a photoshoot. You have to come home early or else I’ll look through your underwear drawer.”

“Haaahh?! Majide! You really are hard to deal with!” she said, half-laughing.

“Hurry up or I’ll lock you out of your own house. Okay? Konkon!”

“Bye bye.”

They hung up, both laughing while doing so.

“Was that your boyfriend?” Koichi asked as they got in his BMW.

“Yamapi? No. He’s my student. And my co-star.”

“Student?”

“I’m helping him the way I’m helping you now. He’s been very buys being famous and all and missed a lot of classes.”

“You call him Pi-chan?” he asked, rather amused.

Mao laughed quietly, smiling to herself.

“Yeah, he prefers I call him that, the weirdo.”

They did their studying in a café nearby. They did a lot of talking and Mao found out he was basically into all kinds of sport there is., that he’s a fan of L’arc~en~ciel and SMAP, and that he’s been to all the places that she visited in the U.S. She also realized that he had the same brownish grey eyes as Eiji Wentz. He was quite skilled in Chinese, so he didn’t need much reviewing in that area. Out of the blue they found themselves conversing in Chinese, the way she and Abe used to do during HYD days.

“Ni ming bai ma?” she asked, after telling him the whole scope of what he missed.

“Wo ming bai le.”

“Sugoi. Now what’s that in English?” Mao said, still not over the fact that he speaks well.

“I understand.” he said with a thick British accent.

Mao looked thoroughly impressed, her eyes widened and looked like saucers.

“Kakkoi!” she gushed, which made him laugh.

“Ni zhen de ke ai.” he said, as if entertained.

Mao smiled humbly.

“Of course.” she said in Engrish and laughter followed.

She was having so much fu with using different languages she didn’t realize the time. Yamapi was waiting for her impatiently. Just as he had feared, she was running late. He did all kinds of things to keep himself preoccupied—clean the house, give Hug-chan a bath, paint his toenails using her nail polish and then erasing it afterwards, do 80 push-ups and so on.

“I shouldn’t call her, right Hug-chan? If she’s going to be late, which I told her not to be, she should call.” he told the innocent dog.

“Yosh. I’ll just start on my own.” he decided, picking up one of his books and flipped through its pages idly. He sat on the couch, flipping the pages leaf by leaf, but his gaze was fixed on the door and it stayed there.

“Thank you for the ride.” Mao said hurriedly, before getting off from Koichi’s car and closing the door.

“Thank you for your time. I’ll see you then.” Koichi said through the window and Mao waved while rushing into the building.

Yamapi is almost tearing his own books by the way he’s turning the pages. His eyes were still fixed on the door, and he wasn’t even blinking. When he heard running footsteps from outside, he laid down on the couch ad pretended to be so into reading the book. The door swung open without delay.

“Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry.” Mao panted as soon as she got in.

Yamapi didn’t budge. Hug-chan ran to her and as promised, she gave him a kiss. Now her only problem is the other one, who seemed as if he didn’t hear a thing. She came up to him, knelt on the floor, and nudged his arm.

“Pi-chan. Pi-chan I’m home.” she twittered, thinking that calling him that would help. But apparently it didn’t. She shook his arm and sighed.

“I’m sorry okay? I didn’t realize the time because we were so into talking Chinese. I was going to call you and tell you I’m late but I figured you’d be mad anyway.” she explained, sounding like she really felt bad about it. And she really did.

Yamapi was reading the same line over and over again since she came in. Mao looked around and noticed how clean her place is.

“You cleaned the place…” she said under her breath.

Yes, he did, among many other things.

She snatched the book from him viciously.

“I’ll do anything. I’ll accept your punishment.” she said determinedly.

Yamapi had no facial expression whatsoever while he sat up and crossed his arms over his chest.

“Sing and dance Seishun Amigo.” he said flatly.

“Haaahh?! Are you serious?”

He looked dead serious.

Mao made an exasperated face.

“This sucks.” she said to herself, as she stood up.

“Yosh. If you laugh, even the slightest bit, I will hurt you. Here goes.” she said nervously.

She breathed deeply, then, to Yamapi’s delight, she sang and even did the dance to the chorus of his own song. Her voice was high-pitched, and he wasn’t used to hearing his song being sung in such a pitch. But the way she danced was just too adorable and cute for him to resist. He felt like grabbing her and eating her up, all anger forgotten. Who was he kidding; he couldn’t stay mad at her even for 10 minutes. When she finished the chorus, she just stood there, waiting for his ‘I forgive you’ but after a good 5 seconds, Yamapi burst into laughter, crouching down and stomping his feet. Mao frowned and hit him hard on the arm, her favorite spot.

“Itai! Nanni? I forgive you already!” he said, still laughing.

She attempted to turn him into a punching bag but he grasped both her arms and stood up.

“Okay, okay, I’ll stop.” he said happily.

She gave him one last punch on the chest, which was hard as a rock.

“You really are horrible.” she whined.

“See, that’s what you get for forgetting me.” he remarked, sitting back down. She sat down beside him as well, tired from all the dancing and hitting.

“My back ached from all the cleaning I’ve done. Massage me?” he said in a pained expression.

“Fine. Turn around.”

And he did as he was told and started giving him a back rub. Yamapi never had a massage this good.

“I didn’t forget you. I just didn’t look at the time.”

“And why didn’t you?”

“Well, instead of me teaching him, it was him who taught me new Chinese and English words. It was so cool. He has this cool British accent.”

“I don’t want to hear it.”

Mao smiled coyly and taunted him.

“Nanni, nanni? Are you jealous?” she said in sing-song, expecting hi to get all defensive and agitated.

“Yes. Crazy jealous. What you should know about me is that I easily get jealous. Just as you easily get sick.” he said straightforwardly, looking over his shoulder.

“Well you shouldn’t be.”

“But I am. You had too much fu with him. You like hi don’t you? Let’s be honest here. I was honest about my feelings, now it’s your turn.”

Mao was fed up with his childish whining; she pressed her knuckles hard on his back, her face distorting as she did so.

“Aaahh! Itai!” Yamapi cried, flinching.

Mao stood up with an annoyed expression and Yamapi look at her with the same expression. She turned her back to him and folded her arms over her chest.

“You just don’t get it do you?” she asked.

“Get what?”

She inhaled and exhaled and braced herself before answering.

“The person I like is you. Ba~ka.”

There. She had finally said it.

Yamapi’s lips curled into a big smile. If only he could stand on the couch and do a victory dance he would, but as a man, he had to hide his giddiness, otherwise, he would drive Mao away. He tried not to come off as pathetic and desperate with his response.
He cleared his throat, making sure there was no trace of giddiness in his voice.

“So, you want to be my girlfriend or what?”

Real smooth, Pi. Really smooth.

Mao turned to him, obviously caught off guard.

“Aren’t you the one who said that you’re cursed and we can only be friends?”

Good point, he thought. But in his mind, different movies and stories and songs about love played, and none of them mentioned about love being conquered by some curse. None of them were about holding back and hiding. A foreign movie he once watched had a line that said, “When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”

Will he marry her now? Of course not. Was he that in love? Maybe. What he knows for sure is that he wanted to take the opportunity and the risk. Strike the iron while it’s hot. You get the gist. If, in case, the curse really is true, he will not let her go at any cost. He let go of everyone else in the past, but this time, he will beat the odds. He went back to reality and got back to her last statement.

“I think you’ll break the curse.”

“How are you so sure?”

He looked at her for a fleeting moment, a moment that lasted for a few nanoseconds but in those nanoseconds he made a great decision. He walked towards her, held her face and kissed her. It was a kiss that seemed to last forever but at the same time the kind that was so momentary. It felt to him as if it was his first kiss—magical, inexplicable really, and tingly. Coincidentally, she felt the same. When they broke free from it, they looked at each other as if they were dazed and hypnotized. At that, he knew he was sure.

“I’m sure.” he simply said.



--END OF SIXTH CHAPTER--

missingY O U

This is an outlet for my writing and fangirlism

This is ROXIE A. STARR's page for fangirling and writing fanfiction. Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it. Feel free to comment!

"Ryo eats babies for breakfast. Ryo makes grown men cry. Let him do it."
--Shige

1. My moody senpai Nishikido Ryo
2. My boytoy Yamashita Tomohisa
3. My princess Uchi Hiroki
4. My playmate Max Changmin
5. My baka Jin Akanishi
6. My boytoy#2 Taguchi Junnosuke
7. My hero Hero Jaejoong
8. My hottie with a body U-know Yunho
9. My gorgeousie Takizawa Hideaki
10. My surfer stud Oguri Shun
11. My prettyboy Koike Teppei
12. My prince Eiji Wentz
13. My hentai baka Maruyama Ryuhei

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October 2007
November 2007

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