Trouble

Yuya went to answer the door. “Ryo-chan? What are you doing here?” he asked, surprised.

“Where’s Linda?” he asked.

“My neechan? Chotto! You know her?” Yuya asked, chasing after him who went in without being invited.

“Linda-chan?” he asked again.

“Nishikido-kun! Why are you here?” Yuya asked.

Ryo ignored the small guy and went to search for Linda. He went to a room and knocked the door. “Linda-chan! It’s me, let me in. I need to talk to you,” he replied.

Yuya and Yuki watched as Ryo entered Linda’s room. “When do they know each other?” Yuya asked aloud.

In the room, Linda stared at Ryo. “What are you doing here, Chibi?” Linda asked, unhappy.

“Ryo! My name is Ryo, not Chibi!” he exclaimed.

“Chibi,” Linda retorted.

A few minutes later, the doorbell rang. Yuya got up and opened the door. “Yamashita-kun!” he cried.

“Where’s Linda?” he asked, inviting himself in, the small guy once again being ignored by the
older guy.

Yamapi went to Linda’s room and knocked her door. “Ano, Yamashita-kun. Nishi-“Yuya was about to say when Linda’s door opened.

Yamapi was surprised to see Ryo there. “What are you doing here?” Yamapi asked.

“To solve this problem,” Ryo answered, showing him the newspaper.

Yamapi read it and was surprised by it. “The pictures,” Yamapi muttered.

“Both of you get out. I do not want to see any of you anymore,” Linda said quietly.

“Linda, I…” Yamapi started but Linda threw a pillow at him.

“GET OUT!!” she screamed.

Ryo pulled Yamapi out. Linda slammed the door. Yuya went up to them. “What happened?” he asked.

Yuki took the paper and read, “Caught between two princes. Is she a slut or victim?”

Yuya went over to Yuki and gasped when he saw the pictures. There were pictures of Linda with Ryo eating in a posh restaurant and them in a movie, laughing and there were pictures of Linda and Yamapi coming out from the hotel lobby and them by the seaside. “What is this? My sister is NOT a slut!” Yuya replied angrily.

“Those pictures. The one at the hotel was because I brought her to eat at the restaurant at the hotel. Those reporters!” Yamapi cried disgusted.

“What are we going to do?” Ryo asked.

“Explain to Johnny-sama. I refused to answer back to this article when we are innocent,” Yamapi replied, walking out.

yuki and yuya

Yuki look at the pictures she was holding. “ do I really know him?” yuki sat at the living room while yuya was in the kitchen preparing dinner.

Yuya came out and pass yuki a glass milk. “ drink this first, yuki. Dinner will be ready soon.” Yuki turn to him “ tegoshisan, how did we meet?” the kitten was sleeping on yuki’s lap. “ how come I can remember everyone but not you?” yuya don’t have the answer to her questions so he keep quiet.

Yuki hold his hand as yuya wanted to stand up. “ sorry. I guess I just needed an answer from someone. I hate it. I hate it when I cant remember anything about you when you try so hard to help mi recall it. Sorry.. really sorry”

Yuya hug her and whisper in her ears “ its ok. Take your time. I will help u till u can remember everything.. everything about the both of us. It just takes a longer time that’s all. But you will eventually remember.” Yuki nod.

They eat dinner and Linda came home.

“ what is wrong with him! Argh.. stupid guy..” Linda throw her bag on the floor and walked in. “ whats wrong Linda?” yuki asked her. “ guys are so stupid and always know how to spoil my day!” Linda said loudly. “ and you, yuya better don’t irritate mi further before I really bash u up.”

Linda took rice and sit down with them at the table. Everyone eat their dinner in silence. After dinner, Linda went to her room and locked herself inside. Yuki and yuya was sitting in the living room watching TV and eating dessert when someone press the doorbell.

Fight

Linda was rushing out for work when someone grabbed her hand. She let out a short scream before realizing that it was none other than Yamapi. “Yamashita-kun! You scare me!” she exclaimed.

“Where were you last night? I called your phone but it was switched off. What time did you get back? Who were you with?” he demanded.

“My battery was low so I switched it off. I told you I was out with a friend. Why do you keep asking me?” she asked.

Yamapi frowned. His grip on her tightened. “Who is that friend? Why can’t you just tell me?” he asked.

Linda struggled to get her hand out from his grip. “You are hurting me. What’s wrong with you? Why are you so demanding? Why is it so important that you know who my friends are?” she asked.

“I need to know. I am worried about you. I do not want anything to happen to you,” he answered.

“OK, ok.. I was out with Ryo-chan. We had dinner and then watch a movie. Are you happy now?” she answered.

His eyes narrowed. “Ryo?” he asked.

“Yes, Ryo! He’s my best friend, for goodness’ sake! Let go of me! I’m late for work,” Linda replied.

Yamapi forced a kiss on her, hard on her lips and caused her lips to bleed. Linda pushed him away and slapped him. “What’s wrong with you?” she screamed and ran off.

Yamapi looked at her, full of regret of what he had just done. He let his jealousy took over him. Now, Linda would never talk to him again. He frowned and made his way back to the studio.

pictures

After yamapi left, yuya and yuki went out. Yuya was hoping that if he bring her to all the places they had been too, yuki will remember everything about them.

Yuya bring yuki to harajuku where they always go to during their dates. No matter how many place shops they had gone too, yuki just cant seem to remember anything. “ tegoshi-san, I need to rest please.” Yuya went to buy drinks while yuki wait for him at the bench outside a shop.

Yuki seems to recall something as she looked at the neo prints machines. She make her way inside. As she walked by each machines and looked at the board where people paste their pictures, she saw a picture of her and yuya. “ When did I take this picture? Itai.” Her heads starts to hurt as she tries to recall about the past.

Yuya came back with drinks and was frantic when he did not find yuki there. A crowd had formed inside the neo print shop and yuya ran inside. Yuki head was hurting so badly and the shopkeeper had asked her to take a sit. “ yuki, are you okay? Your head hurting again? Eat your med now.” yuya passed the bottle of water and her med to her.

“ sorry, I’m ok.” Everyone had slowly left but there was a few fans trying to take pictures of yuya. “ tegoshi-san, did we came here before? Did we take neoprints together before?” yuya showed the neoprint pictures from his wallet. “ yup, look at this pictures. You were so crazy at that time that you insist we try all the machines here.” Yuki look at the pictures and it was the same as the images from her mind.

“ tegoshi-san, can we take pictures again?” yuki looked at him. yuya nod his head.

caught

Yamapi came to visit Yuki after work, hoping to meet Linda there. He was disappointed when he saw that she was not there. Only her younger brother was there. “Yoz,” he greeted.

“Hey, Yamapi,” Yuki grinned.

“Linda not here?” he asked.

Yuki pretend to look hurt, “You came here to see Linda, not me? I’m so hurt.”

Yamapi looked bewildered. “Eh, no, no...I’m sorry. I just thought that Linda will be here to visit you after going out with her friend. By the way, do you know who this friend is?” he asked.

Yuki shook her head. “How about you, Tegoshi-san?” she asked.

Tegoshi shrugged. “Nee-chan has a lot of weird friends that i do not know about,” he answered.

“Ohh....How are things going with you two? Tegoshi and you cannot be separated. Always together. Sometimes it makes me feel so sick,” Yamapi remarked, earning a pillow smacked into his face.

“Yeah right...How about you and Linda? If i do not know better, you two are getting more intimate, spending nights together,” Yuki retorted.

“How do you know?” Yamapi asked.

“wait, you spend nights with my sister? What did you do to her? Yamashita-san! What did you do to her? I will kill you if you hurt her!” Tegoshi threatened.

“Eh...” Yamapi stammered.

“Tegoshi, let them be. They love each other. He will never hurt her. Don’t you worry,” Yuki tried to calm him down.

Meanwhile,

“Ryo-chan! How can you be late? You are the one who asked me out yet you are late! You are going to treat me. I don’t care,” Linda pouted.

Ryo laughed. He loved it when she threw a tantrum. She never changes, Ryo thought. “Ok, I will treat you tonight,” he replied.

“Hehe...That’s the chibi that i know!” Linda laughed

After ordering the food, they had a talk. “So, how are things going on with your boyfriend?” he asked.

Linda smiled. “He’s fun and funny. He’s boring sometimes but he’s sweet. Don’t tell him but i can spend the whole day just looking at his huge eyes! I loves his eyes! If i have kids, i want my children to have his eyes!” Linda gushed.

“Whoa, you two plan to get married already?” Ryo asked surprised.

Linda shook her head. “No, no..Just a saying. I do not know what he sees in me anyway. I do not think he will marry a woman like me. A lot of people looked up to him,” Linda smiled.

“How do you know he will not marry you? He loves you a lot. I can see that,” Ryo replied.

Linda shrugged. “What are we going to do after this?” she asked, changing the topic.

“Let’s go to the movies,” he replied.

Without them knowing, someone recognized Ryo and took a picture of them together.

Yamapi yawned as he sat in the room, waiting for their manager to arrive. Ryo sat next to him.

“Why so tired? Where did you go last night?” he asked.

“I spent these few days with Linda. Remember that her friend was in coma due to an accident?
Linda was really down and upset so I have to be there for her. She refused to eat and sleep because she is afraid that something will happen to Yuki when she is asleep. Yuki woke upthis morning so Linda is happier and i can relax,” Yamapi replied and rubbed his neck and accidentally showed a red mark.

“Ohh...” Ryo replied and eyed at the mark.

“What is that?” he asked, pointing to the mark.

“Ahh..Mosquito bites. I forgot to close the window and there had been quite a lot of mosquitoes lately at my house,” Yamapi answered smoothly.

Ryo raised his eyebrow but didn’t comment any further. He just felt his heart was being pierced by a thousand knives when he heard Yamapi’s explanation even though he doubted his story.

“Tegoshi is not here today. He took the day off,” Ryo remarked.

“Hmm...” Yamapi nodded as he had already knew it.

During break, Ryo decided to call Linda. “Linda-chan?” he asked.

“Ryo,” she answered chirpily.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“I am talking to Yuki. I’ll be spending the whole day here. I took a few days off,” she told him.

“I see. Want to meet me later? Let’s have dinner together. It’s been quite awhile that we spend time together right?” Ryo asked her out.

“Hmm..i have to get back to you later though. Have to ask Yamapi first. I’ll call you again, ok?” Linda answered.

“Oh...I’ll wait for your answer then,” he replied and hung up.

“Who is that?” Yuki asked.

“A friend asked me out. I have to ask Yamapi about it,” Linda explained and dialled Yamapi’s number.

“Moshi moshi,” he answered.

“Yamapi, a friend of mine asked me out tonight,” she told him.

“Who?” he asked.

“A friend. So, you do not need to see me later. I will see you tomorrow, ok?” she said.

“Chotto! Who is it?” he asked.

“A friend of mine. Ja,” she answered and hung up.

Woke up

Linda had fallen into a dreamless sleep after sometime, worrying about Yuki. Suddenly, her phone rang. She reached groggily for her phone. “Moshi moshi,” she answered.

“Linda!Can you pick me up?” she heard Yuki’s terrified voice over the phone.
Her brain snapped back to reality when she heard Yuki’s voice. “yuki wait for me, I will be there shortly. Don’t cry anymore,”she replied.

Linda sat up and realized someone hugging her. She uncover the quilt and saw Yamapi sleeping. “What is he doing here?” she wondered.

She pried his hand off and caused him to wake up. “Sleep back. You didn’t sleep the whole night,” he murmured and pull her back.

Linda threw his clothes at him. “Yuki called me. I have to go to the hospital,” she explained and ran to the bathroom to bathe and freshen up.

When she went out, she found him all dressed up and ready to go. She looked amused but guessed that he had a lot of practice especially in his line of work. “Let’s go,” he said and stood up.

As soon as she arrived the hospital, she ran in. “Yuki, you woke up!” she hugged her.

“Ne, where am I?” she asked.

Linda looked surprised. “You can’t remember?” she asked.

“She has amnesia,” a voice answered behind her.

Linda and Yuki looked at the owner’s voice. “Yuya, how do you know?” Linda asked.

“The doctor told me,” he asnwered flatly, staring at Yuki.

“Yuki, you forgot him? The super, duper, irritating super idol and super famous brother of mine who is also your boyfriend which up till now i still don’t understand what you see in him,” Linda asked.

Yuya looked annoyed with his sister’s introduction of him. “Nee-chan!” he cried.

Yuki laughed. “I’m sorry, I cannot remember him,” she shook her head.

“How about me?” another voice chirped.

Yuki looked up. “Yamashita Tomohisa, the guy who is in love with a super duper scatterbrain and a kawaii baka which up till now i still don’t understand what you see in her,” Yuki answered, imitating Linda.

“Yuki! How dare you!” Linda exclaimed.

Yuki laughed. “Yamapi, I do remember you. I remember everything except for the accident and him. I can’t remember any moments i had with him,” Yuki replied.

Yuya looked disappointed. “I’ll make you remember me,” he vowed.

“Good luck, brother,” Linda said sincerely.

“You two have a good talk with each other while I see the doctor and ask when Yuki can come home,” Linda replied and went out with Yamapi in tow.

Yuki kept quiet and watch Yuya sitting opposite her. Yuya just stared at her, unsure what to say. “Anou, are you really Linda’s brother?” Yuki asked, breaking the ice.

“Yes, i am. Everyone had been asking me that. Yes, she is. She looks different from me, right?” Yuya asked which Yuki nodded her head.

“You loves her a lot even though she irritates you a lot,” Yuki remarked.

Yuya smiled. “Yes, i do. I love you too,” he replied.

Yuki looked uneasy. “I’m sorry. I should not have said that suddenly. Yuki, can we start all over again?” he asked.

Yuki nodded unsurely. “Ok, i am sure Linda will like that too,” she replied.

yuki

Yuki was in a coma for 3 days and yuya stayed by her side not wanting to leave her for a single moment. No matter how much the others tried to persuade him to have a rest, yuya refused. The kitten was brought home by linda and she brought along yuki’s favourite cd collection.

They played yuki’s favourite song over and over again hoping it will wake her up from her deep slumber. The doctor told everyone the operation was a success but he do not know why yuki is still not awake. In addition, there is nothing he can do further as it all depends on yuki herself.

On the 4th day, yuya had went downstairs to get a cup of coffee. When he was gone, yuki slowly open her eyes. The light in the room is hurting her eyes and slowly her vision became clearer.

“where am i?” yuki look around the empty room. there was pink roses on the table and the whole room is full of her favourite things such as her teddy bear and cds. “ lindachan are you there?” she called out.

The door to her room opened and yuya saw yuki sitting up on her bed. He dropped the cup of coffee in his hands and went forward to hug her. “ chotto matte kudasai.. who are you? Why are you hugging me?” yuki pushed him away.

“ I’m tegoshi yuya, your boyfriend. Remember me? Don’t play this joke on me yuki. Its not funny” yuki throw her pillow at him as he was walking over to her. “ get out, I don’t know you. Get out!” yuki yelled and a nurse came. “ tegoshi san I think you had better leave the room for awhile. I will get the doctor to see you shortly.” The nurse lead yuya out of the room.

Yuki took her handphone from the drawer and dialed linda’s no.

“ moshi moshi.” Linda picked up the phone.

“ linda chan, can you come and pick me up? I don’t know where I am now. I’m scared” said the terrified yuki.

“ yuki wait for me, I will be there shortly. Don’t cry anymore.” linda rushed out of the house after putting down the phone.

Yuya was asked to go inside the doctor’s room. “ doctor, whats happening here? How come she can’t recognize me anymore? tell me now!” yuya demanded an answer from the doctor.

“ tegoshi san, I think she had lost part of her memory. I can’t tell you if it is a temporary or a permanent thing.” The doctor replied the agitated yuya. “ so it means, I have to accept your explanation? Doctor, you expect me to believe your words? There must be a cure for it. Am I right? Doctor answer me!” yuya shouted.

“ I’m sorry, there is no cure. But you could try to bring her to the places you all been to, show her pictures to let her slowly recall her memory. That is the solution I can offer you now, tegoshi san” yuya slammed the door of the doctor room and walked towards yuki’s room.

Yuya put his hand on the door handle but in the end, he left to sit at the empty chairs opposite yuki’s room.

Tegoshi and Yuki

Yuki slowly get used to life which is full of happiness and joy. Linda is slowly getting better with yamapi attentive care. Yuya who used to object to their relationship had slowly begun to accept it. Maybe the happiness portrayed by his sister had managed to change his opinion.

Everyone decided to go for a movie that night to celebrate Linda’s recovery. Both couple decided to spilt up when they reached shibuya. Yuya and yuki went from shop to shop looking at clothes. After awhile, they decided to take neoprints. Holding yuya’s hand as he lead her to the neorpint shop, yuki suddenly stopped in her track and let go of yuya’s hand.

“Yuki chan, what’s wrong?” yuya turned to her and tried to hold her hand again. However, yuki push his hand away.

“Yuya-chan, there are reporters snapping our pictures and many people are looking at you. Maybe we should not hold hands in public because it might affect your career.”

Yuya hold her hand tightly and no matter how hard yuki tried to free her hand, she was unable too. “ kamaimasen. Let them take pictures if they want to. What’s most important to me now is spending time with you, holding your hands as we walked in this busy street. Another reason is, without me holding your hand, you will get lost.” Yuya can’t help laughing as he saw yuki’s angry face.

They reached the shop and saw yamapi and Linda looking at the pictures they just took. Yuya took the pictures from his nee-chan’s hand and showed them to yuki. Linda tried to snatch the pictures back but yamapi held her back.

“Linda-chan, they will return it only when they finish. Trust me.” Linda knows that yamapi is right and started to pout. “ nee-chan, nice picture. “ yuya laughing non stop as he showed the picture where yamapi kissed her on the cheek. Both yamapi and linda was blushing and tried to take the picture back. “ tegoshi, you gonna get it from me.” Yamapi said to yuya as he still continued laughing.

They decided to take a group picture. After that, Linda and yamapi bid them goodbye and will meet up with them at the entrance of the cinema in half and hour time. Before they leave, yuya drag yamapi to a side and warned him that there are reporters around.

Yuya and yuki tried almost all the machines there. Yuya cut out the best picture and put it inside yuki’s purse. Yuki did the same and both of them leave the shop happily hand in hand.

They reached the entrance of the cinema and the guys went to buy snacks. Linda and yuki stood near the roadside busy talking about the movie they are going to watch. Yuki noticed a kitten lying on the road. She told linda to wait for her there and went forward to help the kitten. Yuki picked the kitten up and was about to go back to linda.
Just then, Yuya and yamapi came back and they saw a car speeding towards where yuki is. Yuya run towards yuki but was too late as the car had already hit yuki. Yuki was thrown a few meters away from the impact. It happened just before yuya’s eyes and the shaken yuya dashed to yuki’s side.

Yuki was still hugging the little kitten in her arms and was bleeding profusely from her head injury. Yamapi called the ambulance while hugging linda who was crying uncontrollably. Yuya held yuki’s hand and bring it to his mouth.

“ yuki, don’t die on me. You promised to watch the sunset with me till we both grow old. Don’t leave me. I need you. I really need you in my life.” yuya started sobbing as he held yuki’s hand. The ambulance came and rushed yuki to the hospital. All of them followed the ambulance to the hospital.

Yuya did not let go of yuki’s hand on the journey to the hospital and keep talking to the unconscious yuki. The kitten that is hugged by yuki suddenly meowed. Everyone tried to take the kitten away but yuki’s is hugging the kitten too tightly. “ yuya…” yuki soft voice called yuya. “ yuki, promised me you will not die on me” yuya gripped yuki’s hand that tried to touch his face.

“ promise me that you will take care of this kitten. If I’m gone, this kitten will take my place and bring joy to you. Promise me.” Yuki looked at yuya as his tears rolled down his cheeks. Yuya nod his head and took the kitten from yuki’s hands.

“And p-chan, help mi to take care of linda chan. Linda chan, thanks for taking good care of me all this while. Minna sumimasen, i may not be able to be together with you anymore. sumimasen.” Yuki’s hand slowly dropped to the floor. A beep sound was heard from the machine. the paramedics are trying to revive yuki as her heartbeat had stopped. Linda was wailing as yamapi held her tightly in his arms. Yuya hugged the kitten and sobbed.

They managed to revive yuki and upon reaching the hospital, she was rushed to the operating room. As yuki was wheeled inside the operation room, all of them waited anxiously outside not wanting to leave for a single moment. Linda was still in tears and hugging yuya tightly. “ yuya, she will be fine. Yuki is a strong girl and she can’t bear to leave you alone in this world.” Yuya cried harder while in linda’s arms.

By that time, the media had crowded around the entrance of the hospital wanting to know about this incident. The other news members gradually arrived upon hearing the news. The media tried to get information from the medical staffs but were unsuccessful. The police came and ordered the media to leave.

It has been 3 hours since yuki was wheeled in and the nurses that came in and out of the room refused to tell them anything. After another 30 minutes, the doctor came out.
“ we managed to revive the patient whose heart had stopped twice. Her will to live is strong. However, she is still in danger as there is a blood clot in her brain. Doing an operation now will endanger her life therefore, within 48 hours if the blood clot gets smaller by 5mm, we will do the operation. If not, I’m sorry. There is nothing I can do further.” The doctor walked away.

The nurse wheeled the unconscious yuki to the ICU. Only one person is allowed to accompany her. The rest have to wait outside the glass panel. Yuya passed the sleeping kitten to his sister and accompany yuki inside.

Everyone tried hard not to cry at this sight. Yuya keeps talking to yuki telling her that he will wait for her to wake up, he promised to take care of the kitten and many more. Yuki can hear every single word but was unable to open her eyes to look at yuya no matter how hard she tried. Yuya kissed the tears that rolled down her cheek.

Tegoshi & Yuki

After answering the call from Yamapi, yuya went to sit beside yuki.

“Yuki – chan, nee chan is ok. She is hospitalized as she had fainted on the streets. Yamapi is beside her now. Yuki, I’m so useless. I can’t even protect my sister in times of need.” Yuya started to cover his face with his hands. Yuki just hold him in her arms and let him calm down.

"Yuya, lets go to bed now. You have to go to work early and I have to go to school too. Lets go." Yuki held out her hand and lead yuya to her room. Yuya was fast asleep while yuki is deep in thought. No matter how she tossed and turned, yuki just can’t fall asleep.

Looking at yuya who is sleeping on the floor, yuki still can’t believe that he is hers. The person who cares about her, the person who pampers her, the person who treats her better than her own family does. The tears rolled as she look at the sleeping yuya.

Yuki felt like she is in a dream where she meet tegoshi yuya, a popular singer in Japan. They seems to be perfect for each other and had a lot of beautiful memories. Both of them view the fireworks at the beach, had a walk at the park with sakura’s blooming and him being there whenever she needed him. She is scared that when she wakes up from this wonderful dream, everything will vanish. She will still be yuki, the ordinary girl from Hokkaido living with her senior, Linda in Tokyo. Someone who does not believe in love.


[ the next day ]

yuya held yuki’s hand and walked the familiar way to her school. halfway, yuki suddenly hug him. yuya was stunned but hug her tightly back.

“what’s wrong?” yuya asked yuki, who was hugging him so tightly and sobbing.

“yuya-chan, thanks for everything. I love you. I really do. You make mi believe in love again. Arigato” Yuya smiled when he heard yuki’s words. “yuki, no matter what happens, I promised you that I will be by your side, holding your hands and watching the beautiful sunset till we both grow old and have alot alot of grandkids to take care off.”

His words make yuki laugh and she softly hit his back. “who says I will be with you forever? Who says I want to hold your hand and watch the sunset together?” yuya tickled her.

“ silly girl, wipe your tears and you better hurry. You are going to be late.” Yuki looked at her watch and run along to school leaving yuya laughing behind her.

A 2nd chance...

Yamapi searched the places where she could have gone-the beach, the park, the shopping centers that she loved to go to, the airport and etc. He had searched high and low for her for almost 3 hours and there was no sign of her anywhere.

“Tesshi, have you found your sister?” Yamapi asked.

“No, I have not. She is not back yet. Should we inform the police?” Yuya replied solemnly.

“No, hold on for a few more hours. I will look for her again,” Yamapi told him.

As soon as he hung up, he jogged around the park again, hoping to see her safe and sound. “Linda, where could you be?” he muttered.

The park was located next to a hospital. Yamapi stopped and sat down on the bench, facing the hospital, catching his breath. He was looking into space when something caught his eye. In front of the hospital gate, he saw a figure trying to run away from the hospital. Yamapi stood up and blinked. He looked closer and saw that the figure was somehow familiar. He took off after the figure.

The figure stopped by the corner, panting and started to fall forwards when Yamapi got there in time and caught the person before crashing onto the ground. Yamapi turned the person around and was surprised to see whom it was. “Linda-chan!” he exclaimed.

Yamapi tapped her cheek but she was not responding. He looked at her clothings and saw that she was in a hospital clothes. “What happened?” he thought and he carried her back to the hospital.

The doctor came out from the ward. “Doctor, what’s wrong with her? Why is she here? Who brought her here?” Yamapi asked.

“I have no idea. From what I know, she fainted on the streets this afternoon and there was no identification on her. Her belongings are in the cupboard. She had been unconscious the whole day. She is suffering from lack of nutrition and dehydration. I think she must be upset about something. May I know who you are to her?” the doctor asked.

“I’m…I’m…I’m her boyfriend, Yamashita Tomohisa. Her brother and I had been looking for her the whole night,” he said.

“Hmm..don’t worry. She will be fine,” the doctor assured him.

“When can I bring her back?” Yamapi asked.

“You can bring her home tomorrow morning,” the doctor answered and left.

Yamapi entered the room and sat next to her. Suddenly, his phone rang. It was Yuya. Yamapi went out of the room and told Yuya that his sister was in the hospital and told him not to worry and that he would bring her home the next day.

“I’ll come over now,” Yuya said.

“No, it’s ok. It’s late. You better get home and rest. You have filming tomorrow right? Your sister is fine. Leave her to me,” Yamapi assured him

Yuya sounded unsure but he trusted Yamapi so he decided to put her sister in Yamapi’s trusted hands. Anyway, they two of them need to sort things out between themselves. Yuya went to Yuki’s and his sister’s house to accompany Yuki who was worried sick about Linda.

Yamapi held her hand. “Yamashita-kun,” he heard her calling out his name in her sleep.

Yamapi stared squeezed her hand tighter. “I’m here, Linda-chan. How did you end up like this? Is it because of me?” he asked her but there was no answer since Linda was fast asleep.

Linda woke up the next morning, feeling her throat parched. She reached out for the jug of water when she realized someone was holding her hand. She looked closer and saw Yamapi asleep next to her, holding her hand tightly. “Yamashita-kun,” she whispered.

Linda gently pried his hand off hers and reached out for the jug of water. Her hand slipped holding the jug and the plastic jug crashed onto the floor with a loud noise, which startled Yamapi. “Ahh!” Linda exclaimed.

“Are you ok?” he asked her, checking over her.

Linda nodded. A nurse came in and shook her head and went off to find a cleaner and replace the jug. Yamapi took a glass of water and handed it to her. Linda stared at him while drinking and he too stared at her, drinking. After she finished the water, Yamapi took the glass away. There was silence in the air. Linda made a move to get out of bed. “Where are you going?” Yamapi asked, anxiously.

“I just want to know when I can get out of here. Yuki and Yuya must be worried about me. I need to get home,” she answered.

“I will send you home. Don’t worry, the doctor said you can go home today,” Yamapi informed her.

“It’s ok. I can go home by myself,” she rejected his offer.

“No, you are still unwell. I will send you home,” Yamapi insisted.

Linda shook her head. “No, I don’t want you to send me home,” she said.

“Why?” he asked.

“Because it hurts me so much to be near you,” she answered.

Yamapi stared at her. “Why?” he asked again.

Linda did not answer. “Because you like me,” he answered for her.

Linda closed her eyes and looked away. “So what if that is true? You do not trust me anymore. You gave me to Ryo,” she answered.

Yamapi was taken aback by her words. “I used to care for you, am caring, still care and will care for you in the past, present or in the future,” Yamapi replied.

“Then why do you give up your promise? I know that the kiss hurt you but I did not like it. Ryo forced it on me,” Linda said, tears falling from her eyes.

“I know. When you go missing, I finally realize how much you meant to me. I do not care about the past. I want to continue my promise. Will you let me have a second chance?” Yamapi asked.

Linda looked at him. Slowly, she nodded her head.

Missing

Linda looked behind Ryo and was shocked to see Yamapi staring at them. A look of betrayal flashed across his face as he spun around and left the corridor. “Yamashita-kun!” Linda shouted after him, as she pushed Ryo away from her.

Yamapi walked as fast as he could and broke into a run when he heard Linda’s voice approaching nearer. Linda ran after and caught his arm. “Yamashita-kun, please listen to me,” she begged, catching her breath.

Yamapi looked at her in a stony face. “Just now, it’s not what you think,” she started.

“Not what I think? You were kissing Ryo! And you looked like you enjoyed it!” Yamapi retorted.

“No, that not what it looks like! Ryo was the one who kissed me. I didn’t do anything. Yamashita-kun, please believe me,” Linda begged.

Yamapi closed his eyes. He could feel his heart breaking. “Linda, answer me this question. Ryo is the one whom you love, right? The one that made you cry the one day?” Yamapi asked.

Linda hesitated to answer. “Linda-chan, please answer me. I need to know,” he replied.

Yamapi was hoping that she said no but he could not lie to his heart. He knew that Ryo was the person but he just did not want it to be true. His last hopes were dashed when she slowly nodded her head. “Let’s just stop our relationship here, then,” Yamapi replied quietly.

Linda shook her head. “No, Yamashita-kun. You promised me to give you three months. The three months is not up. Please do not do this,” Linda begged.

“Ryo loves you. And you loves him. Why should I stop the two of you from being together?” he asked quietly and pried her hands off and walked away.

Linda stared after his back. Her heart felt painful. More painful than when she saw Ryo with Leah. “Linda-chan?” Ryo called her.

“I hate you,” Linda whispered to Ryo. Linda brushed his hands off her shoulder and ran out of the building.

(Later that night)

“Linda-chan, dinner is ready,” Yuki knocked the door.

Everyone was surprised when Linda went home suddenly and Yamapi and Ryo came back with a dejected face. They knew that something must be up since Yamapi and Ryo were trying to avoid each other as much as possible when everyone knows that these two are very close.

“I don’t feel like eating,” Yuki heard Linda’s reply.

“But you had not eaten the whole day. Eat something,” Yuki said.

“I don’t want! Leave me alone, please,” Linda said.

“I will leave the food in the fridge. If you are hungry, just heat it up, ok?” Yuki shouted over the door.

Yuki stood at the door for a few more minutes, frowning. She could hear some sniffing and crying sounds coming from the room. She wanted to just barge in but she knew Linda would not tell her why. Linda was a very stubborn person and private. She would tell eventually when she felt like it. If not, she would bite your head off.

A few days passed but Linda was still upset but she looked more cheerful. She did not mention anything about what happened a few days ago. Yuki noticed that Linda had not been bringing her phone lately and always switched it off. Even the home phone, Linda had removed the cable. Yuki got to know from Yuya that Yamapi and Ryo were back to talking terms but there was still a strain between them. Whenever Yuya mentioned about his sister, the two of them would ignore him and pretend as if they did not hear what Yuya was talking about.

That night, Yuki was studying in the living room when she looked up and saw the clock. It was almost 2 am in the morning. It was then that it struck her that Linda had not returned home yet. It was Linda’s night shift the previous night and she should be back by 2pm and would be sleeping the whole day. But today, she did not even call to say that she would be late or not coming home. Worried, she called Yuya. “Yuya, did your sister go back home in Kanagawa?” she asked.

“No, shouldn’t she be in bed by now?” Yuya asked.

“No, she is not. She did not even call,” Yuki told him, worried.

“Call her then,” Yuya said.

“I can’t. She did not bring her phone with her. What am I supposed to do?” Yuki asked, on the verge of tears.

“I’ll call Yamashita-kun and Nishikido-kun and ask if they had seen her. You just stay there ok?” Yuya replied.

“Moshi moshi,” Yamapi answered the phone tiredly as he had been out the whole day filming.

“Yamashita-kun! Did my sister call you?” Yuya asked, in a panicky voice.

“No, why?” he asked, his heart beating fast.

“Did you see her today?” Yuya asked again.

“No, I did not. I was out filming the whole day. Yuya, what’s wrong?” he asked.

“It’s ok then. Take a rest,” Yuya replied and hung up.

Yamapi had a bad feeling and called Yuki. “Yuki-san, what is going on?” he asked.

“Linda is missing. She had not come home yet,” Yuki answered.

“Linda missing?” he asked as fear overwhelmed him.

“Yes, where could she be?” Yuki asked, upset.

“I’ll find her,” he said and hung up.

He took his jacket and rushed out of his house, his only intention was focused on finding her.

Yuya was about to call Ryo when he remembered that Ryo went to Okinawa for some filming with the Kanjani 8 so he decided to forget about it and went out to search for his sister.

Ryo and Linda

A few had passed since that event. Yuya and Yuki had begun to accept the fact that Yamapi was seriously courting Linda. Yuya was slowly trying his best to let go of his sister and allowed her more freedom. He was also glad to see his sister laugh and looking very cheerful especially when she was with Yamapi and vice versa.

One day, Linda was lazing around the living room, behaving like a potato couch when Yuki pulled her to the door. “Eh? Where are you taking me to?” she asked.

“Hmm…surprise?” she answered.

“Matte! In my clothes? Like this?” she asked, pointing to her small pink shirt and a pair of Nike shorts.

“Oh ya, I forgot. I give you 5 minutes to change,” Yuki replied.

“What on earth is she thinking of? Why is everyone dragging me off to somewhere without having the decency of telling me? First it was Yamashita, then it was Yuki, don’t tell me Yuya will be next? No! I don’t want to be dragged!” Linda mumbled to herself.

Yuki chuckled when she heard Linda’s monologue. She had something up her sleeve and she wanted to see some action. After 5 minutes, Linda came out with a pair of jeans and a white kimono-like top.

“Ikoo ne,” Yuki smiled to herself when she saw Linda’s dressing.

Linda was clueless as to where Yuki would be binging her. She just followed her blindly, unaware of the surroundings. When she was standing in front of the lift, then she realized where she was. “Chotto matte kudasai! Koko JE deshio? Doushite atachi tachi koko irundesuka?” Linda asked in surprised.

Yuki laughed. “Come on. Let’s just go up. I brought some food for them and I do not want to go alone so I brought you along. I know you will object so I just kept quiet and knowing how slow in reacting you are, it made my plan works even better!” Yuki explained, opening the door to News’s room.

“No one?” Linda asked.

“Yeah, they are having some recording. They will be back in a few minutes’ time for lunch,” Yuki replied.

A few minutes, News started to stream into the room. “Onee-chan! Yuki-chan!” Yuya exclaimed happily.

“Yu-chan,” Linda grinned.

“Linda-chan!” a voice greeted her happily.

Linda turned and saw Yamapi grinning at her. “Yamashita-kun,” she bowed.

They sat around the table and Linda and Yuki passed the lunch around. The door opened and Ryo came in. Ryo stared at Linda who was sitting beside Yamapi. "Hey,” Ryo greeted and sat down.

“Nah, chibi-chan,” Linda handed out his lunch.

Everyone was looking at Ryo and her. “Chibi-chan?” Yuya echoed.

“Ehh… umm…that. I think u must have heard wrongly. I said, nishikido-chan,” Linda corrected herself.

“Yeah, she called me ‘Nishikido’,” Ryo replied.

They seemed to let the matter rest but Yamapi felt uneasy about it. He watched as Ryo glared at Linda for the mistake earlier. “Umm…I need to go to the ladies,” Linda replied.

A few moments later, Ryo got up and said he needed to go to the gents. Yamapi eyed his close friend’s behavior. Linda and Ryo were behaving quite strangely. He decided to check it out.

Linda was walking back from the ladies when Ryo cornered her. “Linda-chan!” Ryo exclaimed and pulled her to a more private place.

Linda looked at him. “Are we going to keep our relationship a secret from everyone?” Ryo asked.

Linda looked at him. “Haven’t we kept it for so long? Besides, we are happier this way,” Linda replied.

Ryo looked shocked at her answer. “Why are you so cold?” he asked, his voice hurt.

Linda softened. “It’s not that, Ryo-chan. If we tell them, your girlfriend will get hurt, right?” she asked softly.

Yamapi hid behind the wall and heard every single thing that they said. “So, they do shared a close relationship,” Yamapi muttered to himself and walked off with a confused heart.

Ryo looked taken aback. “Ah..Leah,” he muttered.

Linda looked away. Her wounds on her heart opened once again. “You must be happy with her. You two look great with each other. Besides, Yamashita-kun has been seriously dating me so, do not worry about me, ok?” Linda put a fake smile to reassure him.

Ryo heard what she said and without thinking, he kissed her on the lips, hard. A loud gasped was heard behind.

Yamapi's birthday!

“Linda, where are you going?” Yuki asked when she saw Linda dressed up nicely.

Linda tilted her head and grinned. “Hitmitsu,” she answered.

Yuki rolled her eyes. “Himitsu, your head! It’s Yamapi’s birthday, isn’t it?” she replied.

Linda laughed. “You knew yet you ask. That pesky guy not meeting you today? The two of two are so sweet that I could get diabetes!” Linda teased them.

Yuki blushed. “Yeah, yeah. Just wait till you and Yamapi are together. Then we’ll see which couple is the most sweetest.” Yuki retorted.

Linda leaned nearer to Yuki, placing her head on Yuki’s shoulder. “You will win hands down,” Linda replied, giving a wet kiss on Yuki’s cheek.

“Eww…Linda Tegoshi!” Yuki exclaimed and threw a pillow at her but missed as Linda had run out of the door.

“I’ll get her next time. Fancy kissing me!” Yuki grumbled, wiping the kiss off her cheek.

Linda waited downstairs for Yamapi. She was excited to see his reaction when he saw the cake. “Honk!” Yamapi waved from his car.

Linda went in. “Konnichiwa!” she chirped.

Yamapi greeted her and put the car in gear and drove off without further ado. “So, where are we going?” Linda asked.

Yamapi smiled. “Hmm… To my special place,” he answered mysteriously.

An hour drive later, Linda found herself by the seaside in Chiba. “Wow! This is so beautiful!” she exclaimed when she saw the waves crashing onto the sea and the seagulls flying and chirping overhead.

Yamapi smiled. He took her hand and led her to a private place. She was surprised to see a table for two, complete with candles on the beach. It was pretty secluded place so Yamapi need not worry about paparazzi taking photos of them. “Have a seat, my lady,” Yamapi replied, pulling a chair out for her.

“Arigato,” she smiled and looked around in amazement.

“Sa, do you like it?” he asked.

“Yes! But today is your birthday, not mine. You did all this, yourself?” she asked.

“Yup! I did this all for you. I want to celebrate my birthday with someone special to me. Dakara, I want this to be memorable for you and me,” Yamapi replied.

Yamapi had ordered a few dishes and they started eating. At the end of the meal, Yamapi asked her where does she want to go after this. Linda fidgeted in her seat nervously. She wanted to bring out the cake but she was shy. “Linda-chan? Doshitan no?” he asked.

“Anou, umm…I’ve made you something,” she mumbled.

“Nani? I can’t hear you,” Yamapi said.

Linda took a box that she had been holding onto and put it on the table. Yamapi watched quietly. As soon as she opened the box, Yamapi’s eyes widened. “A cake! You made it?” he asked.

Linda nodded shyly. “Arigato! I love it!” Yamapi grinned excitedly.

“Chotto matte! Make a wish before you cut it,” Linda stopped him from cutting it immediately.

“Oh ok,” he replied and closed his eyes.

A few moments later, he opened his eyes and cut the cake. “What id you wish for?” Linda asked curiously.

“You will know it soon,” Yamapi answered mysteriously.

Linda looked at him, questioningly. “Come on, let’s eat the cake you bake for me,” he suggested.

It was almost reaching eight pm when they finished the cake and talk. Unknown to them, someone was watching quietly a few meters away. “Kuso! These mosquitoes really bite!” he replied angrily, swatting the mosquitoes who bit him.

“Let’s go,” Yamapi replied.

“Where?” Linda asked.

“Just to take a walk down the beach,” he suggested.

“Ok!” Linda nodded.

While they were enjoying the walk, Yamapi held her hand. Linda looked at him surprised that she stopped and looked at him. Yamapi smiled at her. He slowly bent down to her and kissed her passionately on the lips, taking her by surprise.

Linda did not push or refuse the kiss. Instead, she felt warm and secure .in his embrace. When they pulled away, Yamapi smiled at her. “This is what I wished for,” he whispered.

Linda did not reply. Deep in her heart, she felt unsure. Her heart was in confusion. Yamapi had done something in her heart, which she did not know. She looked at him and just smiled, unsure of what to reply.

A few meters away, someone’s heart broke. “This cannot be happening,” he muttered to himself, shocked to see the couple kissed.

Yamapi & Linda

“Linda-chan, what’s with all these ingredients?” Yamapi asked as he was sending her back home.

“Ma…Himitsu, ne?” she replied.

Yamapi pouted. As they entered Linda’s house, Yamapi took a seat at the kitchen and watched her keep all the stuff. She turned around and faced him. “Aren’t you supposed to get going?” she asked.

“Yes, but I want to know what you are up to,” he answered.

“Oh no, you won’t. You better get your butt off that chair and in your car. I don’t want you to be speeding all the way back to the company. It’s dangerous,” she said, pulling him up.

Yamapi smiled. “So, you do care for me. One step closer to your heart, right?” he grinned.

“Ahh…that, I. umm..” she hesitated when her phone rang.

“What took you so long to answer? Asleep? How are you going to get married at this rate?” a voice chuckled over the other line.

Linda who was pushing Yamapi out of the door, exclaimed, “Nishikido Ryo! You idiot! I’m not talking to you anymore! Yamashita-kun, go to work now!”

Yamapi was taken aback by the name. “Ryo-chan? You know Ryo-chan?” he asked but a door slammed in front of his face before he could get any answer.

He wanted to knock the door and asked about it but he looked at his watch at saw that he was going to be late. He stared at the door again and when off. “Linda-chan! Ittekimasu!” he shouted.

“Hai!” she answered.

Ryo was staring at his phone. “Yamashita-kun? What is he doing there so early in the morning?” he mumbled to himself; a streak of jealousy went through him.

News was idling around in their lounge when Yamapi who was the latest arrived. “P, Ozoi na!” Koyama chided him.

“Gomen,” he apologized sheepishly.

Ryo stared at him. Yuya also stared at him. They went to the recording studio and recorded their latest songs till late in the evening with Yuya and Ryo looking for opportunities to ask Yamapi about his relationship with Linda.

Meanwhile, back at Linda’s house.

“Whipped the butter and eggs. Bake it into the oven. Put the icing on top. Put strawberries and there we have it! My own special strawberry shortcake!” Linda talked to herself.

“This one is for Yuki and Yuya. Put it here so they will not eat Yamapi’s cake,” Linda grinned, proud of her handiwork.

She could not wait for tomorrow. Besides the cake, she bought 2 small Ultraman soft toy key chain with the letters P and L. She wrapped it up nicely and put it aside. Next, she went to her wardrobe to think of what to wear tomorrow. “But where we will be going? I think I better ask him. Or should I ask Ryo? Hmm…” she wondered.

“Moshi moshi,” the voice answered.

“Chibi-chan! I need your advice,” Linda asked, anxiously.

“What is it?” he asked, glancing around so that no one would notice the conversation.

“I’m going out with someone tomorrow to celebrate my friend’s birthday but I don’t know what to wear! Give me some ideas?” she asked.

“Who is this someone?” he asked.

“A friend,” she answered.

“Man or woman?” he asked.

“Man,” she answered.

“Who do you know him? Can he be trusted?” he asked.

“Ryo! Why are you asking me these questions? I only asked for your advice not receive a 3rd degree from you,” Linda asked.

“But you are my best friend so I need to know just in case something happens to you. I care a lot about you,” Ryo said, feeling sour when he said ‘best friend’.

“Ohh…Don’t worry, Ryo-chan. He’s nice and a gentleman. Hmm…I know what to wear, already. Ja!” Linda chirped and hung up.

Ryo wanted to say some more but Linda had hung up. He felt weird. “Why do I have this weird feeling when I know she’s going out on a date with another guy and not me?” he wondered.

“Ryo-chan!” Yamapi grinned at him.

Ryo nodded. “Why are you so happy? Tomorrow’s your birthday. Let’s go and celebrate together,” Ryo asked.

Yamapi shook his head. “I got a date. Ja! Need to sleep early,” he chuckled and left him.

Ryo stared after him. “A date?” he wondered.

He thought back of Linda’s conversation that morning. Yamapi was there at her house. Does that mean that they are dating, he wondered.

The thought of Linda with Yamapi made his heart hurt suddenly. “Why am I feeling this way?” he asked himself again.

Breakfast at Yamapi's

“Yamashita-kun, umm…your mum and your sister,” Linda whispered.

Yamapi looked at her and grinned while they crept inside the house. “Follow me,” he whispered.

They went up and entered a room. “Welcome to my room. You’ll sleep here tonight. I’ll be downstairs. Good night,” he whispered after he lay the futon down.

(The next morning)

“Tomo-chan! Wake up!” his mom knocked on his door.

The knocking awaked Linda who was sleeping peacefully. Without realizing where she was, she opened the door. The two of them stared at each other. “Who are you?” Yamapi’s mom asked, shocked.

“I’m…I’m…” she stammered, racking her brains to look for answers.

“Ahhh!” a voice screamed from behind them.

Both of them looked at the source of the voice. It was Yamapi’s sister. Yamapi who was sleeping on the couch jumped out and rushed up. “Okasan, Rina, follow me. I’ll explain everything. Linda-chan, go and wash up,” he said as he pulled both his mom and sister down.

Linda stared at her reflection nervously. She walked down the stairs and entered the living room where everyone was. She bowed down. “I’m sorry for intruding!” she apologized.

“Eh, it’s ok. Sorry for the huge reaction just now. Why don’t you introduce yourself?” his mom asked.

“Umm…Hajimemashite. Tegoshi Linda desu. Dozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu,” she bowed again.

“Do you want to help me prepare breakfast?” his mom asked.

Linda smiled. “Hai!” she nodded.

“Linda-chan is a great cook!” Yamapi blurted suddenly.

“Oh?” his mom and Rina raised their eyebrows.

“Ja, okasan, how about letting our future sister-in-law cook breakfast for us?” his sister suggested, cheekily which earned a blush from Linda and a glare from Yamapi.

His mom laughed. “Yes, of course. Do you mind?” she asked Linda.

“No, I do not mind at all,” she answered.

Linda went off to prepare breakfast while Yamapi, Rina and his mum went to wash up. Half an hour later, everyone was slowly streaming into the kitchen. “Whoa! Nice smell!” Rina exclaimed.

Linda blushed. “It’s just a simple meal. I hope you like it,” she replied.

“Simple? Haha….There’s riceballs, miso soup, egg rolls, and grilled fish and coleslaw,” Yamapi’s mum answered.

“Ne, nee-chan, are you somehow connected to Tegoshi Yuya?” Rina asked over breakfast.

“Yes, I am. He’s my younger brother,” Linda answered.

“Oh! Then, what are you doing right now?” she asked again.

“I’m working at the airport as the air traffic controller,” Linda answered.

“Whoa! Stressful job! Ne, aniki, first time you got yourself a smart girlfriend. Nee-chan, do you know that you are the first girl that he ever brought home?” Rina said.

Yamapi blushed. “RINA YAMASHITA! Shut up. Do not ask anymore questions,” Yamapi scolded her.

Rina stuck her tongue out. “Nee-chan, what is so interesting about my brother?” she asked.

“Um…He’s nice,” Linda answered without thinking which made everyone at the table laughed except Yamapi.

“How long have the two of you dated?” his mom asked.

“Kasan, we are just friends,” Yamapi replied.

Rina laughed. Yampi and Rin argued till his mom had to intervene. “The two of you are making Tegoshi-san here uncomfortable. Stop it!” she raised her voice.

They stopped but Rina was giggling away. Linda was looking at Yamapi who was wishing the floor would split into two and swallow him up right that moment. “Please call me Linda. I feel uncomfortable with people calling me Tegoshi-san,” Linda replied.

They nodded and continue with their breakfast.
“Nee-chan! Come again soon!” Rina waved as Linda got into Yamapi’s car.

Linda waved and nodded. In the car, Linda remarked that his family was very nice. “Yeah, they are. Sorry about my sister. She’s a bit hyper today when she saw you,” Yamapi apologized.

When they reached Linda’s house, Yamapi followed her as he helped her to carry her stuff. Linda knocked on the door but no one replied. “Oh no! Yuki had gone to school! I’m locked out again!” she wailed.

Yamapi laughed. “Tegoshi has your keys, right? Come on, let’s go and meet him,” he suggested.

(In the company)

“Yuya! Give m your keys. I forgot to bring my keys,” she replied.

“Forgot to bring keys? Then Yuki?” he asked.

“Ahh…she went to school already,” Linda replied.

“Then where do you spent the night? I know you I not go back to Kanagawa,” he said.

“That, you need not need to know. Yuya, give me the keys,” she answered.

“Tell me first,” he demanded.

“Fine, I spent the night in Yamashita-kun’s place. I’m in a hurry. You can aske him about it later,” Linda replied and took the keys from a stunned Yuya.

Locked out

Linda was flipping through the magazines that she bought at the bookstore when she saw some of the fans’ messages wishing Yamapi happy birthday. “Birthday? What date is it today?” she asked, searching for her calendar.

“AHH!! It’s the 7th of April today! I have to do something. What is it? What is it? Think Linda,” she mumbled to herself, pacing around the living room.

Yuki who was studying nearby, watched her paced around. “What are you doing? Can’t you sit down? I’m getting a headache watching to walk round and round in circles. Sit down! Tell me what is wrong,” she raised her voice.

Linda sat down quietly. “Gomenasai,” she mumbled.

Yuki sighed. “Tell me what is wrong,” she asked, feeling sometimes that she is older than Linda.

“Yuki-chan! Yamashita’s birthday is in 2 days’ time!” she announced.

“Ok, so?” she asked, amused.

“I don’t know what to get him. Tell me what should I get him?” she asked, looking desperate.

“Chotto matte! What do Yamashita-san like? Do you want to make him something or buy?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” Linda pouted.

“You look just like him. So prefect,” Yuki commented.

“Huh? What?What is prefect?” Linda asked, did not hear what she said.

Yuki laughed. “What if you just bake him a cake? You can make your delicious strawberry shortcake and while you are at it, bake one for me and Yuya too,” she suggested.

“Should I? Hmm…Ok!” Linda lit up and went off to find her recipe book and money.

“Hey, what do you think you are doing? It’s 1 am in the morning! All the shops are closed right now,” she exclaimed.

“Just wait,” Linda grinned and a few seconds later, Linda’s phone rang.

“Ok, I’ll wait for you,” she answered.

“Where are you going?” Yuki asked.
“He’s here! Ja ne!” Linda chirped and rushed out.

Yuki looked through the window and saw Yamapi waving at her. “Trust Linda to do such things,” she mumbled as she shook her head.

(At the convenience store)

“Whoa! What are you buying?” Yamapi asked, as he watched Linda putting flour, sugar, strawberries in the basket, Yamapi was carrying.

Linda smiled at him and went of to find the other ingredients. Yamapi just shook his head as he followed her around the aisles, the basket getting heavier and heavier. Linda was so absorbed in trying to find the ingredients that she was not aware of what Yamapi was saying. “Ne, how about diapers? Our children needs diapers too,” Yamapi said.

“Ok,” Linda said and put two diapers from the shelf.

She was about to put the diapers in when she realized what was happening. “Diapers? Yamashita! You jerk!” she cried and hit him with the diapers before storming out from the baby’s section.

Yamapi was laughing so hard at Linda’s red face due to embarrassment. He caught up with her. “We do look like a perfect couple, don’t we?” he remarked.

Linda just glared at him in reply. “Gomen,” he apologized after they had paid the merchandise.

Linda did not answer. “Linda-chan! Gomenasai! I’ll make it up to you on the 9th of April, ok?” he replied.

“9th of April?” she asked.

“Yup, 9th of April. I’ll pick you up from home at 2pm, ok?” he suggested, not telling her why.

“Ok,2pm then. So I’ll see you then,”she smiled and went out of the car.

Yamapi was watching her entering the house but was puzzled when Linda was standing in front of the door for quite sometime. Worried, he got out of his car when went up to her. “Is there anything wrong?” he asked.

Linda looked up at him, almost in tears. “I forget my keys! Yuki is fast asleep. She’s having a major exam tomorrow and I don’t want to wake her up. can’t go in!” Linda answered.

Yamapi laughed. “Come on, Stay over at my place for the night,” he suggested, stifling back a laugh.

“Your house?” she asked.

He nodded. “Don’t worry. My mom and sister are nice people. I’m sure they will love you instantly,” he assured her.
“But, Yamashita-kun,” she said but he had already took her things and carried to his car.

A challenge

“Ohayo!” Linda grinned as she walked into the kitchen the morning.

“Ohayo!” Yuki chirped.

Linda sat on the chair and stared at Yuki with a smile on her face. Yuki turned. “Why are you grinning like that?” she asked.

Linda leaned forward. “Your aura of happiness is way too much for me so I got no choice but to be happy too So, anything interesting that happened last night between you and Yuya?” Linda teased her.

Yuki blushed. “Nothing for you to know. How about you? I saw you preparing so many food and when I came home last night, the food had all finished. Don’t say that you ate it all by yourself because I know you are NOT and big eater,” Yuki retorted.

Linda’s expression changed. “Ahh…those food. I, umm…it’s, umm...” she stammered when the doorbell rang, saving her from an explanation.

“I get that!” Linda grinned and jumped up before Yuki could blink her eyes.

Linda opened the door, letting out a sigh of relief but when she saw who was at the door, her sigh stopped halfway. “AHH!” she screamed and slammed the door closed.

Yuki went out. “What’s wrong? Who is at the door?” Yuki asked.

Linda was stunned, unable to answer or react. Yuki pulled her away and opened the door. “Oh, it’s you, Yamashita-san. Ne, what’s wrong with you?” she asked him.

“I hit my head against the door. How do I know she is going to slammed it in my face?” he asked, rubbing his forehead.

They looked at Linda who was blushing embarrassedly. “Gomenasai,” she apologized.

“Why are you so shocked to see him? It must be about yesterday, right?” Yuki asked suspiciously.

“Ah! Yesterday! Yuki-chan, she’s a great cook, you know,” Yamapi replied.

Yuki raised her eyebrow. “Oh? So you went out with him?” she asked.

“Umm…Chotto matte,” Linda said and pulled Yamapi into her room.

“Oi! Don’t you guys dare to do anything inside!” Yuki shouted.

Linda glared at Yamapi. “What are you doing here? Now Yuki is suspecting something is happening between us. I’m doomed!” Linda wailed.

Yamapi sat on her bed. “Why? Is it that bad to be with me?” he asked, looking hurt.

“Iie! I mean, you are a great guy and the most sought after guy in the world. You are sweet and stuff,” she stammered the answer.

“You like someone else, I know,” he cut off.

Linda looked surprised. “Hai, gomen,” she answered.

Yamapi looked thoughtful. “But he broke your heart, right?” he asked.

She nodded. “Then that settles it. I can mend your heart,” he said.

Linda chuckled. “Oh? Really?” she asked in disbelief.

Yamapi looked confident. “I’ll never given up before so I don’t intend to do it now. Give me three months and you will fall for me,” he replied, seriously.

“Three months? That’s a bit too fast, isn’t it? I love that guy for my whole life and you think I can fall for you in just three months?” she asked.

Yamapi grinned. “Three months is enough for me,” he replied, pinching Linda’s nose.

“Haha…I’m curious how you are going to do it since you are always so busy,” Linda agreed to his challenge.

“Ohh…I have my ways. So, I’m going to start pursuing you,” he said.

“When?” she asked.

“Now,” he grinned and pulled her out of the room.

“Eh? What? Where are we going?” she asked.

“Where are you guys going?” Yuki asked, running after them.

“I’m taking her out. Oh ya, Yuya sent you this. He’ll be over in five minutes’ time,” Yamapi grinned and gave Yuki a bunch of pink flowers.

Yuki watched as Yamapi’s car disappeared behind the corner. “Pink flowers? Since when do Yuya buy me pink flowers?” she chuckled.

She saw a card among the flowers. “I’m taking Linda out for the whole day. Don’t wait up. Tell Yuya not to worry. I’ll take extreme care for his beloved sister. Sincerely, Yamashita Tomohisa.”

“Just as I thought,” Yuki chuckled.

(In the car)

“Where are we going? I’m not even dressed properly!” Linda asked, pointing to herself.

“I’m taking you to a Love hotel,” he answered.

“WHAT!!” Linda exclaimed and tried to open the door.

“Eh! I’m just kidding! What kind of person do you think I am? I’m taking you to a place to let you change to the appropriate clothes,” he replied.

A few minutes later, Linda saw they were in a park. “Here? What am I suppose to change into? Leaves and flowers?” she asked.

“That is not a bad idea,” Yamapi grinned.

“YAMASHITA TOMOHISA!!” she screamed.

“Hai, hai. Come on, I think they already prepared for us,” he chuckled.

Linda followed him. They came to a filming set. “Ah! Yamashita-san!” a man greeted him.

“Konnichiwa, Itoh-san. This is the girl I was talking about,” he pointed to Linda.

The man looked at Linda and then looked at Yamapi. “I see. Ok, let’s get started,” he replied.

Linda was whisked off to a trailer and made to change. Make-up was put on. Yamapi was waiting for her, thinking of the suprise that he had planned using this video. He was surprised to see her transformation. “Anou, Yamashita-kun, what is going on?” Linda asked, pulling his sleeve.

Yamapi snapped back to reality. “We are going to do a CM starring you and me,” he explained.

“What?” she asked.

“Don’t worry. It’s not going to be aired. It’s just for fun. All you have to do is to behave as you are. The CM is about a new handphone. See?” he showed it to her.

“Oh, ok,” she nodded.

Yamapi and Linda did the filming. It was about a couple who could not find each other in the park and so Yamapi called her using the phone. At last, there were fireworks and they realized that they were actually right next to each other.

The whole CM went through smoothly. At last, there really was a firework show. “Whoa! Kirei!” Linda gasped.

Yamapi who was standing next to her, watched her quietly. “Kimi ni kirein desu,” he said.

Linda did not hear it but smiled at him. When everything was over, Yamapi and Linda thanked the crew and they left the park. “That was fun! Now I know a bit about your job. Thank you,” Linda chirped.

Yamapi laughed. “I’ll give you the video as soon as it’s ready,” Yamapi replied.

“Hai, I wonder how I looked like on film. Hehe…” Linda laughed.

“You look wonderful. Let’s grab a bite and then I’ll send you home,” Yamapi replied.

yuya & yuki 7

Many things happen the past few weeks. Some are good but some are unfortunately not. Yuya and yuki did not get to meet each other as often as before. He missed school for rehearsals and concert preparation. As for yuki, she missed seeing yuya at the table for breakfast and the walks to school. However, yuya did message her or call her whenever he could and to yuki it is enough.
April came and it was the Hanami festivals. In addition, it was yuya and yuki’s one month anniversary. NEWS were allowed a day off and yuya had asked yuki out to celebrate the festival and their 1 month anniversary.

To mark this special occasion, yuki baked a chocolate cake which is Yuya’s favourite. She had woken up early that morning to prepare everything. Linda was also using to kitchen to prepare some food but did not tell yuki who it is for. Though yuki is curious, she decided not to probe further.

Yuki changed into a dress and styled her hair. When she was done, the door bell rang. Yuki went to open the door and was greeted by yuya who was carrying a bouquet of 11 pink roses. She just stared at the roses and then happily took it from him.

“ yuki-chan, hapi 1 mth anniversary” yuya said to yuki who was close to tears.

“ arigato yuya-chan, thanks for the flowers.” Yuya wiped the tears that rolled down her cheeks. “ don’t cry on this special occasion” his comments had made yuki smiled but the tears still continued to flow.

“ lets go, yuki – chan.” Yuya held out his hand so that yuki can hold it. Yuki decided to give him the cake when they get home.

“ yuki – chan, *yuya open the passenger seat of a car* come on. Get inside haha.. this is my dad’s car. I finally got a driving license. though i'm still a novice trust me ok. “ yuki was dumbstruck but went inside the car.

The park was full of people. Yuya and yuki hold hands and taking a stroll around the beautiful park filled with Sakura trees. They took a lot of pictures together and when some fans want to come forward to ask yuya if he is the guy from news. Both yuya and yuki will run and after that they both started laughing. Yuki knew that maintaining this relationship is going to be hard but she is willing to overcome any obstacles just to be together with him.

“yuki-chan, are you tired? Want to take a rest by the bench or you want to go somewhere else?” yuki look at yuya in the eyes and shake her head. She took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat on yuya’s forehead.

“ yuya-chan, lets go somewhere else? I suddenly have a craving for ice cream.” Yuki give a silly grin and both make their way back to the car.

Yuya drove them to a restaurant overlooking the beach. They shared the ice cream together and yuya excused himself to make a phone call outside. Yuki was worried as it have been 20 mins and yuya is still not back yet. When she was making her way to the exit, yuya came in.

“ yuki-chan, why are you here? Finish the ice cream already?” yuya led her back to their seats.

“ yuya-chan is everything ok? You were gone for quite some time and I got worried.” Yuya assured yuki that nothing is wrong. He paid the bills and left the restaurant.

“ yuki-chan, lets take a stroll along the beach? We have never been to the beach together.”

Both of them took off their shoes and as the weather is cold, yuya held yuki closer to him. Yuki noticed the balloons tied to a present near a tree and 1 stalk of rose was tied to each balloon. This was another 11 stalk of roses which yuya give to yuki. Yuki hold the present in her hands and slowly opened it.

It was a clover shaped necklace and behind it was engraved “ yuya & yuki ”. yuya put on the necklace for yuki. Yuki shed tears again as she felt that the things she had done is minimal as compared to yuya.

“ yuki-chan, I thought we decided that you should not cry? What’s wrong?” yuya wiped the tears.

“ yuya-chan, you did so much for me but I only baked a cake for you. I’m so useless.”

“ yuki look at me. You did a lot for me. You make breakfast for me every morning before going to school. You suffered as we were not like an average couple. People staring, gossiping about us when we were seen together but you never once complained to me. Yuki, you make me feel that I’m the luckiest man on earth.” Yuki hug him as she was touched by the words he said.

“ yuya-chan. Thank you so much.” Yuki let go and yuya gave her a remote insisting that she pressed it.

When yuki pressed it, the whole place was lit up by firecrackers. It formed the word ‘ I love you’ on the sand. Yuki can’t believe her eyes. It was the most beautify sight she has ever seen. Yuya hug her from the back and both of them look at the firecrackers till it slowly faded away.

They drove back home and yuya open the box of cake she had make. Yuki had drawn both of their faces on the cake surface and wrote ‘ I will always love you’. Yuya wants to take a picture of the cake as a memento before he was willing to cut it. They had kept a slice of cake at the fridge for Linda. Yuya went home after saying goodbye to yuki but as he was closing the door, yuki called out to him. She then kissed him on the cheek and slowly watched the diminishing back view of yuya before closing the door.

Harumi

“Tegoshi Yuya!” Linda yelled as she stormed into the kitchen.

Yuya and Yuki looked up from their breakfast. Linda was red-faced with
anger. Yuya grew scared seeing his sister’s angry expression. “Hai?” he
stammered.

“Why didn’t you wake me up? I’m late!” she complained as rushed to the
bathroom.

Within ten minutes, Linda had taken a shower and put on her clothes and
ready for work. She ran towards the door in a flurry. Before she left, she turned to face Yuya. “Yu-chan! Take this!” she grinned and threw an apple.

Yuya caught the apple that he bought for his sister. He grinned and waved at her. Yuki looked thoughtful. “Ten, nine, eight,” Yuki counted loudly.

“Ne, Yuki-chan, what are you counting for?” he asked, puzzled.

Yuki smiled. Just wait and see. Three, two, one,” she counted and
suddenly, the door burst opened.

Arghh!!! Today is my day off! How can I forget?” Linda grumbled loudly.

Yuki looked at Yuya giving a this-is what-happens- look. Yuya stifled a
laugh when he realized what was happening. Linda glared at them and stormed off to her bedroom. Yuya got up to console his sister but Yuki shook her head. It’s no use for you to console her. She’s already fast asleep,” she replied knowingly.

Yuya looked at her in surprised. “Asleep? But she just stepped into her
room for three minutes!” Yuya exclaimed.

Yuki laughed. “Well, if you don’t believe me, go ahead and check it out.
I’ve lived with her for so many years, I know all her habits and trends by heart. For your information, Yuya-kun, you can read your sister’s
expression and feelings through her face. She wears them on her face,” Yuki told him.

Yuya went to check it out. True enough, he saw his sister curled up on bed with her work clothes. He shook his head. “Your sister seriously needs a boyfriend,” Yuki commented, trying to hint to Yuya.

“Boyfriend?” Yuya echoed.

“Yup, what do you think? I feel that Yamashita-san is prefect for her.
Besides, he’s your idol and respected senpai. I’m sure he will take good care of your sister,” Yuki said, trying to persuade Yuya to let his sister have a bit of freedom.

I’ll think of it,” he answered, his tone as if dismissing the topic.

Linda woke up and looked at the calendar. “Harumi! Hmm..I need to plan what to wear that day,” she replied cheerfully and dug up her closet for a suitable outfit for that occasion.

On the day of the Sakura festival, Linda was the most excited person in the house. Yuya and Yuki had gone out early in the morning, leaving Linda all to herself in the house. Linda had chosen a sakura-colored blouse and a long, cream billowing skirt. She tied her hair up and took a great deal in wearing make-up. After a few hours, she was satisfied with what she saw in the mirror and got ready to go out.

Every year, ever since middle school, Linda and her best friend would meet in a special place which had the best view of the sakura trees. They would spend the day talking and chatting and having a picnic. This festival was the highlight of Linda’s life every year. This was the only time that she had to spend a romantic day with the person she loved secretly and she treasured the moments she had with him.

Linda was walking towards their usual spot, bringing a small picnic basket with her. She had gone all out to prepare his favorite foods ever since early this morning. She had a silly grin on her face and felt like dancing throughout the whole way there.

As she was nearing, she saw his car was parked at the usual spot. He’s
here!” she thought excitedly.

She broke into a slow jog. Suddenly, she stopped in her tracks when she saw the scene before her. Her grip on the basket tightened. She closed her eyes tightly, refusing her tears from falling out. She turned around and ran away from the spot, never looking back.

She sat down on a bench when her legs were too tired to run anymore. She hugged the basket tightly, feeling tight in her chest. Suddenly, someone sat next to her. “Linda-chan?” a familiar voice asked.

Linda looked up. “Yamashita-kun,” she smiled weakly.

“What are you doing here? Waiting for someone?” he asked.

“I used to. Now, I’m not waiting for anyone anymore. How about you?” she
asked.

“I’ve just finished some filming over there. Some CM. I was on the way home when I saw you here,” he grinned.Linda nodded. They sat in silence. “Yamashita-kun?” she broke the silence.

He looked at her. He could sense something was bothering her but he did not know what and he did not want to force her to tell. “Can I borrow your shoulders?” she asked.

He nodded. Linda leaned against his shoulders and cried her heart out.
Yamapi sat quietly. He hugged her tightly against his chest, stroking her hair.

They were in that position for quite some time. Linda pulled away.
“Arigato. Hmm..I brought some food. Let’s eat,” Linda grinned, totally a different person since a few moments ago.

Yamapi smiled back and nodded. He saw that the food she prepared was
specially prepared for someone. It was then he realized that someone had broke her heart. “I’ll mend your heart,” he said his thoughts loudly.

“Eh?” Linda asked, staring at him.

He just smiled. “You will never cry again,” he answered.

Linda nodded. “I’ll take your words for it,” she laughed, not knowing that Yamapi really meant it.

yuya & yuki 6

Yuya reflected on his actions and knew that he was in the wrong. He sat down on the sofa and seemed to be lost in thought. Yuki mover closer to yuya and hug him from behind. She know that yuya needed some time alone and all yuki can do was to give him comfort.

“ yuya-chan, I know you are feeling down right now. Linda – kun is angry at this moment and I think you should try to talk to her tomorrow morning over breakfast. *hug him tighter * Do you want to go for a walk?”

Yuya felt assured to have yuki by his side. He knew that yuki was caught in the middle between him and his sister. Holding hands, they decided to take a walk around the park. Linda who was in her room was talking to her friend on her mobile and did not know that the couple had gone out.

“ yuya – chan, I know you care about Linda – kun and you realize that you and her had drifted apart. You hope that things between you 2 will stay the same as before but you forgot that both of you have grown up. Linda- kun has changed and she have her own opinion on things, her own way of living. She does not need you to plan her life. yuya –chan, you understand?”

Yuya let go of yuki’s hand and went to sit at a bench near the playground. Yuki know that the truth hurts but it hurts her more if they keep arguing over this matter. She went to sit at the bench beside him and keeps glancing at yuya. Yuki was tired after the whole day event and had fallen asleep.

Yuya finally sorted out his thoughts and went to look for yuki. He saw the sleeping yuki and tried to wake her up. Yuki stirred from her sleep and rubbed her tired eyes.

“ yuki – chan, gomen ne.. lets go back now. Come I piggy back you home so that you can sleep.” Yuya piggy back yuki and she fallen asleep again.

Yuya open the door to yuki’s room and slowly put her down on the bed. He was getting ready to leave after putting the blanket for yuki.

“ no, don’t leave me” yuki scream and woke up from her sleep. She was sobbing and in cold sweat. Yuya rushed to her side and assure yuki that she is only having a nightmare.

“ yuya- chan, I dreamt of my mum again. I keep having the same nightmare since the day she left me at the park. I was playing with some kids and when I turn around, she was not there anymore. i’m scared.” Yuki was sobbing so hard and yuya just held her close to him.

“ yuki – chan, don’t wory.. I will never leave you. Come, get back to sleep. I will be sleeping on the floor tonight if you want me to stay behind to accompany you.” Yuya then hold yuki’s hand till morning.


[ next day]

Yuki woken up and was touched to see that yuya did not let go of his hand. She looked at the sleeping yuya from her bed.

“ ohaiyo, yuya – chan” yuki said chirpily

“you are going to be late if you want to talk to your nee- chan and go to skol on time” yuya jumped out of bed and went to brush his teeth. Yuki followed him and went to prepare breakfast.

“ linda – kun, I have prepared breakfast, do you want to eat before leaving?” yuki called out to linda who ignored her.

yuya went up to Linda and prevent her from leaving. Linda’s anger was still not appeased and push yuya’s hand away. She left the door without eating the breakfast yuki prepared.
The dejected yuya went back to the table and eat his breakfast in silence.

“ yuya- chan, I will try to talk to her. you have to get back home and get ready for school. I believe you have a long day ahead. Don’t think so much. If you need me, give me a call and I will come and find you.”

Yuya went home and get ready for school. Yuki make her way to school and her mind keep thinking of ways to salvage the problem. She was not in the mood to concentrate on her studies and realized that there is a message on her mobile. Yuki opened the message which she know is from yuya.

[ message ]

Yuya:

Yuki-chan, u are not concentrating in klaz coz you saw my msg… well, I’m not in the mood to study anyway, I guess I mess things up with nee-chan. I have never seen her so angry before and I wonder wad I can do to make her forgive me.. well.. you must be busy studying now. Sorry to disturb u ne..

Yuki:

Yuya-chan, ogenki desu ka? Dun be sad anymore, I will try to help you.. school is gonna end soon… do you have to go back to work today?

Yuya:

Hai, I have to..i dun think I can meet you today as there are a lot of things to be done but I ‘m just not in the mood. I wonder how nee-chan is now. Yuki- chan, be careful when working when you reach home MUZ message me coz I will be worried... miz you and message me if anything happens to nee-chan.

[ At dance studio later in the day]

Everyone was tired after dancing for 2 hrs. Ryo was recording a song for Kanjani 8 album in the morning. Hence, he was given the privilege to arrive later for NEWS rehearsal. Earlier on, ryo heard from the rest that yuya nearly shouted at yamapi and everyone decided to leave him alone. Therefore, Ryo have been trying to find a time to talk to Yuya about Linda. When the producer announced a break, Ryo asked Yuya to follow him out for a chat.

“ tesshi, what happened? You nearly shouted at yamapi. Did something happen to you that caused you to behave his way?” Ryo confronted yuya.

“ I quarreled with my nee-chan yesterday about something. Today, she ignored me when I said sorry to her and now I’m at a loss of how to seek forgiveness from her.” Yuya covered his face with his hands.

“ do you know what your sister like? Maybe you can buy or do something to pacify her. Like buy her favourite food maybe apples? You think about my suggestions and I hope that you will separate work and your personal life. tesshi, when you are ready then go inside to record. I will tell the rest that you need a break.” Ryo left yuya standing there. He had hinted to yuya and hope yuya understands it.

Yuya suddenly remember that his sister loves fuji apples. Whenever linda is sad, she will always buy a fuji apple and take a big bite out of it. After awhile, she will start laughing.

Yuya called yuki who just finish work to meet him at the traffic light near her working place. He said sorry to all of them and say that he have to attend to an important matter and have to leave early.

Both of them went in search of fuji apples but most of the shops are closed or run out of stock. The time is already around 11.30pm and they were hoping that linda is not home yet. There is only one store left and yuya and yuki decided to try their luck.

“ yuya-chan, I found it. *showing yuya the apples* how many do you want to buy?” yuki was holding the apples happily. Yuya took 5 big, round apples and pay at the cashier.
Both of them were smiling all the way home.

They reached yuki’s place at 12 midnite and realized that Linda is already home and was in her room. Yuya decided to arrange the apples nicely beside the sleeping Linda. Yuki just looked at him from the door and felt so touched. She was thinking of how fortunate linda is to have a brother who loves her so much. Yuki yearn for a brother or even a sister who will help her from the bullies in school, someone to share secrets and play with.

Yuya tripped over her linda’s bolster and nearly woke her up. The apples are just beside linda’s bed and are arranged to form a smiley face. Yuya was tired but he insists that yuki went to bed before he is willing to leave.

A talk with an old friend

"Argh!!!That Yuya! Can't he leave me alone?" Linda frowned deeply.

She turned towards the huge dolpin that Yamapi won for her. She flopped herself on the bed, hugging the stuffed toy to herself tightly. "Ne, what do I name you?" she asked the dolphin.

"How about P-chan? Do you like it, P-chan?" she asked the dolphin.

She grinned as she moved the dolphin's head to imagine that it was as if the dolphin agreed to the name. "Ureshii! Suki dayo?" she kissed the dolphin's beak, forgetting about the fight with Yuya.

Suddenly, her handphone rang. The song, "Naniwa Iroha Bushi" filled the air. Linda's face immediately lit up. She grabbed her phone. "Chibi-chan!" she greeted happily.

"How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?" the person over the phone growled.

Linda chuckled. "What's up?" she asked.

"The sky," the person answered.

Linda sweatdropped. "Ne, it's not funny," Linda replied with a bored voice.

He roared with laughter over his cold joke. "Gomen. I am bored so I called you," he answered.

"Oh, now, I am an entertainer?" she asked.

"Yes! Now then you realize?" he teased.

Linda sighed. "Hey, what's wrong?" he asked suddenly.

"Nothing," she replied, forlornly.

"I know you too well. I'll meet you tomorrow at 2pm at the usual place. The person who comes late will have to give a treat. Ja!" he replied and hung up.

Linda was used to his sudden hang up. Typical, Chibi-chan, she mused. She hugged the dolphin tightly and drifted off to sleep ignoring Yuya's knocking.

Chibi-chan was Linda's best friend when they were in middle school. When Chibi-chan moved back to Osaka, they still kept in contact till now. They relationship was so closed yet private. No one knew about them, not even Yuya or Yuki.

The next day, Linda went off to work without eating breakfast or even greeting anyone. Yuya looked up from the table and called his sister but she just ignored him. Yuya ran after her. "Nee-chan!" he grabbed her arm.

Linda glared at him. "I'm sorry," he apologized.

"Sorry? You are sorry? Leave me alone, Tegoshi Yuya," Linda replied coldly and left.

Yuya stared after his sister. He felt upset that his sister treated him that way. He just wanted the best for her.He walked back, feeling dejected.

Linda, on the other hand, felt something hot running down her cheeks. She wiped away the liquid and realized that she was crying. She loved her brother alot but he was just too much, trying to control her life like that. She knew her brother was trying to keep an eye on her but she just felt so suffocated and confused.

Later at 2pm, she was waiting for her friend, staring into space. "Konbanwa!" her friend greeted her but she was too absorbed in her thoughts that she did not hear him.

He shook his head. He patted her. She practically jumped in her seat. "Chibi-chan!" she exclaimed.

He chuckled as he slid into the seat opposite her. "Where are you just now? Planet M18? Met with your family down there? Ultraseven, Ultraman Tiga, Ultraman Dyna..." he trailed off.

Linda kicked him on his shin. "Itai! Ne, don't zap me with your power!" he teased again, shielding his face with his hands.

Linda glared at him. If looks could kill, he would have died on that spot. "Ok,ok. What happened?" he asked, looking serious.

Linda looked at him. "Let's order first. I want fish and chips. And you are late so, YOU are treating me today," Linda grinned.

He nodded his head in defeat. "You are terrible! You should know that I am always late because I often get held up at work," he grumbled as he called the waitress.

"Blah, blah blah. Chibi-chan, don't be so stingy, ok? You are with News and Kanjani8. And your income is so, so, much and you still grumble to treat an old friend? Fine, I'll pay my share ok? Like as if I eat a lot. Yamashita-kun is better than you," Linda retorted.

"Fine, fine. I'll treat you today. I was just joking. Why are you so short-tempered today? Are you in that time of the month?" he asked.

A whack in the head by the menu was Linda's reply to him. "I'll get the answer," he mumbled.

When their food had arrived, he asked her again. "What's wrong?" he enquired.

"It's my brother," she answered.

"Yuya?" he asked.

She nodded. "Ever since he found me, he had been on my back 24/7! Asking me where am I? Who am I with, What time I get back and etc. It's terrible! He is much worse than Mom! My life changed 360 degrees! Not only that, he even dared to control who I see and who I cannot see! Isn't that terrible?" she asked him.

He was trying not to laugh. He could not imagine the innocent-looking Yuya Tegoshi was actually a control-freak when it comes to his sister. "So desu ka. So what are you going to do to him?" he asked.

He watched as Linda took the knife and stabbed it into the fish. "What am I going to do? I'm going to kill him. Cut him up into pieces like this and dispose it all over Japan. And you can be my driver," Linda replied, cutting up the fish into small tiny pieces.

He stared at her in silence as she cut the fish up furiously. "Are you feeling better?" he asked after some time.

Linda looked up and breathed a sigh of relief. She grinned. "Yup! That irritating, annoying, control-freak squirt!He even dared to get angry when I went out with Yamashita-kun. I mean, Yuya was the one to ask him out and when Yamashita-kun accompanied me, he flared up. I really don't get him, " she said as she ate the pieces one by one.

He laughed and shook his head. "You went out with Yamapi? Do you like him?" he asked.

Linda looked thoughtful. "Hmm...Yes, I do. As a friend. No special feelings," she answered.

He raised his eyesbrows. "Linda-chan, what's wrong with you? You refused to marry Shuji Kiritani, a CEO of the multinational company selling those gadgets. He was so smitten with you ever since high school. Then now, I have a feeling that Yamapi have special feelings for you but you do not want to accept him," he pointed out.

"You can't force me to love Kiritani. I know he's handsome and is the most popular guy in school and stuff but I just can't lie to myself and force myself to marry him. As for Yamashita-kun, I do not want to get killed by girls all over the world for disappointing him," Linda explained.

He shook his head. "Are you in love with anyone?" he asked.

Linda looked at him in the eye, looking serious. "Yes, I am," she replied.

He looked surprised. "Who?" he asked.

Linda answered, "You."

He choked and stared at her, stunned. Linda took her handphone and snapped his surprised look. She laughed. He snapped. "I'm just joking! I'm not in love with you or anyone. You should see your face!" she roared with laughter.

"Linda-chan! You!" he gritted his teeth.

When he drove her back home, Linda asked him about his date. "How are things going with Leah?" she asked.

"Oh, she's great," he grinned.

Linda chuckled. "She's so beautiful. Even I am in love with her," she said.

He braked his car suddenly. "WHAT?" he asked.

Linda laughed again. "She's pretty. I like her. As in a role model. What do you think I am? Lesbian?" she asked.

"Who knows?" he retorted, getting a whack from Linda.

"Take care on the road. Good luck with Leah!" Linda smiled and got off the car.

He nodded and watched as she entered her house. He decided to have a word with Yuya the when he see him later for rehearsal.

Linda stepped into the house. No one was home. She looked at the time. It was only 9pm. Yuki had gone to work while Yuya had rehearsals. She breathed a sigh of relief because no one was there to bug her.

Linda closed the bedroom door behind her. She slid down the door. She was unable to contain her tears. She buried her face into her thighs and sobbed hard. "The reason I cannot accept Shuji and Yamashita is because of you,Nishikido Ryo. I love you," she whispered.