Special A Fanfiction: Part 9

The ground crunched under their feet as they collect firewood in silence. The song of the crickets filled the cold night air. On a few occasion, Ryuu would reach out to steady Ayano when she almost trip on the treacherous roots. She would mumble her thank you awkwardly, other than that they never uttered a word. Ryuu would steal occasional glances at her when she’s busy picking twigs.

Without realizing, they reached the edge of the island. The sea spread out beautifully under the dark sky, the beach almost under their feet. They marveled at the water, sparkling like thousand of diamonds.

Ayano sighed, ‘Beautiful isn’t it?’. Her words shocked Ryuu, it took him a while to figure what she was talking about. To him, her beauty outshines the sea anytime. ‘Yea’. She smiled gently and called him, ‘Ryuu’.

He looked up at her and it dazzled him, her eyes reflected the moon as she spoke to him. ‘I’m sorry for the other day, I realized it was really childish of me,’ she bit her lips. ‘Since I’m leaving soon, I decided we call a truce. What do you say?’

He considered this and nodded. No, this isn’t right. I don’t want it to end this way, he thought.

‘Ryuu, do you still remember the day we came to the beach for the summer holidays?’ she asked, staring out into the open sea. He remembered that day more than anyone could, that day was as beautiful as it is today. Ryuu smiled, ‘Yes, the summer 3 years ago. The sea looks even prettier then’.

‘Yea, I guess nothing will ever beat the memories of that day,’ she smiled. Her tears starting to cloud her vision and she rubbed her eyes, ‘Ah, the sand got into my eyes. She chuckled softly, ‘Guess it’s time we get back’.

His mind was still wandering on that day when he brought her to the beach and they walked hand in hand along the shore, enjoying their moment of solitude. He turned her around to face him and he said to her, ‘Ayano, will you stay with me forever, no matter what happens?’. She hugged him tight and said, ‘I will if you would’. He said he will but he broke his promised.

Now when they’re alone together again and he can’t let this chance slip. He needed to apologize to her. Ryuu grabbed her hands as she started to walk back, the twigs in her arms fell to the ground.

‘Aya – ’ he called and she felt her  heart beats faster.

‘Yes?’

‘We need to talk,’ he looked deep into her eyes. She blinked, ‘I don’t think there’s any more to talk about, what’s been said is said, let’s just leave it there’. She tugged her hands free but he held on tighter. He threw his own pile of collections fell and pulled her back towards the edge, his eyes burning with determination.

‘Ryuu, stop it! Let me go’.

‘Not until you hear me out’.

‘Let me go!’ she shouted and gave a sharp yank. His grip loosened but she felt herself slip right over the edge.

As she fell, the last thing she remembered was staring wide eyed at Ryuu who jumped right after her, arm stretched. She felt his warmth as they fell down 10 meters below.

Special A Fanfiction: Part 8

She told them her parents wanted her to attend an elite school in London. While everyone around them was shocked by the news, Ryuu remained calm and collected. Hikari panicked and tried to convince her to stay but she was determined, ‘Staying here would only remind me of the pain’ were her exact words to Hikari.

Akira decided to throw a barbeque farewell party for Ayano in the northern islands, oblivious to the reason of her sudden departure. She was busy grilling Tadashi for finishing all the snacks she provided for the trip. Yahiro and Sakura were also invited to join them. Sakura spent most of her time chasing all over after Jun on the cruise while Megumi and Yahiro sunbathe on the deck. Ayano and Ryuu were as usual, silent and far apart from each other. Jun would constantly seek refuge in Ryuu until his alternate ego appeared, Akira kept Ayano occupied with their agenda for the evening.

Kei’s family villa is located few miles off the prefecture, on an island. He decided to lend it to them because it was the best place to get fresh seafood for the barbeque. They cruise they were on was also a contribution from him.

He noticed Hikari looking troubled every since the day he talked to Ryuu about telling Ayano the truth. Approaching her with a glass of champagne, he whispered in her ears, ‘What’s wrong, Hikari?’

Goosebumps rose from her arms and she screamed, ‘Kei?! Why did you do that for?’. He laughed, ‘I saw you staring into the water on the edge of the boat, I thought you’d jump any time’. Hikari let her flushed face return to normal and took a sip from the flute of champagne Kei handed her.

‘I was thinking about Ryuu and Ayano-chan,’ she sighed and proceeded to stare below the cruise. The water lapped noisily at the boards. ‘What about them?’ Kei asked and leaned at the rails, watching Hikari.

‘I just wish we could do something for them before she leaves’.

‘We can,’ Kei winked at her.

Since Akira was the organizer, she gets to allocate the jobs to everyone. As the best cooks, she and Ryuu will prepare the food while labored jobs are distributed equally between the rest.

The night went on without a problem and it was time for their bonfire. Akira sent everyone out in pairs to collect firewood, Hikari told her their plans for Ryuu and Ayano.

‘Well then Ryuu! You shall go with Ayano,’ Akira grinned at them. Ayano was horrified and started finding for excuses. Akira replied her coolly, ‘The rest are already paired up. I’m with Tadashi, Megumi and Yahiro, Sakura and Jun, Kei and Hikari. So it’s just you two left’. Speechless, Ayano and Ryuu watched them go off to different directions of the woods for their task.

Special A Fanfiction: Part 7

‘We were engaged,’ Ryuu laughed ironically while picking on the grass with his long fingers. Kei sat next to him under a tree, the woods busy with the sounds of birds. ‘Our fathers thought that it’ll be good for the business. It still is if I weren’t so stupid,’ he frowned. Then smiling at the memories he added, ‘We knew each other since young’.

‘At first we didn’t know what they were up to. I remember my mother always encourage me to play with him,’ Ayano lay down on the grass, telling their story to Hikari. ‘I didn’t mind playing with him, it’s fun to see him handling all those weird looking animals,’ she laughed. ‘He was caring and kind too, like a brother. But then I found his gentle demeanor charming and attractive. We were 14 then’.

‘And we fell in love’ Ryuu smiled. ‘It was all very new to us but our parents are really supportive of our relationship and I guess you can say we had a perfect first love. We were very happy back then but – ,’ he trailed off.

‘It all changed one day when he told me that the engagement is off. He said it wasn’t fair to me and that I’m free now and he wished for my happiness,’ Ayano dropped her gaze and laughed bitterly. ‘I was confused and angry. It was all so sudden, so I demanded to know why. He just said he’s sorry and we can’t be together anymore,’ she sighed. ‘Till this day I still don’t know the reason. My father was furious at him of course. I guess it is hard for him to see his only daughter being in a zombie state for weeks. So I took off to our London based home the following month and I never returned here until last month’. Ayano finished her story. Hikari was silent all the while and she was torn between wanting to defend Ryuu or help Ayano give him a punch in the face.

‘It was because of Jun and Megumi. Aya-chan never knew this because I didn’t want her to think that I choose them over her and that she wasn’t that important to me. I’d rather she see me as irresponsible and hate me,’ Ryuu bit his lips and continued, ‘She was right, I am a coward. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to care for the three of them and make her happy at the same time. I didn’t want her to feel bounded by me because of my sense of responsibility towards the twins. I was wrong,’ he fisted the roots, feeling angry at himself.

Kei thought for a moment and asked, ‘Why don’t you tell her the truth? Perhaps she will understand more than you know’.

‘She won’t. She’s still mad at me,’ Ryuu looked sadly towards the greenhouse.

‘Do you still love her?’ Kei asked.

‘Does it really matter if I still love him?’ Ayano replied to Hikari’s question. ‘The other day I ran because it reminded me of that day. I don’t want to be rejected again,’ she said softly, touching the grass beneath her. She smiled, ‘He was sitting here just now, I thought if I sat here too I would remember the warmth of his body and our memories together but – it’s still the same. It’s always the same’.

Special A Fanfiction: Part 6

The echoes of birds chirping filled the silence between them as they walked away from the greenhouse. Ryuu felt that he should fill the silence, ‘What’s the matter Aya-chan?’

Ayano stopped in her tracks, her back towards him to hide her face. ‘Don’t call me that,’ she replied flatly.

‘Aya-chan?’ he asked, puzzled. She nodded.

‘But why? We are friends’.

She turned towards him. ‘Friends?’ she repeated, ‘Were we just friends?’ She gritted her teeth to stop herself from letting her emotion slip. Ryuu pondered over her words and smiled sadly at her, ‘Looks like you’re still angry’.

She snapped, her hands swung back and slapped him hard across the cheeks. ‘Angry? Maybe more disappointed than angry’.

Ryuu touched the part where her skin had contacted his, an angry red mark crept to his cheeks. He was surprised by her sudden behavior, she seldom does that unless she’s really upset. ‘Ayano?’.

She hid her face, tears filling her eyes. Her hands curled into a fist, ‘It took me 3 years to figure out what went wrong. 3 years of confusion and I was finally able to let go then you showed up again. Why?’

Ryuu reached for her sagging shoulders. ‘Don’t touch me!’ she ordered before he could. ‘We can never be like before so, just stop,’ she whispered weakly.

‘Then what do you want me to do?’ Ryuu pleaded, his heart aching when he saw her beautiful face crying.

‘Nothing. Just do nothing, like you once did’. She lifted her head, ‘I’ll leave this place, we’ll never see each other again’. Ayano retraced her steps and walked out of the woods. Her words repeating in his mind like her final words to him 3 years ago, ‘You’re a coward Ryuu! I don’t want to see you again!’.

He watched her departing back, wanting to run after her and scream ‘Don’t walk away from me!’ but he couldn’t. Like she said, he was a coward. He is. He doesn’t have the rights anymore. Instead he sank to the ground and wept. The sounds of two hearts breaking can be heard.

Kei was watching everything from where he was lying down reading. He saw Ayano leave and his strong friends shed tears for the first time. She must have meant something to him for him to be able to break down. Kei let him collect himself and stepped out from his hiding place, ‘Ryuu’. The dejected figure of his friend straightened up and smiled weakly at him, ‘Guess you heard everything huh?’

Hikari saw Ayano sitting at the exact same spot Ryuu sat a while ago. She was staring into space, at the clouds, her mind clearly far away. She didn’t want to disturb her but Ayano needed a friend right now and Hikari was ready to be that friend.

Special A Fanfiction: Part 5

Over the next few days, she avoided him whenever she could. He wanted to talk to her but whenever he came near, she found excuses to leave. During tea time, she’ll sit furthest away and refused to make eye contact. Everyone felt uncomfortable of the tense atmosphere between them but Ayano couldn’t help it. She was also tired of this.

Ryuu stared at the stretch of field, feeling tired. He knew it wasn’t easy to talk to her after all these years. The hurt in her eyes is still crystal clear.

He recalled one of those many times when his father set him up on a blind date with the daughters of various rich families.

‘How many times are you going to turn down my offer?’ his father’s stern voice would boom through the phone as if he was shouting near him.

‘It’s still too early father,’ he’ll always reply. His father would always respond with a loud sigh and repeat the same words, ‘It’s never too early. Don’t forget, you’re my only son. One day this company will be yours. Start acting like a man and take responsibility for it.’ Then he’ll always add, ‘It’s your fault you let her go’. Those words still rings in his ears as a constant reminder of his failure.

He shut his eyes, remembering a distant memory of them sitting in a marigold field watching the clouds roll by slowly like cotton candies on a conveyer belt. She calls it cloud sushi and then she and Lily will chased each other across the field. Ayano will hold out her hands and call him.

‘Ryuu’

His name sounded like a melody when she called him. He remembered her sweet smile beckoning him to come to her. Those were the times when everything was perfect.

‘Ryuu!’ Ayano called out once more and Ryuu snapped out of his day dreams. His heart stopped when he realized that it wasn’t a dream that she was calling him again. He turned to face her and she looked away.

‘May I speak to you for a moment?’

‘Ah.. s..sure,’ he stuttered.

‘Not here,’ she turned towards the woods.

Special A Fanfiction: Part 4

She got up from her seat cautiously, her eyes still on him. The rest of the S.A students watched them curiously. A bead of sweat trailed down her temples and she managed to whisper his name, “Ryuu?”.

He smiled, “Yes, it’s been a while”. With that she backed away from him and ran.

“Ah wait!” Hikari ran after her. Ryuu just watched her run away understandingly, his heart sank with every step she took away from him.

Ayano felt her vision blurred as she ran towards the woods, the greenhouse getting further and further behind her. She only stopped after tripping over a root and fell. Her heart hammered in her chest and her lungs cried out for air. Drops of tears fell from her face and she dabbed at them furiously with her sleeves. Why? She screamed silently. Why after all this time?

The footsteps behind startled her. Hikari appeared, “Ayano-chan! What happened?” she panted.

In the greenhouse, Ryuu sat down on the chair and rubbed his temples. The group surrounded him, waiting for an explanation. He looked up at their expecting eyes and sighed, “Sorry, I can’t tell you all yet. Not before I’m able to forgive myself”.

In the end, she didn’t tell anyone anything, preferring to keep it a secret. These people probably won’t understand anyway. Ayano held the phone in her hand, fingers hovering over the speed dial to her father. Can she do it? It was her firm decision to come here, backing down right not isn’t the right thing to do. She sighed and threw her phone on the sofa. She hugged her knees on the steps of her conservatory.

Lily, her golden retriever came over and tucked under her arms. She petted its silky golden fur. Lily was a gift from Ryuu on her 10^th birthday. She remembered being scared of the little fur ball but then Ryuu took her hands and gently taught her to stroke the puppy’s head. The trusting little dog licked her fingers and she fell in love with it. They named her Lily because she sneezed on the pollen of the Lilies in Ayano’s conservatory. That was 7 years ago, now the little fur ball has grown so much. She wondered if Ryuu still remembers Lily. Ayano put her chin on top of it’s head and whispered, ‘He’s back’.

Special A Fanfiction: Part 3

"Have a seat, I'll bring tea," Akira offered. Tadashi heard this and added, "Oh and bring in some more fairy cakes!" earning him another kettle to the head. Everyone laughed at them as Akira dragged him by his tie towards the kitchen to help out.
"I wonder where's Ryuu," Jun asked while scanning around the greenhouse. Megumi held out her sketchpad, "He isn't back yet?".  He wandered off towards the tree's where the sloth usually hangs out as Akira was making her way back with her trolley of tea and cakes. Tadashi was behind her, stuffing his mouth to the max. "So Ayano, where did you study before you came here?" Akira asked, handing her a cup of Earl Grey.
"I studied in one of the elite schools in Paris," she replied, inhaling the scent of the tea.
"Ah, Paris~ I miss Paris," Akira pouted. "Hikari! We have to go there one day together!".
"I'm ok with it if everyone is coming too. It'll be fun!" Hikari clapped her hands excitedly.

It wasn't hard to spot Ryuu. He was still hanging on one of the branches but still out of everybody's sight. Jun walked towards him, "There you are. What are you doing up there?".
"Ah, nothing", Ryuu replied, startled by him. "You're back".
"Yes, our new classmate Ayano-san is a really nice person. You should come meet her," Jun smiled up at him innocently.
"Oh, maybe later," Ryuu jumped down from the tree. "Eh? Are you still busy?" Jun asked.
"Not really but -- "
"Then it's ok right? C'mon, you'll like her. Megumi likes her too," Jun took his hands and pulled.
"Ah wait Jun!"

     Ayano was sipping her tea when she heard noises from behind the tree. She divert her attention to the the tall frame appearing from the tree's, her eyes trailed up towards his face and she froze. The teacup she was holding slipped from her frozen fingers and crashed onto the floor.
Ryuu was fighting back Jun's grip on his arms when he heard a crash. He turned towards the source of the sound and his eyes met Ayano's intense grey eyes staring shell shocked at him. His own heart skipped furiously, her emotions unreadable. All eyes are on them now.
The long pause between them ensued while everyone around them watched them with concern. Clearing his dry throat to hide his nervousness, he smiled gently at her. His soft eyes held hers in a connection that was thought long lost years ago.
"Long time no see, Aya-chan".

JoKwon I'm Da One album review

It's very surprising. I was expecting a very funny concept from this album cuz of the I'm Da One Mv but no, the other songs are pretty normal as in no funny business. I did find "Wingardium leviosa" quite an odd name for a song but well, whatever floats his boat.
Some of the songs are very techno like pitbulls/florida(except for the rap part) or The wanted. The quality of the songs does come to me as a huge surprise. Not only does is sound unique, it doesn't sound like Kpop songs anymore. It's more to those American songs, i'd say not bad at all. JYP is aiming for the American song industry. The quality of MV's are good as expected from most korean song MV.
JoKwon manage to sound like Shayne Ward. He always had a good voice but by improving his english, he sounds like Shayne ward when he sings. Haha~~
Anyway, do check out his album. It has come a long way from the boring ol kpop songs. The concept is fresh but i do think his image here suits more for G dragon of Big Bang. Well, I don't really mind. The songs are awesome. Try listening to Heaven, Just A Kiss, Who's Loving You Now - It's my favourites.
                          

Special A Fanfiction: Part 2

     She stood there in her crisp new white S.A uniform, the wind gently blowing around her silvery hair. She stared at the group of people looking at her, wearing the same uniform. She smiled encouragingly at them. Hikari took that as a cue and took a step forward, "Welcome to Hakusenkan, we're your new classmates, You can call me Hikari".

"And I'm Takishima Kei, I apologize that one of our comrade is missing. He seems to have something to do", he stepped in. She smiled, "It's okay, we'll meet eventually in class right? My name is Tsukino Ayano. Please call me Ayano". Later, the rest made their introduction.

"I've heard about all of you from Yahiro".

 Akira seems to flinched at his name, "Oh really? What did he said about us?". Ayano smiled, "What he usually says, he also told me to take good care of Megumi-san but I guess I don't really have to since she looks pretty fine to me." Megumi blushed when Ayano winked at her.

"Alright, Ayano-chan, I believe you need to meet the director before going to class?" Hikari asked.

"Yes, that's right".

"Yosh! Let me lead the way," Hikari marched forward, leading the group through the throng of students.  
     After Tadashi's mother gave her a brief lecture on the rules and welcomed her to the school, they were ushered back to class with a notice to make Ayano feel at home.

She liked it here, the environment is nothing like Hakusen where a lot more snobby brats filled the hall, boasting their vacation in Europe and the latest fashion. Here there's no such pressure. She was glad she persuaded her parents to let her study here. The grassy path that lead to the greenhouse was perfectly trimmed and Ayano fell in love with the secluded 19th century style greenhouse surrounded by beautiful exotic flowers and the wide green field. She can already imagine her life here.

"And here is the greenhouse or our classroom," Hikari announced, pushing the door open.

Ayano gapped at the interior of the greenhouse and the sunshine emitting rays of light through the glass roof. She was amazed by the wonderful scent of roses and the sound of flowing water from the fountain nearby. the temperature felt nice on her skin after 2 years in Paris. "This is place is amazing!" she laughed, making her way towards the centre.

     Ryuu was perched on one of the highest trees, watching the scene below diligently. He heard her laughter first and it caught his breath. Yes, how he missed this laugh. His eyes seeks her face. She has changed, he observed. Her hair is longer that before, she's taller and leaner. Her S.A uniform clad her body perfectly like it was meant for her. No, she hasn't change. Her eyes still twinkles and her infectious laughter still brought a smile to his lips. She still walked with poise and her steps as graceful as he remembered. Shutting his eyes, he let himself be basked in her presence. 

Special A Fanfiction: Part 1 (Prologue)

     They heard the news days ago from the director, another student will be joining S.A. Reluctant at first, it was Ryuu who convinced the others that it's fine. Hikari was excited about the arrival of another potential competitor. They heard she transferred from Paris, the daughter of a steel manufacturing tycoon. Today  she'll make her grand entrance in Hakusenkan.
"Shall we go welcome our new classmate? It's about time she arrives," Kei asked casually, rising from his seat. Hikari bounced up from her seat excitedly and pulled Akira along, "Of course! C'mon everybody". The rest followed behind them as they approach the door to the greenhouse.
"By the way, Tadashi, did your mother happen to mention her name?" Kei asked.
"Huh? I think so - " he replied between mouthful of fairy cakes. A kettle flew towards him and hit him in the forehead. "Swallow before you answer, Tadashi!" Akira scolded. A disoriented Tadashi picked himself up, rubbing his sore head. "Ok ok, hmm... i don't remember her first  name but her last name is Tsukino".
"Eh? Tsukino? As in Tsukino Steels?" Akira asked, eyes wide. Kei was taken aback, Tsukino group was on par with Takishima group. It's logic that they would send their own child to Kokusen Academy, founded by Masahito Tsukino himself. Why would they send their dear princess to Hakusen?
Ryuu's expression changed upon hearing the name, his eyes darted towards Tadashi in shock. With trembling fingers, he drew his per sloth closer. "Sorry guys, you go ahead and greet her. I've got something to do".
"What? Why?" Jun asked, concerned by Ryuu's sudden change of mind. Megumi, clearly thinking the same as her brother held up her sketchpad with the words "What's wrong?" written on it.
"Ah, it's nothing. This fella doesn't look good, " Ryuu pointed to the sloth. The other's stared at the animal. "He looks fine to me," Akira pointed out.
 "No he dooesn't. Anyway, hurry up and go, you don't want our new classmate to get lost don't you? I'll be here if you need me". He turned away and walked back into the greenhouse. Six pairs of eyes watching at his departing figure.
"Well, can't force him if he has something to do right?" Hikari winked.
"Yes, let's go then, "Kei replied affectionately.

     The white limo rolled up in front of the gates just in time when the S.A group arrived. Everyone stared curiously at the unfamiliar car while whispering to each other. The door opened slowly and a pair of long legs emerged.