Chapter 6

Chapter 6

“Pi-nut!”

Pi took off the earphones when he heard Mao’s voice outside his door. A knock came. He was watching a movie on his iPod as he lay on the couch. Shige had moved in a fresh batch of movies and series for him to watch. He hadn’t heard the others come home.

“I think Pi-nut’s sleeping,” he heard Massu comment.

Pi’s lips cracked into a smile. Mao had been having fun coming up with things to call him from his nickname. He’d been called Pi-wee, Pi-kachu, Pi-tan. And now it’s Pi-nut but Buta was still her favourite. He opened the door and stepped out, noticing Mao was holding a bag of laundry in her hands. So were Massu and Tego.

“Hey, Pi-nut,” Massu chirped, grinning as he popped in some Skittles into his mouth.

“Do you have some laundry to do? We’re going there right now,” Mao said, as she placed her laundries on the floor.

Pi thought to his hamper that has been overflowing with clothes. Shige hadn’t been able to come by for a while to take care of them.

“One sec,” he said and disappeared into his room.

Mao held out her hand to Massu for some Skittles. After a while. Pi appeared holding a huge bag of laundry.

“How many times a day do you change your clothes?” Tego asked, eyes widening. Mao and Massu had their mouths, open Skittles still in their mouths.

“Is this for those times you didn’t come with us for laundry?” Mao asked, shaking her head.

Pi shrugged and grinned, handing it to them.

“Here!”

The three of them stared at him.

“Aren’t you going to do the laundry?” Pi asked.

“Pi-nut really suits him,” Mao said, rolling her eyes. “He’s really nutty.”

“Uh, Pi, you know that you’re going with us, right?” Massu said, feeling like a chambermaid.

Shoot. Oh yeah, he should be the one doing all these now. He’d been so used to Shige taking care of it.

“I was just kidding, you know,” Pi said, recovering.

“Come on. Hope there aren’t much people right now,” Tego said as he led the way down the stairs.

“Are you sure there isn’t a body in there?” Massu asked as he and Mao poked Pi’s laundries.

“Stop harassing my laundries!”

**

Mao closed the washing machine and patted her hands together. She listened as the machine whirred. That was a load. Her eyes went to Pi, three machines down. But compared to him… He had to use at least three washers for his clothes. Mao shook her head, amused.

“Hey, look, it’s Sakurai Sho!” Tego whispered.

Mao turned her head following Tego’s gaze.

“No, don’t look. He might see us.”

“Do you want me to look or not?”

Sakurai Sho was depositing his washed clothes into the dryer. They stared in astonishment as Pi casually walked up to him, like it was nothing. He was like an urban legend but Pi, being Pi, didn’t know that. It was one thing they forgot to tell him.

“What the-?” Massu exclaimed, as they watched them like a group of papparazzis. “He’s actually talking to Pi. And… smiling.”

“Yeah, I know. It’s like the twilight zone or something,” Mao muttered as they blinked at the scene.

“Do you think he’s smiling coz he’s planning to beat him up?” Tego mused.

Pi suddenly pointed his thumb at them over his shoulders and Sakurai Sho’s eyes went to them.

“Pretend you’re busy!” Massu hissed and then pretended to stretch and yawn. Mao and Tego seemed to be poring over a gossip magazine, apparently having a very serious conversation.

They heard Pi’s footsteps coming near them.

“Why didn’t you guys come over and talk to Sakurai?” he asked. “I was waving at you guys.”

“You actually talk to him?” Mao said, amazed. “When did you meet him?”

“Out in the hall once.”

“What is it like talking to him?” Tego asked. The three of them seemed genuinely curious.

“Are we still on Planet Earth?” Pi asked, frowning. “It’s not like he’s an alien or something.”

“How’d you really know?” Massu asked, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

Pi stared at him. They explained the situation with Sakurai Sho and how he’s really not the most approachable person. Really scary and he’s always had this “back off” vibe.

Scary? Pi thought. He’s handled scarier guys in the business.

“You could try talking to him before judging him,” Pi said. “I thought you don’t like being judged.”

He pointedly said this to Mao, who opened and closed her mouth unable to say anything.

“It’s not judgment. It’s an observation,” she reasoned out.

Just then Sakurai Sho came in from outside, drinking from a soda can. Mao caught his eyes and she gave a small smile. Sakurai gave a nod of acknowledgement.

“See?” Pi said to her.

“So he’s not so bad,” Mao shrugged.

“I can’t believe that just happened,” Tego said.

Massu stood there mimicking the Twilight Zone tune.

“Anyway, enough about that, I’m kinda thirsty,” Mao said and headed to the doors for the vending machine outside.

She punched in the drink she wanted but it didn’t come out. She gave it a swift kick. Still nothing.

“They should really replace these already,” Massu remarked as he and Tego stood beside Mao and they started kicking the machine with her.

“What are you guys doing?” Pi asked as he came out due to all the loud banging. Mao, Massu and Tego kicked away.

“My drink won’t come out.” Mao explained. “This old thing’s always like this.”

Pi stared at them for a moment then joined in. Finally, the manager stormed out shouting at them to stop. It was causing a major racket.

Mao gave one last kick and the drink came down. She grinned at the manager who shook his head. They knew he was a big teddy bear.

“It’s because of you kids that these things break.”

He went back inside shaking his head as Pi and Mao laughingly walked off. Tego and Massu stayed to get some chips. Pi and Mao heard them kicking again.

“Hey! Look!” Mao said, pointing to a large laundry cart. “I haven’t ridden in one for years.”

Pi smiled. “Ridden in one?”

“Yeah. Like when you go to the grocery and ride in one while your friends push,” Mao said, grinning. “Fun times. But gets the manager every time.”

Ah. He’s never really done that though. Her eyes twinkled. She ran towards it, parked near a bench. Stepping up onto the bench, she carefully sat inside the cart.

“Come on. Push me,” she said, as Pi jogged over to her, amused.

“Here we go,” Pi said, as he grabbed the handles and pushed. Mao, laughing, as she spread out her arms, her hair flying behind her. The soda in her hand splashed around.

“Weeee!” she exclaimed as Pi laughed behind her.

They cheered, stopping under a star-strewn sky. Every time she’s around, he’s having ten times the fun. There was just something about her… her childlike innocence and the way she’s not afraid to just be herself around him. He can’t say the same about him though… He was hiding a secret from her… He gazed down at her as she watched the stars she’s always liked… He suddenly wanted to tell her everything…

“How come every time you’re around there are stars up in the sky?” Mao asked, genuinely curious, as she leaned back her head staring up at Pi.

Pi looked down at her. “That’s coz I make them come out. They wanna see me. The awesome being.”

Mao snorted. “I can’t believe you just referred to yourself as the awesome being. Is Ryo channelling you right now?”

“Why? Don’t you think I’m awesome?” Pi joked, as his lead lowered down a bit. Somehow he really wanted to hear the answer.

Mao pursed her lips, as if deep in thought. “ No,” she decided.

“Why not?” he asked, as his head lowered down some more.

Their faces were almost inches apart. Mao blinked up at him. She could see his long lashes as they both stared at each other. Pi’s gaze went to her lips. Her heart involuntarily skipped a beat and she felt a warmth creep up her cheeks. Under the pale moonlight, as she stared at him closely, he was breath-taking…

“Yo! Don’t hog all the fun,” Tego called out from behind as he and Massu walked up to them.

Pi straightened up and Mao leaned forward. She wished her heart would steady already. She knew Pi was a good-looking guy. She just didn’t really realize how much… And that moment… Why must he do this? Doesn’t he realize his effect on girls? She was after all, just a normal girl. Why did he look at her in that way? Or is he, being Pi, oblivious about it?

“We haven’t done this in a while ne?” Massu said, grinning.

“It’s my turn.”

“Hey! Stop riding the carts! And your clothes are done. You better take them out now. There are people waiting,” the manager called out.

“We’ll go in first,” Tego said as he and Massu ran back.

Pi pushed Mao back to park the cart. Mao silently drank her soda, thankful for the interruption. Somehow it felt like Pi… Nah, she thought as she shook her head.

“Why are you shaking your head?” Pi asked, as he parked the cart back beside the bench.

“N-Nothing,” she replied, hoping she’s not blushing anymore. Her face still felt warm.

She stood up and places one foot on the bench. Pi ready to support her. As she lifted the other, it caught on the side of the cart and she almost went over. She grabbed hold of the bench, as Pi held onto her waist.

Mao straightened up and glanced back at him, she noticed Pi’s lips twitching. She narrowed her eyes.

“Are you laughing?”

Pi looked at her, pressing his lips together and shook his head. Mirth was abundant in his eyes.

Mao jumped down onto the floor and they headed back inside.

“Don’t laugh,” Mao said, as she noticed Pi’s shoulders shake a bit.

She looked really funny on the bench just now.

“Don’t laugh!” she repeated as she couldn’t help but laugh herself. She jumped up and down trying to cover Pi’s mouth.

Pi avoided her hands and let out a laugh as she tried to cover his mouth again.

**

“There’s no smoking in the break room,” Shun said, as he declined Toma’s offer of a cigarette.

“Since when did that stop you?” Toma wondered, as he lit one for himself.

He watched thoughtfully as Shun poured himself a cup of coffee.

“Hey, why are you hanging around the Inoue chick?”

Shun stayed silent as he stirred his coffee.

“I thought you didn’t-“

Some models entered the room, laughing. They eyed Toma and Shun as they went for their coffee. When they went out the room, Toma admired their legs as one of them glanced flirtatiously at him.

“Rumors have been circulating, my friend,” Toma said as he took a puff.

“What rumors?”

“That you’re going to ask Inoue for a date,” Toma replied, as he walked up beside him.

Shun looked at him from the corner of his eye. Was this some trick he’s come up with to make him talk?

Toma held up his hands. “Don’t look at me. I don’t have time to make up silly rumors. It’s funny though.”

“What’s funny about it?”

“You and her,” Toma said, cackling. “Have you seen her?”

Shun didn’t like where the conversation was going. He really didn’t like Toma’s tone. He took his coffee and started for the door.

“Hey!”

Shun turned around and caught a pack of cigarette Toma threw at him.

“I owed you a pack.”

Shun turned it around in his hand.

“Keep it,” he said, as he threw it back at him, leaving Toma dumbfounded.

**

“Hey.”

Mao stopped at the foot of the stairs. Nino looked around and saw Shun waiting beside his motorcycle. It was because of frequent scenes like this that the office have been bombarded with different rumors. Nino glanced at Mao and he felt he should make an exit, just by the look on her face. She can be so transparent sometimes. He came up with an excuse to meet a friend. Mao’s eyes filled with gratitude as he rolled his eyes.

“You owe me dessert,” he muttered, gave a nod at Shun and walked towards the subway.

Mao walked up to Shun with a small smile on her face, looking calm. But her heart was just the opposite of that.

“Thanks for the muffin earlier,” Mao said as she nervously tucked her hair behind her ear.

She had been resting her head on her table for like a minute (more like ten, though) and when she lifted her head up, there it was, a muffin on a plate.

“How’d you know?”

“Nino saw you,” Mao said, shrugging but the gesture had her doing summersaults in her mind.

“Home?” he asked.

Mao nodded and she was surprised as Shun handed her a pink helmet.

“So we don’t have to be afraid of getting caught anymore,” he said, grinning.

He had bought it for her when he had seen that motorcycle accessories shop. He’s always thought that the Ducati was just for him. Sure, several girls had rode with him before… but it was the first time he’s bought a helmet for one… Somehow it held so many meanings…

Mao settled into her position again, her arms around Shun’s waist, smelling his cologne. The pink helmet on her. It was really sweet of him to take an extra with him. Somehow pink really didn’t match his Ducati, she thought, grinning to herself.

“Want to grab a snack?” Shun asked. He didn’t want to take her home just yet.

“Sure.”

**

Mao blew on the takoyaki ball. It was still very hot. She glanced at Shun who popped his into his mouth. She took a bite and the sauce dripped down the side of her mouth. She looked around for some napkins.

Suddenly, Shun reached out and dabbed one on the side of her mouth. She blushed, grinning sheepishly.

“T-Thanks,” she said, as she took the napkin from him.

Shun smiled at her. She looked just like a kid.

“You still have some here,” he said.

“Here?”

“No, there.”

“Here?”

“No over here,” Shun said. Mao looked confused and self-conscious. “I was just kidding.”

“You-,” she said exasperatedly. And then laughed. She thought she has been eating like a pig.

Shun chuckled and then asked if she wanted some more.

“I’m good,” she said. Then thoughtfully, “Maybe I could get some for Buta and Meat Bun.”

“Are they your pets?”

Mao laughed. “Hmm… Maybe.”

Shun was about to ask some more when two good-looking guys came over and slapped him on the back. It was some friends of his.

“You here alone man?”

What? They didn’t think she could be with him?

“No, I’m with a friend. Inoue Mao,” he said, indicating to her.

She gave a small smile at them. They half-heartedly acknowledged her and proceeded to talk to Shun, inviting him to go clubbing sometime soon. It irked her how some guys’ attitude really stinks. Just because she was not some gorgeous model with her boobs hanging out for them to ogle at, they immediately dismiss her. They don’t look that good-looking to her now. She tells herself she was used to it. But you really don’t get used to that kind of attitude…

The two said good-bye to Shun as if she didn’t exist. She silently ate her takoyaki. Somehow it dawned on her how completely different their worlds really are. His world was clubbing, gorgeous women, parties and a lifetime of people that’s falling over just to get to know him. They were the ones who will never know what people like her feels like… Her world was… She sighed inwardly.

“Maybe you would like to come with us clubbing sometime?” Shun asked, as he reached for his drink.

Clubbing? She’s not exactly the clubbing type. But once in a while, it’s not so bad. But with those two?

She faked a smile. “Yeah, maybe.”

**

Pi sorted out the clothes they washed the night before as he talked to Shige on the phone.

“I forgot to bring my cellphone,” he explained.

Shige had come by the night before to pick up Pi’s laundry but no one was answering the door nor his phone. He had brought over his favourite takoyaki as well.

“Man,” he pouted. “Takoyaki…”

“I guess you can now go with them to do laundry,” Shige mused.

Pi had to get used to doing things by himself. He didn’t know why, maybe out of habit, he still takes care of most of the stuff for him. Which shouldn’t be the case since he asked to live alone.

“Yeah. It is fun,” Pi said, smiling at the thoughts of last night. Mao in the laundry cart…

Shige chuckled. “Something good must have happened last night.”

Shige was teasing him again. Ever since he talked to him about Mao, he’s been doing it often. And the bunny suit… His eyes fell upon it, thrown over the couch.

“Bring takoyaki over tonight,” he suddenly said.

“What? Tonight? I have to draft up some reports-,” Shige started.

“Bring it over or you’re fired,” Pi said and hung up. He chuckled as he imagined Shige’s distraught look this instant.

He continued to sort out the clothes on his bed but one item caught his eyes. He lifted it up. It was a pair of panties. Mao’s panties to be exact. It must have mixed in with his clothes when Tego and Massu dumped all their clothes in one big pile.

He felt a blush creep up his cheeks. He doesn’t blush often. Still holding on to it, he decided to give it back to her right then. She should be home by now. He closed the door behind him and started for her door when he heard the sound of a motorcycle come up near their building.

**

“Thanks for the ride,” Mao said, as she took off her helmet.

Shun had noticed she gone a little more quiet than usual. A lock of hair had fallen over her eye and then instinctively he reached out and softly brushed it away, leaving Mao sort of stunned.

“Have you been hearing rumors in the office lately?” he asked, looking down at her.

Mao nodded slowly. Of course she had. It was all over the place. People feed on rumors like that everyday. And the models are not too happy about this certain rumor. She didn’t even know how that started. And it was really impossible. Shun asking her out? Nooo. Why is he asking all of a sudden? Oh right, he’s going to tell her there’s no truth to it. They’re better off as friends. Yada, yada, she thought gumly. So is this why he gave her a ride home? To “talk”?

“I was just-,” Shun stood closer to her and then got distracted by someone noisily coming down the stairs.

Pi had looked down from above to see his fear confirmed. He had given Mao yet another ride home and what was up with the brushing of the hair? And shouldn’t he be going by now?

“Yo!” he greeted, obviously irked about something.

Mao whipped her head around and saw him. Pi stood next to her and looked at Shun. His expression indescribable. Shun looked back at him, sensing a bit of animosity that confused him a bit. Mao oblivious to this introduced the both of them to each other.

Shun reached out his hand to shake Pi’s. Pi obliged but immediately let go. He knew he was acting like a child but he just doesn’t like the guy.

“Oh! We forgot to buy some takoyaki home,” Mao suddenly said, looking at Shun.

“For Buta and Meat Bun?” Shun said. The names stuck to him coz they were really interesting.

That didn’t help Pi’s mood. They went to eat takoyaki. That was his favourite. It was like blasphemy or something. He suddenly reached out his left hand and handed something to Mao.

Mao automatically reached out and Pi dumped it in her hand.

“I found this in my room.”

Without thinking, she said, “Hey! I’ve been looking for this. Tha-“

Her voice caught in her throat. The smile on her face froze. Eyes widened. It was as if she was hearing her world around her crumbling down.

Her panties?! Why would Pi be handing her her panties in front of Shun?! In front of anyone for that matter?! Her awkward smile still frozen on her lips. She glanced at Shun who was looking a bit dumbfounded and to a bored looking Pi. The panties still in her hand.

She suddenly laughed, a bit maniacally to cover up the awkward situation, which doesn’t help at all.

“Our laundries must have mixed. We were just dumping everything out eh?” she blustered on. “Yeah, laundries. Doing laundry is fun…”

She was talking so fast. She laughed some more, sounding as if she was about to cry. What would Shun think? Pi said he found it in his room. He wouldn’t think…? She kicked herself mentally. Now is not the time.

“Yeah,” Pi said, sounding bored. “Nice meeting you. Bye!”

He turned around and headed up. Mao’s hand closed on her panties and she hid it behind her back, laughing up at Shun, utterly embarrassed. Shun just pretended nothing really weird just happened. He’ll talk to her next time. She was too flustered.

“I’ll see you,” he said as he got on his motorcycle.

Her heart sank. Did he think she’s really weird and is running in the opposite direction now? And as if hearing her question, he looked at her after turning on the ignition.

“Keep the helmet. But always bring it to work,” he said with a smile. “You never know when I’ll be giving you a ride home.”

He rode off as the weight in Mao’s heart lifted. And then, with murder in her eyes, she turned around.

**

Mao stomped angrily up the stairs, hunting for Pi. The panties in her clenched fist. She found him standing outside his door, hopefully because he’s feeling guilty.

“Is he gone?” he then said.

“Why did you do that?!” Mao hissed at him as she stopped in front of him.

“Do what?”

Mao wanted to throttle him. If looks could kill… Do what?! Who is he kidding?

“You know exactly what!”

“What was wrong with returning your things?” Pi knew he sounded so unreasonable. But he just reacted after seeing her looking at Oguri in that lovey-dovey way.

“Stop playing dumb!” she said. “He might think I’m a freak!”

“Well, obviously, he’s not worth it if he thinks that!” he retorted, his voice raising a bit. He was getting a bit frustrated as well. What was wrong with him? He didn’t know how else to put these things he was feeling about her…

“It really wasn’t an appropriate time for this!” she hissed as she whipped out the panties.

Pi looked down at it.

“You seem to really like pigs. There’s even one on your panties,” referring to the cartoon pig on the front.

“So what if I really like pigs!” she exclaimed, frustrated. And then realized they were suddenly talking about pigs. Why?

“So you like me then?” he blurted out. What was he saying again?

Mao looked at him a bit lost and before she could process that, Kei-chan came bounding up the stairs shouting “I got the job! I got the job!”.

He stopped as he noticed Mao and Pi glaring at each other.

“Are you two bickering again?”

They opened their mouths to explain. But then-

“Never mind. I got the job!” he said as he took Mao’s hands and jumped around.

“The DJ spot?” Mao asked, forgetting her problems. “Congratulations! Are you going to treat us?”

Kei-chan and Mao jumped up and down but Kei-chan got distracted.

“Why are you holding a pair of panties?” he asked, stopping and pointing down at Mao’s hand.

Mao quickly hid it behind her, glaring back at Pi.

“I… uh…”

Kei-chan shook his head as if dismissing it.

“We must celebrate!” he cheered, pumping up his fists. “Karaoke!”

And Pi suddenly remembered something. “Hey, I got the job too.”

Mao turned her head to him.

“Really? At Massu’s?”

“Yeah…,” Pi said quietly. Would they be okay now?

Mao fought hard not to be happy got him. She was still ticked off at what he did. But she couldn’t help it. He finally found a job!

“That’s really good to hear,” she said, looking at him, feeling truly happy for him.

Kei-chan stepped up in front of him and gave him a high-five.

“The others better get here soon!” Kei-chan said, excitedly. “But I’m not treating.”

“I’ll treat then,” Pi said. It was sort of a sign of truce to Mao. He gave her a small smile. She tried not to smile back but failed.

“Did somebody say they’re treating?” Ryo asked as he reached their floor. Massu and Tego behind him, their eyes shining.

**

“Sick and tired of hearing all these people talk about,” Kei-chan sang and then pointed to Massu.

“What's the deal with this pop life and when’s it gonna fade out,” Massu continued.

Tego sang, “The thing you got to realize what we doing is not a trend…”

“We got the gift of melody. We gonna bring it till the end,” Mao and Ryo finished with a pose.

Then they started cracking up as Pi, seated, applauded and cheered. It was their ritual to start off their karaoke nights with “Pop”. And today they showed their dazzling performance for Pi.

They went to sit down as Kei-chan and Tego excitedly started to select songs. While Massu excitedly checked out the menu. Mao sat down beside Pi. He glanced at her.

“I’m really sorry… Are we alright now?”

Mao turned to him. She was glad he apologized though she still couldn’t understand why he’d do something like that. Whatever he does sometimes is beyond anyone’s understanding.

“Let’s just have some fun and let out all the stress, ‘kay?” she said, as she waved their incident earlier away.

Ryo who was sitting beside Pi overheard their conversation.

“Why? What happened?”

“Don’t tell him!” she quickly replied. He’ll never let her live it down if he found out. And she wasn’t keen on hearing him laughing his ass off at her.

Ryo complained at that. Mao pretended she wasn’t hearing anything as Ryo continued to bug them about it. Finally, Kei-chan dragged him away. Pi and Mao met each other’s eyes and snickered.

**

“I wanna hold you till I die,” Kei-chan sang with all his emotions as he looked at Ryo.

“Till we both break down and cry,” Ryo choked out, as he held out his hand for Kei-chan.

“I wanna hold you till the fear in me subsides,” they both finished as they stared lovingly at each other and closed in for a hug.

“Go get a room!” Massu cried, throwing some chips at them, disgusted.

Pi and Mao roared with laughter while Tego drank his beer, as if trying to wash away the taste of that performance. As they booed them jokingly, a Spice Girls song came up. “Wannabe”.

“Who chose this?!” Massu asked, looking bewildered.

“You did,” Ryo said as he handed him the microphone.

“Huh?”

“And Tego too,” Ryo said, grinning evilly.

Massu and Tego protested as Ryo bullied them into singing it. He wasn’t going to stop it so they might as well sing. Massu and Tego reluctantly did this. As Ryo cackled in satisfaction, Mao shook her head at him. But laughed her head off as Massu and Tego got into the song, even dancing.

“You know, you should have come to my store instead,” Ryo said to Pi, as he sat back down. Massu and Tego’s voice, blaring in the background.

Ryo was the owner of a small modern clothing store that caters to men, with a reputation for being one of the most fashion-forward stores. They’ve just started selling women’s clothes and that’s where he picks up his ladies.

“We could need someone like you,” he added, as he popped a fry into his mouth. “You can attract the girls in.”

Pi undoubtedly had the face women will swoon over.

Mao rolled her eyes. “You sound like a pimp.”

“Hey,” Ryo said, as he pointed a fry at Mao. “This is purely business.”

“Pimp.”

“Hey, how come you never asked me to work at your store?” Kei-chan mused.

“Well, Koyama, my friend, you’re just not that good-looking enough,” Ryo said, without hesitation.

“Ouch. Through the heart. Through the heart,” Kei-chan said, miming a knife through his chest, as Mao threw fries at Ryo’s head.

“Kei-chan’s very cute,” she said as Kei-chan grinned at her.

“Yeah and you think that Oguri guy is cute too,” Ryo smirked.

“Well, that’s coz he is!” Mao defended.

“I have to agree with Ryo on this one.” Pi said, coz he just had to say something. No offense to Koyama.

Mao pouted and glared at them.

“You’re wasting your time at the pizza place,” Ryo then added to Pi.

“I don’t know. I’ll look you up later with that offer. I’ll try this for the mean time,” Pi said.

It was a much more different experience working at the fast food industry. Besides, he didn’t want to feel like an animal at the zoo, being ogled by people. In this case, the girls in his store.

“I wanna wanna wanna…GYOZA!” Massu cried as the waitress came into the room with a plateful.

Kei-chan laughed out loud. “You want gyoza? Way to change the lyrics man!”

They ate, drank, and sang their hearts out. Pi unable to stop laughing at the antics they come up with. He and his friends had somehow outgrown their karaoke phase years before. But this night reminded him how much fun it really is.

“Oh no. Mao’s going to sing again!” Ryo cried. “Cover your ears!”

“Shut up!” she said to Ryo as everyone did cover their ears.

Mao and Tego were standing side by side singing with dance steps.

“Daite ! Daite! Daite Seniorita-,” Mao and Tego sang.

The video suddenly jumped to another song. They looked around and saw that Ryo changed it as he downed his drink. They had switched to hard drinks as the night wore on.

“What did you do that for?” Mao said, a bit tipsy. Tego echoing the same question.

“I’ve heard that song one too many times,” Ryo said.

“I don’t know. It’s not such a bad song,” Pi said, his eyes half-closed.

Mao and Tego nodded vigorously.

“Well, you can’t,” Ryo ordered. “Sing the next one.”

Mao and Tego started singing again and the video jumped once more.

“What now?!”

“I just wanted to do that,” Ryo said as he cackled maniacally. Mao and Tego went to him kicking him.

They then went back to singing and dancing. Tego leaning against Mao as if jamming with an imaginary guitar. They then faced each other and jumped up and down.

Pi looked up at her just having the time of her life, jamming with her friends, not a care that her voice was a little… He chuckled to himself.

Mao lost her footing and landed on Pi’s lap. Pi looked at her with a tipsy smile on his lips as Mao giggled.

“Hey guys, it’s Pi-nut Buta!” she exclaimed as if seeing Pi for the first time.

“Pi-nut Buta… Pi-nut Buta… Peanut Butter?” Massu said, giggling like crazy.

“Huh?” Ryo said, frowning.

“Let her off,” Tego said to Pi as he pulled Mao to her feet.

“Wait!” Mao said. “Pi hasn’t sang and danced that much!”

She randomly selected a song. “Pop! Goes My Heart”. They pulled him up to sing and dance the corny choreography on the video. Pi laughed as they all stood up and danced away. He looked down at Mao’s red face as she giggled up at him. Everyone was on a high that night and the drinks kept coming.

**

“It’s raining men! Hallelujah! It’s raining men! Amen!” Pi, Mao and Ryo sang as they unsteadily walked home. Mao stood in the middle as the three of them supported each other.

Ryo laughed. “Why am I singing about raining men?”

“Coz you are gay,” Mao laughed, her eyes unfocused.

Pi leaned his head back bursting into laughter.

“I am not!” he said, his voice slurring.

In front of them, Kei-chan was trying to fend off Tego, as he was trying to kiss him.

“Mao,” Tego said, as he pursed his lips up at Kei-chan.

“I’m not Mao!” Kei-chan said as he pushed Tego’s face away.

Tego then hugged him instead. Massu, who had been silently walking beside them, followed suit.

He jerked his thumb at them. “They’re gay.”

“You are too,” Mao said.

“I’ll kiss you then to prove I’m not gay,” Ryo said as he grabbed Mao’s face.

Pi’s head jerked up. He could handle his alcohol really well. Jin is his friend, after all. He was tipsy and his head felt like it was floating but he still had some idea what was going on.

“Hey!” Pi said as he tried to pull Mao away.

Mao made some gagging noises.

“What? You want to barf because of me?” Ryo asked, his hands still on Mao’s face.

Mao then went off to the side, hunched over. Pi quickly went to stand beside her and softly rubbed her back. She wasn’t vomiting though. Just feeling a bit unwell. They shouldn’t have let her drink too much, he thought, worry creasing his brow.

“Are you okay? You want me to carry you?” Pi asked, although he wasn’t sure if he could still carry her.

“I’m okay,” she said as she straightened up and floated away dreamily.

“Hey!” Ryo called, pointing at Mao. “I still haven’t kissed you!”

**

Massu noisily stumbled into his room after shouting good night, still muttering Pi-nut Buta. Kei-chan pushed Tego into his room and unsteadily walked back to his, singing “Pop”. Pi, Mao and Ryo started for their rooms noisily.

Mao put a finger to her lips. “Ssshhh… Sakurai Sho might get angry.”

She giggled and then walked to her room as she took out the keys from her pocket.

“So what?” Ryo said loudly.

“Sshhh!” Pi and Mao shushed him.

Mao had her key out and tried to put it into the keyhole but she kept missing it. Looking almost cross-eyed in concentration. Pi chuckled at what she was attempting to do as he slowly walked up to her, his eyes feeling heavy.

“I’ll help you guys with that,” Ryo said, one foot already inside his room. “I just have to pee.”

Pi and Mao looked at each other and said, “Eeeeeewww.”

They both snickered loudly and then shushed each other.

“It won’t stand still,” Mao said, referring to the door.

Pi then grabbed her keys and opened the door. Mao cheered as she stumbled in. Pi thought he should make sure she doesn’t trip or anything. He grabbed her arm as Mao leaned against him. He walked her to her bed, afraid she might pass out on the floor. Mao lost her footing and pulled Pi down with her on the bed.

She giggled as they sat there. She looked at him.

“You’re weird, do you know that?” she said, hiccupping.

Pi raised his eyebrows about to shake his head, indicating he’s not weird.

“I like that you’re weird sometimes,” Mao said. “Everyone’s weird in some ways.”

Pi nodded contentedly as he gazed down at her.

“And do you know who else I like?” she whispered as she looked up at him.

Pi raised his finger to point at himself when-

“Oguri Shun,” Mao whispered, as she giggled giddily.

Pi lowered down his finger in disappointment. She slowly laid her head on his shoulder.

“I’m glad I can be myself with you,” she murmured.

Pi looked down at her. She had her eyes closed.

“I am too,” he whispered back, his heart pounding.

He gazed down longingly at her face, her cheeks tainted red, her skin so smooth. He softly brushed away some of her hair. It smelled of strawberry shampoo. Hmm… strawberries… His gaze went down to her slightly open lips, staring at them for a moment. He then started to lean down…

Mao stirred a bit, catching him off-guard. He stopped and smiled softly. Slowly and carefully, he put his arm around her shoulder, letting her settle in more comfortably. She looked so peaceful… It was weird how this urge to take care of her was so strong…

His eyes drooped. He then slowly laid down on the bed, taking Mao down with him. He knew he should really be going back to his room… Mao then snuggled against his chest as her arm rested on him and slept on.

Well… Maybe just a little while longer… But he knew he wanted it to be longer than that… Having her beside him felt really good… He loves the feel of her… He likes her… Really likes her… Really really likes her… As he had finally fully realized it… Finally admitting it to himself… But she liked another guy…

Pi cast those thoughts away… Tonight, she was at his side… His eyes became heavy as he softly caressed her arm… and it was all that matters…

**

Mao slowly let herself up from the bed. Her head feeling like it was going to crack open. She looked down at the clothes from last night. Ugh. They hadn’t drank this much for a while. She suddenly looked down at the bed. Last night, it felt like someone was beside her… and she liked the feeling… It gave her the feeling that she-

What was she thinking? Anyway… She carefully stood up and slowly walked towards the bathroom, yawning, making sure she didn’t make any sudden movements. Her head really hurt.

She opened the bathroom door, wiping the side of her mouth. It took a while to realize the shower was running. She frowned. It’s opening by itself again. Nothing really stays fixed in this place.

Her mind still unable to focus, she pulled the curtain away. Someone whipped around at her. It took a while for her to realize it was Pi. And he was NAKED! It felt like the whole world had stopped. They both stood there, staring wide-eyed at each other. He had been shampooing his hair; his hands were still up on his head.

And then as if in slow motion, the world moved again. They opened their mouths simultaneously-

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!” Both screamed at each other.

Mao looked down and screamed some more as she looked up again. “AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!”

Pi put his hands down to cover himself up. “AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!”

“AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!”