Chapter 11

Chapter 11

But how could he forget about Mao when almost every waking moment he spends around her or with her. Even in some of his dreams he couldn’t escape thoughts of her. Big Bang even appeared in those dreams (Curse her and her obsession with those flashy, hip-hop style boys! Whut?) But one dream involving Mao making him strawberry-banana shake he would never ever tell anyone. Um… better not go into details… But it made one thing clear. He was officially going crazy over this.

It was hard. He never imagined it would be this way. He found it hard to squash the urge to take care of her...

Exhibit A. Pi was staring absent-mindedly at Horton the Elephant on the TV screen. They had been watching Horton Hears A Who. He had been teasing Mao that she looked like the character Katie and asked her to imitate the look she does in the movie. Mao obliged once, making him laugh hard. After that, he had been pestering her time and again. She took a bathroom break and when she comes back he’ll be asking her to do it once more.

“WAAAAAAAHHHH!” came her scream. He almost toppled off the couch in surprise.

Mao came running out scared and swearing. Pi stood up and went to her wondering what was wrong. She looked pale and scared half to death. Tears seem to be forming in her eyes, threatening to spill.

“A lizard! A lizard fell on me!” Mao said in a shaking voice, pointing angrily at the bathroom.

“A lizard?”

He thought it was something more serious.

“Yes! I hate them!” Mao said vehemently. She had always have this weird phobia when it comes to lizards. They just looked creepy with their beady eyes when she sees them on the wall. And when they moved so fast… it made her skin crawl. They were really disgusting.

Pi chuckled at her strange fear.

“It’s not funny! It was this big!” she then shouted, as she held her hands apart widely, her tears starting to fall.

“It couldn’t be THAT big.”

“It is!” she wailed and started crying. It just scared the wits out of her the single most horrifying thing to ever happen to her. She almost feels like it was still on her. She shivered at the thought.

Pi felt sympathetic and held her face, wiping away the tears.

“Ssshh… it’s okay now. He’s gone. He won’t hurt you again.”

She continued to wail in angry frustration.

“Sshhh… don’t cry anymore. You’re looking uglier.”

She wailed some more at that as Pi hushed her, trying to calm her down. He then held her face and patted her cheeks as she continued to wail.

Exhibit B.

“Be careful. It might be too-,” Pi started.

Mao put in the whole takoyaki in her mouth and her eyes watered. It was too hot.

“Spit it out!” Pi yelled as he put his hand out.

Mao spat it out in his hand and then fanned her mouth. He gave her is soda and she gulped it down. A pained expression on her face, she felt her tender tongue. She looked at Pi, pouting.

“Why are you looking at me? It’s not my fault,” Pi said as he wrapped the takoyaki in tissue and wiped his hand.

“I was hungry…”

Pi gently took her chin and asked her to show her tongue. She lolled it out, as one of her hands reached to pick up a new piece.

“Can’t you wait?” Pi pushed her hand away.

Mao looked at him grudgingly.

“What’s that?” Mao pointed behind him excitedly.

“Yeah. That’s really going to fool me.”

He then pinched her cheeks hard and pulled, laughing at her face as she shot her hands out and pinched his cheeks as well.

“Let go!” they both yelled at each other, not willing to be the first to let go.

Exhibit C.

“Are you sure you want to watch this?” Ryo asked as they looked up at the poster of the horror movie.

“Of course!” Mao said, already thinking of what flavoured popcorn to order.

“Why? Are you scared?” she taunted him.

Ryo scoffed, shaking his head. “Just don’t come knocking at my door.”

Pi looked at them in wonder.

“For some reason, she likes to watch horror movies,” Massu explained jerking his thumb at Mao who stuck her tongue out at Ryo.

“Even though she gets so scared in the middle of the night and wakes Ryo up, asking him to sleep on her couch so she wouldn’t be alone,” he finished, rolling his eyes.

She couldn’t help it!

“You can wake me up anytime, Mao,” Tego chirped in, grinning at her.

“She goes to Ryo because she knows all the monsters are going to be scared of him,” Massu whispered loudly.

They all guffawed out loud as Ryo gave them a sharp glare. Their laughter faded away awkwardly. Someone coughed and cleared their throat.

“Ha! This time I won’t be knocking on Ryo’s door!”

“You’ve said that for like the ten millionth time.”

“Just wait and see!” Mao said as they headed for munchies.

And for the first time ever, she didn’t. She knocked on Pi’s door instead, hugging P-chan in her arms, trying not to look scared at every small sound she hears.

Pi opened his door and stood there, his eyes half closed, holding on to his pillow. Mao looked up at him, with his hair all tousled, standing there leaning on the door frame, stifling a yawn, he certainly looked cute… Deliciously cute… She fought the sudden urge to bite him.

“I thought you said you wouldn’t be scared,” he said, his voice husky from sleep.

“No more knocking on doors,” he added, as he looked down at Mao in her Ultraman shirt and shorts, looking really- Ah, he really should stop that.

“I only said I wouldn’t be knocking on Ryo’s door,” she claimed.

“Can you- Can you come to my room and sleep on the couch?” she quietly added.

She peeked up at him as Pi’s hand stopped rubbing his eyes. Their gazes met; Mao quickly and shyly looked down. Pi’s heart raced as he looked down at her, almost forgetting to answer. He worked his throat.

“Okay. I-I’ll just go get my blanket,” he said in a strained voice, as he pointed behind him.

Mao grinned up at him, nodded and quickly turned around, biting her lip. Pi stared for a moment at her open door, feeling like he’s lost the ability to move his legs. And then snapping to it, he went inside to grab his blanket.

Pi laid on the couch. It felt quite uncomfortable he now realized. He tossed and turned trying to find the perfect position. But it wasn’t just that. Mao was just a few feet away from him… His mind and heart were in overdrive. He was feeling restless. His eyes looked over to Mao’s bed, somehow too aware of her presence… He turned around and tried to go to sleep. No use. He shifted his weight and rolled over again.

“Whoa!” he yelled out as Mao standing over him startled him.

“Don’t pop out like a ghost!” he added, clutching his blanket.

“Ghost? Where?” Mao then said, whipping her head around.

“What is it?” Pi then asked, taking her mind off that word.

“I can’t sleep with you always moving around.”

He didn’t realize he was making that much noise.

“You really can’t sleep on the couch?” Mao asked. “Shun had no trouble though.”

“I gave up my comfortable bed for this, you know,” he growled, resenting that last remark.

“Sorry… Well, how about I spread the comforter at the side of the bed on the floor? Will that be better?” Mao asked, peering at him.

“I’ll be sleeping at the side of your bed?”

“Yeah.”

“Beside you?”

“Uh… yeah?” Mao frowned. Haven’t they gone over that?

A slight pause.

“Okay.” God help him.

**

Pi laid on his side, his back to Mao. An attempt to block her out. What has he gotten himself into? He really doesn’t expect to get any sleep that night. He closed his eyes tight. Just don’t think about it. Don’t think about her. Yeah… that’s gonna happen…

“Pi?” came her voice.

Pi groaned inwardly. She really was making it harder. He squashed the urge to jump into her bed and hug her. He allowed himself to imagine how she would react. Punch him probably.

“Pi?”

Pi grunted to show he was still awake. Mao gazed at his back, P-chan still in her arms. She didn’t feel scared anymore now that he was here but she still couldn’t sleep. For some reason, Pi at her side, in her room, she was feeling slightly giddy. And why did she suggest him sleeping at her side? Well, she just felt bad. That’s it.

“I can’t sleep. Maybe we can talk till we both drift off eh?” Mao suggested, suddenly wishing Pi would face her…

For a second, she thought he had fallen asleep. He suddenly laid on his back, looking up at the ceiling.

“We can do that.”

“Shun’s going to watch a movie with us next time, okay?”

Well, he didn’t really mean they should talk about Oguri…

“Is that alright with you?” Mao asked again when Pi didn’t answer. He was still staring up at the ceiling; still not looking at her.

“I didn’t know you were asking permission.”

“I’m not,” Mao shrugged. “It’s just that… You don’t like him too much, huh?”

Silence.

“Well?”

Pi started. “Huh? Sorry. I drifted off there.”

“With your eyes open?” Mao asked in disbelief.

“Such things are believed to be possible,” Pi answered sagely.

“You sound like Yoda,” Mao chuckled. “Are you avoiding the question?”

“Of course not! You’re thinking too much into it.”

Mao looked at him. Yeah… she was. What answer was she expecting anyway? She really should snap to it.

“How many girlfriends have you had?” she suddenly asked, curious as to what type of girl Pi was attracted to. She suddenly felt an unexplainable slight pang of jealousy when she imagined his exes.

This time Pi’s head snapped to her. Finally, he was looking at her.

“Why suddenly ask about that?”

“I’ve never heard anything about it. And according to society’s standards, you are exceptionally good-looking, so I just thought it’s natural you’ve had many girlfriends.”

“Society’s standards? So you don’t think I’m exceptionally good-looking?” Pi narrowed his eyes at her.

“I think you are,” she let slip.

Pi grinned dorkily.

“But guys like Shun are more my type, “she quickly added.

Why? Why did she have to say that? To remind herself? She stuck out her tongue as Pi scowled at her.

He let it slide. “I’ve never really considered them as girlfriends. More of… flings?”

“Men!” Mao huffed.

“Ah, not really the right word but just that I’ve never felt really serious about any of them,” Pi retracted.

“What kind of girl do you like anyway?” Mao asked curiously as she edge closer to the side of the bed.

You, the thought popping into his head. He really shouldn’t be facing her. Coz he was finding it hard to look away now. He shrugged off her question.

“Tell me when you’ve found her. You know, the one you want to be serious with. I want to be the first to know!” Okay, why was she being extra perky?

She felt her breath caught as Pi continued to stare at her silently, as if struggling with something.

I already have. Those were the words he wanted to say. He opened his mouth. Mao’s heart raced in anticipation. But no, he can’t do that…

“I didn’t know you can be such a nosy little Mao-tart,” he then chirped.

Mao threw P-chan at him, landing on his chest. He let out a laugh, said thanks and then laid on his side, his back to Mao.

“Give P-chan back!”

“You’re the one who threw him away. That’s animal cruelty.”

“No. This is,” Mao said, as she stretched her leg out, placed her foot on Pi’s back and started pushing him. When he seemed unfazed, she started to kick him repeatedly.

“Wow. It’s like a free massage,” Pi commented. Mao growled, still not letting up.

“Fine, fine!” Pi suddenly said and threw P-chan back to Mao, almost hitting her face.

He then laid on his side again and demanded she stop disturbing him. He needs sleep. Mao imitated him mockingly and then laughed.

“Pi?” she called him a few times. Pi-nut. Buta. Pistachio. No answer. He must really be sleepy, she thought, smiling.

She gazed down at his back again, hugging P-chan close; somehow imagining Pi’s scent again. Her eyes drooped a bit.

“Oyachumi,” she then whispered Pi’s usual greeting.

Her eyes slowly close as she drifted off to sleep. Her whispered good night sending a slight tingle down his spine. He is such a geek. He waited a while and then carefully turned around, looking over at Mao. Smiling at her endearingly, as she slept soundly, her mouth slightly open. Noticing P-chan in her arms, he wanted to take his place.

He shook his head mentally. This was going to be a long night… He had woken up looking like a grouchy panda while Mao looked well-rested and in high spirits, asking him how he slept. He just stared art her silently, his eyes narrowed as she jumped out of bed, still smiling.

And why was he enumerating each scenario. Anyway, the point is he was fighting a losing battle. He had thought of just leaving, leave all these behind… as if it never happened. But it was too much to lose. He had felt happiest here. And he knows, deep in his heart, but refuses to think about it; the more time he spends with her, the harder it is getting to forget about her. Does he really even want to?

And now, as he stepped out of his room and bumps into a pale-looking Mao, his whole being was just screaming to take care of her and never, ever leave. How could he leave? Why would he leave?

“You’re home early. Are you okay?” he asked. She was clutching her stomach, almost hunched over looking really harassed as Pi supported her.

“Cramps. Period,” she said, wincing at the pain as she took out her keys and unlocked her door, unable to stand up straight.

As soon as they were in, Pi awkwardly walked behind her, still trying to support her. She walked like an old lady. Throwing her bag on the floor, she crawled into bed and laid down in a fetal position. Pi automatically threw her blanket over her.

“Pi, can you get me really warm water and pain killers from the cabinet?” Mao said weakly.

Pi did as he was told. After she drank the medicine, she aid back down. Pi gently brushed her hair away from her face, feeing her forehead. She had broken into a cold sweat. Her eyes looked dazed from the pain.

“Pi?’ she suddenly said, as if remembering something. “Can you go buy me some napkins? I ran out…”

Pi stared blankly down at her.

“Um…”

“Thanks,” Mao said, smiling distractedly. Seems like she doesn’t know what she’s saying anymore. She then closed her eyes, totally drained.

Pi stared at her for a bit. And then gave her a little poke.

“Mao,” he whispered.

Poke. No reaction.

Heh.

**

Pi entered the small grocery store and grabbed a basket. His cap was pulled low over his forehead and he was wearing sunglasses. He then started grabbing random things off the shelves, looking around. There was a fairly small amount of people there. He saw one of the staff stamping prices, looking really bored.

“Excuse me…”

The guy looked at him. Okay, how to do this? He looked around. There was a couple standing close by.

“Where are the ‘supplies’ for the girls’… ‘Red Sea’?” Pi asked in a low voice, doing waves with his hands. Whut? What was he saying?

Apparently, the guy also was confused. He stared at him blankly. He took off his sunglasses.

“You know, the Red Dot?” he said, winking exagerratedly.

Blank stare.

Pi sighed. What was he doing? He left the guy still staring blankly. He found the aisle containing the napkins at last, thankful that no one was there. He took off his sunglasses. Okay, now which ones are the right ones? He looked around furtively and then peered closely. This one’s for heavy nights, he thought. Well, it was technically still daytime. Although Mao may need it later…

Still unable to believe he was having this conversation with himself, he grabbed one from the next pile. Wings? A confused look appeared on his face.

“Homygod! Is he a pervert?” a voice reached his ears.

He glanced sideways and saw two high school girls, looking at him, still holding the napkin.

“He couldn’t be. He’s too good-looking,” the other one said, almost wistfully.

Pi straightened up. The two jumped and pretended to be checking on something. Pi felt his face growing hot. Distractedly, he grabbed whatever he can reach, threw them into his basket, and quickly left that aisle. The two girls peered around at him as he put his sunglasses back on.

People behind him in the line were peering at the things he bought. Apparently, he had grabbed one too many and instead of being subtle, he ended up being too conspicuous. He stood there stiff and stony-faced. Mao better be using all of these…

**

Pi carefully placed the thermos with the soup beside Mao’s bed. He had called Shige up to ask for some help earlier when he came home.

“What? You’re making soup?” Shige asked in disbelief.

“Yeah. Mao is not feeling well right now,” Pi explained as he peered into the cupboards. “You know, the Red Dot.”

“The what?”

“Why doesn’t anybody get that?” he pouted. “So tell me, what do I need to do?”

“You could use the instant ones. She must have some.”

“Is that good for her?”

“You don’t know how to make soup.”

“Fine,” he pouted, as he started taking out a pot.

He sat down beside Mao on the bed and gently stroked her hair, hoping she would be feeling better when she wakes up. She didn’t look that pale now; mouth slightly hanging open. He continued to gaze down at her. He had to get to work though he didn’t feel like going right now. Impulsively, he suddenly leaned down to give her a kiss on the forehead and then stopped himself.

He had decided, hasn’t he? Reminding himself once again. He took one last look at her and slowly got up.

**

This love got me high I’m soaring,
Baby girl, you know I live for it,
And I’ll never ever hurt you
Without you there’s no life in me…

She couldn’t believe it. She was watching Big Bang’s concert and G-Dragon was looking straight at her, singing “This Love” just for her. Squee. Her heart hammered. Everyone seemed to disappear around them,

GD jumped off the stage and stood close in front of her. She felt her knees go weak. He took her hand.

This love got me proud to show it
Ain’t no doubt, I’mma keep on holding
And it’s on till forevermore
You know we got each other’s back yo
This love… This love…

She stood there staring at him slack-jawed as he finished the song. He stood there looking warmly down at her. But then…

“You!” he suddenly pointed at her. “Why do you have that beanie? Stop copying me!”

Mao’s hand went to her head.

“I…”

Dae Sung suddenly appeared wearing a sparkly gold coat with matching sparkly gold bowtie.

“Whut up, homies?” he said.

GD slung his arm over his shoulders and steered him around.

“Let’s go. I’ll write you a trot song,” GD then said to Dae Sung’s enormous smile.

“Wait, GD-“ Mao started forward.

“Don’t you follow me!” GD then shouted, pointing a finger at her. “Stay right there!”

And then they walked away leaving Mao standing there confused.

“Mao-tart!”

She whipped around. Pi stood there, holding two napkins in hand.

“Which one are you using? The one with wings or the one without?”

“Whut?”

“For your Red Dot.”

“Whut?”

“Okay. There’s no reason you won’t get that,” Pi scowled.

“Pi. I-“

Someone was shaking her and calling her name. She stirred.

“Ji Yong?” she then said, opening her eyes slowly.

Shun looked down at her with narrowed eyes.

“You’re not supposed to be dreaming of anyone but me,” he teased.

Mao grinned sheepishly at him, as he sat down beside her. That was one weird dream. GD picking DaeSung over her is never a good thing. And what was up with Pi? Good thing she didn’t blurt out his name…

“Seems like someone made soup,” Shun pointed out.

Mao looked over and saw a thermos with a post-it stuck to it.

“Power up with my special soup!”

Mao chuckled. Buta.

“You wouldn’t laugh at the sight of the kitchen,” Shun laughed. He then stroked her cheeks.

“Are you feeling alright now?” he asked. He had known from Takki Mao went home to rest.

Mao nodded as she got up, pinching Shun’s nose. She took the thermos and they headed towards the kitchen. Mao noticed two large grocery bags and peeked in.

“What the-?”

Shun laughed out loud.

“Did he clean out the whole store?” he joked.

Mao shook her head, an amused smile on her face. Oh, Buta.

“I didn’t know I asked him to buy for me,” she said. “I didn’t think he would really do it though…”

Shun chuckled softly. “It should be my duty though.”

“Really? You’d do that for me? Awww…,” Mao teased.

Shun ruffled her hair.

“I bought some congee. You need to eat.”

Mao nodded as Shun started taking them out. She looked at the thermos in her hand and ignored the thought that she only wanted soup though…

**

Mao closed her cabinet door after taking out a big envelope and some pictures. Something fell off and she bent down to pick it up. It was Pi’s Polaroid picture with her birthday message. She had stuck all five of their pictures on her cabinet door. She put it back up, unconsciously smiling softly at it.

Turning to her bed, she laid down on her stomach and opened up the envelope. Her order for Big Bang’s photos online had arrived and she excitedly checked them out. She held up GD’s photo giddily and then planted a kiss on it, laughing at herself.

She then turned to the other batch of pictures. The ones from her birthday. Kei-chan had some printed and she hadn’t had the chance to look at them. There was a huge smile on her face the whole time as she reviewed them. What a crazy bunch, she thought endearingly. She stopped at a picture with Pi and Kei-chan, lips pouted.

“You should change your poses and expressions more, Buta,” she chuckled.

She continued staring down at the his face. Suddenly, she looked around, hesitated and then pouted her lips, leaning towards Pi’s face in the picture; Her heart racing.

“What are you doing?” a voice suddenly asked behind her.

“Uwaaahh-gah!” she shouted, startled and then placed the picture down in the pile.

“That was a weird sound. What was that face you were making?” It was Pi. His voice sounded amused.

“Face? What face? What are you doing barging in here?”

“I knocked. Come on, let me see. What was that picture you were holding?”

Before she could stop him, Pi started forward and tried to pry the picture under her. She laid her body on top.

“Stop it!” she exclaimed, pushing Pi’s hand away.

Pi pulled it out, to Mao’s shock, took one look at the picture and then threw it back down. It was a picture of Shun with Ryo. Mao breathed a sigh of relief.

His heart gave a slight twinge. Obviously, she was thinking of kissing it. But maybe due to temporary insanity, he thought it was… He shook himself. He’s gone mental.

“You didn’t have to act so guilty,” Pi said.

“W-Well, you would have thought it was cheesy and eewy,” Mao sputtered.

“Eewy?” Pi repeated incredulous. “Yeah, it is.”

Mao stuck her tongue out. Pi turned around saying it’s time for lunch. Her gaze followed his back and then she pulled on her hair. What was that?! What was she doing?! She dropped her head on the bed. Shun’s picture staring up at her. Someone should give her one swift kick, she thought as she stared at it.

“Ow!”

Pi had kicked her leg, suddenly irritated.

“Aren’t you getting up yet?”

He had found her still staring at Shun’s picture. Is she that lovesick? He turned back around ignoring Mao’s furious shouts.

**

Mao looked around furtively, hunched low. Nobody seemed to be around. She checked one last time and then tiptoed towards the door.

“Oi!” Pi suddenly exclaimed from behind her.

Mao jumped up and banged her head on the doorknob.

“Why are you suddenly always startling me from behind?” Mao glared, rubbing her head.

Pi shrugged.

“I noticed you creeping around. What are you up to?” Pi asked. “One thing though, you’re not good at being subtle.”

Mao glared at him again and then remembered to shush him. She pulled him down and the both of them squatted down.

“I don’t want people to see me heading here,” she said in a hushed voice.

“Really?” Pi said, not bothering to lower down his. “I think Nino saw you. So did Takki. But they just think you’ve scrambled your brain coz of your tendency to bump your head into things. You’re acting like you’re in a spy movie.”

Okay, so maybe she got a little too much into it…

“Admit it, you have the Mission Impossible theme playing in your head the whole time, right?” Pi said, grinning at her.

Mao looked flustered. “I did not!”

Pi snickered. She hit him. Then stood up, inserted a key and then turned the doorknob. She opened the door.

“Tantantantantantan~tanana~,” Pi sang the Mission Impossible theme song.

Mao gave him a kick. He stifled a yelp. They went in. Mao locked the door behind her. Pi looked around and saw rows and rows of designer clothes and dresses. Shoes lined up the walls. Accessories hung on the walls and overflowed the drawers.

“I’ve always wanted a closet like this,” Mao said wistfully and started forward. “You be the look-out, okay?”

“Why are we here again?”

“I need something to wear for my date,” she said, as she checked the racks. “Shun’s taking me to a fine-dining restaurant.”

Pi scowled involuntarily as Mao happily pulled a dress out.

“How was your shoot?” she then asked, pulling another one out.

Mao was in a pinch again as they were short-hand on models. Takki asked her to find one again so Pi had to step in. He couldn’t help it. He didn’t want her in trouble.

“Somehow, I think Takki’s doing it on purpose,” Pi glowered.

“Awww… at least you know he likes you,” Mao said, grinning widely.

Pi growled.

“I think I’ll try this one,” she said.

She looked around; There was no place to change. Although the row of clothes could hide her somehow…

“Um… Pi… can you turn around first? While I change?” she shyly asked, unable to look at him.

Pi stood there immobile for a while, nodded and then turned his back to her. Mao started changing. He heard her kicking off her shoes. He tried to keep his mind blank, not allowing himself to think of anything. He could hear Mao move behind him. Okay, he shouldn’t be hentai about this! He stood there stiffly, pushing any thoughts away.

“So why can’t you let anyone see you come here?” he croaked. He needed to distract himself. He thought back to how funny Mao looked, tiptoeing around.

“I don’t want anyone giving me slack about borrowing clothes here,” she said. “I’m done!”

She stepped out as Pi slowly turned around. She stood in front of a mirror, wearing a black Lolita-inspired dress, barefooted. She turned around, feeling unsure.

“What do you think?” she asked Pi, who was silent.

She hadn’t worn that many dresses in the past. Never had much chances. Feeling kinda akward and different at the same time. A good kind of different.

Pi pursed his lips and slowly stepped towards her. She stood there as she sensed Pi’s gaze roam over her. She felt slightly tingly. He stopped in front of her. His slightly intense gaze on her.

He had always found her beautiful. But she looked extra pretty right now. If only she was dressing up for him… if only it was for his eyes… But she was showing a lot of skin. He kinda wanted to throw his jacket over her… At the thought that Oguri will be looking at her too…

“I like you better in your normal clothes,” he finally said.

“Is that another way of saying it doesn’t suit me” Mao pouted, her eyes narrowed at him.

Pi’s gaze locked with hers. She looked taken aback at the look in his eyes. Pi’s hand involuntarily reached out to her but then he held it up and ran his hand through his hair.

“Whatever you wear, Oguri will love it anyway,” he suddenly grinned. “Ah, look at the time. I have to go.”

He quickly turned on his heels. Mao looking surprised. He was about to do the unthinkable… He really should avoid being with her… Pulling open the door he suddenly closed it softly again and then turned to Mao.

“Someone’s coming. Looks like a model,” he whispered.

“Shit! Is it Stick Figure One or Stick Figure Two?” Mao asked, quickly picking up her clothes and running to Pi. Those two were more trouble than anyone else.

“Uh… I think it’s Stick Figure Twenty-Seven. Does it really matter?” Pi asked, exasperated.

Right. She then pulled him inside and they hid behind the racks located at the far back. They heard the door open and footsteps padded on the carpet. Mao couldn’t see who it was but it sounds like she was taking a lot. They held their breaths hoping she wouldn’t come to where they are.

Duh. Of course she’ll go near them. Her footsteps were coming closer. Mao pushed Pi into the small space beside the clothes rack. She stepped in herself. They were crammed in with more clothes, bumping into each other. After a while more, the footsteps headed towards the door. The lights then went off, only the dim yellow lights remained on.

“That was close,” Mao sighed as she heard the door close.

She looked up at Pi. A shadow was thrown across his face, making him look more intense than usual. He continued to gaze down at her silently. Mao’s heart raced. Her knees felt weak… There was a flutter in her vein… She felt Pi slowly lean forward. His gaze went to her lips… She held her breath…

The lights suddenly glared back on, snapping them out of it. Pi quickly looked away, pretending to check the clothes that hang at his side. Nino’s amused voice came out.

“How’s our spy business going, Mao? I saw you earlier. Don’t we have a movie to catch?”

Pi cleared his throat. “See? I told you.”

Mao chuckled, her face was hot. She then stepped out and headed towards the door, calling out to Nino.

“I knew you were the one most excited about Hanadan Final!” she exclaimed to Nino’s scoffing.

Her heart still was racing… For a minute there, she thought Pi was going to kiss her… and for a minute there… she was going to let him…

**

The lights flickered in as Mao stepped into the room. They went straight to the office after their dinner date. Shun smiled as Mao walked towards the set apparently ready for her glamour shots. She had told him the idea herself. She had been extra happy and giddy that night and it could also be because of the bottle of wine they’ve drank earlier. She turned around at him and smiled cheerfully.

“How do models do that serious look on magazines?” Mao asked as she watched Shun get the camera ready.

“It’s really a cool look but when I try to do it, I look funny. Like I’m angry at the world or something,” she laughed.

“You just look naturally funny, dear,” Shun teased.

Mao gave him a playful glare. She held on to the ring on her necklace. She had been doing that unconsciously a lot lately. Is it to remind herself about Shun’s place in her life, in her heart? She had felt extra happy with him, not allowing herself to think anymore ridiculous thoughts. This night somehow confirmed that the thoughts were just that. Shun was right here with her. What more could she ask for? Right?

“Come in the shot with me,” Mao said, after Shun had shot a few solos of her.

Shun set the camera’s timer and went to Mao sitting on the chair. Shun jokingly made to sit on her causing her to laugh. They then posed, mostly horsing around.

Mao had a sudden impulse. Something in her heart really was bothering her and she wished it would disappear.

“Shun… Can you kiss me?” she suddenly asked softly when Shun came back after setting the timer again.

Shun gazed down at her, a bit taken aback. He slowly crouched down, not taking his eyes off her. He then leaned forward and captured her lips, moving over them slowly, gently. Shun’s tongued invited her lips to open for him. Mao shyly opened them… The camera clicked away, as the kiss deepened but they didn’t seem to care.

They must have been leaning back too much, so into the kiss that Mao suddenly slid off the chair and landed on her butt. They both stared at each other dazed from the kiss and then they cracked up.

Mao laid down on the floor, snorting as Shun kneeled beside her, laughing at the situation, laughing endearingly at her snorting.

“I-I can’t seem to stop snorting,” Mao laughed giddily.

Shun then laid down beside her. He looked sideways at her; her smiling face tugging at his heart. He then pulled her to him as Mao buried her face in his chest.

She snorted again. Shun then copied her, as he buried his face in her hair, still laughing.

**

“About time you got home,” Pi’s disapproving voice greeted her.

“You guys used the extra key again?” she rolled her eyes.

“Massu couldn’t sleep. He wanted to stay up for you,” he said, pointing at Massu on the couch.

He was sound asleep, snoring lightly. His leg twitched. Tego was beside him, his head on Massu’s chest, also sound asleep.

Mao’s lips broke into an amused smile. She looked to Pi who had his arms crossed over his chest.

“I’m home now, Dad. Safe and sound,” she said.

“I don’t approve of that tone,” he said, sounding like her dad indeed. He also didn’t approve of the giddy look on her face. And why didn’t she cover herself up? He specifically reminded her before she went out.

She went to wake up Massu and Tego. They sleepily rubbed their eyes, complaining to her how Pi bullied them into watching DVDs when they clearly didn’t want to. They both filed out of the room. Tego asked Mao for a good night kiss. Massu pulled him out.

“Why do you want to wait up for me, Pi?” Mao teased, the effects of the wine and the night making her mood high.

“I wanted to watch DVDs,” Pi said defensively.

Mao smiled up at him. She closed her eyes and sighed. His weirdness and randomness never fails to amuse her.

“Stop looking like that,” she heard him say.

She opened her eyes. “Like what?”

“Like that,” he said weakly.

Mao frowned.

“You make me want to-,” he stopped himself and jammed his hands into his pockets.

It was that look. That look again of his. The way he would look at her keeps pushing those weird thoughts back in. But no, not tonight, she already knows. Her heart already understands. Right. Right… so why is she talking about this to herself again? Okay. Nothing wrong about that. Just pointing things out. Yeah, that was it. Okay. Right. This was getting a bit weird.

She waved that away and then pushed Pi out the door.

“Oyachumi!” she said happily. “Go get some sleep. You’re looking more like a panda than a buta!”

The door closed softly. Pi stared at it for a while as a feeling of dread came over him… The feeling that sooner or later… he was going to lose control…

**

Rain splattered on the windows as the sound of a wrestling match blared inside the room. Mao and Pi sat on the couch fervently pushing at the controls in their hands. Their tongues sticking out in concentration.

“Woohoo!” Mao cheered, throwing her hands up as she won yet again another match.

Pi groaned. He hates losing. What he hates more than losing is losing to Mao. She’ll remind you again and again.

“What’s taking them so long?” Pi grumbles, referring to Massu and the others who went out to buy some snacks.

Mao blew on her fingers.

“You want to be crushed again?” she said smugly.

Pi glared at her. Rematch it is! Somebody should teach her a lesson but apparently it wouldn’t be him.

Mao laughed evilly as she was about to win again. Pi glanced sideways at her. And then he reached out one hand and grabbed at her controller, pulled it and hid it beside him out of Mao’s reach.

“You cheater!” she shouted, hitting him and reaching for the controller, pulling at the cord. Pi pushed her away as he continued beating the hell out of her player. She then pulled his controller but he held on. They tugged and tugged and finally Pi pulled hard, making himself lose balance and he fell off the couch, taking Mao with him.

He groaned as he felt the pain in his back. Mao lay on top of him, wincing at the pain in her knee.

“You’re such a sore loser!” she said, hitting him on the chest.

“You’re making it harder with your mocking!” he shot back, scowling.

They belatedly realized the position they were in. Staring at each other, they were unable to move… His body now totally aware of Mao… The way she was looking at him… He must stay calm…

He then lifted his head and brushed his lips lightly on hers… Mao blinked at him when he laid his head back down… Their gazes still locked…

Ah, crap. Who was he kidding? It had been impossible to forget her right from the start…

===
Yamapiggy: kekeke! Sorry for some of the randomness in this story >w< Hope you guys like this update! ^^

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

“KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!”

Pi felt like his head was going to explode as Mao stood there in front of him screaming shrilly. He couldn’t believe anyone can let out a scream that long.

“Ohmygod. Ohmygod. Ohmygod,” she said so fast as she held onto Pi’s arms, jumping up and down.

He was still recovering from the scream, looking almost disoriented.

“I think my eyes just bled out,” Ryo said, looking at Mao as if she was a lunatic.

Massu tried to shake his head. “I can still hear ringing!”

“Guys! Takki just called and informed me we’re going to have a small feature on Big Bang! They’re coming for some promotions!”

Mao cannot stand still, her face red from excitement, grinning from ear to ear.

“You might not even get to meet them. I thought just the important people in the company gets to meet such artists,” Ryo mused.

“I don’t even feel like punching you in the face right now,” Mao said, still grinning goofily. She was in heaven.

“I could even hug you,” she added perkily.

“Don’t” Ryo said but without much conviction.

“How come Big Bang just keeps popping out of nowhere all of a sudden?” Tego asked.

“I know what you mean,” Massu agreed.

“Awww… don’t worry, you guys are still in second place for my favourite guys.”

They all scoffed.

“Who wants that anyway?” Pi retorted. Hmph.

“I saw one name. G-Dragon? I mean, how corny can you get?” Ryo said, a bit weirded out.

“It’s a stage name. Hello?” Mao said, rolling her eyes.

“I saw one of them has T.O.P as a stage name. That’s kinda cool. With an attitude. But G-Dragon?” Ryo continued.

Pi snickered. Mao glared at him.

Massu laughed. “If he’s the G-Dragon, then Pi’s the Pi-Buta.”

“I’m the M-Dog. Tego’s T-Rex. And Ryo? I don’t want to say anything coz he scares me.”

He laughed hysterically as the others just stared blankly at him.

“Not funny? Fine!” he pouted, crossing his arms.

“He can totally rock the corniest stage name,” Mao sniffed. “Unlike you guys. You’re just boyband material.”

“Boybands aren’t that bad,” Massu shrugged.

“Yeah? Singing in the rain with bad choreography and then shouting ‘taiyou no namida’?” Mao said, making barfing noises.

“What’s wrong with singing in the rain?” Tego asked, his lips quivering.

“Throw in a couple of guy playing with hoses and you get gay,” Mao smirked.

“Well, your G-Dino is gayer. Do you see the clothes he’s wearing? What’s up with those ripped pants?” Pi mused.

“He’s a fashionista. He’s got more style than you guys put together,” Mao said smugly.

Oh wait. She should stop with the retorts since she still had a favour to ask…

“But still, you guys are the best!” she then quickly said, perkily throwing her arms wide open.

They narrowed their eyes suspiciously at her.

“Come on. Let’s go,” she then said, heading for the door.

“Where are we going?” Massu asked, frowning.

“You’re going to help me wash Takki’s car,” Mao said very quickly, as if that would help to get them agree easily. “So come on.”

“What are we, your slaves?” Ryo retorted.

“Technically, yes.”

They all stared at her.

“We have better things to do.”

“Come on guys. Let’s leave her and form our own boyband,” Massu said stiffly. He had no intention of wasting his weekend away.

“Yeah. And name our group NewS!”

“I think there’s already a NewS.”

“Shoot!”

They started to file out. Mao grabbed onto Pi’s arm and pulled on it, pouting up at him. Pi felt his heart squeeze. He was weak to that…. But then… He started making faces at her, taunting her as if saying ‘Fat chance!’. She narrowed her eyes at him.

“I’ll treat you guys after, of course!” she announced, still holding on to Pi.

Massu was the first to turn back.

“Come on guys, Mao’s our friend. Aren’t you ashamed of yourselves?”

“That was fast,” Tego mused.

Ryo bopped him on the head.

“Hey!”

“I wish I was Koyama right now. He has an excuse to sleep in,” Pi said wistfully.

“Why do you need all of us anyway? It’s just one car,” Ryo complained.

“I’ll just be managing you guys.”

They started filing out again.

“I’m just kidding! Can’t you guys take a joke?” Mao called out.

She then got her bag and they started heading out.

“Wait!”

“What now?” Ryo said, irritated.

“Let’s just do one dance to celebrate the news I got from Takki!” Mao declared giddily.

“Are you freaking kidding me?”

“You’re weird.” Pi.

“No way! Let’s just go! I will not-“

Mao started singing off-key. “I’m so sorry but I love you I just can’t lie…”

And they all started dancing to “Lies” automatically. Mao laughed happily and raised her hands for high-fives. But they were all filing out, ignoring her.

“Hey! Hey!”

As they walked down the stairs, Massu started humming.

“I’m so sorry but I love you- Argh! Mao this is your fault!”

The song was now stuck in his head.

“Mwahahaha!” Mao.

**

“Is this even part of your job description?” Pi asked, as they arrived at Takki’s house. The car was parked in the small driveway.

“What do you think?” Mao answered. “His help took the day off and he needs the car to meet up with some potential advertisers.”

“Why are you doing this again?”

Mao shrugged. She was used to it.

“Besides, I’m hoping he’ll be buying me a new PDA phone,” she grinned. “I’ve been giving him hints.”

“Can you do that?”

Mao stuck her tongue out. “That’s why I have my fingers and toes crossed.”

They started getting things ready. Tego went over to the hoses as Mao put on rubber gloves. Pi was looking around looking a bit lost. Ryo had found a chair and a nice spot, put his cap over his face, ready to drift off to sleep.

“I just got my nails cleaned though,” Tego mused out loud.

“Dude! That sounds so gay,” Massu said, standing next to him.

“What? And how come Ryo’s sleeping?”

“Coz I’m Ryo,” Ryo sleepily declared.

“Ah.”

“Crap!” Mao blurted out. She forgot to tie her hair up before putting on her gloves. She looked to Tego who seems to be busy having a serious conversation with Massu as they looked at his fingers. She didn’t want to know.

“What is it?” Pi asked, walking towards her.

“I just need help tying my hair.”

Pi stood behind her and took the scrunchie from her. For some reason, Pi standing so close behind her was making her heart pound. Something she wanted to ignore. She stared fixedly ahead, trying to look unaffected. She felt Pi’s fingers gently lift her hair, resulting to a slight tingle running down her spine.

That strawberry scent again. Why was he torturing himself like this? He gently tied her hair up, exposing her nape. He had the sudden urge to kiss it. He quickly put his hands down and jammed them into his pockets. Before he does anything with them.

“Done,” he squeaked as Mao stood there immobile.

“Oh, thanks!” Mao then chirped perkily, avoiding facing him. She knew she was blushing. She went towards Tego and Massu with a frozen smile on her lips.

“What’s up with your face?”

**

They were almost finished (No thanks to Ryo.) and was hosing down some parts of the car. Pi stifled a yawn as he held the hose.

“Ryo’s still sleeping! It’s not fair!” Tego then complained.

“Then you wake him up,” Massu challenged.

Pi’s eyes went to Mao. She had a little soap on her forehead from when she wiped her sweat off earlier. She seemed oblivious to it as she concentrated on wiping the car.

“Aaacccck!” Mao then sputtered, trying to open her eyes, hearing Pi’s amused laughter. He had turned the hose on her unsuspectingly.

Mao was able to open her eyes and then glaring, she tried to throw water on Pi with the pail but missed. Pi laughed some more and then choked on the water on his face.

“I got him for you, Mao!” Tego gushed. He and Mao then did an air high-five, laughing victoriously.

Massu then casually placed the soapy sponge on Tego’s head and squeezed. Tego glared at him. Oh, this was war. Mao then ran towards Pi and tried to snatch the hose away from him. They struggled, pulling on it so Mao tried to turn the water on him but shrieked as he successfully drenched her again, laughing out loud.

“Will you keep it down?” Ryo called out under his cap in an irritated voice.

Silence. Good. And then he got beaned with soapy sponges and wet rags. He sprang forward to amused laughters as they pointed at him. Ryo then ran towards Tego and Massu as Massu screamed out loud. Ryo successfully snatched the hose from Tego. They all ran away.

“You’re using me as a shield?! Oh, thank you very much,” Mao said sarcastically as Pi, Tego and Massu crouched behind her.

Ryo put the hose on her and she pulled Pi out, hid behind him and then pushed him forward.

“Wait! Wait!” Pi said as Ryo focused the hose on his face. He then fired back. They continued laughing and shouting.

Just another normal afternoon for all of them.

**

Pi sat on the ground drying his wet hair with a towel as he leaned on the car. Someone plopped down beside him.

“Ugh! It’s getting uncomfortable,” Mao said as she opened a bottle of water. “My chuck taylors.”

Pi looked down at her feet as she wiggled them, chuckling. He then sighed contentedly, leaning his head back.

“What?” Mao asked, a smile in her voice.

Pi looked at her. That sigh says it all. Mao grinned softly at the expression on his face.

“You’re glad you found us huh?”

His eyes softened at her. She continued to stare back. More than you’ll ever know, he had thought, referring mostly to her.

“I knew it!” she exclaimed, as she took a swig of water, reading the expression in his eyes. It made her feel all warm despite her wet clothes.

“I know you’re glad you found me too,” Pi teased, trying to cover up the fact that he may have revealed too much.

Mao scoffed.

“Here have some water,” she said, as she gave him her bottle.

Pi pouted as he took it.

“I’m happy I found a pet Pi-nut Buta!” she said finally, patting him on the head as she stood over him.

Pi growled.

“Good boy,” she teased and walked away.

Pi grinned boyishly at her back and looked down at the water in his hands. He opened the cap, suddenly thirsty and slowly realized she had placed her lips on the mouth. He paused and then looked around as if embarrassed at what he was about to do.

He slowly put the mouth to his lips and drank. Mao’s lips suddenly popping into his head. He suddenly felt giddy and then shook his head at himself, chuckling. Crazy.

**

People were staring at the five people standing outside 7-Eleven, each holding a popsicle in hand, looking totally drenched. Kids these days…

Mao happily licked the popsicle in her hand. Strawberry. She then turned to the others. They were just staring at her.

“If I knew what you’re treating us, I would not have gone,” Massu finally said. “I feel like I’ve been cheated.”

“I kept my end of the bargain! You didn’t ask where I’ll be treating,” Mao defended.

“At least treat us to something hot. We can easily catch a cold in wet clothes as it is,” Ryo said, frowning.

Pi just shrugged and opened his. Apple. Tego followed suit.

“So let’s hurry home then!” Mao said and started forward. All of them shaking their heads at her.

**

“Looks like it’s about to rain,” Mao said as she looked up, her half-eaten popsicle in hand. “You can smell it too.”

Pi sniffed the air. The two of them were in front while the others walked a little behind. They could still hear Massu complaining, the popsicle was too small.

“I kinda like that smell. You know, just before it rains,” Mao said, grinning, her lips had turned strawberry red.

Pi tried to keep his gaze off her lips. He was really going crazy. He stole another glance. Mao then turned to him, startling him. She stuck her tongue out.

“What’s the color of my tongue now?” she asked an obvious question.

“Green,” Pi answered. He stuck his tongue out this time.

“How about mine?”

“Red.”

They then laughed at their supposed joke.

“Are you guys talking your alien language again?” Tego asked, grudgingly.

Pi and Mao grinned at each other. Mao was feeling really happy that day; she loved everyone around her.

“To friends,” she suddenly said as she held her popsicle up high as if in a toast.

Pi held up his as they heard footsteps run towards them.

“To friends!” Massy and Tego held theirs up too. All that was left of Massu’s was a stick though. (It was small!) They swung their arms over Mao’s shoulders.

“Yeah. Yeah. To friends,” Ryo said, rolling his eyes. But he smiled despite himself. Pi grinned boyishly.

They all had their popsicles up high, belatedly realizing they had arrived at their building, laughing.

“Mao?” a voice spoke up.

“Shun!” Mao exclaimed with a smile. He had been waiting for her.

Yeah, friends… Pi thought as Mao stood closer to Shun, his heart sinking. That’s all they were ever going to be, huh?

**

It was really awkward. I mean I really wanted to jump out the window,” Shun joked as they stopped in front of a bench in the park.

Mao chuckled as Shun relayed the time he spent with Pi and the others when she went to change.

“Koyama, was it? He was talking non-stop. Just asking me questions. I haven’t even answered his first question he asks a next one,” Shun said, shaking his head.

“I hope I answered some of them right.” Shun added worriedly. “He’s not going to lock you up and never let me see you again, right?”

Mao threw her head back and laughed. “Kei-chan’s harmless most of the time.”

Shun continued. Tego was glaring at him the whole time. Massu was eating popcorn and watching amusedly as he got grilled by Koyama, as if watching a funny sitcom. And in true Nishikido fashion, Ryo didn’t bother staying around.

“And well, Yamashita as always, I feel some kind of animosity from him,” Shun mused.

Weird, Mao thought. Pi was normally pleasant unless provoked.

“He’s been weird lately. Don’t worry about him,” Mao said, waving her hand.

“Yeah…,” Shun said quite unsure.

Mao sighed. “You really picked the worst time to take pictures of me. I look a mess! Can we do it some other time?”

“I think you look pretty.”

Mao grinned shyly at him.

“A pretty mess,” Shun teased as he took out his camera.

Mao gave him a playful glare.

**

“I think that’s probably enough, huh?” Mao said as she plopped down on the fountain edge.

Shun sat down beside her as he checked the last shots they took.

“I kinda can’t get enough of you,” he grinned and peeked at her.

She blushed and pursed her lips.

“It’s hard satisfying the fans,” she joked dramatically.

Shun chuckled and reviewed more of the photos. Each shot of Mao, her radiant smile was present. It was contagious as he gazed at the photos. If not, she was being her clumsy self. There was a shot of her where the side of her lips had ketchup and she was laughing holding a hotdog. A scene where she tripped on a protruding rock. He loved the fact she could totally laugh at herself.

He loved Mao’s solo shots. They tell so much. But he equally loved her with other people around her. She just had this charm that affects the people so naturally; they themselves are enamoured by her charm and they glow with her.

“If there are stolen shots of me with a lazy eye look, delete them,” Mao said, as she peered in.

“You mean like this one?”

It was a close-up and she looked demented.

“Omo! Delete that!” she said and reached for the camera.

“I’m blowing this up and putting it up in my future gallery,” Shun laughed.

Mao waved a fist at him threateningly. Shun then pulled her to him and aimed the camera at them.

“Funny face!”

They were cross-eyed and had blowfish faces.

“Surprised looks!”

Their eyes were wide and mouths open.

“Ghetto!”

They look liked hip-hop stars.

“Let’s do a normal shot this time.”

They smiled widely for the camera. Shun checked the last shot. They looked truly happy. Mao then stretched her hands and legs. And then… SPLASH! Shun looked around. Mao had gone off-balance and landed in the fountain, a horrified expression on her face. She sat their immobile.

Shun put away his camera, trying not to laugh. Their eyes met and then he couldn’t help it. He threw his head back and laughed out loud, clutching his stomach.

Mao glared at him. “Aren’t you going to help me?”

Shun continued laughing. He took Mao’s hand. Mao then pulled with all her might, intending to pull him in with her.

“Eh?” Shun chuckled, when she failed miserably. He had anticipated that move of hers. He remained standing and dry.

Mao pouted. Shun sighed. Mao looked up at him, her eyes hopeful. And then Shun let her pull him into the water.

Mao’s laughter rang out as water splashed on Shun’s face. They then started splashing water on each other for a while, drawing attention.

“It’s not as romantic as it seems in the movies, huh?” Mao declared after a while, pausing.

“Yeah, it’s kinda dirty,” Shun agreed.

Their eyes locked and they burst out laughing. Shun pulled her up to her feet. She lost her footing and clung to him. He gazed down at her, his eyes softening. Mao shyly looked down and noticed some coins blinking up at her.

“Is this a wishing fountain?” she mused.

“I dunno… If it is… guess what I’m wishing for right now.”

Mao looked up at him. He had a faint smile on his lips, pulling her closer to him. His hands at the small of her back. He started to lean down… drawing Mao in.

A whistle sounded. The guard at the park was coming towards them. Shun groaned. What great timing.

“This is romantic,” Mao said, laughing as Shun gathered his things and they sprinted away.

They stopped at the entrance of the park. The guard seems to have given up on them. Catching their breaths, they looked at each other and felt a rush as they laughed at their misadventure. Shun paused and then gave a light kiss on her lips. He pulled away slowly as Mao looked up at him.

“I got my wish,” he said.

Mao blushed as she smiled softly at him. Suddenly a drop of rain fell on her cheek and then grinning at each other, they ran hand-in-hand as the rain gradually fell.


**

“I’m shaking, Pi,” Mao whispered in a small voice.

“Why?”

“They’re here.”

“Who’s here?”

“I’m breathing the same air as them,” she said, her voice in awe as she stared up wide-eyed at him.

Pi sighed inwardly. Big Bang’s in the house yo, he thought exasperatedly.

“What’s that for?”

She was holding a box of Krispy Kreme donuts.

“I know Ji Yong likes crispy donuts. Are these considered that?” Mao asked.

“Ji Yong? Who’s that?”

“G-Dragon.”

“Heh?”

She slowly walked towards the room where Big Bang were. Pi was about to walk away when she pulled him back.

“Come with me. I need to have some support or else I can’t go in there alone,” she peered up at him, nervously.

She knew she was being pathetic in front of him but she didn’t care at the moment. Pi sighed. He really didn’t want to be there when she’s drooling over some guys.

“Okay, I’ll go with you. But you have to tell Takki I’m not doing anymore shoots. I specifically said it’s a one-time thing,” Pi glowered.

Mao nodded fervently. She grabbed onto Pi’s arm and they walked forward. Pi felt like he was losing feeling to his arm as she squeezed it. They opened the door, surprised at how security was a bit lax. Mao inhaled sharply. He followed her gaze. G-Dragon.

“Oh my god! He’s smiling! He’s smiling! I love his smile,” she said, trying to stay calm as she pinched Pi’s arm.

“Ow! OW! Stop that!”

They walked in, Pi rubbing his arm, pouting at Mao. They stood by the table holding foods and drinks. One of the members was there. He saw them, smiled and then bowed at them, thinking they were part of the staff. He looked really friendly.

“Whut up, homie?” Pi greeted, pounding on his chest.

Mao and the Big Bang member stared at him.

“Whut?”

“So it’s ‘whut’ now? Don’t embarrass me.”

They turned back to the Big Bang member.

“Eeenow Mau…. Solo album…, “a sound came out of Mao’s mouth.

Pi looked down at her so did Tae Yang, feeling a bit awkward by now.

“Inoue Mao,” Pi deciphered what she said. “And then something about a solo album? She’s a fan.”

As if that explains it all. Tae Yang then bowed again and smiled shyly. He then shyly reached out to shake her hand. Mao’s hands shot out quickly. Gaah, she was shaking Tae Yang’s hand!

“Thank you for the support.”

Aawww… he’s so cute when his eyes disappear like that.

“I just remembered. They’re Korean and they can understand us?” Pi whispered loudly to Mao.

Mao shrugged.

“They understand English anyway,” Mao whispered loudly back. “Don’t you think it’s weirder we’re Japanese but we always speak in English?”

“Good point.”

Tae Yang looked at them a bit confused and smiled awkwardly, as they both grinned at him.

“Hey, hyung, who are you talking to?” Seung Ri walked over to see.

G-Dragon and Dae Sung came behind, talking and laughing. Mao noticed GD was wearing his infamous star beanie. He looked so stylish as always, she thought giddily.

Mao held out the box of Krispy Kremes.

“This is for G-Dragon,” Pi automatically said. Why wasn’t Mao talking?

She was still trying to calm down. She wanted to make sure or else the first thing she’s going to blurt out in front of GD is ‘I love you. Marry me!’.

Seung Ri pouted. “How come it’s only for Ji Yong-hyung?”

“Me?” GD pointed at himself, surprised. “Ah. Thank you.”

He smiled a bit shyly. Mao almost fainted. She felt like pinching Pi again. Top suddenly appeared quietly.

“That’s favouritism. You should at least be subtle about it,” he joked in his own unique way.

“He-He-He.” Ohmygod! Where did that ugly sound come from? From her? Pi looked taken aback as Dae Sung stood by him with a big smile. Does all he ever do is smile? Weird guy.

Mao finally worked her throat.

“Can we take pictures?” she shyly asked.

It was at that time their manager came in and told them to get ready. There’s no time for pictures.

“Don’t worry. It will just be quick,” GD said and then smiled at Mao.

She had died and gone to heaven. Pi obviously ended up being the photographer. They took a couple of group shots. She was thankful GD was standing next to her with his peace sign. And the other they posed with Top’s infamous twirling finger move. She knew it was a long shot but she requested a last solo shot with GD.

“Favoritism,” Top joked again, shaking his head. “You are breaking the other’s hearts.”

“Why is it Ji Yong-hyung again?“ someone pouted. Seung Ri.

Pi looked a bit wary at Dae Sung. He still had that big smile on his face.

She got her picture with GD. He had his arm over her shoulders. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t fainted yet.

“So you’re going to watch our performance, right?” GD asked.

“Of course.”

“B- to the I- to the-,” he started.

“Bang Bang!” she finished, laughing a bit embarrassed. Pi looked lost.

She was able to get a hug from each member. GD gave her a wave and gave her one last smile. And then they were gone. She stared dreamily at the door.

“Somebody pinch me.”

Pi did.

“OW!”

“That’s for pinching me I don’t know how many times.”

Mao grinned widely and reviewed the pictures. She couldn’t stop smiling.

“I love that beanie of his,” she casually said. She bit her lip, still feeling giddy.

“You owe me for this, you know. I don’t know what could have happened if you went alone.”

“Okay, I’ll treat you then!” Mao said, looking up, that giddy smile still on her lips.

Pi had the urge to kiss her right then and there.

“I’ll pick something expensive then.”

“Okay!” Mao said, perkily. He knows she wasn’t fully listening. She was still on cloud nine as she looked down at the pictures again.

“I knew I’d find you here. Mao, let’s go have lunch,” Shun’s voice suddenly came from the door.

“Hey…,” Pi softly protested.

Mao nodded at him.

“You got pictures with them?” Shun smiled.

“Yeah!” she said excitedly and ran towards the door. She then peeked back in, “Oh, Pi. I’ll treat you next time, okay?”

Pi’s heart involuntarily soared for a moment. And then they were gone. Pi sighed and dragged his heavy steps towards the door.

**

“A vespa? A vespa??” Pi exclaimed weakly as he and Shige stood a little ways away from the front of their bulding beside the shrubs, standing in front of a vespa.

“And it’s pink!” Pi then choked.

Shige stood there, scratching his head helplessly, looking down at it. Pi had called him suddenly and asked him to bring a motorcycle over to him. Something that could be considered “badass”. That kinda threw him in a loop. He had somehow contacted one of their biggest clients, one of the biggest distributors of motorcycles, and asked to load one, somehow thinking up some wild excuse.

The client had his hands tied and could not spare one. It was too last minute. But he did have a vespa. It was considered an antique and Shige better take good care of it. Since he was pressed for time (Pi had called just the day before), he took it.

“You didn’t give me enough time, sir…,” Shige said quietly.

Pi was still staring at it in disbelief.

“Just take it back and get me a proper motorcycle next time.”

“What is this for anyway?” Shige then asked. “Is this because Oguri has a Ducati?”

Pi was a little flustered.

“Mao’s going to be treating me and I want to take her to this curry place I discovered. Riding a motorcycle is the best way to get there,” he reasoned out.

Shige regarded him with a knowing smile.

“Then why does it have to be ‘badass’,” he teased.

“I didn’t say that,” Pi said his face blank.

“Yes, you did!”

Suddenly, they heard Mao’s voice ring out. She was talking on the phone. Obviously talking to Oguri. Her voice dripping with sweetness that made Pi want to growl. Her voice seemed to be nearing the corner. Crap! He didn’t want her to see this but the vespa it is. Pi then looked at Shige.

“Hide!” he hissed and pushed Shige towards the shrubs.

Shige struggled. “But she knows me. It’s okay!”

But Pi had already pushed him in hard and he crouched low, sighing.

“Hey Pi-nut!” he heard Mao call. “What’s that behind you?”

“You still haven’t treated me,” Pi said. “So I’m letting you treat me today.”

So Mao didn’t even know she was treating today, Shige thought, shaking his head amusedly. He heard Mao’s footsteps stop in front of the shrub.

“It’s a vespa!” she squealed in delight. “You have a vespa?”

“Why is it pink though?” she then added.

“I don’t want to talk about that.”

Shige imagined Pi narrowing his eyes at the shrub. He laughed softly.

“It looks so well-maintained. How come you never said you have a vespa?” Mao asked, still admiring it.

“It’s not mine. Do you think I’m the type to own a pink vespa?”

“Yeah. Kinda,” Mao replied, shrugging.

“You’re really uncute, you know that? It’s Shige’s. He’s the one who likes pink.”

Shige closed his eyes, shaking his head.

“You didn’t really let this treating thing go, huh?” Mao teased.

And it was a reason to spend some time with her.

“Yeah, so put on the helmet.”

“Aawww… and you have a pink helmet as well,” Mao teased snickering.

“Put it on already.”

Mao snatched the white one instead. “You take the pink one.”

“Hey!” Pi growled.

“Suits you better,” she grinned as she put on her helmet.

Pi tried to snatch the helmet from Mao as she ducked, laughing. Pi grumbled and put on the pink helmet. Now he was one with the vespa. They both got on. Mao placed her hands on Pi’s shoulders.

Pi looked at her hands on his shoulders and frowned.

“Is that the right way to hold on?” he berated, as he took Mao’s hands and placed it securely around his waist to Mao’s surprise.

“Hey!”

He pulled her closer; Mao’s face bumping into his back.

“This is the proper way. I don’t want you falling off now,” he said as he started the ignition.

Mao stared at the back of his head in disbelief. And then despite herself let out an exasperated smile. She unconsciously held on tighter. Pi’s lips broke into a small giddy grin.

“Wait, you’re sure you know how to do this right?” she then asked, her voice worried.

“Of course,” Pi scoffed. “Have a little faith, will you?”

“Okay fine. Then let’s go!” she said excitedly.

“Wee!” they both cheered simultaneously.

CRASH! They went straight into the shrubs.

“Wait. I can’t breathe,” Pi choked as Mao held on tight.

She then recovered and knocked on his helmet.

“Have a little faith huh?” she shouted, knocking his helmet once again.

“Sorry about that! It’s just been a while…”

“Sorry, shrub,” he then said. Shrub meaning Shige.

Shige’s heart pounded. He swallowed hard, trying to calm down. Good thing he moved. He then heard them ride away, still bickering. When the coast was clear, he suddenly jumped out, leaves falling off him.

“Oh my God!” an old lady shrieked, clutching at her chest, startled at Shige suddenly popping out. “What are you doing? Pervert!”

She reached for her umbrella and started whacking him. He ran away trying to explain as she whacked him again.

Sigh. The things he does for Pi.

**

“Look! Look at the cabbage!” Mao exclaimed, pointing and laughing.

“How come that line sounds familiar?” Pi then asked.

“I dunno,” Mao shrugged, still pointing and laughing.

They were passing by a small stretch of market stalls as Pi looked around, obviously trying to figure out where they were right now.

“Are you lost?”

“Of course not. It’s just around that corner.”

Still no restaurant. Mao knocked on his helmet.

“You are lost.”

“Stop knocking on my helmet!” he yelled.

Mao laughed and knocked on it once more. Pi growled.

“I’m hungry already!” she said.

“Look who’s the brat now.”

Knock.

“Stop that!” Pi yelled once again to Mao’s laughter.

After a while more of bickering, Pi finally found it and parked around the corner.

“Come on! Hope there aren’t too many people,” he said, not wanting to wait.

He suddenly grabbed Mao’s hand and ran to the entrance. Someone greeted them at the door and informed them that they were just clearing a table.

“What do you want to eat?” he then asked as he pulled her to look at the menu. “Their curry is the best here.”

Mao turned to the menu, trying to decide when she realized Pi was still holding her hand. She glanced up at his profile furtively. He looked really good… His eyes shining at the thought of curry. She smiled inwardly at that. Not really knowing it was the fact he had her hand in his. She unconsciously started to close her hand on his. What was she doing?

“I want katsu-curry!” she said a little too enthusiastically as she pulled her hand from Pi’s and pointed at the menu.

She grinned widely up at Pi. Trying to wave away the awkward thought that keeps popping into her mind. Pi forced a grin back. He knew too well she found an excuse to pull her hand away. It was natural… he thought a little sadly.

There table was ready. Mao was talking about anything and everything perkily. Pi knew she was agitated when she starts doing that. Was he making her nervous?

“So, did you have fun at Big Bang’s mini performance?” she then asked. “I’m sure you did, huh?”

“It was okay. I’ve seen better,” Pi said, purposely trying to tease her.

Mao made a face at him.

Takki had given Shun extra tickets for Big Bang. Knowing too well Mao’s obsession with them and her relationship with Shun, he had given it to him. He knew Shun would definitely take her. He didn’t want his other staff to think he favors Mao more.

“Aaww… he’s still trying to hide the fact he cares about me,” Mao said as she looked at the tickets excitedly.

Shun laughed. “I guess he is. But we have an extra ticket. You know anyone that wants to go?”

“I’ll go,” an idiot spoke up.

“I don’t have anything to do anyway,” the idiot added.

Who was the idiot? Yeah, it was him. Pi didn’t know why he was doing this to himself. Sticking himself with them, he knew it was bound to make him crazy. But he couldn’t help himself. He wanted to spend one of Mao’s happiest moments with her…

It was one night he had wanted to erase from his memory. Shun had borrowed a car that night since there were three of them. Pi had sat in the backseat enduring their sweet moments. Mao was telling him about how she named Shun Stitch coz he can imitate Stitch’s voice pretty well. Shun had demonstrated, saying ‘I love you’ in Stitch’s voice as Mao burst into laughter. Pi forced a laugh. He could do a better Stitch. Hmph.

During the performance, Shun had held out a donut in the air suddenly. This caught the attention of Big Bang in stage. G-Dragon spotted Mao and then flashed her an amused smile. That was why Shun insisted on taking the other box of Krispy Kremes she had bought for him. Mao squealed in happiness and hugged the laughing Shun. Pi averted his eyes, knowing too well what came next. Mao planted a quick kiss on Shun’s lips. Pi gritted his teeth.

At the end of the night, they had dropped Pi off. His skin was already crawling from the lovey-dovey moments and he felt like he was going to explode. He wanted to punch something so bad. He was amazed at how he held his composure up to now.

“You go on right ahead, Pi. Shun and I are just going to stop by somewhere and make out for the rest of the night,” Mao had said.

Of course she didn’t actually say that. It was just his bitter thoughts. He had watched them drive off as he tried to calm himself down, feeling frustrated as he couldn’t do anything about it.

“Stop scowling! The food’s here!” Mao said, as their orders arrived.

Pi hadn’t realized he had been scowling as he was remembering that night. Mao opened her soda and filled her cup too quickly causing it to spill over the brim.

“Crap!” she muttered as she hurriedly reached for some tissue, knocking her cup in the process.

Soda spilled over the table and trickled off the edges.

“My jeans!” Mao wailed, as she quickly slid her chair away. She tried to wipe the spill with tissues, Pi helping her.

Mao whimpered softly as the tissues started soaking up the soda. Pi suddenly took her hand and then started wiping it with wet tissue.

“Your hands are going to get sticky,” Pi said as he gently wiped them.

Mao sat there pouting like a kid as Pi wiped her hands. She peeked up at him.

“Do I always have to take care of you?” he teased. And he liked the feeling. He wanted to take care of her…

Mao scoffed.

“That’s not the case. You’re the brat here.”

Pi’s lips broke into an amused smile.

“I can take care of you,” he then said seriously as he looked at her.

Their eyes locked. Mao can’t seem to look away. His thumb involuntarily caressed her hand softly. It was at the tip of his tongue – Suddenly Mao pulled away and then stood up, muttering she’ll just wash her hands.

**

Mao stood at the sink absent-mindedly washing her hands. What was wrong with her? When did she become this conscious of Pi? This aware of his presence? It was frustrating her! She shouldn’t be feeling these. He was a friend. A very good friend and that’s the best thing. And she had Shun…

But when he said he can take care of her… she whole-heartedly believed him and she wanted him- Arrggggh! She screamed in her head and scowled at her reflection. She didn’t notice someone was beside her. The girl looked at her a bit afraid and then stepped out. Ugh. This was all just in her head. Right? She thought as Pi’s intent gaze, his hold on her hand popped into her mind again. She violently pulled on some tissue, ignoring the tingle she felt.

**

She went back to the table and pushed all those thoughts into the back of her mind, acting as if nothing happened and started chatting happily away with Pi. Pi followed her cue.

“I hope you and the guys are planning a really good surprise for me,” she suddenly said as she chewed.

“Whut?”

“We always plan surprise parties for each other,” Mao said, grinning.

Blank stare.

“My birthday’s coming up soon,” Mao said, exasperated.

Oh. That was what Koyama meant when he said they should be planning soon.

“What kind of friend are you? You don’t even know when my birthday is.”

“Why? Do you know when mine is?”

“I wonder if there are any good movies lately…”

“See? You don’t know my birthday.”

“Stop scowling! You’re getting uglier.”

“You have something in your teeth.”

“You’re still getting uglier.”

They continued to bicker. Yes, things shouldn’t change. Things were just right they way they are right now…

**

“How does this look on me?” Mao asked, turning to Pi.

They were looking around after having lunch and spotted a whole street full of stalls. Mao was trying on sunglasses happily.

“Nice! How about me?” he asked, striking a pose.

“Kyaaaa,” Mao faked a fangirl scream.

Pi chuckled as Mao then turned her attention towards the caps. Pi wandered out and into the next stall, selling necklaces and different trinkets. As he was about to leave, his eyes caught something interesting.

It was a necklace with a small starfish pendant. The starfish was of a reddish-orange color with some bits of yellow. He quickly stepped towards it and held it up, smiling. Mao loved the stars and the beach. A starfish would be just perfect for her birthday gift.

He remembered he hadn’t spent the first salary he had received. It meant something special to him because it was the first money he had earned living his new life. Well, Mao is someone special… he thought endearingly.

“What are you doing here?” Mao suddenly appeared beside him just after he paid for the necklace.

“What did you buy?” he then asked as he shoved the necklace into his pocket.

**

Mao walked into her building and as she was about to step onto the stairs, something on the wall caught her eyes. A Polaroid picture held up by tape. She took it off the wall.

Kei-chan’s grinning face looked up at her.

“Happy birthday, Mao-Mao!” was written under it.

Mao grinned widely and quickly started up the stairs. She reached the door to her room. Another picture was stuck to it. Ryo’s smirking face this time.

“Up the roof, brainiac.” It said.

Mao stuck her tongue out at Ryo’s picture and then headed for the roof. Two pictures were on the wall by the stairs. Tego and Massu.

Tego’s lips were pouted in a kiss. “How about a birthday kiss?”

Massu was eating chocolate cake happily in his. “You’re late! Your cake's all mine!”

Mao reached the top of the stairs, Pi’s smiling picture was the last one.

“You’re getting older but still not growing, Mao-tart!’

Mao stepped onto the roof. She noticed a small stage had been put up and then lights suddenly opened and music started blaring. Pi and the guys appeared on stage and started lip-synching to the chorus of Big Bang’s “Dirty Cash”.

“No, I don’t want your dirty cash…”

Mao ran up laughing at the sight as they gave it their all, smiling at her, even having some instruments as props. Shun suddenly appeared beside her waving light sticks in the air. She jumped and hugged him and then turned to Pi and the others until the song finished. Fake money started raining down.

“You guys!” she exclaimed, laughing happily as they stepped down.

“Group hug!” Kei-chan shouted.

Mao ran up to them, the guys engulfing her. She pulled away, belatedly noticing they were wearing Hawaiian outfits. Pi and Ryo were in Hawaiian shirts and shorts while Kei-chan, Tego and Massu were topless and they had a grass skirt over their shorts. Mao laughed at the sight.

“Don’t ask,” Kei-chan held up his hand.

“We were tricked!” Tego exclaimed, glaring at Pi and Ryo who were snickering.

“Do I look fat in this?” Massu asked.

“Not really. Just suck in the tummy,” Mao teased, patting Massu’s stomach.

“I love the Hawaiian theme, guys!” she then added.

“Happy birthday!” Nino suddenly appeared holding a chocolate cake with lighted candles. Sho appeared behind him.

“I was in charge of the fake money,” he shrugged and then smiled.

Mao smiled widely. They told her to blow the candles and make a wish. She blew them out and then smiled happily up at them. Shun suddenly smeared chocolate icing on her cheek. The others followed suit. Pi dabbed some onto her nose.

“Hey!” she yelled, laughing exasperatedly and then started running after them as they scattered around. All of them laughing hysterically.

**

Pi finished placing food onto Mao’s plate and started looking for her. He spotted her sitting on one of the bean bags they brought up. He started for her but stopped in his tracks when Oguri appeared and handed her a plate. He forgot her boyfriend is here.

“Why are you holding two plates Pi?” Massu asked as he aimed a video camera at him.

“It’s for you,” he said rather lamely and handed it to him.

“You’re so sweet. Let me give you a kiss,” Massu said, pouting his lips.

Pi pushed him away as Massu laughed and walked away. Sho then stood beside him.

“I would have thought that was for Mao.”

Pi pulled his gaze away from Mao and turned to Sho. Was he that transparent?

He grinned rather awkwardly. “What are you talking about?”

Sho shrugged. “I was just wondering if you’re ever going to do anything about it.”

Sho turned after that cryptic message, not noticing Nino had overheard.

**

“Big Bang’s album!” Mao exclaimed. She hugged Nino happily.

“Yeah. Thanks to your not-so-subtle hints,” Nino said, rolling his eyes.

Mao grinned up at him.

“How are you and Pi?” he asked out of the blue.

Mao looked up from the album and followed his gaze. Pi and Kei-chan were striking a pose as Massu took their picture.

“The usual. Why do you ask?” she asked, frowning.

Nino shrugged. “I’ve been hearing a lot about him from you lately. Seems like he’s all you mostly talk about these days.”

“That’s coz we’re always butting heads for some reason lately,” she said. “You know that.”

She felt nervous all of a sudden. What was Nino trying to say? Sure, she has some weird thoughts when it comes to Pi lately but that was just all in her head. Her overactive imagination… But it was a different case if someone else was voicing it out. The fact that Pi’s been on her mind a lot recently…

“I see,” was all Nino said.

“What’s with the tone?” she said, suddenly feeling frustrated.

“What tone?” Nino asked, bewildered.

Mao sighed and shook her head. She should forget it.

“Don’t tell Ryo I told you,” Nino suddenly said, as Ryo walked towards them. “But he’s feeling a bit jealous of Pi lately.”

Ryo stopped in front of them, his eyes narrowed.

“I heard my name.”

“Nino said you’re jealous I’ve been closer with Pi lately,” Mao said, grinning innocently at Nino.

“And you actually believe him?” Ryo scoffed.

“Admit it! Where’s my gift, you?”

Ryo narrowed his eyes at her.

“Just go to my store and pick anything you like.”

Mao cheered and hugged him. Ryo tried to push her away as Nino chuckled.

“Stop hugging me!”

“The more you tell me to stop, the more I’ll hug you,” she joked, laughing up at him.

Ryo looked down at her and an exasperated smile appeared on his lips. His cellphone suddenly rang. He took a look and then excused himself.

“Don’t you leave! I’m not going to share you with any other girls today,” Mao called after him as he made a face at her.

**

“There you are!” Mao said as she went down the flight of stairs. Shun was sitting on the bottom step and smiled up at her as she sat down.

“Cigarette break?”

“I’ve quit for a while now.”

“Really? I never knew that.”

“You don’t like smoking,” he grinned at her.

Mao’s eyes softened at him.

“You didn’t have to do that though,” Mao said. “You don’t have to change anything because of me.”

“Yeah, but I want to,” he said quietly. “For you.”

Mao placed her hand on his cheek and caressed it softly. Shun was really sweet to her, more than she had ever imagined…. He kissed the palm of her hand and then handed her gift to her. It was quite big. Mao clapped her hands and then smiled at him. She tore open the wrapper haphazardly.

“Excited much?” Shun teased as she stuck her tongue out at him.

It was a photo frame with two of her solo shots and in the middle was of Shun and her by the fountain, smiling happily.

“Wow, I can’t believe I can look this good in pictures,” Mao said.

“I am a professional, you know,” Shun joked. “But you always look this good.”

Mao met his gaze.

“Except for the crumbs on the side of your lips right now,” he then added chuckling as he wiped it with his finger.

Mao hit him on the arm playfully.

“Do you really have to include yourself in here? Kinda ruins it all, you know,” Mao joked, making a face.

“Of course! I have to be in your face like this every time,” he then said, and leaned close to her face, their noses touching.

Mao giggled as Shun planted a light kiss on her lips.

“Happy birthday…,” he softly said.

**

Pi looked at the necklace he bought for Mao sitting in his drawer. He sighed as he thought of the conversation he had with Shige. He had shown it to him and expressed he will be giving it to Mao on her birthday.

“But sir, aren’t giving necklaces a boyfriend kind of thing?” Shige had asked carefully.

“Is there such a thing? I don’t think they would think too much about it… I just thought of her when I saw this,” Pi said, smiling softy down at the necklace.

“I just don’t think it’s a good idea, sir…”

Pi stared down at it. His head and heart utterly confused. Sho’s words suddenly appeared in his mind. Will he ever do anything about it? He grabbed the necklace and another gift then stepped out of his room. Pi was startled to see Mao going out of her room as well.

“Bathroom break,” she grinned up at him. “Oohh, is that my gift?”

She wiggled her eyebrows at him. Pi secretly put the necklace in his pocket. And then handed her a really badly-wrapped gift. It was all balled up. Mao stared at it for a while.

“What? Koyama ran out of wrappers. I had to make do,” Pi explained.

Mao chuckled amusedly as she took it. It was soft.

“Wonder what this is? This better not be another stuffed toy,” Mao joked, narrowing her eyes at him.

Pi looked at her expectantly, still thinking whether to give the necklace or not. Mao pulled out the gift and turned it in her hands. It was a star beanie. Just like G-Dragon’s. Her heart went to her throat as she looked wordlessly up at Pi. And then Pi was almost knocked over as she squealed shrilly, jumping up and down.

“My head! My head!” Pi shouted.

Mao hugged him tight. She almost felt like kissing him and then shook her head mentally. Pi hugged her back and was about to close his eyes, enjoying the feel of her when Mao pulled away.

She jammed the beanie onto her head.

“How does it look?”

Pi stared at her for a bit.

“Okay. I’ll take it back now. It doesn’t suit you.”

Mao laughed out loud and slapped his hand away as he grinned. She looked really cute and flushed. He thought of the necklace again…

“How did you find one just like it?”

“I have my sources,” Pi said and thought back to how he told Shige to find it no matter what.

Pi was taken aback as Mao hugged him again. She couldn’t help it.

“Thank you,” came her muffled voice.

They slowly pulled away. Mao beaming up at him. Pi smiled down at her. He shoved his hands into his pockets. One hand closed in on the necklace.

“Mao…,” he started.

“Hmm?” Mao looked expectantly at him.

He held the necklace tightly.

“What’s more important to you? Friendship or love?” he suddenly asked.

Mao frowned at the weird question.

“Well… I don’t know… Friendship, I guess,” she said slowly.

“Wouldn’t Oguri be unhappy when he hears that?” Pi attempted at teasing. It was one answer that changed everything.

“For me… friendship never wavers. Love can... I know I shouldn’t be thinking that right now. But I’m still scared when it comes to Shun and I. That’s just the way it is… But with friendship, it will always be there, right? Just like what we have.”

Pi felt a pang of pain at that last sentence.

“Do you-Do you love Oguri?” he asked, gazing down at her.

Mao looked up at him, startled. Does she?

“Why are you asking weird questions?” She tried avoiding the question.

“Do you?” Pi asked again, searching for the answer in her eyes, still holding on to the necklace in his pocket.

“I’m new to all this,” Mao laughed awkwardly. “He makes me happy…”

She couldn’t think of anything else to say. Pi was making her really nervous. What did he want to hear? She wanted so much to ask him. And why couldn’t she say she loves Shun? Is it because it really scared her? Risking all your feelings for one person… Giving that person all the reason to be able to hurt you… Maybe if she didn’t say it out loud… it wouldn’t count as a big deal… Or maybe…

Pi took out his hand from his pockets.

“I’m glad to hear that. Anyway, happy birthday!” he then said brightly.

Mao looked at him. She thought he was going to say something else to her. What was that anticipation in her heart? They suddenly heard footsteps coming behind them.

“Mao, look what we got you!” Massu said then held it up.

It was a customized shirt with the words “Excuse me, I’m V.I.P.”

“Omo!” Mao squealed.

“We knew your obsession with Big Bang was the best inspiration for your gift,” Kei-chan said as Mao hugged all three of them.

“I got you another shirt, Mao!” Tego said cheerfully.

He held up a “I Belong With Tego” shirt. They all stared at him silently.

“Excuse us while we go beat him up,” Massu then said as he and Kei-chan dragged him away. Mao laughed out loud following them.

Pi started walking behind them as he gazed sadly at Mao’s back.

**

“Can you really fit on the couch?” Mao mused as she looked at Shun trying to imagine it.

The party had finished really late and Mao suggested he sleep over for the night. He looked tired and had a few drinks. Shun didn’t protest. Although Tego almost did.

“I can always sleep on your bed,” Shun then quipped.

Mao looked at him and then blushed.

“You sleep on the couch,” he added and laughed as Mao threw a cushion at him.

“You know, if I were anyone else, I think I’d be jealous you’re living with all of these guys,” he casually said.

“So you’re not jealous?”

“No. Should I be? Why? Has someone slept over?” Shun then asked alarmed.

“They’re all my friends,” Mao said, laughing. Pi suddenly flashed across her mind. She shook herself mentally.

Shun grinned at her. “Wait, pick one. Left or right?”

He then held out two closed fists. Mao contemplated and then picked his left hand.

“Are you sure?”

Mao nodded. Shun opened his hand. There was nothing there. Mao pouted.

“Since it’s your birthday…,” he smiled and opened his right hand. A necklace fell out with a ring as a pendant. Mao looked at him.

“You’ve always liked my ring. I’m giving it to you now,” Shun said as he put it on Mao.

“It also means you’re mine,” he joked. Though he was quite serious about it at some point.

Mao touched it gently and smiled softly at him.

“So what are you going to do now?” Shun asked,

“Uh…,” Mao stared blankly at him.

Shun frowned and then pointed to his lips. Mao chuckled softly and then slowly leaned in. Their kiss deepened as Shun pulled her closer.

Click. They didn’t hear the door softly closing.

**

Mao pulled up the blanket on Shun, sleeping on the couch. She looked down at him as she softly caressed his hair. She then went to her bed. All her gifts were there. She reached out to pick up Shun’s gift but then her hand stopped at the start beanie Pi gave her. She held it gently and smiled softly down at it. Their weird conversation earlier popped into her head again…. She was a little bit confused about it still. Looking over at the sleeping Shun, she then tiptoed quietly towards the door and stepped out.

She stood in front of Pi’s door, the beanie still in her hand. She wanted to thank him again. Yeah, that was the excuse she repeatedly said in her head. She took a deep breath and then raised her hand to knock but stopped herself. What was she doing? Shun was sleeping in her room and she was here knocking on another guy’s door. Wait, but it was just Pi… Yeah, that was the point. It was just Pi… so why did it matter so much?

She slapped herself on the forehead, a little too hard. She winced softly, rubbing it and went back to her room, taking one last glance at Pi’s door.

Pi didn’t hear anyone at his door. He was too concentrated, staring up at the necklace dangling in his hand. She looked truly happy with Oguri…

He went to her room with the intention of giving her the necklace. He didn’t care anymore. He was going to risk it, their friendship, but he had accidentally seen them being really sweet on the couch. Shige was right. Giving a necklace… was a boyfriend thing… And the kiss… He took it as a sign…

After that scene, he had somehow become numb. And after much thought… he had finally come to a decision. He put down his hand and closed his eyes.

Forgetting Mao won’t be impossible…. Yeah… As long as he puts his heart to it… At least they were still friends… He still had that with her… It was enough…

====
Yamapiggy: Sorry if it's wayyy too long XD LOL had to split it in winglin ne... hmmm! anyways, enjoy! and thanks always for the support! ^______^

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

“Hey brat. Where have you been?” Mao said, standing at her door.

“Brat? Are you talking to me?” Pi asked, in the process of opening his door.

“Duh. I am looking at you,” Mao shot back.

“Why? You missed me huh?” Pi teased, grinning.

Pi went back home for two days. He knew it was a risky move. Jin and the others might found out he was back but fortunately everything had gone smoothly. His mom had been missing him so he thought to visit her.

It was also a great opportunity to get away from his frustrations here. The whole Mao situation. Knowing that only a hall was separating them really doesn’t help. That night had been too much.

He couldn’t get any sleep, tossing and turning, knowing Mao was just on the other side. He had jerked up several times, thinking of banging on her door and telling her everything. But in the end, he couldn’t do it. What a coward. He was too afraid he could totally lose her and change everything between them, if all goes wrong.

Back home thoughts of her would still pop up but it was better compared to when he was here. He knew he should calm himself down first in a different environment. One night should do it, he had thought. But his mom, being his mom, made him stay for two. And he realized now how much he misses Mao.

He watched as she scowled at his retort.

“Of course not,” Mao said, almost defensively. “I haven’t had this much peace in a long while now. You shouldn’t have come back so soon.”

It was Pi’s turn to scowl at her. Mao had woken up the next morning after not much of a good night’s sleep to the news that Pi had gone away. He had something to attend to, Massu had repeated what Pi told him. That was it.

Mao had thought that she would at least get an apology from Pi for his childish stunt. And also for ruining what could have been a perfect night. She had thought of calling him but thought better of it.

She had imagined she would be drifting off to sleep dreamily with thoughts of her date with Shun but instead it had been replaced with thoughts of an uncute Buta. She had tossed and turned in bed, the scene where she bit him popping up from time to time. Why is she thinking about that now?! As thoughts of his scent started cramming into her head. She growled as she lay sprawled on her back. She should be thinking of Shun. She closed her eyes and tried to when something soft grazed her hand.

She snatched it up and stared up at P-chan’s big eyes. And then she got up and started pounding on him, imagining it was Pi. She laid on top of him, trying to flatten him, feeling frustrated. In the end, she kicked him off the bed, laid back down and closed her eyes. After a while, she grudgingly got up, got P-chan back and laid down holding it. She unconsciously hugged it.

Stupid Buta. Not realizing she had forgotten about the Stitch doll beside her.

“Just admit it. You missed me,” Pi said, realizing he really wanted to hear it from her.

“Where have you been?” she asked, genuinely curious, adamant not to admit that she did miss the stupid Buta. Well, just a little.

“Shige had some problems he needed help with,” Pi said. Although it was usually the other way around.

“Shige?” Mao repeated, frowning. “Oh yeah. Your cousin.”

She hadn’t seen him since that first time they met.

“So aren’t you going to say something to me?” Mao then said, looking up at Pi.

“Like what?”

“Like ‘I’m sorry for the other night’.”

“I forgive you then,” Pi said, patting her on the head and smiling.

Mao swatted his hand away.

“I wasn’t saying that to you! I meant you should be telling me that!”

“My memory’s a bit hazy…” Pi said, dreamily. “I wonder what we’ll be having for lunch.”

Mao growled at him. Pi growled back. And then grinned boyishly as Mao gave him a death glare. Suddenly one of Big Bang’s songs started playing.

“How often do you change your ringtone?”

“It’s a text message,” Mao said, as she checked it. “Okay, I gotta go!”

“Where are you going?” Pi asked. It was too early for her to be going to work.

“I’m meeting up with Shun for breakfast,” she replied, throwing up her hand in a wave and ran towards the stairs.

Pi scowled. “You better come home early for dinner!”

He disliked the idea of her gallivanting with Shun after work. What?

“What are you, my mother?” she called back and then was gone.

“We’re having curry!” he shouted.

Just then, Sho came out of his room.

“Hey Sakurai. What?” Pi then asked as he noticed the sorta knowing smile on Sho’s lips.

“Nothing,” he said, then sniffed. “I smell a storm brewing.”

He then inclined his head in good-bye as Pi watched him go down the stairs, confusion etched on his face. His thoughts then went back to Mao and Oguri having breakfast. He growled.


**

Mao slowly walked as she shifted the plastic in her hand. She had bought some takoyaki to appease the Buta at home. She had sent the whole gang a message saying she wouldn’t be joining them for dinner. Tego was the first to reply.

“Aawww… T_T. I’ll miss you! Let’s have dessert together! \(^v^)/”

“Yay! More for me!” Massu’s came next.

“Who’s this?” Ryo.

“You’re having dinner with Shun right? So where are you guys eating? We haven’t really talked about this you know. We should! I hope I get some time soon. So where are you eating? You guys can try that new place that opened up. Seems really romantic!” Kei-chan’s ramblings came. And with so many emoticons crammed in.

Only one didn’t reply. So he was choosing to ignore her again. Mao shook her head as she thought of Pi. And why did she buy takoyaki for him again? She was spoiling him. She should stop. But she didn’t want to bicker with him again. Her thoughts shifted to Shun, he suddenly was needed at the office so she had told him she’ll be fine going home alone. Hope everything at work is okay, she thought.

A puppy’s cries suddenly reached her ears. It was torture to hear those kind of cries. It came from the small alley ahead. She quickly ran towards it, hoping it wasn’t seriously injured. As she was about to round the corner, malicious laughter rang out. She took a peek and saw four teenage boys standing around a small pup, clearly scaring it to death. One of them pulled on its tail, it snapped at the hand. The other boy then kicked it in the mouth. It gave a yelp.

Mao gritted her teeth. They were too much. She was kind of scared of the boys. But no one seems to be coming… The puppy… The cries came again and then taking a deep breath she jumped out and yelled at them to stop. She thought, maybe they will run away but unfortunately…

“Awww… are you coming to rescue him?” one of the boys leered at her maliciously.

“What’s that in your hand, obba-san?” the other kid said, as he slowly walked towards her.

Obba-san? She glared at them, hiding the fact that she was kinda scared… She didn’t notice a third boy had come up behind her and snatched the takoyaki away.

“Hey!”

“Great! I’m sorta hungry right now.”

“No you’re not. Give it back,” a voice came from behind them.

Mao whipped around. Sakurai Sho. Her heart soared. At least she wasn’t alone now. She never would have imagined she would ever be this happy to see him. He would teach these kids a lesson. Maybe hurt them a little. The boys sized him up and then from the look in his eyes decided he wasn’t someone they should be messing with.

One of them signalled to the others and started to run. Sho held his foot out and tripped one of them.

“You haven’t given it back,” he said in a bored voice.

The kid handed the takoyaki back to Mao.

“Apologize,” Sho said.

“We’re sorry,” they automatically chorused and then quickly sprinted away.

Mao thought she would be able to see Sho in action. An image of Sho doing some kung-fu moves flashed across her mind. It would have been an interesting story to tell Kei-chan. Mao bowed to him. Her eyes full of gratitude. Sho smiled at her. For the first time, she didn’t feel scared or intimidated by him. She then went to check on the puppy.

“Is it alright?” Sho asked, walking towards her.

Mao scooped up the shaking pup into her arms.

“He’ll be alright. But we can’t just leave him here,” she said, as she gently patted the pup, trying to calm him down.

“We can take him home,” Sho suggested. “I have a friend who helps find home for strays.”

Mao smiled at that and nodded. And they started their walk home.

“I can care for him for the night and then take him to my friend tomorrow.”

Mao stared up at him. It was definitely a side she never expected of him. They have always cooked up bizaare ideas about him but he wasn’t as cold as they thought he was.

“I’m not going to eat him when I take him home, you know,” he then said as Mao continued to regard him silently.

Mao had the sudden image of Sho laughing evilly as he cornered the pup in his room. She shook her head mentally.

“I wasn’t thinking that!” Mao said, chagrined.

Sho smiled. He had a nice smile. Mao observed.

“It’s kinda refreshing to see a different look in your eyes when you’re looking at me now. No scared look anymore,” he continued, amused.

Mao grinned at him sheepishly. They were that obvious huh? She noticed the package Sho was carrying.

“What’s that?” she asked, striking a different conversation.

“A head.”

Mao stopped dead in her tracks and stared at him wide-eyed.

“From a mannequin,” Sho then said, frowning. “It’s for a friend of mine. He claims to be an artist.”

Mao was able to breathe again. What Tego had told her once made her jump into conclusions.

“What? You thought it was a real head?” Sho chuckled, shaking his head.

Mao stuck her tongue out in embarrassment.

“Is that for Yamashita?” he then asked, pointing at the takoyaki.

“Yeah. So he can be less of a pain in the ass,” Mao said seriously. “How’d you know?”

“I dunno. It suddenly came up in one of our conversation,” Sho shrugged. That was weird. “So he’s a pain huh?”

“Yeah, more so recently. I don’t get him,” Mao complained, shaking her head.

“Maybe something big happened recently?” Sho hinted, a smile on his lips.

Mao thought hard. Well, he hasn’t said anything that’s happened to him recently. A frown creased her brow.

Sho stared at her for a while and then shook his head.

“Never mind.”


**

“Why are you home so late?” Pi demanded as Mao and Sho reached their floor. He didn’t even think it was strange they were coming home together.

“I have takoyaki for you anyway,” Mao said, rolling her eyes.

Pi’s eyes lit up but he tried to act less excited. He then noticed something.

“Why do you have a puppy?”

“Wow. Your powers of observation amazes me,” Mao said, sarcastically.

It was Sho that volunteered to tell the story.

“What? Are you crazy? You could have gotten hurt!” Pi told her off, as he checked her for non-existent bruises or wounds.

“I’m okay! Sho came just in time!” Mao exclaimed as she smiled at Sho.

“Here, let me take him in. He should get some rest,” he offered and reached for the puppy.

“What name should we give him?” Mao then mused. The pup was too cute. She almost wanted to keep it but her aunt would not approve.

“Puppy,” Sho said.

Mao and Pi stared at him.

“Simple. Creative,” Pi chirped.

“You become attached to it when you give it a name,” Sho claimed mysteriously, as he looked from Pi to Mao.

Mao and Pi stared again. Anyway…

“I want juice, Mao-Mao,” Pi then said.

“Can’t you go make it yourself?” Mao said, annoyed. “You are such a brat.”

“I don’t know where you keep it!”

Mao snatched the takoyaki from him, said good night to Sho and the pup and then stalked off to her room.

“You really know how to show your love,” Sho commented as he opened the door to his room.

“Huh?”

“People around here are so clueless,” Sho fake-whispered to the pup in his hand.

Mao’s voice suddenly called out from her room. “Didn’t you want juice? I’m giving it all to Meat Bun along with the takoyaki.”

“Don’t you dare!” Pi yelled and then ran to her room; Sho chuckling amusedly.


**

“What are you doing?” Mao asked.

She had stopped going around her room (which was in total chaos) and getting things ready for a big shoot that day. Ryo’s store and clothes were going to be featured in the magazine. He was already on his way so was Tego who was one of the models. (Ryo wasn’t too keen about that.) She had some last minute things to do as usual.

Pi turned his head to her.

“I’m taking this down,” he said, pointing to the poster of the actor she still didn’t know the name of. “Don’t you think he looks weird?”


”Oohh…,” she said, suddenly distracted. “You can put up my Big Bang poster. I can’t believe I forgot this.”

Pi caught Massu’s eyes, who had been sitting on the couch watching a drama re-run on TV. He shrugged as he bit into his sandwich.

“Here!” Mao came back, carefully holding a huge poster with five guys in it.

But Pi had already put up a different one. A poster of Hawaii.

“This one’s better,” Pi said, jerking his thumb at it and then rolled up the actor’s poster. He’d been meaning to do that for a while now.

Mao frowned. “That’s just going to make me depressed. It’s one place I will never ever go to.”

“It should serve as your inspiration to work hard for it,” Pi wisely said. Mao grunted.

“But I want my Big Bang poster up,” Mao whined.

Massu turned to look at the poster.

“Big Bag, huh?”

“Big BANG,” Mao corrected, pointedly. “Who would name their group Big Bag?”

“How would I know? I hear weird group names everywhere like Kisft2, Kitty Gym, News,” he defended.

“Good point,” Mao conceded, nodding.

“Who’s your favourite again? G-Dino is it?” Pi said, as he turned to see if the poster was straight.

“G-Dragon,” Mao said, narrowing her eyes at him. “I’m going to marry him someday.”

Mao laughed at her own joke. Pi didn’t look amused.

“Fangirls are scary,” Massu said, rubbing his arms.

“Shut up,” Mao said as she carefully rolled up the poster again, afraid of creasing it.

Massu turned back to the TV.

“I wonder why in dramas when a person wants to go somewhere to catch up with someone, they run. They always run! Couldn’t they just take a taxi or something?”

“It adds to the drama,” Mao explained, as Pi nodded solemnly.

A cellphone suddenly rang. A muffled Big Bang’s “Last Farewell”.

“Help me find my phone,” Mao called out as she started rummaging through all the stuff.

Massu started doing the “baby,baby” dance with his hands up in the air. Pi bopped him on the head with the poster in his hand.

“Are you turning into one of her?”

“It’s catchy,” Massu pouted, rubbing his head.

“I don’t know I like the one I’ve heard recently. I think it was “Weeek”?” Pi said, thinking.

Mao scoffed.

“But I think it’s ‘weeeak’,” She then quipped, laughing hard at her own joke. Sometimes she just cracks herself up.

Pi and Massu looked at each other not amused. She then demanded they help her find her phone. Finally…

“Ah! Here it is!” she said then answered.

It was Takki.

“Mao, find another male model. The one that’s supposed to be in this shoot called in sick.”

“What? Aren’t there extra models over there?”

“No. And our hands are tied. There’s still too much stuff to take care of-“

“How about the agency?”

“I wouldn’t call you if they could handle it. Just find one,” Takki said, as someone in the background called for him.

“But I can’t just get someone off the street-“

“Don’t be late,” was all he said and then hung up.

Mao stared at the phone. He’s being “Devil Wears Prada” right now. Though if she had Anne Hathaway’s wardrobe, it wouldn’t be so bad, she thought and closed her phone with a snap.

“What’s wrong?” Pi asked concerned over Mao’s worried scowl.

Mao looked at him. And then her eyes stared fixedly at him. As if it was the first time she has really seen him.

“What?” Pi asked, a bit wary at her look.

She then smiled sweetly at him.


**

“Why did I agree to this?” Pi groaned.

They were quickly walking towards the subway station. Mao working hard to keep up with Pi’s long strides. He was going to be the model. Mao was ecstatic about it. He was perfect. At least she wouldn’t have a hard time looking for one anymore. Saved her a lot of trouble.

“Because you love me,” Mao said, without thinking.

Pi’s head snapped to her. She was distracted as she shifted her bag and some of the things she needed to take to the shoot. Pi swallowed hard and tried to ignore his racing heart. But she was right… He couldn’t leave her hanging.

“Why didn’t you take Massu?” he croaked. Massu had asked the same question. “Is Oguri Shun going to be there?”

“No, he has a different shoot on location,” Mao informed him. Pi felt glad at that piece of news.

They were about to cross the street. Pi went to her other side, where the cars were coming from. Mao was surprised at his action.

“What are you doing?”

“So, if ever an accident occurs, the car would hit me first,” Pi said nonchalantly, thinking of the first time he saw her.

Huh? Mao thought. And then waved it away.

“Wow! There’s really so many people,” Pi observed, as the people around him walked briskly.

“Don’t stray away now,” Mao warned as if talking to a child.

Her everyday commute was like this. She would be pushed around by all these people; she would squeeze in-between them. She was used to it. She turned to Pi. Somehow he had a much easier time. It was sorta amazing how the people didn’t seem to touch or come near him. As if he was walking around with an invisible shield around him. He was looking around, his eyes full of amusement. He looked as if he was having fun.

“Ow!” Mao yelled as someone stepped on her foot. She, on the other hand, was not.

Shit! And that person didn’t even stop to apologize. But why bother?

“Are you alright?” Pi bent down, his eyes full of concern. Mao nodded.

Pi suddenly took her hand in his, she looked down at it without a word and they started forward. Their way had somehow cleared. She didn’t have that much of a hard time anymore. Or was it all just in her head?

“Homygod! Look at that guy! He is sooooo handsome, like homygod!” Mao heard a schoolgirl squeal in delight.

“Where’s my phone? I want to take a picture,” her friend exclaimed.

“Homygod! Is that his girlfriend? He deserves soooo much better!”

Mao looked down. They were still walking hand-in-hand. She looked up at him. He seemed oblivious to the conversation she was overhearing, still looking around.

“She’s not even pretty!”

Mao caught their eyes and glared at them. They didn’t even have the decency to feel ashamed, ignoring her.

Mao snatched her hand away as they walked ahead. Pi looked down at her.

“Hey, Mao! Look! A vending machine for umbrellas! We don’t have to worry if it rains. Cool huh?” Pi said, excitedly, childishly.

He was looking at her grinning. It hit her now just how much she liked the way Pi would look at her. As if she was the only person around him. Everything else was unimportant. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it before, but now as people walked around them, all his attention was on her. Had it always been that way?

She flicked his forehead as she felt her heart race. “Come on. Stop being so excited. People might think you’ve come from another planet.”

She pushed on ahead.

“Hey, don’t walk so fast,” he called.

What was this she was feeling? It was weird. The way she sees Pi… She’s just being overdramatic. Yeah, that was it.

“Take your card out,” she said, distractedly.

When she looked up, Pi was nowhere to be found. Her heart plopped to her stomach. Where has he gone?

“Pi!” she called and looked around nervously. Too many people.

She walked back. Maybe he just got distracted by some shiny object. She pushed through some of the people and then somebody crashed into her and hugged her all of a sudden. She didn’t see it coming.

“There you are!” Pi said, hugging her tight.

Mao stood there, unable to move. Pi still wasn’t letting go.

“I couldn’t find you all of a sudden…,” he softly said, sounding really worried.

Pi’s hug… It was making her weak in the knees… And then snapping to it, she pushed him back.

“I told you to stay with me always!” Mao scolded, hoping she wasn’t blushing. Her face felt hot.

“I’d like that,” he grinned.

“You’re so overdramatic sometimes,” Mao scoffed, trying not to feel too awkward.

“When you weren’t by my side… I didn’t like the feeling,” he quietly said, looking at her intently.

Mao’s heart involuntarily skipped a beat. She tried to wave the situation away.

“It was at most a minute. You are such a baby.”

Pi stuck his tongue out and then patted her on the head.

“Coz you’re so tiny, I lost you. You’re like a Mao-tart!”

“Stop making up nicknames,” she said and then turned around, as her lips twitched into a smile.

“Wait for me, Mao-tart!” Pi said, earning a glare from her.


**

They were pushed back all the way in as more people tried to squeeze in. Mao’s back was squeezed into the window, Pi standing beside her. The guy in front of her was looking appreciatively at her and was deliberately trying to stand closer to her. Mao’s face had a pained and disgusted expression. Pi noticed it and with a dark glare at the guy, he inched his way between them blocking Mao from the guy, facing her. The guy retreated. Mao looked up at him and mouthed a “Thank you”.

But then there was a new problem. Pi was standing really close to Mao now. But he couldn’t risk any other guy attempting to take advantage of her so he didn’t move. He looked down at her. Their bodies occasionally bumping into each other as the train moved. Pi gulped. He could smell her strawberry shampoo. He looked up, trying to think different thoughts. He swallowed hard again, too aware of her.

Mao stared fixedly at the button on Pi’s jacket. It almost made her look cross-eyed. She could feel the heat from his body… She could smell his scent…. The scent she was starting to love… What?! Wait! No, that’s not it! She looked up at him just as he looked down at her. Their eyes locked for a moment and then quickly looked away.

Suddenly, a person pushed into Pi as the train was stopping. And Pi was pushed into Mao. He had both his hands on the window; Mao in-between his arms. Their eyes locked again. They could feel their breaths on each other, oblivious of the people getting off. Pi’s eyes went to Mao’s lips. Mao snapped to it. The train had lesser people now. She saw there were vacant seats and quickly ran to it before anyone could take it, patting the empty seat beside her at Pi, glad for the distraction. Pi sat down, biting his lip.

Mao yawned forgetting to cover her mouth. Pi covered it for her. She slapped his hand away to Pi’s chuckles. She gave him a playful glare.

“I’m so sleepy. Just wake me up when we arrive at our stop,” she said then closed her eyes.

Pi watched her with a smile and then he took out his iPod. After a while, he turned to look at her, amazed at how she managed to fall asleep sitting upright. He quietly reached over and then placed her head gently on his shoulder. Pi gazed at her sideways and softly smiled. She nuzzled a bit on his shoulder and slept on. He yawned himself, leaned gently on her head and slowly closed his eyes. A last thought flashed across his mind…

“Because you love me.”


**

“Why did you have to sleep as well?” Mao exclaimed, looking harassed as they went up the flight of stairs to the building.

“I was sleepy too!” Pi said, glaring. “Are you the only one allowed to sleep?”

“Yes!”

Pi scowled at her answer as she angrily pushed the button for their floor. If Takki hadn’t called, they would have slept straight through to the last station. They had missed their stop by too many stations.

Mao stomped out the elevator, greeted by an equally angry Takki.

“I told you not to be late,” his tone level which means he was seriously pissed off.

“It’s because of him!” Mao accused, pointing at Pi.

Takki laid his eyes on Pi. Pi started to explain.

“Where’d you find him?” Takki then asked.

“From Planet Pain-in-the-Ass.”

Pi glared at her.

“He’s ridiculously good-looking. Good job.”

Mao stared at Takki who was already pushing Pi towards wardrobe. That was it? They weren’t kidding when they said looks can help you in this industry.

“I’ll deal with you later.”

Me? Mao thought. Yes, they sure weren’t kidding.


**

A whirlwind of people and the shoot was in progress. Mao walked into the set later on and saw Ryo standing there talking to the photographer.

“You sure know how to impress your boss,” he greeted her as the photographer walked away.

Mao sighed. She didn’t bother explaining anymore. Nino suddenly appeared beside her.

“Did you see Pi? He’s causing one hell of a racket,” he said.

And as if on cue, Pi appeared with a trail of his newest fan club behind. All of the people were fawning over him. The stylist, make-up artists and let’s not forget the models. He didn’t look like he was enjoying it. He caught sight of Mao and the others. He looked at Mao waiting to see how she would react to him. Mao looked away as if she didn’t see him. She was still miffed.

They called Pi over to stand next to Tego and Leah. Mao’s gaze went back to him. He looked gorgeous. His hair was all tousled up but in a stylish way and whatever he wears he rocks it. Mao observed almost grudgingly, unable to look away.

And the shoot started again. Pi looked like he was at home in front of the camera, giving pose after pose. He seemed so into it, especially his poses with Leah, Mao thought almost bitterly.

“Pi’s totally working it with Leah Dizon,” Ryo said, shaking his head. “Too bad. I’ve had my eye on her.”

“Barf.” Mao. Nino smirked, looking almost bored to death.

“I know a beauty when I see one,” Ryo leered at her as Nino yawned.

“Double barf.”

The shoot had stopped for some retouches. Pi and Leah were talking and looking like they were having fun. Mao felt irritated as she watched them. Leah was being so touchy with him, she looked on with narrowed eyes. Ugh. She then started towards the door, having had enough. Ryo asked her where she was going.

“Some of us have other important things to do,” she growled and stalked off, unaware that Pi’s gaze had followed her.

Why was she so bothered at Pi and Leah? It wasn’t because she resented their closeness in the shoot right? Yeah, it was because she is a bitch and Pi is choosing not to see it! Yeah… That was it…


**

She typed away on her computer as she enjoyed listening to her Big Bang songs; It had helped her to calm down at least. A bit confused at the sudden surge of feelings that surfaced, she adamantly chose to find excuses for them. Or sometimes just sang along to the songs so she won’t be able to hear her thoughts.

The shoot must have finished as people started to slow down and breathe. Suddenly she heard Leah’s sickeningly sweet voice carry over to her as she heard Pi chuckle at whatever she was saying. Mao scowled at no one in particular. They seemed to have stopped to stand and talk. She didn’t want to stand up and check. They might see her.

Slowly, pulling her chair with her, she casually inched towards the edge of her cubicle. The back of her chair facing out; she slowly leaned back and peeked. Leah seemed to be whispering something while Pi had a smile on his face. She sprang forward. What was she doing? Spying on them? And what’s it to her anyway? He can talk to anyone he likes.

But he didn’t have to be so friendly with her, she thought bitterly as she leaned back on her chair once again, craning her neck. Didn’t he know how she treated her around here?

And then suddenly, she lost her balance and fell flat on the floor, along with her chair causing a lot of banging. She winced loudly, her pride hurt more than her actual back. She heard footsteps running quickly towards her. People were peering to see what happened.

“Are you okay?” Pi asked, his voice full of concern.

Mao looked at him. He looked really worried and was checking her for injuries. Mao saw Leah peering overhead and looking like she wanted to laugh at how ridiculous Mao looked right now.

Mao pushed Pi’s hands away. “Yeah, I’m fine,” she mumbled.

She stood up her face getting hot. Pi still wanting to support her. Leah resented how Pi was this concerned for Mao. Honestly, how does she get close to all the hot guys?

Mao’s phone rang and she quickly picked it up, avoiding questions as to how she ended up on the floor. It was Shun.

Just realizing now that Shun hadn’t crossed her mind the whole day until now, she felt guilty. She then walked away, talking to him, leaving Pi a little lost.


**

“No, I don’t want your dirty cash!” Mao sang along to the song in her ears as she turned some hot dogs on the pan. She was cooking breakfast for everyone in her room. They do this once a month in rotation, if they remember.

The boys filed into her room, scratching their faces and yawning. She stopped dancing (attempted dancing really) and smiled at each of them but when she caught Pi’s eyes, she became expressionless.

Pi narrowed his eyes at her as he watched her place hot dogs on plates and placing them on the table one by one. She hadn’t been friendly with him ever since that shoot. She was giving him the casual treatment, which irked him more as compared to if she totally ignored him.

Pi looked down at his plate. At the burnt hot dogs.

“Um…,” he tentatively said. “They’re not edible.”

“Oh, sorry. I wasn’t really careful with them,” she said flippantly. “Don’t eat it if you don’t want to.”

Pi sighed inwardly. She was getting back at him in his own game somehow. Tego looked from Mao to Pi, chewing thoughtfully, curious to what’s going on. The others seemed to be more curious if Pi was really going to eat the hot dogs.

To their horror, he did. He took a huge bite at the thoroughly burnt hot dog. Mao’s face remained blank as she ate.

“What does it taste like?” Massu asked, his voice full of wonder.

“Delicious,” Pi grimaced, as he took another bite, his eyes on Mao.

“What’s going on with you two eh?” Kei-chan asked. “Didn’t I tell you no fighting at the table?”

“Nothing’s going on,” Mao said quietly.

“You can never tell with these two,” Ryo commented, as if bored at their antics.

Pi wolfed down the hot dogs. Mao’s face was still not betraying anything.

“So what’s this I hear Sakurai Sho is a hero?” Kei-chan then changed the subject.

After breakfast, Mao heard everyone file out. She started to wash the dishes when Pi’s voice startled her.

“Are you pissed over the Leah situation?”

She thought they had all gone out.

“Why are you still here?” she said, annoyed. “And no, I’m not.”

Pi continued his intent gaze on her back. She could feel it.

“Stop staring at me,” she scolded without turning around.

“I was just trying my best to make things easier for you, working my ass off at that stupid shoot and acting all nice to those models,” Pi explained.

Mao sighed. Why was he bothering to explain? Although it made her feel better to hear it…

“I know you don’t like them but I don’t want to give them more reasons to make things hard for you,” he finished quietly.

Now she was the one who felt like an ass. She was acting irrationally… Even she couldn’t fathom her actions. It’s just that Pi was making her have weird thoughts and weird feelings… and it was becoming more frequent… She turned around slowly, her back leaning against the sink. They regarded each other silently.

“Do you want juice to wash the taste down?” Mao finally said, referring to the burnt hot dogs.

“Are you going to put salt in it?”

“Do you want me to?”

Pi grinned, despite himself.


**

“Hi! Good evening, ma’am! What would you like to have?” Pi greeted in a perky voice and super bright smile.

Mao burst into fits of laughter as she banged her hands on the counter, Pi narrowing his eyes ta her.

“Do it again! Do it again!” she said, her face red from laughing.

Pi pursed his lips, not amused.

“Are you enjoying?”

“Yes!” More laughter.

“What are you doing here anyway?” Pi demanded.

“Shun and I wanted pizza. So I thought to come here,” Mao explained. “That way I can also see you two.”

She waved at Massu who happily waved back as he placed a pizza into a box.

“So order already!” he said, as his mood took a dive.

He was trying to control that now. Otherwise, they’d be butting head every minute. They haven’t had much drama between them lately.

“I’ll wait for him,” she said and then went to find a table as Pi pursed his lips.


**

“What do girls see in him?” Pi mused out loud from the counter. Massu followed his gaze.

Shun and Mao were obviously having a good time. Mao took a bite of pizza but some of the toppings fell off onto her lap. She laughed sheepishly as she picked it up one by one. Shun giving her a tissue as he chuckled.

“I dunno. If I were a girl, I’d definitely have a crush on him,” Massu commented, not thinking too much about Pi’s weird question.

Pi gave him a sideways look.

“Of course, you’re prettier,” Massu then retracted as he swung his arms over Pi’s shoulders.

Pi growled at him.

“But he does have a Ducati…,” he then said quietly.

“Hah.”

“Anyway, you have a delivery my friend!” Massu said cheerfully at Pi. “Go wow the ladies with our scooter!”


**

Pi slowly made his way up the stairs, his thoughts back to Mao and Oguri. He was alright if he didn’t see them together, he can forget they were going out. But when he does see them…

“What’s up with Oguri nowadays?” a voice carried out of the open door.

Pi stopped in his tracks. Oguri? This was too much of a coincidence now.

“He’s not hanging out with you anymore. Almost kinda avoiding you,” a new male voice commented.

Could it be the same Oguri? Pi thought and he listened on.

“I think he’s working on a ‘project’,” another voice chuckled maliciously.

“Really? With that chick? I thought he turned down your suggestion?”

“He did,” the malicious voice answered. “But I think he’s pulling my leg that time. After that, he went straight to approach her. What does that tell you?”

“Ah… Oguri always does have something cooking up his sleeves.”

“Yeah… he probably wants to surprise us with something different…,” though this time the malicious voice sounded unsure.

“Isn’t it taking a bit too long though?”

“You don’t rush a genius at work. He’s probably bored with the way things are usually done. My boy has never failed me before,” the malicious voice chuckled again.

“Yeah. He’ll be able to get the chick, unlike you,” one of the voices laughed.

“What did you say?” Someone didn’t sound happy.

“Hey, do you smell pizza?”

“The delivery knows he can just come in.”

Pi snapped back, He quickly reached the door and called ‘Pizza delivery’. They couldn’t be talking about the same Oguri. And the girl couldn’t be Mao. Yeah, Oguri’s a pretty common name. Pi pushed the door open slowly.

He peeked in and saw two guys lounging on the couch as the third one walked towards him.

“Hey, Toma. It’s your turn to pay,” the guy stopping in front of Pi called back.

Yeah, they couldn’t be…


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Yamapiggy: Yeah... I was surprised as well how quickly I put up Chapter 9. LOL! We'll see how long this can go on! >V< Hope you guys enjoy! I tried my best. ^_____^