long and winding road

Prisoner of Love (Fanfic)- Chapter 9

janipanda — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:52:42 GMT

To read previous chapters, they can always be found here!
Chapter 9: Waiting

“Sir, you have to stop shouting or I’ll have security remove you,” the nurse warned him.

Selina heard soft but firm voices in the background. Where was she? All she could remember was separating from Jun on the train platform. The departing train was too noisy and then nothing.

“Hai. Hai. Its just...” Jun trailed off.

The nurse gave him a sympathetic smile. “She would be alright. She had a slight anemia. Not enough nutrition or sleep. We’ll keep her overnight for observation but she would be ok, Matsumoto-san.” Jun looked over Selina worriedly. The nurse sighed in slight envy. She wished she had a boyfriend like him who would worry like this over her. She bowed as she left the room.

Jun took a seat beside her bed. Some color have returned to her cheeks. She took a deep breath as she slowly opened her eyes. “Selina.” All he could do was say her name.

She gave him a slow smile. Even though she was confused as to where she was, his familiar face was a comfort. “Jun,” she croaked. Jun can’t help himself but laugh. “What?” she asked once more in that voice. He reached up to the glass beside her bed. With a straw, he guided the water to her lips. She sipped a little. “I know you can’t resist my croakey voice in the morning,” she started.

Jun did not know if he should get angry at her, laugh at her or scold her. Hell, he wanted to do all of those at the same time.

“Don’t get angry at me. Just admit it,” she pleaded. Behind her shaky smile was the fear of being scolded. They both knew that it was her fault that she was in this situation. Selina still hoped the scolding would come later.

He scratched his head and sighed. He understood what she wanted but was still torn. He sighed again. Jun let her win. For now.

“Baka. Its evening now. And who the hell would get enticed by your froggy voice?” Jun teased back.

She smiled in appreciation. “I bet you get terrible bed hair in the morning,” she replied back.

“What the hell has that got to do with your froggy voice?” Jun replied with a laugh. “Trying to steer the conversation away?”

“Thank you,” she answered softly.

“Selina, I...” Jun started.

“We both thank you,” someone else said. Both of them turned around to Sho entering the room. Jun didn’t even realize it was the same hospital. It was the nearest one to the station, of course.

“Sho,” Selina greeted him.

Jun stood up from his seat. It would appear awkward if he continued to be by her side. The other man took this opportunity to be beside her.

Sho clasped her hand in between his. “You can’t keep doing this to me, Sel,” he chastised. Selina flinched in silence. Jun noticed that as well. Sho gave her a smile to tone his scolding down. “If you continue on this path Sel, you’ll probably kill me.”

She blanched. Jun almost took a step towards Sho. Can’t he see how this was affecting her?

Sho laughed and reached out a finger to caress her cheek. “You’ll kill me with worry, baka.”

She was clearly uncomfortable with Sho’s words. Not that his words were untrue. She really did not want him to see her in such a condition. Or with Jun. Selina cannot help but feel that Sho did not like Jun at all. And the speculation of Jun liking her...

Sho stood up distracting Selina from her thoughts. He leaned over and deposited a kiss on her hair. “Rest well. We’ll talk tomorrow ok?” She only nodded in response.

Jun took a worried glance at her. She gave him a reassuring smile and nodded her thanks once more. Before he could say goodbye, Sho took his arm and escorted him out of the room. Once her door was closed, Jun shook Sho’s hand away. Sho released him with a surprise look on his face.

“Good night, Sakurai-san,” Jun bowed politely.

“Actually Matsumoto-san, I would like to have a word with you.” Sho really did not give him time to answer as he lead the way.
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The cafeteria was already deserted at that time of the day. It was located on the 3rd floor of the hospital that overlooked some part of the city. It was a quiet time. A place where they can talk.

“You must be feeling better, Sakurai-san,” Jun started.

His back was towards him as Sho took in the sights of the darkened city. “Yes. Much better.” He paused before he continued. “Can I speak frankly to you, Matsumoto-san?”

Jun stiffened. He remembered the last time he had a talk with Sho. It was not good. He braced himself for the confrontation that was sure to follow.

Finally, Sho turned around to face him. Jun was surprised at Sho’s pleading face.

“I do love her, Matsumoto-san. This...” Sho gestured with his hands. “Her being in the hospital is not something I want.”

“It was caused by something that you did, Sakurai-san,” Jun said sternly.

He nodded once. “I admit to that. I won’t deny it.”

Jun took a step closer to him. “Then end it, Sakurai-san. Apologize to her. End her suffering.”

Sho sighed. “I wish I could.”

“What do you mean you wish you could?” Jun was getting confused.

“But I am afraid.” He chuckled softly. “With all the history behind us, I am afraid Matsumoto-san. Afraid that I’ve already lost my chance.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I love her. I just want to be given the chance to prove it to her,” Sho declared passionately. “For that, I need your help.”

Jun shook his head. What was happening here? “You should just talk to her about it. Selina might be unreasonable sometimes but she would listen. Specially that you are her best friend.”

Sho sighed. “Yes, I am that. But, Matsumoto-san,” he looked at him seriously. “Do you know how harder it is to make a friend see you as a lover? Much harder than from a stranger starting to court someone from scratch?” Sho walked around Jun. “There is the fear of rejection. The fear of breaking a good friendship. Or making things awkward. It is such a huge risk.” He looked down to his feet. “But that is what love is, is it not? A huge gamble. Win all, lose all.”

With that, Jun understood some of his pain. There might have been a time in the past where Jun was also in the same situation as Sho. “I agree on that, Sakurai-san but I still can’t figure how I can help you with this?”

Sho smiled and turned to him once more. “A chance is all we need. And time.” Jun waited for him to continue. “Would you give us that chance, Matsumoto-san?”

Jun frowned. “What exactly do you want from me, Sakurai?” He was getting impatient. He just wanted to know what this was leading to.

Sho smiled. “A month. That is all I need. Give me a month to be alone with her. That means you are not to make contact with her in any way or form.”

“What?” Jun snorted. “You think you can control her like that?”

“Control?” Sho raised an eyebrow. “This is not control. All I want from you is to leave us be. I am not going to tell Selina who she can or cannot see. But by that one month time is up, she’ll be doing it naturally.” Sho then looked contrite. “This is not even my happiness at all. It is hers. All for her. Selina is my only concern.” He looked at Jun straightforward. “Don’t you wish for her happiness as well?”

Jun clenched his fists. Yes. Her happiness. That’s what happened when you are in love. You place somebody else’s happiness and welfare above your own. “How do you know that you can make her happy?” Jun replied back.

Sho smiled. “That is only thing I am confident about.” He started to walk away. “Are you?”
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Heavy thoughts weighed on Jun’s mind. To leave her alone, wouldn’t be hard, would it? It was a big city after all. If Sho was with her, he probably would make sure she was not in places that they could meet. He wondered if the other guy would even let her know of this plan of his? Jun looked up to heaven. Why did things have to be so complicated?

“Oi! Jun! Jun!” someone shouted for his attention.

Toma was on the other side of the street waving his arms frantically. People gave him looks. Jun gave him a salute as he met up with the other guy.

They both decided to go to a food stall since Toma didn’t open his store that night.

“How come?” Jun asked.

Toma took a sip of his beer. “We fought.” Jun waited patiently for him to continue. “Malvika wanted to return home. Well visit her family at least.”

“Why don’t you let her?”

Toma shook his head. “It is not a matter of “letting” her go. She wanted me to meet her parents.”

“Ah,” Jun replied.

The other man rubbed his hands together. “Sometimes it is hard for me to understand where Malvika comes from, ya know? And I really don’t know if...” He somehow didn’t want to say the words.

“You’ve been with her for what? A couple of years?” Jun inquired. “At this point, I mean, she practically lives with you, man. She helps out in the store. Stuck out with you rather than going back home where everything is nice and easy.” He heard from Nishikido-san that Malvika’s family back in India was well off. Her parents probably did not approve of their daughter staying with a foreigner in a far away land that cannot care for their daughter without her having to work. Knowing Malvika, Jun knew this did not bother her. From what he saw, she was happy with how her life is with Toma. Toma, on the other hand was another matter. Jun had another question. “If by chance they come here and see you in your terms, do you think you can face them?”

Toma gave a snort. “You sure do ask the hard questions, don’t you Matsumoto?” He never did answer Jun that night.

Now that Jun knew what Toma has to go through, he wondered what his answer will be to his own question.
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“Ah!”

A female gasped in surprise as tea spilled all over the table. It was another day at Bishounen Cafe. Another normal day but not so normal for Jun. All day he had been making mistakes like spilled coffee or missed orders or wrong orders. He knew that Nishikido-san gave him odd looks. So did the other waiters.

He immediately pulled out a rag from his apron to contain the spillage. “Gomenasai.” The lady hurriedly removed the papers she had on the table so they would not be wet. “Let me get you a fresh pot of tea...ahhh....” Great. He just forgot his patrons’ name.

“Inoue. Matsumoto-san, are you ok? You seem off today,” the lady remarked. Inoue Mao-san started coming to the cafe a couple of weeks ago. Jun learned that she aimed to become an actress. The cafe had been her haven to practice and memorize her lines. Although she looked like a shy one, Mao-san was actually very outspoken. It reminded him of someone else.

“Hai. Sumimasen. Let me get you a fresh pot.” Jun gathered the tea pot, made sure the table was dry and fetched her another. When he was at the counter, Nishikido-san whispered something like talking after work. He nodded in assent. He returned quickly to her table to set the tea pot down. Before he could pour it, she already did it by herself. Jun bowed again in apology.

“Ii yo, Matsumoto-san. You looked like you really are troubled. Wanna share?” Mao asked. The soothing aroma of chamomile tea filled the air.

Jun took a deep breath of this. It only meant one thing. Inoue-san had another audition today. She always ordered this tea to calm her nerves. It helped with her concentration. “Another audition today, Inoue-san?”

She nodded as she sipped her tea. Warmth spread all over her body. Mao made sure the table was dry before putting the script back down. “I’m not supposed to tell anyone what I am auditioning for but the drama is based off a manga. Its called Hana Yori Dango,” Mao softly replied.

Jun wasn’t aware of the said manga. “I hope you get the part,” he wished her in luck.

Mao gave him a grateful smile. “I hope so too. I’ll give it my best.” Then she went back to her memorizing. He gave her a bow to give her some privacy.

That same night when most of the waiters have gone home and the store was closed did Nishikido-san come over and had the talk with Jun. He was still wiping the last table when Nishikido-san asked his first question.

“You’re not in love, are you, Jun?” he started.

Jun stopped in mid-swipe as he straightened to face his employer. “I know I have been making mistakes lately, Nishikido-san,” he admitted.

Ryo shook his head. “We all do. But you weren’t like this before her.”

Jun frowned. “What do you mean?”

The other man crossed his arms as he leaned at a pillar. “You are one of the top requested servers here at Bishounen Cafe. You work hard, always nice to our customers and I have no problems with you.”

“But it seems like you do, Nishikido-san,” Jun replied with as much humility as he could. He always hated beating around the bush.

Which his employer knew too well of Jun. “You know our rules. Its not there to only protect the store but to protect you as well. I can’t tell you what or what not do, Jun.” Ryo patted his shoulder as he passed him on his way out. “All you need to do is just decide.” After that, all Jun heard was the closing of the door.
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He really didn’t know why he agreed to go. The next day, Malvika, Chri and Pi showed up at the cafe and wanted to visit Selina. Toma was nowhere to be seen and Jun did not ask. Chri asked if Jun could come with them and for some reason, he did not resist. Maybe it would help him decide faster if he saw her one last time. That one last chance to make his resolution. He told them the address of the hospital and told them he would follow after his shift.

Selina was sitting on her bed when they arrived. She appeared rested. She was happy to see them.

“You really are a handful, aren’t you?” Chri teased.

“Same bird, right?” Sel answered her friend back. Chri snorted. “I bet Pi has his hands full of you,” Selina said as she winked at Pi.

Pi chuckled. “You’d probably win big with that, Sel.” Chri jammed her elbow at his ribs.

Selina turned to Malvika. “How are you girl? Are you doing ok?”

Malvika reached out to Sel and squeezed her hand. “Don’t worry about lil’ ole me. You should be more worried about you. You seem to be doing better.”

Selna nodded. “I’m too pampered here. If I stay here any longer, I’ll probably get fat.”

“In which we would still love you all the same.” Malvika replied back.

“Maybe,” Chri interjected.

Selina put out her tongue. “You turd!”

“I wonder what time he’s coming?” Malvika said aloud.

“Who’s coming?” Selina inquired.

Sho heard the laughter before he entered the room. It was good to hear her laugh. Things were still kind of awkward between them but he believed that all it took was time. Time to remember the old days. Time to bring back the past so they can both continue on to the future. Together.

“Matsumoto-san,” Chri replied. “We went ahead because he was still working but his shift should be over now. Shall I give him a call?”
Sho knocked on her door once. “No need. He should be here pretty soon.” Selina’s smile kind of froze. Sho nodded to everyone. “Thank you for coming to visit her,” he started.

Pi frowned. Like Jun, he noticed the strained atmosphere between the two. Ever since that showy proposal that this guy did inside the cafe, Pi never really like the guy. Just first impressions. “Iie. We are glad to see that you are doing well too,” Pi replied back.

Sho smiled at Pi. He didn’t know how much he knows but he sensed the somewhat reserved nature of Pi towards him. “Thank you for your concern. Its all thanks to Sel. She took real good care of me. Now if we can say the same for her, we’d all be good.” This earned him a few strained chuckles. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll see if our friend Matsumoto-san is in the hospital lobby.” Sho went out of the room.

Chri crossed her arms. “I don’t like him.”

“Chri!” Malvika warned.

Chri shrugged as she looked at Selina. “I’m sorry Sel but I just don’t.”

Selina just nodded. “I don’t expect everyone to like him. He...he has a hard life, different from mine and yet, similar. I hope in the future that we all both can find some common ground.” She rose from her sitting position. “Let me see if I can find a vase for these flowers.” Selina knew she shouldn’t have left her guests but she wanted, no needed, to talk to Jun without Sho being there.

It was good timing that Jun was on his way to see her. Sho patiently stood by the lobby. As soon as Jun appeared, he walked towards him.

Sho and Jun stood across each other. Each of them tense. Sho started with a smile.

“Is this your response, Matsumoto-san?” he inquired, polite and yet with a hint of sarcasm.

Jun gave him a polite smile back. “I don’t know. Does it appear that way? Maybe it is.”

“Jun?” She softly called out to him.

Jun had to step to the side for a bit to see her. Selina looked well. She had flowers in her hands. But her face was worried.

Thunder boomed.

“So you don’t trust that she would come back to you after a month with me? Is that why you couldn’t agree to this?” Sho had to ask.

Jun turned his attention back to the other man. “Its not her that I don’t trust,” was all he said before he reared his right fist and punched Sho on the face.

“JUN!” He turned around to flee from him.

From her.

From them.

From himself.

Rain started to pour as Selina chased after Jun in the parking lot. “Jun! Wait! Stop!” The rain drowned out her voice. But miraculously he did.

“Be happy,” he cried out without turning to face her.

Selina can barely hear him. She requested him to repeat it.

He wished he was man enough to face her. To talk her. This is the best he can do for now. To agree with such a request. Jun Matsumoto gave a chance to somebody else. With that, the rain swallowed him whole.
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This took awhile ne? Sorry for the long delay. Real life is real life. Hope you’d still continue to support this story. Do you agree with what Jun did? Let me know! Of course, don’t forget to comment!

Prisoner of Love (Fanfic)- Chapter 8

janipanda — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 05:12:54 GMT

Chapter notes: There is a sensitive issue that is going to be brought up in this chapter so you’ve been warned. Nothing graphic but it would be mentioned. If the issue of self-harm disturbs you, please do not read this chapter.

To read previous chapters, they can always be found here!
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Selina and Jun both panted as Ayu met them a few steps away from Sho’s room. Surprised registered briefly on Ayu’s face as she saw that Selina was not alone.

“How is he, Ayu? What exactly happened?” Selina bombarded her with questions.

Ayu held up a hand. “Calm down Sel. You’re not going to help Sakurai-san by getting injured yourself.”

Jun laid a hand on her shoulder which calmed her down a bit. Selina just nodded as she took a breath to calm herself. Ayu looked at both of them. Ryo often told her that something was going on between the both of them but nothing certain. The fact that he was with her confirmed something. But with this situation it would probably be best if Matsumoto-san was not here.

“Sel, it might be best if we could speak in private,” Ayu gently warned.

Without a second thought, Selinda turned around to face Jun. “Gomenasai,” was all she said.

Jun gave her a reassuring smile. “I’m done with my shift for the day so if there is anything you need, you know how to reach me.” He gave her shoulders a squeeze and was gone. Selina turned to Ayu once more.

“Tell me.”
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Selina sat and stared at Sho’s pale face. The only sound in the room was the beep of the machines. She never liked the sound of them. But the sound did reassure her that whoever was in the bed was still alive. He stirred. Her hold tightened on his hand.

His eyes slowly opened. At first, Sho was disoriented. It did not look like the ceiling of his hotel room. His eyes roamed to the curtains by the window. Definitely not his room with the awful taste in decor.

“Sho.” The voice was soft and hesitant.

He slowly moved his head to look at her. He opened his mouth to speak but no words came out. She momentarily released her hold on him as she got a glass of water with a straw. Selina let him take a small sip. After he did, she reset the glass by the table once more and grasped his hand.

“Selina,” was all he could muster.

“I’m here, Sho. I am here.” Those were the first and last words before Sho went back to sleep.
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Sho did not wake for the rest of the day. Selina wanted to stay but was not permitted to. She needed to decide if she should let Sho’s parents know. Knowing them, they probably both be too busy to even come. His staff probably notified them already. It was a sunny day that Selina barely noticed. She took a deep breath and stepped in.

He was surrounded with his two assistants and paperwork was placed on top of his table. Sho Sakurai was back to work. All conversation ceased as she entered the room. Before she could say another word, Sho requested his two assistants to take a 15 minute break. Nobody spoke until the other two persons closed the door behind them.

Selina looked at him carefully. The machines were gone. He looked ok but pale. She was at loss for words. When Ayu told her what happened, she could not believe her ears. Sho would do that? But why? Why would he do such a thing to endanger everything that he have worked so hard for? Selina did have another idea on why this happened. It was just a matter of how to start the conversation.

What can you say to a friend who tried to kill themselves?

“Sho,” she simply said his name.

“I’m a busy person Selina,” he replied as he continued to peruse the papers before him.

She took a step towards him. “Do you really have to be working now?”

“The papers and work would not do themselves and the world would not stop turning,” he replied as more papers rustled.

She sighed. “Fine. I’ll come back tomorrow.” As she turned away, his question stopped her.

“Why? Why would you come back?”

“Because we are friends.”

The papers crinkled underneath Sho’s fists.
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The next day, Selina took a breath before she entered his room. She was ready for a confrontation. She wasn’t prepared for what she saw when she opened the door. A soft breeze was blowing through the opened windows. Sho sat on his bed and stared out the window. He did not say a word but knew that he had a visitor. Selina took a seat near his bed and did not say anything.

“It was a day like this, wasn’t it?” Sho spoke softly. Without asking what day he referred to, she just nodded. “When the sun is bright and everybody is going on with their normal business, others waited, anxious and suffered. While everyone dreamed and hoped, someone else cried and anguished.”

“But it wasn’t that day for you and I, Sho. It wasn’t that day. And it was all thanks to...”

He cut her off with a hand and then put it down. “It was a long time ago. And it was unfair of me to hold it against you. But I am only human Sel. I thought I was cool to do that for you and for your father. Honestly, I wished it was enough for you to take a look at me. And not with gratitude. With love.”

“I do love you, Sho,” she insisted.
He chuckled. “You know what I mean, Sel.”

Tears trickled down her cheeks. “I am...sorry,” was all she could say. She glanced to the open ring case atop his bedside table that nestled an engagement diamond ring inside it. There was still traces of blood visible on the casing. It was on his palm when they found him in his hotel room. Without realizing it, his hand turned her face back to him. Her tears wet his hand.

“I almost lost you, Sho. I couldn’t...I don’t....please...” Her words stuttered as the tears continued to flow.

Sho only smiled as he wiped her tears.
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Jun clenched the box of cake with his one hand. He could hear the soft voices that came from inside the room. The voices was soft and maybe a hint of laughter. It was an odd thing to hear considering what the man inside the room went through. And yet, everyone could recover. He sympathized with him and at the same time, disliked what he did. He did not know if the other man would welcome his presence but Jun had to know. Then they would talk. He knocked on the door before he entered.

Selina sat in a stool near Sakurai’s bed. She wore a gray wool dress with leggings underneath paired with black ankle boots. Her coat and bag was set off to another table. Sakurai still wore his hospital garb. Between them were a few pictures. Both were surprised at his arrival. Nobody in the cafe knew what happened to Sakurai. Jun talked with Ayu if it was possible to visit him. Ayu asked permission from Sakurai and oddly, he permitted it. It appeared to Jun that Sakurai did not let Selina know.

“I am sorry to interrupt your conversation,” Jun started.

Selina only smiled at him and then at Sho. It looked like Sakurai was in a good mood. Maybe it was good that she was there. He acknowledged him with a nod.

“Here. These are the best cakes that the cafe has. I thought you would like them.”

Selina stood up to get the cakes from Jun. “How are you?” he whispered when she was near.

“I am good, thank you,” she answered. Selina turned to Sho. “Let me get some plates and make some tea from the kitchenette here so we can all enjoy the cakes. They are real good, Sho.” With cake in hand, she left the room.

“Thank you for the visit, Matsumoto-san. I hope everything is well with you?” Sho said in greeting.

Jun did not know how to start. So he stood and just said the first thing that came to mind.

“Why? Why are you doing this to her?” Jun demanded.

“Doing what exactly, Matsumoto-san?” Sho looked at him, puzzled.

Jun fists clenched. He can’t believe that this guy was being nonchalant about the entire thing. If he had not dropped by Toma’s restaurant and heard it from Malvika, he would not know anything.
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Flashback:
He has not heard back from her since that time he left the hospital. Jun knew that Selina could probably handle herself. In situations like this, she’d be self-reliant. It did not mean that he would stop worrying.

“Oi. If you are just going to brood over my curry, its best you go home, Matsumoto,” Toma complained. The guy came in for dinner but barely touched his food.

“Leave him be, Toma-kun. Matsumoto-san probably has a lot to think of,” Malvika remarked.

Jun emitted an embarrassed laugh. “Gomen, Toma. I didn’t mean to insult your food.” Jun took another bite.

“Ano, Matsumoto-san, has Selina dropped by the cafe by recently?” Malvika asked.

“Not since last time.” They all knew that what he referred to was that day Sho proposed to Selina. “Why would you ask Malvika?” The woman in question turned to her lover first. When Toma shrugged his shoulders, Malvika turned back to Jun.

“Do you think she’s avoiding the cafe?” Jun was the only one who knew where Selina had been lately it seems. Nobody else knew what happened to Sakurai besides Ryo and Ayu. Everybody else thought that both Selina and Sho were too busy.

“I don’t know if she is but...” Malvika hesitated. They were all friends there and care for each other. She did not know why she hesitated. “Toma and I saw her recently.” Toma nodded. She continued on. “She...Selina did not look too good.”

Toma remembered that day. He was on his way home. Toma waited for the pedestrian light to turn so he could cross. Selina stood in front of him which he didn’t even notice the first time. He had already crossed when the sound of a car honk got his attention. Apparently, Selina was too wrapped in her thoughts that she had not noticed the light change. Toma immediately pulled her to safety. That snapped her out of her reverie. Toma insisted that she go with him to the restaurant and talk with Malvika. With the way she was distracted, it might help to talk with a friend. It did not help that she looked like she hasn’t slept for awhile. She kindly refused and said to send her regards to Malvika.

After he heard what Toma told him, Jun had to know more. So he went to talk to Chri. He had the opportunity to do so when she came in one day.

It looked like Selina had not kept in touch with Chri either. They talked once after the incident in the cafe. But nothing related to what happened. Selina dropped by to apologize to Chri for her rude, drunken behavior that night they went to the club. Selina was upset by being dumped by Sho and retaliated on her friends.

“Did she ever mention anything to you about Sho?” Jun suddenly asked.

Chri thought for a moment. “If I remember right, Sho and Selina were childhood friends. Although their families often met during business parties, it wasn’t until Selina’s father’s operation that the two became close. Her father was very sick and they had to remove the kidneys. They say that it would take awhile to get a donor but miraculously they found one that matched him. It was Sho. He donated one of his kidneys to her father when he was very young.” Chri crinkled her forehead in thought. “After that, they were inseparable. Her father even talked of a marriage agreement between both of the families. Selina wasn’t aware of anything like that and since Sho moved away to take care of family business, forgot about it. That’s all I know.”

End of flashback.
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That had been plenty enough for Jun. He just had to hear it directly from him.

“I know you love her but why are you doing this to her, Sakurai-san? Why are you intentionally hurting her?” Jun asked and tried to not let his temper get the best of him.

Sho chuckled softly and gave him a pointed look. “Remember who was hurt here first, Matsumoto-san. I am the one in the hospital,” he stated the obvious.

“But if you don’t stop this, she might be next. Is this the kind of love you have for her?” Jun challenged.

“And what of it?” Sho replied back. His own hands were clenched. “You have no right to judge me on how I do things. At least I have been honest with myself.” He gave a derisive laugh. “I am not going to take that from a man that doesn’t even know what he wants.”

Jun stopped.

“I love Selina. Even before we made that connection. I have known her all my life. I lost a chance with her and I am not going to let that happen again, much less to lose to someone like you. Someone who can’t even decide.” Sho turned his head away dismissing. Jun headed towards the door. Before he left, there was one more thing that Sho had to say.

“I told you,she’s mine.”

As the other man closed the door behind him, Sho thought that maybe what he said was a mistake. That it might be the final push for Jun to admit to himself that he liked her and go after Selina. Sho chuckled. Did he really need to help a rival? No. He had to focus on himself. And not to ever let her go.
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Jun found her at the hospital’s rooftop. A couple of patients with either family or the nurses lingered around to get a breath of fresh air. Sometimes the hospital can be a bit stifling.

“So, this is where you went,” Jun commented.

Selina turned to the sound of his voice and gave him a tired smile. There were dark circles underneath her eyes. “I...I forgot the cake and tea somewhere. Silly me.” In all honesty, she gave the cake to another family next door. She heard their conversation. Things have been ok between them. They both avoided the obvious topic. But it wasn’t until she overheard their conversation that her worst fear has been confirmed.

Jun took a seat next to her. “You told me that you are good but you don’t look too good,” he commented.

Selina tried to laugh but failed. “Do I look like a zombie now? Probably should have paid more attention to my make-up this morning.”

They both were silent as the clouds rolled by.

Jun wanted to reach out to her. He could almost touch it. The intangible heaviness that surrounded her. Gone was the spunky, spoiled brat that he first met in that cafe. The one that sat next to him was just a hollow shell. Something that was not normal. But what Sakurai-san said hit a spot. He had no right to comfort her. Because unlike Sakurai-san who had the courage to let the entire world know of his love for the woman that sat beside him, Matsumoto Jun remained silent and unimposing.

Until then, he could not touch her. All he can do is be there for her when she did fall.

“Selina...” he started.

She suddenly stood up which surprised Jun. “I have to get home soon. Homework is piling up.”

Selina gathered her things from Sho’s room and they met outside the hospital. As Jun watched warily at the woman beside him, he can’t help but worry. All that talk of homework was a lie. Chri had let him know that for some weird reason, Selina took a break from school. All she did was visit Sakurai-san at the hospital everyday until visiting hours were over. Ayu often dropped by to check on Sakurai and she was always there.

Now as she stood on the opposite platform as they both waited for their respective trains. She waved him goodbye as he entered his own train home. That smile she gave him was a little bit odd. Before Jun could change his mind, the train doors closed on him. He went back to the other side to take one last look at her. Even though the next train hasn’t come yet, there was no sign of her at the platform. Did she leave? As the train pulled away from the station, Jun noticed a commotion on the other side. There was a couple of people that surrounded something. Or someone. All he could see of the person was the black ankle boots and the gray wool dress. As Jun shouted her name through the glass door, nobody heard his cries.

“SELINA!’”
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Chapter notes: This was a real heavy, emotion-wise, chapter for me. Things have suddenly turned good for me so writing something real depressing is a little bit hard for me. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoyed it. Read, Enjoy and Comment!

Because you wanna know what Jun and I talk about...

janipanda — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:23:37 GMT

Here, have a peek in a normal day for me and Jun

Prisoner of Love (fanfic)- Chapter 7

janipanda — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 16:25:28 GMT

Sorry everyone for making you wait awhile! Real life has such been a pain recently. So I hope you would continue to follow me because I would surely finish this story!

To read previous chapters, they can always be found here!
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Selina opened the door to her apartment. Sho has not spoken a word since Jun left both of them. He only nodded towards the other man. She didn’t need to feel so guilty but she did. She moved slightly away from Jun as she said her goodbyes. If he was offended by her sudden move, he did not show it. She can talk to him about it later.

Sho still had not given the flowers to her. Selina turned around to face him as he closed the door behind him.

“Morning Sho,” she started.

Sho looked at his childhood friend. Gone was the corset she wore and her favorite high heeled shoes. Instead, Selina wore another man’s shirt and sandals on her feet. He did not like to assume things but when things were obvious enough, you just cannot not deny them. Denial was never a good practice.

She suddenly grabbed his ear and twisted it. Sho let out a yelp of pain. She released his ear once she has gotten his attention.

“I hate it when you do that, Sel!” he shouted while he rubbed his bruised ear. She gave him an impish grin which he could not help but return.

“Now, are you just going to keep standing there or are you going to give me those flowers and come in?” Selina put her hands on her waist. “Those are for me, aren’t they?”

Sho smiled and handed the flowers over to her. “Thank you.” Selina smelled the flowers and smiled. He still knew the she favored the Casablanca lilies. The bouquet itself was an assortment of different flowers surrounding the lilies. She stepped aside to get a container for the flowers. It was not often she received them so she had no vase. Maybe a glass would do...

He had made himself comfortable in her living area/ bedroom. The dorm room was a cramped space. Sho never liked tight spaces. He preferred the wide area of rooms. Plenty to walk around with. Selina did a good job though of making the area look more “homey”.

“Thank you again, Sho. They are beautiful. I need to make sure to buy a proper vase. I don’t receive flowers ever.” He grinned at that small fact. “I haven’t done any groceries yet so there’s nothing to offer except mugi cha.” She placed a glass in front of him.

He laughed.

“What’s so funny?” Selina asked with her hands on her hips.

Sho took a sip. “It seems like that you are adjusting pretty well to Japan. They even got you drinking mugi cha. Don’t you like chai anymore?”

She shrugged her shoulders. “I still do. This is just easier to get. If I have any cravings for chai, I just go to the cafe.” Selina poured herself a glass and sat down beside him.

“Ah sou. Have long have you been going to the cafe?” Sho tentatively asked.

Selina didn’t even notice. She reached over to a bottle of aspirin near her bedside and popped one pill into her mouth. “Hmmm...for a few months. Chri was the one who brought me there. Actually, Pi used to work there. From what I heard Toma too.”

He did notice that Selina probably was hung over. He stood up momentarily and positioned himself behind her. She now sat in between his legs. He placed his hands on her temples and started to massage them. Selina breathed a sigh of relief.

“You know the best way to get over a hang over is to drink lots of water. You’re dehydrated,” Sho reminded her.

“Hai. Hai.” She felt real comfortable in this position. His hands did wonders for the pounding in her head. “So, how much I owe you for this service?” she teased.

Sho chuckled. “What? Can I not do this for my girlfriend when she is feeling ill?”

Selina stiffened a bit. Girlfriend. Boyfriend. Was this the type of relationship they have now? She really was not the type to analyze things. Maybe if she did from time to time, Selina might have avoided a lot of things in the past. She just enjoyed Sho’s presence being back but did not realize that things have progressed.

Before Sho could ask what her silence meant, she diverted the conversation to something else. “So, you left early last night? I hope everything is ok.”

He nodded even though she cannot see it. “Yeah. Sometimes I think that if I never took over the company, if it would even survive a year.”

Selina smiled. “Sho, you did miracles for that company. You turned it completely around. Not only did you save your family and the business but lives of the employee themselves.”

“I didn’t know you’ve been stalking me for awhile, Selina,” he teased. That earned him a soft jab to his right foot.

They remained in comfortable silence for a couple of minutes.

“So...the cafe was where Pi and Toma used to work before huh?” Sho inquired.

“Yeah. Nishikido-san has a rule though. The servers of the cafe are free to fall in love with any of the female customers. BUT,” she paused to emphasize a point. “If they do, they would have to quit. I guess that prevents the cafe from having problems since the waiters have to cater to a lot of women.”

Sho smiled. “So, I guess that means that Matsumoto-san isn’t interested in you at all.”

That made her turn around. “What do you mean by that, Sho?”

He stopped what he was doing. “Come now, Selina. Don’t be naive.”

She frowned. “There’s nothing going on with me and Matsumoto-san.”

Sho stood up. “If that’s true, then why are you wearing his clothing?”

Selina followed suit. “I wouldn’t have to be with him if someone didn’t leave me stranded last night,” she replied heatedly.

“So you aren’t even denying it?” Sho asked once more.

“Why should I? When you’re already assuming a lot of things.” She took a deep breath. “There really is nothing going on between Jun and I.”

Sho frowned at her. “So its Jun now, huh?” Before she could reply, Sho headed towards her door. On the way there, he toppled the vase that contained her flowers. The water continued to drip on her floor as Selina looked at his retreating back.
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Couple of weeks have passed since her fight with Sho. It was the worst fight they ever had since being reunited. She could not understand why he acted like that. It was true that she did spend the night with Jun. But nothing happened. All he did was help her. They were friends. Sure, she wasn’t clear and did not explain all of that. Anger got the best of them. The troubling thing was Selina sucked at making up. She did not know how to do it or even where to start. She wished she had Chri to talk to. Or even Malvika. But that was another issue. There was that issue that she has not even resolved herself. Selina sighed as her cell phone gave a beep. There was an incoming message.

A few hours later, she found herself in front of the cafe. With school back and not talking with Chri has made her not visit the cafe often. A beaming Nishikido greeted her at the entrance. His warm greeting gave her a sense of relief. It looked like no one had told Nishikido what happened in the club.

Or maybe not.

At the special table sat all of the people from that night. Chri of course with Pi, Toma with Malvika. For some odd reason, the table had a special setting with an extravagant flower centerpiece. Added to that, Nishikido and Jun served their table specially. Selina waved at Yuya on her way to the table.

Conversation dwindled down as she approached.

“Hey,” Selina greeted.

Malvika and Toma at least gave her a small smile. Pi gave her a nod as an acknowledgement. Chri openly glared at her.

“Chri...I...” Selina got interrupted as Sho suddenly showed up beside her. “Sho,” she replied in surprise.

He gave her a peck on the cheek and then turned to address everyone at the table. “Thank you everyone for coming today to celebrate this occasion.”

Selina frowned in puzzlement. Did she forget his birthday? No. His birthday did not come until after the holidays. Maybe something good happened with work. But why did everyone have to be here?

Just then, Ryo came out with a container with champagne while Jun followed with flutes on a tray. Selina was not even aware that they serve alcohol in the cafe. This might really be a special occasion.

When Sho got his, he drank his entire drink in one gulp. Then he took a deep breath and continued on. “Everyone, I would be honored if you could be all witnesses to this event.” Selina stood beside Sho all this time.

“What event Sho? What’s going on?” She just had to ask.
Without saying a word, he took a small box from his pocket and kneeled before her. The women at the table gasped. Everyone was shocked. Most of all, Selina.

“Sho....what are you...”

“Selina, its past time. You’ve been supportive for all of these years. I have made you wait too long. Almost to the point that I could have lost you.” Sho took out the ring and showed it to her. Selina put down her drink on the table for fear that she would drop it. “Would you do me the honor of being my wife, Selina Harvey?”

The world faded. Everyone held their breaths. Chri squeezed Pi’s hand. Toma glanced at the hesitant Malvika. Nishikido wondered how she would reply. It was the same for another person.

Selina visibly swallowed. She hated being put on the spot. Even if it was Sho who did it. He should have known how she hated that. He did it anyway. First, they fought over that night. Now, this?

“Say yes,” he pleaded.

She should. Selina did believe that they would eventually marry each other. It was not only the family business that connected them to each other. They had a deeper bond that was not known to the public. She really did like Sho.

So why couldn’t she just say yes?

Her sudden glance towards Jun gave her somewhat the courage she needed.

“Sho, I like you and all but...I... I cannot marry you.” Her reply was soft and apologetic.

Her friend slowly stood up from his position. “Its him, isn’t it?” he softly said.

“Sho, don’t do this. Let’s talk somewhere...” Selina started.

Sho gave Jun a look that could kill. “You cannot have her.” That was all he said as he hastily exited the cafe.
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Selina sighed. It was now all a big mess. After Sho had left, she apologized to everyone was there. Although she felt embarrassed in front of her friends, she was more worried about Sho. What could have made him think of suddenly proposing to her? They just fought the other day. If he wanted to make up, proposing was going way overboard. But Selina also knew that Sho was serious. He never did anything half-heartedly. What was the rush? And who was he that Sho talked about? Could he possibly be referring to...

“Hey.” A soft voice interrupted her thoughts.

She looked up to Jun’s hesitant smile.

“Hey,” she said back in greeting.

Jun remained standing while Selina did not get up from her seat. “So I guess you weren’t so drunk that night I brought you here, huh?”

“This is a nice place Jun. I understand the need for silence.”

He chuckled softly. “I hope you’re not going to take over this place?” he teased.

“I won’t,” she simply replied.

They were both quiet for a couple of minutes. Jun knew that she was probably thinking of what happened that day. Since that morning he took her home, they had not been in contact with each other. Something must have happened that morning when they found Sakurai in front of her door. Then all of a sudden, Sakurai had came into the cafe asking Nishikido to help him out with preparations. Nobody knew what he planned. When Sakurai bent on one knee, there was shock then pain that followed as he witnessed that scene before him. He was not prepared for that. What surprised him more was her rejection. They were childhood friends, weren’t they? Perfect for each other.

And maybe, Jun had no right to intrude on that.

“Aaargh,” Selina complained aloud. “I don’t know what to do but first things, first. Nothing is going to happen if I cannot talk to him.”

“You haven’t talked to Sakurai-san since then?” Jun politely inquired.

She shook her head. “Won’t answer my phone calls or messages. I guess I just have to go to him, I guess.”

Jun glanced at her. Selina looked tired. Beside this recent incident, he was aware that Chri and Selina has not made up. She would have been with her friend right now with advice if they were. She might have felt all alone this entire time. Selina made a gesture to get up in which Jun helped her. They stood face to face.

Unaware of his actions, Jun placed a hand gently on her cheek.

“Selina, koko iru yo.”

Without letting her go, Jun slowly leaned in closer.

Her phone rang.

Both of them turned away as Selina answered her phone.

“Sel? Is that you?”

“Ayu! Yeah, its me! What’s up?”

“Sel, you’ve gotta hurry! You need to go to the hospital immediately!” Ayu said.

Selina’s face turned pale as she faced Jun once more.

“Something happened to Sho.”
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Definition:
Koko iru yo- I am here.

Chapter notes:
Waaahhh~~~~ Its been awhile. If you read all of that, thank you for still reading! What happened to Sho that he has to be in the hospital? What was the reason Selina rejected Sho’s proposal? What would Jun do now? All, well maybe not all, will eventually be revealed so wait for the next chapter. Again, reviews are greatly loved!

I would soooo love it if Sho massaged my temples when I get a headache/migraine~ ~swoon~

Prisoner of Love (fanfic)- Chapter 6-B

janipanda — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 03:57:21 GMT

To read previous chapters, they can always be found here!
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Chapter 6-B: His/Her Departure

With a slight push from her, Sho broke their kiss. It was soft and sweet. But for some reason, there was some resistance that came from her. Was this because he waited too long? That he put too much priority on work, his family than pursuing her? No. Sho knew that Selina understood why he had chosen that path. She won’t take that against him. So why?

He smiled gently. At least he was not the only one affected. Selina was breathing a little bit fast. Even though she pushed him away, her hands remained on his chest. It was not resisting at the moment. He softly caressed her cheek.

Sho wasn’t a bad kisser. Selina had a couple of kisses here and there but not one compared to the tenderness that he had displayed at that moment. He comforted and at the same time, made her feel treasured. But why did it feel wrong? Maybe they were just taking things too fast. They had just reunited and after all these years of thinking that he would finally kiss her, maybe it was too much of a shock for her. That’s what it was, right?

Selina smiled shyly. “I am not going to be that easy, Sho.”

Sho had to laugh at that. “Nothing is ever easy with you, Sel.”
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Sho and Selina was back at her apartment getting ready for the night. Chri had suggested to go clubbing that night at the new place that opened downtown. It was like a welcome party for Sho. They also invited Malvika and Ayumu which they would meet up at the bar.

That night, Selina wore a black corset patterned with black roses and lace on the bust. She finished the ensemble with a pair of red heels and skinny jeans. Her hair was put up into a tight bun but had wisps of hair escaping from the base of her neck. She was trying to close her necklace when Sho’s fingers took over hers.

“Are you wanting to break some hearts tonight?” Sho teased. She laughed and turned around to face her friend. He was sporting a white v-neck shirt paired with a leather jacket. He had a pair distressed jeans to match his top and leather shoes. It was rare to see him so laid back in appearance. She pinched his cheek. “You don’t look too bad either, chipmunk.” He pouted at the nickname. “Let me just get my purse and we should be good to go.”

Before she could venture away from him, Sho lightly grabbed on to her wrist. She turned to look at him.

“Hmm?”

Sho wanted to confirm it with her, make it final. That they were going out. That they were exclusive. With her looking that lovely, he was sure that someone would make a move on her. At this very moment, he felt very protective towards her. Even if things were unclear between them. After that date, they didn’t act awkward towards each other. But he did feel some sort of invisible wall come up between them. She never mentioned anything afterwards and everything appeared like normal, even if it wasn’t. For once, Sho did not know how to solve this problem. She waited for him to say something. He didn’t and let her go.

Selina looked at him oddly. They had always been both honest to each other. Lately, there were times that she caught her friend looking at her, almost on the verge of saying something. But Sho never did. She was also at fault. Since their kiss, Selina tried hard not to think that anything was different. This was still the same Sho, her friend and confidant. They were childhood best buddies. But they weren’t children anymore. And with that kiss, Selina knew Sho expected more. What she didn’t know herself was why she hesitated to reciprocate his feeling for her. And why she was anxious if Jun ever knew. She glanced at the clock.

“We’ll be late if we don’t get a move on.”
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The club was indeed crazy that night. There was already a line forming outside with people wanting to get in. Fortunately, Chri always had her crazy hook ups that Selina and Sho only had to mention their names to gain entry. Inside, it was more crowded. They wondered how such a place could hold so many people. The dance floor was located at the center of the room. All the tables and booths encircled the dance floor so one can get a good look at the dancers. Several of the upper booths are a little bit more secluded and provided curtains for privacy for the VIP people. That is where they found Chri and Pi. Pi was looking very fine, his usual self. Chri has donned a metallic silver dress that was off shoulder paired with black booties. Tonight, her friend had her hair down. Chri was definitely ready to party. Sho went off to get them their drinks when Malvika and Toma arrived. Toma was sorting the grungy boy look with torn jeans and top jacket denims. Malvika, on the other hand, wore a tight, long-sleeved one piece red dress that covered her front but left her back pretty open. When Sho returned with their drinks and said his greeting to the newcomers, one more person appeared.

“Nishikado-san and Ayumu-san can’t make it tonight. So, they sent me instead,” Jun offered in explanation.

Selina had to take a double look at him. Jun had trimmed his hair and styled it that gave him an edgier look. He was wearing a white v-neck shirt on the inside paired with a black silk blazer that had military style buttons on each side. He wore grey jeans with black boots. Gone was the cafe waiter or the normal Jun she had always seen. Their eyes met briefly and both acknowledged each other with a nod. With everybody accounted for, the party began. Chri grabbed both Selina and Malvika to the floor. As Sho suspected, the trio attracted plenty of attention. Even if the girls got asked on the floor to dance with another guy, surprisingly none of them do so. Sho was sitting on the table drinking his soda while Jun had a beer on his hand. With all the background music, it was indeed a little bit difficult to talk. Sho had to lean over the other guy so that Jun could hear him.

“Matsumoto-san, arigato for all that you did the other night,” Sho started.

Jun really did not want to talk about or be reminded of that evening. He would have not even show up to this club if Nishikado-san had not asked him politely. Well, Jun can’t even blame the guy. He didn’t know a thing. He disliked the clubs, the crowds and the anonymity of it all. It was not his kind of fun or relaxing. He rather be home, listen to some music and read a book.

“So I would assume everything went well?” he asked but really did not care for the answer.

Sho gazed at her fondly. Would he really consider the date a success? With things being left as it is right now, maybe not yet. But it is a start. “Yes, it did. Again, if I didn’t have your help, then it might not have gone as smoothly as I planned. I’m not very good at this kind of stuff.”

Jun looked at the person beside him. He wasn’t saying this to get his sympathy. Somehow, Jun understood what it felt like to be awkward in front of the person one liked. But he cannot bring himself to wish the man well. Not when he, himself was wishing for something else.

Sho put out his hand. “If there is anything I can help you with, all you need to do is call.”

Jun took his hand and shook it. Words are empty and can easily be said. He really wondered if Jun can rely on Sakurai Sho’s word.

Before Sho could talk more, his cellphone rang. He excused himself. The man returned a few minutes later with a frown on his face. He glanced over the dance floor but couldn’t locate Selina at the moment.

“I hate to do this to Sel, but I just had a business emergency come up. I need to go back to my hotel to take care of it.” Sho ran his fingers through his hair. “I can’t find Selina right now so I can explain to her. I need to go now.”

Pi and Toma overhead what Sho said. “Its ok, man. We’ll take Selina home. We’ll let her know.”

Relief was evident on Sho’s face. “Thank you. It was nice meeting you all.” With that, he was gone.

With him gone, Jun was somehow able to relax more. He was able to chat more with his co-workers before, even share jokes on past experiences. When the fifth song finished, the girls eventually came back to the table. Selina immediately noticed Sho was not at the table.

“Hey, did anyone see Sho?” she asked.

Pi answered for her. “Yeah. He apologizes for leaving early but looked like he had an emergency.”

Her face fell. “Ah. Oh well. Thanks for telling me, Pi.” She was definitely disappointed. She avoided looking at Jun and just shook her head. Selina had an idea why he had to leave and it wasn’t his fault. But she couldn’t help feeling abandoned. After that, it just went all downhill for her. She started drinking more alcohol and flirting more openly with strangers. She was committed to NO one and NO one is going to just leave her like that.

Just then, a popular song came on. Selina grabbed Pi’s hand and almost dragged him to the dance floor. Malvika and Toma looked at her worriedly. It made her all the more determined to have a good time. It started with this dance with Pi.

“Come on, Pi. I heard from Chrissy here that you’re the bomb with this dance! Dance with me!” she shouted over the noise.

Pi started to get uncomfortable. “I won’t dance with you Sel until you get permission from Chri,” he firmly said.

Selina turned to her friend. “I promise I won’t do anything dirty with him. So just one dance?” she cajoled.

Chri crossed her arms. “No,” she flatly rejected.

Selina laughed. “That was a good one, Chri. Come on! Its just a dance. Don’t be a prude!” Her voice started to rise in tone.

“I said no, Sel. I mean it.” Chri gave Pi a pointed look. Pi slowly but firmly took Selina’s hand off his wrist and sat beside his girlfriend. He did this, not only because Chri asked, but Pi knew that Selina acted drunk.

Selina can’t believe what he did. What Chri did. Her cheeks flushed in anger. She turned to Toma. “Will I need to ask Malvika’s permission too, huh, Toma?” she snapped.

“That’s not right, Selina-san,” Toma warned. Toma might be a person who tolerates a lot of things but once you anger him, there’s no going back. Malvika put a hand on Toma, visibly calming him a bit.

“Sel, maybe its time to go,” Malvika suggested.

Selina threw her hands up in disgust. “You are a bunch of losers! All of you! Selfish bitches!”

Chri cannot help herself. She stood up and slapped Selina right across her cheek.
Jun had just returned from a bathroom break when Chri did that. Everybody in the table was silent. Selina grabbed her purse and ran out of the club.
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“Selina! Selina! Wait!”

She heard his voice but cannot stop for him. For some reason, those heels had survived two blocks of almost running. Until she reached an uneven pavement. Her heel got caught on a crevice that caused her to fall.

Jun can barely keep up with her. She must have been doing marathons on those heels. But when he saw her fall, he almost blew past her.

Selina managed to get int a sitting position. She was relieved that she had the foresight to wear jeans tonight. No scrapped knees but just bruised hands when she braced herself when she fell.

“So where’s the next party that you’re so excited to go to that you had to run? Jun asked.

She gave a snort. This was not the time to tease her. Great. A broken heel. And the shoes were her fave Blhaniks. She had to save most of her allowance at that time to even to be able to afford one. Selina loved shoes. Her father does not. She sighed. “There’s no other party. I just wanted to be left alone,” she softly replied. Ditched by her date, a ruined shoe and then Matsumoto had to see her like this. The night couldn’t go any worse, can it?

He saw the broken shoe and the blooming red imprint of a hand on her cheek. She looked utterly defeated. Jun held out a hand and assisted her to a standing position. “Come on, I have an extra pair of sandals in my car. They might be a little big on you but it would do for now.”

“Why don’t you just take me home, Matsumoto?” she asked dejectedly. All Selina wanted to do was just to lay down underneath her covers and just disappear.

Jun didn’t answer her at first. When they got to his car, Selina did change into his slippers that weren’t too big at all. Selina also spotted a denim button down shirt that she insisted on changing into. She leaned to the side of his car. “Just take me home.”

He shook his head. “You said you wanted to party more right? Well, we can do that on our own, if you like?” She did look a little bit tired but thought maybe it was more of because of what happened tonight. And for some reason, he didn’t want her to go home feeling like that. But if she insisted once more, Jun would not argue. He just wanted to do something, anything for her.

Selina sighed. If he insisted. “Sure, Matsumoto. Whatever you have in mind.” It wouldn’t hurt to indulge him a bit since he did help her out.

“First, call me Jun.” It was the first step he could think of. To be closer to her.

Selina laughed. “What? No more name calling?” Jun pouted and she laughed once more. “Just kidding. Jun then.” She held out her hand. “Hi, Jun. I’m Selina, nice to meet you.”

Jun smiled. She laughed. It was a start. He took her hand and asked, “Are you hungry?”

Turned out they started the party at a ramen place. Even at that time of the night, the place was still packed with the club crowds and some of the salarymen that worked late. They ordered each a ramen and a plate of gyoza. Without the Sho in between them or the cafe, Jun and Selina started to relax towards each other. The party started with 20 questions. His favorite color: white, black and blue. Hers? Black and red. Hobbies? He liked to read. She liked to sleep. They were both slowly discovering each other. They might not agree in every little thing but they also found some common ground between them. Next on the agenda was the arcade. Jun hated to be embarrassed in public. He refused to do those para-para dance machines. He did very well on the Street Fighter ones. Selina convinced him to do those purikura as a souvenir for the night. Jun told her that he had one last thing to show her. They both got into his car and drove just for an hour outside the city. Then he led her towards a grassy knoll. It was actually a night time view of the area they just had been.

Selina took a seat while Jun brought a pack of beer. He handed one to her as he sat down beside her.

“Kampai!” they both said as they toasted.

She took a sip and took in her surroundings. This did not turn out so bad after all. Sure, it started a little bit rocky but this was really nice. Plus, they have not been mean to each other all night long. They argued and discussed but it was not mean spirited. Unlike before. Somehow, sometime this night, Selina had changed her perception towards Jun.

“Thank you, Jun, for tonight. I didn’t think it could turn out this way,” she started.

Jun chuckled. “What? You think I was going to ditch you?” He was half curious.

She laughed in response. “Like an old mafia movie. Kidnapping me and then just rolling my body down a ravine.”

“Well, the night isn’t over. Yet.” Jun made threatening gestures.

She stuck out her tongue. “Yeah. As if those are supposed to frighten me now, baka.”

“Are you? Are you afraid of me?” Jun suddenly asked.

“Should I be?” she asked softly in return. The same questions they asked each other during that night in front of her door. For a moment, neither of them spoke.

“Its really beautiful here, Jun,” Selina broke their silence. “Do you come here often?”

Jun just followed her trail of thought. “I used to. Its my thinking place. When there are things I need to sort out, I go here.” Before he could continue, Selina scooted over closer to his side. He tried not to stiffen up. He wasn’t much of a physical contact person so this surprised him a bit.

“Sorry if I am invading your space. Its getting cold,” she explained.

Since she was close already, Jun took a chance. He draped his right arm over her and pulled her even closer. Without even thinking, Selina snuggled into his warmth.

There was nothing between them. Nothing that might suggest more than just friends just hanging out.

Jun wished it was different. For once in his life, he wished it was different.

“Its quiet here. And not very many people come out here anymore. They rather party in the noise. The noise distracts them from thinking. Distracts them from the loneliness they feel. But for me, I crave the silence. Because it calms me and makes my thoughts clear. And it’s better to have that to make decisions, don’t you agree?”

He looked down to a sleeping Selina. She had found a comfortable nook by his shoulder and had fallen asleep. So that was why she was so quiet. He felt glad that he did not bore her to death. But putting her to sleep might not be so good either. A sense of calmness took over him. That right now, this felt right. It felt good that she shared this secret place with him. He made sure that she was deeply asleep.

Jun deposited a kiss on her hair.

“Selina Harvey, I think I am falling for you,” he whispered.
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In some way, Jun was able to convince her to get into his car. After a couple of minutes, he realized that they cannot both stay out there without catching a cold. They were on their way back to the city. He’d probably have to carry her if she didn’t wake up.

Thankfully Selina did when they arrived at her dorm. Jun walked her to her room.

“I am so sorry I fell asleep Jun. I must have drunk way too much.” She massaged her temples. “Yep. Way too much. This is a hangover. Hopefully I don’t have classes today so I can...”

Both of them stopped a feet away from her door.

Sho stood in front with a bouquet of flowers.
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Chapter notes: Wow. This is an accomplishment for me. Two chapters in a weekend?

How will Sho react to finding Selina and Jun together the morning after? Tune in for the next chapter! Again, read, enjoy and comment! They fuel us writers!

Prisoner of Love (fanfic)- Chapter 6-A

janipanda — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 06:39:19 GMT

To read previous chapters, they can always be found here!

Jun took another glance at the stranger already sitting with the group. He definitely WAS the same man that he saw watching the group from the beach outing. But he wasn’t looking for someone. He was probably observing her. The man knew Selina.

Sakurai Sho.

From what he had overhead from the table, Sakurai was a childhood friend of Selina’s. The man had degrees from Harvard and Keio University in Business and Economics. He ran his family business as president of the company. He was witty, polite and good-looking. He was charming and fit in easily with the group. He was already telling jokes and some childhood stories. He sat close to Selina at all times and glanced at her often.

He seem like the perfect man for her. But something didn’t sit right with Jun. Because no one can be perfect. Even if the specimen was obviously before him.

Selina could not believe that Sho sat beside her. It had been ages since the last time they met. Even though they were the same age, he always had been bright. He graduated early and took over his family’s company. He was too busy trying to keep the business on the right track that he even missed her going away party. It had indeed been awhile.

Sho glanced at Selina once more. He regretted missing her party. Not that he was a party person. He would have attended if not for the family business. No one else was going to inherit it and he learned early on on how bad of a shape it was. So instead of the parties and maybe, even love, Sakurai Sho focused all his energies on graduating early and took over the reigns. Not that he minded the responsibility. He actually liked what he did. He found satisfaction in running the business and interacting with the employees. They refer to him as the “savior”. For Sho, he just found another more effective way of doing things. But there was a small part that he did regret. He missed her, missed being with her. Sure, she might act a little bit spoiled at times but she was smart, funny and warm. She was brash but loyal to her family and friends.

Now that everything has calmed down in America, it was time to make-up.

Chri’s laughter brought Sho’s attention back to the table. Sho thanked the waiter, Matsumoto-san, when he brought his black coffee before him.

“Geez, Sel. We can’t even believe that you are still here with all that stuff you did when you were young? How did your dad ever let you go to a foreign place and so far away?” her friend asked.

Selina smirked. “That is going to be a secret.”

Chri took a bite out of her cake. “Well, whatever it is. It hasn’t saved you from getting into trouble,” she remarked.

Sho perked up. “Trouble? What kind of trouble?” He sounded a little bit worried.

Selina laid a hand on his arm, as if to comfort him. “Sho, its no big deal,” she denied.

Chri shook her head. “You probably already know about her sense of direction. Well, she got lost one day trying to find this cafe. Got into some trouble with the locals. If it wasn’t for Matsumoto-san,” Chri pointing her fork to Jun in reference,” Sel here would be in a lot of trouble.”

Surprise appeared on Sho’s face. When he first met the server, he thought that he was just one of those guys that worked in the cafe. That he was no different from everybody else. But it seem like there was something more that’s going on between his best friend and the server.

Selina waved her hands in front of her. “Think nothing of it, Sho. I’m here and I’m safe. I’ll always be grateful to Matsumoto-san for helping me that night.” She took a quick glance at him and smiled.

Even before he realized what he was doing, Jun caught hold of that glance, nodded his head briefly and smiled back.

All the while, Sho observed them. And did not like what was going on. But he kept his calm and addressed the server. “Domo arigatou, Matsumoto-san. Selina can be a real pain in the ass but someone has to save her sometimes.” That earned him a punch on his arm from her. Sho turned away from Jun and joined the others in laughter.

Jun nodded back in acknowledgement. What was going on with him? Had he gone soft towards her? What was that smile about? It didn’t appear like she was mocking him. That her thanks had been genuine. What bothered him more was when Sakurai-san thanked him for saving her. As if the other person regretted it more that she was saved by a stranger rather than him. The man was almost territorial when it came to her. Could it be?

“Yeah. If it wasn’t for Sho during those other times...” Selina enigmatically trailed off. Her tone somehow hinted of another story.

“Hey, now. None of that gloomy aura.” Sho lifted her chin with a finger and smiled fondly at her. She naturally reciprocated the smile. There was something deeper between the two than just being friends. Chri, not totally oblivious to this pair, decided to probe further.

“So did you ever hook up?” Chri asked curiously.

Jun stopped momentarily. He was curious to hear this as well. It was obvious that Sho liked Selina, more than a friend. Did she like him that way too? He can’t deny that he wanted to know. He would have enough time later to think why he should care.

Selina blushed but remained silent. Sho answered for her. “I got busy. Things were not going too well with our family business and I had to take care of that. When we were younger, I thought we’d be together forever.” He sighed. “But life have different ways of doing things and we drifted apart. I’m hoping that...it’s not too late.” Sho reached over to hold her hand.

She was caught unawares of Sho’s confession. It was said simply and true. Selina had to agree that when they were young, she thought of the same thing. That nothing was going to tear them apart. She understood on why Sho had to be there for his family. Because she would have done the same. And this was the Sho she had come to know ever since that incident. But that took time and with the deteriorating relationship with her own father, Selina had to move away. Sho had already done too much for her and coming to him with her own troubles would be too much of a burden. Even though they were physically apart from each other, he had never been too far away from her thoughts.

Selina squeezed his hand back, thinking nothing of the gesture. “So you didn’t come here for the food then?” she teased.

Sho laughed. “Nope. That would always be first in my heart.” That earned him another punch.
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This week was full of surprises. There were too many things going at the same time and Jun wished he had the time to just breathe and think. He wished it was work that preoccupied his time. But all he could think about is her. On why this is happening to him. Why did she affect him this much? Why even affect him at all? And what then? Should he do something about it? What should he do about it? The questions continued to churn in his mind. Curdling would be more like it ,bringing a snappish Jun to the surface. Even Nishikado-san gave him a warning about being too strict with his co-workers and sometimes the customers. There must be a better way to deal with this, with her. And he have to deal with it soon, before he loses his job. There was that one condition that came with the job. One has to quit if they fell in love.

And this is certainly NOT love. Was it?

Jun needed to get a hobby. That would probably help.

But until then, he just had to deal with everything, one at a time. Like this one for instance.

He was sitting across Sho in one of the outside tables. The man had come in a few minutes earlier and requested for him. There was nothing wrong for a server of the cafe to cater to male clients. But all the female customers were definitely staring at the two handsome men who faced each other outside.

Besides that one day that he came in to surprise Selina, Jun did not have any chance to talk to the other person. He was dressed smartly today with jeans paired with a black shirt and blazer. It was the middle of the summer and he must have been sweating underneath all that. Jun was right as Sho removed his blazer and laid it across the empty seat beside him. After Jun placed his ice tea, Sho asked if he could talk to him for a couple of minutes.

“Relax, Matsumoto-san. I’m not here to take over your job.” He laughed. Jun didn’t find it amusing. The man could definitely replace him anytime he wanted to. But then, why would a CEO even be interested in a job serving customers?

Sho took a sip of his drink and bowed before Jun. “Again, I would like to thank you for taking care of Selina. Her father and I definitely appreciate it.”

Jun just nodded. “So is this why you are here? Because her father wanted you to check on her?” He had always been straightforward. The more he stared at this person, the more irritated he got. But this was all irrational. The man was just thanking him.

“No. Her father is unaware of what happened and will remain so until she tells me it is ok to tell. Or she can tell him herself. I dislike liars but I hate people who tell on other people. Everything has its own time,” he explained.

Although Jun did not agree with the whole lying part, he understood about betrayals. He at least knew that Sho had his own morals. He liked the guy. Even just for a second.

“I agree. So if you aren’t here to spy, what can I do for you, Sakurai-san?” he asked.

Sho put both of his hands on the table, palms up. “I need your help, Matsumoto-san.”

Jun raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Sakurai Holdings, named after the family, was one of the big import-export business in Japan. For the CEO to ask help from a lowly server from a cafe was quite interesting. “If I can,” was all he said back.

“You probably heard the other day in the cafe about making it up to her.” Sho did not have to say her name for Jun to know who he was referring to. “The thing is, even if I was partially raised here, a lot of things have changed. And,” he smiled shyly, as if he was embarrassed by the fact. “the view has changed. I could have asked someone to make the research for me for all of these but I wanted to ask someone who is more familiar with the area.” Sho paused and asked his question.

“So where do you take a girl out for a date over here?”
---------------------------------------------------------------------

He didn’t tell her where they were going or doing. The only instruction that Sho gave to her was dress nice. Selina didn’t know what “dress nice” meant. So she opted for a white Grecian type of dress. The material was made out of silk with straps on her shoulders that knotted when it connected to the main dress. There was thin strips of silk that criss-crossed under her bust. The dress ended just a little bit before her knees. She finished the attire with a modest heeled silver sandals. Selina put her hair up in a bun with ringlets softly falling to frame her face. The only accessory she wore was a simple pair of drop earrings.

“You look beautiful tonight,” Sho remarked as she met him by her doorway when he picked her up. She blushed and complimented him back. He was the perfect contrast to her. While Selina wore almost all white, Sho’s attire compromised of different hues of gray and black. His blazer and vest on the inside was stripped. To tone down the whole thing from resembling a suit, he settled for a button down black shirt. No tie of course.

“I guess you clean up pretty well, when you make the effort, Sho,” Selina remarked.

If she guessed right, Sho would be taking her to somewhere fancy. Ever since he picked her up from her dorm, he blindfolded her. It scared her a little but she trusted him that he wouldn’t put her in harm’s way.

“You’ve been pretty good with not cheating. And we know, good behaviors always get rewarded.” With that, he removed her blindfold.

Selina has to adjust her eyesight because it was pretty dark on where he took her. She uttered a gasp. She knew they were going up a building when she heard the ding of the elevator doors. But she didn’t expect he would take her here.

They were at the special observatory, the higher level than the public one at Tokyo Tower. Sho must have rented the entire floor just for them. There was no one else but the two of them. There were candlelights that was sprinkled on the ledges and on the floor. In a corner, there was a table set up for two. Tokyo was alight with its nightly glow. The view was spectacular from where they were. The whole atmosphere was magical and intimate.

“Irrashaimase.”

She didn’t even notice him. But she couldn’t be mistaken about his voice.

Matsumoto stepped out of the shadows dressed in his best server attire. There was a certain aloofness that emanated from him. This added to the professional person that he was.

When he saw Sho enter first, Jun prepared himself for tonight. He was hired to do a job and he was a person to see it through. But when he saw Selina, Jun had to remind himself to breathe.

She was captivating. Totally different from the usual girl that wore jeans and a shirt when she visited the cafe. She was elegant but simple. She did not need to show much skin to let any man know she was a woman. He definitely noticed that she was a woman tonight.

Jun reminded himself that this was not his date, that she was NOT his date. That Selina did not dress like THAT for him. Not for him. She was not here FOR him. As Jun repeated this, he also tried to ignore the pain that suddenly bloomed in his chest.

Selina gave a slight nod. She suddenly felt awkward. Sho must have needed some help to accomplish all of this. He could have asked for anyone else. He just had to chose Jun. Why him?

Before she could say a word of greeting to Jun, Sho already lead her to the dinner table. Sho seated her himself, not even waiting for Jun to do it. He sat himself and dinner commenced. Unlike what she was thinking, dinner turned out to be a more comfortable affair. Jun almost had become invisible during the entire course. His presence was only felt when he presented and took away the dishes or refilled their drinks. They both talked about the past, their adventures and their times together. Sho wanted to make it up to her. Most importantly, he wanted to remind her. Of him. Of them. And maybe the possibilities after.

“I don’t think I can eat one more bite, Sho.” Selina rubbed her tummy. Even with the formal attire, she never let herself be too stuck-up. Except when she’s in her father’s company. “The food was certainly fantastic. Kudos to your catering, Matsumoto-san.” This she directed her thanks to Jun. Somewhere in the shadows, he bowed.

“What about the company?” Sho asked.

She put a finger to her chin. “Hmmm....I need to think about that a little bit longer.” Sho laughed and knew she was teasing him.

“Come on, I have one last surprise for you.” He laid his napkin on the table and helped her from her seat. Sho led her to the area to view downtown Tokyo. The lights twinkled below them. It tried to replicate the stars that cannot be seen anymore in this city.

“It really is beautiful, Sho,” Selina said.

“You’re not seeing it, Sel. Look harder. What do you see?” he prompted.

One can get easily distracted by the lights and sounds. Selina tried to see what her friend was referring to. Sho stepped behind her and took her hand. He guided her hand to trace the shape of something down there. He whispered in her ear.

“What do you see?” he repeated.

That is when she saw it. Down in the center of those lights formed a pathway. A shape similar to somewhere she is right now. Selina laughed in delight. Amidst all the light, formed another Tokyo Tower. “That is amazing, Sho. I wouldn’t have noticed if you didn’t point it out,” Selina remarked.

“And do you see me too?” he asked, serious all of a sudden.

Sho slowly spun her around to face him. Selina could not clearly see his face in the dimness of the light. She reached up a hand to his face. He held that hand against his cheek.

The world continued to spin and yet, time stopped for them.

“Yes, I do, Sho. I always have,” she replied softly.

Jun had finished his job. It was time to leave. For some reason, he wanted to see her one last time. Maybe in the future, he might learn to forget. Maybe.

But as Jun saw them kiss, he can’t help hear his heart shatter.
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Author’s note: I noticed that my previous chapters were way too long and decided to divide this one into two. Chapter 6-B would be posted soon. Finished this at midnight and I don’t think I can write another chapter. Way too sleep.

This chapter was brought to you by Utada Hikaru: Flavor of Life ~Ballad Version~. She is my fave female singer and love her songs! Ironically, this was used for Hana Yori Dango season 2 where Matsumoto Jun starred in. This part of the song resounded well for Sho and Selina:

At the meddle point between friends and couple
I'm a green fruit longing for the harvest day
Since I cannot take a step forward
Why impatient? Baby

"What's wrong?" suddenly you ask me so "I'm okay, nothing much"
"Good Bye", after that, my smile disappears, it's not the way I am
The more I wish to believe, the more painful it is
It's more like you to say "I really like you" than "I love you"
The Flavor of Life

Appropriate isn’t it? Listen to the entire song! Listen to Hikki! You won’t regret it!

Also I credit Gackt for giving me the Tokyo Tower date idea. Read, Enjoy and Commet~

Prisoner of Love (fanfic)- Chapter 5

janipanda — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 20:52:24 GMT

To read previous chapters, they can always be found here!

Chapter 5: Playful? Intentions

The man’s name is Masahiro Matsuoka. He owned the dojo that Selina was going to nowadays. Jun went to his aniki to discuss Selina’s situation. They must have some kind of relationship in the past. Jun clearly showed respect for this man that he called Aniki. She didn’t know how Jun paid for the lessons. She offered payment once but Masahiro-san declined and stated that Jun already took care of it. When she asked Jun about it, he refused to answer. It was always the same reaction. He never answered why he was doing this for her. He patiently waited for her after class or fetched her from her dorm. He never missed a night for classes. He must have also worked something out with Nishikado-san so that his shifts would end so he could fetch her.

She looked over Jun that was busy cleaning the dojo floor. Class was finished a few minutes ago. Jun stayed to clean up and tonight, Selina offered to help. He was very serious with all of his work. Something that he applied to every aspect of his life. Whether it was work or training. Sometimes Selina wondered if he ever laughed. Or if she could make him. Not that she cared of course. Selina went back to polishing to her side of the floor.

Jun did not miss Selina’s stare. She suddenly offered to help and he thought it would make the cleaning faster. But in the middle of it, she stopped. Since a couple of minutes ago, her face showed her thoughts of confusion. Good thing that Jun was better in keeping his emotions in. Because he was probably as confused as her. On why he did this. On why he kept doing it. He had been trying to think about it all the everytime he came with her to Aniki’s dojo. She asked him once on why and all he could do was ignore her. Because he didn’t have the answer himself. But beside this problem, she actually did better. Selina had started to come out of her shell. She started to learn that to tackle a problem, all one needed to do was move. Hiding was never a good answer. So with Aniki’s instruction, she started to learn to face her problem, her fear. That there is something that she can do about it. Jun didn’t know how effective it might work in real life but it at least it did not leave her unprepared.

A wet rag hit Jun in the face.

He removed it to the sight of her laughing face. “Baka! We’d be here all night if you don’t stop staring. Its the floor that needs your attention!” Jun almost smiled but caught himself. He threw the towel back at her and they got back to work.
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Being with him wasn’t as stifling as before. They weren’t friends but the animosity wasn’t there. There was still some tension underneath but she just couldn’t place what it was. They were almost in front of her dorm door.

Selina turned to Jun. “I know we didn’t start on the right foot but I truly appreciate what you have done for me.” Before he could reply, she continued. “I still cannot figure out the reason why you are doing this but maybe the reason isn’t as important. I have learned a lot during the past couple of weeks.”

“Like what? Tell me,” was all he could answer back.

“Oh like, to make sure I always have my cellphone with me. And its better to be safe than sorry.” They stopped in front of her door and she fished around her bag for her keys. “If my defensive move doesn’t work, then I just probably have to use my womanly charms to get out of it.”

Before she could could the key into the lock, he spun her around and pressed her to the door. The wrist that was holding her key was pressed against the wall. His other arm entrapped her from the other side. He loomed against her as if to threaten her.

“And how would your womanly charms save you from this?” he asked in a low voice. It irritated him a bit on how nonchalant she was being. As if she have not learned anything from the training that he had asked for her. He did not want to scare her, only school her.

Something that Selina did not miss. From the second he asked the question, he was probably asking her if it was worth bringing her out. If the efforts he pulled were not in vain. But she didn’t like giving straight answers. And it seem like Jun didn’t like being teased either. Or he won’t be pressing her against the door all of a sudden.

She answered back softly with a smile. “Should I be afraid of you, Matsumoto?”

This made him more angry. He knew that she knew she was doing it to further infuriate him. He almost snarled in irritation but kept himself in check. Instead he leaned close which elicited a hitch of breath from her. “You should be afraid of me, Selina-san. You really should,” he almost whispered.

And she should have been. But instead, it turned into something else. Something fun. And one more other thing.

Selina unconsciously licked her lower lip. Whether she did this one on purpose or not, it produced the desired effect. Jun’s eyes were drawn to her lips. As if it hypnotized him to come closer, much closer. When she noticed that it produced such a reaction from him, Selina slowly smiled. And repeated the process. Ever so softly as to not break the atmosphere, she whispered back.

“Do you want to taste these lips...Jun?”

Jun visibly swallowed and almost cannot help himself but just get much more closer. When their lips are almost touching, she spoke once more.

“Just a bit more closer, Matsumoto. Just a little more so I can do....this.”
Without him noticing, Selina have slowly raised her left leg, almost touching a man’s most vulnerable spot. She was indeed clever. And she might have proven her point. But Jun didn’t like to lose. For some reason, specially not to her. With the other arm that was entrapping her to the wall, Jun slowly let his hand slide down beside her, tracing her waist then her hip. His fingers gently traced the back of her thigh until it reached the back of her knee. From there, he repositioned her knee closer to the area of offense.

“You should aim better, Selina.”

She stopped breathing when she felt those hands travelling down. It skimmed her ever so gently and without knowing that he would get the upper hand. Selina didn’t even notice that he addressed her so casually. Not that it was the main point at that time.

Both of them were still for a moment. Their breaths turned shallow and either one was afraid to move that might break the tension that suddenly rose. Their brief sparring had suddenly turned into something else.

Jun moved slightly, just inching closer to her. Selina’s eyes were half-shut, anticipating the contact.

A door slammed somewhere near.

This ultimately broke their connection. With a slight push from her, Jun dropped her leg and moved away. Selina took a deep breath as if she have not breathed for a long time. She managed a shaky smile.

“Oyasuminasai, Mastumoto-san.” She can’t even believe she sounded so normal.

“Oyasuminasai.”

Selina turned, inserted the key without incident and closed the door. She leaned against it, sighing loudly. What was this turning into?

Matsumoto stepped away from her door, the same thoughts ran through his head.
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After that incident, Jun had slowly lessened the days when he would come for her. He would still accompany her home but often left at the front entrance of the dorm. To be honest, it bothered Selina just a bit that he was the one who was trying to avoid her now. It was hard to put into words what was going through them now but she believed in just moving on. When they were together, they never talked about it.

One thing that she intended to go through was treating Jun out. Since he had a shift at the Bishounen Cafe, they both agree to meet at Toma’s restaurant. Jun had already called ahead to Toma to expect them both that night. After her class, Selina went straight ahead to the restaurant.

She was humming while she walked, careful to take note of her surroundings. One of the few things she learned is that for one not to get into trouble, one must always be aware of their situation and their surroundings. So instead of insisting that one is not lost, it is better to start asking for directions. The way to the restaurant was fairly easy coming from the university. Along the way, she saw Malvika heading towards the same direction. Before Selina could call out to her, a couple of guys strayed to her path. She could not hear what they were saying but based on Malvika’s expression, it was not something that she agreed to. Selina hurried to her.

“Hey guys, what’s up?” she casually approached them. Their attention briefly went to her. Relief was evident on Malvika’s face. Selina walked towards her and stood beside her, dislodging one the guy’s arms around Malvika.

“I’m sure, there are plenty of other pretty ladies that are willing to play with you. So if you could let me and my friend pass, we’ll let you get to those other ladies.” There were only two of them so the odds were in their favor. This pleading did not go well with them. One of them came from behind and held both of Selina’s arms. With the weeks of training kicking in, Selina stepped on the instep of the guy holding her and then with her elbow, aimed a blow at her attacker’s nose. The other guy was going to help his friend but was thwarted by Malvika’s shopping bag. This just provided enough distraction for the women to make a run from them.
--------------------------------------------------

Jun slammed the door open to Toma’s restaurant. Startled, the three stopped their conversations. He marched up to the counter where Selina sat and made her face him. There was a band-aid on her forehead and hand.

“WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?” he demanded.

Before she could answer, Toma placed a hand on Jun’s shoulder. “No need to shout, Jun-kun. She’s just scratched.” Jun took one seat away from her as if trying to distance himself from the situation, from her. Toma looked at Malvika, frowning. He had seen Jun upset before but nothing like this. Malvika on the other hand just smiled back at him. Liked she knew something that he did not. This was definitely not the time for smiling. He knew that when Jun got upset, it took him awhile to calm down.

Malvika put a glass of water in front of Jun. He bowed in thanks and drank the glass in full. She looked over at Selina. The other girl definitely tried to control her anger. She would as well but looking at both them just made her grin wider.

Jun clenched his fist against the empty glass. When he received that call from Toma telling him that Selina encountered some trouble on the way to his restaurant, he almost failed to breathe. The last thing he heard from him before Jun cut him off was that Selina was already there. He sneaked a glance at her. She was silently eating some curry and chapati from her seat. She looked ok. It did not look that her wounds were too serious and they have obviously been treated. He took a deep breath and let it out. All that mattered was that she was safe. Both of them were safe.

Toma put some curry rice in front of him. Jun looked up to his friend’s face. “Eat up. Its on the house.”

Malvika nodded. “If Selina did not come along, I wouldn’t know...”

Selina waved a hand in dismissal. “Think nothing of it. All of that training has paid off.”

Toma looked over at Selina. “I got your meal tonight as well. You have my gratitude. And if you ever want a free meal, you’re always welcome here.” She gave him a great smile. Jun looked sharply at his friend. “Of course, you too, Jun-kun.”

When they both finished their food, Malvika pulled Selina aside.

“I really am grateful, Selina.”

Selina smiled. “Although I love your food, I would also love if we could be friends.”

Malvika gave her a big hug as an answer. Selina hugged her back. “One more thing, Selina.”

“Hmm?”

Malvika hesitated to make a statement. She mustered her courage and just asked it. “I know we’ve just met and all but...is there something going on with you and Matsumoto-san?”
-----------------------------------------------

“So, is there something going on with you and Matsumoto-san?” Chri asked.

Selina sputtered her chai tea all over the table top. Chri and Pi both raised their drinks to avoid being spitted on. “Let me get a towel to clean this up.” As she stood up, she turned around and collided with another waiter. He spilled his cold drink on her shirt.

“Ah! Gomenasai!” The young waiter pulled a wash cloth and tried to wipe the drink that seeped into her shirt.

“Its ok. Really. “ Selina took the cloth from his hand and applied it to the wet spot.

The young waiter kept apologizing profusely to her. Jun just walked in to this scene and approached their table.

“Is there a problem here?” Jun asked.

Selina looked up to his voice.

“Matsumoto-san,” the other person acknowledged in a worried voice.

Ever since his outburst that night, not that they have been avoiding each other, but they had not seen each other. This was the first time since then. He had altogether stopped from coming to get her, whether it was before or after class. It maybe just proved to both of them that she finally got over her fear. But for Selina, she missed the easy camaraderie they made during those walks. Now it was like back to square one. Tense and awkward.

Instead of giving in to those emotions, Selina gave Jun a bright smile. “Matsumoto-san, it is good to see you. Ano...” She looked over the young waiter. “What was your name?”

“Tegoshi Yuya,” he politely answered.

“Ano, Tegoshi-san here, we had an accident. I bumped into him and spilled the drink he was carrying,” she explained. Tegoshi started bowing again in apology. “Don’t worry about it. Its my old shirt anyways.”

Matsumoto bowed as well in apology. He needed to do it since he was on the clock and the other customers were looking as well. Selina waved his apology off. Jun faced Yuya. “You probably have to pay for her dry cleaning.”

She laughed. “No, no. I can do my own laundry. If you really want to make it up to me, Tegoshi-san, why don’t you become my server for the day?”

Chri gasped and Pi looked oddly at Selina. Even Jun cannot hide his surprise. He had always been her server. Not that she could not ask for someone else. Was this retaliation?

Both Selina and Yuya were unaware of such reactions.

“Really?” Tegoshi did not believe her.

Selina nodded and smiled. “Now if you get me some more rags, I could go and clean up the mess I did at my own table.” Tegoshi hurriedly went to get some rags to clean up the table and the spillage on the floor. He soon joined the trio afterwards.

Matsumoto looked at her oddly. Was this revenge for what happened the other night? Or was she just trying to make the other waiter feel better? Another customer called his name before he could reflect on it further.

After that, Tegoshi made a point to always say a word or two everytime Selina visited the shop. She was always friendly to him and joked around him a lot. He noticed that somehow Matsumoto-sempai disapproved of him being that chatty with her. Although he never said a word. Selina also acted strangely towards Matsumoto-sempai. He had been there during the first day they met and Yuya was sure that the two won’t get along. And then something happened after that that made them somewhat friends. If being that competitive is what you call friends. Yuya noticed that there was something going on between the two but couldn’t put a finger on. But since in the Bishounen Cafe, customers can decide which server they want, even change them everyday, he get some days to spend with her.

One day while Yuya was attending to her, he put a flyer on her table. Selina glanced at the paper.

“Its the Annual Summer Outing for Bishounen Cafe. Nishikado-san was kind enough every year to close the cafe for one day to do a summer outing by the beach for the staff and the loyal customers. All of the staff could come but only the servers can choose to bring one of their patrons to this outing,” he explained.

“Beach, huh?” she commented as she looked over the invite.

Yuya fidgeted a bit. What’s the worst that could happen? “Ano...Harvey-san.” She looked up to him which made him more nervous. “Ano...if you would like to...to...come with...me?” he said haltingly.

It was just for a brief second that she hesitated and locked eyes with someone else. It was so fleeting that Tegoshi didn’t even notice it.

“Call me Selina.” She smiled. “Sure, Tegoshi-san. It looks like fun.”
----------------------------------------------------------

Selina stretched her arms. The weather was definitely right for the outing that day. A lot of people were already setting their towels on the sand. The Bishounen Cafe staff was barely recognizable without their trademark formal uniforms. There was a barbecue stand being set up and a place for all of the cold drinks. Someone even put up a shaved ice stand. It was nice to see all their relaxed faces outside of the cafe. Ryo and Ayumu was setting up tables and chairs for people to sit on along with the other staff. Selina came with Chr and Pi. Even the old staff was invited back. Toma was already wearing an apron, cooking something with Malvika lending help.

She agreed to meet Tegoshi at the place and she smiled as he came running up to her. He bowed in greeting.

“Harvey-san! I’m so glad you came!”

She chuckled. Tegoshi was surely enthusiastic. She can’t say the same thing with other people. “Selina would be ok, Tegoshi-san. And I wouldn’t miss this for the world! I haven’t been to the beach for awhile.” Selina might have lived in America for all her life but never adjusted to the cold weather. She preferred the humid and warm climate.

“If only you would call me, Yuya, Selina-san,” he shyly replied.

She gave him a bow. “Yoroshiku, ne? Yuya-kun.”

“Hai!”

“Jama!” a voice intruded.

Selina was pushed back a bit from behind as Jun passed them with a tray of fish. Yuya frowned at his sempai’s treatment of her. But she only laughed, reminding her of that first day.

“You better cook those right, Matsumoto!” she shouted. “I don’t want to get food poisoning!”

The day started with Ryo addressing everyone and thanking them for coming. He also thanked his staff for all the efforts they put into their work. Customer service isn’t always a pleasant business but if they keep on treating their customer’s right, the Cafe would be alright as well. During the speech, Ryo squeezed his fiance's hand. Selina smiled at that small gesture of affection. He ended the speech wishing everyone to enjoy their day and to continue with their best efforts with working with him in Bishounen Cafe. After that, people dispersed to do their own thing. Some had already gone into the sea for a swim. While others eagerly went to form a line for the barbeque and the food. Selina was also hungry and she wanted to eat first before going to take a dip. Chri and Pi were already in the water. Selina removed her shirt to reveal her tie-dyed bikini underneath. As she was putting sunscreen on, Yuya approached her.

“Do you need help, Selina-san?”

“That would be great, Yuya-kun. Thanks!” She pushed her hair out of the way so he can put on the sunblock. It only took a couple of minutes. When Selina turned to thank Yuya, she noticed someone else lying on the sand underneath the direct sun with only a hat to cover his face. She grabbed the bottle from Yuya’s hands and walked over to the sleeping figure. Selina squirted a generous amount of sunblock directly to the stranger’s chest.

Matsumoto got startled with the feeling of cold cream on his chest. “Tsumetai!” He removed his hat to see the standing figure of Selina in her top and shorts. She looked pissed.

“Matsumoto! Do you want to get skin cancer?”
He shrugged as he put his straw hat back on his head and sat up. This agitated her more as she squatted before him to rub the cream on his front. Then she proceeded to put some on his back. Lastly, she faced him and almost rubbed the cream too hard on his face.

“Geez lady! Can’t you be more gentle!” he complained.

“All it takes is just a couple of minutes to put on to protect your skin. You’ll be sorry the next day if you get all sun burnt! Then who would reserve a server like you with a pretty burnt face, huh?” she lectured him.

Jun just chuckled. She did have a point “You’re just like my mom.” he commented.

That got a laugh out of her. “Then she must be very young and pretty then!” she said back. When she finished, she pushed Jun back to his towel. “All done!”

Someone watching did not like that. Not at all.
---------------------------------------------------------------

The day went by pretty fast. Time passes when one is having fun. And what fun it was. Yuya was pretty attentive to Selina the entire time. He brought her food and drinks. He was able to be comfortable hanging around Chri, Pi, Toma, Malvika, Ryo and Ayumu. The upper management also prepared some games for them. There was a 3 legged race in which Selina and Yuya were partners. They seem not to be able to coordinate their steps hence the repeated falling on the sand. There was also a tug of war between the servers and the ladies. The ladies think that the guys intentionally let them win so they would come back to the cafe. Whatever the reason was, the ladies did not mind boasting about their win. As the boys tried to break a watermelon with a stick, the girls sat in the shade eating their shaved ice.

“So, it appears like Yuya-kun really likes you.” Chri made a statement as she ate her shaved ice.

Selina looked over her friend. Was it true? Sure, Yuya was friendly but was it more than that?

“What I am more interested on,” Ayu followed, “is what’s going on between you and Matsumoto.”

Selina laughed aloud. Just a little bit too loud. “Is everybody on my case today? What’s with my love life becoming a hot topic all of a sudden?”

“Well, you never answered the other day,” Chri commented.

Malvika agreed. “I asked her about it a couple of nights ago. Matsumoto-san was obviously worried about you, Sel.” The girls haven’t heard about the incident in Toma’s place. Malvika had to repeat what happened and on how panicked Jun looked after he arrived and learned that Selina got injured.
“I don’t understand that as well, Malvika.” Selina licked her spoon. “I mean, Toma probably told him what happened. We were both ok and I just slipped which caused the wound on my forehead and hand. Nothing bad happened.” She paused. “Now, he’s just all avoiding me. I don’t get it.”

All the girls, except Selina, gave each other a look. “Hey, Sel?” Chri asked. “You’ve had boyfriends before right?”

Selina shook her head. Everyone was surprised. She shrugged. “Father’s really protective so only a handful of boys ever get to be my boyfriend. But after they meet with Father, they all back out. Not that I care. Boys are boys. I’m happy being not tied down.” She grinned apologetically to the girls. “Not that having someone loving you is a bad thing. I mean, I see how happy all of you are. Just right now, I’m fine without it.” Chri wanted to argue but Malvika put a hand on her arm and shook her head. Falling in love had its own way, its own time. There was no need to force Selina to understand. It will come in time.

“By the way, Malvika, after we left that night, did you notice anything?” Selina suddenly asked.

Malvika looked at her friend. “Well, its probably just me. I feel like that someone has been following me. I mean I just get that feeling.” Selina stated.

“Have you caught this person?” Ayu inquired.

Selina shook her head. “Again, it just might be my imagination. I’m not really worried about it I guess.

While the girls were talking, Jun was just coming back from having bought some fireworks. What would be a beach gathering without fireworks? As he neared the location for the cafe’s gathering, he noticed a man standing off to the road looking towards that direction. There was nothing too weird about him. Except he was not dressed for the beach. The man had eye glasses on and was wearing a pink polo shirt paired with beige khakis. Loafers finished his attire. Jun wondered why the man was looking so intent towards their group. Before he could ask the stranger if he was looking for someone in particular, the man got into his car and drove away.

Everybody enjoyed the fireworks. Half of the people had left a little bit early. Yuya-kun apologized profusely to Selina that he could not accompany her home because he had to work the opening shift the next day. She told him that she did not mind and thanked him for inviting her and that she had fun.

Others were slowly packing up. Selina offered to help but they told her to just enjoy the sea and to give them a few minutes to finish. She had decided to go home by herself since Chri and Pi had left early. She promised to get in touch with the girls and maybe have an outing with just them. The sun was slowly setting and she took a seat near the shore. The day was indeed fun and although she liked to be around people, being alone sometimes is what she needed to declutter. It was easier to listen to her thoughts without all the outside distractions.

“Hey.”

She turned her head to the voice. Selina was surprised to see it was Jun. After she put the sunscreen on him, she didn’t see him a lot. He did join some of the games but otherwise he mostly stayed out of sight. She did note that he didn’t bring anyone with him. She gave him a small smile.

“Hey.”

He tilted his head towards the side as if asking for permission to join her. She just nodded and continued looking out to sea. They were both completely silent for a couple minutes. Not that type of silence where it was uncomfortable. It was the silence between two people lost in their own thoughts.

“Thanks for the sunscreen. My skin definitely appreciates it,” he started.

She just nodded. She liked them like this. No sparring. No words. But just being. With all the movement in the world, it has become an art to stand still. And when the world stands still, all of the movement sometimes becomes unnecessary.

“Ne, Matsumoto-san?” she asked.

“Un?”

“Don’t you sometimes wish that time would stop?”

The question came out of nowhere all of a sudden. He let her continue.

“There are so many things that I want to capture in my hands. Just keep them there forever.” She wasn’t referring to anything particular but just voicing out her thoughts.

“If time stopped, then we can never more forward. Nor appreciate what happened in the past. We’d be stuck in the present forever,” he commented back.

Selina saw his point. “I guess everything would lose meaning, wouldn’t it? Because if you always have something and won’t lose it, you’ll never appreciate it.” She shivered.

Jun draped his outer polo on her shoulders and stood up. “And now you know to bring a jacket,” he gently reprimanded her. He turned and started walking away. “Be sure to bring it back next time you visit the shop.” For some reason, Jun grinned.
---------------------------------------------------------

Both Chri and Selina were both hunched over their pile of papers. They were trying to get their final papers done before their summer break could start. Matsumoto had bought them their drinks and constantly replenished it. Selina and Jun exchanged only a couple of words the entire time they were there but it did not look like they were fighting again. Chri probably just better give up guessing what is going between her friend and Matsumoto.

During their break, Chri asked if Selina was going back to America for her summer break. Jun knew that Selina was born there but have not heard anything of her going back. He was mildly curious.

Her friend yawned. She was almost done, just a couple more to write. She had been pondering about that as well. Her father had hinted that he missed her and would welcome the visit. Not that her father would express that with words.

“I don’t know Chri. I mean I only have a couple of years here and I would have to go back there anyways.” Selina took a sip of her cold drink. “Father would like me to come back there so I can learn the trade but I still want to experience life here as much as I can. It has been....fun so far.” That she truly believed.

Someone entered the cafe which the patron was greeted enthusiastically by the staff. Jun turned around and recognized the man from the beach.

“So you don’t even miss me too?” the man spoke.

Selina couldn’t believe her ears. She stood from her table and rushed towards the stranger. He welcomed her with open arms. She hugged him tight while he twirled her around.

“SHO!”

Chapter End Notes: Whew! That was a lot and hope that it wasn’t too much in one chapter. Thank you for waiting for this. Who was this Sho person? Really? Do I really have to tell you? Importantly, how is he going to affect Selina and Jun? Tune in for the next chapter! Again, comments and spazzing are welcomed!

Definitions:
Oyasuminasai - Good night.
Sempai - A title that you call someone that is of higher rank or level than one’s self
Yoroshiku- Asking for someone’s cooperation, best regards
Jama- Hindrance. It was used more like, “You’re in the way!”
Tsumetai- Cold(to the touch), chilly

Prisoner of Love (fanfic)- Chapter 4!

janipanda — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 21:27:22 GMT

To read precious chapters, they can always be found here!

Chapter 4: Stepping Out, Stepping In

Ryo worriedly looked over Matsumoto. It has been a couple of days since that incident that happened with Selina. He was real grateful that it was Jun that found her. Although Japan is a peaceful country, it doesn’t mean it does not have it own share of crimes. A disaster have been averted, thanks to Matsumoto. Or was it because of luck? It didn’t appear as luck when those two met. He really believed that the two were going to kill each other sooner or later. Was it fate then? Because fate surely liked to play games. As much as those two were from the beginning. But who was going to win and what cost? Right now, Matsumoto was losing to something and it was keeping him unfocused at work. Before Ryo could even get to talk to him, Ayu and Chri walked in. He headed towards the pair, escorting them to a table. He deposited a kiss to Ayu’s hair. Ayu blushed as Chri smiled. It was unsettling to see them being affectionate so openly but Ryo was not the type of guy to hide things. He decided to get Matsumoto’s attention to serve them.

After their drinks were brought to them, Matsumoto decided to linger by a nearby table. Selina was not with them. Not that he was curious. Maybe just a bit. Specially after he left her.

Chri put her mug down. “That girl better have a GPS attached to her! Or at least we could duct tape a cellphone to her!” She was still upset with Selina. Ayu chuckled while Ryo nodded.

“If she wasn’t too stubborn in the first place, none of this would have happened!” she added. “I mean, what if Matsumoto-san was not there? I shudder to think what could have happened.”

“How is she?” Ayu asked. Ryo was interested on that too. The two were inseparable. He would think that Selina would be here today at least to thank Matsumoto.

Chri sighed. She didn’t know how to break the news. “Well, if we are talking about physically, she’s fine. But...” She looked over to where Matsumoto-san was eagerly cleaning a table all of a sudden. She called out to him. “Matsumoto-san? Can I ask you a queston?”

Good thing she didn’t notice that he was eavesdropping. Well, not technically. He WAS nearby and they were talking in a loud enough voice that he could hear them. “Hai?”

“How was Sel when you left her that night?”

Ah, of course she would tell her friend. But what else does she know?

Jun tried to remember the last time he saw her. Well, not actually seen her but been with her.

They both stood awkwardly before her door. He was facing it while Selina faced his back. Her trembling hand was lightly clutching his shirt. That slight tremor went from her arm, spreading through his back. It was that shaking hand that connected him to her. A very delicate connection between two strangers.

And that’s what they were. Strangers. She did not know him besides that waiter in the cafe that saved her. He did not know her besides the obnoxious girl that got intro trouble on her own. Strangers that were thrown together by a frightening situation. Jun looked down at his hand with the bandage. He breathed, clenched that hand and released it.

They were strangers.

“I am sorry. It wouldn’t look right.” He made, how it would look to imaginary people that was not there, an excuse to leave her. He was scared that she would not let go.

The hand that connected them released his shirt.

He was free.

And yet, he felt no relief.

She did not utter one word until he faced her as she was closing the door.

“Thank you,” was all she said, softly. He did not even see her face.

“Matsumoto-san?” Chri had to repeat herself. Ryo and Ayu looked at him oddly.

Her voice brought him back to the present. Jun cleared his throat. “She looked fine to me, Chri-san.”

“Maybe you’re just being a worry-wort, Chri,” Ayu replied. “It was a stressful situation and she just needs time.”

Chri sighed again. “From what I know from Sel is that she’s been through a lot of stresses before. And you both know her.”

“So what seems to be bothering you, Chri-san?” Ryo inquired.

Chri paused and gathered her thoughts. “Well, as I said before, she looked fine to me. But nowadays, she refuses to go out.” The three looked at her, urged her to continue. “She missed out on all her classes. I have to take her assignments to her. She either has delivery or asks me or another friend to do groceries for her.” Ayu looked worriedly over at Ryo. “Not that we mind but what bothered me the most is that when I asked her to go out, like to a party, she refused!” Chri waved her hands around, indicating this was her main point. “Selina was always the one who I go partying with. She wouldn’t miss one unless she was deathly ill or she had a family emergency! Now, she wouldn’t even go out to meet me!”

Ayu sighed. “I’m not professional therapist but it sounds like Selina might have been traumatized.”

“That girl?” Matsumoto cannot help himself but say those words. Selina didn’t appear to be a girl to be troubled by such a thing.

Ayu gave him a pointed look. “Anyone can be traumatized, Matsumoto-san. Being threatened and cornered might not be as frightening for you but for Selina, it was frightening enough to change the way she lives. She doesn’t want to go outside because she probably fears that another step into the unknown and she would repeat the same experience once more.”

“I was. Scared.”

Ryo nodded. “Selina-san might also think that she was lucky that she was saved this time but it might not be the same for the next. So why even try?”

“Can you please stay? Just for tonight. Please?”

“Is there any way to help her?” Jun suddenly asked. Why did he feel that this somehow was his fault? Why did he feel the need to be bothered with this?

Ayu smiled sadly. “Unfortunately, that’s not my field of expertise. I might ask Ninomiya-sensei at the University Hospital that specializes in psychological studies to see if he has any idea how to treat this.”

“I hope he can help. Because Selina’s social life is suffering!” Chri joked. She softly laughed then turned serious. “But seriously, its not good for her.”

Jun agreed.
------------------------------------------------

It was dark. The hallways were quiet. It always started like that. And then the footsteps followed. Heavy. Foreboding. Slow at first until the tempo increased. The steps followed her. Everywhere she walked, the sound followed her. It matched her every step, heard her every breath. When she walked, it walked. And when her breath increased, her steps became fast. So did the sound. Selina ran. Ran with all her might. She passed empty classrooms that merged with alleyways. They never said who they were but she knew they followed. The sound of footsteps were the only indication that they followed.

And soon enough, that dead end would appear. She can run no more.

Selina began to scream.

That same scream in her dream woke her up to reality. A scream that died half way when she jolted from her bed. Her shirt was soaked and she panted like she was running for real. It felt all too real for her. So real that she panted and sweat came out from the exertion of running. Selina started having the nightmares a couple of nights after the incident. She tried to go about her normal way of going out to classes or groceries. But everytime she did, even if it was a familiar place to her, Selina could not help but look back. She could not help but feel that someone followed her. She tried to ignore it but eventually became too paranoid and secluded herself into her room. That was when the nightmares started. She felt too silly to talk to anyone about it, fearing they would not understand and just brush her off. So Selina had to deal on her own. And the only solution she could think of was to stay indoors. She knew that it was an imposition for others to bring her homework or do her groceries for her. But until she can find an answer to her fear then she would just deal with it, the best way she can. As she changed her soaked shirt, her doorbell rang. Who could it be? Chri already brought over some food and her homework.

Selina opened the door to a worried Jun.
---------------------------------------------------

They were back to the same situation as the other night. He sat across her from her table. He has not uttered one word except if he could come in. Not seeing any reason to refuse him, Selina let him in. So they sat down around her table and had not said a word for a minute or two. She had not served him tea. She assumed he wouldn’t stay for long. But the visit was surely a surprise. Unable to handle the silence any longer, Selina started.

“What brings you to this side of the world, Matsumoto-san?” she asked in a friendly manner.

Jun was a little bit startled at the sound of her voice. It sounded normal. Tired but normal. Her face was a little bit flushed and there was traces of sweat around her face. It did not appear that she was exercising. Certainly not after that scream. He was going to knock on her door when he heard it. He almost barged in but stopped himself. It wasn’t the sound of someone in danger but someone waking up from a terrible dream. Something he has knowledge of, himself.

“To be honest, I came here to see how you are.” There was no sense in lying.

Selina shrugged. “I am doing fine. How about you?”

He knew she was trying to avoid the topic. “I am fine as well. Been running in marathons lately?”

Selina gave out a derisive snort. “Yeah. Sort of. Its no fun at all.” She was being honest about that. Although there were no pressing matters to attend to, there was something unnerving with him being in her room. It was getting uncomfortable. “I hope Chri didn’t force you to come here to check up on me, did she?” she asked jokingly.

“Nope. No forcing but I did hear something odd the other day so I went to see for myself.” Not that he needed to do that. But the impression that he got from here when they first met contradicted what is happening now. Jun believed in seeing things for himself.

“I do shower every day if that is what you are curious about,” she joked. Selina did not like where this was heading.

Jun decided to do an experiment. “Come on! Dress up and let me treat you to Toma’s place. He said he’ll give me a discount.”

Selina looked uncomfortable but gave him a polite smile. “I would love to but I am not really feeling well today. Maybe another day.” She hoped that worked.

Jun frowned. She didn’t fool him for one minute. Nobody says no to a free meal. Not only that. Even if he offered that he was going with her, she still would not step out of her room. So, it was true. Today, he just wanted to be sure.

“That’s fine. I’ll let Toma know. I won’t take much of your time.” Jun stood up. She appeared to be relieved. When he was at the door, she said something that made him stop.

“I am sorry Matsumoto-san.”

“For what?” he inquired.

“I still haven’t apologized for the way I treated you the first time we met. It was really rude of me.”

She did not have to remind him of that considering a couple of weeks have passed.

“I guess I was just too caught up on winning an argument,” she continued. “It wasn’t exactly how I wanted to start on things.”

“Then treat me sometime then!” he challenged.

Selina looked at him. Was he grinning?

“I’m not good with apologies but food usually works. So what do you say?” Jun didn’t know if she would rise to the bait. Again, she surprised him.

“Sure.”

It was sincere. Jun felt it in her words. This girl cannot even take one step out of her room and yet she can make such a promise.

She didn’t know how she would accomplish it. Maybe she can cook for him? Not that she had cooked for someone else before. That might work since he really didn’t specify anything.

They both said their goodbyes. Unlike the last time they parted, both had a smile on their faces.
--------------------------------------------------------
After that, Matsumoto intermittently dropped by Selina’s place from time to time. He brought her her assignments or food or anything that she might need. Sometimes he dropped by for no reason at all. But he continuously tested to see if she would try going out with him. Except for outside her door, Selina did not take one step at all. Otherwise, she acted like a normal self. It was such a pity to see her this way. It seem like she was purposely caged herself in. It was definitely one way to protect yourself from harm. But at the same time, one missed on the joy of being out there, of experiencing life. Even if pain was part of being alive.

They talked about his work, why he continues to work there and stuff related to that. He learned that she was easy to talk to and very inquisitive. He didn’t doubt that she was smart but open minded as well. At the same time, she was somewhat naive about the ways of the world. Selina did not talk much about herself except that she was the only daughter. Her father owned some kind of business while her mother was deceased. She often laughed fondly on how protective her father was of his only daughter and how he worried about her going to a foreign country to study. Obviously, she had not mentioned regarding that one incident. She still refused to talk about it, even with Jun. She also avoided any talk of going out. This was fine for a couple of weeks but if she didn’t address it soon, it would get any worse. Maybe even consume her. It was easy to see outside but always hard to see inside one’s self.

Selina had just finished writing her paper when Jun decided to ask her once more. “Ne, do you remember your promise?” he gently started.

She stood up, going to her sink. Selina had no inclination to where this conversation was leading to. “Hmmm? What about it?”

Jun needed to be careful about this or she would end this before anything had a chance to start.

“Well, Toma is still waiting for me to drop by so I was wondering if you’d like to go out tonight to eat?”

She was getting some tea cups from her cupboard. As soon as she heard the words of going out, the cups fell out of her hands. Selina immediately bent down to gather the pieces. Jun went and assisted her.

“I can’t,” she replied as they picked up the pieces.

“Why not?”

“Matsumoto-san, just don’t. I can’t.” Both of them put the broken pieces in her trash.

“I don’t think you’re like a fragile tea cup. You’re not broken. You can’t be defeated like this.” Jun didn’t know what he was saying all of a sudden. But with all those weeks just watching her shut herself in, it didn’t sit with him well. All his frustrations came bubbling out to the surface. Before she could say another word to sway him, Jun suddenly grabbed her wrist. He made her put on her shoes and without any reason why, he dragged her outside of her room, outside her dorm unto the streets. Selina was too confused to even protest.

Before they knew it, both of them were running with Jun clutching her wrist with his hand. Selina kept looking at his back and then focusing on that hand that was holding her wrist so tight. Why? Why would he do this? It baffled her as to why Jun would go to such lengths to bring her out. It really didn’t affect her that bad. Sure, she missed out on the parties but she was able to have lots more of sleep. Sure, she missed her friends but they can always drop by to visit her. It wasn’t so bad, right?

Jun suddenly stopped that made Selina bump to his back. When he was trying to catch his breath, she took a peek from behind. They were in front of a worn down building. Before she could ask another question, they went inside the building and up a flight of stairs. This lead to in front of a door that Jun knocked on. A man with a stern face opened appeared on the other side.

“Ah, Matsumoto. Long time no see.” The man was clearly a friend of Matsumoto, Selina deduced.

Jun smiled and bowed. “Yes it had been Aniki. Hope you have been well.”

The man looked at Selina, giving her an appraising look. Even in this confusing situation, she refused to back down. A little bit shaky, she puffed out her chest. It elicited a smug grin on the man’s face.

“Was this the girl you mentioned to me, MatsuJun?” Jun nodded. “She doesn’t look too scared to me. Guts is what she has. But we’ll wipe that pretentious habit soon enough.” The man chuckled and turned away as he let them in.

All this time, Jun was still holding her wrist. Selina tugged at it to get his attention. She conveyed a message with her eyes.

“Why do you care so much?” she asked.

“I just can’t leave you alone,” he seem to answer back.

He tugged on her wrist once more as they both stepped through the doors.

Chapter end notes: Hope this wasn’t too short but wanted to go a little bit more slower. Sorry for the delay in update. Real life is still crazy.So where did Jun take Selina? Will she stay or not? Tune in to the next chapter! As always, comments and feedback are love!

Prisoner of Love (fanfic)

janipanda — Mon, 30 May 2011 03:49:04 GMT

To read precious chapters, they can always be found here!

WARNING: One scene involves some adult theme. You've been warned!

Chapter 3

Selina was slumped over one of the tables in the university cafeteria. She had been feeling like this for a week now. Uninspired, distracted and jumpy. So it was no surprise when Chri suddenly sat beside her that she jumped in her seat. Chri barely noticed as she put down her books and bags on the table.

“Geez girl! Can’t you give your sister some notice before you scare the daylight out of me?” Selina warned.

Chri gave her a look. “Selina, since when have you become a scaredy-cat?”

“I’m not.” With that, she went ahead and resumed her slumped position on the table.

Chri frowned. She did notice her friend being out of sorts lately. Selina was the type of the girl that was almost very particular with details such as schedules or reports. Speaking of reports, that deadline for the report Selina was doing for her class was looming in the distance. But it doesn’t looked like that she had gone back at all to Bishounen Cafe.

“Hey Sel?”

“Hmm....” she answered nonchalantly.

Chri brought out a container filled with green tea cake and some forks. Pi had gone by the cafe and bought some for her. She decided to share it with her friend.

Selina perked up, interested in the contents of said container. Chri opened it. “Pi went by the cafe and they told him this was a best seller. Want to try some?” as she handed her a fork.

At the sight of the green cake, Selina shook her head and slumped over the table. Looking away from the food did not help her forget what happened that day.

“Suit yourself.” Chri spooned one piece of cake and uttered a sigh of bliss. “This is delish, Selina! You really should have some!” When she shook her head, Chri shrugged. “Your loss.” After another bite, she decided to do a small inquiry. “So what’s up with you?”

Selina turned her head slightly.

“Yes, you. I’m not talking to anyone else, right?” Selina shook her head. “So yeah. Tell.”

Selina sighed. “I don’t know what to do.” She had been thinking over and over what her next step should be. But just the thought of stepping once more into that place and meeting him was really nerve-wracking for her. Selina knew that he won’t be the type to make a scene or he would have done so a long time ago. She just cannot guess how he would act. And that was driving her nuts.

Chri looked at her silently and waited for an answer. She sighed once more and spilled the story on that particular day. When she finished, Selina waited for her friend’s reaction.

Chri hit her gently in the head.

“What was that for?” as Selina rubbed the spot where she hit her.

Chri took another bite of her cake. “Because you deserved it, idiot!”

Selina pouted. “I already know that! Even without you telling me, I already know.”

Chri pointed a fork towards her. “No. It’s not because of what you did. It is because of what you haven’t done!” Selina gave her a puzzled look. “See! That’s why you’re an idiot! You don’t have any idea what I’m referring to, don’t ya?” She shook her head. It was Chri’s turn to sigh. “How come you are still here and not there apologizing?” Selina was silent. “If you’ve already figured out that you were wrong, then how come you can’t go over there to admit it?”

“I don’t know how to. And he...he’s kinda scary. Plus! He called me a name.”

Chri put down her fork and stopped chewing. She properly faced Selina. “We’re friends. Aren’t we, Sel?” Her friend nodded. “Then I am going to be honest. I wouldn’t say you deserved to be called a name but at the same time, you were acting like one.” When she didn’t protest, Chri smiled. “I really don’t know what turned you off to Matsumoto-san but that’s no way to treat someone you don’t like. Don’t talk to him, ignore him. But don’t publicly belittle him.” Selina just nodded again. “Now stop acting like a child and go be an adult. It might be scary at first, but it’s something you need to get over with. And! This is the most important! Don’t expect him to just forgive you. He might never do but at least you’ve shown him that you’ve repented. Now go!”

Selina stood up. She hugged Chri from behind. “What can I do to ever repay you, O Master?” Chri chuckled. “Buy me another of this cake! Its so tasty!” Selina smiled, gathered her things and left.

Chri smiled and continued eating the remaining of her sliced green tea cake.

-----------------------------------------------
Selina had been walking for hours. Although she was already familiar with the neighborhood, Selina hasn’t really ventured forth outside of it. The other times that she did, was with friends but she really never paid any much attention to where they were at. She always just called a cab when she needed to get home. Now, Chri did give her directions before but since she’s been so absentminded lately, she left her cellphone at her dorm. So she tried to follow what she can remember but just ended up getting lost. She didn’t want to ask for directions and didn’t want to give up either.

As she entered the dimly lit alley way, she really wished she didn’t forget her cellphone at home. All she could do now is concentrate on her efforts on finding that cafe. Then maybe the apologizing won’t be so hard.

--------------------------------------------
Chri anxiously looked at the opening of the cafe. It was hours ago since they parted. She had decided to go by the dorm first. Chri studied for just a bit and then thought of dropping by the cafe herself, curious if her friend really did go through with the apology.

That was two hours ago. Ryo had a day off. Thankfully, Matsumoto-san was working. When Chri heard from him that she did not drop by, Chri didn’t believe for one second that Selina chickened out and decided not to show up. She was the type of person that once she has decided on something, she would go through it till the end. All the patrons have already left. She called Selina’s cellphone one more time. No answer and then it goes to voicemail. Chri left another message. She was getting worried.

Jun looked at Chri’s worried face. When she told him that Selina was supposed to drop by, he was suddenly apprehensive. The last meeting didn’t end so well. He had been so unprofessional and actually feared for his job. But she knew how to pushed his buttons and the words just flew out. He didn’t want to be mean. Just be able to put her in her place.

He knew she was the type to play games. He was nervous the next day and then the next and the day after that. But the talk that he was dreading from Nishikado-san never came. There was no reprimand about how to treat a customer right. No talks of getting fired. As if the whole incident didn’t happen. Jun had started to relax. Until Chri came in and announced Selina visiting the cafe once more. He was geared up for the possible confrontation. It threw him off that she wanted to come to apologize. He didn’t want to believe it until it happened. Until she was in front of him saying the words. Jun walked towards Chri.

“Chri-san. We are closing in a bit. Are you sure she’s just not home?” he politely inquired.
She shook her head. “If she is, then something has happened to her. Selina doesn’t leave her phone unattended because she always wanted to be in contact with her dad overseas. So she must have left it somewhere or she can’t get to it.” She was really getting worried.

Jun gave her a comforting smile. “Or maybe she’s already asleep. Why don’t you drop by her dorm to make sure?”

Chri smiled a bit. “I hope that’s the case. If it is, I’ll make sure to give her a beating for making me have worry lines.” She bowed and left.

Jun hoped that that was the case. A foreigner getting lost in Japan sometimes wasn’t really a good thing. He shrugged. Why did he had to worry so much? She was just another girl. He picked his rag and started to clean up.

After the closing was done, it was time for Jun to finally go home. Usually, he’d be too awake to directly go home. So with that, he figured he should stop by at his favorite place to grab a bite. The area it was located at wasn’t really the ideal location. He only discovered it during one of his wandering days. Walking helped him think. It distracted him and cleared the mind. And when he stomach grumbled for food, he discovered that eating place. On his way, there was a small commotion. It was out of habit for him but he went to take a look.

---------------------------------------------------------------
There was no way out. Damn her big mouth!

She was doing good outrunning them until she made the wrong turn. It will be a couple of minutes before they caught up to her. While thinking of another escape route, Selina thought of how she got there in the first place.

Being frustrated at not finding the cafe, Selina finally admitted defeat. She would have to ask Chri to accompany her to the cafe. And to pay attention to where they were going to! As she made this resolve, Selina did not even notice the three men that was coming her way. It was too late as she collided with one of them.

“Ouch!” she gasped.

She took a step back and looked up to the grinning faces of the three. They were apparently following her for awhile now while Selina was occupied in finding the cafe. They were waiting until she took notice of them.

“I’m sorry,” was all she could say.

One of them was frowning at her. “Huh? What did you say?” Selina immediately apologized in Japanese.
They started talking back in rapid in Japanese.

“Who do you think you are, bumping into Aniki like that?” the tallest of the three started.

“Do you even know who you are talking to? You have to compensate for that!” the chubby one followed.

The person in the middle which they called “Aniki” suddenly smiled. “Oi, Ishi. You just gave me an idea!” The aniki suddenly took a step towards Selina. She tried not to step back. She wasn’t going to be intimidated by some goon.

He touched her hair. Selina tried hard not to flinch in disgust. “Foreigners do well in the clubs. She looks Asian but definitely not born here,” as he addressed his minions. He turned back to her and grinned wide. “What do you say, ojou-chan? Wanna play with aniki and his friends?”

Selina barely understood their words except the word club. And she definitely was not going to any club with them. She shook her head and tried to politely decline. “No, thank you. I should be going home soon.” They just stared at her, not convinced. “Boy-fu-ren-do.” She hoped that sounded convincing. “My boyfriend is coming soon. You better go.”

They just all laughed. Aniki grabbed her arm.

With instinct fuelling her, Selina stepped into Aniki’s foot and ran. The three was surprised that she would even fight back that it took them a minute to even consider chasing after her.

Now she’s stuck at this dead end and reliving her regrets. Nobody knows where she is and nobody is going to know if she doesn’t get out of this. If only she paid more attention to her surroundings. If only she asked Chri to accompany her. If only she wasn’t such a mean person to Matsumoto-san. Regret after regret came piling one after the other. She took a breath. This wasn’t the time to panic. Time to get out of this dead end and find a better way.

She emitted a gasp as the three blocked her path to freedom. Selina looked at anything that she might use as a weapon besides her bag. There was a couple of empty boxes stacked up in a corner. As she was bending down to get them, a hand grabbed her arm. His minions pushed her back against the wall, her arms pinned on either side of her head. Aniki grabbed her chin roughly.

“Do anything and I would scream,” she warned.

He must have understood her threat somewhat which made him just laugh in response. “You liked being chased, ojou-chan? Well, I got you now and you’re not going anywhere. Now let me just have a quick inspection shall we?” Aniki grabbed her shirt. She heard the first button pop out. She bucked against him but cannot do anything with her being pinned to the wall. Every time she tried to stomp on him, he avoided her. He just laughed at her attempts. “You surely will be a great addition to the club.”

“Let my girlfriend go.”

Even before Aniki released his hold on Selina, a wooden crate crashed on his head. Aniki crumpled to the ground. The tall minion released one of her arms to tend to Aniki. With this, Selina grabbed the opportunity to put two fingers into chubby’s eyes. She didn’t know if she blinded him but it worked and he released her. When Selina thought she was going to sink to the ground, a hand reached out and grabbed hers.

“Let’s go! Run!” he shouted.

With the last spurt to freedom, Selina followed her savior’s footsteps.

--------------------------------------------------
Jun looked at the girl he just saved. She was panting after all the running they did. Except for the partially open shirt, she looked like she was fine. Who would have thought it would be her? All he did was just follow the commotion. He didn’t expect her to be the one causing it! Good thing that he was familiar with the alleyways and eventually found their way to the back entrance of Ikuta Toma’s current place of employment. He met Toma during his brief employment at the Bishounen Cafe. He fell in love with Malvika and went to pursue her in India. He brought her back and they are now running their own Indian restaurant. The place where Jun now goes to unwind after a day of work.

Toma was surprised to see Matsumoto and the foreign girl banging at the back of his door. The restaurant was already closed for the night and he let them in. When the pair was seated, Jun explained on how he found Selina. Toma found out that Selina was one of the patrons that frequented the cafe.

“So...how did you end up getting mixed up with those hooligans?” Toma asked. Jun also wanted to know.

Selina smiled awkwardly. She probably looked tired and haggard. “I was actually heading towards the cafe. Silly me, I got lost.” Noticing the missing top button, she tried to put the opening of her shirt together with a hand. “I...really wanted to get there but my cellphone was at home and I didn’t want to just give up.” She didn’t want to mention in front of strangers that she actually wanted to apologize to Jun real bad. Instead, he ended up saving her.

Malvika noticed the gesture that Selina made and invited her to use one of her shirts. She lead her upstairs and handed her a shirt to change into. She turned away when Selina removed her shirt.

“Thank you for letting us in and letting me borrow this shirt,” Selina started. It must have been a great inconvenience to them to be disturbed at such a late hour.

“No worries. It must have been so frightening for you,” Malvika replied. She remembered that time that she thought she was going to be stranded in this foreign land. If she had not met Toma, things might not have turned out so great.

“I’m done.” Malvika turned around. The yellow shirt fitted her nicely. Both women rejoined the men downstairs.

Selina bowed to both Toma and Malvika. “I am indebted to both of you. Thank you for your kindness and I apologize for intruding so late.”

Toma waved his hand in front of him. “It was no trouble at all. If you would like, please come eat here one of these days. Jun can go with you.”

Selina nodded. “Definitely! And if I go with him, I probably won’t get lost and get into this mess.” She laughed and they joined her.

“Toma, thanks! I definitely owe you one.” Both of them bowed and headed out.

“Do you think they’re going out?” Malvika asked out of curiosity.

Toma just smiled. “If they met at the cafe and met again outside of it? Maybe.” They both smiled at each other and closed the doors behind them.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
“Please, come in.”

Selina opened the door to her dorm room. Jun hesitated at the door way. He was relieved that she was ok. But right now, all he wanted to do was go home. An awkward feeling hung around the air inside the cab they shared. They both did not speak. Maybe they were both relieving the close call that they had.

“Please,” she insisted.

Jun walked inside. Her dorm room wasn’t very big. She turned on the light. She had a bed on one side and a small table in the middle. There was a tv and a radio set in the corner. She had her own bath though.

Selina was looking for her cellphone and found it near her pillow. There was a hundred messages from Chri. She didn’t even check the voicemail and just called her.

Jun looked around the space that she occupied. There was photos of her and an older man. Probably her dad. There were no other pictures of family relatives. Nothing of her mom either. Surprisingly, her room was tidy. All the books were in their place. In her small kitchen, all was put away and nothing was out of order. It must have been odd for her to leave her cellphone like that if she was this meticulous of keeping everything in place.

She was just finishing her conversation. “Yes. Yes. I am sorry. Yes, I’ll explain more tomorrow. Yes. Good night. And thank you for worrying.” With that, she closed her cell phone shut. Selina faced the man inside her room. He was not the first guy she ever let into her room and yet she felt very uncomfortable.

“So...would you like some tea? I have oolong or earl grey or green tea...” She was babbling like an idiot.

Jun faced her, keeping a straight face. They were not really friends and again, he didn’t know why he was still here.

“No, I’m good. I really have to get going. I have work tomorrow.” Before he could turn away, she grabbed his hand. Which elicited a hiss out of him.

“I’m sorry. Did you get hurt when...”

“I’m fine,” he replied. He probably got a sliver in when he grabbed that crate.

“Please,” she pleaded. “Take a seat and let me get my first aid kit.”

Jun sighed. He really needed to get going but he would be nice and at least let her play nurse. He took a seat by her table. Selina returned with her first aid kit. Jun held out his hand. She pressed gently on his hand to determine the area he was hurt.

As she was doing this with her head down, Selina spoke.

“Thank you. I don’t know how you came about to where I was but...thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Jun softly replied.

She continued pressing until she heard Jun hiss once more. “Sorry. I think it is just a sliver that got underneath your skin. Plus a minor cut near it.” She pulled out tweezers and a disinfectant. Selina got to work on the sliver, trying her best not to cause him any further pain. She heard no complaints from him. Next, she disinfected his cut. Jun tried very hard not to whimper. What surprised him though was when she blew gently on his wound.

Selina chuckled softly. “I would have kissed it to make it better, like my dad, always would but I don’t think you’d like that.”

Jun almost didn’t breathe when she said that He had to remind himself that she was just probably being grateful and it wasn’t being done because she cared for him. When he thought she would let go, she just continued to hold his hand.

“I...I was such an idiot. I just wanted...” She took a breath. “I wanted to come to the cafe. I’ve been avoiding it all this time and admitting I am wrong...” Jun silently listened. “What I am trying to say is, thank you.” She paused for awhile. Nothing was heard but their breathing.

Until he felt that one tear drop on his palm.

“I was. Scared.” Another tear dropped. Jun almost reached out with his other hand when she raised her face up. Her eyes were glistening with tears. She was trying to keep herself from shaking. The impact of what could have happened was just suddenly attacking her. But she was trying to put up a brave front. Selina didn’t want him to see her crying. She sniffed, released his hand to wipe her tears.

“Sorry. Must been the fumes from the disinfectant.” Selina gathered the first aid kit and stood up. Jun stood as well. He didn’t know her. A couple of days ago, he almost hated her. So what was this feeling of wanting to comfort her? To lend his strength to her?

“I have to go.” Jun put his shoes on and stood up, his hand on the door.

He felt Selina’s hand on the back of his shirt, gently tugging. He didn’t move.

“Can you please stay? Just for tonight. Please?”

Chapter end notes: Toma and Malkiva was another couple formed in the Bishounen Cafe Challenge. Although their story didn’t end this way, I just took a liberty of creating one for them. Lili, hope you didn’t mind!

Would Jun stay? Find out in the next chapter! And as always, pls don’t forget to review and comment!

def:
Aniki : a Japanese honorable term for an older brother or a superior (frequently used in yakuza speech) as explained by Wiki
Ojou-chan: young lady

Prisoner of Love (fanfic)

janipanda — Tue, 24 May 2011 02:51:11 GMT

Pairing: Matsumoto Jun x Original Character, Sakurai Sho x Original Character
Rating: PG-13, some adult/mature themes
Genre: Romance, Drama, Friendship, Angst
Status: Ongoing
Length: 9 Chapters
Disclaimer: All celebrity names and faces are borrowed only for the purpose of bring entertainment and delight. No secret funds were earned through this story.
Summary: Selina Harvey has always been good with escaping. If there is one thing that she considers a strength, it would be finding the perfect escape route.

Matsumoto Jun has always been a decisive guy. So when he encounters Selina, all he want to do is take that hand and take the lead. Or maybe take over her life?

When Selina finally meets Jun, would she still be able to find the way out?

Would Jun even let her?

Author's Notes:
This is actually an alternate version to my entry to the Bishounen Cafe Challenge in Asian Fan Fiction website. Bishounen Cafe was actually a concept made by one of the members where there is a cafe that exists to employ bishounens. If they fall in love with their customer, they had to quit. The story had to only take place inside the cafe. Unlike the challenge that restricts the story to the cafe itself, the cafe becomes one of the many places that the story takes place. It is an integral part of the story but not the only venue for the characters. Although not all of Arashi is in this story, Jun is the lead and Sho is in it as well. There would also be other JE characters here as supporting cast.

Feedback, comments, constructive criticism or wanton spazzing are always welcomed! I don't know how fast I will update this but please continue to follow the story! Yorishiku onegaishimasu~

Chapter 1: The Cafe that Started it All
Chapter 2: A glimpse in conflict
Chapter 3: Connections
Chapter 4: Stepping In, Stepping Out
Chapter 5: Playful? Intentions
Chapter 6-A: His Arrival/ Rival
Chapter 6-B: His/Her Departure
Chapter 7: In Conflict
Chapter 8: Stand Still
Chapter 9: Waiting

Prisoner of Love (fanfic)

janipanda — Tue, 24 May 2011 02:24:37 GMT

If you haven't read the first chapter, you can find it here!

Chapter 2

Jun stood there awkwardly in front of the group. He glanced at the baba openly staring at him with a wicked glint in her eye. She was definitely interested and it wasn’t because he was good looking.

“Selina-san, this is Matsumoto Jun.” Jun politely nodded to the table. “After Pi, he’s one of the most requested waiter here.”

“Welcome to Bishounen Cafe, Selina-san.”

“Matsumoto” Selina paused. “ka?” She paused to intentionaly leave out the honorific san out of her greeting. She was grinning evilly. Jun looked like he was ready to kill her, with a polite smile but a threatening gaze. Chri, Pi and Ryo are looking both at them. They wondered what caused this kind of reaction from her. Chri wasn’t aware that her friend knew anyone from the cafe besides Pi and Ryo. It also didn’t explain the exchange they witnessed a couple of minutes ago.

Selina stood, pointing at Matsumoto. Jun almost ost the tray that he was holding up. She continued to point at him. He carefully put the tray down and smiled politely to his customers before facing her.

“Don’t tell me...” she started.

“I won’t. And close your mouth. It is most unbecoming of a lady.” He snickered. “If you are one.”

Jun -1. Selina- 0.

Chri was grateful that Selina didn’t fly off the handle and just laid one on that waiter. She knew her friend had a temper and didn’t like losing. Not one bit. But instead of using profanities, her friend sat down quietly.

And has not stopped grinning ever since.

Ryo called the server over and introduced him as Matsumoto Jun. Although Chri has been in several times in the cafe and talked with Jun, he had never been rude to her. He was actually a nice guy even if he appeared cold at times. As long as he was treated nice, Jun reciprocate the kindness.

It was all going the wrong way between Selina and Jun.

Selina was still grinning. She had met some of the boys in Japan and no one dared to even talk back to her like that. They were all shy in front of a foreigner. This Matsumoto Jun though, he didn’t even care. Which earned him a point in her book. But that was all that she was going to concede to. This time, Selina Harvey was in game mode. And she wasn’t going to be beat.

She turned toward Ryo who still had a puzzled look on his face. “Ne, Nishikado-san. Didn’t you say that after Pi, Matsumoto here is the...” she paused to look back at him and then back to Ryo, “second best in the cafe?” She said this with emphasis on the word second. Ryo just nodded.

Chri wondered where this was leading to. She wasn’t alone in the thought. That included Jun. Before he had that flash of realization.

Masaka....

“Ano...Nishikado-san, I have guests...” Jun politely intercepted.

“Well, if Matsumoto isn’t too busy with pleasing the ladies, I was wondering if he could be my dedicated server?” Selina heard the gasp coming from Chri.

“No.” Jun flatly declined.

Ryo gave him a pointed look. The word ‘no’ wasn’t often heard in the cafe.

Chri gave her friend a warning look. “I think you’re going too far, Sel...” Selina gave her a look back, an indication that she wasn’t fazed at all. “What? I didn’t do anything but request him as my server. Am I right, Nishikado-san? I can do that, right?” Ryo just nodded. She really didn’t do anything wrong. If he thought that the female customers were bullying his employees, he would have politely declined her request. But out of all the waiters he has, Matsumoto didn’t need protecting. He can handle himself.

Selina smiled up to Jun with that Cheshire grin. “I am doing a paper on different types of cafes in Japan for my thesis in school. I didn’t want to disturb Nishikado-san all the time and it might be better to get the point of view who is actually doing the work. Of course, I wouldn’t do it to waste your time as well. Would that be ok? Matsumoto....san?”

Her last word was said to irritate him. As Jun stared at this woman, he was trying to think of her motive. All her words seem plausible. If Nishikado-san thought it was just an excuse, he would have said something a long time ago. But the woman was more than an acquaintance with Nishikado-san and didn’t help at all that she was friends with Chri-chan and Pi. Jun at least deduced that this woman liked to play games. Well, if she wanted a game, she got one.

He smiled back, as polite as he can at Selina. “Of course, that would be absolutely ok!” Then he added softly, “As if I had any option to say no.” Customers from his table suddenly called for his attention. Jun bowed before them. “I apologize but I must attend to my customers for today. If you would excuse me...” Before he could exit, Selina spoke.

“Of course, you are excused. We’ll talk next time, Matsumoto.” The honorific was gone again.

He gave her a chilly smile before bowing once more and turning away.

Nishikado immediately turned to Selina to apologize but he stopped.

She was laughing. Aloud.

Jun -1. Selina- 1.

Things were going to get interesting.
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Selina entered the cafe that day without hesitation. Chri and Pi wasn’t with her today. Ryo was indeed working but he told her that there was some business he had to take care of that he won’t be able to attend to her personally. It didn’t matter to her if he was there or not. But she made sure that he was working there today.

As Selina entered the cafe, she was greeted by the servers. She requested him by name and was led to a booth. She was told that Jun would be with her in a moment as he just came in. She put her bag on the next vacant chair. She then pulled out a pen, a notebook and a recorder. She might write fast but with a recorder, she would be able to get minute details that she might have missed.

Jun appeared in a white shirt with a gray vest, matched with black pants. He had his hair all slicked back. He wasn’t particularly happy when they told him that the baba was here. But this was work and he was being paid to be nice. So he would deal with her as politely as he could. Jun approached her with his typical smile, taking the defensive stance.

“Welcome back, Selina-san,” he started.

“Who told you you could call me by my first name?” she responded curtly. “Don’t you know how to be polite? I thought the Japanese start with last names first?”

Ah, so she was going to be like this today, huh? Jun can’t be impolite towards her but she needed to be taught. For now, maybe killing her with kindness would work.

He bowed in apology. “Gomenasai. I would have addressed you with your last name if I knew of it.”

She stopped to think about that. That was true. Nishikado-san did introduce her as Selina and failed to mention her last name. She just smiled back. “Its Harvey. But since you already know my first name, that would do.” She really didn’t know why she was giving him such a hard time. Oh, wait. The first time they met. There’s that. First impressions do leave deep impressions. But she can’t antagonize him too much. She did need him for her paper.

Selina looked at the chalkboard to peruse the menu. It was time to deflect for just a bit, the rising tension between them. “What do you recommend for today, Matsumoto-san?”

Jun was taken aback at her question. Gone was agitated voice. This woman changed moods faster than Mother Nature. Since she was being polite, he would do the same. For now. “I would recommend our green tea cake today. It really is delicious but not to sweet nor bitter. Its not heavy either and I think would completely compliment your preferred chai tea. Of course, if you would like another drink to go with it, you are certainly welcome to order that.”

She nodded. “I trust you. I’m really not much into sweets but I am more than willing to give this a try.”

After her cake and tea been delivered, he didn’t know if he should keep her company or not. The cafe was not to busy today and none of his regulars are in. He wanted the cafe to be busy so he won’t have to awkwardly stand there and attend to her. He silently watched as she went for her tea first.

“Selina-san, if I maybe so bold. Try the cake first. I think if you drink your tea, it might ruin the taste of the cake.”

She raised an eyebrow at him but did not say a word. She focused her attention on the cake. A soft smile flitted her lips after she took a bite out of the cake. After swallowing the cake, she took a sip of her tea. Surprised that he didn’t stop her this time.

“That was indeed delicious.” She couldn’t help but express her satisfaction. “I think if I did indeed drink my tea before it, I wouldn’t have appreciated it as much.”

Jun didn’t push her for a thank you. He heard it in her words.

She took another sip of her tea. Selina put the cup down and looked at him, annoyed. “Matsumoto-san, if you don’t want to be here, then just say so. It looks like I am torturing you with my mere presence.” Selina didn’t miss how he fidgeted and stared at her this whole time. Not that she wasn’t entirely to blame. She probably made him dislike her so much already.

“It is a torture,” he simply said.

Selina looked at him in surprise. Jun leaned down towards her, his voice low. “If you quit being such a bitch, I’d actually be more than willing to help you. But since you act as if I’m your lowly servant, I don’t think anyone would be happy being treated that way. Don’t you?” He looked at her directly in the eye.
A cold shiver went down her spine. This was not a person to piss off. He looked nice and charming on the outside. But on the inside...this man has a very dark side to him. Something that Selina had a temporary glimpse of. Even before she could utter one word, Jun straightened.

“Let me get you a refill of your tea, Selina-san.” He bowed and left.

She could only follow him with her gaze. Had she really gone too far?

Chapter end notes: Is this already the end for Selina and Jun? Even when they haven’t even started? As always, read, review and comment! You feed this writer’s muse and soul!

Continue to Chapter 3

Prisoner of Love (fanfic)

janipanda — Tue, 24 May 2011 02:19:18 GMT

Chapter 1

Selina looked up to the sign.

Bishounen Cafe.

She had only been in this country for a month and had a vague idea what the word meant. Not that it would entice her to come in. She took a peek at the open windows. Men dressed in white crisp shirts either paired with a vest or jacket of a dark color and formal black pants, ran the place with steaming hot coffee or pastries and even food. Most of the patrons were of the female species which did not surprise her. Although it didn’t look it was a requirement, but most of the male attendants were all handsome men. Some of them were even bordering on being female pretty. To each his/her own.

Her cellphone started beeping. She flipped it open to read the message. It came from Chri. Her friend was just waiting for Yamapi, her fiance, to get off from work before heading to the cafe to meet up with her and the other ladies. He was running late but Chri promised that they would immediately head to the cafe once they’ve met up.

“You’ve brought me to one weird place, girl! I ain’t going there alone. Hurry up! XD” , she texted back.

Selina and Chri met at the college where Selina was studying at. They met inside the girl’s bathroom at school. Chri had just run out of lip gloss in which she was more than willing to share some with the girl. From then on, they had become fast friends. Selina had an easy time relating with Chri since they both weren’t born in Japan. They had the same experiences of what it’s like to be a foreigner. Selina wondered if she should text Ayumu to come as well. The girl was friends with Chri and had become a mutual friend. She was pretty busy though since she was going through medial school and preparing for her upcoming wedding. Selina hadn’t met Nishikado-san but she heard that he was the owner of said cafe. They didn’t have the chance to meet yet so she was hesitant to even step in.

“You’re in the way.”

Selina whipped her head around toward the voice. The guy was dressed in a white shirt and torn jeans. He had one bag slung over his shoulder. He certainly didn’t look like an employee. And he was rude.

She put her cellphone inside her jacket and glared at stranger. “I don’t think I am owning the entire walk way. And last I heard, this space was free.” She crossed her arms. “If you wanted to, you can just go around me. That wouldn’t be too hard for you, would it?” Something with that entitled attitude of his rubbed Selina the wrong way.

Matsumoto Jun glared at the woman. She didn’t look like one of the regular patrons nor had he seen her before. The woman before him sported a camo military jacket on top of a gray shirt paired with blue denims and sneakers. Her black hair was tied into a simple ponytail. Not appealing at all.

He glanced down at his watch. Yabai! He’s going to be late! “Fine, baba! You win this round!” Without another word, Jun went around her and hurried to the employee’s entrance through the side door.

Selina grinned. She hated men like that who think they own the world. If she was given the chance, she would like to put them all in their place. She’s not the shy variety.

“Selina! Sorry!”, gasped Christine as she stopped before her. Yamashita Tomohisa or as she calls him, Yamapi or Pi, calmly came to a stop beside Chri.

She laughed. “No worries. You just missed me dealing with this punk just a second ago.” she boasted.

Chri straightned up and smiled. “You are certainly going to grow old alone if you keep barking at the boys.”

Selina shrugged. She was in no hurry. If they truly wanted her, being outspoken shouldn’t be a problem. “They should know how to bark back! Besides, its embarrassing to be beaten by a woman, don’t you agree Pi?”
Ever the peacemaker Pi, he only smiled, not saying if he agreed or not. Chri poked him in the ribs. “You sure you’re a woman Sel?”, she teased.

“Last time I checked, parts are all there!” That elicited a laugh from all three as they headed inside.

Bishounen Cafe was a homey place to be in. Large windows opened the outside to the inside of the cafe as sun poured in. There were several tables and booths in which customers can sit and enjoy the cafe at their leisure. Each table was covered with white linens and there was a bloom at every table. The walls were lined with scones that gave a sense of high class but unimposing enough not to disturb the homey ambiance.

“Welcome to Bishounen Cafe!”

They were greeted by two handsome men by the entrance way. Chri and Pi grinned, knowing the all too familiar welcome. This weirded Selina a bit. As Chri and Pi chatted for a minute with the greeters, Selina perused the walls. It was filled with pictures of the current staff. It even advised that you could chose your own server. A very unique concept and considering how handsome the servers are, it would definitely to be hard to choose one.

“Was there someone that caught your interest?”, someone inquired politely.

Selina turned to face the owner of the cafe.

“Ryo! You’re working the floor today?”, Chri asked. Selina looked at Chri as Pi gave a slight nod towards Ryo which Ryo returned in greeting. She heard that Pi used to work for Nishikado Ryo and that was how Chri and Pi met.

“Chri-san, Pi-kun, how nice of you to visit us once more.” Ryo remarked. Selina thought it odd that Chri had to ask if Nishikado-san worked with his employees at his cafe. It was normal back in America for the manager to be seen where the customers are at. “I have some free time today. Besides, I can’t let strangers take care of our friends.”

Chri turned to answer Selina’s befuddled look. “Ryo is usually buried in paperwork so he does more of the managing side rather than waiting on customers. So its a rare treat that he has come out of his cave.”

Ryo turned to Selina and bowed slightly. She returned his bow awkwardly, still not used to the bowing customs. Noticing this, he held out his right hand. “I am Nishikado Ryo, Ayumu’s fiance. And owner as well of Bishounen Cafe. Welcome and I hope you enjoy your stay here.”

Selina shook his hand. “Selina Harvey. You have an interesting concept here, Nishikado-san. I don’t know if it would work overseas but it looks like business is good.” The cafe was more than half full.

“Thank you, Harvey-san. As I was asking before, had anyone caught your interest?”

Selina shook her head. She wasn’t really here for conversation with a guy. She had enough of those elsewhere. “I’m just here to observe, Nishikado-san, if you wouldn’t mind.”

Chri nodded. “She’s writing a paper about these types of cafes around Japan and how come they are so popular. So what better way to get research than to experience the real thing, right?”

“I wasn’t really sure on where to start. Chri is a god-send! With this, I can get as much information. That is, if that is alright with you, Nishikado-san?” Selina hoped that he would agree.

Nishikado gave her a bright smile. It transformed his face from a handsome young man to the face the she knew Ayumu adored and loved. “Of course! It would be our pleasure to answer any questions you might have, Harvey-san.”

Selina almost jumped in joy. “Please, call me Selina. And I’ll make sure not to be a bother to your business.”

Nishikado led them to a corner booth. It was private enough to hold conversations but accessible to the waiters if their services are needed. What was so special about the table is that it gave one full view of the cafe. One can see the people coming and going. Selina grinned ear to ear. This would give her lots of information for her thesis. Once they were seated, Nishikado-san asked for their orders and departed to get those started.

“This is great, Chri! I owe you one!” Selina wished that she brought her camera and probably her lap top. She could have gotten started with getting the information.

Pi whispered something into Chri’s ear before he stood up and excused himself. He went over to greet some of his kouhais. Chri focused her attention back to Selina. “Yes, you do! Spring is indeed coming and I know you hate attending those sakura watching parties...”

“I don’t hate them! Just hate it when people make fool of themselves!”

“As if you’ve never made...” Chri trailed off as her friend gave her an innocent look. She burst out laughing. “Whatever! You owe me now so, that’s that.” Selina gave her a pout. Chri looked back at where Pi was standing at. He was laughing and joking around with the waiters that were not waiting on anyone.

“You really like him, huh?”

“Hmmm?”
“Tomohisa, you dummy! He’s the only one you’re salivating over!”, she teased.

Chri raised an eyebrow. “A lady does not salivate! Not in public at least.” She blushed as Selina started laughing.

Pi came back at the same time Nishikado did. He gave Selina her chai tea, a hot chocolate for Chri and coffee for Pi.

“What’s so funny?”, Pi asked.

Both girls looked at each other and then laughed some more. Pi looked at Ryo, sending him a message on how women are crazy and how they (the men) still love them for it. The three friends started chatting with Ryo occasionally answering some questions for Selina. There were times when the cafe seem to slow down and then some moments where there was not enough servers on duty. Ryo sometimes took off for a few minutes to help.

It was Selina’s third serving of her chai tea when Chri brought up an idea.

“So why don’t you get a dedicated server for you, Sel?” Selina almost caused a fountain with her drink. “Hear me out. Since you are already here in the cafe, experiencing it for yourself would give you more accurate material.”

She nodded. “You have a point there, Chri.”

“I know I have a point.” Chri grinned. “Who knows? You might find your own special bishounen.” She squeezed Pi’s hand in which he returned. Selina looked at both of them, somewhat in envy. She had been in relationships before. It wasn’t anything special. Not like what they have. But she was in no hurry for something like that. Life was ok the way it is. Selina looked around. So if she really is going to get one server which will serve her as a guinea pig, who would it be?

Then a certain waiter passed by with a tray of pastries a few feet from their table.

Selina slammed her cup on the table and stood up. She pointed to him.

“AH!”

The waiter stopped. Everybody else too. His eyes widened.

“GYAH!”

Chapter End notes: Who could it be? Find out in the next chapter as Selina decides on her dedicated waiter. Of course, feedback and reviews are always welcomed!

Continue to Chapter 2