Title: Fortunately Unfortunate
Characters: NEWS mainly Kei-chan and Shige and some fictional characters
Genre: Hetero Fic, Friendship
Disclaimer: This is purely fiction and has nothing to do with real life. We don’t own anything JE.
Note: Check out the other fic ( Trouble with shige completed ) which is a very short prequel to this fic.




( chapter 1 )
( chapter 2 )
( chapter 3 )
( chapter 4 )
( chapter 5 )
( chapter 6 )
( chapter 7 )
( chapter 8 )
( chapter 9 )
( chapter 10 )
( chapter11 )



 

Chapter 12

Koyama paid the cab driver then quickly walked towards the backstage entrance of the Tokyo dome. It was still quite early in the morning and they have an early call time. A number of staff were already busy doing preparations.

When Koyama entered their shared dressing room Yamapi and Ryo were already there lounging on the couch having coffee and looking at the stage plan.

“Hey you guys are here early.” Koyama greeted the two.

Yamapi and Ryo both looked up and greeted Koyama as he joined them on the couch.

“You’re alone? Where are the others?” Yamapi asked as he looked around.

“It’s just me. I’m not sure how Tegoshi and Massu are now.” Koyama said. “Shige stayed there with them but he called to say he’s on his way. He just needs to pass by his condo to get some clothes.”

“Alex stayed there too?” Ryo suddenly asked looking slightly interested.

Koyama nodded. “Yeah she stayed there as well. She and Shige watched over Tegomas. Why do you ask?”

Ryo shook his head. “Nothing, I was just curious.”

The three chatted and after a while longer Tegoshi and Massu came walking in.

“Look what the cat dragged in.” Yamapi commented. “I’m glad you kids are sober enough to join us now.”

Tegoshi and Massu looked a bit embarrassed as they sat among the guys.

“I still have a headache.” Tegoshi complained.

“Who told you to drink more than you can manage when you know well enough that we have rehearsals today?” Ryo pointed out.

“We’ll be fine. We’ll still give our 100%.” Massu assured them.

“Good thing Shige and Alex were there. If not for them we might’ve done something stupid. Tegoshi said.

“Where’s Shige? Did you leave together?” Koyama asked.

“No he left earlier than we did. But he still needs to get clothes from his condo and also he would be dropping Alex by Koyama’s apartment first.” Massu explained.

“Alex just cooked breakfast for us then left just as we were getting ready. Apparently she still has work later.” Tegoshi told them. “It was extra sweet of her to stay with us to think that we’ve only known her for a day.”

Just as Tegoshi was finishing up Shige finally walks in. He looks a bit haggard and looked like he hasn’t gotten enough sleep. Dark circles were visible around his eyes.

“Hey Shige how’s everything?” Koyama greeted his friend.

Shige looked around and frowned. “You guys owe me big time. I had to sleep on the floor. It wasn’t comfortable at all and I needed rest because we have rehearsals today.”

Koyama looked concerned and a bit guilty when Shige said he slept on the floor. After all he also had something to do about Shige being left behind to watch over Tegomas. He wondered if Alex had to sleep on the floor as well.

“How about Alex? Did she had to sleep on the floor too?” Koyama asked.

Shige shook her head. “I let her sleep in the spare room. I stayed with these two to make sure they behaved properly.” He said pointing at Tegoshi and Massu.

Relief was apparent on Koyama’s face as he heard Shige. Tegoshi and Massu on the other hand both looked very sorry.

“We’re really sorry Kato-san. We promise to make it up to you.” Tegoshi apologized.

Suddenly a staff entered the dressing room. He explained something to the boys before handing them a copy of the day’s newspaper saying that management wanted to show them something.

Yamapi who was seated at the middle took the newspaper and turned the pages. On the entertainment section they finally saw what they were looking for. There was a paparazzi picture of Koyama with Vanna and Ren. It was taken a couple of days back at Tokyo Disneyland. In the picture Koyama was carrying Ren while Vanna was reaching up to feed Ren some ice cream. Koyama was smiling widely in the picture looking very happy.

“Family day for Koyama Keiichiro of NEWS.” Yamapi read the caption out loud.

All eyes now rested on Koyama each either with teasing or inquiring looks.

“Look at what we have here.” Yamapi said. “Congratulations Kei-chan. You now officially have a paparazzi picture of you taken.”

“When was this Kei-chan?” Ryo asked.

“Well that was the other day.” Koyama admitted looking a bit embarrassed at being caught. “My sister asked me to take Ren to his doctor after which we went to Disneyland.”

“Well you do look like a family on a day out.” Tegoshi said looking at the picture once more.

Koyama just laughed.” The paparazzi won’t stop at anything won’t they? Let them keep on guessing.”

“Welcome to the paparazzi world Kei-chan.” Tegoshi jested.

“Be ready for the consequences though.” Yamapi advised. “Although this doesn’t look troublesome still there might be some reprimand.”

“You know very well that with our line of work we just can’t take things lightly.” Ryo said. “Yeah we are entitled to our private time but even those things are subject to the public eye. I think you know that quite well Koyama.”

“We’ll just really have to be extra careful next time.” Koyama said. “Good thing Ren’s turned his back and Vanna is looking towards the side so her face isn’t too visible. That should protect them.”

“You surprise us Koyama. Who would have thought you’d find a match with someone you’ve met under very unusual circumstances.” Yamapi commented.

“Who would’ve thought right?” Koyama said with a laugh. “The paparazzi pictures caught me off guard though. I never saw that coming.”

“There’s always a first time Kei-chan. And if you’re caught again this won’t be the last.” Massu said

Shige was laughing softly on the side finding Koyama’s predicament funny.

“Shige should we expect to see you next?” Yamapi suddenly said.

All eyes then moved form Koyama to Shige.

“What?! Why all of a sudden the attention’s on me? What did I do?” Shige frowned.

“Are we gonna see you and Alex next time?” Yamapi reiterated his question.

Shige suddenly turned red and wasn’t able to react right away. He didn’t seem to know what to say.

“Yeah Shige what’s the deal between the two of you? Is there anything going on between the two of you that we should know?” Tegoshi said.

Shige somehow recovered. “There is nothing going on guys. We just happen to hang out a lot with each other lately.”

“Oh come on Shige” Yamapi said disbelievingly. “We were all watching you and Alex and you two are acting sweeter that Kei and Vanna.”

“Are you sure Kei-chan and Vanna are the ones in a relationship and not the two of you?” Tegoshi looked at Shige mischievously.

“Really there is nothing. We are not in a relationship or anything like that.” Shige knew that was true but he knew as well that he was giving Alex extra attention and was treating her with extra care.

“Nothing us going on but you are hoping that something would right Shige?” Yamapi declared. “You like her don’t you?”

Shige was taken aback by Yamapi’s obvious observation. He wasn’t able to say anything but his reaction gave him away.

“You’re too transparent Shige!” Koyama said with a laugh making the others laugh as well.

“Shige have you taken care of Minami? Thinsg with her are over right?” Tegoshi asked the inevitable question. He was looking at Shige with anticipation.

This was an issue Shige was hoping wouldn’t come up. He knew that at this point he was at fault. He had promised to take care of the issue of Minami ages ago but up until now he hasn’t done anything to get out of his predicament. He had said he wanted to spend time with Alex first and deal with Minami later but he knew that he was just prolonging the issue.

Shige wanted to shrink in his seat as all eyes were looking at him expectantly all hoping to get a good answer from him.

Shige slowly shook his head. “I haven’t…”

Everyone looked at him in surprise. It was obviously not the answer they were waiting to hear.

“I thought you were planning to take care of that issue quickly?” Yamapi looked at Shige in disbelief. “What are you waiting for Shige? Don’t tell me that you are having second thoughts and have actually gotten to like Minami already?”

“What’s wrong with you Shige?!” Tegoshi said hotly. “Why in the world are you still with Minami? I thought you didn’t like her one bit.”

“Of course I don’t like her! What I think of Minami hasn’t changed one bit.” Shige said strongly.

“Then why haven’t you ended it yet!” Tegoshi was obviously not liking what he’s hearing. “If you dislike her get rid of her already. If you like Alex then go for her. You shouldn’t have second thoughts Shige.”

“Alex is far better that Minami.” Ryo finally voiced his opinion surprising everyone. “If you like her you must act quickly or you might lose your chance.”

“You shouldn’t take things like this lightly Shige. If you are to do something then get it done right away. You are taking things in stride Shige.” Ryo further lectured him.

Shige looked guilty. “I know what I have to do. It’s just that I’m waiting for the right time. Alex is just here for a few days more. I’d rather enjoy that first, build something and then once everything’s settled with Alex then Minami would come next.”

“But what if the issue of Minami doesn’t as smoothly as you are hoping you would? What then Shige? What would happen with Alex then?” Yamapi pointed out.

“You’re putting yourself in a complicated situation Shige.” Ryo said. “At this rate it is inevitable someone will end up getting hurt. Start where the root is, everything else will follow and fall into place.””

Shige didn’t say anything more. He knew they guys do have a point. At that moment he didn’t know what to do or where to start.

He had hoped things would end with Minami’s departure but it didn’t. Since then he had thought of calling her a few times to end it over the phone but he knew it won’t be that easy given Minami’s personality. Then there were his parents to deal with as well. He had to think of how to eventually deal with those two things at the same time.

A production assistant suddenly popped his head into the dressing room. “Come on guys time to go. Let’s get this going.”

All six then stood up and followed the assistant to towards the stage area.

*************

Alex replaced the receiver and went back to seat by the dining table with Vanna. The girls were having brunch just before they get ready for work.

“That was the embassy.” Alex told Vanna. “They said the passports will be ready the day after tomorrow.”

“Oh yeah it been over a couple of weeks now.” Vanna had a look of amusement. “Days have gone by relatively quick don’t you think?”

Alex gave Vanna a meaningful look. “That’s because you’re finding your stay here more than worth you while right? Because someone is making you want to stay longer.”

Vanna didn’t say anything as a soft blush slowly crept up her cheeks making Alex laugh a bit.

“Are you going to work today?” Vanna suddenly changed the topic.

“Yeah I am. I think I have to go until tomorrow. I don’t have to but I promised Ms. Kimura I’ll cover for someone who’s on leave.” Alex answered

“Working until the last day? You should have the day off and enjoy your last day here right?” Vanna said with knitted eyebrows.

Alex smiled. “Its alright, I already gave my word anyway.”

“I guess that leaves me only until today to work. They did tell us we’re only there only until our travel documents are ready.” Vanna declared.

“We thought two weeks would take forever but it was surprisingly quick.” Alex commented.

“I guess it’s because we’ve started to enjoy our stay here that’s why. I guess we have to start packing real soon.” Vanna said with a trace of hesitation.

Alex gave a small laugh. “You could stay a behind a while longer you know and spend more time with Kei. I can tell your mom and dad you’ve eloped.”

Vanna’s eyes widened. “You can’t tell them that! They’ll go ballistic!”

“I’m quite sure Kei will approve of the idea of you staying a bit longer. Don’t worry I’ll send you money when I get back and I’ll cover for you.” Alex jested.

Vanna glared at Alex who continued to laugh.

“I’ll probably tell him tonight about the passports.” Vanna said looking contemplative. “Well…it’s inevitable that we would be returning to Sydney. We knew we’re leaving after a couple of weeks.”

“What will happen after you go back? Will you be coming back here anytime soon?” Alex looked at her cousin inquiringly.

Vanna shrugged her shoulders. “I actually don’t know…I’m just taking this a day at a time and work on things as they come.”

“But surely you’ll miss Kei and I’m sure you guys would do something to work it out.” Alex said looking at her cousin for affirmation.

Vanna just smiled meaningfully and didn’t say anything.

****************

Shige checked his watch as he continued to walk. They finished rehearsals quite early and they were free to do anything afterwards. And with that he found himself going to the café once again.

Alex didn’t know he was coming. When he and the guys were done he automatically thought of going to see her. When they parted that morning she mentioned she was working until 5:00PM that day and that still gives them lots of time to do something.

Shige got to the café a little before 5:00PM. Wearing a cap to make him less noticeable, he quickly scanned the place as soon as he got in. There were a number of people there having coffee and he quickly found Alex behind the counter.

“What’s today’s special miss?” Shige asked as he approached the counter.

Alex looked up from what she was doing upon hearing him. She looked a bit surprised to see him but she smiled warmly at him.

“I didn’t expect to see you here today.” Alex said looking quite glad to see him nevertheless.

Shige smiled. “We finished early today so I thought of coming round to see you. You did say this morning that you’re only working til 5:00pm right.”

Alex nodded. “Yeah I’m off work in a few minutes.”

“I’ll just wait by the corner then.” Shige said as he walked towards an empty table.

It didn’t take long before Alex had gotten off work and soon she and Shige were walking the streets of Shibuya together.

“How was rehearsal?” Alex asked as they moved through the crowd.

“It’s tiring as always especially since I wasn’t able to get proper sleep last night.” Shige said. “We have another set tomorrow before the show a couple of days from now.”

“You should’ve went straight home and rested so you’d have energy for the next couple of days then.” Alex suggested.

“It’s alright, I wanted to see you and take you out to dinner.” Shige said with a wide smile.

Alex gave a small laugh. “But we just saw each other this morning didn’t we?”

“That’s different.” Shige laughed. “We didn’t go anywhere this morning right.”

“I better make the most out of these last two days then.” Alex suddenly said.

Shige almost missed a step. “Last two days?” he echoed.

Alex nodded. “The embassy told us this morning that the passports will be ready in a couple of days and our flights have been rebooked so we will be leaving soon.”

Alex felt a bit of heaviness as she told Shige. She looked at him from the side of her eyes to gauge his reaction but it was a bit hard to read. Shige had somehow managed to become a significant part of her life the past couple of weeks. It won’t be easy trying to forget him when she goes back.

It was easy to fall in love with Shige. She had never felt so taken care of like the way he was taking care of her the past couple of weeks. There were times when she thought he might like her the same way but sense would tell her not to put too much meaning to actions. It might be hard to get over him but she knows she’ll move on.

Shige suddenly smiled. “Let’s not waste time then. Come on its still early. Let’s find a place to eat and think of what we can still do after.”

Shige took her to a restaurant that he said he haven’t been to before but have been wanting to try ever since he saw it on a gourmet magazine. The food was Japanese and it was superb. They ate dinner and had a few drinks.

They still have time after dinner so Shige decided to take her to Tokyo Tower. They went up the elevator and unto the viewing deck. There were only a very few people there since most of the tourist go there in the morning.

“They say Tokyo is best viewed at night.” Shige told her. “I’ll show you why.”

Shige surprised Alex when he suddenly took her hand and held on it and led her to one part of the viewing deck along the far end corner.

“This part has the best view although most people would rather stay at the main deck, I find this spot better.” Shige told her.

He let Alex stand in front of the glass with him standing closely behind her as he let her see the full view of the city.

“Shige this is amazing.” Alex said in awe. “The view up here is just incredible.”

“Yeah I thought so too when I saw it from here. Look over that side.” Shige said softly pointing at one direction from behind her.

Alex was quiet as she took in the view in front of her. Amazement was apparent in her eyes as the city lights below reflected on them.

Shige on the other hand was looking at a different view and that was on the girl standing closely in front of him. Her scent filled him as she was standing couple of inches in front of him.

He was taken off guard when she said earlier that she will be leaving after a couple of days. He knew this day would eventually come but he had lost track of time because he was enjoying the days they were together.

Now that she was leaving Shige felt he hasn’t accomplished anything yet. He wanted Alex, wanted to be with her. He still wasn’t sure how she feels about him now or if he had won her over. He was more than willing to give it a shot.

“Shige, what is that over there?” Alex quietly asked as she turned her head to look at Shige.

She found him looking at her intently, his eyes staring right into hers. Alex’s question died on her lips as she lost her train of thought when she found Shige face just a couple of inches away from hers.

Shige then closed the inches between them and softly kissed her. It was at first a brief touching of their lips, a tentative step then Shige suddenly kissed her tenderly.

Alex was surprised by Shige’s move but she didn’t protest. Instead she found herself responding to him, kissing him back. Time stopped and her heart pounded.

It was after a number of seconds that they parted. They looked into each other, their eyes filled with held up emotions. Shige pulled Alex into him and kissed her on the forehead.

“Why do you have to leave so soon...” Shige murmured.

Alex just smiled and took his hand. Shige entwined his fingers with hers and smiled back.

“I think its time we go. They’re closing this soon.” Shige said as he gently pulled her and they made they way to the elevator.

They were the only two people inside and Shige stood beside Alex, holding her hand tightly pulling her closer beside him.

They shared the drive back to Koyama’s apartment in comfortable silence. Shige would steal at a few glances at Alex beside him while she was looking outside the car window with a faint smile on her face.

There was still so much that Shige wanted to tell Alex but he decided to take things slow and not pout it all out on her in one evening. He was planning to make the most out of her last couple of days in Tokyo. He could probably think of a way to make her stay a bit longer. It was worth a shot.

**************

Vanna stared at the photo into front of her quite in disbelief. She looked at Koyama who was sitting across from her to look at his reaction. Unlike her he was actually smiling and was looking amused. They were in sitting in the dining area eating some pastries that Koyama had brought with him as he came over.

“How did this happen Kei? Did they follow you and saw you with me?” Vanna asked looking at the paparazzi picture in the newspaper.

Koyama smiled. “They’re like that. They don’t really follow you around. Some of them really are just everywhere taking pictures of whoever they encounter. It just so happened that we were there the same time as them.”

“This is not good is it?” Vanna looked worried. “This would be bad for you. I mean they will bother you, ask you questions and you’ll hear something from your management.”

Koyama shrugged. “Those are inevitable but it’ll just last a few days until they get a new picture of someone else. It’s just a cycle that’s all part of a celebrity’s life.”

Vanna didn’t look convinced. She looked at the picture once again trying to figure out how they ended up in the newspaper.

“Don’t worry about it too much. That’s nothing really.” Koyama said trying to assure her. “I just thought I’d show you the picture so you would know.”

“What does the caption say Kei?” Vanna asked unable to understand the characters.

Koyama smiled. “It says ‘Family day for Koyama Keiichiro’ then goes to assume who you are and who Ren is. It’s actually a bunch of gossip.”

Vanna frowned. “Would this affect your work in any way?”

Koyama laughed. “Stop looking so worried! Everything will be fine. It’s not as big as a deal as it looks like. You were looking the other way so your face wasn’t that visible.”

“I’m not worried about me! I’m nobody, no one would even bother looking me up.” Vanna said. “It’s you I’m worried about.”

“I can handle this so stop worrying alright.” Koyama said confidently.

That ended the discussion about the picture and they went on to talk about other things. Koyama told her about how rehearsals went and the mishaps they encountered making Vanna laugh. Kei also promised Vanna that he would take her to rehearsals with him the next day since she no longer had to work.

“By the way Kei, the embassy called and they said are passports will be ready in a couple of days.” Vanna informed Koyama.

Koyama stopped short and looked at Vanna with surprise. He knew this was coming still he wasn’t quite ready to know that it would be this soon.

“It will be in a couple of days already?” Koyama echoed.

“Why do you look so surprised? It’s already been two weeks and the embassy did tell us two weeks right?” Vanna said looking at Koyama with an amused expression on her face.

“Yeah you did say that…” Koyama trailed off.

Koyama felt blank. He suddenly didn’t know what to do. Vanna was leaving in two days and he knew he can’t just leave it like that. Things between them are far from over. In fact they were just in the beginning of something.

“Whys did you suddenly become so quiet?” Vanna looked at Koyama inquiringly.

Koyama looked at her with an unreadable expression. “Do you really need to go? Can’t you stay longer?”

Vanna smiled. “You know I have to go. People back home are probably worried about what happened to me. And there are things that I need to attend to.”

“Will you come back then?” Koyama looked at her hopefully.

“Would you want me to comeback?” Vanna looked at Koyama anticipating his answer.

“Of course I do…” Koyama was quick to answer.

Vanna didn’t say anything but just gave Koyama a warm smile. She still didn’t know how it things would work out between them but it was comforting to know that Koyama was looking beyond the two weeks they spend together.

The two were disturbed by a sudden knock on the door. Koyama opened the door and let Shige an Alex in.

“Where have the two of you been?” Koyama asked directing his question at Shige.

“We just had dinner and then went up Tokyo Tower.” Shige said simply as he took a quick glance at Alex.

“I wanna go there too!” Vanna said. “Is the view nice from up there Alex?”

Alex nodded. “Yeah, things look great from up there.”

“Shige I think we should better get going. We still have rehearsals early tomorrow.” Koyama said after a while.

“Alright so the girls could rest as well.” Shige agreed.

Shige drove while Koyama occupied the passenger seat on their way back to Shige’s condo. Shige was humming and was tapping his fingers on the steering wheel as they went along the way making Koyama look at him strangely.

“Something happened tonight did it?” Koyama asked looking at Shige curiously.

“Huh? What made you say so?” Shige asked taking a glance at Koyama.

“You’re acting like Tegoshi singing to himself, humming to something only he could hear. It’s so unlike you.” Koyama gave a small laugh.

“And that’s indication that something happened?” Shige laughed.

“For you yes! What happened with Alex today? You’ve finally done the right thing and have broken off with Minami?” Koyama was hoping his friend had finally done what was way overdue.

The smile disappeared from Shige’s face. “Am I doing the wrong thing Kei-chan? I mean am I wrong to want to spend time with Alex?”

“Let me say something to you Shige just for the sake of saying it just because I’m your friend ok? Koyama started.

Shige nodded and Koyama went on. “I really a happy for you, that you found someone you like because knowing you, that’s something that does not happen very often right?”

“I’m not saying that it would be easy Shige but wouldn’t it be more appropriate if you end things with Minami first so you can move more freely with Alex?” Koyama said.

“That way you won’t hold yourself back nor would you have to worry about being caught or by what people around you would say.” Koyama pointed out.

“Because if things go out of hand Shige, if things went on the way they are now, Alex would come out the third party in this mess.” Kpyama told his frend with concern.

“But she isn’t the third party here Kei-Chan. She is the one I like. Minami is the third wheel.” Shige reasoned out.

“I know that Shige but knot everybody does. To everyone else Alex would be the bad person just because Minami entered the picture first.” Koyama told him. “Technically too she is still your girlfriend whether you like it or not.”

“In the end, Alex would end up the one getting hurt. We know Minami is capable doing thing we can only imagine. Alex would be hit the most here.” Koyama finished off.

Shige sighed. He knew Koyama was right. They’ve been friends for eight years and nobody can understand him better that he can. Koyama had always been only after his welfare and he knew this time wasn’t different.

“I want you to be happy with Alex Shige so act quick okay.” Koyama said smiling encouragingly.

Shige understood and knew what he had to do. He had two days and he knew that can be accomplished and he’s got his heart on it.

Suddenly Shige’s phone rang and saw that it was his mom calling him. He quickly picked it up to answer the call.

“Shige how come I haven’t heard or seen you for a while?” His mom greeted him.

“Been busy mom. Our new tour had started and we’ve been rehearsing and going around.” Shige told his mom. “Why did you call mom?”

“Well I just called to tell you that Minami is coming home soon. Her mom called to say so.” His mom dropped the bomb on Shige.

“She said she’s been calling you and been sending you messages but you haven’t been returning them. What seems to be the problem son?” Her mom asked with exaggerated concern.

Shige gathered his wits. “I told you mom I’m quite busy. So when will get back?”

“Her mom said that it will be in about a week or so, so you better be ready to welcome her okay. Everybody is expecting it alright.” His mom oblivious to what his son’s reaction.

Shige wasn’t able to say anything more and his mom bade him goodbye leaving him in a mess. Shige’s heart was almost at his throat and he can’t think straight anymore.

“Kei-chan I think I’ve just entered the twilight zone.” Shige said trying to shake himself.

“What happened? What did your mom say?” Koyama asked looking concerned.

“What we were just talking about…Minami is coming back.” Shige said something anything but enthusiastic.

Now more than ever Shige knew he should do what he’d been delaying or else things might get out of hand.

****************

Shige stared at the phone in his hand, confusion very evident on his face. After his talk with Koyama and after the phone conversation with his mother he wasn’t sure what to do anymore.

Earlier when he was at the Tokyo tower with Alex his emotions got the better of him. He didn’t intend to kiss her just then nut he couldn’t help himself anymore. He had wanted to kiss her for a long time but was holding himself back because he knew it wasn’t right just yet.

He doesn’t regret kissing her though. It had felt wonderful when they were up the tower earlier and he felt he could just go on kissing Alex forever. IT stirred emotions deep inside him and it felt right.

But now even though he knew that being with Alex was what he wanted, Shige had to do this the right way. He had to make amend things so he can protect her and not make her look like the antagonist when in fact she should be the leading lady.

He doesn’t want to see Alex get hurt when things go out of hand once Minami gets back. Everyone was right. Deal with Minami first then start with Alex and things will go smoothly.

Shige had thought hard about what he was about to do. It won’t be easy but it was something that needs to be done. But as soon as things are in order, the first thing on his list was to undo what he was about to do.

Reluctantly Shige dialed a number and waited quietly for someone to pick up from the other end.

***************

Vanna looked at Alex curiously as she sat beside her in the couch. Her cousin was smiling to herself, subconsciously it seems and it was apparent that she was very happy about something.

“Something happened to you tonight it seems. You’re in a pretty good mood.” Vanna observed.

Alex looked at her cousin trying to look innocent. “What made you think something happened? We just went sight-seeing that’s all.”

Vanna didn’t say anymore and just smiled at herself. She knows her cousin well enough to know that she was really happy. And she was ready to guess that Shige had something to do with it.

Suddenly the phone rang and it was Vanna who answered it. It was Shige and he wanted to talk to Alex.

Vanna handed the phone to her cousin with a teasing smile. “It’s Shige.” Vanna said and walked away to give Alex some privacy.

“Hey what did you call?” Alex greeted Shige sweetly. “Did you leave something?”

“Oh everything’s alright.” Shige said tentatively. “Why aren’t you sleeping yet? You should get some rest.”

“I will in a while. How about you? Why aren’t you sleeping yet?” Alex returned the question to Shige. “Why are you still calling me?”

Alex felt Shige hesitate on the other end. She felt he was trying to hold something back and didn’t know how to go on with it.

“About what happened earlier Alex…” Shige suddenly began.

Alex knew Shige was talking about the kiss. She was taken in utter surprise when he kissed her earlier. But she knew the moment his lips touched her that it was something she wanted to happen as well and she found herself kissing him back.

Alex had fallen in love with Shige during her brief stay in Tokyo. She tried to suppress it telling herself that he was just being nice and that she was just here temporarily. But her emotions couldn’t be stopped. She kept it to herself knowing that it was just probably a one-sided affair. But when he kissed her tonight she knew there was something going on there as well.

Shige didn’t say anything to her after he kissed her. They didn’t talk about it on their way home but by the way he held her close after what happened told her that she had somehow touched him as well.

“What about earlier Shige?” Alex asked knowing they were bound to talk about it somehow.

“Alex I’m sorry about what happened earlier, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to kiss you. “ Shige suddenly said making Alex heart stop a beat.

“I…I’m sorry I didn’t mean to do it. It was my mistake. I got carried away.” Shige apologized.

“Carried away?” Alex echoed at lost for words.

“Maybe it was because of the view and when you said that you were leaving in a couple of days somehow added.” Shige went on.

“The mood somehow rubbed on me when it shouldn’t.” Shige gave a small laugh making it seem that the situation wasn’t such a big deal.

Alex recovered somehow. “Oh yeah a mistake you said.”

“Don’t worry I won’t let it happen again.” Shige assured her. “It was just a random thing what happened earlier.”

Shige’s words were biting into Alex’s heart. Wasn’t it just a few minutes ago that she was thinking maybe Shige feels that same way about her. But she quickly got her answer as Shige said he didn’t mean what happen.

“Hey Alex we’re still good right?” Shige said trying to make things light. “Maybe you can come and see us in rehearsals tomorrow.”

“Yeah maybe. Alex couldn’t take anymore. “Hey got to go Shige. I am sleepy and I need some rest.” Alex made up an excuse.

“Oh alright. I’ll see you around then Alex. Goodnight.” Shige said and Alex hung up.

Alex just sat by the couch unable to do anything, unsure about how she should feel about the whole situation. She was caught off-guard by Shige’s sudden admittance. She would be lying if she said she wasn’t affected and at the moment she felt hurt. It felt like her heat was gonna burst a tight grip was holding it.

Vanna was right when she said that she shouldn’t assume. She was wrong in thinking that the kiss meant something. It was wrong for her to think that Shige probably felt the same way as she was feeling for him but she was obviously wrong.

Alex looked up the ceiling trying to suppress some tears that were threatening to fall. This wasn’t a situation worth crying for or worth lingering on. It was a mistake like what Shige said. Kissing her was a mistake.

It was a few more minutes before Alex was finally able to drag herself off the couch and into the room to finally rest.

an upadte again yay!!!
few more chapters and we're done
as usual comments are appreciated