Escapism °• | NANA Fanfiction

[Chapter 1] My name Is Nanami

"Nanami, do you remember the first time we met?"

I stood at the airport terminal, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and anxiety. My parents and siblings surrounded me, their faces a blend of pride and tears. They had meticulously ensured everything was ready for my move to Tokyo—my apartment was sorted, my bags were packed, and every detail was double-checked.

"Nanami, remember to call us as soon as you land," my mother said, her voice trembling slightly. She had her hair in a low ponytail as usual, and as she hugged me tightly, I smelled my dad's perfume on her neck. 'Love Smell Fragrance.'

"I will, Mom," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. I wanted to desperately leave; I was ready to finally be free.

My father placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "We'll always be proud of you."

His words took me by surprise. I had heard him say it before—that he was proud of me. But now, it felt like his last words. My eyes started to hurt, and I forced myself to smile. If I cried now, I would never leave. I nodded to all of them, taking my pink carry-on through to security.

I tried not to dwell on the fact that it would be months before I saw them again. But at least I was free.

The flight to Tokyo felt like a blur. Before I knew it, I was stepping off the plane and into the bustling energy of the city. The taxi ride to my apartment was filled with glimpses of towering buildings and neon lights, a stark contrast to the quiet suburbia I had left behind. Getting my boxes out of the taxi, I looked up at the apartment. It was daunting. It was the cheapest I could go without losing out on quality, but it just had one problem—no stairs.

I stared absentmindedly up the first flight of stairs. I had two large boxes and one little one; I was going to break something in my back. I sighed and braced myself, grabbing the first large box up one stair at a time. By the time I had reached the end of the first set of stairs, I was exhausted. Looking down at the other two boxes, I felt helpless. Would I be here all day? If my prince in shining armor was around the corner, he needed to make his entrance right now!

I waited for a moment, but there was no prince. I sighed. Life isn't a fairy tale; why did I think something stupid like that?

"Need any help?"

I turned to see a tall man with an imposing presence standing at the bottom of the stairs. He wore dark sunglasses and had several piercings in each ear. A cigarette dangled from his mouth, giving him an air of effortless coolness. His sharp suit and confident attitude made him look like he had just stepped out of a movie. Also, he was bald!

I felt a bit scared; I really didn't want him to help but I had no choice. "Yes, please." I said, my voice surprisingly meek. He smiled and grabbed both boxes, bringing them up the stairs easily. Compared to my struggling and heaving, he climbed the 7 flights of stairs without any issue.

'I need to start exercising.'

"Thank you so much, I don't have anything right now, can I treat you to a drink later on?" I asked nervously. I really didn't have anything to give him right now but I owed him.

He took out his cigarette and smiled at me, "Don't worry about it, who wouldn't help a pretty girl like you? At least I got to be your knight in shining armour."

Holy shit.

He was charming, like make-your-heart-skip-a-beat charming. 

"No, I insist. I'm Nanami, by the way. I live here in 705." I searched my pockets for my phone quickly. "If I had your number, I could get you that drink?" This was me shooting my shot.