楽園のワンピース | A Piece Of Paradise | Rakuen No Wanpīsu |✔

9: Thoughts

(Yudai's POV)

I tapped my foot as I was waiting for the train to get to work. Sota had called me in the middle of the night to inform me and Saki confessed to him, and they're dating now. I'm really happy for him~ I'm sure Saki-san will make a really trustful and loyal girlfriend.

Heh, and me? The man who gives such wise relationship advice, and yet the man who is hopelessly in love with someone he couldn't have~

Soulmates, eh? I laughed at my own stupid belief. It wasn't just her pretty face that I liked about Arisa-chan. She is so modest, and she was so cheerful and sweet. I'd met her once during a photoshoot, and had got into a conversation.

The way she spoke to me was not like a "celebrity" at all. She was so humble, and addressed me as 'Ohno-san' and even said that she listens to Da-iCE songs. She said that we were an amazing group and deserves more recognition. Maybe that was when I first fell in love with her.

I was almost close to getting completely lost in these thoughts when I heard the far-off rumble of the train. As it stopped, I climbed in. Luckily for me, this train that passed through my lane was usually almost empty so I was able to sit anywhere and make myself comfortable.

I stepped into a cabin and unlocked my phone as I sat down. There was a message from Sota.

S: I and Sa-chan have planned on a date this weekend~ Thank you so much for your advice, Yudai-kun!!
(///▽///)
I smiled and quickly typed a reply.
Y: Hahah, good for you!! (　^ω^)
The reply came as quick as lightning.
S: Hn!!
And he sent me a selfie they'd taken together.
Y: Aw, rather than a guy and a girl, it looks like two girls~ (๑・v・๑)
S: Yamero!! No, it doesn't! (〒︿〒)
Y: Okay, fine ('･_･') I need to go now~ S: Okay, babaaii~~ (∩＿∩)

I sighed and kept my phone in my pocket. I looked out of the window. The rainy climate seemed to have ceased for I could see bright sunshine filtering through the windows.

It was just then that someone else came into the cabin in a hurry. The person's face was almost completely covered. She had huge sunglasses on, a scarf and a beanie. I wondered why anyone would wear an outfit like that in such a warm climate.

My gaze turned to the window again.
I could see meadows and some lands where wheat was ready to be harvested, so the crops were shining bright and golden. My apartment was probably the furthest away from the Avex Headquarters so I had tons of time to relax.

"Uh, ano~" My thoughts were interrupted by the weird girl sitting straight ahead of me.

"Hm?" I asked, vaguely remembering that I've heard her voice somewhere.

"You're Ohno-san right?" The girl asked hesitantly, as she removed her glasses and scarf. To my surprise, it was Arisa-chan!

"Ah! It's you, Kayashima-san," I laughed a little, trying to maintain my tone.

"Yeah," she chuckled. "I was wearing all these scarf and stuff because I didn't want to be recognized."

"Oh yeah," I smiled.

"Um, so~" She began. "How are you these days?"

I didn't know why I was blushing so much like an idiot. I tried not to seem too eager to talk to her so I just said: "Yeah, I'm okay, you?"

"Ah, I'm really busy these days, but yeah working is fun," she smiled. "By the way, I think its better if we just be more friendly with each other. So just call me Arisa."

"Sure," her smile was too contagious, and I failed at keeping my calm and grinned. "Call me Yudai then."

(Arisa's POV)

I was wondering if he was not in the mood to speak until he flashed his smile at me. He looked so handsome. I mentally slapped myself for thinking that way. But I was sure all I had on him was a celebrity crush. Nothing serious.

"Arisa-chan?" Yudai waved his hand in front of me as I blinked and looked at him. "Earth to Arisa~" he chuckled.

"I'm sorry," I giggled, but tried to hold myself back from laughing out loud.

"Anyway, nice to meet you, Yudai-san," I smiled, holding out my hand.

"Kun," he corrected, then blushed a little. "I mean, 'San' is too formal."

"Okay, nice to meet you, Yudai-kun," I said again as we shook hands.

"We've met before," he reminded me.

"I know, but I feel like this is the first time we're meeting alone, and intimately." I pressed my lips, while smiling.

"So, um-" he looked for a conversation-starter. "Where are you headed to?"

"The station after Avex Headquarters," I said. I knew he was on his way to work "

"So we have tons of time to talk," he chuckled. I tried my best not to laugh too much.

"Indeed," I said. "Lets just get to know each other more."

If I had to say all we talked about the next half an hour, I'd be here all day. We conversed about various topics - works, hobbies, interests, memories. I was really happy to know him more. His laugh was so contagious, and he was an amazing person.

"Ah, my station!!" Yudai suddenly said. "I got completely lost in the conversation!"

I was sick of holding in my laughter for so long, especially as he made the funniest jokes. The issue was, I usually had a weird laugh and I would snort while laughing. A lot of people had made fun of me, but my stupid self-esteem wasn't affected even then. But unfortunately this time I laughed out loud, immediately covering my mouth afterwards.

Yudai laughed too. "So that's why you were holding back from laughing too much," he observed. For a moment, I thought he'd diss me for that too. I didn't know what to say.

"Y-yeah."

"I like it though. It's cute. I think you should laugh more," his answer was so heartwarming. I couldn't help but blush.

"Thanks," I stuttered, awkwardly. "Well, see you then!!"

"Bye," he chuckled, and rubbed my hair. "Oh and do you mind exchanging numbers? We could keep in touch, ya know~"

"S-sure~" I mumbled with an awkward smile, as I gave him my number. I watched him get off.

For a moment, I sat there in silence. I felt so flustered. Just a celebrity crush? I think not~

A/N: Sorry about the late update, guys! Hope you liked this chapter~