The Phones

Natsumi got home still in a bad mood, angry for the thief but at the same time somehow happily excited. The main problem she was dealing with was her lack of knowledge of what she really wants and not having anyone to talk to. Obviously Kiki would get crazy if she found out, and the girl doubted that the younger sister would miss the opportunity to keep her favourite idol close. There was also their neighbour, the owner of the market she used to work part-time in and sporadically now when there is no one else available, who proclaimed herself as sister’s protector after their mother's death. Even though girls loved this old lady like their own grandma, Natsumi wouldn’t trust her quite strict approach to life.

She mussed her hair dramatically and looked at parent’s photo, standing on the bureau. They were posing there smiling and being happily in love, expecting their first child, who was holding the frame with this moment frozen with a camera. What would your advice be? Follow your heart or don’t repeat our mistakes?, she asked knowing perfectly she would never hear their voices again.

“How did you get that?!” Kiki’s scream made her jump in fear.

“You little curious rascal. Who let you search my stuff?” The older sister tried to reprimand the younger one.

“I did let myself.” She was spreading all the gifts on the table with delight on her teen face. “This had to cost a fortune, why did you get it?”

“I won it in a dedicated lottery.” Natsumi lied when Kiki was still focused on something else, so she wouldn’t be busted. “I just heard about it at work and forgot that I took part until they told me to finally get the reward.”

“Mhhm.”

Natsumi felt relieved, hoping it would be enough and when the first excitement would disappear, nothing would seem suspicious to Kiki. She wanted to again give Kazuya her thanks, but stopped when still there was no answer for the message she sent him earlier. Maybe I shouldn’t mention this was my first kiss? I really need to hold my temper, the worry started to shape in her mind, but there was no way she could hide the smile, while watching Kiki being simply happy.

The truth was different. Kazuya wanted to keep their conversation going, even if it had to be via phones. However the boss got a sudden surge of genius and wanted to announce the concept and songs for their next mini album. He was a control freak and his ego was highly confident about his infallibility when it comes to making success issues. Kazuya once asked why everyone called him per boss and as an answer he heard that he liked the sound of this word and Rokuro added that according to the rumors, he is a great fan of mafia movies.

They all were stressed and Kenny the most, because of being late and not close enough to reach and get to the company fast. He did everything to hide his second phone and not get the boss suspicious. I forgot to put it on silent!, he panicked in one moment. Please Natsumi don't contact me until this ends. Even though I want it so badly, he didn't believe in telepathy between lovers, but this time he tried to desperately use it.

The owner of the company already had feeling something was going on and was observing the group more closely, however he was glad that Kenny stopped with his ridiculous rebellion phase and started being more compliant than before. There was no doubt that the group grew closer lately, when their bond earlier was on the brink of breaking. So after giving them the news and not hearing any objections as usual, he let them go. Being alone later, he was thinking about the situation and finally chose the number on a phone. The conversation didn't take long but was enough to make the boss quite glad, knowing everything will be perfectly in order soon.

The group felt relieved when they got back to their place. For the moment Kazuya was the person the rest got a bit angry with, but quickly the topic changed to how disappointed they were. Of course negotiating might take place, however the boss would have his way, so they stopped trying and just wanted to survive until their contract would end. They never talked about what will happen when this time will be getting close but none of them wanted to stay with the company any longer. After all the money was earned, they didn't get free access to it yet. The whining let clean the atmosphere and feel the unity again, as they knew the hard work will start very soon. Rokuro, Nao and Sho decided to spend the rest of the evening in a gym and Tadao was going out. Now only assumption could be made if the reason was Sakura or not.

Kazuya realized it was really for the best if they didn't know anything. He wasn't in the mood to go out anywhere or to do anything, so the bed was the only place to get some rest and feel comfortable. Analyzing pros and cons was never his good side, so he tried to call Natsumi. The girl didn’t expect that and hid frantically in her room, hoping that Kiki would be so invested in gifts, so she wouldn’t notice older’s sister weird behaviour and it was only getting worse. Natsumi, before picking up the phone, fixed her hair and looked in the mirror, making sure she was looking good, realizing how stupid it was seconds later. Even when both of them wanted to talk no one could start the conversation.

“I want to thank you once again. Kiki is very happy.”

Kazuya couldn’t help but smile, because after waiting really long he was afraid she wouldn't pick up the phone, but she did and her voice sounded so lovely like he could listen only to it forever. His heart was beating like crazy, filled with joy and excitement because of that simple talk they were having.

“Like I said earlier, it’s really nothing. And I wanted to apologize, not for the kiss, because I don’t regret it,” he admitted nonchalantly, and heard Natsumi's non-negative sight, more like this kind of where the faint smile is still on the face. “But I am so sorry for running away again. I…”. The hesitation: How much can I say?

“Be honest. That’s all I asked.”

Natsumi was still torn. She knew going further won’t bring any good, but also couldn’t just say stop now. Her mind started a fight with her heart.. It wasn’t just Kazuya’a handsome face, it couldn’t impress her, as she was seeing it every day, but had to admit that he looks better in reality. Something mysterious attracted her to him, so she actually did talk to him the very first time.

“It’s just my boss, who wanted to share some news with us about a new comeback, so I will be really busy for a while, but not as much so not to go for another date with you.” The girl closed her eyes, this man showed up in front of her, the hateress raised right away, always waiting to remind of itself and her hand clenched on the phone. She felt like drawing into darkness again, but then the light came. “I don’t want to talk about it and him especially.”

“Me neither.”

“So if you can spare me some time, may I ask what your favourite color is?”