My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend

Chapter 8

Author’s Notes: Eighth chapter here. It’s Minako and Makoto’s time to shine! Enjoy reading the story first and I’ll explain a few things after the story. Thanks!

Disclaimer: I do not own My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend, the characters of Sailor Moon, Guitar Hero, Dance Dance Revolution, Tekken 6, and the lyrics of the song “Livin’ La Vida Loca”.

Minako, wearing mini shorts and a white T-shirt with a cartoon panda print, and Makoto, wearing a fitted black T-shirt and mini shorts, are sleeping beside each other on a king-size bed. Their backs are turned against each other and they are covered by a large blue comforter. Someone pulls the large comforter, exposing their scantily-dressed bodies to the 16-degree Celsius (60.8-degree Fahrenheit) room temperature. Minako and Makoto shiver. Their teeth chatter and they also feel someone tickling their feet. Both of them turn around. Minako’s face lands on Makoto’s well-endowed bosom. Minako finds it hard to breathe with her face buried on Makoto’s chest. Meanwhile, Makoto also finds it hard to breathe because something heavy is on her chest. Makoto opens her eyes and finds Minako on her chest. She shoves Minako’s face away from her chest. Minako opens her eyes and finds Makoto with a shocked look on her face. Minako and Makoto hear someone laughing. They turn their attentions to Haruka, who is standing near the edge of the bed. Haruka is wearing a black jacket over a gray T-shirt, black pants, and rubber shoes.

“Rise and shine, Minako-chan, Makoto-chan.” Haruka said with a smile on her face. “Breakfast will be ready in an hour. Take a shower and let’s all eat breakfast together.”

Minako and Makoto get up. They race to the bathroom.

Haruka stops her yellow convertible sports car on a nearby sidewalk. Minako and Makoto get out of Haruka’s car.

“Thanks Haruka!”

“Hey, that was fun last night. Here’s an extra for your wonderful services.”

Haruka gets money from her wallet and gives it to Minako and Makoto.

“No Haruka… you don’t have to…” Minako says.

“Yeah. You’ve already given us a lot.” Makoto says.

Just as Minako and Makoto were to return the money to Haruka, Haruka holds both of their hands and looks at them with puppy dog eyes.

“I insist.”

“Yes… yes… thank you.” Makoto’s stare is glued to Haruka.

“Yeah… thanks Haruka.” Minako blushes.

Minako and Makoto accept the money. Minako puts her money on her purse while Makoto puts her money on her bra.

“Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to win my girlfriend back.” Haruka says.

“Good luck with Setsuna!” Minako says.

“Yeah Haruka! Do your best!” Makoto says.

“I will. Thanks girls. Goodbye.”

Haruka starts her car and speeds away.

Minako and Makoto, while walking on the sidewalk, see Usagi from afar.

“Hey Usagi.” Minako waves at Usagi.

Usagi notices Minako and Makoto. She approaches them.

“Hey you guys. How’s your night with that asshole? Don’t tell me you guys did a lot of perverted things together?” Usagi asks.

“Actually we didn’t.” Makoto replies.

“Eh?” Usagi is surprised.

Flashback

Haruka, Minako, and Makoto arrive at the 3rd floor of Haruka’s mansion. They tread a wide well-lit hallway, resembling a hotel hallway. When they reached the 5th door, Haruka gets a key from her pocket. Using that key, Haruka unlocks and opens the door. Haruka switches the lights on. Makoto and Minako see a huge room filled with game machines of all sorts. They are wide-eyed.

“Minako-chan, Makoto-chan, welcome to my game room. Come on in.” Haruka says.

Haruka lets Makoto and Minako into the room. She closes the door afterwards.

“So… you like it here? We’re going to have lots of fun here.” Haruka says.

“Oh wow. I never thought you’re into role-playing, Haruka!” Makoto says.

Makoto sees a large air hockey table and shoves Haruka onto it. Haruka loses her balance and lands flat on her back on the air hockey table. Makoto straddles and pins Haruka on the air hockey table. She begins unbuttoning Haruka’s shirt.

“Whoa!” Haruka says while staring at Makoto’s cleavage.

Makoto feels someone tapping her shoulder. She turns around and sees Minako with her arms crossed. Minako has a threatening look on her face.

“Not fair. You’re hogging Haruka all to yourself! Step aside.” Minako says.

Minako pushes Makoto away from Haruka. Makoto gets off Haruka. Minako, this time, straddles and pins Haruka on the air hockey table. She picks up where Makoto left off, continuing to unbutton Haruka’s shirt. Haruka’s white T-shirt underneath her long-sleeved shirt is now exposed. Minako removes her T-shirt, exposing her bra, and looks at Haruka straight in the eyes.

“So… you want to put your coins in my coin slot?” Minako says in a seductive manner.

Haruka grins and suddenly bursts into laughter. Minako has a puzzled look on her face. Makoto sweatdrops.

“Whoa whoa whoa. I didn’t invite you girls here to do naughty things. Although, I admit it’s tempting.”

“Eh?”

Both Minako and Makoto are dumbfounded. Minako gets off Haruka. Her face is red from embarrassment. She gets her T-shirt and puts it back on. Haruka gets up and buttons back her shirt.

“Huh? But didn’t you say this?” Makoto clears her throat and mimics Haruka’s deep husky voice. “Hmm… I could use some fun later on. Come to think of it, I’d like to take both of you home with me. If I’m impressed with your performance, I’ll give you both a bonus. What do you say?”

“Yes, I did say that but I meant something else. Right now, I need company. It’s really boring playing here all alone.” Haruka says.

“So you mean?” Makoto asks.

“Let’s play games together. What game do you want to play first?” Haruka asks.

Minako points to the racing game machines. “Oh oh oh! Let’s race!”

“Excellent choice Minako-chan. If you two can beat me, I’ll give you a bonus.”

“We can do that, can’t we, Minako?” Makoto says.

“Yes, yes. We can do that!” Minako and Makoto do a high five.

“Alright. If you say so.”

Haruka leads the girls to the racing game machines. There are three racing game machines in Haruka’s game room. Haruka occupies the first machine, Minako occupies the second machine, and Makoto occupies the last machine. The racing game starts. Minako and Makoto step on the accelerator and start driving. Minutes later, Minako notices Haruka hasn’t started driving yet. Haruka has her arms crossed.

“Haruka, why aren’t you driving?” Minako asks.

“I’m giving you two a handicap.” Haruka replies.

“Handicap? What are you talking about? We’re almost finished with the second lap.” Makoto says.

Haruka, with an arrogant look on her face, suddenly steps on the accelerator, puts her hands on the steering wheel, and starts driving. She catches up with Minako and Makoto’s pace and overtakes their cars. Minako and Makoto are wide-eyed and their jaws drop. Haruka finishes in first place. Minako finishes in second while Makoto finishes third.

“No way!” Minako and Makoto say in unison.

“Tsk. I guess there’s no bonus for you girls just yet.” Haruka smirks.

End of Flashback

“Eh? So let me get this straight… that asshole paid you to be her companions?” Usagi asks.

“That’s right!” Makoto says.

“Apparently, we misunderstood Haruka’s concept of fun. It’s embarrassing.” Minako says.

“What else did you guys do together?” Usagi asks.

“Well, we played basketball, Guitar Hero, Dance Dance Revolution, air hockey, skee ball, and Tekken 6. Makoto and I were able to beat Haruka in Dance Dance Revolution and air hockey so we were able to get a bonus.” Minako laughs out loud.

“Yeah. I had so much fun last night. Haruka taught us how to play those games. We also had an awesome dinner and breakfast. Haruka’s mansion is like a hotel! And oh we also slept in this king-size bed and air-conditioned room! It was sooo comfortable! I’ve never experienced anything like this in my life before.” Makoto says.

“Yeah! It was awesome! And… we even got paid!” Minako says.

“You know what, Haruka seems like an asshole on the outside but something tells me that she’s actually kind-hearted.” Makoto says.

“Haruka isn’t bad at all.” Minako nods.

“I still don’t believe you guys. She obviously paid you lots of money that’s why you’re saying nice things about her. What time is it already?” Usagi asks.

“15 minutes to 10AM.” Minako says.

“Oh no! I’m going to be late! I’m off to school, guys. Bye!”

“Bye Usagi!” Makoto says.

“Take care!” Minako says.

Usagi runs away leaving Makoto and Minako behind.

Haruka rides in an elevator carrying a bouquet of flowers. A short, fat woman, wearing glasses and corporate clothes, is beside her in the elevator. Haruka starts practicing her apologetic lines, not minding the woman beside her.

“I’m sorry Setsuna…”

Haruka breathes in and practices one more time.

“Much softer than that…”

Haruka clears her throat.

“I’m sorry Setsuna… please give me another chance.” Haruka says in a softer voice.

“It’s much more effective if I use this…”

Haruka gets a small bottle of eye drops from her pocket. She opens the bottle and puts a few drops on her eyes to simulate tears.

“I’m sorry Setsuna… I made a mistake.” Haruka sobs.

The elevator door opens. The woman beside Haruka exits the elevator.

“Crazy!” The woman shouts to Haruka.

Haruka, still practicing her lines, arrives on the floor of Setsuna’s office. She slowly approaches Setsuna’s office. The door on Setsuna’s office is open. From afar, Haruka sees Setsuna with another man. The man is tall. He has a short pink spiky hair and he’s wearing a suit. Setsuna is fixing the man’s tie. Haruka turns around with a sad look on her face. An office girl, with long black hair and purple eyes, walks towards Haruka’s direction. Haruka gets in the way of the office girl.

“Excuse me. You can have this.”

Haruka gives the bouquet of flowers to the office girl. The girl blushes and watches Haruka leave. The office girl walks away, carrying a bouquet of flowers. Setsuna and the man walk out of Setsuna’s office. Setsuna sees a glimpse of Haruka.

“Haruka!”

Setsuna excuses herself from her male companion. “Uh… wait a minute.”

Setsuna tries to chase Haruka but it was too late.

It’s 8PM. Usagi and Mamoru are in a poetry café. Usagi and Mamoru are seated at a table near the stage. Mamoru’s arm is around Usagi’s shoulder. He is focused on listening to a guy reciting a poem on the stage.

“Mamo-chan, I want to tell you something.” Usagi says.

“Sshh. Later, okay? I can’t hear him.” Mamoru is slightly irritated by Usagi’s interruption.

Minutes later, Usagi falls asleep. The audience gives the poet a round of applause. Usagi awakens from her slumber.

“The poem’s good.” Mamoru says to Usagi while clapping his hands.

“Yes… yes it is.” Usagi, with a bored look on her face, just nods and joins the crowd by clapping her hands.

It’s 10 in the morning. Mamoru, wearing a white short-sleeved button shirt, jeans, and rubber shoes, enters Haruka’s mansion. Haruka, wearing a white t-shirt, green cargo shorts, and sandals, is busy shining her red motorbike while drinking a glass of beer. Mamoru sees Haruka drinking and approaches her.

“Haruka, why are you drinking at this hour?” Mamoru asks.

“You want some?” Haruka offers Mamoru some beer.

“I’m not here to have a drink with you. I’ll be going back to America. My flight’s tonight.”

Haruka stands up. “That’s so fast.”

“I just visited for a while so I can see Usagi. I didn’t tell Mommy. She thinks I’m in San Diego.”

“Dude, don’t go just yet. You know that I still have a problem with Setsuna. I fell for her. Really deep.”

“You? Fall in love?” Mamoru laughs out loud. “That’s just your ego. You can’t accept that she already replaced you with someone else. And what did I tell you about having a relationship with a woman 15 years older than you are?”

“Whatever man.” Haruka hands over her drink to Mamoru. “I still want her back.”

Haruka leaves Mamoru and heads to the garage. Mamoru follows her.

“Your problem is easy. If you want a girl back, then why don’t you just make her jealous? Didn’t you make her jealous before that’s why she agreed to be your girlfriend? So make her jealous again so she’ll come back to you.” Mamoru says.

“Make her jealous?” Haruka opens the hood of her yellow convertible sports car and checks the engine. “That’s right. But who’s the girl to make Setsuna jealous? She knows all my friends.”

Mamoru chuckles. “Is that even a problem for you?”

Haruka closes the hood of her car. Haruka and Mamoru ride on Haruka’s car. Haruka is seated in the driver’s seat while Mamoru is seated in the front seat.

“Haruka, by the way, take care of Usagi. Visit her at the bar sometimes. When someone will try to touch her, hit him for me. Okay?”

“Mamoru… about Usagi…”

“What about her?”

“Okay, I’ll take care of her.”

It’s afternoon. The bar where Usagi works hasn’t started its business just yet. Haruka, wearing a brown jacket over a white collared shirt, jeans, and rubber shoes, enters the bar. Minako, Makoto, the flamboyant gay man (from Chapter 7), and a few other girls hound her.

“Haruka! How are you?” Minako asks Haruka.

“I’m fine. Where’s Usagi?” Haruka replies.

“There.” Makoto points to Usagi, who’s dancing to the tune of Ricky Martin’s Livin’ La Vida Loca (that’s playing on the bar’s stereo) while mopping the floor.

Haruka sees Usagi, who is wearing pink T-shirt, jeans, and rubber shoes. Minako and the others leave Haruka alone.

Upside, inside out she’s livin’ la vida loca
She’ll push and pull you down, livin’ la vida loca
Her lips are devil red and her skin’s the color mocha
She will wear you out livin’ la vida loca Come On!
Livin’ la vida loca, come on!
She’s livin’ la vida loca.

Haruka approaches Usagi and taps her shoulder. Usagi turns around and sees Haruka.

Usagi loses grips of the mop. Her eyes widen and her jaw drops. “What are you doing here, you asshole?”

“You know what? You’re really a good dancer.” Haruka says to Usagi with a teasing look on her face.

“What is it? Why are you here?”

“You owe me something.”

“What?”

“I won’t tell my bestfriend about the things you’re doing when he’s not around if you do me a little favor.”

“No thanks. I’m not interested.”

Usagi picks up the mop and resumes mopping the floor. Haruka mocks her.

“So it’s okay if Mamoru finds out that you’re dancing in stag parties and you even let others kiss you?”

Usagi’s grip on the mop tightens. Usagi suddenly lifts the mop up and threatens to hit Haruka with the mop. “How about if I hit you with this?”

Haruka backs away and raises her arms in surrender. “Okay. Just try. I will tell him.”

“No, don’t.” Usagi puts the mop down. “What do you want me to do?”

Usagi goes back to mopping the floor.

“It’s simple. I won’t tell Mamoru about the crazy things you’re doing if you’ll agree to be my new girlfriend to make my ex-girlfriend jealous. No strings attached. Once she comes back to me, our deal’s off.”

Usagi stops mopping and faces Haruka. “Wait! Why does it have to be me? There are others. There’s Minako and Makoto. Use them! They’re prettier and sexier!”

“I don’t want other girls. I want you because I know I’m safe with you. I won’t fall for girls like you.”

Haruka touches Usagi’s shoulder.

“Ehehehe… Take your hands off me. That’s your problem!”

Usagi removes Haruka’s hand from her shoulder and walks away.

“Oh really! I wonder what time it is right now in San Diego.” Haruka looks at her watch and gets her cellphone from her pocket. “I’ll just ask my bestfriend Mamoru how he’s doing.”

Usagi rushes back to Haruka. “Wait a minute. What do you want to happen?”

Haruka puts her cellphone back in her pocket. She crosses her arms and just gives Usagi a smug look.

To be continued…

Additional Author’s Notes: Human sexuality is complex and that’s the case with Minako and Makoto. Minako and Makoto found Haruka physically and financially attractive in this story and well, they don’t really care about her gender. Haruka is handsome after all. Minako and Makoto, also see Haruka as an opportunity to earn money. Haruka is rich and Minako and Makoto will never let an opportunity to earn money pass them by.

Also, in this story, Haruka is 25 years old, Mamoru is 26 years old, Usagi, Makoto, and Minako are 23 years old, and Setsuna is 40 years old.

Sorry guys. No naughty scenes for this story. This story is rated Fiction T and I intend to keep it that way. The misleading naughty scene between Haruka, Minako, and Makoto was intended for comedy purposes. If you’ve got any more questions, suggestions, grammatical/typographical error correction and other concerns, then don’t hesitate to leave a review! Positive and negative reviews are all welcome.

To my anonymous reviewers (Alex Tenoh, James Birdsong, and Kilter), thank you very much for reading and dropping by to review my story! I really appreciate your reviews. Really glad you liked the story and found the story funny.

Stay tuned for more chapters. Thanks!

My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend

Chapter 7

Author’s Notes: Seventh chapter up! Added a new book cover for this story. The book cover was ripped off from the original movie poster and yes, I did steal an image of Usagi and Haruka from Google images. Hey, it’s the internet and besides, I don’t really know how to draw. My apologies for being a thief. Anyway, have fun reading this next chapter! Stay tuned for more chapters.

Disclaimer: I do not own My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend and the characters of Sailor Moon. I also do not own the image of Haruka and Usagi in that book cover I made. I do not and will never intend to use the ones mentioned above to gain profit. This is just for fun.

Haruka, wearing a white long-sleeved button shirt with vertical stripes, jeans, and rubber shoes, and Mamoru, wearing a gray long-sleeved button shirt, jeans, and rubber shoes, are inside Mamoru’s red sports car. Haruka is seated in the front seat while Mamoru is driving. Haruka is talking to someone on her cellphone.

“Damn you Motoki! Why did you tell Setsuna?”

“Sorry Haruka. I slipped. Your girlfriend surpasses the military intelligence when it comes to investigation skills. It’s a good thing I didn’t show her your video.”

“Video? What video?”

Motoki laughs. “Dude! You already have a sex scandal!”

“Dude, you better delete that!”

Motoki does an evil laugh. “Delete huh? Here’s for you.”

Motoki hits the send button on his cellphone.

“Dude, what video is that? Let me see!” Mamoru says.

“Nothing dude. It was recorded during the stag party.” Haruka says.

Mamoru laughs. “Tsk. No wonder Setsuna broke up with you. You’re really an asshole.”

“Dude, she was still hot-tempered that time. I can still get her. Just wait. We’ll be back together.”

“By the way Haruka, when I introduce Usagi to you, don’t be so arrogant okay? If not, I’ll beat you up into a bloody pulp.”

“Dude, I might even steal her from you.”

“Don’t do that.”

Mamoru and Haruka laugh. Haruka’s cellphone rings. Haruka opens the video file Motoki had sent to her cellphone. After getting a glimpse of her video, she closes the video right away.

“Motoki is really crazy.” Haruka just rolls her eyes.

Mamoru attempts to grab Haruka’s cellphone using his right hand. Mamoru’s left hand is on the steering wheel. Haruka maintains a firm grip on her cellphone so Mamoru was unable to grab it. Mamoru attempts to grab Haruka’s cellphone the second time around. They do a cellphone tug-of-war.

“Let me see it!” Mamoru insists, pulling Haruka’s cellphone towards his side.

“Wait! Wait! We might get in an accident!” Haruka protests, pulling her cellphone towards her side.

“Just let me see.”

“Later!”

Mamoru lets go of Haruka’s cellphone. Haruka keeps her cellphone in her pocket.

“You promised Haruka. You will show that to me later.”

“Yeah yeah Mamoru. You might get envious because I get hotter chicks than you do.”

Haruka and Mamoru laugh. Mamoru parks the car near the bar where Usagi works.

The bouncer, a tall brawny man wearing all black, lets Haruka and Mamoru in the bar where Usagi works. The bar is poorly-lit with only the colorful stage lights and some dim yellow lights illuminating the whole place. Mostly male customers hang out in this place to watch scantily-dressed women dancing on the stage. Among those scantily-dressed women are Minako and Makoto. Minako is doing a pole dance while Makoto is dancing on the stage together with other women. Mamoru and Haruka, upon entering the bar, are greeted by a flamboyant gay man wearing women’s clothes and heavy makeup.

“Oh! So handsome!”

The gay man startles Mamoru and Haruka. Mamoru and Haruka ignore the gay man. The gay man leaves them alone.

“Why do we have to meet your girlfriend in this kind of place?” Haruka asks.

“Dude, this is where she works.” Mamoru answers.

“What exactly is her job?”

“She’s a waitress.”

“Oh… a waitress. I see.” Haruka nods.

Mamoru spots Usagi. Usagi is around 6 feet away from where Mamoru and Haruka are standing and is serving beer to some customers. She is wearing her usual uniform to work – red T-shirt, mini-skirt, and high heels. Mamoru points to Usagi’s direction.

“That’s her.”

Haruka spots Usagi as well. Usagi’s back is facing her and Mamoru.

“Whoa. She’s sexy. That’s a compliment. Yes, a compliment.” Haruka says.

Haruka and Mamoru approach Usagi. Mamoru puts her hand on Usagi’s shoulder.

“Usako…”

Usagi turns around and sees Mamoru. She smiles at Mamoru.

“Mamo-chan…”

Usagi then turns her attention to Mamoru’s companion. Usagi’s eyes widen and her jaw drops upon seeing Haruka. Haruka, too, is wide-eyed upon seeing Usagi. Mamoru introduces Haruka to Usagi.

“Uh… by the way, this is Haruka. She’s my bestfriend.”

There is an awkward silence between Haruka and Usagi.

Usagi extends her hand to Haruka. “Hi.”

Haruka shakes Usagi’s hand.

“Ha! Have we met before? You look familiar.” Haruka says.

“No. This is the first time we’ve met.” Usagi replies.

“Are you sure?” Haruka raises her left eyebrow.

“Of course.”

Haruka puts her hands on her pocket and stares at the ceiling. Usagi draws herself close to Mamoru.

“Uh… Usako, what time is your shift again tomorrow?” Mamoru asks Usagi.

“The same.” Usagi replies.

“Okay, we’ll go out.”

“Okay.”

Haruka removes her hands from her pocket and puts her arm on Mamoru’s shoulder.

“Dude, you know what, let’s eat here.” Haruka suggests. “Uh… Usagi. Do you have cake here? A big cake?”

Usagi’s eyebrows are already twitching. She clenches her fists and sighs. “Okay. I’ll see.” Usagi replies in a calm manner.

Usagi turns her head to Mamoru. “Look for a table okay?”

“Okay.” Mamoru replies.

Haruka removes her arm from Mamoru’s shoulder. She crosses her arms. Usagi leaves. Haruka has a smug look on her face.

Usagi goes inside the dressing room. Usagi covers her face with a pillow and sulks in the corner. Minako, Makoto, and all the other girls have just finish dancing. They enter the dressing room. Minako finds Usagi sulking in the corner and approaches her.

“Usagi… what’s wrong?” Minako asks Usagi.

“It’s Mamoru. He introduced me to his bestfriend. You know who?”

“Who?”

“It’s Haruka! The asshole at the stag party.”

“Oh him… I remember him!”

“Actually Minako it’s ‘her’. Haruka is a girl.”

“No way!”

“Yes.”

“OMG! I can’t believe someone that handsome is a girl. Come to think of it, does Mamoru know about what happened in the stag party?”

“I don’t know if she said-”

Haruka suddenly enters the dressing room.

“I didn’t tell Mamoru. And thank me because I did not tell Mamoru that you were dancing nude.” Haruka says with a smug look on her face.

“I did not dance nude!” Usagi protests.

Minako interferes with Haruka and Usagi’s conversation. She walks in between Usagi and Haruka. Usagi backs away and gives Minako and Haruka space.

“Excuse me. That’s my job. You like me? I’m cheap.” Minako says to Haruka with a smile.

Makoto walks in and sees Haruka. Makoto’s face turns red and her eyes shine. She walks in between Minako and Haruka. Makoto faces Haruka and puts her arms on Haruka’s shoulder. Because Makoto is wearing skimpy clothes, Haruka can’t help but stare at Makoto’s well-endowed bosom.

“Hey handsome, I’m also cheap.” Makoto says while giving Haruka a seductive look in the eyes.

Minako taps Makoto’s shoulder. Makoto turns around. Minako gives Makoto a threatening stare.

“Makoto, I was here first.”

“So what? It’s obvious that between me and you, he’s going to pick me.”

“Actually, Haruka’s a girl…”

“Oh really?”

Makoto turns around and repeatedly examines Haruka from head to toe.

“Not a problem with me. She’s so handsome. Kyaaaaahhh!” Makoto puts her hands on her face, stomps her feet, and shouts like a fangirl. She also blushes.

“Hmm… I could use some fun later on. Come to think of it, I’d like to take both of you home with me. If I’m impressed with your performance, I’ll give you both a bonus. What do you say?” Haruka stares right into Minako’s eyes and then into Makoto’s eyes. She gives both of them a smile. Makoto’s face turns red. Minako livens up and shakes her head.

“YES! YES! I’m just going to change my clothes. Just wait here. Let’s have fun at your place!” Minako says.

“Ditto!” Makoto says.

“I can’t believe those two sold their souls to the devil.” Usagi sweatdrops.

Haruka grabs both Makoto and Minako’s arms. Haruka looks at them straight in the eyes.

“I won’t be hanging out here for long. I will be waiting for both of you outside. Minako-chan… Makoto-chan…”

Haruka has a mesmerizing look on her eyes. Minako and Makoto can feel electricity and lust running through their veins.

“YES! YES!” Minako and Makoto shriek in unison.

They hurry up to change their clothes and leave Haruka and Usagi alone. Haruka turns her attention to Usagi.

“You know what, I won’t tell Mamoru for now. But I’m telling you this. Don’t you ever cheat on him.”

Haruka smirks and turns her attention to the other girls who are changing their clothes in the dressing room. She checks on them while they are changing their clothes.

“Nice!”

Someone throws a high heel shoe at Haruka.

“Pervert!”

Haruka catches the shoe and puts it on a nearby table. After that, she gives the other girls a flying kiss and leaves. Minako, who is now wearing a white T-shirt with a cartoon panda print, mini shorts, and high heels, approaches Usagi.

“See? She’s so rude and perverted!” Usagi says.

“Yes, she’s a pervert! But I like her. She’s so handsome! I’d definitely go gay for her! And I’m looking forward to having fun with her tonight!” Minako says.

Makoto finishes changing her clothes and joins Usagi and Minako in their conversation. Makoto is now wearing a green dress and high heels.

“Minako, don’t hog Haruka all to yourself! You know what? My cash radar also says she’s rich!” Makoto says.

“I know right? It’s like killing two birds with one bone! We get to sleep with Haruka and we get to have money at the same time! Isn’t it convenient?”

Makoto decides to correct Minako. “Uh… Minako, don’t you mean ‘killing two birds with one stone’?

Minako laughs out loud. “It’s the same!” Minako laughs out loud again.

Usagi and Makoto sweatdrop.

To be continued…

My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend

Chapter 6

Author’s Notes: Sixth chapter here. Filipino words ahead! Read them before proceeding to read the story. Again, to those who added this chapter to their story alerts and favorites, thank you very much. Thanks for taking the time to read the story. Have fun reading and don’t forget to review!

Disclaimer: I do not own My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend, the characters of Sailor Moon, Facebook, and the definition of ADHD copied straight from Wikipedia.

List of Filipino words you will encounter along the way:

Tita – Filipino word for “aunt” or “auntie”. In this story, Setsuna uses “Tita” to refer to Haruka’s mom instead of “Ma’am” or “Mrs. Tenoh”. This means that Haruka’s mom is okay with Haruka having a girlfriend and that Setsuna gets along very well with Haruka’s mom.

Usagi’s mom, wearing a white duster, and Minako, still scantily-dressed, are seated at the dining table. Usagi, wearing green T-shirt and jeans, gets a pack of medicine from her bag and hands it over to her mom.

“Mom, here’s your medicine. It’s good for two weeks. There’s no reason for you to be sick anymore.”

Usagi also gets her pink leather wallet from her bag. She opens her wallet and gets money from it. She hands the money over to her mom.

“And oh… here Mom.”

Usagi’s mom is all wide-eyed.

“Where did you get this money, Usagi?”

Usagi and Minako stare at each other. There is an awkward silence between them.

“Uh… I got a part-time job Mom.” Usagi says.

“Part-time job? What kind?”

Minako stands up.

“Uhm… I asked her to…. uh… sell cake. Yes, cake. She was able to sell it so there you go… she has lots of money.”

Usagi gives Minako a threatening look in the eyes. Minako just grins.

“What kind of cake?” Usagi’s mom asks.

“It’s a big, delicious cake. People loved it so they ordered lots of it. Thanks to that, Usagi was able to get a big cut from the total earnings.” Minako answers.

“Thank you Minako.”

“Of course Mommy. Anything for you!” Minako sits down again. “You know what Mommy, I have another job for Usagi. But it seems like Usagi doesn’t want to go. It’s such a waste.”

Usagi pinches Minako’s right ear.

“You are so talkative!” Usagi says to Minako.

Minako just gives Usagi a trembling smile. Usagi lets go of Minako’s ear.

“Uh… mom. I’m going to school. Bye.”

Usagi kisses her mom on the cheek.

“You take care, Usagi.”

“Sure Mom.”

“Minako, take care of Mom. I’ll go now.”

Usagi grabs her books and her bag.

“Bye Usagi!” Minako says.

“Bye.” Usagi says.

Usagi leaves the house.

Haruka, wearing a short-sleeved black button shirt and jeans, goes down the stairs and into the living room. She sees her mom lying on the white leather couch, holding a glass filled with red wine. Haruka’s mom is a blonde woman in her 50s with medium-length hair. She is wearing a blue silk robe. Beside her is a small white table made of marble. On top of that table is a bottle of red wine and a bottle of isopropyl alcohol. Haruka grabs the wine glass from her mom’s hand.

“Mom, you’ve been drinking all day.”

“Give that back darling. Can’t you see I’m washing all my problems away?”

“You’re thinking about Dad again, aren’t you?”

“I don’t give a damn about that bastard and that whore of his. Give me my drink, Haruka.”

Haruka grabs the bottle of isopropyl alcohol from the table beside her mom. She gives the bottle of isopropyl alcohol to her mom.

“Here mom. This is more effective.”

Haruka walks away with her mom’s wine glass.

“Haruka, give me my drink back!” Haruka’s mom just sighs. She puts the isopropyl alcohol back on the marble table.

The doorbell rings. The maid rushes and opens the door. She sees Setsuna. Setsuna is wearing a blue dress and holding a white purse.

“Ma’am, it’s Miss Setsuna.”

The maid informs Haruka’s mom about Setsuna’s presence and lets Setsuna in. The maid walks away. Setsuna sees Haruka’s mom lying on the couch and approaches her. Haruka’s mom, in turn, sees Setsuna walking towards her.

“Setsuna. It’s you darling!”

“Hi Tita. How are you?”

“I’m fine. How about you?”

“I’m good.”

“You want to drink?” Haruka’s mom, still lying on the couch, gets the bottle of red wine and raises it up to offer to Setsuna.

“No thanks Tita.”

Haruka’s mom puts the bottle of red wine back on top of the table. Haruka comes back to the living room. She sees Setsuna and approaches her.

“Setsuna, what are you doing here?”

“Can we talk?”

“Okay sure. Right this way.”

Haruka goes upstairs. Setsuna follows her.

“Setsuna, what are you doing here? Don’t tell me you want to have fun?”

Haruka gives Setsuna a teasing look. Setsuna rolls her eyes and slaps Haruka right on the face.

“What did I do now?”

“I’ve had enough Haruka. I know what you did during the stag party.”

“Setsuna, I was just having fun.”

“Having fun? Well here.”

Setsuna pulls off the necklace she is wearing and shoves it right on Haruka’s chest. Haruka grabs the necklace and looks at it. It was the golden necklace she gave Setsuna during their first anniversary as a couple.

“Now, you can have all the good times you want!” Setsuna shouts at Haruka.

Setsuna walks away and leaves Haruka. Haruka, with a sad look on her face, watches Setsuna leave.

“Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a developmental disorder characterized primarily by ‘the co-existence of attentional problems and hyperactivity, with each behavior occurring infrequently alone’ and symptoms starting before seven years of age.’”

Usagi’s professor, a man in his 60s, is giving the class a lecture about ADHD. Every word that comes out of his mouth seems like a lullaby. Usagi can feel her eyelids getting heavy. Her vision is blurred and her consciousness is about to drift away. Before Usagi could fully close her eyes, her male seatmate taps her shoulder.

“Usagi… wake up…”

Usagi’s eyes are still heavy. This time, her seatmate resorts to shaking her.

“Usagi… the professor is looking at you…”

Usagi feels a sudden jolt of energy and wakes up. The bell rings.

“Okay, class dismissed.” The professor says.

One by one, Usagi’s classmates exit the room. Usagi fixes her things and approaches her professor.

“Uh… sir…”

“Yes?”

“I’m really sorry for sleeping in your class.”

“That’s okay Miss Tsukino. Just prove to me that you can catch up with the lessons.”

“Uh… by the way sir, I would like to seek help regarding my thesis.”

“Okay.”

Usagi gets a ream of paper from her bag and shows it to the professor.

While Usagi is going down the stairs from her school building to the school’s quadrangle, she hears a familiar voice calling out her name.

“Usako!”

Usagi turns to the direction where the voice was coming from and sees Mamoru. Mamoru is wearing a white short-sleeved button shirt, jeans, and rubber shoes. He also brought his red sports car along with him.

“Mamo-chan!”

Mamoru waves at Usagi. Usagi rushes to go down the stairs. Along the way, her foot misses a step and ends up losing her balance. She stumbles and rolls down from the stairs to the concrete pavement. Everyone stares at Usagi. Usagi just grins, makes a stand, and sweeps the dirt off of her clothes. She also picks her things up. Mamoru puts his palm on to his face and sweat drops. Usagi walks towards Mamoru. Mamoru and Usagi hug each other.

“Are you okay Usako?” Mamoru said with a worried look on his face.

“Yeah I’m okay. Still in one piece, I guess. When did you arrive?”

“Just yesterday.”

“Did you miss me?”

“Of course!”

Mamoru and Usagi hug once more. The second hug is tighter than the first one. Mamoru and Usagi look at each other straight in the eye.

“You know what? It would be better if we eat first.” Mamoru says.

“That’s a good idea, Mamo-chan!” Usagi agrees.

Mamoru opens the door of his red car for Usagi. Usagi hops into the front seat of Mamoru’s car. Mamoru closes the car’s door. Mamoru, in turn, hops in to his car’s driver seat and closes the door. Mamoru starts the car and they drive to a nearby restaurant.

In a restaurant, Usagi and Mamoru are seated at a table, facing each other.

“You’ve been in America for so long. I was worried you forgot about me.” Usagi says to Mamoru.

“No way. Why would I forget you?” Mamoru answers.

“Well… there’s the fact that you always fail to call me… and you never write me letters or even send me an e-mail. I also made a Facebook account but you never added me as a friend.”

“Sorry about that Usako… it’s just that I was so busy with a lot of things lately. I’ll make it up to you next time I promise.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

“How’s your mom by the way? Did you tell her about us already?”

“…” Mamoru looks away and pretends not to hear Usagi.

“Hello? Earth to Mamo-chan?”

“I’m sorry, were you saying something?”

Usagi crosses her arms, pouts her lips, and turns away from Mamoru.

“Uhmm… I… uhmm… I’m sorry Usako. I haven’t told her yet. I’m still looking for the right time to tell her. Hey, why are you sad?”

Mamoru tries to touch Usagi’s hands but Usagi resists by turning away from Mamoru. Usagi still has her arms crossed and there is a sad look on her face. An awkward silence surrounds Mamoru and Usagi. Suddenly, the waiter arrives. The waiter is carrying a huge tray with food and drinks in it. Mamoru and Usagi both ordered a beef teriyaki meal and two glasses of lemon iced tea.

“Sir, Ma’am, here’s your order.”

One by one, the waiter serves the food and drinks Mamoru and Usagi ordered.

“Will there be anything else, Sir, Ma’am?” The waiter asks Usagi and Mamoru.

“No more.” Mamoru replies.

“Okay. Enjoy your meal!” The waiter says with a smile on his face.

The waiter walks away, carrying the now empty tray. Usagi stares at Mamoru and rolls her eyes. She then grabs the spoon and the fork. Usagi stuffs her mouth with food and swallows the food like a snake devouring its prey. She also chugs the iced tea and afterwards slams the glass on the table. Mamoru, watching Usagi eat, just sweatdrops. He decides to talk to Usagi once again after she finishes eating.

“Hmm… how about this? I’m going to introduce you to my bestfriend instead! I’ll bring her to your bar tonight. Is that okay with you?”

Usagi becomes wide-eyed.

“H-h-her? You mean your bestfriend is a girl?”

“Yes. Is there something wrong about that?”

“Are you sure your relationship with your so-called bestfriend is only ‘bestfriends’ or is there something more? Don’t tell me you’re two-timing!”

Mamoru laughs out loud.

“Relax Usako. My bestfriend is a lesbian. Our relationship is more like between brothers… even if she’s a girl.”

“Are you really sure?”

“Yes.”

“Okay I trust you Mamo-chan! I can’t wait to meet that bestfriend of yours.”

Usagi hugs Mamoru.

“Usako, are you still mad?”

“Why would I be mad? The food is awesome! Thanks Mamo-chan!”

Mamoru sweatdrops.

To be continued…

My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend

Chapter 5

Author’s Notes: Fifth chapter here. This is the chapter where Haruka gets to meet Usagi for the first time. Hope y’all enjoy reading and stay tuned for further updates. Thanks!

Disclaimer: I do not own My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend, the characters of Sailor Moon, and the lyrics of the song “Sexyback”.

In a condo unit, a group of men of consisting of 10 members, are having fun watching their friend chugging beer on a beer bong. The guy who’s chugging beer is a blonde man wearing a black short-sleeved button shirt, white pants, and rubber shoes. Minutes later, he stops chugging beer and stands up.

“I can’t do it anymore! I’m drunk.”

A guy wearing a checkered button shirt, jeans, and rubber shoes approaches him.

“Motoki, I know why you’re getting married.”

“Why?” Motoki asks.

“So that you can hurry up and do extramarital affairs!”

Motoki laughs. “Good one man.”

Another man with an unkempt medium-length brown hair, wearing white T-shirt, jeans, and rubber shoes, approaches Motoki.

“Dude, where are the girls? This is supposed to be a stag party right?”

“I don’t know Yuuichiro. They were supposed to be here moments ago.”

Motoki looks at his watch. The doorbell rings.

“They’re here!”

Yuuichiro rushes to open the door. “Move, move!”

Yuuichiro partly opens the door and peeks outside. He closes the door and laughs out loud.

“She’s so fair!”

The men howl like wolves. Yuuichiro opens the door again and takes a peek outside. After that, he closes the door.

“So big.”

Yuuichiro finally opens the door. Haruka, wearing a blue long-sleeved button shirt, black pants, and rubber shoes, enters the room. She is carrying two boxes of pizza.

“SURPRISE!”

The men become disappointed.

“Oh it’s just you Haruka.”

“Huh? Who were you expecting? Anyway, I got a surprise for you guys.”

Haruka lifts the pizza boxes up high.

“TADAH!”

The guys cheer. Haruka places the pizza boxes on a nearby table. She high fives with the guys one by one then after that, she approaches Motoki.

“Motoki! Are you really sure you’re getting married?”

“Yes I’m sure.”

“Condolence bro!”

Haruka hugs Motoki.

“Haruka!” Yuuichiro approaches Haruka. “I thought Setsuna doesn’t want you to come here?”

“Me? I can’t miss these things!”

“Don’t worry dude. We won’t tell her.” A man says out of nowhere.

Haruka laughs out loud. “Speaking of which, where are the girls? What time is it already?” Haruka looks at her watch.

The door bell rings.

“Here they are. ATTACK!” Yuuichiro again, rushes to the door and opens it.

The men, including Haruka, cheer.

“Come in!” One of the guys shouts.

Minako and Makoto enter the room. They are wearing red mini-skirt, black tube top, and high heels. Minako is holding a whisk on her right hand. Makoto, on the other hand, is holding a cake icer and a metal bowl.

“Hi! Did you guys order for room service?” Minako says.

The guys cheer.

“YES! YES!” Haruka shouts.

“Just a minute. We’re bringing your order.” Makoto gets out of the room. Minako follows her.

The guys cheer once more. They whistle and howl like wolves.

“Hurry up!” One guy shouts.

“Dude, turn off the lights.” Yuuichiro says to the group. The guys hurry up and switch the lights off.

“Here it comes!” Haruka shouts.

Minako and Makoto drag a giant cake prop inside the room. Inside the giant cake prop is Usagi wearing a bridal gown. She is drinking a bottle of liquor.

“Usagi, are you ready?” Makoto asks Usagi.

Usagi makes funny faces while drinking alcohol.

“Usagi, are you ready?” Makoto repeats what she said.

Usagi stops drinking and puts down the now empty bottle of liquor.

“Yeah. I’m ready.”

There is hesitation on Usagi’s face.

“Turn the music on!” Someone shouts.

Justin Timberlake’s “Sexyback” starts playing on the background.

I’m bringing sexy back
Them other boys don’t know how to act
I think you’re special, what’s behind your back?
So turn around and I’ll pick up the slack.

Makoto and Minako start dancing. Minutes later, they start removing the top layer of the huge cake prop. Usagi is nervous.

“The top is off!” Haruka shouts.

Usagi’s hand, holding a bouquet of flowers, shows up from the giant cake prop and throws the bouquet to Haruka and Motoki’s direction. The flower bouquet lands on Motoki’s feet.

“Dude, pick that up!” Haruka says to Motoki.

Usagi’s hand once again shows up, making seductive gestures. Minako and Makoto start dismantling the giant cake prop.

“Here’s the main event!” Haruka says.

Usagi, wearing a white bridal gown, a veil, long white gloves, and white high heels, slowly reveals herself. She has a noticeable blonde odango hairstyle under the veil. Usagi swings her hips left and right and raises her arms up in the air. She starts doing a wobbly sexy dance. She trips while dancing. The guys laugh at her but she ignores it. Minako and Makoto help her make a stand.

Makoto approaches Usagi. “Usagi, are you okay?”

“I’m okay.” Usagi says.

“You see that guy?” Makoto points to the direction of Haruka and Motoki. Usagi turns her attention to Haruka and Motoki.

“Which one?”

“The blonde guy. He’s the groom. Approach him.”

“That one?” Usagi points at the direction of Haruka.

Makoto thinks Usagi is pointing at the direction of Motoki and nods. “Yes Usagi. That one.”

“Dude, I forgot my cellphone.” Motoki excuses himself and leaves Haruka’s side.

“Hey, come back here. You don’t want to miss these things.” Haruka says to Motoki.

Motoki turns his head to Haruka. “I will. Later.”

Haruka watches Motoki leave. Usagi approaches Haruka thinking she’s the groom. Usagi starts dancing in front of Haruka. Haruka turns her head and sees Usagi dancing in front of her. Haruka grins and starts grinding with Usagi. Meanwhile, Makoto and Minako are having a conversation about Usagi.

“I think Usagi is already drunk.” Makoto says.

“You gave her alcohol?” Minako says.

“Yeah… I told her it’ll boost her confidence. We only had an hour to practice so I doubt she can pull off a sexy dance.”

“Mako! Usagi doesn’t drink.”

“I know but it’s the only way to make her look less awkward. I mean look at Usagi now…”

Minako and Makoto turn their attention to Usagi. Usagi is wobbling while grinding with Haruka.

“What kind of dance is that? Could you dance better?” Haruka says to Usagi in a sarcastic tone.

Usagi removes her veil and her gloves. She places her hands on Haruka’s chest and feels two lumps on Haruka’s chest. Usagi’s face becomes all red.

“Th-th-this guy’s a woman? No… I-i-it can’t be.“

Usagi removes her hands from Haruka’s chest.

“What’s wrong? Dance some more!” Haruka demands.

“No way, I must be too drunk.“

Usagi starts grinding with Haruka once more. Haruka’s friends use their cellphones to film Haruka and Usagi while they’re grinding with each other. Moments later, Haruka cups Usagi’s face and starts kissing Usagi. Usagi struggles and when she had her chance to break free, she slaps Haruka on the face.

“Why did you slap me?” Haruka said to Usagi.

“I got into this job because they said I will not be touched. Do you think I’m cheap?”

“That’s the reason why we paid you. What’s this drama?”

“You know what? You may be a handsome but you’re a pervert!”

Usagi spits on Haruka’s face and runs towards the door. Haruka gets a handkerchief from her pocket and wipes off Usagi’s spit on her face.

“Guys… we apologize on behalf of our friend.” Minako says.

“Yeah guys… sorry.” Makoto says.

Minako and Makoto, embarrassed, quickly follow Usagi and leave. Haruka, furious, rushes to the door and shouts at the girls.

“You know what, you girls are useless!”

Motoki and Yuuichiro pull Haruka away from the door. The door closes on its own.

“That’s enough dude. They already apologized.”

“I’ll show no mercy the next time I see that girl!”

Usagi hears from the outside what Haruka said. Usagi feels anger rushing through her veins. She races to the door and opens it. The door hits Haruka’s side. Haruka puts her hands on her side as she silently agonizes in pain. Usagi approaches Haruka.

“What did you say?”

Minako and Makoto hold Usagi’s arms trying to pull her away from Haruka. “Calm down Usagi.”

“What did you say?” Usagi tries to provoke Haruka into a fight.

The pain in Haruka’s side subsides. Haruka now removes her hands from her side.

“What now?” Haruka says.

“You haven’t paid us yet! Where’s our talent fee?”

“Talent fee?”

“Yes!”

Motoki gets money from his black leather wallet. “Here.”

Haruka grabs the money from Motoki. “Let me have that Motoki.”

Haruka raises the money high in the air and puts it in front of Usagi’s face.

“Is this what you’re looking for?”

Haruka throws the money on the floor. “Pick it up.”

Usagi looks at everyone and then picks the money up from the floor. Usagi turns her attention to Haruka again.

“You really want to challenge me to a fight huh?” Usagi says in an arrogant tone, putting the money against Haruka’s face. Haruka, with a teasing look on her face, just stares at Usagi.

“That’s enough Usagi.” Minako says.

Usagi steps on Haruka’s left foot.

“OWWWWWW!” Haruka screams in agony.

Usagi, Minako, and Makoto, quickly backs away and leaves.

A handsome man with black hair, wearing brown jacket over a black button shirt and denim jeans, is walking together with Haruka in the airport lobby. The man is a few inches taller than Haruka and is carrying a black luggage and a few paper bags. Haruka, wearing a white long-sleeved button shirt, jeans, and rubber shoes, is carrying a blue backpack and a few paper bags.

“You’re really amazing Haruka. You even picked me up in the airport.”

“Mamoru, I’m different. Your friend here has a VIP pass.”

Mamoru notices Haruka’s hobbling walk.

“Wait, Haruka, why are you hobbling? What happened?”

“I had an accident at Motoki’s stag party.”

“Stag party? Don’t tell me you volunteered to be a stripper in Motoki’s stag party?”

“In your dreams.”

Mamoru laughs.

“Just kidding. But seriously, does Setsuna know you went to a stag party?”

“Tss… who said that Setsuna knew that I went there?”

“Dude, you’re gonna be dead meat when Setsuna finds out about it. You know what Haruka, you should behave.”

“Dude, tell me those things when you already have a girlfriend.”

Mamoru laughs.

“Who told you that I don’t have a girlfriend?”

Haruka becomes wide-eyed.

“You have a girlfriend? Who’s she?”

To be continued…

My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend

Chapter 4

Author’s Notes: Fourth chapter up! If you’ve made it this far reading, thank you. You’re actually a chapter away from witnessing Usagi and Haruka’s first meeting. I’ll try my best to update as soon as possible. Anyway, have fun reading and hope y’all enjoy this chapter. If you have something to say or suggest, then don’t hesitate to write a review. Thanks!

Disclaimer: I do not own My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend, the characters of Sailor Moon, Playstation Portable (PSP), and the characters and move sets of the game WWE Smackdown VS. RAW.

List of Filipino words you will encounter along the way:

Kuya – an honorific commonly used for an older male relative. It can also be used to refer to male strangers, regardless of their age. Its Japanese counterpart is Onii-chan/Onii-san.

It’s night. In a bar, Usagi, wearing red T-shirt, mini skirt, black stockings, and high heels, is carrying a huge tray with six bottles of beer in it. Usagi approaches three male customers. She places the tray on the table and serves them six bottles of beer. As Usagi was removing the crowns from the bottles one by one, one of the drunken male customers touches Usagi’s breasts. Usagi, furious, slaps the customer on the face.

“Hey, what was that for?” The customer says.

“You touched my boobs you dirty old man!” Usagi says.

“Are you kidding me? You call those boobs? You’re flat as board!” The customer says in a sarcastic manner and laughs out loud.

“Why you!”

Usagi gets one beer bottle and pours beer over the customer’s head. She slams the beer bottle on the table and walks away. The customer tries to attack Usagi but his friends were quick to stop him.

“Dude, that’s enough!” The first friend said.

“Yeah dude, don’t make a scene. It’s embarrassing.” The second friend said.

“I don’t care! That bitch humiliated me in front of people! Who does she think she is?” The customer tries his best to attack Usagi but his friends use all their strength to get him out of Usagi’s way.

“Enough dude. Calm down.”

Usagi’s friend, a scantily-dressed woman with long blond hair tied in a red ribbon, witnessed the whole thing. Usagi approaches her friend. Her friend scolds her.

“Usagi! What the heck was that?”

“Minako, you saw it. He sexually harassed me!” Usagi defends herself.

“So what? It’s a part of our job. You just can’t treat the customers like that.” Minako lectures Usagi.

Usagi just rolls her eyes.

“You know what Usagi, you’re lucky the manager didn’t see you. You could’ve gotten yourself fired!”

Usagi crosses her arms.

Haruka yawns at the violinist’s performance. She taps Setsuna’s left shoulder. Setsuna turns her attention to Haruka.

“What?”

“Setsuna, I… uhm… my stomach’s not feeling well…”

Haruka holds her abdomen and fakes a stomach ache.

“…I think I need to go take a dump.”

Setsuna slaps Haruka’s shoulder.

“That hurts Setsuna.”

“Haruka! Watch your language. Could you say something more subtle than what you’ve said earlier?”

“What? I just said I need to go take a dump.” Haruka raises her eyebrows.

“No need to reiterate. Okay. Go ahead.”

Haruka stands up and leaves Setsuna.

“Tss… that was easy. Glad I’m out of that hell hole.“

Haruka decides to explore the mansion where the recital was held. Along the way, she removes her necktie and puts it on her pocket. She also removes her suit’s coat and then puts it over her left shoulder. There was a huge smile on her face – a smile that reflects ephemeral liberation from Setsuna’s clutch.

While exploring, Haruka happens to pass by a room near the stairs. Inside the room, she sees a little boy, wearing a red long-sleeved button shirt, black slacks, and leather shoes, playing a game on his blue Playstation Portable. Haruka looks to her left and to her right.

“Alright. Setsuna’s not here. Now’s my chance.“

She enters the room and approaches the little boy.

“Minako, do you know any part-time jobs I can apply for?”

“Ho ho ho! I can’t believe you’re interested. You came at the right place at the right time, Usagi! Right after our shift, I got a part-time job. Wanna join?” Minako suddenly becomes energetic upon hearing Usagi’s interest in a part-time job.

“Sure. But what is that part-time job you’re talking about?”

“Stag party.”

“S-s-stag party?”

“Yup! All you have to do is wear sexy clothing and do sexy dance. Simple as that!” Minako tries hard to convince Usagi as if she’s selling a product to her.

“Yeah I know Minako, but I can’t stand that kind of job. It’s difficult for me.”

“What are you talking about, Usagi? It’s easy as one, two, three! And besides, no one will touch you. Oh yeah, Makoto will be joining us, right Makoto?”

Makoto, a tall scantily-dressed brown-haired woman whose hair is in a ponytail, happens to pass by Minako and Usagi. Minako taps Makoto’s shoulder. Makoto turns around to face Minako.

“You’re going to join us later right, Makoto?”

“Yeah.” Makoto replies.

“Did you bring our costumes?”

“Of course! I’m always ready for any occasion!”

“We already have costumes. What do you say, Usagi? Come on! Let’s go!” Minako is still trying hard to persuade Usagi.

“No thanks. I can’t.”

Setsuna passes by the room near the stairs and sees Haruka with a little boy sitting on her lap. The boy is playing a game on his Playstation Portable and Haruka is coaching him while playing.

“Undertaker’s groggy! Now’s your chance to Pedigree him!” Haruka says to the little boy.

The boy presses buttons on his Playstation Portable.

“Now pin Undertaker!”

The boy presses the circle button on his Playstation Portable. Haruka and the boy counts together.

“1… 2… 3… YEAH!”

Haruka and the boy do a high five. Setsuna clears her throat.

“There you are. I’ve been looking all over for you.”

Haruka turns her head to Setsuna.

“Setsuna… is the recital over?”

“Yeah. Let’s go?”

Haruka nods and then looks at the boy. They do a parting high five and fist bump.

“That was fun, Kuya. Let’s play like this again next time.” The boy mistakes Haruka as a guy.

“Sure. Next time, I’ll bring my PSP. Let’s have a match together. What’d you say?”

“That’ll be fun!”

Haruka lifts the boy up and gets him off her lap.

“Goodbye little dude.”

“Bye Kuya!”

Haruka stands up, gets her coat, and leaves with Setsuna.

“Minako, you have to understand. Usagi respects her boyfriend so much that’s why she doesn’t want to join us in our job.” Makoto says to Minako.

“Yeah right. She has a boyfriend but where is he? He’s in the U.S. We don’t even know if he’s coming back or not! He doesn’t even remember to call Usagi. Right Usagi? You know that too Makoto. Don’t deny it.” Minako said.

“Somehow, you have a point.” Makoto agrees with what Minako said.

“You know what Usagi, don’t let the opportunity pass. Your mom is sick, right? You need money to buy medicine. In this bad economy, you won’t be able to earn the money you get from this in another job. It’s easy. You’re just going to dance.”

“B-b-but… you don’t understand Minako. I’m not a dancer…”

“Is that your only problem? We have Makoto here to teach you!”

“Yeah Usagi. Dancing is simple. I’ll teach you how to do a killer sexy dance later.” Makoto assures Usagi.

Usagi sighs. “Well, I guess there’s nothing bad trying. How much money will I earn from that job anyway?”

Minako and Makoto laugh out loud. Minako whispers the amount on Usagi’s ears. Usagi’s eyes widen as Minako was whispering to her.

“No way!” Usagi shouts.

“So what do you say now?” Minako asks.

“Okay, I’ll join you.”

“That’s the spirit Usagi!” Makoto pats Usagi’s back.

Minako and Makoto do a high five.

To be continued…

My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend

Chapter 3

Author’s Notes: Third chapter here. Guess who makes her guest appearance in this chapter. Unlike the previous chapter, this chapter will contain only a little bit of Filipino elements/references. If you haven’t watched My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend yet, then I encourage you to watch it. That’ll give you a clue as to what movie I’m parodying. I think there’s one uploaded on YouTube with subtitles in it. To those who have added this story to their story alerts, thank you! Anyway, have fun reading! Positive, negative, and in-depth reviews are all welcome.

Disclaimer: I do not own My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend, the characters of Sailor Moon, and Playstation Portable (PSP).

List of Filipino words you will encounter along the way:

Mang - a title of familiar respect used with the first name of a man. It’s sort of similar to Mister.

Yaya – is used to refer to maids or nannies.

Setsuna comes out of her house wearing a black dress. She is being followed by her two maids. Setsuna gets her white purse from one of her maids.

Haruka, riding a red motorbike, enters the mansion of her girlfriend Setsuna.

“Good morning Sir!”

Setsuna’s driver, a man in his late 40s, wearing a white short-sleeved button shirt, black pants, and black leather shoes, greets Haruka and closes the gate. For the nth time, he mistakes Haruka as a boy.

Haruka performs a “wheelie”, a vehicle maneuver where the front wheel comes off the ground, on her motorbike before parking it on the driveway.

“I’m here.” Haruka says.

“You’re late.” Setsuna says.

“I am?” Haruka raises her left eyebrow and gives Setsuna a teasing look.

Setsuna crosses her arms.

“Haruka, how the heck am I going to ride THAT [motorbike] wearing THIS [dress]?”

Haruka gets off her motorbike and approaches Setsuna. Setsuna notices Haruka wearing a black leather jacket over a black shirt, black pants, and black rubber shoes.

“And please, change your clothes. We’re going on a recital and you’re wearing THAT? You look like a delinquent.” Setsuna is already pissed off.

“Delinquent? Me? What are you saying Setsuna?”

Haruka smirks and kisses Setsuna on the cheek.

“Dang, you look hot today.” Haruka says to Setsuna.

Haruka squeezes Setsuna’s butt. This startles Setsuna. The maids bear witness to what Haruka did to Setsuna. Setsuna slaps Haruka’s hand.

“STOP IT!”

Haruka grins at Setsuna and kisses her on the cheek again.

“You know what? I don’t want to go to the recital anymore. Let’s stay here and have lots of fun. What do you say? Huh?”

Haruka grins and winks at Setsuna. Setsuna rolls her eyes. There’s an awkward silence between Haruka and Setsuna. Seconds later, Haruka decides to break the ice.

“Are we gonna go or what?”

Setsuna stared angrily at Haruka for a moment. She then calls the attention of her driver.

“Mang Dado, please get the car ready. Haruka and I will ride there.”

“Yes Ma’am.” Mang Dado, the driver, replies.

“No way!” Haruka protests.

“Yes way.” Setsuna said in a harsh tone.

“Setsuna…”

When it comes to the stubbornness game, between Setsuna and Haruka, Haruka always ends up defeated.

Setsuna approaches the maid.

“Yaya, kindly prepare Haruka’s suit.”

“Yes Ma’am.” The maids go their way to get their jobs done.

“No way! I will not wear that! It’s too itchy.” Haruka objects.

Setsuna walks away and ignores Haruka.

“Argh!”

Haruka punches the wall.

Haruka and Setsuna are going down the stairs on the way to the recital. Haruka ends up wearing a suit anyway. She is wearing a grey suit with a black shirt and a black necktie. Setsuna clings onto Haruka’s arm while they are going down the stairs. Haruka keeps on adjusting her necktie.

“Tss… if only Setsuna hadn’t tied it too tightly…“

Along the way, Haruka and Setsuna meet their friends. One was male, wearing black-rimmed glasses and a long-sleeved white button shirt, while the other one is female, wearing a black dress.

“Setsuna, Haruka, glad you were able to make it.” The male friend said.

“Nice suit by the way, Haruka” The female friend said.

“I agree.” The male friend said.

Haruka forces a smile.

“Come, I’ll introduce you to my friends.” The female friend invited Haruka and Setsuna to come with them.

“See, I told you. You look good in that suit.” Setsuna says to Haruka.

“Tss…” Haruka turns her head away from Setsuna and rolls her eyes.

A beautiful woman with wavy aquamarine hair, wearing a black gown, plays the violin on the stage. She is surrounded by people, all of whom are wearing formal dresses and suits. Among those people are Haruka and Setsuna. They are seated in the front row. While Setsuna is enjoying the music being played by the violinist, Haruka is busy playing a game in her white Playstation Portable (PSP).

“YES! YES!” Haruka shouts out loud, interrupting the violinist and turning all of the people’s attention to her.

Everyone in the room stares at Haruka, including her girlfriend Setsuna. Haruka looks back at Setsuna and clears her throat. She hides her Playstation Portable in her suit.

“Yes… you’re really good. Bravo. Bravo!” Haruka stands up, claps her hands, and praises the violinist. Everyone follows her lead. They too gave the violinist a round of applause.

The applause wanes and the violinist continues playing. Haruka gets her Playstation Portable from her suit and resumes her game. But before she can play, Setsuna confiscates her Playstation Portable. Setsuna gives Haruka an evil look. Haruka crosses her arms.

To be continued…

My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend

Chapter 1

Author’s Notes: This is my second fanfiction and it happens to be another parody. Yes, it is a parody of the Filipino romantic-comedy film “My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend” which starred Richard Gutierrez and Marian Rivera. Hope you all enjoy the first chapter and don’t forget to put a review (if you want). I’ll try my best to update every now and then. Thanks!

Disclaimer: I do not My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend, the characters of Sailor Moon, and iPhone.

In a dance club, late at night, a tall handsome blonde woman approaches a pretty girl with long black hair and starts dancing with her.

A tall woman with long green hair, meanwhile, enters the same dance club minutes later and looks around the whole place. From afar, she sees the blonde woman dancing with another girl.

“Haruka!”

The green-haired woman tries her best to modulate her voice so that it will be heard amongst the crowd of dancers. The blonde woman, Haruka, still dancing with the pretty girl, turns her attention to the voice she heard. She sees the green-haired woman walking towards her direction.

“Shit! It’s Setsuna.”

Haruka tries hard to hide herself among the crowd of dancers. The pretty girl Haruka was dancing with also sees the green-haired woman approaching their direction.

“Is that your mom?”

“No…”

“Your aunt?”

“Uh… no.”

“Your grandma?”

“No. Girlfriend.”

“Oh… okay. So you’re into older women?”

“Pretty much… I guess.”

Haruka continues to dance with the pretty girl. The green-haired woman finds Haruka among the crowd of dancers and grabs her by the ear.

“Setsuna, that hurts. I want you to touch me gently.”

“No.”

Setsuna drags Haruka out of the dance club. Haruka’s ear was all red and throbbing from Setsuna pulling her ear.

The next day, a loud ringing noise wakes Haruka up. She opens her eyes and quickly grabs her iPhone. With half-open eyes, she sees the reminder “Date With Setsuna 3PM”. She looks at her clock and sees it’s already 2:30PM.

“Shit! I’m gonna be late.”

Haruka hurriedly rises from her bed and prepares herself for the date.

Haruka comes out of the house wearing all black – black leather jacket over black shirt and black pants. Her shoes are even black.

She quickly rides her favorite red motorbike and speeds away.

The maid comes out of the house carrying a helmet.

“Haruka! You forgot your helmet!”

She tries to chase Haruka but it was too late. Her speed was no match for Haruka’s motorbike.

To be continued…

Gay, Straight, or Taken?

Chapter 5

Author’s Notes: Hey guys, I just want to say thank you all for supporting this story. To those who’ve reviewed this story from Day 1 (again, you all know who you are); I want to say I’m really overwhelmed and I really appreciate the positive reviews y’all have given this story. Your reviews inspired me to do my best in writing! If you ask me, “thank you” is not even enough to express my gratitude. By the way, reviews (positive or negative) are still welcome even after this story has ended. This is the final chapter. Hope y’all enjoy it!

Disclaimer: I do not own Gay, Straight, or Taken, the characters of Sailor Moon, and Blue’s Clues.

Mamoru meets the girls in a garden.

“I admit. You girls gave me a hard time figuring out who’s gay, straight, or taken but still, I had fun spending time with all of you. I just want to say thank you and-”

A man with short brown hair wearing thick glasses and a woman with short sandy blonde hair wearing a gray suit run toward Mamoru.

“Uh-uh-uh! Not so fast there!” The brown-haired man said.

“Who are you two?” Mamoru asked.

The brown-haired man wearing thick glasses introduces himself to Mamoru. “I’m Umino. As you know, one of these girls is taken and she’s my girlfriend.”

The tall woman with short sandy blonde hair wearing a gray suit introduces herself to Mamoru. “I’m Haruka and I just want you to know that one of these girls is gay and she’s my girlfriend.”

“I’m here to tell you that if you choose my girlfriend, then we’ll be going on your vacation instead of you.” Umino said.

“Well, I hope you choose my girlfriend because I’m really looking forward to that trip with her.” Haruka said.

“Alright… nice to meet you guys.” Mamoru said.

In a confessional video, Mamoru is confident that he will find out who’s gay, straight, or taken.

“Showtime! Someone here is about to get busted.”

Mamoru looks at Michiru straight in the eyes.

“So, first off… Michiru… when I first saw you, I was stunned. You stood out among the girls and you obviously are beauty and talent combined. At first, I thought you were taken because you danced very well. I said to myself, maybe this girl dances often with her boyfriend that’s why she’s that good. I also thought you were single and available because you never resisted my advances and you were also fixated on me the whole time when we were baking chocolate cake together. However, you proved me wrong. You really proved me wrong. Your wallet was a dead giveaway of your sexual orientation. Don’t deny it. She is right here. Your lover, right?”

Mamoru looks at Haruka and then at Michiru.

“Michiru, I’m sorry but I think you are gay.”

Mamoru then looked at Naru straight in the eyes.

“Naru… At first, I thought you were gay because you did say that you haven’t danced with a boy in a long time. Then again, that could also mean that you are not a regular dancer at all. I also thought you were single and available because I wasn’t able to find anything odd on your wallet. When we were playing darts, I liked the connection we shared. However, the connection I felt from you was more that of a friend or a sister. I also noticed how uncomfortable and awkward you were whenever I touched you. I felt you were holding back too much so I thought… this girl must be taken. I’m sorry Naru, but I think you’re taken.”

Finally, Mamoru looks at Usagi straight in the eyes.

“Finally, Odango-atama.”

“That’s Usagi.”

“Yeah right, Usagi. Usagi… during our dinner date, I thought you were gay because of the way you drooled over that pretty waitress. Then again, maybe that’s how girls are when they admire someone. I also thought you were taken because I thought that boy in your wallet was your boyfriend and that he treats you to McDonald’s often. But when I think about it, that boy does look like you so I believe he’s your brother. Usagi, you may be the worst dancer in the world and you eat like a pig but I believe there’s something more to you beyond the surface.”

“Hey… is that supposed to be a compliment?”

“Uh… maybe… but anyway, Usagi, by process of elimination, I think you are straight and available.”

Michiru comes forward and reveals the truth to Mamoru.

“Mamoru, I have to say you are one charming gentleman and I had a blast dating you. If it wasn’t for that picture, my cover wouldn’t have been blown. But you know what? I love Haruka more than anything else. That’s the reason I never remove that picture from my wallet. You are right Mamoru. I am gay. And the people you saw on that picture? They’re not my cousins. That green-haired woman is our friend Setsuna. She helps us take care of Hotaru, Haruka and I’s adopted daughter. In fact, Haruka, Setsuna, and I are raising a family together.”

Michiru introduces Haruka to Mamoru. Haruka shakes hands with Mamoru but she glared at him afterwards.

“Wow, you two make a lovely couple… and a picturesque family.” Mamoru said.

“Thanks.” Michiru smiles at Mamoru. She then turns her attention to Haruka who’s glaring at Mamoru.

“You jealous, Haruka?”

“No.”

“Are you sure?”

“…” Haruka ignores Michiru. Michiru clings on Haruka’s elbow and draws herself close to Haruka.

“You know what, I’ll make it up to you later… when we’re alone.” Michiru said to Haruka in a seductive manner. Haruka grins.

In a confessional video, Mamoru expresses his thoughts about Michiru’s revelation.

“Michiru deserves an award for her acting. Even I was deceived. Truly, you can never judge someone based on outward appearance.”

Naru comes forward and reveals the truth to Mamoru.

“Mamoru, I’m really happy to have dated a tall, handsome guy like you. I had fun dancing and playing darts with you. I know I was never that good in those activities but still, you gave me a chance. You were such a gentleman and I bet a lot of girls would love you to be their boyfriend. But you’re right. I’m taken and Umino is my boyfriend. Umino is the only man I love.”

Naru hugs Umino. Mamoru shakes Umino’s hand.

“You two make a cute couple.” Mamoru said to Naru and Umino.

Naru and Umino smiled at Mamoru. “Thanks.”

“Take care of Naru for me, buddy.” Mamoru said to Umino.

“I sure will!” Umino said to Mamoru.

In a confessional video, Mamoru expresses his thoughts about Naru’s revelation.

“Choosing between Usagi and Naru, I would think that Naru is the taken one. Why? I doubt any sane man can handle Usagi the way she is.”

Usagi comes forward to Mamoru and reveals the truth.

“Mamoru, you may be handsome and all but you’re one big douchebag! I don’t like the words you said to me but it’s alright since we’re going on a vacation together. Guess what! I’m the straight and available one!”

Usagi laughs out loud.

“We are going on a tri-ip… we are going on a tri-ip… we are going on a tri-ip… Mamoru’s really smart!” Usagi sings to the tune of “We Just Figured Out Blue’s Clues” and dances like Steve.

Everyone except Usagi sweat drops.

In a confessional video, Mamoru expresses his thoughts about Usagi’s revelation.

“Tss… I was right! No sane man would ever date Usagi. Guess that makes me the first one? But hey, look on the bright side. At least, I’m going on a vacation so I guess it’s not that bad. Maybe there’s something more to Usagi than meets the eye. After all, a few days are not enough to know a person.”

Usagi was so ecstatic that she clung on to Mamoru the whole time.

“Oh my God Mamoru! I’m so excited to be finally alone with you. We could do a bunch of fun things together… I don’t even know where to start!” Usagi shakes her head and blushes.

“Uh… yeah… right…”

“Can I call you Mamo-chan?”

“Sure…” Mamoru smiles awkwardly.

“Yaaaaay!” Usagi livens up and dances while clinging on to Mamoru.

In a confessional video, Haruka and Michiru express their thoughts about not winning the vacation for two.

“Michiru, you shouldn’t have gone far with that guy.”

“Aww… but if I didn’t do that, we won’t win the vacation. Besides, I never went too far.”

“It’s alright if we don’t go on a vacation…” Haruka looked at Michiru in the eyes. “…I’m content as long as I’m with you.”

Michiru could not help but get mesmerized by Haruka’s eyes.

“Aww… Haruka…” Michiru blushes.

Haruka and Michiru share a passionate hug.

In a confessional video, Naru and Umino express their thoughts about not winning the vacation for two.

“I feel bad about not winning. I should’ve looked at the game more objectively and should not have felt awkward with Mamoru.”

“That’s alright Naru. At least you did your best.”

Naru hugs Umino and Umino blushes.

In a confessional video, Usagi and Mamoru express their thoughts about winning the vacation for two.

“I guess we’ll put our differences aside and see where this fated romance will end up…”

“I like how you said ‘fated romance’ Mamo-chan. You make it sound like we’re really destined for each other. Man, this is so dreamy!”

Usagi laughs out loud and slaps Mamoru’s shoulder hard.

“That hurts.”

“That’s payback for calling me names.”

Usagi laughs out loud and Mamoru sweat drops.

-The End-

Gay, Straight, or Taken

Chapter 4

Author’s Notes: Hey guys! Thank you all for the overwhelming positive reviews so far. To my recurring reviewers (you know who you are); my gratitude exceeds even the farthest galaxies. Hope y’all enjoy this chapter! This is the second to the last chapter. Tune in for the conclusion of this story some time soon.

Disclaimer: I do not own Gay, Straight, or Taken, the characters of Sailor Moon, Lugia EX of Pokémon, and Pokémon, in general.

In a confessional video, Mamoru reveals his final test for the girls.

“If you want to know a person more, then judge him or her using his or her personal belongings. Today, I’m going to inspect the content of the girls’ wallets. This activity is going to be my final test for the girls.”

Naru, Michiru, and Usagi line up with their wallets in front of them. Mamoru goes to Naru and inspects her wallet first. Mamoru opens Naru’s wallet. He sees a picture of a pug.

“This your dog, Naru?”

“Yeah.”

“Cute. What’s its name?”

“Jerry.”

“Cool. You a pet lover?”

“Not really but since Jerry came from someone special, I have learned to love pets.”

“Who’s that someone special?”

“My dad. I haven’t seen him for years. My parents are divorced.”

“Oh… sorry to hear that.”

Mamoru continues to inspect Naru’s wallet. He sees Naru’s credit cards, ATM cards, ID cards, personal business cards, discount cards in clothing stores, a few paper bills and coins.

In a confessional video, Mamoru expresses his thoughts about the things he saw on Naru’s wallet.

“Hmmm… nothing odd about Naru’s wallet.”

He goes to Michiru next and inspects her wallet. Upon opening Michiru’s wallet, Mamoru sees a picture of Michiru holding hands with a tall woman with short sandy blonde hair. Behind them was a tall woman with long green hair and in front of them was an adorable little girl with medium length black hair.

“Who are these people Michiru?”

“Oh… them. They’re my cousins.”

Michiru points at the image of the tall woman with long green hair.

“This is my eldest cousin Setsuna.”

Michiru points at the image of the tall woman with short sandy blonde hair.

“This is Haruka. She’s the same age as I am.”

“You two seem close.”

“Yes we are. We’re the same age after all.”

“What kind of relationship do you two share?”

“Well, we’re like best friends. I know everything about her and she knows everything about me.”

“Are you sure you’re ‘only like best friends’?” Mamoru raises his eyebrow and stares right into Michiru’s eyes.

“Y-y-yes, I’m very sure we’re only like best friends.” Michiru looks away and stutters a bit.

Mamoru points on the image of the little girl with medium length black hair.

“Okay. Who’s this little girl?”

“That’s Hotaru. She’s our youngest cousin.”

“Hmm… okay. Are your cousins from your mother’s side or your father’s side?”

“Uhm… Mother’s side.”

“Okay.”

Mamoru continues to inspect Michiru’s wallet. He sees her credit cards, ATM cards, business cards, a few coins, paper bills, membership cards to salons and spas, and discount cards in clothing stores.

In a confessional video, Mamoru expresses his thoughts about the things he saw on Michiru’s wallet.

“Even if Michiru says those girls are her cousins, something tells me otherwise…”

Mamoru goes to Usagi and inspects her wallet. When Mamoru opened Usagi’s wallet, McDonald’s coupons fall out. Mamoru picks up the coupons and puts it back inside the wallet.

“You love fast food, Odango?”

“Yes. So?”

“Too much fast food is bad for your health.”

“Yeah right. That’s none of your business Mamoru!”

Usagi crosses her arms and turns her face away from Mamoru. Mamoru sets his sights on a picture on Usagi’s wallet. He sees Usagi with a tall young man with short blonde hair.

“Who’s this guy?”

Mamoru points at the image of the tall young man with short blonde hair.

“Oh, he’s my brother.”

“He doesn’t look like you.”

“Duh! Of course! He’s a boy.”

“Are you sure he’s not your boyfriend?”

“Of course I’m sure!”

“You sure are cranky today, Odango.”

“I am not! Please stop calling me Odango.”

“Okay, if you say so.”

Mamoru continues to inspect Usagi’s wallet. He finds a few coins, more food coupons, 3 pieces of Pokémon cards, receipts from different fast food restaurants, and a hairclip. Mamoru has a puzzled look on his face.

“Pokémon cards?”

“Oh my… I’ve been looking for those…”

Usagi gets her Pokémon cards from Mamoru. She checks the Pokémon cards one by one.

“No wonder I can’t find Lugia EX anywhere! Shingo will definitely lose to me this time!”

Usagi gives out an evil laugh. Mamoru, Naru, and Michiru sweat drops.

In a confessional video, Mamoru expresses his thoughts about the things he saw on Usagi’s wallet.

“Usagi is an interesting girl… I never thought she was a fan of those juvenile games.”

In a confessional video, Mamoru expresses his thoughts about his final test.

“After inspecting the girls’ wallets one by one, I guess my mind is already set. I’m ready to take my chance in guessing who among the three girls is gay, straight, or taken.”

To be continued…

Gay, Straight, or Taken?

Chapter 3

Author’s Notes: To those who continue to read this story and to those who have added this to their story alerts, thank you. Thank you for the positive reviews so far! I really appreciate it. I don’t know how this next chapter will fare but well, I hope y’all enjoy it!

Disclaimer: I do not own Gay, Straight, or Taken and the characters of Sailor Moon.

In a confessional video, Mamoru discusses his next test for the girls.

“One activity is not enough to see who’s who. That is why I’m going to spend ‘alone’ time with each of the girls. I hope to extract more information about them. Darts is one of my favorite pastimes. It’d be cool if a girl and I could share this passion together. Today, Naru and I will be playing darts together.”

In a bar, Michiru and Usagi sit in a table from afar and watch Mamoru and Naru.

“Hi Naru!”

“Hey Mamoru.”

“So have you played darts before?”

“No.”

“Oh good. It’s not too late to learn. Let’s do this together.”

Mamoru brings Naru to the place where they’ll be playing darts. A male instructor welcomes them. The instructor wears a white T-shirt with a collar, blue jeans, and white rubber shoes. He is bald and he has a brown goatee.

“Naru, Mamoru, my name is John and I will be your instructor today. Is this your first time playing darts?”

“Nope. I played darts all the time during college.” Mamoru said.

“It’s my first time.” Naru said.

“Okay then. Let’s start with the lesson.” John said.

John explains first the dartboard to Naru and Mamoru. He then explained the rules of the game and the scoring system next and then later on demonstrated to the two how to play.

“Now that you know the rules of the game, let’s go for a test drive. Who wants to go first?” John asked.

Mamoru volunteers to go first. He aims straight for the bull’s eye and hits it.

“Bull’s eye! Naru it’s your turn now.”

Naru’s fingers are trembling as soon as she grabs a dart.

“I don’t know if I can do this correctly…”

Naru awkwardly raises her right arm while holding the dart.

“Hey Naru. Relax. Here. I’ll help you. Position your arms like this…”

Mamoru goes behind Naru. He holds Naru’s right hand and places the dart in place. He then draws his body near her and guides her right arm to the correct position.

“Great Naru. Now throw the dart.”

Naru throws the dart but it fails to hit the dartboard.

“Ooh! Epic fail Naru! Nice try!” Usagi shouts.

Michiru just sweat drops.

“That’s alright.” Mamoru said.

John picks up the dart and gives it to Mamoru. Mamoru then gives the dart to Naru.

“This time, try to put more energy when throwing the dart.” Mamoru tries to boost Naru’s confidence.

Naru tries the second time around and manages to hit a green part inside the dartboard.

“Nice hit Naru! Now let’s play the real game. John!”

John goes to the scoreboard and Naru and Mamoru begin playing the game. Both Naru and Mamoru took turns in throwing darts. John tallies the final score.

“Okay. 25-16. Mamoru wins this game.” John said.

Mamoru shakes John’s hand.

“Thanks John for teaching us.”

“You’re welcome!”

Naru in turn also shakes John’s hand.

“Thanks John.”

“You’re welcome!”

Mamoru also thanks Naru for the wonderful game.

“Hey, it’s fun playing with you. Never thought you’d be that good.”

“Thanks. I had a lot of fun too Mamoru.”

Mamoru places his arm around Naru’s shoulders.

“Next time give it all you’ve got!”

Mamoru gives Naru a thumbs up and a wink. Naru blushes.

Meanwhile, Usagi’s face is buried in her arms and she also snores aloud. Michiru shakes her to wake her up.

“Usagi…”

Usagi doesn’t wake up. Michiru continues to shake her. This time it’s more forceful than the first one.

“Usagi… wake up.”

“Huh?”

Usagi lifts her head up and yawns.

“Oh where am I?”

“It’s over Usagi.”

“I’m dead?”

“No, I mean Mamoru and Naru finished playing darts.”

“Oh.”

In a confessional video, Mamoru expresses his thoughts about his alone time with Naru.

“You know, for a first-timer, I find Naru amusing. She’s quite good actually. But you know, I feel like she’s holding back something. That gives me the impression that she’s probably taken.”

In another confessional video, Mamoru reveals the activity she will do with Michiru.

“Believe it or not, I have a sweet tooth. I love chocolates. Today, I’m going to bake chocolate cake together with Michiru.”

In a kitchen set, Michiru comes out with her hair tied and an apron over her dress. Mamoru also comes out wearing apron over his regular clothes.

“Not bad Mamoru. Looking good behind the apron.”

“Thanks. You too Michiru. Do you bake?”

“Sometimes… when my parents come over to my place. How ’bout you?”

“Whenever I have the time. Anyway, let’s get started. We’ll be baking chocolate cake today.”

“You like sweets?”

“Yes I do. How about you?”

“Same here. I think we’ll get along just fine.”

Michiru gives Mamoru a wink and then clings on his elbow. She then draws her body close to Mamoru’s side. Mamoru blushes.

Backstage, a tall woman with short blonde hair clenches her right fist and grits her teeth.

Naru and Usagi sit in a table from afar and watch Mamoru and Michiru.

“Naru… that girl…”

“I know right? She’s making the moves on Mamoru.”

“No, I mean she’s so cute in that apron.”

“That is so lesbian, Usagi.”

Naru face palms.

A short old man with a distinctively huge nose wearing a chef’s uniform welcomes Mamoru and Michiru on the set. He shakes Mamoru’s hand first and then shakes Michiru’s hand next.

“Hello. My name is Charles and I’m a pastry chef. Today, I will be teaching you how to bake chocolate cake.”

Chef Charles guided Mamoru and Michiru in the whole process of baking a cake – from mixing the ingredients to icing the cake to perfection.

“I have to say, you two have done well. The cake looks nice. Its presentation is perfect. The only thing left to do is to find out how it tastes.” Chef Charles said with a smile on his face.

“Well Chef, you did well instructing us so I bet it tastes great.” Mamoru said.

“I agree with Mamoru. By the way, thank you for teaching us how to bake chocolate cake, Chef Charles.” Michiru said.

“Yeah, thanks Chef!” Mamoru said.

“My pleasure.” Chef Charles said with a smile on his face.

“So… let’s cut the cake shall we?” Mamoru said.

Michiru grabs the knife and attempts to slice the cake.

“Hey, careful with that thing…” Mamoru said to Michiru.

Mamoru holds Michiru’s hand while cutting the cake. After cutting the cake, using a cake spatula, Mamoru and Michiru put the cake slices in plates. Michiru grabs two plates with slices of cake in them and two forks. She then approaches Usagi and Naru.

“Hey guys. Here’s your share.” Michiru said to Usagi and Naru.

Michiru gave one plate and one fork to Naru.

“Thanks Michiru.”

“You’re welcome Naru.”

Michiru gave one plate and one fork to Usagi next.

“Oh! Thanks Michiru! This looks yummy!”

Usagi quickly grabs the fork. She devours the cake as fast as she could. Michiru and Naru observed Usagi while she’s eating cake. After 2 minutes, the cake on Usagi’s plate is completely gone. Usagi’s face is now covered with bits of chocolate cake.

“Mmm! That was delicious! But I’m still hungry!” Usagi said.

Michiru and Naru sweat drops.

“Uh… okay Usagi… you can have half of my cake.”

Naru slices her cake in half and puts half of it on Usagi’s plate.

“Wow! Thanks Naru! You’re such a great friend!”

Usagi hugs Naru and proceeds to devour the cake. Again, Michiru and Naru observed Usagi while she’s eating. After 1 minute, the cake has disappeared from the plate. Usagi burps out loud. Michiru and Naru sweat drops.

“Okay Usagi… seems like you’ve enjoyed the cake very much.” Michiru said.

“Yes!” Usagi said with a cute smile on her face.

Michiru smiled at Usagi.

“I’ll leave you two here for a while, if you don’t mind.” Michiru said.

“Sure Michiru. Usagi and I will be fine here.” Naru said.

Michiru goes back to Mamoru. Mamoru gets a piece of cake with his fork and feeds it to Michiru. Michiru in turn fed Mamoru with cake.

Backstage, a tall woman with short sandy blonde hair drives her fist right into the gut of a brown-haired man wearing thick glasses. The man falls on his knees and collapses face down on the concrete floor.

In a confessional video, Mamoru expresses his thoughts about his alone time with Michiru.

“Based on this activity, I think Michiru is single and available. She never resisted my advances and her eyes were focused on me the whole time. We also shared a really great connection while baking and I really enjoyed our alone time together.”

In a confessional video, Mamoru discusses the activity that he and Usagi will do together.

“Dinner dates are awesome. Here, you get to have a chance to talk to your date about certain things while waiting for your food to be served. Hopefully, I’d get to know Usagi more in this dinner date.”

In a fine dining restaurant, Naru and Michiru sit in a table while watching Mamoru and Usagi from afar. Mamoru and Usagi are seated facing each other in a table for two.

A woman wearing a white long-sleeved buttoned shirt with a black bow tie, a black vest, a knee-length black skirt, and black pumps approaches Mamoru and Usagi’s table. She is holding two menus in her arms.

“Good evening, sir, ma’am. My name is Makoto Kino and I will be serving the two of you tonight. Here’s our menu…”

Makoto the waitress gives Mamoru a menu first and then gives the other menu to Usagi next.

“If you have questions regarding our menu or anything in general, don’t hesitate to ask.” Makoto said.

Mamoru and Usagi looks at the menu. Mamoru gets to order first.

“Makoto.”

“Yes sir?”

“I’ll have one Chicken Cordon Bleu and a glass of lemon iced tea.”

Makoto scribbles Mamoru’s orders in her small notebook.

“How about you ma’am?”

Usagi looks at the menu with a frustrated look on her face.

“Uh… I’ll have what he’s having.”

Makoto scribbles Usagi’s order in her small notebook.

“Okay… Will that be all?” Makoto asked.

“Yes.” Mamoru answered.

“Your food will be served in around 20-25 minutes. I’ll be back.”

Makoto gets the menus from Usagi and Mamoru and leaves them alone. Usagi turns her head towards Makoto’s direction.

“That waitress…”

“You know her, Odango?”

“Of course not. But she’s so cute… and so tall!”

Usagi is all wide-eyed and her face turns red.

From afar, Naru and Michiru talk about Usagi.

“You know what, Michiru? I think Usagi is gay.”

“What makes you think that?”

“Have you noticed how she always blushes at the sight of pretty girls?”

“Yeah… but I think it’s more of an admiration on her part.”

“Possibly… but hers go way too much, I think.”

“There’s more than meets the eye, Naru.”

Usagi’s head is still fixated on Makoto’s direction. Mamoru decides to break the silence between him and Usagi.

“Are you giving yourself away, Odango?”

Usagi turns her head to Mamoru.

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Nothing. Is this your first time in a fine dining restaurant?”

“Yes it is!”

“No wonder… what do you do for a living?”

“Hmm… I don’t have a job right now. But I do help my mom in cleaning the house and doing all household errands… you know, housewife stuff?”

“Interesting. Do you plan to be a housewife someday?”

“No. I want to become a princess and live in a castle! How about you? What do you do for a living?”

“I’m a doctor.”

“Are you rich? I heard doctors make a lot of money.”

“Pretty much. Maybe.”

Usagi zones out.

“Oh my! I’m so lucky! If I marry this guy, not only would I have a handsome and intelligent husband… I would also have a secured future! Now that is what I call a great combo!”

Mamoru waves his hand in front of Usagi’s face.

“Hello? Odango? Are you still here?”

“Huh?”

Makoto goes back to Mamoru and Usagi’s table. She is carrying a huge tray with two plates of Chicken Cordon Bleu on them and two tall glasses of lemon iced tea.

“Here’s your order.”

Makoto serves one plate of Chicken Cordon Bleu to Mamoru first and then serves one plate of Chicken Cordon Bleu to Usagi next. After that, she gets one glass of lemon iced tea and serves it to Usagi and then she gets the other glass of lemon iced tea and serves it to Mamoru. She then gets the tray.

“Okay. Will there be anything else?” Makoto asked.

“Gosh you’re so pretty…” Usagi said out of the blue.

Mamoru face palms.

“Uh… thanks ma’am. Do you have any extra orders or something?” Makoto said.

“No, no. Oh… on second thought… do you have soup?” Usagi asked.

“What kind of soup ma’am? We have onion soup, potato soup, and mushroom soup.”

“I’ll go for the potato soup.”

“Okay ma’am. The soup will take around 10-15 minutes. I’ll be back with the soup you ordered.”

“Thanks Makoto!”

Usagi’s head followed Makoto’s direction.

“That waitress… she’s pretty isn’t she?” Mamoru asked.

“Uh-huh! Itadakimasu!” Usagi answered.

Usagi grabs the fork and dinner knife. She quickly cuts the Chicken Cordon Bleu using the dinner knife. She then voraciously ate the Chicken Cordon Bleu. Mamoru couldn’t help but watch Usagi while she eats. After 3 minutes, Usagi’s Chicken Cordon Bleu is gone. Usagi burps out loud. Mamoru stared at Usagi with a puzzled look on his face. Naru and Michiru face palm.

“That was fast…” Mamoru said.

“Man, I’m stuffed!” Usagi said.

“You still have your soup…”

“Oh yeah! I forgot about that!”

Usagi laughs out loud. Mamoru just sweat drops. After that, he begins cutting his Chicken Cordon Bleu in pieces and starts to eat it bit by bit. Later, Makoto arrives carrying a small tray with a bowl of soup over a saucer. She serves the soup to Usagi and then placed the soup’s spoon on the side of the saucer. She noticed that Usagi’s plate is already empty.

“You done with this plate ma’am?” Makoto asked.

“Yes.” Usagi answered.

Usagi smiled at Makoto. Makoto gets Usagi’s empty plate and used utensils.

“That lady sure eats fast…” Makoto thought. She sweat drops at the thought of Usagi pigging out.

“Uh… will there be anything else, ma’am, sir?” Makoto asked Usagi and Mamoru.

“No more.” Mamoru answered.

“Okay. Thank you. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me.”

“Okay.”

“Thanks Makoto!” Usagi said.

“You’re welcome.” Makoto said.

Makoto leaves Usagi and Mamoru. Usagi grabs the spoon and begins slurping on the soup. Mamoru, Naru, and Michiru’s faces all became puzzled. They all sweat drop.

“Mmm… delicious!”

Usagi puts the spoon down and drinks the soup straight from the bowl. Mamoru, Naru, and Michiru all face palm.

In a confessional video, Mamoru expresses his thoughts about his alone time with Usagi.

“During that date with Usagi, I couldn’t help but think that she’s gay. I mean, the whole time, her eyes were following that pretty waitress. Plus, there’s the fact that she’s un-ladylike. I don’t mean to stereotype but with that as my basis, I think Usagi’s gay.”

In a confessional video, Mamoru makes a conclusion based on his alone time with the girls.

“Well, for now, I think that Naru is taken, Michiru is straight and available, and Usagi is gay. I still have one more test to do so I guess my opinion about the girls will still change. Let’s just see what happens next.”

To be continued…

Gay, Straight, or Taken?

Chapter 2

Author’s Notes: Thank you very much to those who took the time to review this story and also those who added this story to their favorites and story alerts. I really appreciate it! Again, positive and negative reviews are both welcome and in-depth reviews are greatly appreciated. Hope you’ll enjoy this next chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Gay, Straight, or Taken, the characters of Sailor Moon, and Oreo.

In a confessional video, Mamoru discusses his first test for the girls.

“At this point in time, it’s really hard to determine which among the girls is straight and available so I’m going to test them. Dancing is one activity where you could get to know your dance partner. I bet I could use that to determine which one of the girls is gay, straight, or taken.”

The three girls are sitting in a large white leather couch in the lobby of a hotel.

“Hmm… so you girls have any idea what we’re going to do today?” Michiru asked both Naru and Usagi.

“Beats me. Maybe Usagi knows.” Naru said.

Usagi is zoning out again. She slowly turns her head from left to right and then right to left, thoroughly examining the spacious hotel lobby.

“Wow! This hotel is awesome! I wonder if we’re going to a free buffet or something…”

Usagi’s stomach growls. Naru and Michiru turn their heads to Usagi’s direction.

“Aww guys. I forgot to eat breakfast! You guys have any food in there?”

Naru face palms. Michiru opens her purse. She gets a pack of Oreos from her purse and gives it to Usagi.

“Wow Oreos! Thanks Michiru! You’re a life-saver!”

Michiru smiles at Usagi. Usagi unwraps the package of Oreos. She gets one Oreo and bites a huge piece of it.

“Mmm!”

She then devours the remaining piece.

“You’re welcome, Usagi. You know, it’s unhealthy to skip breakfast.” Michiru said.

“Usagi, Michiru’s right. You should wake up early so you can eat breakfast!” Naru said.

Usagi devours the second piece of Oreo and then the last piece of Oreo. Her face is now covered with bits of Oreo.

“Mmmmm! Delicious. What were you girls saying again?”

“Aww… never mind.” Naru said.

Both Michiru and Naru sigh.

Mamoru approaches the three girls. He wears a black tuxedo. The girls stand up.

“Hey , we’re going to dance in this hotel’s ballroom. I’ll be waiting for you girls so head over to that room where you’re going to be dressed up for the occasion.”

Mamoru points to a room on the left side. The girls go into the direction where Mamoru was pointing.

In a confessional video, Naru expresses her thoughts about the upcoming dance.

“This is dreamy. I would like to dance with Mamoru but I’m not the greatest dancer. Let’s just see what happens.”

In a confessional video, Michiru expresses her thoughts about the upcoming dance.

“Dancing? I could say I’m a very good dancer. I’ve got a great teacher back in my teens. Mamoru will be impressed by my dancing skills.”

In a confessional video, Usagi expresses her thoughts about the dance.

“Oh my God! I’m so excited! I mean have you seen Mamoru in that tuxedo? He’s like a prince! I wish I could be his princess so we could live happily ever after.”

Naru gets to come out of the dressing room first. Naru wears a long white gown.

“May I ask this young lady for a dance?” Mamoru offers his hand to Naru.

“Yes!” Naru holds Mamoru’s hand.

Mamoru kisses Naru’s hand. He puts his right hand on Naru’s waist while Naru puts her left hand on Mamoru’s right shoulder. Mamoru’s left hand then held on to Naru’s right hand.

“So are you comfortable?” Mamoru asked.

“Yes.” Naru answered.

Naru couldn’t help but blush at the sight of Mamoru. Her heart was beating fast. The music starts to play.

“Okay. Don’t be nervous. Just follow my lead.” Mamoru said looking straight into Naru’s eyes.

Mamoru and Naru start dancing. However, in the middle of the dance, Naru steps on Mamoru’s right foot.

“I’m so sorry Mamoru…”

“It’s alright. Let’s continue.”

After the song finishes playing, Mamoru guides Naru to a nearby table.

“Is this your first time to dance, Naru?”

“Not really. But I haven’t done this with a boy in a long time.”

“Is that so? By the way, thanks for the lovely dance.”

“You’re welcome Mamoru!”

Naru blushes even more.

“Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to get going. The next girl is waiting for me.”

In a confessional video, expresses his thoughts about Naru.

“Naru is a nice girl. She’s pretty and I could connect with her especially during our dance. There may have been a few mess ups but that’s alright. I would like to believe that she’s single and available but her words did bother me for a second. She hadn’t danced with a boy in a long time? So that means she’s been dancing with girls? I don’t know but based on that statement, I guess she could be gay.”

Mamoru leaves Naru on the table. He waits for the next girl to come out. Michiru comes out and she’s wearing a stylish long black gown. Mamoru was all wide-eyed when she saw Michiru.

“You look great, Michiru.”

“You too, Mamoru.”

“May I ask this young lady for a dance?” Mamoru offers his hand to Michiru.

“I would love to.” Michiru gladly accepts Mamoru’s hand and holds it.

Mamoru kisses Michiru’s hand. He puts his right hand on Michiru’s waist while Michiru puts her left hand on Mamoru’s right shoulder. Mamoru’s left hand then held on to Michiru’s right hand.

“Such a charming gentleman you are, Mamoru.”

Michiru seductively looked at Mamoru’s eyes. He smiled.

“Thanks.”

The music starts playing and they begin dancing. In the middle of the dance, Mamoru asks Michiru a question.

“How long have you been dancing, Michiru?”

“Hmm… since I was a teenager. How about you?”

“More than 10 years. You know, I’ve never danced with anyone as graceful as you are before.”

Michiru raises her eyebrows.

“Oh really? A handsome man like you hasn’t danced with someone like me before? I find that rather surprising. I’m sure a lot of pretty girls fall head over heels for you. I bet they’ll do anything to please you.”

“Maybe. Maybe not. I’m not looking for anyone perfect.”

“That is cute, Mamoru. You’re rare, aren’t you? Why don’t we continue dancing?”

“Sure.”

Mamoru and Michiru continue dancing.

Backstage, a tall woman with short, sandy blonde hair wearing a gray suit punches the wall upon watching Mamoru and Michiru’s moment together.

In a confessional video, Mamoru expresses his thoughts about Michiru.

“Michiru was all flirty and her attention was fixated on me the whole time so that gave me the thought that she may be single and available. But she’s so good in dancing that I can’t help but think that she’s taken. There’s a possibility that she and her boyfriend dance often.”

When the music finished playing, Mamoru guides Michiru to the table where he dropped off Naru.

“Hey Naru!”

“Michiru! Finally! Now I have someone to talk to.”

Michiru sits besides Naru.

“Michiru, thanks for the wonderful dance.” Mamoru said.

“You’re very welcome Mamoru.” Michiru said.

“If you don’t mind, I’ll leave you two girls alone here. My next dance partner is waiting for me.” Mamoru leaves Naru and Michiru.

Naru asks Michiru about her experience with Mamoru.

“So Michiru how was the dance? You two looked great out there. You looked like a cute couple.”

“Well, Mamoru’s really good in dancing. But not as good as my teacher back in my teens. How ’bout you Naru? How’s dancing with Mamoru?”

“Well, it was okay but I stepped on his foot. I’m not a good dancer myself.”

“That’s alright Naru. You enjoyed the dance didn’t you?”

“Yes I did! Mamoru was such a gentleman.”

Mamoru waits for the next girl to come out. Usagi comes out of the dressing room last. As she was making her way towards Mamoru, the edge of her pink long gown was caught up in her shoes. She tripped face down.

“Ouch!” Usagi struggles to put herself back on her feet but ends up with her face on the ballroom carpet once more.

Naru and Michiru witnessed what happened to Usagi and they couldn’t help but laugh.

“Usagi is such a klutz. She’s been like that since middle school.” Naru said.

“I guess that’s what makes her unique.” Michiru said.

Mamoru held back his laughter and offered his hand to Usagi.

“Odango are you okay?”

“You meanie! How dare you call me that name again!”

Usagi takes Mamoru’s hand and she gets herself back on her feet. She also notices the colourful stains on the ballroom’s carpet.

“Aww… my makeup smeared on the carpet.”

Usagi’s lipstick is smeared on the lower right side of her face. Mamoru couldn’t hold his laughter any longer. He laughed as loud as he could.

“The heck?”

“I’m sorry Usagi. Is it okay if I dance with you?”

“Well, you nailed my name this time so I guess that’s a yes.”

Mamoru kisses Usagi’s hand. He tries hard holding back his laughter. He turns his face away from Usagi for a couple of seconds. He puts his right hand on Usagi’s waist while Usagi puts her left hand on Mamoru’s right shoulder. Mamoru’s left hand then held on to Usagi’s right hand. The music then begins to play.

“Usagi, follow my lead.” Mamoru says with his face turned away from Usagi.

“Okay… if you say so.”

Mamoru and Usagi begin dancing. Usagi accidentally steps on Mamoru’s right foot.

“Oh I’m sorry.”

“That’s okay.”

They continue dancing. A few seconds later, Usagi accidentally steps on Mamoru’s left foot.

“Ouch.”

“Sorry.”

“You’re not a dancer, yourself huh, Usagi?”

“I am! I’ll show you!”

Usagi tries hard to follow Mamoru’s lead but she ends up stepping on Mamoru’s feet countless times.

“I guess dancing hates you Odango.”

“What did you just say!”

“Nothing.”

Usagi loses her balance during the middle of the song and trips. She rolls on the floor and cries like a baby. Her pink gown is now covered in dirt. Mamoru gets a clean folded white handkerchief from his pocket.

“Hey Odango. Don’t cry. Here.”

Mamoru offers his handkerchief to Usagi.

“No thanks!”

Usagi continues to roll on the floor while crying out loud.

“Don’t stress yourself over a dance. It’s just a dance. If you’re bad at it, then just practice.”

Usagi stops crying. She accepts Mamoru’s handkerchief and wipes her tears using it. Stains of beige, black, pink, and crimson are now mixed on the once white handkerchief. She also blows her nose on the handkerchief. Mamoru sweat drops.

“Hey cheer up. Grab my hand and let’s try this all over again.”

Usagi grabs Mamoru’s hand and takes a stand. They dance all over again. The dance ends up disastrous with Usagi tripping and stepping on Mamoru’s feet countless times. Naru and Michiru watching from afar couldn’t help but just put their palms on their faces.

In a confessional video, Mamoru expresses his thoughts about Usagi.

“Dancing with Usagi was a nightmare. But that also gives me a feeling that she’s single and available. No sane man would ever dare try to dance with a girl like her.”

In a confessional video, Mamoru makes his initial judgments of the girls.

“Based on that dance, I would say that Naru is gay, Michiru is taken, and Usagi is single and available. Then again, I could be wrong. Let’s see what happens on my next test.”

To be continued…

Gay, Straight, or Taken?

Chapter 1

Author’s Notes: Hey guys! This is my first ever fanfiction. I won’t say “go easy on me”. As much as possible, I would want to improve my writing skills. Positive and negative reviews are both welcome. In-depth reviews are greatly appreciated. This story was originally in chat/script format but well, it’s forbidden so I had to change it. With that said, I hope y’all enjoy the first chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Gay, Straight, or Taken and the characters of Sailor Moon.

Narrator’s POV

Gay, straight, or taken?

Mamoru will be dating three girls who all swear they’re the one for him. But there’s a twist. Mamoru has no idea that one is gay, one is straight, and one is taken. Think you can tell who’s who? He’ll be looking for clues.

If he picks the straight and available girl, they’ll win a dream vacation together. But if he picks the gay or taken girl, he gets nothing. Will Mamoru be able to figure out who is gay, straight, or taken? Will you?

A man wearing a sky blue, long-sleeved buttoned shirt tucked under tan slacks, and black shoes, introduces himself in a confessional video.

“Hi, I’m Mamoru Chiba. I’m a doctor and today I’m hoping to meet three great girls, who hopefully would make this day fun and exciting.”

Three girls walk side by side in slow-motion along the sandy shores of the beach. The first girl is a girl around 5’0″ in height, with red, wavy hair. She wears a long white buttoned long-sleeved shirt, diamond earrings, a red knee-length skirt, and white high heels. She introduces herself in a confessional video.

“My name is Naru Osaka. I’m 23 and I own a jewelry shop.”

The second girl is the tallest among the contestants and has aquamarine, wavy hair. She wears a revealing black dress, black high heels, and pearl earrings. She introduces herself in a confessional video.

“I’m Michiru Kaioh, 25 years old, and I’m a violinist and a painter.”

The last girl is the shortest among the contestants. She is blonde and her signature hairstyle is pigtail buns. She wears a long-sleeved pink shirt, a gold necklace and pearl earrings, a white knee-length skirt, and white flat shoes. She introduces herself in a confessional video.

“Tsukino Usagi, 23 years old, currently unemployed. Nice to meet you all! I don’t have any special talents except eating and sleeping.”

Usagi snorts and laughs out loud after introducing herself in the video.

The three girls walk towards an empty wooden square table with 4 wooden chairs around it. They shake each others’ hands and after that, sat down the wooden chairs.

“Hi girls! I’m Naru.”

“I’m Michiru.”

“And I’m Usagi.”

Usagi looked at Naru.

“Wait… what is Naru doing here?”

Usagi approaches Naru and drags her away from the table. Usagi and Naru isolated themselves from Michiru.

“Naru, what are you doing here? I thought you were dating Umino?”

“Uh… we broke up.”

“Oh… okay. Sorry to hear that. Good luck to us!”

“Yeah… thanks Usagi. Let’s go back to our seats.”

The moment they went back to their seats, Michiru asked them a question.

“So you girls know each other?”

“Uh… yeah pretty much.” Naru said.

“We went to the same middle school!” Usagi said.

“That’s nice.” Michiru said with a smile.

“Yes it is…” Naru said while glaring at Usagi.

In a confessional video, Naru expresses her disappointment.

“I never expected Usagi would be a contestant in this dating game. Now I have competition. What’s worse is that she’s my best friend in middle school.”

Usagi looks at Michiru’s direction. She thoroughly examined Michiru from head to foot. Usagi becomes wide-eyed, her jaw drops, and blushes.

“Wow! You’re so pretty, Michiru!”

“Uh… gosh. Thanks!”

Michiru smiled at Usagi.

Usagi notices an awkward silence between the three of them so she decides to break the ice.

“So, where’s the hottie we’re about to date?”

Naru answers Usagi. ”Obviously, he’s not yet here. But what do you think this man is going to be like?”

“Oh! Oh! I’m hoping he’s tall, dark, handsome, sweet, romantic, a little protective, and a gentleman. But most importantly, he has to be handsome… and rich!” Usagi was blushing upon the thought of her ideal man.

“Usagi… don’t you think that’s a little unrealistic?”

“What? No! At least I’m honest, Naru.”

Usagi giggles and blushes. Michiru and Naru sweat drops.

Michiru noticed she was a bit left out so she decided to join the two girls’ conversation.

“How about you Naru? What do you think our date is going to be like?”

“Come to think of it, I really don’t care about how he looks like. All that matters to me is the inside. If he’s a good guy, then he will do for me.”

Usagi criticizes Naru’s answer. “Oh really Naru? That is… how should I put this? That answer is… something that only comes out of a celebrity’s mouth?”

“Usagi, if you don’t want to believe it, then don’t.”

“As you say… how about you Michiru? What’s your type of guy?”

Michiru takes a long pause before answering.

“Hmm… I guess I go for tall, handsome men with sandy blonde hair.”

Naru, Michiru, and Usagi spotted a well-dressed tall man with black hair walking towards them. Usagi and Naru drool over the sight of him while Michiru kept her composure.

“That guy must be our date.” Michiru said.

“Oh my God! That man is a total hottie! Right, Usagi?” Naru said.

“I know right? He’s the most gorgeous guy I’ve ever seen in my life! I wonder if he’s also rich…”

Michiru just sweat drops. Usagi notices that the man walking towards them doesn’t fit Michiru’s type of guy.

“Ha! Michiru! He’s not blonde! So does that mean you’re going to back out?”

“Not a chance.”

In a confessional video, Michiru expresses her thoughts regarding her competitors.

“I was surprised that Naru and Usagi know each other. Small world isn’t it? I’m confident though that I will win this game… even if they team up.”

In a confessional video, Mamoru says his expectations about the girls.

“Well, I’m not looking for anyone special. I hope to connect with them and have fun. I want to see where this date takes us.”

The moment Mamoru reaches the table where the girls are, he begins introducing himself. One by one, he shakes the hands of the girls. He first shakes Naru’s hand.

“Hi! I’m Mamoru and you are?”

“I’m Naru.”

“Nice name.”

“Thanks…”

Naru blushes.

In a confessional video, Naru gives her first impressions regarding Mamoru.

“Mamoru is dreamy. He is definitely Prince Charming material and he’s too good to be true.”

Mamoru shakes Michiru’s hand next.

“I’m Mamoru. You are?”

“Michiru. Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too!”

In a confessional video, Michiru gives her first impressions about Mamoru.

“Mamoru seems nice. He’s tall, handsome, and he dresses well. He also seems like a gentleman. Definitely the type any girl would fall for.”

Lastly, Mamoru shakes Usagi’s hand.

“Name’s Mamoru. What’s yours?”

“Usagi.”

Usagi stared at Mamoru for a minute. She was so smitten by Mamoru that she zoned out and couldn’t let go of Mamoru’s hand.

“I can’t believe I’m actually holding a handsome man’s hand like this. We’ve only known each other for a minute but I feel like I’ve known him for an eternity. If he picks me, we’re going to have a blast together in a vacation… we’re going to swim together with the dolphins… build sandcastles together… go surfing… diving… you know? Vacation stuff in an island… just me… him… together… yes… what a really romantic sight… and we’ll share a passionate kiss in the sunset… ah…”

“Uh… you can let go of my hand now odango-atama…” Mamoru said to Usagi.

Usagi wakes up from her daydream and lets go of Mamoru’s hand and quickly apologizes to him.

“Oh… I’m really sorry. I was zoning out, huh? Wait, what did you just call me?”

“Uh yeah whatever, odango-atama.”

“I can’t believe it! Your handsome face contradicts your attitude! Stop calling me that name!”

Michiru and Naru intervene before a trivial fight happens between Usagi and Mamoru.

“That’s enough you guys.” Michiru said in a calm manner.

Michiru and Naru put themselves in between Usagi and Mamoru. Michiru blocks Mamoru from Usagi while Naru blocks Usagi from Mamoru.

In a confessional video, Mamoru gives his first impressions regarding the girls.

“The girls are really good-looking. In terms of first impressions, I would say that Michiru stands out the most. Not only is she the tallest, she’s also the most gorgeous and she’s well-composed… well-mannered… elegant… She’s stunning, really.”

Mamoru’s cell phone rings. When Mamoru answered his cell phone, he heard a voice of a man.

“Hello?”

“You may think that the girls you’re dating today are single and available but they’re not. One of them is taken and she’s my girlfriend. If you choose her, we’ll be taking your vacation. Good luck!”

The man on the other line hangs up. Mamoru was wide-eyed and couldn’t believe what he just heard.

“So girls, it turns out that one of you is taken. Gosh. I wonder who among you is taken. Are you taken Naru?”

“No.”

“Michiru?”

“Nuh-uh.”

“Uh… what’s your name again? Odango-atama?”

“Geez! Stop calling me that. I have a name and that is Usagi!”

“Oh right. You couldn’t possibly be taken…”

“What did you just say?”

“Nothing.”

In a confessional video, Usagi expresses her disappointment over Mamoru.

“ARRRRRGGGHH! Mamoru! What a douchebag! How come he remembers Naru’s name and Michiru’s name and not mine?”

In a confessional video, Mamoru expresses his opinion regarding the twist of the game.

“This game is tough. Now I have to find which one of them has a boyfriend.”

A few seconds later, Mamoru’s cell phone rings again. This time, a woman with a deep, husky voice was on the line.

“Hello?”

“Hello Mamoru. Now that you know that one of the girls is taken, I just want to let you know that one of the girls is gay. I know because I’m her girlfriend. If you pick her, we’ll be going on a vacation together with your vacation. I wish you luck. And oh, turn your gaydar on. Bye.”

The woman on the other line hangs up. Mamoru, again, is wide-eyed.

In a confessional video, Mamoru expresses his thoughts regarding the second twist.

“One of them is gay? Unbelievable!”

Mamoru reveals the new twist to the girls.

“Wow girls. Not only do I have to figure out which among you is taken. I also have to figure out which among you is gay. This game couldn’t get any better. So, who among you girls is gay? Naru?”

“Not me.”

“Michiru?”

“Nope.”

“Usagi?”

“You finally said my name! Uh…do I look gay? I don’t think so.”

In a confessional video, Mamoru expresses his thoughts.

“Well, looks like I’m going to do some detective work. None of the girls would like to give themselves away. It’s going to be a thorough investigation, if you ask me.”

To be continued…

 “Kau mau belajar untuk mencintaiku, dan aku akan mengelilingi dunia bersamamu.”

Title: It’s Mean To Be

Genree: Romance, Drama, Yuri

Main cast: Yulsic, Taeny, SNSD Member

Addition cast: Donghae (Super Junior), Appa, Victoria

Warning: Yuri, 18+

Enjoy…

Part 4

Jessica POV

Kau tahu mengapa cinta begitu bodoh?

Karena tidak ada saluran tepat untuk mengkondisikan otak dan perasaan di saat yang bersamaan. Jangan pernah bermain dengan emosi jika kau ingin tetap pintar, atau kau akan semakin bodoh di buatnya.

Sudah 765 hari aku jatuh cinta pada direkturku. Tepat ketika hari pertama, aku mendengar hentakan Heelsnya ketika memasuki ruang interview. Dan hari itu aku memutuskan untuk mencintainya. Kau tahu kenapa itu terdengar bodoh? Karena dia tidak pernah melihatku sedikitpun. Sedikitpun.

Aku bodoh, karena aku menulis diary ini lagi-lagi dengan sekantung besar air mata yang terus mengalir di wajahku. Benar. Ini benar-benar bodoh. Entah sudah berapa banyak air mata yang kuhabiskan dalam malam melankolis semacam ini. cih. Mengesalkan sekali.

Atau bagaimana dengan gadis cantik menyebalkan yang baru kutemui beberapa hari yang lalu? Aku tidak lagi merasa bodoh, aku merasa idiot. Sangat idiot ketika berhadapan dengannya. Oke, aku tahu, seharusnya aku berhenti menulis di atas diary sialan ini sejak dia berhasil mencurinya dari dalam ruang kerjaku, memaksaku melakukan sesi pemotretan hanya dengan dua potong pakaian dalam menempel di tubuhku. Ini benar-benar. Menggelikan. Aku masih bisa merasakan sengatan itu di perutku setiap kali mengingat kejadian yang membuatku ingin membunuh diriku sendiri.

“Karena aku mencintaimu, dan sebesar cintamu pada Taeyeon, sebesar itu hatiku selalu terasa sakit karenanya.”

Aku masih mengingat lekat kata demi kata yang diucapkannya. Serius. Alih-alih membuatku merasa simpatik, aku merasa kian benci padanya. Aku hanya terlalu terluka hingga tidak mampu menjawabnya saat itu, dan sangat disayangkan aku tidak memegang senjata apapun untuk melempar kepalanya. Jika saja saat itu aku mampu menjawabnya, tidak ada kalimat lain yang mungkin akan lebih cantik untuk kuucapkan selain.. “BERMIMPILAH KAU!” lalu melemparkan benda keras apapun tepat di hidungnya. Itu akan menyenangkan. Andai saja…

Aku termenung sejenak. Krystal telah mematikan seluruh lampu kamar, sehingga aku hanya dapat mengandalkan lampu tidur kecil berbentuk kucing bermata biru yang sangat lucu. Seperti malam-malam biasanya, aku akan menghabiskan berjam-jam waktu sebelum tidur hingga larut terpaku dengan buku kecil bergambar ini. Aku mengakui ini kebiasaan yang sedikit aneh untuk seorang gadis yang telah berkarir sepertiku. Aku menggigit ujung pensilku, tanpa tahu hendak menulis hinaan semacam apa lagi untuk gadis menyebalkan itu. Hingga kupikir, ini cukup. Dan tentu saja, aku sangat berharap dia tidak akan lagi pernah menemuiku seumur hidupku.

Mungkin kau bertanya-tanya, atau aku sedikit lupa menceritakannya. aku pernah menjadi seorang gadis kecil yang menikmati terlalu banyak asupan dongeng-dongeng klasik picisan mengenai putri tidur cantik dan seorang pangeran tampan. Hingga ketika aku beranjak dewasa, aku mempercayai mitos kampungan itu, bahwa seorang putri cantik, akan selalu bersama dengan pangeran mempesonanya, berambut pirang dan berkuda putih mungkin saja?

Jika saja, dongeng-dongeng pasaran itu kembali menceritakan kehidupan di balik kisah mengesalkan mengenai putri cantik yang bertemu pangeran tampannya-bernyanyi diatas kereta-apel merah penyihir jahat-ciuman ajaib-pernikahan.

Yang benar saja? Kau jatuh cinta dalam durasi satu jam empat puluh menit sebuah film dongeng lama?

Bagaimana jika putri cantik itu disiksa oleh ibu mertua di dalam istana? Atau ternyata sperma si pangeran tampan tidak memiliki kapasitas untuk membuahi putri cantik itu? apa yang terjadi? Apakah mereka akan bercerai dan melakukan jumpa pers dengan seluruh rakyat dongeng sialan itu?

Tidak ada sedikitpun realita di dalamnya. Doktrinasi berlebihan akan nilai sebuah kebahagiaan yang disuntikan secara terus-menerus kedalam kepala anak-anak kecil. Karena ketika aku beranjak remaja, aku hanya tahu. Aku tidak pernah memiliki pangeran tampan itu.

Taeyeon seorang wanita anggun dan mempesona. Aku seorang asisten cantik yang bekerja padanya. Kami terlahir dalam gender yang sama. Dalam budaya-budaya sama yang telah ditetapkan oleh seluruh dunia hanya untuk kaum perempuan. Aku mengaguminya, dalam konteks berlebih. Aku mencintainya.

Aku yang selalu menggambarkan rasa cintaku sebagai suatu kebetulan. Pembenaran. Bahwa kami memang ditakdirkan untuk dipertemukan. Aku bukanlah manusia ajaib yang mampu mengendalikan segalanya, jangankan perasaanku yang tak terbendung, aku bahkan tidak bisa mengendalikan hari yang sangat buruk di kantor. Aku hanya tidak dapat mengendalikannya. Semua terjadi begitu saja.

Karena aku tidak pernah memilih untuk mencintainya.

Aku tidak pernah memilihnya untuk menjadi cinta pertamaku. Atau seperti sebuah penjelas orientasi seksualku yang sesungguhnya. Aku hampir tidak pernah memikirkannya. Aku hanya tahu, bahwa aku mencintainya, meski kami tidak pernah saling mencintai, atau bahkan mungkin dia tidak pernah ditakdirkan untukku. Aku hanya terlalu terbiasa menikmati rasa sakit itu.

Aku memasuki rentang usia kedewasaan untuk memantapkan segala keputusan yang telah kumiliki. Dan kini aku tengah melaluinya.

Melewati masa remaja tanpa rasa cinta, tanpa rasa dicintai, bukanlah sebuah pengalaman luar biasa sebagai bekalku di masa kini. Namun aku tahu, aku akan terus belajar untuk memahami diriku sendiri.

Aku melangkah perlahan, berusaha untuk tidak menimbulkan suara sedikitpun di dalam keheningan. Membuka lemari kecilku dengan sangat perlahan, mengambil benda yang telah kukenal betul. Aroma yang selalu mengisi rasa keingin tahuan di sudut hatiku yang terdalam.

Di suatu malam yang dingin, ketika hatiku terasa sesak hingga bahkan membuatku hampir tak bisa bernafas. Menangis di dalam keremangan kamar dan menuliskan kata demi kata ke atas buku harianku terasa tidak lagi cukup. Aku berjalan, dan menangis. Melepaskan segalanya.

Kau akan merasa seperti itu, ketika ribuan masalah datang bertubi membunuh seluruh ruang gerakmu. Tanpa kau tahu harus bersandar kemana. Karena, ironis, masalah-masalah itu datang menimpa pundakmu, menunggumu untuk menyelesaikan segalanya hingga kehidupanmu dapat kembali tenang seperti sebelumnya. Aku tidak sanggup, atau aku berpikir aku tidak pernah sanggup mengatasinya. Dan aku menangis.

Seseorang meninggalkan benda ini untukku. Kejadian yang cukup janggal, sekali dalam hidupku. Aroma parfum yang kini telah meluruh dalam kepengapan lemari kecil pakaianku, masih dapat terhirup dengan jelas oleh memori otakku. Jaket ini. Tidak berwajah. Jujur saja, terkadang aku membayangkan seorang pria tampan dengan rambut hitam dan postur tubuh yang tinggi menghampiri ketika aku tertidur, seorang pria yang memang ditakdirkan untuk bersama denganku. Kurasa semua akan terasa lebih mudah. Aku akan menikah dengannya, melupakan Taeyeon selamanya, dan kami akan memiliki sebuah keluarga bahagia bersama.

Namun tentu saja, hingga hari ini aku tidak mengetahui siapa pemiliknya. Aku terbangun dengan mata sembab, dan kepala yang terasa begitu berat. Langit subuh yang terlihat jingga dan hanya ada sedikit petugas jalanan berlalu lalang di sekitar taman. Tidak ada seorangpun hari itu. aku sendirian.

“Unnie…” kudengar Krystal menguap, sebelum menoleh ke arahku, dia membalikan tubuhnya, matanya redup oleh sisa kantuk yang dipaksakan menghilang dari wajahnya, dia tersenyum. “… kupikir ini sudah sangat larut.”

“Banyak hal yang kupikirkan..” aku tersenyum padanya.

“Resiko kedewasaan, huh?” ujarnya parau. “Sekolah mengadakan festival hutan bersama dua minggu lagi. Apa aku bisa mengikutinya?”

“Kau butuh uang?”

Dia mengangguk. Terlihat berpikir keras. “Aku tidak perlu mengikutinya, jika…”

“Aku akan memberikan uangnya padamu minggu ini.” aku tersenyum, menghampirinya yang masih berbaring tenang di atas tempat tidur. Merasakan helai rambutnya di sela jemariku. Aku sangat menyayangi adik menyebalkan ini.

“Kau tahu, terkadang kau sangat menyebalkan.” Aku merutuk kesal saat dia mengucapkannya. “Tapi tentu saja, kau sangat sayang padaku.”

“Aku tahu kau juga sayang padaku.” aku memekik kecil merasa sedikit geli ketika kami saling mengucap sayang seperti ini. “Dan kau harus tidur sekarang, karena kau akan bangun sangat pagi besok.”

“Tentu saja, kau yang membangunkanku.” Ujarnya dengan sedikit kesal. “Selamat tidur, Unnie.”

“Selamat tidur, adik kecil..” aku mengecup puncak kepalanya, sebelum memutuskan untuk berbaring dalam tidur yang nyenyak malam ini. Memeluk jaket itu, merasakan jahitan yang halus, dan bulu-bulu lembut di bagian kerahnya. Selalu terasa menenangkan untukku.

OoooooooO

Yuri POV

Aku terpaku. Menatap layar hitam itu sejenak. Pagi masih begitu muda, dan aku telah terbangun dengan wajah yang begini suntuk. Sudah ratusan kali aku melihatnya sejak sore itu. ratusan kali aku mencermati hasil pemotretan bersama Jessica. Dia benar-benar mempesona, hingga aku merasa begitu percaya diri atas hasil gambar yang kudapatkan. Aku yang berbakat, atau pesonanya yang begitu anggun telah merasuk kedalam setiap inci tubuhnya.

Lebam di pipiku atas tamparan itu masih kurasakan sengatannya. Bukan hanya perih di sana, tapi sakit yang terasa menyengat di dalam hatiku. terasa lebih membunuh dari apapun. Aku tidak pernah mendapatkan tamparan seperti ini sebelumnya. Tanpa kusadari, aku kembali menyentuh luka itu. Merajam memoriku ketika tangan cantik itu dapat menjadi begitu kasar. Dia terluka, sama seperti aku yang terluka.

Kepuasan ini terbayar mahal. Dia membenciku, benar-benar membenciku. Aku menyatakan rasa cintaku, dan dia terlihat sangat jijik padaku. berjalan tergesa keluar dari dalam ruangan itu, tanpa berucap sepatah katapun. Aku menatap nanar punggungnya ketika berjalan kian menjauh, aku tidak tahu apa lagi yang harus kuucapkan padanya. Aku salah, jika berpikir dia akan menerimanya dengan sebuah pelukan hangat, atau ciuman kecil. Dia hanya sangat membenciku, hingga ingin menghancurkanku ke tulang rusuk. Melenyapkanku dari muka bumi ini.

Aku tersenyum sinis.

Aku tidak memiliki banyak pilihan selain mencintainya, dan harus mendapatkannya.

Namun aku bisa memberinya satu pilihan lain selain membenciku. Belajar untuk mencintaiku. Aku hanya tahu kita akan selalu saling memiliki.

Dan tentu saja, ada yang harus kulakukan untuk itu.

OooooooO

Helai-helai rambut putih, berkilauan kala tertimpa cahaya matahari yang menelusup melalui jendela besar gedung pencakar langit ini. berdiri di atas dunia, ada sebuah kebanggan yang membuncah di dalam hatinya. Pria itu tersenyum kecil.

“Kerajaan ini akan berdiri selamanya..” gumamnya. Memandang hamparan kota yang terlihat begitu sederhana, ketika dia telah menaklukan hampir seluruh negaranya. Ketika kerja kerasnya membawanya ke puncak kehidupan.

Menikmati masa tua dalam kemegahan dan kekuasaan.

Balutan sutra yang membungkus tubuh ringkihnya. Dominasi logika yang membuatnya menyembunyikan segalanya, penyakit jahanam menggerogoti tubuh tuanya. Dia tahu, tidak banyak waktu yang di milikinya. Persetan dengan anak yang selalu di dambakannya untuk bisa turut dan tunduk di bawah kakinya, berubah semakin mirip dengannya. Pembangkang, pelawan, pejuang, tentu saja, pemain yang sangat handal.

Senyumnya kian merekah.

Itu yang selalu dia cari..

Itu yang dia cari dalam diri seorang pemimpin. Dia tahu, kharisma itu di miliki oleh putri bungsu yang selalu di andalkannya.

Hanya satu hal yang kini membelenggu pikirannya, bagaimana melunakan sifat keras itu, menjatuhkannya, membuatnya berlutut tepat di kakinya.

Tidak akan. Tidak akan ada yang bisa menjalankan perusahaan itu selain Kwon Yuri.

Membuat sebuah keputusan-keputusan besar, tidak akan selalu membutuhkan logika dan kecerdasan yang luar biasa. Bahkan dalam kebanyakan kasus, itu hanya akan menjerumuskan seluruh rencanamu. Ketika instingnya menunjuk Yuri sebagai satu-satunya pewaris ideal, maka dia harus mengikutinya.

“Aku tahu yang terbaik untukmu, Kwon Yuri..”

OooooooO

Jessica POV

Sebuah rutinitas, yang sangat kucintai. Ketika aku kembali berhadapan dengan aroma kantor yang begitu familiar, hembusan pendingin ruangan yang menusuk, dan keriuhan suasana para staff dengan gosip-gosip pagi hari yang begitu hangat bagi mereka. Aku melakukan kegiatan biasanya, membuat secangkir kopi untuk Taeyeon. Semoga saja, tanpa Donghae yang lagi-lagi harus kembali mengejekku.

Sungguh tepat sesuai dugaanku, dia akan sangat terlambat pagi ini. aku menaruh cangkirnya di atas meja. Membiarkannya suhunya mendingin begitu saja. Jujur saja, aku merasa sangat kosong pagi ini. sedikit semangat dan optimisme. Bukan sebuah awal yang cukup baik bagi harimu.

Aku mengeluh, kemudian mengerang kesal menatap file-file yang tertumpuk di atas meja. Suatu hal yagn sedikit jarang kulakukan, merutuk atas pekerjaan yang kupikir amat kucintai ini.

Kurasakan ponselku berdering dari dalam tas, aku meraihnya, mendapati sebuah pesan singkat di dalam sana.

Secangkir kopi akan menghangatkan harimu..   –Yuri-

Aku mengernyitkan kening, menatap nomor itu menari di layarku saja, sudah cukup membuatku ingin melempar ponselku ke dinding hingga hancur berantakan. Aku berdecak kesal, kembali menaruh benda itu ke dalam tas, dan memulai hariku dengan tenggelam di dalam tumpukan pekerjaan yang tidak pernah habis. Rasanya untuk seumur hidupku.

Waktu berlalu begitu cepat, hingga tak kusadari satu jam telah berlalu, sejak terakhir aku tiba di ruangan ini. aku melirik jam tanganku, Taeyeon masih belum menampakan batang hidungnya, sesuatu yang sedikit mengherankan. Tentu saja, bayangan itu akan kembali menghampiri pikiranku. Mereka tengah bersama di suatu tempat, bercengkrama, menghabiskan waktu, berbagi kasih. Oh yeah. Tentu saja, meninggalkanku yang kian menderita di ruangan ini.

Tok..tok…

Aku menoleh.

Oh tidak. jangan dia.. Demi Tuhan, jangan dia lagi.

“Apa yang kau lakukan, huh?” tanyaku sedikit ketus. Jujur saja, aku terkejut. Aku kesal, atas kehadirannya yang sungguh tiba-tiba ini.

“Kau tidak membalas pesanku.”

“Apa itu sebuah alasan kau bisa memasuki ruang kerjaku begitu saja?!”

Dia meringis, menggaruk kepalanya, terlihat kebingungan. Entahlah, dia tampak begitu idiot. Dan mengesalkan di saat yang bersamaan. “Maafkan aku..”

Aku terdiam, menunggu kalimat yang hendak diucapkan selanjutnya. Permintaan maaf. Rasa marah itu masih mengendap dan membara di dalam hatiku. semoga tidak meledak kembali pagi ini. jangan biarkan orang itu merusak hariku untuk yang kesekian kalinya.

“Sungguh, maafkan aku. Aku tidak berniat melakukan itu..”

“Tidak berniat? Kau terlihat merencanakan segalanya dengan sangat matang!” ayolah Jessica, tahan amarahmu. “…itu sangat memalukan untukku!”

“Aku tahu..” kini dia menunduk, menatap ujung sepatunya. Seperti anak kecil yang takut telah tertangkap merusakan vas bunga ibunya. “…maka itu aku datang untuk meminta maaf padamu.” Ujarnya muram.

“Aku hanya tidak ingin lagi melihat wajahmu, tidak bisakah kau mewujudkannya?” aku menghela nafas, berkata padanya. Mewakilkan seluruh kelelahan bahwa aku telah begitu sabar menghadapinya yang begini mengesalkan.

Sejenak keheningan menjerat aku dan dia yang kini tengah berdiri canggung. Tidak seharusnya aku melakukan ini, namun jujur saja, wajah memelas itu telah berhasil meluruhkan rasa simpatiku. Membuatku berusaha untuk melupakan seluruh kejadian di hari yang lalu. “Baiklah, aku akan memaafkanmu. Dan aku serius, aku tidak ingin lagi melihatmu.”

“Kalau begitu wujudkan permintaanku ini..” Dia mengangkat wajahnya, dan kini tersenyum kekanakan kepadaku.

Oh sial.

Dia sangat manis ketika tersenyum.

Aku mengalihkan pandanganku, aku tahu dia menguasai segala ilmu ajaib yang dapat menjerat orang lain dalam waktu sekejapan. Sepertiku. Aku benar-benar harus menjauh dari pandangan matanya yang selalu terlihat dalam ketika menatapku.

“Apa yang kau mau?” tanyaku muram.

“Aku ingin mengajakmu minum kopi.”

“Aku harus bekerja.”

“Aku akan menunggumu, hingga kau menyelesaikan jam kerjamu.”

“Aku berniat menghabiskan waktu lembur di kantor hari ini.” ujarku lagi dengan sedikit kesal.

“Aku akan menunggu..” Kini dia berucap dengan rasa antusias yang sedikit berlebihan. Aku mengalihkan pandanganku, kembali menatapnya dan memicingkan mata. Menatapnya penuh selidik.

“Kau yakin? Seharian suntuk menungguku?”

“Kau telah memegang janjiku.”

“Dan aku tidak suka kopi.”

“Aku bisa memesankanmu secangkir cokelat hangat. Aku tahu tempat yang tepat untuk itu. percayalah..” Dia kembali tersenyum. “…uhm, aku akan menunggumu di sebelah sana, bolehkah?” Dia menunjuk sofa besar yang memang kuakui sungguh nyaman di dalam ruangan ini. aku hanya mengangkat bahuku, dan kembali fokus dengan pekerjaanku. Mengabaikan keberadaanya, meski sungguh sulit kulakukan.

Aku bertaruh dia tidak akan mampu menungguku hingga jam kerjaku berakhir. Karena entah mengapa, kini aku sangat tertarik untuk bertahan di dalam ruangan ini hingga malam telah pekat. Kita lihat saja…

OooooooO

Yuri POV

Satu.. dua..

Satu.. dua..

Aku menggerakan kakiku maju dan mundur, menghitung satu dan dua untuk sekian ratus kalinya. Tebak, sudah berapa lama aku menghabiskan waktu di tempat ini dengan menghitung ratusan satu dan dua itu? setengah jam. Akh! Aku benar-benar akan mati menghabiskan waktu membosankan semacam ini. Jessica dapat bertahan dengan jari yang terus bergerak di atas keyboard, mata yang tak henti menatap layar komputer, dengan tangan satunya yang kini tengah sibuk membolak-balik sebuah file besar. Tidak mungkin aku dapat bertahan.

“Kau dapat pulang jika bosan..” gumamnya di sela kesibukannya yang membuatnya tidak menjawab sedikitpun pertanyaan yang kulayangkan. Seperti…

“Kapan kau makan siang?”

“Nanti.”

“Apa kau pernah memiliki kekasih semasa sekolah dulu?”

“Tidak.”

“Apa hobimu sebenarnya?”

“Tidak ada.”

“Apa kau selalu terlihat pemarah seperti itu?”

“Tidak juga.”

“Tempat hiburan seperti apa yang kau suka?”

“Tidak tahu.”

“Apa kau memiliki ayah?”

“Tidak.”

“Apa kau suka padaku?”

“Jelas tidak.”

“Bisakah kau menjawabku dengan jawaban lain selain tidak atau tidak juga?”

“Ya.”

“Selain ya?”

“Tidak.”

Argh!

Aku hampir mati dibuatnya.

“Aku akan menunggumu.” Ujarku singkat, jujur saja. Kini aku tengah meyakinkan diriku sendiri, bahwa aku benar-benar tahan menunggunya hingga jam kerjanya berakhir. Dia benar-benar tahu cara yang tepat untuk menyiksaku. Selain menamparku dengan kekuatan penuh, dia membuatku menunggu. Menunggu di dalam ruang lenggang mengerikan ini.

“Kau terlihat sangat tersiksa..”

Apa ini perasaanku saja, atau dia benar-benar tengah mengulum senyumnya yang cantik itu? oke. luar biasa. Mungkin ini sebuah pembalasan yang tepat untuk tingkahku yang selalu menyebalkan padanya.

“Ijinkan aku melukis wajahmu…”

Akhirnya. Setelah sekian lama dia menolak untuk menatap wajahku! Kini dia menoleh! Mengernyitkan keningnya dengan penuh kebingungan. “Kau dapat melukis sesuatu?”

“Ehm, sesuatu? Aku dapat melukismu.” Ujarku sedikit ragu. Kemudian aku tersenyum dengan penuh rasa bangga di dalam hatiku. jujur saja, kemampuanku dalam seni lukis ini seringkali menimbulkan decak kagum bagi orang lain yang mendengarnya. “Ehem. Tidak terlalu pandai, tapi tentu saja, lukisanku pernah terpajang di sebuah galeri besar di Paris.”

“Taeyeon suka melukis..” Dia kembali mengalihkan pandangannya.

Narsismeku kali ini sangat jauh dari sasaran. Aku tahu. Aku tahu Taeyeon dapat melukis, aku hanya tidak tahu bahwa Jessica begitu mengamatinya. Aku terdiam, menelan kegetiran itu kedalam sudut hatiku yang terdalam. Aku tersenyum jenaka kepadanya.

“Aku bisa melukis lebih indah darinya.”

“Lukisannya selalu menjadi yang terindah di mataku.” ujarnya sendu.

Sial sial. Jika saja aku memiliki sedikit keberanian untuk memeluknya. Membiarkannya melepaskan segalanya di dalam pelukan hangatku. Aku hanya terlalu pengecut untuk melakukannya.

Aku mengabaikan kalimat muram itu, mengambil selembar kertas dan sebatang pensil dari atas mejanya, kembali duduk di sofa nyamanku. Mulai menggoreskan setiap lekuk keindahan wajahnya ke atas kertas.

“Tersenyumlah, Jessica. Aku tidak ingin melukis wajah yang sendu.” Ujarku, berusaha terdengar lembut. Memeluknya secara kasat mata melalui tutur kata yang kuharap dapat menenangkannya.

Dia tersenyum kecil, menatapku sekilas, membuat rasa bahagia yang tidak pernah kubayangkan membuncah di dalam hatiku. Jika saja dia ingin tersenyum sedikit lebih lama, mungkin aku akan segera memeluknya sekarang juga.

Aku kembali tenggelam dalam tarian jari-jariku yang telah sibuk bercumbu dengan sebatang pensil ini.

“Bagaimana jika Taeyeon memiliki hubungan khusus dengan Tiffany?” Gumamku di sela-sela kegiatanku kini.

“Entahlah..” Jessica menghentikan gerakan jarinya yang masih sibuk mengetikan sesuatu, terlihat berpikir keras. “…aku akan menceritakannya pada buku harianku?”

“Bodoh.” Ucapku lembut. “Itu artinya, dia bukanlah yang terbaik untukmu. Itu artinya, saat bagimu untuk membuka mata dan hatimu, memberikan orang lain kesempatan menelusup kedalamnya.”

“Membuka hatiku untukmu?” tanyanya. “…kau benar-benar mencintaiku?”

Deg.

Aku tidak suka topik ini. Menelanjangi hatiku di hadapannya. Pertanyaan singkat, yang membuahkan hari-hari menyakitkan di dalam keremangan kamarku. Sebuah perenungan panjang hingga aku memutuskan bahwa aku telah jatuh sangat dalam untuknya. Aku mengangkat wajahku.

“Apa itu penting untukmu?”

Dia menggelengkan kepalanya. “Tidak juga. Aku hanya ingin tahu mengapa Taeyeon tidak bisa mencintaiku sedikitpun. Dan apa yang membuatmu mencintaiku sedangkan Taeyeon tidak?”

Kau tahu bagaimana rasanya menjadi diriku?

Aku mungkin terlalu tangguh untuk menangis menghadapi rasa sakit dan cemburu semacam ini. Namun kuakui. Rasanya sungguh sakit. Sakit ketika dia bersikap seolah-olah aku hanyalah seorang teman yang berada di dalam daftar terakhir memorinya. Tidak penting, tidak berarti.

“Kau tidak menyadarinya? Kau benar-benar membosankan! Tidak ada yang menarik sedikitpun darimu. Tubuhmu terlalu kurus, wajahmu tidak secantik artis itu, dan kau tahu yang terpenting? Kau tidak memiliki aura yang menarik, semenarik dirinya. Kurasa itu bukan suatu hal untuk dipertanyakan.”

Kau tidak pernah membosankan bagiku. Kau cantik, kau terlalu menarik, hingga selalu mengganggu setiap tidur-tidur malamku. Kau memiliki kharisma, wajah yang sendu, dan senyuman cerah yang bahkan dapat menghangatkan seluruh hatiku. aku hanya berbohong, untuk melukaimu. Rasa sakit ini terlalu memenuhiku, aku tahu aku mengesalkan. Aku menyakitinya, karena dia telah menyakitiku, bahkan tanpa sedikitpun menyadarinya.

“Kau tahu, Kwon Yuri? Kau benar-benar gadis yang menyebalkan!”

“Aku tahu itu.” kini aku menyeringai nakal padanya. Menggodanya dengan arogansiku yang mengesalkan. “Cepatlah selesaikan pekerjaanmu, aku tidak tahan lagi berlama-lama di tempat mengerikan ini.”

Aku kembali terpaku dengan kertas putih yang kini telah dipenuhi oleh siluet wajahnya yang tersenyum cerah. Senyum yang sungguh berbeda, meski senyum itu bukan untukku. Aku yang membentuknya. Aku membuatnya tersenyum.

Tanpa kusadari, setitik air menetes ke atas kertas di pangkuanku. Tidak boleh ada sedikitpun air mata yang menetes dariku. Itu hanya menunjukan kelemahan yang tidak berarti. Dengan cepat aku segera menghapus air mata itu. menutup sisi wajahku dengan helai-helai rambutku. Menyelesaikan waktu yang kian lama kian membunuhku.

Aku akan menunggumu, Jessica.

Menunggumu untuk belajar mencintaiku. Dengan penuh.

OooooooO

Jessica POV

Kau tahu. Ada sedikit hal yang menarik tentang gadis yang tengah sibuk di sisiku. Dia mencintai kenangan. Dia tidak pernah ingin melewati sedikitpun kenangan yang melintas dalam harinya dengan kamera besar itu.

Kakiku menjuntai, mengayun di atas gedung yang sangat tinggi. Menatap hamparan kota yang sungguh indah dan terang. Seperti tidak pernah ada malam dalam duniaku. Suara blitz kamera tidak berhenti sedari tadi, seperti dia tidak pernah bosan untuk melakukannya berulang kali.

“Kau tidak bosan, huh?” tanyaku dengan sedikit kesal saat dia begitu sibuk dalam dunianya.

“Tentu saja tidak.” jawabnya cuek. Kemudian menoleh kearahku. “Apa kau membutuhkan perhatianku?” seringai nakal itu kembali menghiasi wajahnya. Ugh. Aku membenci ekspresi itu.

“Aku tidak membutuhkannya. Disini dingin.. aku ingin pulang..” aku merajuk kesal padanya.

“Ehm, beberapa menit lagi kita pulang. Jangan sekarang, oke?” Dari sudut mataku, aku dapat melihat gerak-geriknya, melepaskan jaket yang tidak pernah absen dikenakannya, lalu memberikan benda itu padaku. Hembusan angin malam begitu menusuk hingga ke permukaan tulangku. Membuat rasa yang sedikit ngilu dan menggigilkan tubuhku. Aku tidak menolak pemberiannya, dan segera memakai jaket itu. Harum yang familiar terhirup olehku. Familiar, hanya saja aku sedikit lupa, dimana aku pernah mencium harum semacam ini.

“Kau berjanji mengajakku minum di kedai kopi, dan berakhir menjebakku bersamamu di tempat ini.”

Dia tertawa kecil, tawa yang terdengar menyenangkan di telingaku. “Anggap saja ini terakhir kalinya aku bertemu denganmu.”

“Apa? Apa kau menderita sakit kanker dan waktu hidupmu hanya tersisa sehari lagi? benarkah?”

“Harapan terbesarmu, huh? Tidak perlu melihat wajahku lagi.”

“Memang.”

Aku menggosok-gosokan kedua telapak tanganku, berusaha menghilangkan rasa dingin itu dalam gesekan yang menghangatkan. Dia meraih sebelah tanganku, menggenggamnya. Terasa hangat, dan nyaman. Aku membiarkannya, dan menikmati malam yang indah bersamanya, sesuatu yang tidak pernah terpikirkan olehku sebelumnya.

“Apa impianmu sebenarnya?” tanyanya dengan suara yang terdengar parau.

“Ehm..” aku terdiam sejenak, membiarkan kenangan-kenangan itu melintasi dalam jalur memoriku. “…dulu, ketika aku masih sangat kecil, aku bermimpi menikahi seorang pria tampan yang kaya.”

“Materi, huh?”

Aku mengabaikan komentar singkatnya yang terdengar menjengkelkan. “…kini aku bermimpi dapat hidup selamanya di sisi Taeyeon. Anehkah?”

“Aneh. Jika Taeyeon tidak pernah mencintaimu. Itu aneh.”

“Bagaimana denganmu?”

“Aku ingin mengelilingi seluruh dunia.” Dia tersenyum, terlihat begitu teduh. Khayalan-khayalan semu yang kupastikan sangat indah tengah membayang di matanya. “Ada begitu banyak tempat, kehidupan, budaya, yang sangat menarik untuk kusinggahi. Kau bahkan tidak menyangka ada tempat yang sungguh indah di kota ini, bukan?”

Aku hanya menggeleng perlahan.

“Aku suka mengabadikan kenangan, ketika aku menyatu dengan kameraku, ketika aku dapat menjadikannya sebuah karya seni yang sungguh berharga. Aku suka kebebasan.”

“Oh, itu sangat terlihat.” Ujarku sedikit sinis.

“Kau mungkin tidak percaya aku tidak pernah jatuh cinta sebelumnya.” Aku membelalakan mataku, berusaha terlihat terkejut. Aku hanya tidak pernah mempercayai seluruh perkataannya. “Orang-orang itu datang, singgah, memberikan kenangan, dan pergi. Tanpa kesan yang berarti. Aku arogan, aku egois, aku senang mempermainkan orang-orang yang menggilaiku. Itu benar. Namun aku tidak pernah jatuh cinta pada satupun diantara mereka.”

Aku termenung. “Apa kau benar jatuh cinta padaku?” aku menatap matanya, mencari secercah kejujuran di dalamnya. Dia hanya mengangguk. Kemudian mengalihkan pandangannya, terlihat begitu rapuh. “Aku tidak menarik. Bagaimana mungkin kau jatuh cinta padaku?”

Dia menatapku, dengan intensitas yang kurasa sedikit berlebihan. Seperti, menelusuri setiap lekuk wajahku, tanpa melewatkan sedikit inci dari sana. “Kau cantik.”

“Lebih cantik darimu?”

“Entahlah..” Dia tertawa kini, menepuk lenganku atas pertanyaan idiot itu. “…kau hanya harus lebih sering tersenyum padaku.”

“Ugh, itu tidak mungkin terjadi.”

Sejenak keheningan menelusup di antara kami, hangat nafasku menguap, menimbulkan kabut di sekitar wajahku. Genggaman tangannya kian erat kurasakan.

“Kau tahu apa impian terbesarku, Jessica?” Dia mengangkat tanganku dalam genggamannya. “Kau mau belajar untuk mencintaiku, dan aku akan mengelilingi dunia bersamamu.”

“Aku tidak mungkin bisa melakukannya…” aku menghela nafas, memberikan tatapan itu. tatapan simpatik yang kuharap dapat menenangkan hatinya. Memberinya kesempatan untuk berhenti berharap.

“Kau akan melakukannya, Jessica. Aku tahu kita ditakdirkan untuk bersama.”

“Kumohon jangan katakan itu…”

“Kau hanya perlu menelusuri hatimu lebih jauh. Bukan Taeyeon yang ada di dalam sana, tapi aku.”

Menelusuri hatiku?

Aku mengerti apa yang kurasakan, aku dapat memahami emosi yang selalu bergumul ketika melihat Taeyeon melangkah masuk ke dalam ruangan kerjaku. Aku mencintainya, aku mengaguminya.

“Maafkan aku membuatmu kedinginan. Ayo kita pulang..” Dia tersenyum dan bangkit berdiri, menarik tanganku untuk mengikutinya.

Dalam riuhnya malam. Gemuruh hatiku mereda, meninggalkan rasa bingung yang menjengahkan. Haruskah aku menelusuri kembali rasa-rasa yang telah pecah menancap di hatiku?

OooooooO

Hem. Oke. enggghhhhh……

Maapkan aku. Udah ninggalin kalian segini lama. Tapi serius deh, tadinya gue mau komit bakal nyelesaiin ceritanya dulu sebelum di publish ke wordpress. Menghindari hal-hal yang mungkin terjadi seperti, hiatus kelamaan. Beneran, gue ngerasa kayak gubernur yang lagi membagikan janji-janji palsu buat bikin MRT ke masyarakat. Gue gak mau PHP-in lagi deh. HAHAHAHA. Makanya minggu ini gue publish.

Semoga menemani malam minggu kalian yang menyedihkan. Eheng. Oke. malam minggu gue yang menyedihkan. Anyway, yang tinggal di Jakarta, roti gue buka outlet di GMplaza. Kapan-kapan maen ya, sapa tau ketemu sama gue, yang mau foto bareng sama minta tanda-tangan wajib beli roti gue.. #digampar

Fyi, ini cerita udah sampe part 6 setengah di folder gue. Mengenai NC, masih jadi rahasia di chapter berapa. *alah* ditunggu part-part selanjutnya eaaaa.. part lima bakal ada adegan sweet-sweetnya, anggap aja part 4 pemanasan dolo. Oceh.

Gue mo balesin komen-komen kalian kalau begitu. muah..

guardianzen: HA HA HA HA. BUKAN TELAT LAGI! tapi gue hiatus sebulan. Dah kelewatan banget. makasih ya udah berkunjung dan komen.. hehehehe

drarrykaishin: Angkuh tapi rapuh…………….. aduh. Kayak baca puisi deh. HUAHAHA. Iya, emang pas settingan taengsic itu mau gak mau kusamain hehehe. Ya emang sih beberapa chapter kedepan, konfliknya bakal lebih membahana kayak acara show imah. Ditunggu ya tante teteh. Muah.

Han ji hwa hee : dia lagi melancarkan rencana-rencana ekstrim biar si Sica merhatiin dia ceritanya. Hahahahaha. Eh padahal gue yang nulis tadinya pengen bikin sesuatu loh. Tapi jangan ah, chapter tiga yang kalem-kalem dulu. Ngakngakngak.  makasih ya udah berkunjung dan komen..

nuriiiin : Iya alurnya pelan. Pelan-pelan kayak orang pacaran. Hehehehe makasih ya udah berkunjung dan komen..

Kwon_gorjess.spazzer : HAHAHAHAHAHA.. ini udah kujelasin di chapter ini gin, kalo dia Cuma pake dua potong pakaian dalam. Jadi bayangin yang hitam berenda loh aku. Aduuuuhhh… mayuuuuuuuuuuu!!!!!!!!! Kangen deh sama kamu.. :*

navy99blue : PACAR GUE DATENG!!!! Hihihihihihihihihihi… bangga deh gue dipuji-puji ama elo ai. Pengen gue cium aja lo pake roti. Hauahahahahahaha.. maacih ya udah main betewe, males ah di benso. Gak ada yoghurt. Mueheuehehehehehe.

Kwon Cacu : ciyus??? Enelan?? Miapahhhh??? Hihihihihi. Kayak apa aja deh pake ngena beud. Hush. Sica udah ngadu ke gue, udah peluk-peluk gue nih… aduh… jadi bayangin. Hauahahahaha. Makasih ya chingu udah main dank omen.. salam cium dari rotiiiii..

Kimtaeyeoung : gimana sih rasanya, naksir ama seseorang tapi nyari cara buat dapet perhatian *PENGALAMAN* ya jadinya kayak gitu. Suka freak sendiri, kalo gak pake ngajak brantem ya gitu. Yang di dapur itu ogah. Yang di tempat-tempat aneh itu khusus taeny, yang emang pasangan mesum. Yulsic kayaknya bakal lebih soft deh, minimal tempatnya di area-area aman untuk ber-NC. hauahahaha

Lisa : ini bukan jiwa mesum lis. Ini jiwa seni. Menyampaikan kesenian melalui kemesuman. Lo pasti deh lebih ngerti dari gue! Aauahahauahauahaua. Gak sabar gue, gak sabar nge-NC. Hauahaha. Eh yang si gyuri ciuman itu anjir beneran! Hauaha. Tapi Cuma asal nempel gitu. Ya lumayan aja sik. Eheng. Kita bahas di lain tempat deh. muah.

Kwon Eya : oh ya? Kamu tinggal di negeri ninja hatori ya???? *krik krik krik* HAHAHAHA. Eya, maap ya telat. Duh aku jadi malu deh sama amuwh. Butuh pelukan kekasih deh kayaknya…ehem. Jomblo. Ehem. Eya jangan bosan-bosan main yaaaaaa.. hehehehe muah. Betewe, fanservice rotvy ya. Ehnggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg……

lovesicababy : enggak. Pokoknya, hubungan mereka bakal kayak lagu melly goeslaw, digantung-gantungin di atas kompor, biar panas-panas sakit asik gitu. Ditunggu aja ya fase-fasenya. Beberapa chapter berikutnya kurang enak deh bakalan. Hihihihiiihi. Maaciiihhh..

hytae : azeeeeeeeekkkkk…. Pas banget deh. sarapan pagi baca ff roti mah, entar dijamin kenyang. Jangan lupa dicelupin sambel sama mayonnaise ye. makasih ya udah berkunjung dan komen..

sonelfishysparkyu : licik demi cinta. Apapun dilakukan. Alah. Hahahaha. makasih ya udah berkunjung dan komen..

Sari : makasih sariiiii.. hehehehehe.

MeLLocksmitH : meloooooo.. kangen deh sama kamu. Hihihihihi.  makasih ya udah berkunjung dan komen..

Rizky_Hwang : hah? cewek? Seriusan? Kok namanya risky, ganti donk. ganti apa kek yang manis manis. Siti_hwang? Alay_hwang? Akucantik_hwang? Atau Ceweseksi_hwang. Biar gue tau lo cewek. Hauahahhahahahhahaha. *digaplok* lo kira gue hamilin anak siapa, anaknya yuri mau deh. seriusan.

bloxtwins : Ciyus? Enelan? Kangen ma akuwh??????? Cenengnyaaaaaaa… Tapi sorry ya, aku hiatus terus. Setelah ini diusahakan aku konsisten apdetnya. Jangan bosen sama ke-hiatusan tiba-tiba ya. Hiks. Makasih hingu udah main.. J

soshiff9 (@Sasyaa95): sama kayak muka gue yang ketempel terus di hati lo ya sya. Aaaauuuuwwwwwwww.. jadi mayu deh. cium dulu sini cium dulu. Eheng. Iya ini yulsiccccc… maacih ya udah komen.

Kwon ria : astaga. Gue pikir hulk lewat ada suara gedung runtuh, tauknya elo gebrak meja. Ckckckckckck…../…. *krik* lo mending ngelamar deh jadi pembawa acaranya silet, siapa tau entar nama acara lo jadi lebih membahana. Acara gunting misalnya, jadi kan lebih sesuatu tuh. Tajam setajam gunting. Gimana ria cerita yang ini? kamu suka atau enggak neh? Kalo sama authornya gimana? Authornya seksi gak? Ehem.

arin_arindah : jangan penasaran, entar dimasukin hantu loh. Hgggggg. Heheheheh. makasih ya udah berkunjung dan komen..

mrz_love_taeny : salah ngomong gue. Harusnya gak gue panggil lo cantik, gue panggil lo seksi. Iyalah gue dateng, gue kan selalu pengen dateng ke hati lo. Ehgnggnnnnggggggg. Gimana chapter kali ini? sukaaa taaaakkkk?? Semoga suka ya. Muah…

SONE : tunggu-tunggu. GUE KETEMU TEMEN! Hauahaha. Eh gue malah dari umur berapa ya, tiga taon kali udah ngerti gitu-gituan. Pas kecilnya gak ngerti, pas abege gue mulai ngerti. Duh lo kalo baca nc yang gue bikin jaman smp gitu gak bedanya ama stensilan yang suka ada di website-website alay pemuas kebutuhan dengan cara yang bikin geli. Soal yulsic, gue punya satu video yang bikin gue jadi suka banget bikin adegan yulsicnya, jadi pas pernah ada salju-salju gitu, tiba-tiba sica nyamperin yuri terus meluk dengan cara posesif gitu. Gue langsung, tek. Yuri bakal gini di cerita gue. Bla-bla bla. Semoga suka ceritanya yaaa… muah.

taengppany : ciyuuuuuuusssssss???? Mana poto idungnya, sini donk. mo gue pake, buat ngusir genderuwo di pohon mangga. HAUAHAHAHA. Engh. Si yuri lagi caper gitu sama si sica ceritanya. Hahahaha. Nyetak. Nyetaaaakkkk.. ngebayangin gue. Aduh. Otak.. otak gue ada yang salah.

Yeoun12_jean : heh? Ape? Kaca tetangga lo pecah? Lo nyanyi kali kacanya ampe pecahhhhh… bahaya deh…… aduh aku jadi malu ditungguin sama kamuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuww… berarti aku berhasil nih kalo kamu gregetan. Jadi ceneng deh. gimana chapter ini sukaaa?? Ditunggu part limanya yaa..

Kim Leztharie sonesElf : hahahahahahaha… dangdut-dangdutan aja deh ente. makasih ya udah berkunjung dan komen..

JungHi : wwwooooooogggghhhh!!! Tante tau aja deh si yuri mo megang-megang. Aduh authornya jadi terguncang iman kalo begini cerita sih. Hihiihihiihi.  makasih ya udah berkunjung dan komen..

vanni or vhanny gjecrystyufy : telat bangeeeeuuuuuddd.. kangen yak? Duh jadi malu. Aku juga kangen deh ama kamu. Hehehehehe. Tenang, NC pasti ada kok. Ditunggu aja. kayak yang gue bilang, NC itu kayak penjelas hubungan percintaan. *salah persepsi* makasih ya udah berkunjung dan komen..

Q-SONE : Yeps. Konflik-konflik selanjutnya bakal lebih tentang yuri yang digantungin cintanya sica. Azeeeekkkkk.. semoga suka chapter ini ya. makasih ya udah berkunjung dan komen..

yulsic다에밬 : hehehehehe. Ditunggu yaa.. makasih ya udah berkunjung dan komen..

yulilovesnsd : gue telat deh balesnya, tapi selamat lebaran juga ya chingguuuuuu.. hehehehhe. Seneng kalo kamu suka ceritanya, ditunggu chapter selanjutnya yaaa..

saseumidongsaeng : kakak roti??? Enggak kale. Adek roti donk. gue kan masih muda cantik perawan belia seksi sekali. Masa kakak?????????//ayolah panggil adek. Gue senengnya dipanggil adek. Hauahahahahahahaha. Makasih ya udah main dank omen. Semoga suka chapter ini.

yulsictaenyjjang : SSSIIIPPP. makasih ya udah berkunjung dan komen..

yulsic jjang : hehehehehehehehehe.. makasih yaaaa udah suka sama ceritaku, pake kangen lagi. jadi pengen nangis bawang Bombay deh kamu ngomong gitu. Hiks. Semoga suka cerita ini yaaa..

Rainy : emang pendek rain. Hauahahahahahahaha… makasih ya udah berkunjung dan komen..

Sunshiner :  makasih ya udah berkunjung dan komen..

DedewKim : hahahahahaa. Siiipp deh.  makasih ya udah berkunjung dan komen..

X : apa sih bebiiiiiii.. muah.

taengfany : EHEMMMMM… gue juga lagi ngebayangin nih bentuknya gimana. Amboooyyyyy seksi pasti. Hauahahaha. Gimana chapter ini?? semoga suka yaaa…

SnsdCouple_Shipper : ihiyyy, kek apa aja deh kejutan-kejutan. Semoga suka sama chapter ini ya chinguuuu.. hehehehehe.. ditunggu lanjutannya.

clover : yuri tuh sesuatu banget tauk. Hahaha. Gimana ya. Cool care nya dia itu bikin gue cenut-cenut bawaannya. Hihihihihihi. Iya nih, dapet inspirasi dari satu readers yang ternyata ahli di bidang fotografi. Hehehehe. Iya. Ini bakal lebih panjang dari AL, jadi rentang waktunya itu, bakal lebih lama dari konfliknya taeny. Hahaha. Biasa si yuri lagi caper ama sica. Semoga suka chapter ini ya..

ggab_yul : tenang aja, di chapter ini yuri udah agak kaleman kok. Hahahahahaha… ditunggu selanjutnya ya chingu. Muah.

koppendtinmyheart : uhuuukkk…. *author no komen*

ryne#s0ne : ehhh yanto maeeennn. Idih kangen deh ama yanto. Iya to. Maacih ya udah men. Muuaah.

kidchan13knight : oh………. JADI MALU. Hauahauahauahahahahaahaha… gimana si kid. Kamu neh. Yan gada ada aja. abis pake ada knight2nya gitu. Kamuc arid eh flm Spartan, ntr ada cowok-cowok seksi yang perutnya kota-kotak dan pantatanya kemana-mana. Ciyus deh.#

YoonAddict : dia kan fotografi gitu. Hauahahaha, jadi dia kayak pengen dapet hasil foto sensual dari si sica. Kalo situasinya kayak gitu. Gue mau donk jadi fotografi juga. Hauahahaha. Semoga suka chapter ini ya….

Krystalized : ff yang taeny ya?/ hehhehehe. Itu sabar aja, setelah yulsic kelar langsung dilanjut kok. Maacih ya udah maen. muuah

OooooooO

Oke, last words. Thanks ya buat readers yang udah komen dan lagi-lagi menyuntikan semangat buat gue. Hihihihihi. Soal NC, ditunggu aja deh, pokoknya gue pake satu setting tempat yang semoga kalian tahu. Hahahahaha.

Udah ah, ane mo cabut dulu…

Ciao.

Salam roti!

I have a couple of friends who are currently working in the anime industry. They are wonderful people who, despite their busy schedules (and lack of desire to talk shop at the end of a long day), indulge my need to discuss the shows they have been working on. One of these series was Rinne no Lagrange, which came out in two separate 12 episode seasons, one in winter and one in summer.

I had been following the series since episode 1, expecting a plot akin to Mai-Hime, with special destinies and lesbian undertones. More importantly, I expected complex plots, interesting characters, and beautiful views of gorgeous seasides. At first, I was trying to convince my friends that the series, which I was further ahead on, would eventually be worth their blood, sweat, and tears. By the end of the second season, we were all griping together about how sick of it we were.

Story

Rinne no Lagrange‘s plot summary looks good on paper: ”Madoka is the lone member of her school’s Jersey Club. She is one day recruited by a mysterious girl named Lan to pilot the robot “Vox” and protect her city from space invaders. They are joined by a third girl, Muginami, who has a different goal than Ran. Meanwhile, they still don’t know their enemies’ true goal, or what “Rinne” might be.” (Courtesy of Anime News Network)

If we break this down, we’ve got a heroic action story with science fiction elements and a robot with mysterious elements. This sort of trope is used by many a mecha anime, usually to some success. Then we have an enemy whose goal is not only unknown, but could be of some significance – this is not a villain who wants to watch the world burn. Finally, we have the mention of “Rinne,” a strange something that requires investigating.

Twenty-four episodes is ample time to build up a universe, explain certain elements, hint at the ultimate conclusion, bring the conflict to a climax, and reveal all the secrets while simultaneously satisfying the audience. For the first 12 episodes, I was entertained and intrigued, but not yet convinced that this show was a hit because I had yet to see how the plot would pan out. By season 1′s conclusion, I was satisfied but curious as to where things would go from there, which is exactly where you want viewers to be mid-series.

By breaking up the series into two seasons, however, the writers were forced to put unnecessary filler in each season and provide a decent conclusion for each final episode. The problem was that this left no opportunity to truly transition what seems like an ultimately continuous conflict between the two seasons. For example, we spent an episode watching snakes crawl around in girls’ bathing suits when we could have spent more time learning about the villains or the support cast.

All this choppiness between seasons and filler leaves little time for the audience to really understand what the mystery is and what the answers are. During season 1, I was looking forward to all the resolutions to the tensions expertly built up throughout, but any hope I had at a satisfied conclusion was so bumped around and chopped up incomprehensibly between episodes that it was a struggle to finish the series. I mean, the above blurb indicates that we will understand our villains and “Rinne,” but I’m still not sure I get either.

Leading ladies are ultimately what save this show. In the face of some really confusing and lame supporting cast members and mostly incomprehensible villains, Madoka, Lan, and Muginami are fresh and fun. Admittedly, there’s supposed to be some romantic something going on here, but that isn’t what matters to me. Instead, we have three distinctly different characters whose interactions are cheesy but fun. I wish they had grown more complex and that the plot didn’t rely so heavily on the ever-cliched power of friendship, but I adore the trust that has built up between them.

Grade: C

Music

I must admit, I am weirdly in love with the “go get ‘em” themes of Lagrange. All written specifically for the show, they each embody very strongly the attitude of the Jersey club. All songs save for the season 2 ending theme were performed by Megumi Nakajima (who received a cameo role as Grania). Season 1 opens with “TRY UNITE” and concludes with “Hello!” Season 2′s opener, “Marble,” is more of the same. In fact, the only song that breaks that pattern is the song “Jersey Bu Tamashi!,” which is performed by the three leading ladies. However, even this theme fits the mold that musical director Saeko Suzuki put together: They all remind me of some of the feel-good pop that took hold in the 80′s and still appears from time to time. As a reference, it sounds like the type of music you’d hear in a department store. I’m not complaining – the tunes make you bounce around – but they aren’t particularly special. They just kind of get stuck in your head. I think that may be a good thing.

As for the OST, it has a lot of wonder and drama. It is fits Suzuki’s mold as well – taking sounds that I would dub elevator music were they not so freaking exciting to listen to. To relate it to a more famous anime – it reminds me vaguely of the RahXephon soundtrack (a show everyone should see). Now, this leaves the slower ballads to fall victim to mediocrity, but the upbeat action accompaniments truly are spot on. In my book, that means the OST is doing a lot of things right.

Grade: B+

Art

I was initially entranced by the colors of Rinne no Lagrange. The whole palate is kind of like a sunset and, what with the setting being an island village, there are many of opportunities for stunning panoramas. The actual execution, however, isn’t quite so beautiful. While all the tools are there, the art in some backdrops lacks the detail that it really should have. A lot of thought was put into the world of Lagrange and I wish that the visuals had measured up to what the city of Kamagawa deserved. Similarly, there were a lot of continuity errors, such as the father holding one color lunch box at one angle, and a different color at another. It was amazing that, given how amazing some scenes were to look at, others looked sloppy (which was probably made more obvious by the better moments). The animators could have spent a lot more time putting this whole thing together and double checking their work.

The one thing I did enjoy was the character designs. I never felt like any one design was particularly overbearing and the faces had a good balance to them. More importantly, I did love the elegance of the Vox mechas. They were clearly meant for women, seeing as the anthropomorphic mode had heeled feet, but both formations the Voxes took were visually pleasing while not at all like the other giant robots I’m accustomed to. It earned some points in an otherwise mildly sloppy show.

Grade: B

Final Remarks

The music was nice, as were the visuals, but none were outstanding enough to dig the plot out of the hole it sunk into. The writers wanted the series to be both fluffy and complicated, yet they could not find the necessary balance between the two to make it so. Instead, they got tangled in the threads of too many stories stories  and could not properly untie it with the two seasons available to them. But, like I told my anime industry friends, at least it was shiny.

Grade: B-

(Source: ANN)

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Himoto Sora is an extremely chivalric girl. One day she’s accepted into the  prestigious Utopia Academy out of the blue, and even more confusingly she’s sent the boys’ uniform; but that’s nothing compared to what happens once she actually gets there. It’s not just a school, it’s a training ground for the Iwhaijiri corporation to ingrain chauvinism and a natural sense of superiority into the male students – and what’s more, the girls are both the weapons and the prizes. It’s up to Sora, as the honourary “Prince” of the piece to save as many girls as possible – but is everything as straightforward as it seems?

Ehm… Yeah. Shitsurakuen is an interesting one to say the least. On the one hand it makes a very interesting point about the oppressors being as oppressed as the ones they tread on, as well as structures of power and psychological shackles etc. But on the other, all of this is part of a very focused initial couple of volumes which turn into quite flabby final ones. “Flabby” because the plot loses focus towards the end and you get the feeling that the clues, relationships and explanations which should have been there throughout the story to come together at the finale, were sacrificed for gratuitous panels of big-breasted and cute girls blushing. I don’t have a problem with shoujo-ai, there are places in Shitsurakuen where bosomy babes looking vulnerable works – trouble is there are too many panels of this at times when you need plot-work. Everything is explained extremely randomly at the end and you feel a bit cheated that both the main action and the emotional storyline are wrapped up so haphazardly; as if Naomura-sensei is saying: “Yeah, I know that you’ve invested your time and energy into seeing this through – but I’m just gonna chuck it together as I go. Deadlines, y’know.”

All that aside, the artwork is extremely pretty and I enjoy the ongoing fairytale and Paradise Lost motifs. There’s something very fluid and elegant in a simple way about the drawing, like a girl who doesn’t wear much make up or flashy clothes and yet still looks absolutely radiant when they turn up at class having  just fallen out of bed.

I’m awarding 3 out of 5 for Shitsurakuen; whilst I feel cheated and annoyed, there was enough content before the flabbiness kicked in to redeem it – along with the artwork and some very nifty motif work it’s just about salvageable.

Stay tuned folks!

Hingga ketika aku menggenggam tangannya.

Dalam sentuhan yang nyata. Kelembutan yang sejuk, meski terlalu dingin dan rapuh. Getaran yang sama. Aku lupa…

Ada kehidupan dalam tangan mungilnya. Yang tidak pernah kurasakan dalam mimpiku.

Mimpi yang sederhana, namun menenggelamkanku.

OooooO

Yuri POV

Aku menahan nafasku selama beberapa menit. Ada rasa sesak yang menggumpal di dalam dadaku, seperti menghentak lelapku hanya dalam sekejapan. Keringat dingin membasahi tubuhku. Meresapi keheningan malam yang berdengung di telinga. Rasanya, menakutkan.

Aku takut.

Mimpi yang sama kembali terulang.

Wajah yang asing. Kejadian yang janggal.

Aroma rumah sakit yang terasa nyata terhirup olehku. Suara itu, seperti terdengar jelas dalam memori otakku. Lantunan lagu yang tidak pernah kumainkan. Entah mengapa, selalu terulang hampir setiap malam. Mimpi ini menakutkan. Menakutkan karena aku tidak pernah mengalaminya sebelumnya.

Tokoh-tokoh imajinasi yang melayang-layang dalam ruang tidurku. Mengapa mereka ada? Bisakah aku menciptakan mimpiku? Mengapa aku bertemu?

Wajah pucat itu akan menatapku, memelas untuk sebuah melodi yang tidak kuketahui. Matanya nanar, tirus, dan pucat. Rambutnya kelam, dan tatapannya selalu terlihat dalam. terlalu dalam hingga menghantui hariku.

Siapa dia..

OoooooO

Koridor sekolah terdengar begitu riuh. Aku melihat beberapa siswa-siswi tengah bercanda riang. Mengabaikanku yang tengah menyeret langkah mencari-cari dimana keberadaan lokerku. Hari masih begitu pagi, namun mereka terlihat sangat bersemangat. Aku tidak pernah tidur selama ini. dua jam, dan aku akan terbangun karena sebuah mimpi aneh yang sama. Setiap harinya. Menenggak segelas air putih dan terjaga sepanjang malam menatap langit-langit kamarku, dalam keremangan suasana. Berpikir keras, dan tidak pernah mendapat secuilpun jawabannya.

Seperti hari-hari biasanya, aku berjalan gontai, membuka lokerku dan mengambil beberapa buku yang kuperlukan untuk jam pelajaran berikutnya.

Ada yang sedikit aneh hari ini.

Kertas merah muda itu, tergeletak begitu saja, lusuh dalam himpitan buku-buku biologi dan matematika di dalam loker. Aku meraih kertas itu perlahan, merasakan ada sebuah benda yang tergeser, menimbulkan bunyi yang tertangkap telingaku dengan mudah.

Cincin.

Sebuah cincin.

Detik melesat dalam hidupku. Begitu cepat, hingga tanpa kusadari aku melewatkan waktu-waktu berharga bersamamu.

Aku mengernyitkan keningku. Menoleh ke sekelilingku dan tidak menemukan sedikitpun kejanggalan. Tidak ada seorangpun yang tengah menatapku. Semua terlihat menikmati hari-hari mereka, bercanda, melempar bola kesana kemari. Tidak seorangpun yang terlihat memperdulikanku. Aku meraih kertas itu dan mengendus aromanya.

Perutku serasa teraduk ketika menghirup aroma obat-obatan yang terasa begitu menyengat. Harum rumah sakit.  Sungguh terasa.

Aku meremas kertas merah muda itu dan melemparnya ke dalam tempat sampah yang berjarak tidak jauh dariku. Meletakan cincin itu begitu saja di dalam loker. Mengambil beberapa buku yang kuperlukan, dan segera mengunci lokerku.

Ada rasa yang aneh melihat benda itu.

Sesak,

Seperti ingatanku tengah menggembara ke suatu tempat. Ruang imajinasi yang tak pernah tersentuh olehku. Melecutku dengan berbagai perasaan baru. Haru, riang, dan takut. ketakutan yang muncul pada saat bersamaan. Tanpa sadar aku menyentuh dadaku, iramanya tetap sama. Hanya ada kesakitan luar biasa di dalam sana. Luar biasa.

Mengabaikan rasa-rasa yang bermunculan secara tiba-tiba itu. aku berusaha bersikap biasa, dan berjalan memasuki kelas, seiring dering bel masuk sekolah.

OoooooO

“Anda mencari ruang nomor berapa, Nona?”

“105”

“Ehm, ada di lantai 3, di koridor sebelah kiri. Silahkan.”

“Terima kasih.”

Aku memberikan senyuman terbaikku. Membawa sebuah gitar di punggungku, dan berjalan mengikuti arah yang telah diinstruksikan olehnya.

105, koridor sebelah kiri.

Mengetuk pintu itu perlahan, dan segera membukanya dalam satu hentakan kecil, begitu perlahan, hingga tidak menimbulkan suara yang cukup riuh untuk mengganggunya.

Gadis itu, berambut kelam. Menyambutku dengan senyuman. Suaranya halus, lembut, dan berkharisma pada saat yang bersamaan, memberikanku rasa tenang ketika mendengarnya. Suara yang selalu kurindukan entah mengapa.

“Kau datang lagi?”

“Tentu saja..”

Aku tersenyum. Dan menutup pintu itu. mengabaikan suara-suara mesin yang berdengung menyebalkan. Kembali tenggelam dalam detik kebersamaanku dengannya.

OoooooO

“Sial!”

Sial.

Mimpi itu lagi.

Aku menjambak rambutku frustasi, rasanya ada hal yang begitu ganjil dalam hidupku. Teka-teki yang tidak dapat kupecahkan.  Yang menggelitik rasa ingin tahuku. Melodi apa itu. aku tidak pernah mendengarnya. Bodoh. Kenapa aku selalu memimpikannya?

Menghela nafas, berusaha meredakan rasa amarah yang menggelitik dadaku dalam satu hentakan panjang. Beranjak bangkit dari tempat tidurku dan meracik segelas kopi untuk kembali menemaniku malam ini. Duduk termenung. Seluruh lampu telah dimatikan, kebiasaan keluargaku yang sedikit mengganggu. Aku takut akan kegelapan.

Menyesap kopi itu sedikit, dan merasakan hangat yang menyelimuti tenggorokanku.

Mataku menangkap sebuah gitar tua yang teronggok begitu saja di pojok ruangan. Pemberian dari pamanku yang tidak pernah kusentuh sebelumnya. Aku dapat memainkan alat musik ini, hanya saja tidak ada keinginan yang begitu besar untuk terus menyentuhnya. Memainkan alat musik sangat membosankan untukku.

Ada yang berbeda malam ini. keinginanku begitu besar untuk memainkan gitar tua itu. Dalam sekejap aku telah memeluk gitar itu. menekankan jariku di atas senar-senarnya, membenarkan nada-nada itu menjadi harmoni yang tepat. Aku tersenyum dan mulai memainkan beberapa lagu yang terlintas begitu saja di otakku.

Melodi asing itu.

Yang begitu lekat dalam ingatanku.

Dapatkah aku merealisasikannya?

Dalam heningnya malam, imajinasiku menggembara. Jauh kedalam alam bawah sadarku. Mengeruk memori-memori mimpi yang mengendap di sana. Mencari melodi itu dalam tumpukan ingatan, memejamkan mata dan berusaha berkonsentrasi. Mencari chord-chord tepat yang melayang-layang dalam otakku. Memadukan melodi-melodi yang sesuai.

Aku mencoba.

Menemukan bagian-bagian yang hilang. Jam demi jam berlalu, kini aku tenggelam dalam serakan kertas-kertas nada di atas kasur tidurku. Menulis sekecil apapun melodi yang kutemukan. Dan aku kembali kehilangan sesuatu. Ada bagian yang hilang di dalam sana. Seperti kekosongan dalam otakku. Tidak dapat menemukannya.

Pukul 4.50

Aku meletakan gitarku di ujung ruangan. Tertidur dengan kertas-kertas yang berserakan itu. memejamkan mata, dan kembali mengarungi alam mimpiku. Aku akan menemukan nada yang hilang itu. aku akan menangkap nada yang hilang itu di dalam memoriku.

OoooooO

“Bagaimana harimu?”

Matanya menyipit membentuk senyuman yang seringkali membuncahkan hatiku. Aku menggenggam tangannya yang kian ringkih. Mengecup punggung tangannya dengan lembut, membiarkannya merasakan kasih sayang itu.

“Semangkuk bubur ikan, ehng, dan kau tahu, gelas susu yang sangat besar. Selalu membuatku mual..”

Aku tertawa kecil mendengar pernyataan polosnya.

“Kenapa kau selalu datang kesini menemuiku?”

Wajahnya tirus, matanya hitam kelam, tubuhnya kian kurus di atas kasur sialan ini. aku membelai wajahnya lembut, menjumput beberapa helai rambutnya kemudian melepaskannya kembali. Menatap matanya. “Karena jika tidak, kau akan menggangguku melalui mimpi.”

Gadis itu memukul tanganku. “Kau pikir aku cenayang?”

“Kau terlihat seperti cenayang untukku, Nona.”

“Aku bahkan tidak tahu, pernah mengenal orang sepertimu.”

Aku tertawa kecil, “Aku sangat populer di sekolah. Kau tahu itu..”

Gadis itu merajuk kesal dan memalingkan wajahnya. Menatap keluar jendela. Daun-daun berguguran, langit yang jingga, dan isakannya yang bisu. Aku menghapus air mata itu dari wajahnya. Tidak perlu bertanya banyak untuk tangisan itu. hanya membuat hatiku semakin sesak. Kurasa diam adalah jawaban terbaik sore ini.

“Apa kau akan melanjutkan hidpumu, tanpaku?” tanyanya lirih.

Kembali menggenggam tangannya. Aku tidak pernah menjawab pertanyaan itu.

Tidak akan pernah..

OooooooO

Bergeming.

Terdiam di depan lokerku. Setelah tidak tertidur semalaman aku kembali dikejutkan oleh selembar kertas lusuh yang berbau sama. Tulisan tangan yang tak beraturan, seperti ada jari-jari lentik yang gemetar memegang sebatang pensil kurus dalam genggamannya.

Mimpiku selalu sama. Tentangmu, dan kehadiranmu. Apa kau pernah memimpikanku?

Aku mencengkram kertas itu kuat-kuat dan melemparkannya dengan sedikit kasar. Kembali menyentuh dadaku yang terasa sesak. Suasana ini terasa begitu familiar namun asing pada saat yang bersamaan. Hanya menyisakan kejanggalan yang utuh dalam hatiku. Membuatnya kian rapuh.

Brengsek.

Siapa sebenarnya yang mengirimkan surat-surat ini?

Ada apa dengan otakku?

Seperti ada sebuah pertanyaan ganjil yang harus kupecahkan. Dalam dua tahun hidupku, aku menarik diriku dari dunia. Tenggelam dalam mimpi-mimpi semu itu. aku hampir hilang dalam duniaku sendiri. Hilang..

Ada yang harus kulakukan, benar-benar kulakukan untuk ini.

OoooooO

Suasana yang sedikit berbeda, terlalu pagi. Ganjil, seolah aku sedan g berada di dalam dunia mimpi yang berbeda. Namun kakiku kembali melangkah, menuju tempat yang sama. Bertanya kepada seorang suster yang sama, seolah-olah aku telah melupakan nomor kamar yang selalu disebutkan dalam setiap mimpiku.

“Dapatkah aku tahu dimana ruang Nona Jessica?”

Gadis muda itu terlihat mencari sesuatu dalam komputer kecilnya, secuil data untukku.

Ganjil. Sudah seharusnya aku menghafal nomor itu. dan aku terus saja mempertanyakan hal yang sama. Di ruang mana dia tengah terbaring kini.

“Dia telah dipindahkan kemarin malam..”

“Dipindahkan? Apa dia pulang?”

Mimpi ini sungguh berbeda.

Asing dalam ingatanku. Suasana yang aneh, pasien-pasien dan kerabat yang seolah menatapku dan hendak menelanku bulat-bulat. Begitu intens, hatiku sesak. Sesak oleh ketakutan yang berlebihan.

“Lantai 5.”

Aku meninggalkan suster muda itu tanpa mengucapkan apapun. Berlari secepat yang kumampu, menekan tombol lift berkali-kali untuk mengantarkanku ke dalam ruangan itu. Lift yang hening, menyisakan kehampaan dalam hatiku.

Mencari ruangan yang dimaksud, terjebak dalam koridor-koridor yang memberikanku berbagai pilihan. Aku tidak tahu kalau aku tengah menangis saat ini. rasa takut yang menyelimutiku, aku tidak pernah merasakannya seumur hidupku. Ketakutan akan sesuatu. Kehilangan yang abadi.

Aku menarik kerah seorang dokter yang tanpa sengaja berlalu di hadapanku.

“Jessica? Kau tahu pasien itu? beritahu aku dimana dia..” ujarku panik.

Dia menunjuk sebuah ruangan.

Ruangan di ujung lorong.

Papan kecil yang telah kukenal betul.

Kakiku melangkah perlahan. Menguatkan lututku yang terasa lemas.

Detik berlalu, rasanya bagaikan ribuan jam yang menusuk seluruh tubuhku dalam setiap menitnya. Aku tidak ingin sampai ke tempat itu. aku tidak ingin melihatnya..

Membuka knop itu perlahan. Menahan nafasku.

Dia tetap cantik.

Tetap cantik seperti dia yang selalu ada di dalam mimpiku. Meski terlihat sedikit pucat. Aku mendekatinya. Menggenggam tangannya yang kini kaku dan mendingin.

Apa aku akan melanjutkan hidupku tanpanya..

Apa aku bisa menjawabnya?

OooooooO

Aku merasakan air mata yang merembes membasahi seluruh wajahku. Aku terbangun, dalam kehampaan yang luar biasa menyakitkan. Termenung dalam keremangan kamarku. Tidak berpikir apapun. Hanya berusaha merasakan. Merasakan hal yang aneh malam ini. rasa kehilangan yang begitu mendalam, pada seorang gadis di dalam mimpiku.

Alas tidurku telah basah oleh air mata. Aku tersenyum, lebih menyerupai seringaian kecil. Senyum miris, aku merasa sangat bodoh. Sangat bodoh. Apa yang membuatku menangis sebenarnya..

Pukul 2.50

Mimpi ini begitu singkat, jauh berbeda dari malam biasanya. Ketika tanpa kusadari, aku telah menikmati kebersamaan-kebersamaan kecil itu bersamanya. Di dalam mimpiku, meski aku akan terbangun dan mengumpat sebisaku. Aku selalu ingin tertidur dan kembali bertemu dengannya. Aku merindukannya. Suaranya, lembut rambutnya yang hitam, aroma yang berbaur dari tubuhnya. Obat, mint, dan sedikit strawberry. Karakternya telah menelanku bulat-bulat dalam dunia imajinasi yang telah kuciptakan. Hanya satu hal yang sedikit mengherankan.

Aku tidak pernah mengenalnya, tidak pernah melihatnya. Dalam dunia nyataku.

Dia seseorang yang.. asing. Asing bagiku.

Meski dekat pada saat yang bersamaan. Begitu dekat dengan hatiku. Seperti telah merampas kesadaranku begitu saja. Mabuk dan hanyut dalam kasih sayangnya yang semu. Aku terjebak. Dalam dunia mimpiku sendiri.

Aku membuka lemariku dengan tangan yang sedikit gemetar. Masih terasa lembab oleh keringat dan air mata, aku mengambil lembaran partitur-partitur nada yang telah kubuat beberapa malam lalu. Menyelesaikan melodi-melodi yang akan melengkapi seluruh teka-teki ini.

OoooooO

Seoul hospital, datanglah, karena jam terus melayang, perlahan meninggalkanku.

Aku berdiri, menatap gedung pencakar langit ini dengan seksama. Meresapi sinar matahari yang mulai membakar kulitku. Aku berlari, mengabaikan kendaraan-kendaraan yang bising berlalu lalang. Meninggalkan kelas yang tengah berlangsung, detik aku membuka lokerku dan mendapati kertas itu. rumah sakit raksasa, yang berada tidak jauh dari sekolahku.

Dengan sedikit keraguan. Aku melangkah memasuki gedung itu.

“Anda mencari ruang nomor berapa, Nona?” seorang suster muda, yang tidak sama seperti dalam mimpiku menyapaku dengan senyuman yang terlihat dibuat-buat. Tentu saja, menangkap sorot kelelahan yang sangat dari wajahnya.

“Atas nama, Jessica?”

Aku menggigit bibirku, merasa sedikit khawatir. Aku tidak pernah mengetahui nama itu sebelumnya, sial. bahkan aku tidak tahu jika gadis itu sungguh nyata atau tidak. aku benar-benar bodoh telah melakukan ini. sial.

“Jessica? Nama lengkap?”

“Engh, Jessica…” aku berpikir sejenak. “…dapatkah kau mencari seseorang bernama Jessica untukku di rumah sakit ini?”

Aku meringis, merasa bersalah telah merepotkannya. Suster muda itu memaksakan seulas senyum sebelum berkutat dengan file-file di komputernya.

“Kamar 105..”

105. mimpi itu..

“Kau dapat mencarinya di…”

“Lantai tiga, koridor sebelah kiri.” Aku memotong kalimatnya, berucap cepat. Begitu yakin akan apa yang ada di  dalam mimpiku.

“Lantai dua.” Suster muda itu tersenyum kecil, seolah tengah menertawakanku dan kebodohanku. “Kau dapat mencarinya di sana..”

Aku mengangguk kecil, dan mengucapkan terima kasih padanya.

Berjalan gontai mencari lift. Bodoh. Ada berapa banyak gadis korea yang bernama Jessica? Bagaimana mungkin aku percaya begitu saja dengan mimpi-mimpi anehku setiap malam. Benar-benar ada yang salah dengan otakku.

Aku menertawakan diriku ketika menekan angka dua yang tertera di lift, menunggu beberapa menit hingga kotak besi itu mengantarkanku ke lantai yang kutuju. Yang tidak tahu apa sebenarnya tujuanku datang ke tempat ini. mengikuti instruksi bodoh di dalam lokerku? Oh yeah.

Aku mencari-cari kamar itu, sebelum menemukannya. Kursi-kursi tunggu berderet di sepanjang koridor yang kulewati, rasanya hening dan begitu sepi. Menyisakan keganjilan yang begitu berbeda. Tidak seperti di dalam mimpiku.

Menatap angka-angka yang terpahat dari kayu di luar pintu berwarna putih kusam. Melihat sekelilingku yang kosong, tidak ada satupun manusia yang terlihat berjalan di tempat ini. aku mengetuknya perlahan.

“Masuklah..”

Suara yang ringan. Tidak asing.

Aku memutar knop pintu itu, dan semakin mengernyit ketika harum rumah sakit benar-benar santar dari dalam ruangan itu. terpaan pendingin ruangan segera menyambutku, seorang gadis muda, berbaring, menatap keluar jendela. Jendela yang sama, seperti di dalam mimpiku.

Jarum-jarum mengerikan itu tertancap di tangannya. Dia menoleh, dan menatapku.

Apakah dia mengenalku?

Gadis di dalam mimpiku.

Wajah itu…

Aku menahan nafas. Seluruh teka-teki ini. apakah ini ujungnya? Pada akhirnya aku bertemu dengan gadis ini?

“Siapa kau?” tanyanya,

muram, dingin, tidak bernyawa.

OoooooO

“Bagaimana jika kegelapan menyelimutiku? Masihkah kau melihatku?”

Dia tersenyum kecil. Memainkan anak rambutku dalam belaian tangannya yang lembut. Aku menelusupkan wajahku di lehernya. Entahlah, aroma ini kian familiar dalam memoriku. Membuatku begini nyaman.

“Tidak.”

“Kenapa?”

“Aku tidak perlu melihatmu untuk mencintaimu..”

“Rayuanmu, hebat sekali.”

Aku tertawa dan mengacak-acak rambutnya. Mengecup keningnya, dan kembali bersamanya menatap keheningan malam melalui jendela kecil ini.

“Jangan pernah melupakanku..” bisiknya lembut di telingaku.

Begitu sulit mendapatkan harapan hanya dari kotak kecil di kamar ini. jendela tidak mampu membuatnya menatap cakrawala yang luas. Jessica yang selalu tersenyum dalam keterbatasannya.

“Aku tidak pernah. tidak akan pernah.” aku menggenggam tangannya. “Apa kau akan terus mengenalku meski puluhan abad berlalu?”

Jessica mendekatkan wajahnya dan menatapku seksama. “Ekspresi bodoh itu. aku akan selalu mengenalnya..”

OoooooO

Ini adalah hari kedua aku mengunjunginya di dalam ruangan ini. Tidak ada seorangpun yang terlihat pernah menemaninya, hanya setangkai bunga lili yang telah layu di atas meja. Tidak adakah seorangpun yang membawakannya bunga? Atau menjenguknya? Dimana keluarganya?

Aku menghentikan seluruh pertanyaanku ketika dia menoleh dan menatapku, dingin. Mungkin seperti hari yang lalu. Aku hanya akan duduk di sofa yang di sediakan khusus dalam ruang kelas satu ini. meringkuk kedinginan dan menahan nafas untuk menghilangkan rasa mual di dalam perutku mencium aroma obat-obatan ini.

Aku melakukannya. Meletakan tas sekolahku begitu saja di lantai dan duduk di kursi itu, menatapnya yang terus menatap keluar. Berusaha menembus jendela itu dan menghirup aroma taman, meresapi kebebasan.

“Apa kau ingin keluar dari tempat ini?” tanyaku sedikit sungkan.

“Sakit, dan orang-orang perlahan meninggalkanmu. Yang mereka lakukan hanyalah mengirimkan dana yang cukup untuk pengobatanku.”

Aku menelan seluruh kata-kata yang hendak kuucapkan kedalam tenggorokanku. Mendengarkan kalimat pertamanya yang terasa jauh lebih panjang dari biasanya.

“Keluargamu?”

Dia terdiam, mengalihkan pandangannya. Menatap keluar jendela. Hanya pemandangan yang tidak berubah sejak bertahun-tahun yang lalu kuduga. Tetap langit pagi yang sama, entahlah. Pergantian musim tidak terlihat seperti perubahan yang menakjubkan bagiku. Semua terasa sama saja. Berbagai pertanyaan kini tengah menari-nari di dalam benakku. Hanya terlalu takut bagiku untuk mengungkapkannya.

Gadis itu menoleh, menatapku, dengan begitu tajam. “Siapa kau?”

Aku tertawa bodoh, menggaruk kepalaku yang tidak terasa gatal. Aku tahu ini bodoh, sangat bodoh. Tidak mendapatkan respon sedikitpun dari wajahnya yang terasa kaku. Aku menghentikan tawaku yang hanya menyisakan keheningan panjang. Aku berdeham, berusaha meredakan suasana canggung ini.

“Kau bertanya hal yang sama kemarin..” jawabku muram. Duduk di atas sofa yang nyaman tanpa dipersilahkan.

Dia merenung. Tidak menjawab perkataanku. Entah ada apa dengan gadis ini, dia terlihat begitu murung di setiap waktunya. Menatap jendela, ataupun menatap jari-jarinya yang lentik dan pucat. Menatap wajahku adalah kejadian yang sungguh jarang dan janggal ketika dia melakukannya. Selalu tatapan tajam intens, seolah membunuh pada saat bersamaan.

“Dan kau tidak pernah menjawabnya..”

“Yuri, Kwon Yuri.” Aku menggerak-gerakan kakiku, menghilangkan rasa gugup yang tengah menelusup dalam hatiku, menghadapi gadis murung ini.

Wajah yang sama. Ruangan yang sama. Aroma yang sama. Kini kepingan itu terasa menyatu dalam hatiku. Hanya satu yang tidak sama. Sama sekali berbeda, gadis ini. gadis yang selalu terasa hangat di dalam genggamanku, kini terlihat membangun barikade perang yang begitu kuat. Yang begitu sulit bagiku untuk menembusnya.

Rasanya hampir sama seperti hari kemarin. Tidak ada percakapan yang begitu berarti, sore ini hanya kuhabiskan dengan bernyanyi-nyanyi kecil dan menatap wajahnya yang terus murung. Bertanya dan hanya mendapatkan jawaban singkat darinya. Tidak menarik.

Pukul 16.23

Aku memutuskan untuk meninggalkan tempat ini. Seperti hari kemarin. Dia hanya akan menatapku, tatapan terakhir untuk hari ini. tatapan yang selalu terasa begitu dalam, seperti mencengkram hatiku dengan kekuatan yang begitu menyakitkan. Seperti…

Rasa takut untuk meninggalkannya, dan dia dapat meninggalkanku selamanya di hari berikutnya.

OooooooO

Ladang yang begitu luas. Rerumputan yang terlihat menari, angin yang berhembus perlahan, dan sinar mentari menyejukan, namun terik. Mencerahkan hatiku. Tanah yang lembab, aroma embun yang menguar. Seperti tetesan obat bagi hatiku yang mungkin pernah terluka. Tidak ada rasa sakit.

Hanya kebahagiaan. Meski semu. Meski terlihat jingga, meski aku tahu hanya mimpi. Aku dapat merasakan kehangatan yang mengalir melalui setiap inci pembuluh darahku. Aku menari, aku melompat, dan aku tidak perduli dengan dunia lainnya.

Dunia yang aneh. Meski janggal.

Gubuk kecil, beratapkan jerami, kayu-kayu tua yang tersusun membentuk rangkaian tempat tinggal sederhana ini. aku tersenyum menatapnya, tanpa kusadari.

Tangan yang lembut, menggenggam tanganku. Mengajakku ikut berlari, kesana-kemari, menikmati kebahagiaan semu ini.

Detik berikutnya, gadis itu menghentikan tariannya. Memelukku dengan begitu erat, membisikan suara lembut dan lirih di telingaku. Seluruh tubuhku bergetar menikmatinya. Menikmati kehangatan dan kelembutannya. “Ini impianku…”

Mempererat pelukanku, mengecup pipinya sekilas. “Terima kasih, telah membawaku ke dalam mimpimu, Sayang..”

Dia tertawa, terdengar begitu riang. Tawa yang rasanya begitu kurindukan. Kembali menyeretku dalam imajinasi sempurna. Kebahagiaan yang tidak akan pernah ada dalam kehidupan manapun.

Abadi.

OooooooO

Hari ketiga.

Wajahku tenggelam, menyembunyikan senyuman yang terkulum di bibirku, aku melangkah masuk, mendengar derit pintu yang sangat familiar, hingga suaranya yang menutup.  Di antara buket bunga lili yang kubawa, aku menyembunyikan raut wajah riangku siang ini. Harum bunga lili yang telah diberi sedikit parfum berbaur dengan bau obat-obatan ruang rumah sakit.

Menaruh buket bunga itu di meja, aku tersenyum melihatnya. Wajahnya terlihat begitu tenang, damai, entah apa yang tengah berkelebat dalam tidurnya siang ini. Tidak seperti siang biasanya, dimana dia akan kembali tertangkap menatap jendela kecil dengan wajah muram. Siang ini dia tertidur lebih lama.

Aku mendekatinya dengan ragu-ragu. Sesuatu yang tidak pernah kulakukan sebelumnya, menembus batas kasat mata yang telah terbangun sejak hari pertama aku mengunjunginya.

Sedikit terkejut ketika dia membuka mata, menatapku nanar. Seolah tidak pernah mendapatkan tidur yang tenang sepanjang hidupnya. Kantung hitam jelas terlihat di bawah matanya. Aku tersenyum kecut, berusaha menghilangkan rasa gugupku. Dia mengalihkan pandangannya, kali ini menatap buket bunga yang kuberikan. Sama sekali tidak berniat untuk menatap mataku lebih lama dari lima detik yang selalu terasa seperti selamanya.

Menggeser kursi kecil, dengan perlahan, begitu perlahan, memecahkan tembok itu. sedikit, demi sedikit. Aku mendekat padanya. Duduk, terdiam, dalam keheningan yang dalam. menatap buket bunga yang kuberikan dalam waktu yang rasanya menjengahkan. Aku berdeham.

Gadis itu membalikan tubuhnya, membelakangiku. Pergerakan yang tidak pernah kulihat selama dua hari terakhir.

“Bunga lili yang cantik..” ujarku perlahan. Berusaha menghancurkan keraguannya.

“Aku tidak pernah mengenalmu. Apa yang membuatmu perduli padaku?” suaranya terdengar parau. Begitu lirih. Hampir membuatku menangis.

Aku mengambil tas sekolah yang tergeletak begitu saja di pojok ruangan. Merogoh selembar kertas merah muda yang beraroma persis seperti ruangan ini. tulisan tangan yang tak beraturan, seperti hari-hari sebelumnya. Yang selalu membawaku kembali lagi ke tempat ini.

Genggam tanganku, jangan beranjak hingga malam berakhir.

“Kau.. kenal tulisan ini?”

Gadis itu menoleh sejenak. Menatap kertas dalam genggaman tanganku dengan seksama. “Tidak.” ujarnya singkat. Aku menghela nafas. Pemikiran-pemikiran bodoh, rantaian logika yang hanya berusaha menyatu padukan seluruh kejadian aneh ini terpusat padanya. Mimpi-mimpi, surat misterius, melodi yang aneh, dan gadis murung yang tengah bersamaku hari ini. tidak ada satupun dari semua hal itu yang membentuk rangkaian kenyataan di benakku.

Kembali lagi, seperti hari-hari kemarin. Aku mengerjakan seluruh tugas sekolah di tempat ini. ditemani musik-musik klasik melalui i-phoneku, dan kediaman gadis ini sepanjang waktuku. Sesekali mengamati wajah muramnya yang rasanya tidak akan pernah berubah selamanya.

Pukul 16.36

Aku membereskan seluruh perlengkapan sekolahku. Untuk kesekian kalinya, bersiap meninggalkannya.

“Aku harus pergi. Semoga kau suka bunga itu.”

Aku tahu, buket bunga yang telah kubeli hanya akan berakhir tragis, melayu, bersama harapanku yang kian kosong dalam setiap detik kemuraman hidupnya.

“Jangan..” ujarnya lirih. Terdengar seperti bisikan yang ironis di telingaku. Aku menghentikan langkahku. Berjalan perlahan. Mendekat padanya.

Menit-menit yang kulewati. Hari-hari yang selalu terasa sama.

Aku mendekat padanya. Duduk tepat di sisinya, matanya menerawang. Menjauh, menembus kedalaman atmosfir bumi. Berkelana hingga ke tempat yang tidak pernah kukenal namanya. Dia merenung, tidak berucap sepatah katapun.

Hingga ketika aku menggenggam tangannya.

Dalam sentuhan yang nyata. Kelembutan yang sejuk, meski terlalu dingin dan rapuh. Getaran yang sama. Aku lupa…

Ada kehidupan dalam tangan mungilnya. Yang tidak pernah kurasakan dalam mimpiku.

Hari yang berbeda. Waktu yang berbeda.

Aku telah menghancurkan barikade itu. menghabiskan malam pertamaku bersamanya. Melenyapkan mimpi-mimpi yang semu. Menikmati kebersamannya. Bukan dalam imajinasi semata.

OooooooO

Pukul 20.13

Koridor rumah sakit terasa begitu lenggang. Sepi, hening. Tidak ada lagi sanak saudara maupun kerabat para pasien yang masih menghabiskan jam besuk. Langkah kakiku berderap, menggema di sepanjang lorong. Menatap pintu yang sama, putih kusam yang kukenal.  105. Aku tersenyum, menarik nafas dalam. memutar knop pintu perlahan.

Dia berbaring, terlihat begitu tenang. Meski matanya tengah menerawang, menatap langit-langit kamar, merenung. Aku berdeham. Seperti sebuah kebiasaan agar dia menyadari keberadaanku. Aku tahu, dia selalu menyadarinya. Gadis itu menoleh, menyunggingkan seringai kecil.

Hatiku bergetar..

Senyuman kecil. Senyuman pertama darinya. Untukku.

Aku membalas senyum kecil itu dengan tawa lebar di wajahku. Sudah berapa tahun dia tidak pernah tersenyum bagi orang lain? Hingga kupikir, dia telah lupa cara untuk melakukannya. Aku berjalan mendekat.

“Guru matematika. Mereka sangat menyebalkan ketika ujian akhir tiba, menahan siswi bernilai pas-pasan sepertiku.” ujarku dengan helaan nafas yang perlahan, samar. Namun memancarkan rasa lelah dari raut wajahku.

Hari keempat, aku datang sedikit terlambat hari ini. ada rasa menggebu yang begitu besar, kerinduan untuk kembali menggenggam tangannya seperti hari kemarin. Kembali menatap wajahnya dengan kedekatan yang entah mengapa selalu memecut diriku oleh rasa yang tidak pernah kumengerti sebelumnya. Terlalu nyata, terlalu memenuhi hatiku, hingga aku merasa tidak sanggup lagi menampung seluruhnya.

“Matematika. Pelajaran yang mudah..” Dia bergumam, hampir seperti bisikan. Namun tentu saja, keheningan di kamar ini dengan mudah menggemakan bisikannya. Dia menatapku. Tatapan yang nanar, tidak lagi memancarkan intensitas yang berlebihan. Hanya tatapan seorang gadis rapuh yang terlihat kesepian. Seperti ingin memeluk hatiku dengan kehangatan pancarannya. “…aku bisa membantumu.”

Aku menundukan wajahku, menatap ujung sepatuku yang kotor ternoda oleh debu. Menyembunyikan senyumanku dari balik setiap helai rambutku. Aku tersenyum. Ada kebahagiaan yang membuncah dalam dadaku. Suara itu. Kelembutan yang sudah hampir kulupakan, kini dapat kudengar. Hanya rangkaian kata-kata lirih tidak berarti. Namun kembali menyeretku dalam rasa sayang yang dulu sempat kurasakan. Meski hanya dalam mimpi.

Mengambil beberapa buku tebal yang sangat kubenci sejak dulu. Menunjukan lembar demi lembar yang menjadi kesulitan terbesarku. Matanya akan membulat, kemudian menyipit di detik berikutnya. Terkadang keningnya berkerut, terlihat berpikir keras atas soal-soal aljabar yang berserakan di setiap halaman buku ini.

Tantangan-tantangan soal, yang terpecahkan.

Seperti tantangan hatiku yang kini hancur, melebur dalam kehangatan kebersamaan. Yang tidak dapat lagi kudefinisikan dengan keindahan metafora manapun.

OoooooO

Suara-suara samar dari televisi terdengar memenuhi ruangan, malam telah begitu larut. Seluruh lampu di dalam rumah telah dimatikan, aku menyalakan lampu meja yang hanya memberikan penerangan temaram dari sudut kecil ini. Detik demi detik telah berlalu pergi meninggalkanku. Berjam-jam mataku terpaku pada benda kecil di tanganku.

Sebuah cincin.

Cincin yang terasa begitu jauh dari benakku. Janggal, sama sekali asing, tidak familiar. Aku mendengus. Bukankah semua kejanggalan itu datang dalam kehidupanku hanya dalam waktu yang begitu singkat? Satu tambahan kecil bukanlah sebuah kejutan yang menakjubkan.

Mengamati pahatan-pahatan yang terasa begitu detail, seperti sebuah benda dari masa lalu. Sebuah kunci. Mungkinkah ini petunjuk?

Petunjuk..

Aku menghela nafas, tidak ada satupun kejadian dalam hidupku yang berantai menjadi sebuah petunjuk, yang ada hanyalah satu persatu kejutan baru menghampiriku di setiap harinya. Setiap harinya.

Membuatku hampir lupa, bagaimanakah kehidupanku sebelumnya. Bahagiakah? Seperti aku telah melupakan, telah berapa lamanya aku lupa mendengarkan suara hatiku. Melakukan hal-hal yang membosankan. Dan mencari satu kepingan hilang, ironis. Yang tergores dalam hatiku sepanjang hidupku, tanpa aku mengetahuinya. Apa kepingan yang hilang itu.

Lima hari yang terasa begitu panjang.

Aku menyesap kopi di dalam cangkir itu sedikit. Kembali menyadarkan kantuku dengan setetes kafein. Bukanlah hal yang buruk untuk malam ini. aku menatap layar televisi yang kini telah berganti menjadi biru sempurna. Stasiun televisi manapun tidak lagi menayangkan acara. Yang ada hanyalah suara dengungan perlahan, dan kegamangan hatiku. Terdengar begitu jelas.

Pukul 3.55 dini hari.

Kesadaran di pagi hari, seperti sebuah kebiasaan tak tertulis dalam hidupku. Aku memutuskan untuk membuang cairan kopi itu di dalam wastafel, membasuh wajahku dengan sedikit air, sebelum beranjak masuk ke dalam kamar. Tenggelam dalam tidur, yang selalu menggambarkan warna lain kehidupanku. dunia semu imajiner. Mencari tahu, sedikit petunjuk mengenai kemunculan ganjil cincin itu di dalam lokerku. Mencari seluruh hal yang telah hilang, begitu lamanya.

OooooooO

Pernahkah dunia ini menyadari keberadaanku? Karena aku tidak pernah melihat mereka.

Satu persatu kata yang ditulis dengan begitu apik. Sungguh jauh berbeda dari terakhir kali aku menatap tulisan yang tertoreh di atas kertas merah muda ini. warna yang sama, tinta hitam yang menggores. Kata-kata yang tidak pernah kumengerti maksud-maksud di dalamnya. Namun selalu terngiang dalam pikiranku, dalam keseharianku. Aku mendengus kesal. Aneh.

Langkahku terasa begitu cepat, karena tanpa kusadari, aku telah sampai di muka pintu kamar misterius ini. aku datang jauh lebih pagi dari biasanya, hari kelima aku menemuinya. Jadwal sekolah yang memudahkan. Aku berlari, dan segera sampai di tempat ini. menyimpan kertas lusuh itu di dalam saku seragamku, menyiapkan senyuman terbaikku untuk menyambut harinya. Memantapkan hati, dan memutar knop pintu perlahan.

Ruangan terdengar sedikit riuh, sungguh jauh berbeda dari hari kemarin aku mengunjunginya. Saat dia terlihat muram dengan kesendiriannya, dengan kesunyian ruang kecil ini. Menyalakan televisi yang tengah menayangkan acara komedi pasaran, dan sejujurnya jarang sekali mengenai selera humorku. Aku tidak melihatnya tertawa, bahkan tersenyum sedikitpun menatap kotak bergambar itu. hanya merenung, menatap sendu. Tidak ada yang menarik.

“Selamat pagi..”

Dia menoleh perlahan, seolah hendak bertanya. Dengan tatapan, apa yang membuatku datang secepat ini. empat hari bersamanya. Aku seperti mendengar seluruh kata-kata yang hanya terucapkan dalam benaknya. Aku menjawab dengan sungkan. “Aku dipulangkan sedikit cepat hari ini. Bagaimana harimu?”

Dia mengalihkan pandangannya, menatap layar televisi. Tidak menjawab pertanyaanku. aku menghela nafas, sudah terlalu terbiasa dengan reaksi semacam ini. seperti ada banyak cerita untuk diceritakan, seperti ada banyak kisah untuk dituangkan, seperti ada ribuan jarum di bibirnya, yang menahannya untuk berbicara sepatahpun. Kepadaku.

Kursi itu, masih berada di tempat yang sama. Di sisinya. Seperti tengah menantiku untuk kembali mendudukinya, dan menggenggam tangannya. Sebatas sentuhan kecil yang dapat kulakukan padanya. Aku melakukannya. Menaruh tas sekolahku begitu saja, mengambil tempat di kursi itu. sejenak menatap kea rah layar televisi. Kembali terpaku pada wajahnya, yang selalu tahu ketika aku menatapnya, namun terlalu sungkan untuk balas menatapku. Aku telah berhasil mempelajarinya.

“Kau tahu..” aku berbisik perlahan. Menggenggam tangannya yang terlihat lemah di atas ranjang rumah sakit. Dingin, kurus. “… Jessica di dalam mimpiku, akan menjawab, dia sangat membenci bubur ikan dan segelas susu mengerikan, ketika aku bertanya mengenai harinya..” aku tersenyum kecil.

Kembali melanjutkan kisah ini. “Dia menyukai musim semi, ketika langit sore berwarna jingga, dia bermimpi untuk dapat berlari, memutari ladang yang luas dengan kaki yang telanjang. Merasakan lembabnya tanah rerumputan..” aku menghentikan ceritaku. Tertawa kecil, menertawai kebodohanku.

Jessica di dalam mimpiku.

Merasakan berbagai emosi yang aneh meletup di dalam tubuhku. Jessica bergeming. Tatapan yang sulit untuk berpindah. “…aku tidak tahu kalau dia begitu pintar matematika.” Ujarku lagi. tersenyum kecil.

“Apa dia meninggalkanmu?” suaranya terdengar lebih lantang dari hari biasanya. Seperti ada emosi meluap yang memacu setiap adrenalin tubuhnya. Matanya membulat, dan dia menatapku. Bukan dengan rasa ingin tahu, namun kesakitan yang tidak dapat lagi kurasakan dengan hati rapuhku.

Aku terdiam. Menolak untuk menjawabnya.

“Apa dia meninggalkanmu?” Jessica bertanya sekali lagi.

“Ya..” ujarku parau. “…Dia meninggalkanku.”

Aku dapat merasakannya.

Genggaman yang terasa semakin erat. Dia menggenggam tanganku. Dengan seluruh kekuatan yang dipunyainya. Dia mengeratkan genggaman tangannya. Ada rasa gentar dalam kekuatan tiba-tibanya.

Aku menahan nafas. Melontarkan pertanyaan yang rasanya mencambuk hatiku. Menggoresnya dengan cara yang begitu menyakitkan. “Apa kau juga akan melakukannya?”

Dia bergeming.

“Aku takut..”

Dan aku menangis dalam sunyi.

OoooooO

“Aku ingin melihat pagi hari..”

Aku menghentikan langkahku, berlutut di hadapan gadis ini, dia duduk di atas kursi rodanya, yang bergerak perlahan seiring langkah kakiku. Dia merenung, menatap hamparan taman rumah sakit yang rindang oleh pepohonan. “…Aku ingin menyaksikan terbitnya matahari.”

Tersenyum kecil. Menatap matanya yang membulat. “Bersamaku?”

Gadis itu mengalihkan tatapannya, menikmati langit malam yang kelam, begitu gelap. Hanya terdengar hembusan angin yang bergerak perlahan, sesekali memainkan anak-anak rambutnya. Aku menangkup wajahnya dengan kedua tanganku. Menatapnya dalam, mencari lekuk kejujuran dalam hatinya. Yang mungkin sungguh sulit bagiku untuk menelusup masuk. “Jawab aku.  Apa kau ingin menyaksikan pagi hari bersamaku?”

Matanya nanar, menoleh, memandang udara. Menolak untuk menatapku. Namun suaranya yang lirih, bisikan perlahan, telah berhasil menembus kedalaman hatiku. “Ya. Bersamamu.”

“Tentu saja..” aku bergumam pada diriku sendiri. “Kau akan selalu menikmatinya bersamaku..” aku menggenggam kedua tangannya. Terasa begitu dingin, ketika bersatu, menyalurkan kehangatan tubuhku, kehangatan hatiku, hingga mungkin berhasil meraup ketakutan itu dalam satu pelukan besar, kuharap, dapat memberinya secercah harapan.

Desah nafas yang beraturan, menembus kedinginan malam. Aku dapat merasakan air mata mengalir di pipiku. Menggetarkan hatiku oleh tangisan yang begitu mendadak. Aku menyentuh, tepat di dadaku. Merasakan rasa sakit, ketakutan, ketakutan akan sebuah kehilangan yang begitu besar di dalam sana. Menggores, sedikit demi sedikit.

Aku terisak…

Dalam heningnya malam. Menyembunyikan wajahku di pangkuannya. Tidak harus berucap untuk bercerita padanya. Menyalurkan rasa sakit yang sama kami rasakan. Tangisan yang menjadi, isakan yang mengeras. Aku sesenggukan. Gadis itu memelukku, tidak dalam pelukan yang erat, tidak menyakitkan, meski membuatku sesak. Membasahi selimut yang tersampir di tubuhnya.

Aku tidak perduli.

Aku tahu,

Gadis itu tahu,

Waktu kami tidak lama.

“Angkatlah wajahmu, Kwon Yuri..” suaranya bergetar, menahan kesakitan yang sama, seperti yang kurasakan dalam hatiku. “…Pagi tidak akan sudi melihat wajah itu. kita akan menikmatinya bersama, bukan?”

Aku mengetatkan rahangku. Menghapus air mata di wajahku, yang entah mengapa, selalu mengalir kembali di setiap detik berikutnya.

Bodoh. Aku menangis.

Saat aku seharusnya menjadi pilar yang menopangnya. Aku menangis.

Mimpi sialan itu, telah menenggelamkanku terlalu jauh. Terlalu jauh….

“Wujudkan satu permintaanku..” ujarku dalam isakan yang sunyi. “…Angkat kakimu, berjalan bersamaku. Kita sambut mentari pagi bersama-sama.”

OoooooO

“Berikan aku setangkai mawar putih.”

Senyuman yang tersembunyi di balik derap langkah kakiku menelusuri sepanjang koridor rumah sakit. Menggenggam setangkai mawar putih, beraroma segar, menenangkan. Warna yang terlihat bersih, mencerahkan hatiku untuk permintaan kecil itu.

Dia tersenyum, ketika langit berwarna jingga, matahari menyempil malu dari balik gumpalan awan pagi hari. Melayangkan permintaan itu padaku. kebahagiaan tiba-tiba membuncah di dalam hatiku.

Rasa yang sama, oase ketakutan yang sama, setiap kali tanganku menggenggam knop pintu yang terasa begitu dingin. Seperti, aku tidak akan pernah tahu. Apa yang mungkin kudapati di dalam sana. Aku memejamkan mata. Berharap dalam hati. semua akan baik-baik saja.

Merasakan suasana yang sedikit berbeda siang ini. matahari bersinar begitu cerah, menelusup dari balik jendela kecil. Jessica, tidak dengan piyama yang dikenakannya, kaus yang begitu tepat membalut tubuh ringkihnya. Dia tersenyum kepadaku. Detik yang membawa kebahagiaan itu ke hadapan mataku. menatap senyumannya. Senyuman tulus, ketika matanya menyipit, aku meluruh melihat senyuman itu. senyuman ceria yang kulihat darinya. Dia terlihat sungguh. Sehat.

“Kau membawakannya..” ujarnya riang.

Aku bergeming menatapnya. Tidak mampu berucap. Kemudian tersenyum.

Aku terlihat sangat idiot.

“Kau sangat…” aku terdiam sejenak, berusaha keras mencari sebuah kata yang tepat untuk menggambarkannya. “..berbeda siang ini.”

“Aku tahu. Seperti belasan tahun lalu, sebelum tubuhku terjerat penyakit mengerikan ini.” kalimat panjang, penuh optimism, kebahagiaan. Berhasil membalut hatiku dengan kehangatan, yang tidak dapat kubayar dengan apapun. Aku menyentuh dadaku, merasakan hatiku, emosi tengah meluap di dalamnya. Emosi kebahagiaan.

“Kau tahu, dokter mengijinkanku keluar dari rumah sakit hari ini. aku ingin melihat dunia..” dia menatap nanar, ke arah jendela kecil itu. seperti tengah berkelana mengelilingi seisi dunia. Keinginan yang begitu besar untuk menapaki aspal yang mungkin terasa panas, matahari yang mungkin akan terlalu terik baginya. “Temani aku?”

“Tentu saja.”

Aku tersenyum. Meresapi kebahagiaan itu, meluruh, bersama kehangatan pancaran matanya. Suasana yang sungguh berbeda, sejak pertama kali aku mengenal wajah murung itu. dia tersenyum. Menyambut uluran tanganku.

OooooooO

Rasa manis melon mencair di lidah, menyisakan butiran-butiran pasir yang memanjakan lidahku dengan rasa khas gulali ini. aku tersenyum, menatap matahari senja yang akan tenggelam sejenak lagi. Jessica menggenggam tanganku, begitu erat. Menatap boneka beruang besar di tangannya. Kehangatan tatapan itu. yang akan membuatku selalu merindukannya.

Gadis itu menjumput sedikit gulaliku dan memasukannya ke dalam mulutnya, tertawa riang ketika berhasil melakukannya.

Taman ria sangat sepi hari ini. hanya beberapa pengunjung yang berlalu lalang, yang mungkin tidak dapat selalu kutemukan dalam satu jam penuh. Beberapa penjaga wahana tengah berdiri lemas, menantikan pengunjung yang mungkin menaiki satu-satu wahana itu.

“Kau senang?”

“Tentu saja…” Dia mendesah lirih, memaksakan seulas senyum dan menatapku. “…kenangan yang akan selalu kuingat selamanya.”

“Apa kau akan menyimpan boneka itu?”

“Selamanya.”

Aku tersenyum, menggenggam tangannya, terasa begitu hangat. Meski terlalu kurus dalam tanganku. Duduk di sebuah bangku kayu yang terlihat rapuh.memandangi langit senja yang akan segera menghitam. Menyandarkan kepalanya di bahuku. dia memejamkan mata, terlihat begitu tenang. Jessica, Jessica yang hampir sama seperti di dalam mimpiku, kedekatan yang tidak pernah kubayangkan sebelumnya.

“Ceritakan aku..” Bisiknya lembut. “…ceritakan aku, tentang Jessica di dalam mimpimu.”

“Jessica..” aku menghela nafas, menggali ingatan-ingatan yang sempat mendasar di dalam alam bawah sadarku. “…dia senang mengecup pipiku. Menceritakan hari-hari membosankan yang dilewatinya, meski cerita yang hampir sama.” Aku tertawa kecil. “Dia sangat mirip denganmu. Sangat mirip. Hanya, aku dapat melihat senyumannya sepanjang waktu, sedangkan kau.. jantungku selalu berhenti berdetak ketika kau melakukannya.”

“Benarkah?”

“Karena kau jarang sekali melakukannya..”

Angin berhembus perlahan, beberapa pengunjung wahana satu persatu melewati kami yang masih menikmati detik-detik ini. detik-detik keindahan yang berjalan begitu lamban.

“Kau tahu, aku telah mewujudkan seluruh mimpiku.”

“Seluruh mimpimu?” aku mengerutkan kening, menatap wajahnya yang masih terpejam dengan heran.

Dia menggeleng lemah. “aku tidak akan memberitahukannya padamu.” dan tersenyum kemudian.

Sejenak, kami menyatu dalam heningnya malam yang muda. Secercah bulan yang menggantung indah di atas langit. Membayang di mataku.

“Kita harus pulang.”

“Ke tempat itu? beri aku sedikit lagi waktu. Aku masih ingin berada di tempat ini..”

Memeluk boneka besar itu dengan sebelah tangannya, dia tertidur di pelukanku. Merasakan kulitnya yang mendingin, hatiku bergetar. Rasa sayang, perlahan. Sedikit namun menelusup dengan pasti ke dalam hatiku. Kuharap aku bisa memilih, untuk tetap melihat wajahnya ketika pagi hari menyinari kamar kecil itu. Agar hancur semua akhir mimpi aneh itu. menjadikannya sebuah keindahan abadi yang akan kunikmati bersamanya. Dengan atau tanpa arti kebersamaan itu.

Bisakah..

Bisakah aku menghentikan waktu?

OoooooO

Pukul 23.47

Jam digital itu terus bergerak, membunuh waktu yang tak henti melangkah. Hari keenam aku bersamanya. Benar-benar bersamanya. Tersenyum kecil menatap matanya yang meredup. Membelai rambutnya yang hitam, terasa begitu lembut di tanganku. Mencermati setiap helai keindahan itu terjatuh di atas alas tidurnya.

“Bisakah kita pergi bersama lagi besok?” tanyaku padanya, menyertakan setitik harapan dalam setiap katanya.

Dia hanya tersenyum. “Satu hari mewakili segalanya untukku. Kenanglah hari ini dalam hatimu.”

Menggenggam tangannya. Mengais arti dalam setiap kata yang diucapkannya. Aku terdiam. Menatap wajahnya. Menikmati itu sepuas yang kumampu.

Dia memejamkan kedua matanya.

Aku mengguncang tubuhnya perlahan. Tidak ingin kebahagiaanku berakhir secepat ini.

“Jessica..” membisikan namanya. “…Jangan tertidur, kumohon.”

Gadis itu membuka matanya perlahan, mengerjap beberapa kali. Sebelum kembali tersenyum. “Bolehkah aku meminta sesuatu padamu?”

“Coklat?” aku tertawa renyah. “…kau terlihat seperti gadis-gadis yang menyukai hal-hal semacam itu, bunga, boneka, dan coklat.”

Jessica mengalihkan pandangannya. Menekuni kebiasaan itu, menatap jendela, hanya menyajikan pemandangan hitamnya malam. “Mainkan aku sebuah lagu..”

“Lagu?”

Aku terdiam, berpikir keras. Beberapa judul lagu-lagu romantis yang berkelebatan dalam otakku. Menyisakan tampilan partitur-partitur nada yang terbengkalai begitu saja di dalam lemariku. Melodi itu.. yang bahkan aku tidak pernah tahu namanya.

Mungkinkah..

“Hanya sebuah lagu?” tanyaku sekali lagi, memastikan.

“Lagu. Tangga-tangga nada yang akan mengantarkanku.”

Aku mendesah kecil, mengabaikan kalimat-kalimat itu. meraih tangannya yang terasa begitu dingin, mengecupnya lembut. Merasakan setiap partikel tubuhnya yang menyatu denganku dalam satu sentuhan intim ini. tangannya yang ringkih menepuk puncak kepalaku, dengan perlahan. Aku menatap kedalaman matanya. Menembus seluruh rahasia yang tersembunyi.

“Tidurlah.” Ujarku akhirnya. “Aku akan kembali besok. Seperti hari-hari kemarin..”

Gadis itu mengangguk lemah, sebelum kembali memejamkan mata. Menyelimuti tubuhnya, aku beranjak bangkit. Dalam kesunyian, aku mengecup keningnya. Merasakan dingin wajahnya, rasa ini, meluruh, meluap, bersamaan menjerat kesadaranku. Aku ingin terus memeluknya, seperti waktu yang menipis nyaris membunuhku.

Menepuk puncak kepalanya, berjalan menjauh. Meninggalkannya, kembali tenggelam dalam kesendirian hidupnya di kamar temaram yang begitu dingin ini.

Kuharap akan selalu ada hari esok untuk kami…

Hari esok..

OoooooO

Kejutan yang sedikit berbeda malam ini.

Jiwaku yang melayang, merasuk di kedalaman mimpi, aku dapat merasakannya. Seluruhnya. Tubuhku yang terasa sedikit kaku. Berbaring di atas tanah yang lembab. Dengan sehelai kain yang menjadi alas tidurku. Menatap langit hitam, terlihat begitu indah.

Jessica tengah berbaring di sebelahku. Sama. Kami sama, menatap langit. Seperti ada sejuta cerita yang terbagi di atas sana. Aku mengecup pipinya, kemudian tersenyum, berusaha menggodanya.

Menghirup aroma tubuhnya yang berbaur dengan keindahan malam, pepohonan, gemericik air, lantunan lagu yang begitu manis di telingaku. Aku bersenandung kecil. Memancing tawanya yang renyah.

“Aku tidak akan lagi mempertanyakannya..” bisiknya lembut.

“Mempertanyakan?”

“Akankah kau melanjutkan hidupmu, tanpaku.” Gadis itu menoleh, menatapku seksama. “…kau tahu sebentar lagi pagi akan tiba?”

“Aku tahu.” Menangkup wajahnya dengan tanganku, merasakan kelembutan yang begitu nyata. Mengecup keningnya. “..apakah aku akan melanjutkan hidupku, tanpamu?”

Jessica menggeleng lemah. “…aku tidak pernah bisa menjawabnya. Banyak hal-hal yang tidak dapat kita ketahui, ketakutan itu yang membuatku terus bertanya padamu. Ketakutan kau akan melupakanku.”

“Ketidak tahuan selalu membuat kita semua khawatir.” Aku bergumam pada diriku sendiri.

“Kita ditakdirkan untuk bersama, dengan atau tanpa kehidupan.”

Aku mendengus. Ada luka dalam setiap kata yang kuucapkan. Seolah begitu nyata. Menggores hatiku. “..Mengapa dipisahkan, mengapa tanpa kehidupan?”

“Aku tidak tahu..” Jessica mengecup pipiku. “…aku tidak tahu segalanya..”

Dia menggenggam tanganku, “Namun ada satu hal yang kutahu.” Dia tersenyum, meneduhkan hatiku. “…Kau adalah  hadiah terindah dalam detik-detik terakhir kehidupanku.”

OooooooO

Hadiah terindah dalam detik-detik terakhir kehidupanku

Aku membuka mata. Tidak sanggup berpikir banyak, hanya menatap nanar langit-langit kamar dalam keremangan malam. Mimpi itu. terasa begitu nyata, seperti satu dimensi lainnya yang terasa berbeda. Keindahan yang menyentuh relung hatiku. Percakapan kecil, melekat kuat di dalam sudut memoriku. Hingga bahkan logikaku tidak berhasil menyentuhnya.

Kusen jendela berderak, menimbulkan keriuhan yang kontras dengan kesunyian. Angin berhembus begitu kencang hingga membuka jendela kamarku. Aku berjalan, menatap perumahan yang saling berhimpitan di dalam keriuhan kota. Seperti tidak ada celah bagiku untuk menelusuri kehidupan lain dalam duniaku.

Menghela nafas, embun mengepul dari bibirku, aku memeluk tubuhku, menahan helaan rasa dingin, angin yang menusuk. Firasat aneh berhembus, menyentuh tepat di dadaku. Keinginan menyakitkan untuk kembali kepada gadis itu. sekarang juga. Aku tidak akan membiarkan apapun terjadi padanya. Tidak di dalam kamar menyedihkan itu.

Mengambil jaket tebal yang tersampir begitu saja di kursi, aku berjalan perlahan, menatap gitar yang tergeletak di pojok ruangan, aku termenung. Berpikir keras, sebelum akhirnya membawa benda itu di punggungku. Hadiah kecil untuknya. Aku tersenyum membayangkan wajahnya yang akan meneduh kala aku memainkan beberapa melodi untuknya.

Berusaha keras untuk tidak membangunkan seorangpun di rumah ini. aku mengendap sunyi. Sedikit menggigil merasakan udara yang begitu dingin di luar sini. Kedinginan yang tidak pernah kuduga sebelumnya, kurapatkan jaketku. Berjalan cepat menuju tempat itu.

Aku tidak tahu apa yang membuatku begini impulsif. Namun kerinduan itu, menjerat seluruh akal sehatku. Hingga gerak langkah kaki ini, seperti di komando oleh rasa ngilu yang terus mendera di dadaku. Selalu, setiap kali aku terbangun oleh mimpi pertemuanku dengannya. Hatiku bergolak ketika lagi-lagi aku melangkah di dalam koridor yang sama. Para dokter dan suster tidak lagi menggubris keberadaanku. Seorang teman yang selalu mengunjungi salah seorang pasien kelas satunya.

Membuka jaketku, merasakan kehangatan di dalam ruangan ini. sesuatu yang tidak pernah kurasakan sebelumnya. Kulihat gadis itu tengah memejam, tidak menyadari kehadiranku. Atau memang dengan sengaja berpura-pura melakukannya. Merapatkan tubuhnya di dalam selimut. Membuatku begitu ingin memeluknya. Kembali menyentuhnya.

Aku berjalan dengan begitu perlahan, mendekatinya. Menikmati wajah tenang itu dengan seksama. Seperti ada jutaan rasa senang bergejolak di dalam hatiku, dapat kembali menatap wajahnya. Tanganku bergerak perlahan, berirama. Menyentuh setiap inchi wajahnya. Begitu cantik. Kecantikan yang tidak pernah kulihat sebelumnya, pada gadis manapun. Keanggunan, meski harus berpadu dengan kemuraman wajahnya, aku dapat merasakan cahaya itu ada dalam dirinya. Tidak pernah kusadari. Hingga malam ini.

Kembali menduduki kursi yang sama, yang tidak pernah bergerak sedikitpun dari tempat ini. aku kembali menggenggam tangannya.

“Jessica..” bisikku perlahan, menghembuskan nafas yang hangat, hingga menyentuh permukaan kulitnya yang terasa begitu dingin. Dia menggeliat perlahan, sebelum membuka mata. Mengerjap beberapa kali, menatapku dan gitar besar di punggungku. Dia tersenyum.

Aku menggerakan jariku lembut, menyentuh bibirnya yang masih tersenyum. Senyum yang sangat kurindukan. Ada kerinduan yang besar, kerinduan yang menyakitkan. Entahlah.. aku bahkan tidak dapat lagi mendeskripsikannya. Jessica menyentuh wajahku. Mengerutkan keningnya..

“Kau menangis..”

Aku menangis.

Cuaca yang terlalu dingin bahkan telah membuatku begini mati rasa. Kenapa aku menangis? Aku memaksakan seulas senyum. Menyentuh tangannya, mengecup jemarinya yang basah oleh air mata. “Aku tidak menangis..” berusaha tertawa, meski hanya menjadi tawa canggung yang tidak bermakna. “…hanya terlalu merindukanmu.”

Gadis itu menatap jam dinding. Kemudian beralih menatapku. “Apa yang membuatmu…”

“Kita pergi dari sini..” tukasku. “…Kita akan keluar dari tempat ini. aku akan membawamu ke sebuah tempat yang indah. Kita saksikan mentari yang terbit bersama-sama. Maukah?” tanyaku, ada harapan yang jelas terpancar melalui sorot mataku malam ini. harapan dia tidak akan menolaknya. “Kumohon.” Ujarku lagi.

Gadis itu menatap jarum-jarum yang masih menancap di pergelangan tangannya. Mencabutnya, hingga kulihat wajahnya meringis, menahan sakit di tangannya. Mengalihkan pandanganku. Maafkan aku begitu egois kali ini. aku menggenggam sebelah tangannya erat. Dia masih berusaha tersenyum kepadaku. “Bersama..”

“Bersama.” Menangkup wajahnya dengan sebelah tanganku. Aku menatap mata itu, yang selalu tegar meski sendu. Keterbatasan sialan yang mengekangnya, tidak pernah menyurutkan kasih di dalam hatinya.

“Bagaimana jika kita tertangkap?”

“Kita tidak akan tertangkap. Aku akan bertaruh untukmu. Ikuti langkahku. Berjanjilah, genggam tanganku, apapun yang terjadi.”

OoooooO

Hamparan kota Seoul yang terbentang luas. Pegunungan di pinggir kota, aku menelusuri tekstur bebatuan di bawah kakiku, yang begitu landai, lembut. Merebahkan tubuhku. Sedikit bergidik ketika menyadari lereng yang curam di bawah kakiku. Sedikit saja kakiku berpijak di tempat yang tidak seharusnya, tubuhku akan melayang. Masuk ke dalam danau curam itu.

“Apa kau lelah menaiki tangga-tangga itu?” ujarku pada Jessica, gadis yang masih termenung, menatap keindahan kotanya. Yang mungkin tidak pernah dilihat seumur hidupnya. Aku tersenyum, meyakinkannya. Ada sebuah keindahan jauh di dalam lubuk hatinya, yang juga tak pernah di lihatnya.

Dia menggeleng lemah. “Terbayar oleh keindahan ini.” Merapatkan jaket tebalnya, menyedekapkan tubuhnya. Menunjukan kerapuhannya. Aku memeluk tubuhnya, dengan begitu erat, berusaha keras memberikan kehangatan, agar meluruh bersama dalam detak jantung kami yang berirama.

“Kenakan jaket ini..” aku membuka jaketku, mengenakan itu di bahunya. Dia menepis tanganku, dan mencoba tersenyum, menolak jaketku.

“Tempat ini sungguh dingin, kau bisa pingsan karena membeku.”

“Tidak akan..” bisikku. “…kau menghangatkanku, dan aku tidak ingin melihatmu kedinginan.”

Aku menarik tangannya, mengajak dirinya duduk bersamaku di pinggir lereng. Menatap wajahnya sejenak, berusaha meneduhkan hatinya melalui tatapan kecil itu. “Kau terlihat pucat..”

“Aku selalu pucat..” ujarnya parau. Menyentuh wajahku, membuatku sedikit menggigil merasakan sentuhan tangannya yang terasa sedingin es. Menyembunyikan tangan rapuh itu dalam genggamanku. Aku meniupnya, udara yang hangat mengembun dari bibirku, menyelimuti permukaan kulitnya.

Setelah dini hari ini, aku menyadarinya, ya, dia memang selalu terlihat pucat. Terlalu ringkih. Terlalu sakit. Namun aku menyayangi wajah pucat itu. sangat menyayanginya.

Aku menekuk lutut, menyembunyikan tubuhku dalam ringkukan menggigil. Aku memang kedinginan, sial. cuaca di tempat ini benar-benar dingin. Jessica tertawa melihat gestur tubuhku. Sekejap kemudian, tubuhnya telah memeluku erat, begitu hangat. Takkan menandingi selimut bulu senyaman apapun. Pelukan hangatnya. Sekaligus mencairkan rasa dingin hatiku.

“Ini… memalukan..” ujarku dengan gemetar. Menahan rasa dingin yang menusuk.

Gadis itu tertawa renyah, menyandarkan kepalanya di bahuku. memejamkan matanya. Ekspresi yang begitu kugemari akhir-akhir ini. ketenangan yang terpancar, memberikan cahaya tersendiri bagi kemuraman hatiku. Mencairkan rasa gamang di dalamnya.

“Aku menyayangimu..” kalimat yang begitu janggal. Terasa begitu aneh ketika aku mengucapkannya, namun tepat di saat yang bersamaan. Seperti seluruh kesesakan itu meluruh bersama setiap kata yang terlontar. Aku menyayanginya.

Gadis itu mempererat pelukannya, membenamkan seluruh wajahnya di bahuku. aku mengecup puncak kepalanya, memberikan harum yang sangat lekat dalam ingatanku. Harum yang begitu sama di dalam mimpiku. Kini semua telah menyatu dengan sempurna. Mimpi-mimpi itu. Jessica yang sama. Mengisi relung yang tepat di hatiku. Relung yang sama.

“Apa kau juga merasakan hal yang sama?” tanyaku. Dia menengadahkan wajahnya, menatapku.

“Saranghaeyo, Kwon Yuri.”

Ada kesedihan yang membayang di pelupuk matanya. Terlalu dalam untuk kupahami.

Aku mengalihkan pandanganku. Tidak sanggup untuk lebih lama menatap kesenduan itu. menenggelamkan diriku dalam gelapnya pagi. Entah sudah berapa lama aku meresapi kedinginan tempat ini. aku akan menunggu. Menunggu hingga mewujudkan harapan itu. sekali lagi, menyambut mentari pagi bersama dengannya.

Kami terjerat dalam kesunyian, jemarinya bergerak perlahan, menelusuri setiap lekuk tanganku. Mencari kehangatan yang lebih lagi di dalamnya. Hingga ketika kurasakan dia memutar jarinya, lembut. Menyentuh cincin misterius itu. aku mengangkat tanganku. Mengamati dengan seksama benda yang melingkar di jariku.

“Aku juga memilikinya..” suaranya terdengar begitu lirih. Kemudian gadis itu menyentuh dadanya, mengambil sebuah benda yang tidak pernah kusadari selalu ada di sana. Cincin yang mengalungi lehernya,  Yang tidak pernah terlihat oleh mataku. bodoh. Sebuah teka-teki mistis yang sebenarnya begitu mudah. Mimpi-mimpi itu. hanya tertuju padanya.

“Bagaimana kau mendapatkannya?”

“Aku selalu memilikinya, aku hanya tidak tahu ada orang lain yang memiliki pasangan lainnya.”

“Mungkin kita memang ditakdirkan bersama.” Aku menundukan wajahku, menatap bebatuan yang kini menjadi tumpuan kisahku.

Jessica tersenyum. “Kita memang selalu di takdirkan bersama. Meski sudah terlalu lama aku menunggumu. Malaikat menghadirkanmu dalam waktu yang tepat.”

Awan-awan jingga mulai berarakan, menyingkirkan kekelaman. Saat-saat yang telah kami tunggu.

“Apa kau ingin aku memainkan sebuah lagu?”

Jessica mengangguk. Matanya masih memejam. Aku mengambil gitarku yang terlupa begitu saja oleh keindahan detik bersamanya. Kembali duduk di sisinya. Memejamkan mata. Mengeruk ingatan-ingatanku yang berbaur akan melodi indah itu. Yang kurasa akan menyempurnakan seluruh mimpi yang telah menyatu dengan gadis nyata di sisiku.

“Bersandarlah di bahuku..”

Jessica melakukannya, memejamkan mata. Menikmati dirinya sendiri, merapatkan tubuhnya kepadaku.

Sunyi.

Suara gitarku, melantun perlahan. Mengisi pagi yang masih begitu muda.

“Kau tidak mempercayai adanya malaikat?” matanya membulat, bertanya padaku

Aku menggeleng mantap. “Tidak.”

“Aku mempercayainya..”

“Omong kosong bocah-bocah lugu semata.” Ujarku berargumentasi dengannya.

“Kau percaya jika aku bercerita, malaikat pernah datang ke dalam kamarku suatu malam?” dia tersenyum jahil, menggodaku.

“Tidak.”

“Jika malaikat itu tidak pernah datang, mungkin aku tidak akan pernah menemuimu.”

Seperti sebuah layar hidup yang begitu nyata. Adegan-adegan semu yang sempat menghampiri mimpi-mimpi malamku, berkelebatan. Dalam melodi yang menenangkan. Dalam pelukan hangat Jessica. Dalam langit jingga yang mulai memunculkan cahayanya.

“Kau mempercayai adanya malaikat? Jessica di dalam mimpiku mempercayainya..”

“Aku mempercayainya.” Dia menghela nafas. Suaranya terdengar kian merdu, ketika mengisi lantunan melodi yang rapuh kumainkan. “…aku tahu, waktuku hanya tersisa sedikit.”

“Jangan lagi ucapkan itu.” aku mengetatkan rahangku. Sialan. Aku tidak boleh menangis lagi. berusaha keras menahan air mata yang mungkin akan mengalir menghangatkan wajahku. “..apa yang akan kulakukan tanpamu?”

“Aku meminta sebuah hadiah padanya..” Gadis itu memainkan anak rambutnya. Tersenyum jenaka. “…saat detik-detik terakhir kehidupanku, aku ingin dia mempertemukanku dengan takdirku.”

Aku terdiam, menatap matanya, yang terlihat tengah melayang dalam ruang ingatan di dalam kepalanya. Terlihat begitu serius, dan lucu pada saat yang bersamaan.

“Berapa banyak waktu yang kau minta?”

“Tujuh hari.” Matanya begitu sendu kini. “Hanya tujuh hari. Aku tahu, waktuku tidak banyak..” kini dia tersenyum. Optimisme semu yang sudah lama tak kulihat.

“Tujuh hari…” aku tertawa lirih. Menangis di saat yang bersamaan.

Tujuh hari…

“Jessica.. bicaralah padaku..”

“Hmmn..” dia bergumam perlahan.

“Jangan berhenti bicara denganku. Aku ingin terus mendengar suaramu. Bolehkah? Kumohon..”

Dia tertawa kecil. “Aku bisa merasakannya. Matahari akan bersinar sempurna sejenak lagi..”

“Malaikat itu berjanji akan mempertemukanku denganmu..”

“Bagaimana?”

“Entahlah. Hanya malaikat itu yang tahu..”

“Khayalan bodoh.”

“Kau tidak akan pernah mengetahuinya, Kwon Yuri.”

Surat-surat misterius itu..

Mungkinkah…

Aku menghentikan permainan gitarku. Hingga kudengar suaranya berbisik lirih.

“Jangan hentikan. Melodi ini, sungguh familiar dalam ingatanku.”

“Berjanjilah. Jangan tertidur. Sedetikpun. Berjanji padaku.”

Jessica menggeleng lemah, masih memejamkan mata, senyumannya memancar hangat. Seakan dia telah mengetahui segalanya.

“Jessica..”

“Hmmn?”

Aku tersenyum mendengar suara itu bergumam. Dia masih berada di sisiku.

“Lihatlah.. matahari itu.”

Pagi telah tiba.

Begitu cerah, sangat sempurna.

Pertama kalinya dalam hidupku, aku menyambut pagi yang seindah ini. seperti ada ribuan kapas yang menerbangkanku, ke dalam dunia yang tidak pernah kukenal namanya. Membuncahkan hatiku, riang, tenang, hangat pada saat yang bersamaan. Aku menengadahkan wajahku. Menghentikan permainan gitarku. Menikmati pancaran sinar matahari yang hangat. Meresap kedalam pembuluh darahku, meluruh.

Jessica membuka matanya. Tersenyum, menatapku. “Seluruh impianku telah terwujud..”

Tubuhnya bersandar di dalam pelukanku. Mengecup puncak kepalanya.

“Bisakah aku menjawab pertanyaan itu? hidupku tanpamu..” ujarku perlahan.

“Kau akan mengetahuinya..” suara yang terdengar begitu lemah.

“Jangan tertidur..”

Keheningan yang begitu panjang.

Aku tidak menangis. Aku tidak mampu lagi menangis.

Dunia terdengar begitu sunyi. Aku tidak mendengar detak jantungnya yang menenangkan, yang selalu berirama denganku, desah nafasnya yang hangat di leherku, ketika aku tengah memeluknya. Aku tidak merasakannya.

“Jessica…”

Aku mengecup wajahnya, berkali-kali. Berusaha merubah segalanya. “Bangunlah, kumohon..”

Aku tidak mendengar gumaman apapun. Bibirnya terkatup, matanya terpejam. Terlihat begitu tenang di kedalaman tidurnya. Tidur sempurnanya.

Tujuh hari yang begitu panjang dalam hidupku.

“Bangunlah. Bangunlah!”

Matanya tidak lagi mengerjap, aku tidak melihat wajahnya mengernyit. Sekuat apapun aku mengguncang tubuhnya. Tidak ada reaksi darinya.

Aku menatap wajah itu, pancaran matahari yang terefleksi sempurna. Mengecup keningnya yang terasa mendingin..

Dia telah mengetahuinya. Mengetahui segalanya. Detik yang berhenti sempurna. Ketika nafas itu berhembus untuk terakhir kalinya. Dia telah mengetahuinya…

Gadis rapuh yang secara mendadak menelusup di dalam kehidupanku, mimpi-mimpi gila yang menghantui malamku. Mungkinkah, hanya sekedar hadiah kecil bagimu?

Jeritanku. Tenggelam, di dalam hatiku yang pilu. Terus memanggil namanya. Hingga hatiku dengan begitu perlahan telah terampas, bersama dirinya.

Aku akan merindukanmu, Jessica.

“Nado, Saranghaeyo..” dengarlah. Dengarlah suara hatiku untuk yang terakhir kalinya.

Kami berbaring, bersama. Di atas rerumputan yang sejuk. Rambut yang selalu kusuka. Meliuk, begitu lembut. Mengikuti alur tanah yang basah.

“Aku akan menjawabnya untukmu..”

“Apa itu?”

Dia menggerakan tubuhnya, menindih tubuhku. Menatap mataku teduh, kemudian tersenyum, mengecup pipiku.

“Kau akan melanjutkan hidupmu, tanpaku.”

Aku menyentuh wajahnya dengan punggung tanganku, meresapi setiap tekstur yang kurasakan di sana. Cantik. Bercahaya. Gadis ini..

“Kau yakin aku bisa melakukannya?”

“Sadarlah dari mimpi-mimpimu.” Dia menjentikan jarinya, dan menertawaiku. “..jalan hidupmu akan menjadi cerita yang sangat panjang.”

“Tanpamu?”

“Tanpaku. Kau akan mengukir cerita yang begitu indah. Ketulusan hatimu…” Jessica meletakan tangannya di dadaku. “.. akan membawa kebahagiaan itu padamu.”

“Kita akan tetap bertemu di sini? Di dalam mimpiku?”

“Tidak. aku akan pergi sekarang..” dia meniup keningku. Menyalurkan getaran yang begitu mendadak. “..Selamat tinggal, Kwon Yuri.”

Ladang yang lenggang. Menyisakan kehampaan yang besar di dalam hatiku. Yang tidak akan pernah bisa terisi oleh apapun.

Dia pergi. Selamanya. Tidak untuk meninggalkanku.

Aku akan melangkah. Meski tanpanya.

Melanjutkan hidupku.

OoooooO

Angin berhembus, menghempaskan sehelai kertas merah muda yang terkirim dari atas langit. Sebuah pesan kecil.

Tujuh hari ini, kuhadiahkan untukmu, Nona manis.

THE END