58 replies to this topic

[Rihoriho~]

@Dalvron'16> Thank you for your review! I'm glad you liked the last chapter! Well, things are, for sure, going to escalate from now on!  

 

@mitchel0420> Thank you for review! Well, we all know that Maachan is a genius and she fears nothing, so, beware Riho and Ayumi!

 

Here is chapter 6! Enjoy!

 

 

 

UNREQUITED

 

 

Chapter 6 : Allies

 

 

It was finally lunch time. Ayumi was glad to be able to take a break. Rehearsals were quite challenging this morning and her bad mood was not helping her at all. Fortunately, she didn’t have to repeat dance steps with Riho. At least, she could act coolly and ignore the other girl as much as she wanted to. It was her little revenge for her rude behavior earlier.

 

Sure, Riho was sleeping at that time but Ayumi couldn’t help but feel upset. She definitely couldn’t compete with Mizuki and it hurt her a lot on a near daily basis.

 

As she came back to the dance room, she passed by Riho and saw that she was peacefully sleeping on a yoga mat. She couldn’t help but find her cute, indeed. She secretly hoped that Haruna got back quickly to take a pic of her sleeping beauty.

 

“AYUMIN!!!”

 

No doubt, it was Masaki’s voice. Startled and before she could turn around, Ayumi felt the girl jumping with all her strength on her back. Not ready and taken aback, Ayumi felt her knees giving up under the weight and she fell head first on the person actually sleeping below: Riho.

 

Ayumi tried her best to absorb the shock but Masaki put all her weight and locked her arms in such a way that she couldn’t stop from falling.

 

Falling heavily on Riho’s chest, Ayumi’s lips found the ace’s ones by chance. The kiss was sudden and rough but Ayumi still fully enjoyed it.

 

When she opened her eyes, she found that Riho was keeping hers tightly closed and seemed quite knocked out. Oddly, she didn’t felt Masaki weight on her back anymore. The perky brat already ran away.

 

“SATO!!! YOU’RE GONNA PAY FOR THIS!!!” Ayumi shouted with anger. She was short of breath, her heart was pounding so badly in her chest that it hurt and her face was literally in fire.

 

Ayumi ran to Masaki who was trying to leave the room. She managed to grab her wrist but Sakura intervened.

 

“GET OUT OF HERE ODA!” Ayumi cried. She was not only ready to kick Masaki’s ass but Sakura’s one too.

 

“Ishida-san, please calm down. Sato-san didn’t intend to…” Sakura stated on a soft yet firm tone, full of conviction.

 

“ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!”

 

“Absolutely not and please calm down. You’re gonna wake Sayashi-san…”

 

“I fell on Sayashi-san because Sato jumped on my back! How could she still be sleeping after that?!”

 

“It was an accident Ishida-san…”

 

“Yeah, of course! It’s so obvious! You’re really laughing in my face!”

 

“Absolutely not!”

 

“Both of you, you can be sure you’ll pay for this!” Ayumi threatened with clenched teeth.

 

“Don’t look at us so harshly Ishida-san, you’re scary! And look at you, you’re so red, you could light up this entire room!” Sakura teased with her usual giggle.

 

“Oda…”

 

Sakura left the room arm-in-arm with Masaki. She was displaying her usual enigmatic smile. Masaki stuck out her tongue to Ayumi who looked at them with her fists clenched at her side.

 

She then ran to where Riho was still resting. The ace was now curled up in a ball, her face well hidden inside the hood of her sweatshirt. Ayumi kneeled down to her side.

 

“Sayashi-san, I’m so sorry! Are you ok?” The older girl asked quite panicked with a voice full of concern.

 

“Yeah, I’m fine. Don’t worry Ayumi-chan…” Riho answered in a low voice.

 

Ayumi kept a hand on Riho’s shoulder. She wanted to see her loved one’s face to be sure she was fine but Riho never turned back to her and stayed quiet. Feeling bad and guilty, Ayumi decided to leave the room. She never noticed that Haruka was there too and witnessed everything.

 

 

----------------

 

-In the corridors-

 

 

“Did you really not intend to make Ishida-san fall, Sato-san?” Sakura asked, still amused by Ayumi’s exaggerated anger.

 

“Of course I did want to make her fall on Yassan! It’s been years since Ayumin is in love with Yassan and unable to make a move! She’s such a klutz! I have no other choice but to help her!” Masaki answered on an annoyed tone.

 

“How kind of you!” Sakura exclaimed with a sweet smile.

 

“It’s not out of kindness Oda-chan, I’m irritated! I can’t bear stalled situation!” Masaki confessed with a pout.

 

“The reason doesn’t really matter Sato-san. You acted kindly and that counts.” Sakura noticed while smiling brightly to her close friend.

 

“Yeah! You’re so right!” Masaki stated with conviction.

 

 

----------------

 

-Dressing room B-

 

 

Ayumi went back to her dressing room without turning back in an attempt to cool down and clear her mind. She was feeling a mix of guilt, sadness, anger, joy and happiness. She could have sworn she was going crazy. She hoped she would be alone but it was unfortunately not the case. It was definitely a horrible day.

 

“So…Bocchi is a good kisser?”

 

“I…Ikuta-san, what…what are you doing here?!” Ayumi cried, startled.

 

“Just taking a break and I’m Haruna’s pillow today…” Erina answered while pointing the older jukky member peacefully sleeping in her lap.

 

“You’re really cute together!” Ayumi stated with her usual frank and bright smile.

 

“Don’t try to evade the issue Ayumi, I know you, y’know…so, is Bocchi good at kissing?”

 

“I never kissed Sayashi-san…” Ayumi lied the best she could. She couldn’t manage to look her Suberizu buddy in the eyes.

 

“Don’t lie to me, there’s always witness for these kinds of situations and you know it…”

 

“If you’re talking about Maachan…”

 

“No, Sato is not reliable…I’m talking about Duu, for example, or Oda-chan…”

 

“Fine…fine! Well, I just fell on Sayashi-san because Maachan jumped on my back while I was not paying attention…” Ayumi confessed on an annoyed tone and began to pout.

 

“…And you kissed her!” Erina stated enthusiastically with a big smile on her face.

 

“It was an accident!” Ayumi answered on an indignant tone. She was now blushing heavily.

 

“It doesn’t matter, what counts is the result. It’s your chance Ayumi! You must carry on your efforts! I’m sure it’ll pay! Sayashi has always hesitated between you and Mizuki. IT’S.YOUR.CHANCE.NOW!” Erina continued, totally fired up.

 

“I…I really don’t know what you’re talking about!” The shorter girl answered while leaving the room hurriedly. She was now pissed off.

 

Unfortunately, she bumped on Riho while going in the corridor.

 

“Sayashi-san! I’m sorry…” Ayumi exclaimed nervously. She was totally red and seemed quite panicked.

 

“It’s ok Ayumi-chan, It’s my fault.” The ace answered on an embarrassed yet reassuring tone. She was unable to look the other girl in the eyes but managed to smile sweetly.

 

“Excuse-me…”

 

With these few words, Ayumi left and Riho stayed standing there. She clearly noticed that her dance partner seemed uncomfortable and upset. She decided to help her. She had to do it. After all, it was part of her New Year resolutions.

 

***

 

The afternoon was thankfully quieter. Each member was concentrated on her task, mastering placing and new steps.

Ayumi decided to stay focused on work and not think about the taste of Riho’s lips or how it felt so soft and comfortable to be lied on her, to stay peacefully in her arms. She hardly even looked at her during these rehearsals. On the contrary, she often felt Riho’s sight on her.

 

Finally, the dance instructor called for a break. It was near 4.30 pm and everybody was glad to get the opportunity to eat something. Snacks were already waiting for them.

 

Ayumi was one of the last to leave the room. She was not in the hurry to be with the others. She feared they might talk about what happened during lunchtime, again. She heard quite a ruckus coming from the corridor and decided to go take a look.

 

“TANASATAN!!! You finally came!!!” Masaki shouted while hugging tightly Reina.

 

“Easy Sato! You’re gonna strangle me if you continue…” Reina asked with authority.

 

“Sorry Tanasatan but I’m sooo happy to see you! I have a lot of things to tell you~” Masaki teased with a bright smile.

 

“Oh…Ya know I love gossips~!” The Rokky member stated with a mischievous grin.

 

“Well it’s not gossip Tanasatan! It’s true, it happened!” Masaki announced while stamping in Reina’s arms.

 

“And so…what happened?” Reina asked curiously.

 

“Ayumin kissed Yassan!”

 

“Oh my gosh!!! You’re kiddin’ me, right?! It’s not true…” The youngest rokky member exclaimed, totally shocked.

 

“It’s the very truth Tanasatan! I saw it and Oda-chan saw it too!” Masaki pleaded honestly.

 

“Yes and she seemed quite eager and pleased to do it!” Sakura added while giggling sarcastically.

 

“No way!!! It finally happened! Oh gosh, I always thought it would never happen with these two, always so serious and so awkward…”

 

“It was an accident!” Ayumi cut her senpai off to state the truth.

 

“It’s ok Ishida…Everybody know you’re quite fond of Sayashi since the very beginning and it’s mutual…I’m proud of you kids! You finally found the courage to take the first step!” Reina answered calmly with a reassuring smile.

 

“But it was really an accident…” Riho tried shyly to clear the misunderstanding while standing beside her dance partner. When Ayumi noticed who was at her right side, she instantly blushed.

 

“So..after spending the night with her, you freely kiss her here Riho-chan?!” Mizuki exclaimed on a fake outraged tone.

 

“WHAT?!” Everybody exclaimed with wide eyes.

 

“No Fuku-chan, I swear it was an…”

 

“I don’t want to hear anything else from you!” Mizuki cut Riho off and left the corridor hurriedly.

 

“We did nothing wrong!” Ayumi exclaimed, totally red and outraged. She didn’t think the situation could be any worse.

 

“Sure you did nothing wrong kids! It’s life and you’re becoming adults, so, it’s quite normal after all…”  Reina explained casually but on a reassuring tone.

 

“Woooh…Ayumi-chan, I totally respect you!” Haruka confessed frankly.

 

“But as I tell you, we did nothing wrong!!!” Ayumi tried again to clear the misunderstanding while hiding her crimson face with her hands.

 

“Ayumi-chan, Dance Sensei is calling for you! Follow me!” Haruna shouted to her generation mate while taking her wrist and bringing her back to the dance room.

 

“Oy~ Bocchi! Come here please!” Erina asked to Riho with her usual cold tone.

 

“I already told you to not call me that way!” The ace grumbled, offended.

 

“Shut up and get your ass here!” Erina scolded while taking her generation mate by the arm. She then took her forcibly to the dance room.

 

 

TO BE CONTINUED

[Dalvron'20]

Yay! I really was looking forward to that chapter and it didn't disappoint I had a lot of fun reading the interactions between the members. I like the characterization you're making, Ayumi vs. her two younger sisters, Rihoriho vs. Eripon... Nice Tanaka showing up too. Interesting cliffhanger; if HoneyPon intervene, who knows what might happen?

 

Can't wait for the next chapter!

[Rihoriho~]

Thanks for your kind review Dalvron'16!

I'm glad you liked this chapter! Next one in 2 weeks

[mitchel0420]

Hahahaha I said I love Masaki, wow was very interesting and I liked that in the chapter has appeared Reina, seriously I want to read more.
See you

[Dalvron'20]

Yes, I love the way Masaki's being used. I now propose that Sato becomes a standard plot device in romantic stories because damn, some authors like to drag things on...

 

I'll be waiting eagerly with as much patience as I can.

[Rihoriho~]

Thank you Dalvron'16 and mitchel0420, I'm glad to read your always positive reviews each week!

[Rihoriho~]

UNREQUITED

 

 

 

Chapter 7: Thanks

 

 

Haruna brought back Ayumi to the dance room which was empty and much quieter than the corridor.

 

“Thank you Haruna for warning me! So, where is Dance Sensei?” Ayumi asked naively.

 

“She is not here. In fact, she never asked to talk to you. I brought you back here because I thought you might prefer a calmer place to spend your break.” Haruna confessed with a sweet smile.

 

“Oh…Thank you Haruna! You rock! You saved me!” Ayumi exclaimed, relieved, while hugging the taller girl.

 

“You’re welcome darling~!” Haruna answered jokingly.

 

“Don’t call me like that, it’s gross!”

 

The two friends laughed out loud at this and finally sat on the floor. Fortunately, Haruna had taken a few snacks to fully enjoy the moment.  

 

“But it’s too bad…I didn’t succeed in clearing this misunderstanding…” Ayumi noticed regretfully.

 

“You know…Whatever you would have told, I don’t think you could have succeeded. They are all so fired up right now…” Haruna answered on reassuring tone.

 

“I don’t understand why they make such a ruckus for this…” Ayumi frowned.

 

“Well…Everybody considers that Yassui and you are made for each other so…”

 

“What?! No…it’s not…” Ayumi stuttered while blushing heavily.

 

“You would love it to be true, right?” Haruna asked with a knowing smile.

 

“Well…yeah…” Ayumi confessed while looking at her feet.

 

“LET ME GO! IT HURTS!” A deep voice cried out while entering the room.

 

“That’s the way you thank me for saving you from this bunch of gossips?!” A sharp voice answered on an indignant tone.

 

“DAMN! You’re gonna break my ###### arm!” The deep voice grumbled from pain.

 

“Ok, ok little girl, you’re free!” The sharp voice announced while releasing the shorter girl.

 

“If you keep calling me like that and do this to me ever again, you’ll regret it!” The abducted girl threatened.

 

“Oh…ok, ok! And what are you gonna do?” The taller girl teased on a provocative tone.

 

“I…I…don’t worry! I’ll find by the time!” The shorter girl retorted while doing her best to not lose face.

 

“Pfffffff…bullshit!” The taller girl sniggered.

 

They were now looking at each other with anger and irritation.

 

“Girls, please, don’t fight over stupid things…” Haruna asked to the two intruders who interrupted the tranquility of the room.

 

“It’s Eri’s fault! She nearly broke my arm!” The deeper voice pleaded on an indignant tone while massaging her painful arm.

 

“If I really wanted to break your arm Bocchi, it would already be broken!” The sharp voice retorted sarcastically.

 

“I forbid you to call me that way!” The shorter girl spat.

 

“ENOUGH!!!” Ayumi shouted while standing and interposing between the two kyukky members.

 

“Ikuta-san, please, calm down and don’t hurt our ace. I need her to dance later…And Sayashi-san, Haruna brought a lot of snacks. I’m sure, she’s more than willing to share them with you.” Ayumi arbitrated with authority and a big smile.

 

“Oh…ok!” Riho nodded while looking away. She was slightly blushing beside her dance partner. She quickly left to join Haruna.

 

“Why am I the only one to be lectured?! As always you favor her! That’s unfair!” Erina cried out, frustrated.

 

“No, that’s not true! Well, maybe a little…But I really thank you Ikuta-san! You’re the best!” Ayumi confessed with a satisfied smile while patting Erina’s cheek.

 

Finally, the duo known as Suberizu joined Haruna and Riho and ate snacks with them. They all spent a quiet and peaceful break.

 

***

 

Today’s rehearsals were finally over. Riho was lying on her stomach, covered in sweat and exhausted. She was thankful this day was over. It was such a strange, hectic and difficult day after all. But she was still glad she could have taken a taste of Ayumi’s lips. After all, she had loved them for quite some time now.

As she turned her head, she saw that her dance partner was sitting not far from her, drinking water and still panting. Her hairs were tied tightly in a high ponytail and her face was tired but still bright. Riho surprised herself finding Ayumi beautiful and very attractive.

 

The ace was taken out of her daydream by a sudden weight on her back, again.

 

“Yassan, what are you doing~?” Masaki asked while resting her head against her friend’s one.

 

“Nothing…just relaxing…” Riho simply answered with a quiet and calm voice.

 

“Oda-chan and I decided to go eat ice cream tonight! Do you want to join us?” Masaki suggested cheerfully.

 

“I would love it but I have to help Ayumi-chan with her steps.” Riho stated on a tone full of sorry.

 

“Again?!” Masaki exclaimed, unable to hide her disappointment and the pout on her face.

 

“She is struggling with some of the moves, so, no choice and remember, it’s part of my New Year resolutions! I decided to be more open to others.” The ace answered with a sweet smile.

 

“But Ayumin is never satisfied with her way of dancing. She repeats her steps again and again and again. She spends countless hours watching your live performance on DVD. She’ll have a burn out if she continues like this…”

 

“Don’t worry, I won’t let that happen! She is perfectionist, you can’t blame her for that…And I make progress when I help her, so it’s a win-win deal!” Riho stated enthusiastically.

 

The two girls stayed quiet for an instant, which was quite unusual for Masaki. Riho turned around and took the younger girl in her arms. Masaki rested her head against Riho’s neck and asked seriously:

 

“Say Yassan…Are you in love with Ayumin?”

 

“What?...What the…What are you talking about Maachan?!” The ace stuttered, shocked by the sudden and strange question. She was now bright red and embarrassed.

 

“That’s why you always stay late after rehearsals! You help her so much because you’re in love with her!” Masaki concluded with pride and a teasing smile.

 

“No! I mean…” Riho tried to lie but failed, as always.

 

“I really don’t understand what you love about her…She is short, flat-chested, strange and she is scary when she is angry and she is often angry! She is bad tempered…” Masaki stated with conviction while frowning.

 

Ayumi heard the words “short” and “flat-chested” and began to look at the two girls suspiciously. She had the feeling that her jukky comrade was plotting against her and she didn’t like the idea. She decided to prick up her ears to their conversation.

 

“But she is strong willed and reliable! And her smile is bright and comforting! And I love her plumped lips! And she is good at cooking, which is definitely a bonus for me! And…I find her very pretty lately…” The ace answered with honesty and passion, her smile growing bigger with each word. However, she was still blushing furiously.

 

The only reaction she got was Masaki’s skeptical face. Riho didn’t remark that Ayumi heard everything she just said and was now looking at her with wide eyes and a crimson face.

 

“You know Maachan…Michishige-san once told me that imperfection could be quite attractive, even more than perfection. I didn’t understand what she tried to tell me at the time but now I think I understand…” Riho confessed with a confident smile and a surprising peaceful face.

 

“Minishige-san is always right…Tanasatan too!” Masaki concluded with a nod.

 

“Yes, that’s our precious senpai…” The ace added. She seemed quite nostalgic now.

 

“Don’t worry Yassan! I’ll support you even if you choose Ayumin! I’ll always be there for you!” Masaki stated on a serious and solemn tone.

 

“Thank you~!” Riho answered with her usual smug smile.

 

Masaki got up when she remarked that Sakura was waiting for her at the door. After waving at Riho, she finally left the room.

Not far from here, Ayumi had dug her face in her hands to hide the shock and the red that was all over her face.

 

***

 

Ayumi was repeating her steps. The dance room was now empty. Only Riho was still there, lying on the side, one elbow up, her chin resting in the palm of her right hand.

 

Ayumi felt her gaze on her.

 

The ace was staring intently at her and it made her feel embarrassed and uncomfortable. She was trying her best to stay focused on her moves to avoid blushing too deeply. Suddenly, she felt a familiar silhouette beside her.

 

“No, not like this. To make that move look stiffer and more powerful, you have to perform it this way.” Riho advised seriously while showing a perfect movement to her dance partner.

 

Ayumi repeated it a few times and finally mastered it. 

 

“I think I got it! Thank you Sayashi-san!” The shorter girl exclaimed with a smile full of gratitude.

 

“You’re welcome Ayumi-chan! Do you want to repeat our dance session again, since we couldn’t do it yesterday…” Riho asked shyly while trying to keep a stoical face.

 

“Yes, it’s a good idea!” Ayumi answered with enthusiasm.

 

The ace took off the towel she kept until then around her neck and let it fall on the floor.

 

“Sorry, I sweated a lot today…” She confessed apologetically.

 

“Don’t worry, it’s ok.” Ayumi answered with an embarrassed yet reassuring smile.

 

She then put her arms around Riho’s neck while Riho put her right hand on her partner’s hip. Her left hand began to mark the rhythm. Ayumi felt that Riho’s body was very warm and moist. Oddly, she found it very attractive.

She often felt her partner burning gaze on her lips but the ace never forgot to be careful with her moves and to help her with her steps when needed.

 

“You know Sayashi-san…I’m really sorry for earlier…” Ayumi broke the studious atmosphere with an uncertain and low voice.

 

“Earlier?” Riho asked dreamily, still focused on her dance routine and especially on Ayumi’s lips.

 

“I didn’t intend to fall on you…to hurt you…” Ayumi continued while looking at her feet. She was now quite red.

 

“I know, don’t worry and I wasn’t hurt! Just surprised but it was not that bad!” Riho stated with a playful grin.

 

“Would you…would you accept to dine with me tonight, as an apology…” Ayumi asked while suddenly looking her dance partner in the eyes.

 

Taken aback, Riho couldn’t help but blush and look away. She didn’t expect such a bold move.

 

“I want to invite you to a restaurant to thank you for always helping me with my steps and as an apology for today…” Ayumi continued slowly but seriously, her tone nearly solemn. She was now looking fondly at her dance partner.

 

“I…I don’t think it’s a good idea Ayumi-chan…You know I have a big appetite and…” Riho began awkwardly, still unable to look the shorter girl in the eyes.

 

“It’s ok, I was just paid yesterday!” Ayumi answered while giggling lightly. She was highly amused by her partner’s lame excuses.

 

“Then…o…ok!” Riho stuttered.

 

“Great! And where do you wanna eat?” The older girl asked on delighted tone. Her smile was now very bright.

 

Riho felt Ayumi’s arms tightening around her neck, as if the girl wanted her to get closer to see her face. The ace felt her face was now a crimson red and she didn’t want her partner to have a chance to see it, so, she stubbornly kept it turned and managed to answer the questions while looking away.

 

“Ya…Yakiniku!” Was all she could articulate.

 

“Oh…Good choice!” Ayumi exclaimed, totally happy.

 

Relieved to have somehow managed to get out of this embarrassing conversation, Riho finally turned her head and looked at Ayumi. The girl was smiling brightly at her, her eyes literally sparkling. The ace, still red, thought that her dance partner was close, too close as she could practically felt her chest, her heart against hers. She decided it was time to end this dangerous, yet sweet, break.

 

“Now, let’s continue with our dance session and then we’ll go to eat yakiniku, ok?” Riho suggested softly with a tender smile.

 

“Roger!” Ayumi answered enthusiastically while resuming her posture. She was now more pumped up than ever.

 

 

TO BE CONTINUED

[Dalvron'20]

Wow! What a great follow-up! I'm having a lot of fun enjoying the interactions between the members, especially Ping Pong Dash this time. Erina and Riho always seemed to me that they would have that kind of harsh, face-front friendship. Quite a contrast to the loving, caring relationship between Iikubo and Ayumi, but still solid.

 

Also, looks like our two girls might finally have a chance to get their love back on track. Looking forward to what will happen next, as always.

[Rihoriho~]

Thank you Dalvron'16! I'm glad you like this chapter although the pace is quite slower than in the last two chapters

 

I love Ping Pong Dash too for their harsh interactions! It's a real pleasure to write their quarrels! Next one will be in The Sayashi Contest

[Dalvron'20]

Actually, the change of pace actually worked rather well in this chapter. That way we're left with a quiet, romantic atmosphere that sets a good mood for whatever will happen next between our two lovebirds.

[mitchel0420]

magnificent!!! simply magnificent, please you must continue the story, we read and a lot of energy.

[Rihoriho~]

Thank you guys for your positive reviews! They mean a lot for me and I'm super glad you love the story so far!

[mitchel0420]

Hello it is that you write really well, but above all, you take your time to create this story and happiness our days.

[Rihoriho~]

Thank you mitchel0420. You enjoy this story and I enjoy your reviews! Thanks for your continued support

[Rihoriho~]

Sorry for this late update guys, I'm quite busy at work lately...I promise the next update will come faster!

 

 

 

UNREQUITED

 

 

Chapter 8: First steps

 

 

Riho and Ayumi went to a restaurant not far from the building where they had rehearsals. They breathed a sigh of relief as soon as they came in as the weather was very cold in these early days of February. The two girls decided to choose a table on a far corner of the room to enjoy a calm and peaceful dinner.

 

Riho found quite strange to eat yakiniku face-to-face with Ayumi. She was more used to go in this type of restaurant with the whole group during tour. Nevertheless, she was thankful for this quiet atmosphere since she felt tired and she preferred calm places anyway.

Ayumi stayed quiet, focused on the menu. She was starving and decided to order a lot of meat, which highly pleased her dance partner.

 

“Thank you for inviting me tonight.” Riho began with a sweet and satisfied smile.

 

“You’re welcome Sayashi-san! I’m starving and I’m glad to eat yakiniku! It’s our reward for these difficult rehearsals!” Ayumi answered enthusiastically.

 

“I knew it would make you happy!” The ace confessed with a knowing smile.

 

“What do you mean? Don’t tell me…”

 

“Since you invite me Ayumi-chan, I wanted you to be happy and I know that yakiniku is your favorite food…” Riho continued on a soft tone.

 

“But I wanted to thank you for always helping me and, so, I invited you and asked you what you wanted to eat! You shouldn’t have answered yakiniku to make me happy or to thank me because I invite YOU!” Ayumi stated on an indignant tone. She was now frowning and pouting, in a very cute way. In fact, she was not really angry at her dance partner.

 

“Don’t worry, I like yakiniku too!” Riho exclaimed with a reassuring smile.

 

The only answer the ace got was a skeptical face.

 

“Don’t be too serious about this Ayumi-chan! Although it’s kinda strange for me to say that…” Riho pleaded, amused and embarrassed at the same time.

 

“I know some people reproach you for being too serious but I…I love when you’re serious Sayashi-san even if I love your crazy sides too!” Ayumi confessed while blushing and looking at her hands, resting on the table.

 

“Thank…Thank you…thank you for your continued support Ayumi-chan…It counts for me.” The ace answered shyly, making the effort to look at her dance partner in the eyes although her cheeks were quite red now.

 

“With an ace as serious as you, Morning Musume fears nothing!” Ayumi exclaimed awkwardly with a goofy smile.

 

“If only you were right…” Riho mumbled on a skeptical tone, ignoring the older girl strange behavior. She was now sad and lost in her thoughts.

 

Ayumi didn’t know what to do when she saw her loved one suddenly sad. She felt panicked and feared to have hurt her. Fortunately, yakiniku was served and the ace regained her cheerful mood right away, to her relief.

 

The two Morning Musume members ate happily and chit-chatted on various subjects. They began on work, then reviewed the latest gossips in Hello Project and ended on what they were planning for their next day off. Time flew and the dinner was already coming to its end.

They were tired with the rehearsals going stronger but they sure talked a lot and Riho found herself surprisingly talkative this evening.

They finally decided to leave the restaurant and its comforting warmth. It was time to go back home to have a good night’s sleep. Rehearsals began early tomorrow, again.

 

In fact, Riho was not in a hurry to go back to her messy and somehow cold apartment. She would prefer to sleep at Ayumi’s home tonight too and, if possible, with her but she couldn’t find a subtle way to ask her again and it would be quite gross indeed. She finally decided to drop the idea.

 

To make things worse, they had to part ways since their home were in opposite directions. “Life sucks tonight!” The ace thought.

 

After thanking Ayumi one last time for the dinner, Riho stayed still, awkwardly. Embarrassed and not knowing what to do, Ayumi waved at her and turned to leave. She suddenly felt a hand on her wrist and thought her heart stopped. When she turned around, she saw Riho staring at her with an intense gaze.  Surprised, the older girl blushed instantly and furiously but decided to look her dance partner in the eyes to reward her boldness.

 

Riho opened her mouth but no sound came out. Her sudden and bold move was paralyzing her and so, she stayed there, shy and mesmerized by Ayumi’s beauty. Meanwhile, Ayumi was still looking at her, waiting for something to happen.

 

“Let’s…let’s do our best tomorrow too!” Was all the ace could articulate, in an awkward way.

 

Ayumi nodded with a bright smile. She then began to turn around to leave but Riho was still holding her wrist firmly. The shorter girl felt embarrassed again and at a loss of what to do.

The ace raised slowly her left hand and began to stroke gently Ayumi’s hairs. Her hand then slid to the side of Ayumi’s face and cupped her cheek. The older girl leant to the touch and closed her eyes. Riho was piercing her with a burning and yet so soft gaze.

 

“See you tomorrow Ayumi…” Riho whispered softly and then left, leaving Ayumi standing there, her heart pounding madly in her chest and her face redder than ever.  

 

 

***

 

As Riho walked through the always crowded streets of Tokyo, wrapped up in her dark coat and her hands in her pocket, she felt upset and she didn’t know why, which began to get on her nerves.

 

There was no reason for her to feel this way since she spent a pleasant evening. Sure, the day was quite hectic but it ended on a positive note, so, it was not that bad. And she was happy and relieved to have felt at ease with Ayumi and to have been able to talk so much. She might really feel comfortable to be so talkative tonight, she thought.

 

As she arrived to her subway station, a thought hit her.

 

“Wait…It couldn’t be…” The ace thought aloud, her eyes widening in shock and her cheeks slightly blushing.

 

Sure Ayumi grew in her lately. She always loved her lips and found her face harmonious and pretty but she surprised herself finding her body well balanced and, in fact, quite attractive. During their late dance sessions, she was never tired of her bright smile and of her beautiful sparkling eyes. And she was so glad to have been able to stroke her soft hairs and to caress her smooth skin.

 

“Oh God…”

 

Riho refused to believe it. Sure, she felt attracted by a lot of girls: Fuku-chan, Natsuyaki-san, Nakajima-san and, of course, Ayumi-chan but she had never experimented such a feeling of loss after leaving somebody. Right now, she was willing to do absolutely anything to be at Ayumi’s side and it quite scared her.

 

The ace came to a conclusion. Now, she didn’t have any doubt about what she felt for her dance partner.

 

It was indeed love.

 

 

***

 

A dance room in an Up-Front building - Tokyo -

 

 

It was already the 10^th February and everybody was doing their best at repeating formation dance for their next tour. Their staff planned they would perform at Yokohama and Sendai the next two days for Haro Con, the famous Hello Project winter tour, so, they were required to master to perfection the first quarter of the concert by the end of the day. Accordingly, all members were working especially hard today without taking any pause.

 

Ayumi was puffing and sweating but was well decided to continue repeating the same dance routine, ignoring her sore leg muscles. Everybody was in the same boat, after all. Riho was, as always, beside her. The small girl was doing her best to stay focus on her task but she couldn’t help feeling flustered. Sure, she was used to have Riho by her side, as it had always been the case these past 4 years, but her heart was now helplessly pounding madly in her chest as soon as the ace was coming closer. And it was as if she still felt Riho’s touch on her cheek.

 

Their relation quite evolved these last days without any doubt and Ayumi felt that she needed to pursue her efforts if she wanted to be more than a dance partner for her loved one. As she was lost in her thoughts, she never noticed how Riho looked at her with soft eyes and a charming smile.

 

 

***

 

The day quickly came to its end. Everybody was exhausted and left hurriedly the building after taking a shower. Ayumi was still in the dance room, stretching. Riho was, as often, laid on her stomach, on the floor. She was desperately trying to motivate to go take her shower.

 

“Sayashi-san, are you ok?” The older girl asked with concern on her voice, seeing that her dance partner didn’t move.

 

“I’m tired…I’m gonna die…” Riho whined with her head cutely resting on her crossed arms. She opened with difficulty an eye to see Ayumi smiling fondly at her.

 

“No, you’re not gonna die! Go take you shower and I’m sure you’ll feel in better shape.”

 

But Riho didn’t move. Ayumi stood up and went to her to help her get on her feet. As she reached out, the ace grabbed her hand and stood up to slump right away in her arms. Ayumi had no other choice but to hug her tight to keep her balance and prevent them from falling.

 

“Sorry…” Riho mumbled, her head resting on her dance partner’s shoulder.

 

“No, it’s ok…” The shorter girl articulated with difficulty but yet on a soft tone. She could have sworn Riho heard the pounding of her heart as she felt it might jump out of her chest any minute.

 

“Sorry, I’m heavy…” The taller girl admitted quietly.

 

“No, it’s ok…” Ayumi repeated on the same soft tone. She was glad Riho couldn’t see her face since she was blushing madly.

 

“I put on some weights these last months…” The ace confessed on a pained tone. She seemed hurt right know and it saddened Ayumi a lot.

 

“You’re perfect Sayashi-san…You’ve always been perfect and you still are.” Ayumi answered on a reassuring tone while patting gently Riho’s head.

 

“You’re not objective concerning me Ayumi-chan…You never were…” The ace stated bitterly.

 

“I am more objective than what you think. Please, trust me Sayashi-san.” Ayumi pleaded sincerely while taking Riho’s head in her hands and looking her in the eyes.

 

To her surprised she saw the ace’s eyes getting wet and it broke her heart. Sure, she noticed that her dance partner was struggling to keep up during rehearsals since she had put on some weights but she couldn’t have ever imagined that she felt so upset about it. Riho got some pride, indeed, but Ayumi always naively thought that she was stronger than anybody and, in fact, invincible. She was just beginning to understand that the one she loved had weakness and complex, like everybody. 

 

“Don’t worry Sayashi-san, I’m sure you’ll quickly find a way to be in better shape. Until then, I’ll help you as much as I can.” Ayumi stated with conviction.

 

“Thank you Ayumi-chan but I’m…I’m not sure I’m still worthy of being center…” The ace confessed on a pained tone. She was now very pale and fought hard to hold back her tears.

 

“Nobody can replace you Sayashi-san. You’re our ace and a few extra pounds don’t matter.” The older girl answered on a still soft but yet firmer tone this time.  

 

“Thank you.” Riho whispered while taking her dance partner in her arms and digging her head in her shoulder.

 

“Sayashi-san, I know you’re in a difficult and stressful position, so, please…rely on me. You know you can and I’ll do my best to support you…” Ayumi confessed quietly on a soft and reassuring tone.

 

The ace seemed deeply moved by her words as she felt Riho’s body shaken by silent sobs. She hugged the taller girl back tightly and began to stroke her hair gently. Her tee-shirt, on the shoulder area, quickly grew damped.

 

In fact, Ayumi was fighting to hold back her tears too. She knew that her dance partner was suffering from the stress to be center and senpai since Michishige-san graduation. She was doing her best to support and to encourage her but it was unfortunately not enough and she suffered from it.

 

She felt useless.

 

She would love to have a soothing effect on her cute ace so much…

 

Totally lost in her thoughts and simply enjoying that bitter sweet moment when you have your loved one crying in your arms, Ayumi’s eyes wandered absent-mindedly on the clock hung in the room and her eyes widened slowly in shock.

 

“Oh my God…Oh my God…Oh my God…” The shorter girl kept repeating with her eyes locked on the clock.

 

“Something’s wrong…Ayumi-chan?” Riho managed to ask with a quivering voice.

 

“Crap!!! I totally forgot I must meet Haruna at a restaurant in Shibuya! I’m late!!!” Ayumi cried out, totally panicked but still keeping Riho in her arms.

 

The ace lost her hold on her dance partner and faced her. Her eyes were watery and quite puffed but her charisma was still strong and she was seriously considering the situation.  

 

“I’m sorry to have held you so long Ayumi-chan! It’s my fault, I’m sorry! I can text or call Haruna if you want, to apology…” Riho suggested worriedly.

 

“No it’s ok! Don’t worry, it’s ok! I can still be there on time if I hurry! And you come with me!” Ayumi stated boldly although she was still panicked. She couldn’t possibly leave her dance partner alone tonight, not after she wept so much.

 

“Huh?” and a raised eyebrow was the only answer she got from the girl.

 

 

TO BE CONTINUED

[mitchel0420]

Aww a nice, sentimental and something real chapter, really liked me alot, esperare with many anxiety the next chapter, take care and we read.

[Dalvron'20]

To quote Mizuki from the other fanfic: "Finally!" (Insert random Star-Lord meme here.)

 

What a complex chapter. It's a perfect reminder that the moment two people in love realize what's going on, it's only the first step and it's not like everything magically falls into place. I'm really looking forward to reading what happens next.

[Rihoriho~]

Thank you for your kind review Dalvron'16! I'm glad you liked that chapter!

I'll do my best to update soon!

[Rihoriho~]

UNREQUITED

 

 

Chapter 9: Cold hands

 

 

 

-Outside of an Up-Front building in Tokyo-

 

 

« Damn! Damn! Damn!!! I hurried up as much as I could and I’m still late! Life sucks!” Ayumi complained while texting Haruna.

 

“I’m sorry. It’s my fault.” Riho confessed quietly.

 

“Of course no Sayashi-san! We’ll grab a cab and we might not be too late!” The shorter girl answered with confidence although she was quite panicked.

 

“It’s nice to invite me Ayumi-chan, I really appreciate your kindness but I don’t think I’ll follow you tonight. I’m tired and I think it’s better for me to go back at home to have a good night’s sleep. I’m sorry…” The ace suggested shyly.

 

“You’re sure? It would help you take your mind off things to go to the restaurant tonight with me and Haruna and Ikuta-san. And Haruna would be happy to see you! She likes you a lot Sayashi-san!” Ayumi pleaded with puppy eyes.

 

“Oh…Eri will be there?” The taller girl asked with a frown.

 

“Sorry, I forgot to tell you! My mistake! But I’ll be there and Haruna too! We’ll build a wall between you and Ikuta-san, so that you couldn’t argue tonight!” The older girl pleaded enthusiastically.

 

“It’s nice of you and I’d like to see that wall but I don’t think it’s a good idea and I’m really tired. Sorry Ayumi-chan but I think it’s better for me to go home…” The ace answered on a soft tone. She always enjoyed her dance partner’s silly ideas.

 

“But…will…will you be ok?” Ayumi asked worriedly while taking Riho’s hands in hers.

 

“W…why?” Riho stuttered. She blushed furiously and instantly looked down as soon as she felt the shorter girl’s hands intertwined with hers.

 

“Sayashi-san…You were so sad…in the dance room…” Ayumi stated quietly while looking her loved one in the eyes. Concern was all over her face.

 

 “I feel better now…Thanks for being there, for supporting me...” The ace confessed shyly.

 

In fact, she felt ashamed to have unburdened herself to her dance partner earlier. She feared Ayumi might consider her weak from now on and feel sorry for her. It was a true wounded pride for the girl from Hiroshima.

 

“To be by your side, to support you is my duty as your dance partner, so, you don’t have to thank me for that!” Ayumi stated on a solemn tone with a proud smile.  

 

“I’m sorry to have shown you such a…pitiful side of me…” Riho continued on a quiet tone.

 

Stunned, the shorter girl instantly understood what was inside her dance partner’s head and it didn’t please her. She had to set the record straight. She took Riho’s face in her hands to look her in the eyes.

 

“Sayashi-san…There are days when we feel down and it’s the same for all of us. If we can continue to be Morning Musume members, it’s because we rely on each other. Please, rely on me! You know you can trust me!” Ayumi pleaded on a soft tone, full of convictions.

 

“Michishige-san told me to rely on others before she graduated…”

 

“And she was absolutely right! I know it’s not natural for you since you’re not really the ‘open to others type’ but I want you to tell me when you feel down. I want to be there for you Sayashi-san! You are my precious…” The older girl stopped mid-sentence and looked at her feet, her cheeks reddening.

 

“Huh?” Riho was surprised by the sudden change of behavior of the girl.

 

“Forget it! Promise me, you’ll come to me when you feel down, ok?” Ayumi asked with a mix of enthusiasm and authority. She was doing her best to hide her blushing cheeks and the sound of her heart, pounding madly in her chest.

 

“I…I’ll try…I promise.”  The ace answered with a reassuring smile although she was not sure she could keep that promise.

 

“That’s better!” Ayumi exclaimed proudly.

 

“Your hands are cold. Are you ok?” Riho asked with concern. Their hands were intertwined again.

 

“Oh…Sorry, I forgot my gloves today and the weather is quite cold…” The tiny girl confessed, embarrassed.

 

The ace searched in her bag and took off a pair of navy blue gloves. She then asked to her dance partner to give her hands and put her gloves on them.

 

“It should help you get warmer.” Riho stated with a sweet smile.

 

“But Sayashi-san, will you be ok without them?” The shorter girl asked, surprised.

 

“I always have my hands in my pocket, so, I’ll be ok!” Riho answered with her characteristic smug smile.

 

“Thank you!!! I’ll give them back to you tomorrow!” Ayumi announced with a bright smile.

 

“It won’t be necessary, you can keep them. Blue is a color that really suits you Ayumi…” The ace confessed while looking shyly at the gloves. She was the one who was blushing now.

 

“Thank you Sayashi-san…” Ayumi whispered on a soft tone and then gently kissed the taller girl on the cheek.

 

Riho blushed madly and felt her heartbeat accelerating dangerously.  Ayumi’s lips were definitely warm and indeed soft.

 

“I must compensate you for your gloves now…” The shorter girl continued on the same soft and gentle tone.

 

She was not in her arms but Riho felt her face really close to hers as if she was whispering in her ear.

 

“You have a day off this Sunday, right?”

 

“Y…yes.” The ace stuttered. She was stubbornly looking at her feet.

 

“Me too! How about going to Disneyland together? We could spend Saturday’s night there to enjoy Sunday to its fullest!”

 

“Ayumi-chan…Do you realize that you’re asking me to spend the night with you?” Riho stated with a false shocked expression and a teasing smile. She was now too happy and proud to have found a way to regain control of the situation.

 

“What?! No! I mean…I…” The tiny girl blushed furiously and stumbled on each word. She didn’t imagine their Saturday night that way! At least, not yet…

 

The ace burst out laughing, happily, whole-heartedly.

 

“Mou ~! Sayashi-san ~!” Ayumi wheezed while crossing her arms on her chest and pouting in the cutest way ever.

 

“I would be glad to spend this Sunday AND this Saturday night with you…” Riho answered sincerely while taking gently the shorter girl in her arms.

 

Startled at first, Ayumi hugged her dance partner back and enjoyed her warmth. Riho’s arms were definitely soft and comfortable and she was glad to have the opportunity to rest her head against her shoulder. She was pretty sure the girl didn’t wear any perfume and yet she loved her scent. Relaxed and totally at ease, Ayumi closed her eyes and enjoyed the moment.

 

“I’m sorry to have worried you today…” Riho began quietly, taken her dance partner out of her reverie.

 

“No, it’s ok…” Ayumi whispered softly.

 

“I know my senpai are often worried about me…I’m an unreliable kouhai…” The ace stated bitterly.

 

“If your senpai are worried about you, it’s because they care for you Sayashi-san and so do I…” The shorter girl answered seriously. She was now looking at Riho with a loving smile and soft eyes.

 

The ace was staring intently at her too with her always so piercing and yet so soft gaze. Her smile was gentle and she seemed to wait patiently for the end of the declaration.

 

“Sayashi-san, I…for so long, I’ve…” Ayumi couldn’t find the courage to express her feelings toward the girl she had loved for years. Clenching her fists, she was taking deep breaths to calm down as she felt her heart might jump out of her chest any minute now. Fortunately, she was saved by the ringing of her phone.

 

“Moshi-moshi? Haruna? I’m so sorry! I…” Ayumi began on a panicked tone. She nearly forgot her date with her friends!

 

“Ayumi-chan? What takes you so long?”

 

“I was just saying goodbye to Sayashi-san…” The tiny girl pleaded on an embarrassing tone while looking at her feet. Riho was still gazing at her.

 

“Oh, you are with the so cool Kiri-sama! I understand why you’re late! Bring her with you and come here! I’ll be happy to spend the evening with her too!” Haruna answered enthusiastically.

 

“No, she’s tired, so, she goes back home, maybe another time!” Ayumi chuckled lightly. The whole conversation was very embarrassing. She feared Riho might hear what her best friend was saying.

 

“Too bad! So? You stay with your prince charming tonight or you join us?” Haruna asked seriously this time.

 

“No, no, I’m on my way! Sorry guys for being late…” Ayumi answered quietly.

 

“Ok, so we wait for you! Don’t forget to kiss Kiri-sama for me!” The older girl teased with a sing-song voice.

 

“Yes…I…I’ll do that…” Ayumi articulated with difficulty while blushing madly. Riho raised an eyebrow and looked at her with concern.

 

“See you!”

 

“Yeah…” and she hung up.

 

“I think it’s time for you to go meet Haruna and Eri.” The ace suggested on a soft tone.

 

“Yes. Yes…” Ayumi suddenly seemed very disappointed and reluctantly left her dance partner’s arms.

 

“Well, see you tomorrow Ayumi-chan!” Riho said with a bright smile while waving at the girl.

 

“See you tomorrow Sayashi-san…” Ayumi answered with a faint voice.

 

And so, the two Morning Musume members parted their ways.

 

Ayumi felt her heart broke into tiny pieces at each steps. She wanted more than anything to stay by Riho’s side and was feeling very bad for not having found the courage to make her declaration. She did hope her cute ace would be fine tonight.  She decided to trust her and to focus on the evening with her friends.

 

She looked fondly at her new gloves. They smelled like Riho.

 

She couldn’t help but smile.

 

 

TO BE CONTINUED

[Dalvron'20]

What? They're departing just like that? Sheez, where's Sato when you need her? I kind of was looking forward to more HoneyPon taking on SayaIshi though.

 

Nice chapter! Looks like our lovebirds' next weekend is going to be very, very interesting.