Chapter 1

Dream

Nao was jogging hard over the foot bridge. She was building up such a hard sweat in her red track suit top and red jogging bottoms. She took a gulp of water from the bottle she was carrying. It was dark in Tokyo. She carried on with her jog through the streets. The air was cool but she still felt hot despite the way the air felt. She eventually reached her block of flats. She made the decision to take the stairs instead of the elevator. As she climbed the stairs she was huffing and puffing. Using the side bannister to pull herself up she started to chunter to her self.

“I must….keep myself….fit and….thin for….Uehara Kun.”

Eventually she reached the third floor. But something didn't look right. She wiped the sweat from her head and reached into her pocket for her flat key. As she walked to her door she stopped and looked at the flat door to the left of her door. She was wondering if Uehara was in his flat. Uehara was her boyfriend and she felt very lucky to be living next door to him after everything that they had been through. They met after they both fell for an estate agent scam and ended up living together for a while. She put her key into her door and heard the door next to her flat open. Uehara stood there looking straight at her. He smiled at her in a charming way. He grabbed her by her arm and pulled her into his flat. He pinned her against the door after he closed it behind her. Nao stared into his eyes. She could see him clearly with the moon light coming through his flat window. She smiled at him with an exciting urge to kiss him.

“Oh Uehara Kun.” She said to him softly. Uehara raised his finger to her lips. The room was filled with silence. He leaned in and kissed her on her lips. She closed her eyes so she could feel it more. Feel the love and passion.

Nao opened her eyes to find her bed pillow caressed against her lips. Her eyes started to open wider with shock. She slowly lifted the pillow up. She looked to her left and seen the left side of her open space flat. She then looked to her right. Seeing the right side of her flat. She then started flicking her head left and right continuously. She then sat up in her bed. slightly open.

“Wh….wh….what. It was all….a dream.” She said in a grump. She threw her head back and bumped her head against her headrest.

“Ouch.” She yelled loudly. She started rolling around on her bed rubbing her head where she bumped it. As she rolled around she fell off the bed with a thump to the floor. Nao always was a clumsy girl. When she had her first job in a rhaman restaurant she was breaking plates every day. She heard a knock at her door. It startled her. She flicked her head looking in the direction of her door. She slowly got up off the floor and slowly walked to the door clutching the back of her head where she banged it on her headrest There was a second knock at her door

“OK OK I’m coming I’m coming.” she shouted. Nao opened the door and her face lit up like a Christmas tree. The sight of what was in front of her took her mind off the pain from the back of her head. Uehara was standing rite in front of her. He was carrying five bags of food. He was looking at her with annoyance. He stared at her silently. He dumped the bags in front of her and said.

“You were suppose to help me this morning with all this.” He turned around and took his flat keys out of his blue trouser pocket and went in to his flat. As Uehara’s flat door closed behind him Nao shouted.

“You’re not supposed to treat your girlfriend like this. You could have carried them in for me.” She looked down at the bags trying to think what was wrong with him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 2

Party Prep

Nao was in a bad mood. She unpacked the food out of the bags. She walked to the right side of her flat carrying all her fresh vegetables and tried to pack them all in to her fridge. She noticed that she still had ten cartons of milk pudding packed in there for Uehara. Despite being angry at him for just dumping the shopping on the floor and walking away she knew she loved him even for the bad things in him. Even though he wasn't the type of guy to show it she knew that she had his love in return. She had invited a load of friends around for tea and she would be able to show every one how lovey-dovey her and Uehara were with each other. The grumpy girl soon cheered her self up. As soon as she had finished with the rest of her shopping bags she made a proper start on the buffet. She was doing everything from potato croquets to cabbage wraps. She loved her cooking and she was proud to show it off. She pranced around the kitchen with a joyful gleaming face. She picked up the oven gloves as she knew she would need them later. She got her phone out of her pocket and looked at a photo of her and Uehara together. Her thumb started to flick the screen of the phone as she looked at more pictures of Uehara. All of a sudden there was a knock at the door. Her face flicked in the direction of the door. She then looked at her hanging clock above her fridge. Who ever it was they were early. She put her phone down on the kitchen work top in front of her. Throwing the oven gloves over her shoulder she glided swiftly to her door and opened it with a happy gleam with her cheeks puffed up. But as she opened the door her face suddenly dropped. She seen Uehara standing there but for some reason her annoyance had come back.

“This morning was your fault for having a lie in, lazy.” He said as he strode into the flat. Uehara looked at all the food spread out across the side surface of Nao’s kitchen. Nao’s flat was all one open area with the exception of the bathroom which was behind a separate door. Uehara went straight for the fridge and took out one of his milk puddings that Nao was storing for him. He went back across the flat and took a spoon from the cutlery draw. As Nao watched him her eyes had hit his milk pudding. She was determined to get a spoonful. Uehara sat on the floor and placed the carton on the table in front of the TV. He clasped his hands together and said in a respectful manor.

“Thank you for this food.” Nao gave him an annoyed stare. All she could think of was him walking into flat and taking things from her fridge without so much as a hello. She took a spoon from her kitchen draw and began to try and sneak around the side of her flat. Uehara glanced at her suspiciously.

“What are you doing.” He said. Nao turned her self towards her book shelf to make it look like she was looking for a book.

“Nothing, Just looking for a certain cook book.” She replied. Uehara switched the TV on and began to watch the news.

“Oh before I forget.” Uehara said. “Natsumi san and Saeko san are not coming, They are going to the Cinema together.” Nao was shocked to hear what Uehara had just said. With her eyebrows raised she turned to look at Uehara with surprise.

“She’s going to watch a film with that flirt.” She said.

“Yeah.” Replied Uehara. Nao continued to sneak around her flat. Uehara caught a reflection of her off the TV and noticed a spoon in her hand. Uehara flicked his head around to look at what she was doing. As a quick reaction Nao leapt for her sofa and made herself look comfy as she lay there.

“Strange girl.” Uehara muttered to himself.

“Hmm.” She replied not realising what Uehara had said. When Uehara turned to face the TV Nao got her spoon ready for the strike at the open pot of milk pudding. She slowly and quietly got off the sofa. Eyes focused on the pot. her lips with excitement. Uehara could see what she was up to as he could see her reflection in the TV. She lent forward quickly and tried to jab her spoon in the milk pudding but Uehara was just to quick to put his hand over the pot. He raised his head and looked her straight in the eyes. He raised his left hand and her cheek and said softly.

“You’re cute when you’re determined.”

Nao started to giggle. She then took four steps back and fell on to the sofa. She sat there smiling while facing the ceiling while going off on one of her day dreams. Thinking about Uehara her cheek over and over again. Her arms waving in mid-air waving around as if she was him back. Uehara left her to her little fantasy world. As he finished his milk pudding he heard a bang at the door followed by laughter. Uehara turned his head to look at Nao. She was still in her own fantasy world. He got up off the floor and walked towards the door. As he did so he could not help but look at the Kitchen side and admire his girlfriends buffet that she had put together. Uehara opened the door to find two girls standing outside the flat giggling with each other.

“Hi Na...” Both girls said in a frozen manner as they seen Uehara opening the door. It was Ota and Marina. They were close friends of Nao. They were both brunette girls. Marina has short hair with a beautiful fringe where as Ota is a little shorter than Marina and has her hair in pig tails. She is also a lot more of a skinny girl compared to Marina. Uehara knew Marina as they went to the same college as each other but he did not know Ota so well. Ota looked at Marina and then at Uehara and said looking all confused.

“Where is she.” Uehara took a step to the side and pointed to the sofa where Nao was still in her day dream world. As both girls walked into the flat Marina looked at Uehara. With her eyes wide open she asked Uehara.

“What did you do to her.” He looked straight at Marina and shrugged his shoulders. Marina looked at Nao and leapt on top of her and started to shake her.

“Nao Chan, Nao Chan wake up.” Nao suddenly snapped out of her day dream. She blinked her eyes twice and then realized that Marina was sitting on top of her.

“Oh hi Marina Chan.” Nao said. Marina got off Nao and then turned to face Uehara.

“Before I forget Abe Kun and Daichi Kun are bringing some one with them but they didn't say who. They text me to say they would be a few minutes behind us.” All of a sudden there was a knock at the door.

“Oh that could be them now” Ota said. Nao looked up at Uehara.

“Uehara Kun, would you mind getting that please?” she said to him. Nao started to take the cellophane wrapping off the food. As Uehara opened the door he froze. He just stood there staring with his eyes wide open. Standing next to Abe and Daichi was an older woman.

“Yuri.”, Uehara said in shock. All the girls turned their heads towards Yuri. Nao dropped her face down with a slight hint of jealousy.

 

 

Chapter 3

Kiss

Yuri pushed her way by Abe and grabbed Uehara by the cheek.

“Oh Hisashi I’ve missed you so much.” She said. Yuri looked around the room at everyone with a joyful gleam. Her eye’s caught Ota

“Oh hi, a new girl to the group. I’m Hisashi’s sister-in-law Yuri.” Ota bowed down respectfully towards Yuri.

“Ota.” She replied. Ota inched her way towards Marina and Whispered.

“You’re right, she is beautiful. Now I see why Nao got jealous last year.” Marina nodded her head. Yuri was Hisashi Uehara’s first crush and everyone new about it.

“I thought you were supposed to be in Australia.” Uehara said. Yuri turned to face him.

“I am back for a week. I’m going to a friends wedding.” Nao kept her head down trying to avoid eye contact with Yuri. She had a feeling of jealousy come over her all of a sudden. She felt uncomfortable. What if Uehara still had feelings for Yuri she thought to her self. She tried to shake it all out of her head. She felt a tap on her shoulder.

“Nao chan, are you OK?”, said Marina. She recognised Nao’s facial expression and was concerned for her friend.

“Yeah I guess.” She replied. Nao pulled her self together and walked over to greet Yuri. Yuri took a long look at Nao. And smiled with excitement. Yuri had a big soft spot for Nao. As the two women walked towards each other Yuri opened her arms out wide.

“Nao chan. Good to see you. I see you have taken very good care of Hisashi.” Yuri grabbed Nao and gave her the biggest cuddle ever. Nao tried to show a smile but was to surprised to receive a cuddle from her. Uehara shook his head and then looked at Abe and Daichi and said with a stern voice.

“If she gets drunk you two are in trouble.”

“Why us.” replied Abe. Uehara turned his head and looked at Abe.

“Because you two brought her here. And Nao put a lot of effort into this evening.”

“I’m surprised to hear that coming from you Uehara san. I remember a time when you came across as not very appreciative towards her”. Replied Daichi.

Ota walked over to Nao’s radio and turned it on. As the music came out the party started. Yuri made a quick glance around the room and when no one was looking she grabbed a bottle of beer off the side and started to drink. Yuri was the kind of person who could easily get drunk. And when she was drunk. Despite being married she was very flirtatious. Ota, Marina and Nao were by the buffet food eating while smiling, chatting and dancing while Uehara and Daichi were talking amongst themselves. It wasn’t long before Yuri had grabbed a second beer and downed it before starting a third drink. She was starting to get giggly and eventually sat down on the sofa next to Abe who was reading one of Nao’s books.

“So Abe san. Still single.” She slurred. Abe was starting to feel nervous. He knew what Yuri was like when she was drunk. Yuri put her fingers through Abe’s hair when he suddenly got up.

“Uehara san. She’s drunk again.” Abe shouted. Uehara walked over to Yuri and tried to grab the bottle of beer she was holding. She got off the sofa and ran to the other side of the open space flat while giggling away. She eventually slammed the bottle she was holding on to the window sill with a mighty clunk. It was that loud that everyone stopped what they were doing and looked towards the back of the room. Yuri was swaying left and right. And then without hesitation She pushed Uehara on to Nao’s bed and then jumped on top of him laughing her head off. The three girls stood in the corner seeing all this unfold and were worried about what would happen next. Daichi tried to calm the atmosphere of the flat by switching the music off. He then walked over to the bed and lifted Yuri off Uehara while trying to avoid her flirtatious ways. But this was unsuccessful. Yuri managed to turn her self around and push Daichi against the wall.

“Oh Daichi san. You want a kissy wissy?” She said.

“Oh not again” he replied. Yuri lunged her self at Daichi and he just managed to get out of the way. Yuri then gazed across the room. Her head swaying. She caught the eye sight of Nao. Nao’s eyes started to fill with horror. Memories started to fill her head from the last time Yuri kissed her all over her head and cheeks. Ota and Marina started to hide behind Nao. Then all of a sudden Abe managed to pull Yuri towards him. They both fell back on the sofa. Yuri’s drunken eyes gazed at Abe. She then kissed Abe on the lips before flopping her drunken body on top of him. Every one looked on with silence. Abe was struggling to get Yuri off him.

“Uehara san. I think your sister-in-law is out cold.” said Daichi as he tried to help Abe. Uehara moved to the sofa quickly to move Yuri off Abe. He then grabbed Abe and pinned him against the wall. He pulled him away from the wall before slamming him against the wall a second time. He then started to shout at Abe.

“How could you let her kiss you. She is a married woman, My brothers wife. Get out Get out” he cried. Nao slowly walked towards the pair of them and gently pulled Uehara off Abe.

“Uehara kun. It’s not his fault.” She said trying to calm him down. Uehara let go of Abe. He then shrugged Nao’s hand off him and walked towards Yuri who was just laying on the sofa totally drunk. He put his hand through Yuri’s hair. Nao’s eyes started to widen with concern. Marina noticed Nao’s facial expression. She new what her best friend was thinking. Marina slowly walked towards Nao. As she was doing this Uehara lifted Yuri in to his arms.

“I’ll take her to my flat to sleep it off.” He looked around the room at every one. Uehara still felt a close bond to Yuri but not the type of bond that Nao thought he had for her.

“I’m sorry she ruined the party for every one.” he said as he carried her out. Marina put her arm around Nao. She whispered in to her friends ear.

“Don't think about it. He doesn’t feel that way about her any more.” Nao gently nodded her head. She slowly walked to her door. She tried to lift her head but couldn’t. She was hurting to much. She kept thinking about Uehara’s old feelings towards Yuri.

“I’m going for a walk. I need to clear my head.” She said as she walked out her flat with her head down in silence. Daichi went after her. He followed her all the way down the stairs. And out on to the urban street. He was very concerned for his childhood friend. Daichi looked to his left and seen Nao standing on the bridge.

 

 

Chapter 4

Nao Being Stupid

In the distance the busy traffic of Tokyo could be heard. Nao stood on the bridge looking up at the sky. It was quite cloudy. She could barely see the moon. She was thinking about that valentines day one and a half years ago. She was supposed to meet Uehara for their first date. But he never showed up as he was helping Yuri while she was drunk. She remembered crashing to the ground in the middle of a rain storm getting soaked. She remembered Daichi coming to her rescue. As she thought about it all a tear ran down her left eye. The pain of past jealousy was to much for the young lady. Before she knew it she was crying in pain. She knew deep down that Uehara’s feelings were purely family feelings only but she still thought about his past feelings. She heard footsteps coming towards her on the bridge. She was trying to hold back the tears and tried her hardest to stop sniffing. She felt a hand pet her on the head.

“Ahhh, you are silly for thinking that he still likes her.” Came the voice from beside her. Nao tried her hardest to stop crying but she couldn’t. She wiped her eyes in an attempt to hide her pain. She heard the voice say something to her.

“Only me and Marina can truly read you.” Nao looked up and standing next to her was Daichi.

“Did you see the way he looked at her on the sofa?” Nao said. Daichi nodded.

“Standing here crying like this, why do you do this to yourself.” said Daichi. He then went on to say “Stop being silly and dry your face and come back in.” Daichi turned to face the railings of the bridge they were standing on. He put his left hand on the side rail followed by his right hand on Nao’s shoulder in an attempt to comfort her. All of a sudden a few drops of rain came out of the sky. Daichi started to laugh as he looked up at the sky. He dropped to his knees laughing louder and louder. Nao looked down at him with astonishment wondering what was so funny.

“Here’s me crying because I still think Uehara kun still likes his sister-in-law and you’re laughing.” Nao said abruptly.

“No you have it all wrong. I was just thinking that you are still my rain girl.” Replied Daichi. Nao slapped him on the shoulder.

“No your the rain man, every time I'm outside with you it rains.” She snapped back. At this point Daichi was trying to hold in his laughter.

“Well at least you don’t have the stress of me fighting for your heart any more.” Daichi said.

“Stop that.” Nao replied. “Your still my childhood best friend and you still have to be there for me.” She continued. “He should not have shouted at Abe san.” She went on to say. The rain started to come down faster. Daichi looked up at the sky.

“I think you should know I have no umbrella to save you this time.” Daichi said. “I’m going to head home before I get to wet.” As he was about to walk away he turned and looked at Nao straight in the eyes.

“By the way, thanks for getting me and Nanase together.” He said. Nao nodded her head towards him. She tried to smile at him but felt like she couldn’t. She waved her hand as a goodbye gesture at him. She stood on the bridge and watched as Daichi walked off in the distance. All of a sudden she felt a sensation of rain no longer falling on her. But she could still see it raining around her. She looked up all confused and seen an umbrella over her. She lowered her head and looked at the ground as she turned around. When she was in front of the figure holding the umbrella her head slowly raised up the persons body until she was face to face with the person holding the umbrella. She wanted to put her arms around the person standing in front of her but something was stopping her. She felt frozen. Drops of water were dripping from her hair.

“Uehara Kun.” She said softly.

“I’m sorry if I made you feel jealous back there.” He said in reply. He grabbed her by the arm and pulled her towards him. He held her tight in his arms. She gently rested her head against his chest, she slowly put her arms around him in response. She now felt like she could move now. The pair of them stood together in each others arms with the sound of the rain around them. After a while they stopped cuddling and looked at each other. Uehara took Nao by the hand and they walked back to the flat. Uehara pulled the umbrella away from Nao. Feeling the rain on her she pulled the umbrella back over herself. Uehara soon tugged it back.

“Uehara kun. I’m your girlfriend, you’re supposed to protect me from the rain.” She shouted.

As the pair entered the block of flats. Abe, Ota and Marina came out of the elevator. They were giggling amongst one another. But when they seen Nao and Uehara. The room fell silent. Marina noticed that the pair of them were holding hands. She smiled at them and simply said.

“I see you two have sorted it all out. We have cleaned your flat. And now we are going.” She was very happy for the two lovers.

“Thank you for the invite.” said Ota. Abe kept quiet. As the three of them were about to leave Uehara shouted.

“WAIT.” Uehara turned to face Abe. He held his hand out to him and said

“Sorry about earlier. She is still my sister-in-law. Hope you understand.” Abe took his hand and replied.

“It’s OK. We all know what Yuri is like when she’s drunk.” The gang left the block of flats and all walked home. Uehara and Nao got in to the elevator. Nao pushed the button for the third floor and cuddled up to Uehara. She was smiling once again. Uehara lent into her ear and said softly.

“You’re the only one I love.”

“Thank you Uehara Kun.” She replied. The pair leaned towards each other and were about to kiss when the lift door opened. Without realising it they were on their floor. Nao was annoyed as they got out the elevator. If only they were on a higher floor. Just a few more seconds and his lips would have been pressed against hers. As they reached there flat doors Nao tugged at Uehara’s arm.

“Maybe you should leave Yuri to sleep it off. You can sleep on my sofa tonight.” She said. Uehara nodded in agreement. Nao opened her flat door and Uehara followed behind. As the door closed behind Nao had forgotten about her previous thoughts from that evening. Uehara suddenly started to think about the time they shared a flat room together after Nao set off a gas can of bug killer in her flat and had to stay in Uehara’s flat until the gas cleared. Uehara laughed over the thought.

“What are you laughing at?” asked Nao.

“Nothing.” replied Uehara.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5

Hangover

The sun shone brightly through the thin pink curtains of Nao’s flat. It was all quiet and clean compared to how it was the night before at the party. The only noise that could be heard was the rustling of the sleeping bag that Uehara was in as he turned in it on Nao’s sofa. As for Nao herself, she was sound asleep with her bed covers only covering her legs. She seemed at peace in her sleep compared to the jealous stress she felt the night before. Uehara was the first to wake up. His eyes slowly opening. He quietly as he could got him self out of the sleeping bag and walked towards Nao’s bed. He gazed at her with a smile. He lent forward to kiss her on the forehead. All of a sudden there was a great big thump at the door. Nao jumped out of her sleep and raised her head in shock. As she did so she banged her head against Uehara’s head as he was still leaning over her. Uehara took a couple of steps back rubbing his head in pain. Nao threw her head back on her pillow rubbing her forehead.

“Uehara Kun. Why are y.” She said as a second large bang at the door interrupted her. Shortly followed by shouting.

“HISASHI, YOSHIKAWA, HISASHI.” The voice shouted. Uehara was still slightly dazed from banging his head. But he new that voice to well. He looked at Nao.

“Yuri, what does that drunk woman want.” said Uehara. He walked to the door as the banging continued. He opened the door and Yuri suddenly burst in to the flat. Holding her head with her left hand She pinned Uehara to the wall using her right hand with what strength she had. With a dozy look about her she said

“You have no hangover drugs in that place of yours.” Uehara just stood there looking at her silently. Nao had seen everything. She quickly rushed to a near by cupboard and got out some headache pills and then rush to the fridge. Opened it up and removed a bottle of water. As she was doing this she kept her eyes on the pair of them at all times. She had no concerns based on how she felt the previous night. She held out the water and pills towards Yuri. Yuri removed her right hand from Uehara and took the pills and water off Nao.

“Nao Chan takes care of me more than you Hisashi.” Said Yuri. Nao grinned at Uehara in approval.

“I can’t wait for you two to get married” said Yuri. Uehara looked at her in shock.

“You can wait.” Uehara replied. Now Nao was giving him a shocked look with a frown. Yuri went on to say

“Yoshikawa Nao as my sister-in-law.” Yuri started to laugh as she sat down on the sofa. She gulped down the water with one of the pills. And then put her head back on the sofa and fell asleep.

“Huh that woman is so annoying. You would think that she would learn to stop drinking by now.” said Uehara. Nao grabbed Uehara’s arm and started to smile at him.

“What’s that look for” Uehara said to her

“I cant wait for that either.” She said as she secretly thought about marrying him. The pair stood in the middle of the room looking at Yuri as she slept.

“Can’t wait for what he said.” replied Uehara looking confused. Nao tightened her grip around Uehara’s arm. Pouted her lips showing off her cheek dimples as she smiled softly. At that moment everything felt perfect for her.

 

 

 

 

The End