A stage of our own: Closure, 2nd movement

When Watanabe was out of sight, Sashihara and Maeda approached Kashiwagi. The three of them continued their way to the dressing room, when they arrived, the atmosphere was different from the morning; it changed back into the usual after a hard day’s practice. The day had ended for the group, but it wasn’t over for Maeda and Kashiwagi, since they still had an unfinished conversation. When Kashiwagi and Maeda were about to leave they were approached by Sashihara and Takahashi respectively. Sashihara asked Kashiwagi to accompany her do some errands, while Takahashi invited Maeda to a café to talk.

Sashihara and Kashiwagi left first and headed to a nearby groceries store. Takahashi and Maeda left a couple of minutes later and went to a café near Shinjuku station. After they finished Sashihara’s errands, both gals went for some drinks to a pastry store just across the street from the market. They sat near the window, it was 1800 and the sky was getting dark, so the city lights started to function.

They both ordered a cherry tea and some sweets, as they waited Sashihara skillfully noticed Kashiwagi’s uneasiness after the day’s practice. As one of the most trusted companions Kashiwagi had, Sashihara entered no man’s land and pop the dangerous question.

Sashihara: Are you ok, Yukirin? You’ve been acting odd today….

Kashiwagi: ….well there is something that is bothering me…

Sashihara: is it something you can’t tell Mayuyu?

Kashiwagi: …maybe…it’s a bit complicated to explain and I know she wouldn’t understand…

Sashihara: well I may be able to help, sometimes, just being listened helps too…

Kashiwagi: …thanks…

Sashihara: well I’m all ears!

Kashiwagi: ….actually…yesterday…I received a confession…

Sashihara: what!!? Someone confessed to you?

Kashiwagi: ….yes…

Little by little, Kashiwagi’s courage and clear mind started to return. But why was it so hard to talk about her feelings with Maeda? That suffocating sensations had departed, was Maeda too much for her to handle? Such thoughts were casting a mist of indecision and fear in the deepest corner of Kashiwagi’s heart. Sashihara’s interest I the situation became even harder to contain, but at the same time Kashiwagi wanted some to listen to her, someone who wouldn’t judge her, someone who would just lend her a shoulder to lie on for a moment. Kashiwagi always felt comfortable alongside Sashihara, whom she saw as a reliable person to talk to.

Sashihara was consumed by her curiosity, but decided not to go deeper into the issue, as she understood, that because of that confession, Kashiwagi wasn’t her usual self. She exerted extreme self-control, even though her curiosity was itching her for an answer.

Sashihara: It probably was just a crazy fan Yukirin…you should tell the management…well that’s what I would do…

Kashiwagi: ….it wasn’t a fan….it was….

Sashihara: …

Intrigued by Kashiwagi’s response, Sashihara couldn’t hold herself back; she had to know about whom was Kashiwagi talking. She took a deep breath and timidly continued the conversation trying not to meddle more than what Kashiwagi wanted to tell her.

Sashihara: Is that person related to AKB?

Kashiwagi: ….

Sashihara: I thought so…who is it?

Kashiwagi: …..A….Acchan!

Sashihara’s surprise was such that she felt like a boulder had been dropped in front of her. She never imagined that Maeda had such feelings towards a gal, especially towards Kashiwagi. After knowing the cause, she understood better the dilemma that Kashiwagi was facing. It was not answering back her feelings, but saying those words, could jeopardize both their carriers as idols. A mutual strong desire was perceived by Sashihara, for when Kashiwagi mentioned Maeda she did it with a huge smile, but also Kashiwagi was worried about Maeda’s future more than her own.

Sashihara: So you tried to reply to her today?

Kashiwagi: ….yes…I did…but I couldn’t say those words to her…Sasshi, I really wanted to say to her I also love her!

Sashihara jumped from her seat after Kashiwagi’s words, yes she already knew something like that was the situation. Everyone had noticed that after the filming of Hanazakari no Kimitachi e, both ladies grew close but nobody imagined they would so close as to develop feelings of yearning and deep emotional affection-i.e. love-for each other. What Sashihara didn’t expect was that it was Maeda the one that made a move on Kashiwagi.

Sashihara’s jump sacred Kashiwagi a bit, when she noticed that she sat quickly and took a zip of her tea to lower her heart beat. The city lights now engulf the surroundings, and it was getting late. Sashihara had received an e-mail from her mother asking where she was and about the grocery. But again she wanted to help Kashiwagi, so the told Kashiwagi she had to return home and invited her to sleep over. To which Kashiwagi replied in with an affirmative response. She called her mother as so did Sashihara to inform about the sleep over plan.

On the other side of the aisle Takahashi was talking things over with Maeda. Takahashi somewhat understood the position at which Kashiwagi was when trying to give her answer to Maeda; between them, it was Kashiwagi’s position the hardest, for not only was the one that had to respond but was also a captain. Maeda was staring at the table as she somewhat regretted confessing to Kashiwagi.

Maeda: I’m a terrible person, right, Minami-chan?

Takahashi: Of course not! Why would you think such a thing?!

Maeda: Because, I’m not normal, I mean I’m in love with a gal and I’ve put her on a tight spot, because of my selfishness…

Takahashi: Come on Acchan; don’t get down on me right now! You’re just fine the way you are. You are normal! Don’t be ashamed about what you feel for others. Yukirin just needs a little more time…

Maeda: ….but…because of me she is in a predicament…

Takahashi: Look Acchan, you did the right thing by telling her how you feel, it’s now up to her to sort things out. She wants to sincerely answer to you, but still unsure. Today she tried but she couldn’t, perhaps because I was there…I still don’t get why called me there Acchan…

Maeda: ….actually I was afraid of Yukirin’s answer, and I wanted you to control me…just in case I couldn’t stop crying…

Takahashi: So you think she’ll reject you?

Maeda: ….

Maeda was feeling very troubled, because she felt she put her dear friend in an awkward position. Takahashi feeling worried for her friends, she felt as she needed to do something to get rid of the tension between them but didn’t wanted to rush Kashiwagi or Maeda.

Takahashi: Just give her some time.

They drank some tea and sweet bread, as they talked about other issues to relieve themselves from the stressful day. Then they parted ways and headed home. Whilst at Sashihara Rino’s house, after a pleasant dinner and a warm bath the strategy meeting began. Sashihara’s mother brought some hot chocolate and pastry for the gals so they could enjoy a bit more their conversation. It had been raining and cold lately so the warmth of the chocolate was welcomed by both of them.

Sashihara: So, Yukirin…what are you planning to do?

Kashiwagi: Well…I really don’t know, but I’m pretty sure about how I feel….I think…

Sashihara: But, you told me at the café that you, feel the same towards Acchan, didn’t you?

Kashiwagi: …yes…it’s just that I don’t know how to tell her…but I also don’t want to cause her any problems or to anyone on the group, because of my selfish acts…

Sashihara: You aren’t causing problems Yukirin! I mean you are not breaking any rules… I mean they said we couldn’t date outsiders and they specified males, they never said that we couldn’t go out with each other or even develop a relationship as deep as yours and Acchan…So I believe you should answer with your true feelings.

Kashiwagi: …I guess so….

Sashihara: So spirits up…..Oh!! I have an idea; do you remember about the concert that we have next week in Okinawa??

Kashiwagi couldn’t comprehend why Sashihara was so excited about. True that Okinawa meant warmer weather and beautiful beaches, but still she didn’t get what it means in relationship with her “issue” with Maeda.

Sashihara stood up and went for a catalogue about Okinawa she got from Katayama Haruka. She flipped through the pages until she got to the hotel sections. Kashiwagi just couldn’t keep up with Sashihara’s excitement; she though “why is she so excited? What does the trip and a hotel in Okinawa has to do with me and Acchan?” A few seconds later Kashiwagi’s questions were answered. Sashihara had found what she was looking for…the mostly likely hotel that AKB would stay during their 15 days in Okinawa. She showed Kashiwagi the hotel, she thought AKB was the most likely to stay and presented her plan to still oblivious Kashiwagi.

Sashihara: I found it, Yukirin!

Kashiwagi: What; found what?!

Sashihara: This is the hotel we will probably be staying during our visit to Okinawa!

Kashiwagi: ….

Sashihara: In this hotel as always we will be paired into couples per room!

Kashiwagi: ...so…

Sashihara: We just have to make sure you and Acchan get paired as room-mates!

Kashiwagi: What!? Are you crazy, you want to give me a heart attack!?

Sashihara laughed uncontrollably at Kashiwagi’s reaction. Kashiwagi’s face was so red that it could be seen from the moon Yes Sashihara’s incredible plan was to get Kashiwagi and Maeda together, so that they could talk more comfortably and clear their situation. When Sashihara was able to control her laughter, she took a deep breath and continued her briefing.

Sashihara: …sorry about that…it’s just that you looked so cute with your red face

Kashiwagi: ….Sasshi, you are…evil!

Sashihara: You see, the only way for to be able to tell Acchan how you feel is by being with her, you said Takamina was also there, right!?

Kashiwagi: …yes she was with Acchan, and she also knew about what happened between Acchan and me.

Sashihara: Really!? Do you know how she found out?

Kashiwagi: …well, Acchan told her…I understand that…I mean Takamina-san is Acchan’s best friend, so it’s comprehensible that she talked to her about that…I think…

Those words gave Sashihara another great idea how to make her plan work! She thought that probably Takahashi also wanted to help solve this knot in their relationship.

Nobody in AKB could’ve imaged that Maeda and Kashiwagi would’ve ended in such a complicated relationship. Both Sashihara and Takahashi were also in a tight spot, as they became impromptu counselors for Maeda and Kashiwagi. “The next concert in Okinawa was going to determine if this was a forbidden love on Maeda’s side or Kashiwagi’s destined soul-mate!” Sashihara thought, she then continued with the conversation.

Sashihara: Well…leave everything to me!

Kashiwagi: You’re worrying me Sasshi…but thank you for helping me!

Kashiwagi smiled and the conversation then shifted into a different type of gal talk. Sunday came and went slowly for the gals, as the date of departure for Okinawa arrived. Early Monday morning, Kashiwagi arrived to the theater to meet the staff and discuss the voyage’s details. Also present at that meeting were Takahashi Minami and Akimoto Sayaka, theater Staff Manager Togasaki and General Producer Akimoto. During this meeting Kashiwagi tried to concentrate as much as possible, but her mind was thinking mostly about Maeda. It was decided during this meeting, that the pairing for the hotel was going to be done trough a draw. This draw was to be held at the theater 2 days before departure. As soon as the meeting was over, Kashiwagi received an e-mail on her mobile phone. She then quickly navigated through the message in search for the number that was used to send it. All of a sudden Kahsiwagi jumped of excitement, which startled Takahashi and Akimoto as they left the theater. Takahashi approached Kashiwagi and asked: “Yukirin are you alright?” Kashiwagi slowly turned her eyes on Takahashi and answered in a low and embarrassed tone: “Yes, I’m ok, sorry scare you1’ she bowed in apology to all present, then she returned to reading her e-mail. Takahashi’s curiosity had awakened so she decided to walk for a while with Kashiwagi. “Who could’ve been that e-mailed Yukirin, to make her this happy? Maybe Acchan!?” she thought. She asked Kashiwagi to accompany to this new traditional tea house near Ginza that she wanted to visit. Kashiwagi with a polite smile and happy disposition she agreed.

They arrived at a traditional style house and were received by a young lady wearing a red kimono with sakura patterns, a blue obi. Her hair was arranged in the traditional style, she was also wearing traditional make-up. She greeted them in a polite and gracious manner, then escorted them inside, after the main gate they walked through a garden, the path they walked through was surrounded by sakura and plum trees. A small bridge linked the tea house with the entry pathway. The tea house was made of cedar wood. The doors were made also cedar with Japanese traditional paper. The hostess suddenly stopped and opened a door that leads to a small room with a beautiful view of the garden; she then bowed to the astonished gals. Kashiwagi and Takahashi quickly entered the room, amazed of the beautiful scenery, the hostess bowed again; as she left the girls she smiled and closed the door. On the table at the center of the room there was a bell and a menu letter with instructions of how to use the tea house’s rooms. They explored actively the room in search of what surprises they might find. Kashiwagi found a stash of tea and Takahashi a pot to boil water; they smiled at each other and started to prepare their tea. The attending hostess returned to the room to deliver some dango for the gals, she then left them again. As they prepared the tea Takahashi asked Kashiwagi: “You look really lively this afternoon, something good happened?” Kashiwagi responded with an affirmative nod. To which Takahashi followed up with another question, “Is it related to Acchan?” an uncontrollable silence engulfed the room.

Kashiwagi raised her sight and stared at Takahashi’s eyes as firmly as she could and smiled and proceeded to reply.

Kashiwagi: Yes, she sent me a mail, asking if I was ok! That made me very happy!

Takahashi: I thought so…So what are you going to do about your relationship her?

Kashiwagi startled a bit after that question. She knew what she had to do but after all she was still unsure about what she wanted.

She couldn’t keep herself unsure anymore after Takahashi’s words; she had to take that step she was afraid of. She either played it safe and rejected Maeda or risked it all and embrace that mutual desire for each other’s company and affection.

Takahashi: You can’t stay like this forever Yukirin…Acchan made her choice and went forward, even those she’s scared of the consequences, she feels that strongly about you.

Kashiwagi: …I…know but…

Takahashi: But what? No buts!? You have to make up your mind!

For Takahashi, Maeda’s happiness was everything even if it meant to relinquish her dearest friend. Takahashi was also unsure about her feelings towards Kashiwagi’s entrance into Maeda’s life, was it jealousy? Was it anger? Was it solitude? She was also trying to sort out her own feelings.

Kashiwagi: …You’re right, I must stick to my decision without regret and stand tall in front of its consequences…

The water started to boil…Kashiwagi picked a bit of mint and cherry herbs to add to the water, this was taught to her by Saeki, whom had also told her to stand with her feelings. As she poured the herbs in the water she thought to herself “What is it I’m afraid of?” Takahashi place her had on top of Kashiwagi as she had finished and smiled. She then asked with a clam yet serious tone “So, Yukirin, what’s your answer to Acchan’s confession?” Kashiwagi reverted herself back into her yips, but the water vapor and smell of the herbal infusion brought her back. The sweet smell made her confidence return, and with a voice full of confidence, and honesty she said “Takamina-san, I also love Acchan with my most sincere feelings! I understand if you refuse, but as Acchan’s best friend and as my sempai, please bless us!” she then firmly bowed in a humble request for approval of the person that Maeda respected and cherished the most. Takahashi’s face was blushed and her hands were shaking; she never expected Kashiwagi to do such a thing. She grabbed a dango and placed her cup to serve herself some of Kashiwagi’s special herbal infusion. Kashiwagi quickly took the pot and served Takahashi.

Kashiwagi had entered her comfort zone; she was raised to become a Yamato Nadeshiko, the virtues of beauty, femininity are portrait in Kashiwagi at its best, the traditional concepts combined with the sense of the modern woman gave Kashiwagi an attractive and distinguished taste, this was what attracted Maeda to her, until this moment Takahashi had finally understood, Kashiwagi’s true charm. She raised her sight to meet with Kashiwagi’s eyes, and with a smile and tears she blessed Kashiwagi and Maeda’s relationship.

Takahashi: Yukirin…I entrust Acchan to you…but if you ever make her cry I’ll never forgive you!

Kashiwagi: Thank you Takamina-san…

Takahashi: Now you must tell Acchan!

Kashiwagi: …Well…Sasshi said that the Okinawa trip was my best chance to answer back to Acchan…

Takahashi, found in this words her most powerful ally in her quest to get Maeda and Kashiwagi together. This ally was none other than Sashihara!

The finale is going to be a special....Want to know what happens at Okinawa? Well in the FINALE chapter of my first fanfic, that's what it'll be all about! Also don't forget about this: http://whitesfanficspot.blogspot.com/2012/02/just-sharing-stuff.html The best idea will be turned into a fic. A collaboration between the winner and me!!