Miracle's Dream (Chapter 16)

Summary: A young girl who seemed to have no connection at all to any of them are the one who brought them together and drove them apart. She’s the one who shows them the real person they could be. 

Chapter Word Count (Total): 1,376 (22,374)
Rating: PG-15 in later chapters due to PDA and sensitive issues

Disclaimer: I do not own people... Mentioned people in this fiction belongs to themselves and their professional self, belongs to Johnny's Entertainment

Warning: Character Death

A month passed since they had their lunch. Catherine rotates her time at Nishikido’s apartment and with Yasuda. At times Shibutani would be there with her and at times Ueda would put her to sleep. “We would be late, are you sure you’d want to wait? Or maybe you could go with Ueda first.” Yasuda said as he drove to the company. Lately it had become a habit of his to drive. Mostly because he did not want the attention on the trains and it would be much safer for Catherine.

“It’s fine. I’ll wait, quietly I promise.” Catherine said softly without even taking her eyes off the book she was reading. Since living with the boys, she had picked up reading, as she has to wait for them numerous times.

Yasuda glanced at her. “A new book?” He questioned. Catherine just answered him with a ‘hn’. “It’s more interesting than me, huh?” He said faking a hurt tone. It took her about half a minute to finish the book and respond to Yasuda.

“A little bit. But Nii-chan is interesting when you are singing.” Catherine replied.

“Then stay with Ryo tonight.” Yasuda sulked. His pouty lips trembled as they refrained from smiling. “He’s more interesting no?” He added.

Catherine giggled. “But he’s not nii-chan. He does not tuck me to sleep and sing to me. Tatsu-niichan does that. But he’s not you either. I like it when you do it better.” Catherine said trying to coax Yasuda. Yasuda just kept quiet. “Nii-chan.” She said in a singsong voice. “Nii-chan saiko ne… honma ni kakkoi.” She spurted out.

That, Yasuda cannot stop himself from laughing. “Say it again.” He spoke between his laughs.

“Nani?” Catherine asked innocently.

“Honma ni? Seriously… Honma ni.” Yasuda said still laughing. “You’ve never spoken in Kansai-ben before. You must have been hanging around Ryo and me too much.” Yasuda spoke easing on his laughter.

Catherine just looks at him with her innocent puppy eyes. “Shibuyan always say it.” She said smiling a little. “Shibuyan always teaching me things you wouldn’t.”

“What things that I wouldn’t teach you?” Yasuda exclaimed.

“Kansai-ben.” Catherine replied quickly.

Yasuda broke into laughter. “You could barely speak Japanese after three years. Kansai-ben ka?” He spoke slightly teasing the little girl. “You still speak Japanese like an American.”

“That’s because I am American. I was born there and I was raised there.” Catherine said. “See, that is why Shibuyan is nicer.” She said pouting her lips.

“Hime.” Yasuda said as he pulled up in a parking spot. “Hime-chan.” He joked. “It’s not that I don’t want to teach you it’s just that I’ll laugh every time you’d speak. So I better not teach.” Yasuda spoke sincerely. “Your Japanese are getting better though.”

“I’m living with people who refuse to speak in English, do I have a choice?” Catherine replied. “But your English is going nowhere.” She said sticking her tongue out. The bickering of the two of them went on and on till they reached the Kanjani’s room.

“You two are really loud. You’re getting more and more like Baru nowadays.” Murakami said as soon as Catherine and Yasuda entered the room.

“I do not.” Catherine retorted quickly. Murakami just nodded his head. “Shin-niichan is louder.” She said as she took a seat where Murakami was lying down. “Where are the others? Why are you here alone?” She asked.

Murakami gently wrapped his arm around her waist as he closed his eyes. “Ryo is with NewS. Baru, Maru and Yoko are not here yet; Tacchon went to get some snacks or something. He’s always eating that boy.”

*******

As soon as he ended his meet with the guys from NewS, Nishikido rushed to the Kanjani’s room. He knew he was already late but probably the Kanjani boys would just be gathering to start. One thing about the Kanjani’s is that although they are always on time, they would wait till the very last person to arrive before starting.

“Ryo.” Yamashita called. Nishikido halted suddenly. “We’re going to eat.” He started.

“You know I can’t. They are my band too.” Nishikido answered.

Yamashita just smiled. “I don’t mean you. Can I take Sakura-chan with us while you guys are having the meeting?” He asked.

Nishikido shrugged.”Come and ask her yourself.” He answered as he walked to the other room. As he entered the room, Catherine was shyly talking with Okura. She was still having a crush on the youngest member of the group but slowly she was getting close to him. Okura really knew how to entertain her.

Yamashita trailed behind Nishikido as they both entered the room. Nishikido just peck Catherine on her forehead and headed for the meeting table followed by Okura. Catherine refrained herself from saying unnecessary things to him as well. She could see that Nishikido was drained and exhausted.

“Do you want to join us for a dinner?” Yamashita said as he knelt down. Catherine hesitated to answer. Seeing the tense atmosphere building around the siblings, Yasuda went to them.

“I don’t know how long the meet will last for. Can you take care of her for a little while please?” Yasuda said to Yamashita. “Just for a while ne. Call me if anything is wrong.” Yasuda said gently. Leaving her with no other choice, Catherine just nodded. “Tell him if you’re not feeling too well ne.” Yasuda said to Catherine. Reluctantly Catherine nodded as she trailed behind Yamashita.

“Is it okay?” Catherine turned and looked at Yasuda and Nishikido. The two men just nodded in response. “I won’t be too long.” She said smiling before catching up to Yamashita. “Yamashita-kun, thank you.” She said tilting her head up as she walked beside her brother.

Yamashita just smiled at her. “Why do you keep calling me Yamashita-kun?” He questioned. Catherine shrugged. Somehow, she could not bring herself to call him with a more intimate name as she does with the Kanjanis. “Tomo-kun ne.” He said softly before he opened the sliding door to the NewS’ meeting room.

Shyly Catherine smiled at Tegoshi who was the only other person that she knew. “Hisashiburi.” she spoke softly to Tegoshi.

Tegoshi’s face lit up instantly. “Hisashiburi.” He said lowering himself. “Genki ka?” he asked. Catherine just nodded. “Ah, minna, this is Sakura-chan. Pi’s little sister.” Tegoshi said.

“That is Kei-chan.” Yamashita started as he pointed to Koyama who was sitting with his music player. “Beside him is Shige and this is Massu.” he said as Masuda came and knelt in front of her.

“Hajime mashite.” Catherine said shyly.

“She doesn’t look anything like you. She’s very cute and pretty, unlike you.” Masuda teased. Yamashita slapped the back of Masuda’s head in reply. “Let’s go and eat. I’m hungry.” Masuda said looking up at Yamashita.

“Yeah, yeah let’s go.” Yamashita said. “Are you okay?” He questioned her quietly. Catherine just nodded. Yamashita paused. “Ano, do you have any diet restriction?” He questioned. Catherine just shook his head.

Catherine was chattier with Tegoshi and Koyama compared to Yamashita. She was a little awkward but she tried her best to act less awkward with her brother. “How did you meet with Ryo-chan and Yasuda-kun?” Koyama questioned.

Catherine let out a laugh before answering. “Um, I met Nii-chan at the park. I found his guitar pick then I looked for him for a few days before I found him.” Catherine said as she held on to the guitar pick that was strung as her pendant. “Ryo-chan came with nii-chan one day and we clicked right away.”

“You’re really close with Yasuda-kun aren’t you?” Koyama commented. Catherine just nodded. “You don’t talk much do you?” Catherine just shrugged shyly.

It was out of the blue Catherine reached for Yamashita’s hand. “Tomo-niichan, are the meetings going to be much longer?” Catherine questioned.

“I’m not too sure. Naze?” Yamashita asked.

“I don’t feel too well. My chest feels funny.” She said quietly as her face paled. “Can you call nii-chan for me, please?” Her breath became shorten and sharp.

“Is it painful?” Yamashita questioned as he quickly punched in Nishikido’s number.