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He was waiting for me when I arrived. He was sitting in front of the café when I saw him. And he quickly saw me too.

"Ohayou!" He beamed at me.

"Ohayou Takumi," I replied.

"I'll help you open up."

"No, it's okay. You don't have to."

"I'll wait for you then. Tell me when you're ready to go."

"Hai."

Takumi waited outside as I opened the café and one by one my employees arrived. And since I was going out for that something he asked of me, I instructed everyone to look after the café while I was gone, not sure what time I will be coming back. And after everything is ready for the day, I finally got out to meet Takumi.

"I'm sorry for the wait. I'm ready," I said as I approached him.

He turned to me with an excited gaze and said, "Hope you like today."

He suddenly held my hand, which really surprised me and had me speechless, and dragged me, to the condominium all the way to the elevator. He wasn't letting go even in the elevator and not saying anything until we reached the roof deck and there, I saw the place being set up for something.

"What are we doing here?" I finally asked. This time, he finally let go of my hand too.

"Just sit down and watch. Is that okay?" He told me and lead me to a seat near the stage.

"Takumi! Where were you? We're starting!" Someone from the stage called him.

"Hai!" He smiled at me and left for the stage.

I was dumbfounded. What exactly is happening? He's setting up the guitar and the people around the stage was busy checking the system. Everything only hit me when they started playing and Takumi started singing. It took me a while to realize they were actually rehearsing. But to tell the truth, I really had no idea.

But from that moment on, I was enchanted. That frail-looking boy, doesn't look so frail at all right now. He stood on that stage with so much power in his presence and all I could do was stare in awe. From the rehearsals, to the night of the live concert, it was all the same. I was amazed. It happened all so fast, that I thought I was actually dreaming. But I wasn't. Takumi is the singer of the band Dish//. Now I know what he does for a living.

Together with a hundred fans, I was completely entangled with wonder and excitement. Seeing Takumi perform was one of best surprises I had in my life. And I should thank him for making this chance possible. I feel really glad I'm able to have such a wonderful time.

Everything was perfect. But something just had to come in the way. After an hour of live performance, the whole band was thanking everyone one by one. Those girls swarm around them like bees, taking pictures and all. And that one girl, that girl who kissed Takumi was there too, all tangled up on his arm, not planning to let other girls touch him.

I was sitting at front row but this time I was already pushed somewhere behind. I didn't want to bother him when he's working, but it's just hard to watch that girl being clingy to him in front of all these people. And since he's still busy, I decided to step out of the place, in silence, unnoticed. He's having the time of his life right now, I can talk to him tomorrow.

With a sad heart, I left. I know I shouldn't be. Takumi only invited me to watch them, it shouldn't be any of my concerns what he does after. And besides, with all those fans around, I doubt I could his priority. I can take care of myself anyways. And I'm just a street away.

It's only 9pm so I still had time to check on the café. My staffs have closed up and I just had to countercheck the inventories and the sales for the day. I went over it for a few minutes and after I was done, all my staffs left.

I was still rechecking the cashier's box when someone entered the café, when the close sign has been put up.

"Sumimasen (Sorry), we're already closed for the day," I said as my eyes landed on the person.

"Kisa," he said, bending down touching his thighs.

Takumi was catching his breath, tiny drops of sweat falling from the sides of his face. Did he just run away from those girls only to come see me here? Did he hurry his way down to look for me?

"What are you doing here?" I said, going out of the counter. "Did you run going here?" Now I stand before him.

"Ah..." still catching his breath. "You left without telling me so I thought I should see you."

"No, there's no need. I enjoyed the concert. Really. It's just that you were busy so I left thinking I'd just be in the way."

He stood straight by now and looked me in the eyes, "Why would you be? I brought you there, it should my responsibility to bring you home."

"Demo... (But...)"

"Can I sit down?"

"Ah hai! Sumimasen."

I should've let him sit first thing anyways. From this point, he looks like that frail boy again. I can't help but smile to myself.

"Is something funny?"

I was flustered cuz he saw me, "Iiya! Nandemonai. (No, it's nothing.)"

"I got worried cuz you just left like that. I wish you could have told me you were leaving."

I don't why but he looks like he's sulking?

"Gomen. I did it out of respect to your fans. I felt I didn't have the right to stay there since I was just invited. They deserve your attention more than me."

"If I didn't want you there, I shouldn't have invited you."

Now there was a hint of anger in his voice. Well, he's right. He's the one who asked me out. I should've been more considerate. I only realized I was only thinking about myself.

"You are important. And that is why I'm here."

Takumi stared at me with those big eyes like never before. And I couldn't say anything.

"So please, don't do that next time," he was firm with those words as he stared up to me.

And so I had nothing else to say but, "Hai. Gomen."

It was a long day. The longest day I've had in a while and he was there from the start to end, stirring something unknown inside of me.

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To be continued...

nantokanarusa 23.09.09