Chapter 27: Baby Steps

Pi slid the door open. He thought the classroom was empty but was startled at the voice that came out of nowhere.

“Close the door!”

He stepped in the room and closed it behind him. He looked around, still seeing no one, when she suddenly popped out from under a table.

“Oh, good. You’re here. Help me find Meatball.” She disappeared again.

“What happened with the meatball?” He asked, suddenly jumping back a step when she warned him to be careful where he steps. No wonder it was taking her a long time to come out.

“He’s not a meatball. He’s Meatball,” her voice corrected unnecessarily. She was on all fours again. “I was going to clean his house for him so I took him out. But he suddenly jumped out of my hand. I think he saw Mr. Tortoise was out for a walk and he wanted to join in.”

Pi squatted down and peered at her. He could see a shell planted in the middle of the room. “I don’t think walking is his kind of sports.”

“Of course it is. He just doesn’t know it yet. He can’t hide in there forever.” She said it out loud so Mr. Tortoise could hear her.

Pi’s lips quirked and he started looking around for the troublesome hamster.

“There’s really nowhere to hide here. The meatball might have made it out the door already.”

“No, no. I saw him scurry over here and I went to close the door immediately. And call him Meatball.”

“How can a fat hamster hide himself? He might have slipped through one of the holes behind the cabinets or something…”

“That can’t be!” Mao’s head snapped up. “He can’t survive by himself out there.”

Pi thought that was true. The meatball didn’t look too bright.

“Get some cheese on the table and plant it around the room. He’ll be attracted to the smell.” He looked at her again. So that’s what she’s been doing.

“Isn’t the cheese going to cause him diarrhea?” It’s been one of the things that’s been spreading like wildfire here. The meatball can’t handle cheese.

“Still, it’s his favourite. Get the cheese.”

Pi stifled a yawn as he sat with his back against the wall below the blackboard. The cheeses were now placed in strategic points but it’s almost been a half hour and still no sign of the meatball. He might really have met a house rat and had gone on with him. Something to which Mao greatly protested; She was sure he’d come around soon.

His eyes snapped to her as she let out a wince; she’d banged her head as she came out from under the table. She slowly stood up, wiping her hands on her jeans. His heart made a little jump as she hopped over the shell and was coming towards him, rubbing her head gingerly. She was at his side in an instant.

“This is a nice spot,” she said and slid down beside him. There was much space between them still but he thought it was still not far enough.

“You can do it, Mr. Tortoise.” She suddenly called out.

No movements.

He gave a shake of his head. “No progress yet, huh?”

“Baby steps, baby steps,” she offered sagely. “You don’t see it but when the kids are all in here, he comes out. I think he’s attracted to their voices and laughter.”

He didn’t look convinced.

“I knew you’d be all sceptical so I don’t even bother telling you.” She gave a smirk. Pi’s eyes went to her lips. He’d noticed some sort of bruise somewhere near her lower lip. But he didn’t think it was appropriate to ask about it really… His eyes strayed to it again.

“I think you got something on your lips,” he said casually. He can’t help it. Why couldn’t the meatball appear right now when he needed a distraction?

Mao’s hand went to her lips. She winced inwardly. Looking slightly embarrassed, she made up a lie. “Yeah, I bumped into my cabinet door this morning…”

She felt her face flushing, her body growing warm. She tried to stop the memory from coming back but it was too late. The searing kiss: Every moment; every sigh; every sound came back in vivid detail. The tingle on her lips made her groan inside. She can’t do this to herself. She can’t torture herself like this… It was wrong… She can’t be affected by it… The effects will wear off soon… It has to...

Why does he make her lose control…? Why can’t he let her forget…?

She was getting restless and started to tie her hair up on the side, just so she can focus on something else.

Pi couldn’t get the expression on her face. Her hands dropped to her lap; she looked like she was about to cry. She then turned her face towards the windows, looking at the sky outside. He felt like he needs to do something about it…

“Do you think… Do you think people can really forget?” Her eyes were still on the clouds.

He always knew the answer to that. No. People can’t forget. That’s just the way the world is. There are some things that can’t be undone… But then…They can try… Try to find something to make things a bit easier…

“Maybe...” He heard himself say.

She turned to him. Her eyes unusually bright, regarding him for a moment.

“You’re saying maybe you can forget…?”

He can’t seem to tear his gaze away from her. Her eyes… Those big gentle eyes seemed to be drawing him in further… He wished she’d look back up at the sky. He felt something pressing against his chest. He tried to pull himself back to reality.

“Did you hear that?”

“Hear what?” She gave a frown.

“It could be the meatball.” He really didn’t hear anything.

Mao looked around. “Why can’t you just say ‘Meatball’? Don’t add a ‘the’.”

“I don’t think I’m hurting his feelings.”

“You’re regarding him as a thing. Not a pet. The meatball,” Mao repeated, making a face.

“He won’t know the difference.”

“Repeat after me, ‘Meatball’.”

Pi looked at her. She was serious.

“The meatball.”

Mao gave him an exasperated look. “Meatball.”

“M… The meatball.”

“Meatball.” Her lips were starting to twitch.

“Meat- The meatball.”

Mao burst out laughing at the childishness of the situation. He suddenly gave a smile. The effect was startling for her. A kind of boyish charm shone through him.

“You have a nice smile,” she pointed out.

He didn’t even realize he had been smiling. It was gone in a flash. But Mao hadn’t noticed the slight panicked look he gave; something had caught her attention. She had suddenly placed a hand on his arm. He almost swallowed his tongue.

“Look!” She whispered.

Pi looked to where she was pointing. The turtle was moving. On its own. And it looked like it had come out of its shell for a while now. He stared, transfixed as it slowly moved a leg. He felt her squeeze his arm; he felt the pressure on his chest grow. The meatball had appeared, heading towards the turtle. The turtle stopped; it looked like it was going back into its shell. But then, it continued walking as the meatball went pass him towards his favourite cheese.

Mao chuckled at the scene. She looked up at Pi who was torn between amusement and disbelief. He made a sudden noise to see if it will scare the turtle back into its shell. He was unsuccessful. He looked to her, who was giving him a triumphant look, a lingering smile on her lips.

He dragged his gaze away from her. “I guess you win.”

“Mr. Tortoise still has a long way to go. But you are right in that.” She grinned at the smirk on his lips. She would have preferred to see him smile again.

“So tell me what you want. Let’s get it over with.”

Mao narrowed her eyes at that. “I appreciate your enthusiasm.”

He gave another smirk. “So what is it then?”

Mao gave a smile. Her eyes went to Mr. Tortoise. She looked like she was thinking about it when a faraway look suddenly appeared in her eyes. Pi looked at her curiously.

“Can you help me forget…?” she then asked softly.

Pi’s eyes grew serious as he looked at the sadness instantly replacing the warm glow she had just now. She then snapped to it and gave a sheepish chuckle.

“Never mind that. I’ll think of some-“

“I’ll try.”

She looked at him for a second. “I don’t think-“

“I’ve spent enough time around you to know what you mean.”

Their eyes met.

“Tomorrow then. I’ll help you escape.”

Mao looked at him dumbstruck. Does he know what he is saying?

“Of course it wouldn’t be a real escape. Just something close to it,” he then clarified.

Mao could breathe again. Her heart had almost jumped out of her. She should have known better than to take him seriously. She chuckled slightly at her reaction. Pi watched her from the corner of his eye.

She was intrigued by his suggestion.

“I’ll look forward to it then…”

**

Mao followed Pi inside the store, taking a last look back to see if they hadn’t been followed. They had entered a punk rock/hip-hop shop, something she has never ever really done before. She looked around at all the memorabilia, leather, spikes, bling; she stopped beside a stand holding fake Mohawks.

“Here.” He had signalled to her and she went to him. He was standing beside a rack of hoodies and indicated she start looking for one to change into.

They’ve ditched the rest of her entourage at the moviehouse. They had pretended to be going in to watch a movie; at the expense of a few of his night shifts again. But they were able to sneak out easily; he knew the guards will be out for a cigarette break as soon as they were in.

Now, she had at least two hours free to roam around the mall like a normal person. But they had to change into something a little less eye-catching. She started going through the racks, asking what they were going to do with the clothes they had on now.

“We’ll leave it here in his care.” He pointed towards the college student at the counter.

“Are you sure…?” What she had on were vintage Chanel.

Women.

“We don’t have much time.” He tapped his watch. “We’re not shopping here, you know.”

“Okay, Grumpy,” she muttered and her eyes caught one she liked. She pulled it out exclaiming it’s so cute. She took off her blazer and tried it on. It looked a little big on her. She pulled the hood up. It had small cat ears. She was grinning at him asking what he thinks.

“We’re not shopping.” He repeated himself and turned around, his lips quirking. Knowing she’s probably making faces at his back right now. He was about to start towards the leather jackets when something landed on his head. He looked back. She had a long neon pink wig on and she’d planted one of the fake Mohawks on him.

“You’ve never looked better,” she laughed, looking at him in the full length mirror in front of them.

“Have you found what you need?”

She gave a small pout; he was really a spoilsport. She walked away, muttering about wanting to do a sort of montage with all the props around. He gave a sigh.

Before he knew it, he had on a leather jacket, a blonde wig, spiked gloves and carried a ukulele that looked out of place in the store. While she donned the fake Mohawk, X-ray glasses, a ridiculously huge necklace that can blind a person, holding a voodoo doll. They stared at themselves in the mirror.

“I don’t think this is going to work.” She was already admitting defeat at their first attempt.

She gave a laugh and turned around, picking up the things she was going to try on, shaking her head still as she went towards the fitting room. Pi followed her back till she disappeared inside. He pursed his lips and took off the wig. His lips broke into another smile at her direction. He suddenly looked around, as if he’s doing something he shouldn’t be doing. He threw the wig aside, feeling awkward. He needed to change too.

As he went through the racks, the way she looked yesterday, asking him if he could help her forget came back to him. It was a request he never expected to hear from her. She wanted to forget still… Which was a good thing. It seems he had been a little too worried she’d had a change of heart towards Matsumoto. But then, there was a real problem after that… He felt too eager to help her in doing just that. Not because it had been his plan all along. But because…

He pulled on a jacket a little too hard.

“I’ll help you escape.”

He knew he meant that. Truly meant that. Even more than he could imagine… And he was feeling a little ridiculous about it right now… What is he doing really? Actually wanting to spend time with her. That’s why he’s not really resentful the turtle proved him wrong; he knew it would provide the chance. He pushed aside the jacket decorated with too much spikes a little too roughly.

“It really is not nice to look at.”

He turned towards her voice. She was grinning at him, looking like a totally different person. She had let her hair down, liking the way the waves framed her face along with her dishevelled bangs. She had put on baggy jeans and had tied a scarf around her waist to hold it up. Wearing a shirt saying “Hip-Hop is Dead” under a yellow hoodie.

“You still haven’t changed? We’re not shopping here.” She tapped her watch for emphasis.

“Okay, Mopey,” he shot back which earned a sharp glare from her.

He turned around, grabbing a normal-looking leather jacket, some jeans and a white shirt. He reached for a black cap, thought about it then turned back to her. She was absently checking the racks again when he jammed the cap onto her head. She gave a little yelp. He reached for the beanie and then headed for the fitting room. He glanced back, she had her eyes narrowed as she adjusted the cap. He looked back ahead, his lips quirking.

**

“How much time have we got left?”

“About half an hour.”

Mao slid into her chair, sipping her juice. He slid across her, placing the pizza box in front of them.

“That fast?” She looked a bit dejected.

“You were having too much fun.”

She made a face at him. She had been growing more and more comfortable around him now; totally forgetting that he is just her bodyguard. She hadn’t forgotten the snarky, cheeky, irritating part about him though. As soon as they stepped out of the store in their new attire, the whole mall seemed to look more inviting to her. She really had no goal in mind though, just wanting to see the place in a different perspective.

At first, he’d be walking a little behind her as she walked just checking the stores and the people around. She felt freer than ever with none of her bodyguards around. But she was pulling him more often than not, just pointing at random stuff, that in the end they were walking side by side, much like a couple of friends just hanging out. She’d had ice cream, played around with the human mannequins scattered around the mall, pulled him into the cutest store he wouldn’t be caught dead walking into; She had been having too much fun in there, making him wear whatever cute stuffed whatevers.

He picked up a slice of pizza, suddenly feeling her eyes on him.

“What?”

“Do you really hate taking pictures that much?” She had asked seriously.

A couple had stopped them suddenly, asking them to take a picture of them beside one of the giant Hello Kitty figures. They asked if they wanted one as well. She declined while he briskly started walking away. She had pulled him back by the jacket, not wanting to offend the kind couple. They insisted again, teasing that they were really a cute couple; it will be a shame not to take a photo together. She had laughingly corrected them saying they’re not. Her eyes fell on him; he looked like he just drank a bottle of Tabasco sauce or something. The guy had put up his camera, saying it’s okay; they can send it to them through mail. He had suddenly blocked the camera with his hand and pushed the guy’s hands down. Mao had apologized profusely, bowing as she jogged to follow him when he took off.

“They were a nice couple, you know,” she chided as he just shrugged. He had frowned at the pizza in his hand and started taking the olives out.

He felt her staring again. “What?”

Mao gave a jolt and shook her head. She reached for her slice. “N-Nothing. You just reminded me of someone. He hated olives too…”

Pi frowned at the look she gave. Like she’s said too much. Whoever that someone was… He suddenly straightened up. Was it Matsumoto? Did he have something in common with that guy? She chewed her pizza, her mind seeming far off. He didn’t want her being reminded of him of all things… Much less he was the reason behind it… He looked down at the pizza sullenly, having lost his appetite. Why did he have to hate olives?

“I don’t look good in pictures,” he suddenly spoke up, wanting to start driving thoughts of Matsumoto out.

Mao looked at him, slightly confused. Her eyes widened in understanding.

“Oh. I really doubt that.”

Pi’s eyes snapped to her. She winced inwardly. She didn’t mean to give him a compliment. It just slipped out. She decided to let it go like it was nothing. Because it was nothing. She didn’t want him thinking she thinks he’s… not bad to the eyes. She peeked at him, looking really cool with the beanie on. He’s already irritating enough.

“So, there’s something bothering me till now…” Pi looked at her as he reached for his soda. “I’m not really clear on what to call you…”

He was lost.

“Like, do I call you Yamashita?” But that was too formal…

He was alright with that.

“Tomohisa?” It doesn’t feel right exactly…

It was up to her really.

“Pi?”

His ears tingled a little.

“Tomo…” She tried, giving it some serious thought. Though it felt a little too personal… She’d teased him about it once. But it was because she was feeling giddy that day. Everything seemed to be alright that time.

His ears were tingling a lot. But he still didn’t like that nickname.

“Kabugi?”

She grinned as his lips quirked.

“Just not Tomo,” he suggested, but she’d probably call him that just to irk him. Though it wasn’t as bad coming from her… He gave a mental shake of his head.

She gave a smirk. She’ll think about it some more. She was about to take another bite of her pizza when something caught her eye. She slapped him excitedly on the arm and pointed towards an ad.

“Chocolate fountains!”

Pi turned to look. So it was. He checked his watch. The hotel was near the mall but… He looked at her, her eyes full of longing, thinking of all the chocolates. She met his gaze; her eyes wide with anticipation.

He seemed powerless to that. Chocolates and her…

“If we come back late, you’re doing all the explaining.”

**

“Jun, are you okay?”

Jun looked around. The door has been held open for him. And it looked like it had been for a while. He immediately got out; Ohno still looking at him concerned. He’s been out of it since he got back from dinner with Mao the other night.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” he muttered and headed for the hotel doors. His eyes fell on the sign. Chocolate fountains. His mind went to Mao. She’d probably be trembling with excitement if she knew… He thought of calling her. He can have her picked up. He took out his phone as he stepped into the hotel.

He thought about it some more.

Maybe later… When he’s done with business… He pocketed his phone, heading straight for the elevators.

**

Pi looked up. The elevator was taking a long time to arrive. He looked at his watch; Mao peeked at it too. She grinned when he caught her doing that, playing with the cap in her hand. He looked around, looking a bit impatient; his heart almost stopped when his eyes fell on him.

Matsumoto.

“Shit,” he muttered, his eyes snapping to the elevator. Mao heard that and looked at him with a puzzled look.

“He’s here.”

“Who-“ Mao looked around. And judging from the way her voice disappeared, she had seen him.

She then looked up at him, alarmed. What should they do?

Pi was about to pull her away, trying to see if they can blend in with the crowd when the elevator doors slid open. He took one last look back at Matsumoto and pulled her with him inside, shuffling in with the other people. Willing the elevator doors to close right now.

“Wait!”

Their gazes snapped to each other. It was Ohno. And he was holding the elevator for Jun. He gently pushed her towards the back, mumbling their apologies as they squeezed between people.

Mao’s back hit the wall. Pi was standing facing her. He shot out both arms as he was almost pushed into her. Her eyes snapped to his. He had her between his arms. Someone backed into him again. He was pushed further into her. He tore his gaze away from her and looked up. The close proximity was leaving him agitated. Not just because they were in the same elevator with Jun and some of his men. He chanced a glance down at her.

Mao was peeking over his shoulder right now; she could make out the back of Jun’s head. Ohno was somewhere near him. She bit her lip and suddenly looked up. Locking gazes with Pi. She could feel his breath on her forehead. She didn’t imagine he’d be this warm… She shook her head and broke eye contact. Staring at his throat. She could almost hear his heart beating.

Pi shifted his weight a bit. Why aren’t they getting off yet? He was having trouble not taking in the sweet scent of her hair… He scrunched up his face, trying to think about something else. Anything else… But she moved, brushing against him. His lips almost touching her hair. This isn’t good…

They noticed two old ladies suddenly giggling as they looked at them. Mao and Pi’s eyes went to them.

“Kids these days…” They both teased.

They both tried to shake their heads. Hoping they wouldn’t say anything else. They didn’t need the attention.

“It’s so sweet seeing two people in love like that. They can’t take it when they’re not all over each other.”

Mao and Pi’s eyes widened in panic at their giggles once more. She took a peek over his shoulder. Jun glanced back at that moment. In a panic, she had buried her face in Pi’s chest. Pi gave a hard swallow. He stopped himself from glaring at the giggles.

Finally, the doors opened. Mao peeked out again; Jun had taken a last glance back as he stepped out. She hid herself once more. She could hear the giggles going out as well.

Thank God there were no complications…

She suddenly looked up. His eyes were on her, an indescribable look in them. The elevator had now emptied considerably, just three or four others left, but they were still in their corner. She couldn’t take her eyes away from him… The look he was giving her… Her heart jumped a bit… She wasn’t sure what to make of it… But she didn’t mind… All she knows is she was encased safely in his warmth…

He seemed to snap out of it and stepped away, pulling his beanie lower, as if he didn’t know what to do with his hands. They watched the floors lighting up. They were going back down to the chocolate fountains after the final guest had stepped off his floor. An awkward tension seemed to hang in the air.

Both of them seemed to be too immersed in their own thoughts that they didn’t notice they’ve reached their floor. People started filing in and Pi gave a jolt.

“Let’s go.”

Mao was having trouble making her way out, there were too many people in now. Pi looked back to her, reached over and was able to catch her hand. He gave a little pull and they pushed their way out, asking to have the doors held open for them for a while.

The doors slid close behind them as they stood there after that little effort. His eyes snapped down, suddenly realizing something. He still had her hand clutched in his. Both of them immediately let go.

The awkward tension from before falling again.

“C-Come on!” Mao wanted to wave away the moment, pointing inside where the chocolates were waiting. “Let’s see if we can take some home.”

She gave a slight grin and followed the throng of people. Pi looked down at his hand that had her small one just now. He balled it into a fist and exhaled sharply. He then moved and followed her cue, focusing on the chocolates and not what she was making him feel.

He suddenly glanced back, as if feeling like he’s being watched. He stood there a moment before shrugging it off and moving his feet.

The chocolates.

But it was hard to concentrate on that when she turned to him, face lighting up like that.

**

Jin lowered the camera he had pointed on the two. He watched amused, hidden in the corner, as they disappeared inside. He reviewed the shots he took. Stopping on the one where they had their hands together.

He gave a chuckle.

It was the winning shot of the day. Better than anything he got at the mall. He pushed the button again. The next was of her looking back at her bodyguard, all bright and beautiful.

“Ah… What I would give to have her look at me like that.” His eyes shone gleefully. “Wonder what Matsumoto would think about it though…”

He looked back at the doors, slinging his camera strap onto his shoulder. He gave one last smirk and turned to go.

He can’t wait to find out.