Start All Over
Takeshi just finished cleaning up and now is changing clothes. He was being a guest of one of game show on television where he let his whole body being covered with chocolate and sprinkles. It was indeed fun, but really is not something a star of his level would do. Not only because of the low payment, but also because it is a low rate show of a small TV station. But then again, for now Takeshi has not many of choices. Since he decided to quit from Kin Momoji, Inc. he has prepared for downgrading his star level, even if he has to start all over again. So Takeshi takes all opportunities that Hiroshi has hardly found for him.
"Are you ready to go ?" Hiroshi pops his head out of the changing room's door. Takeshi nods, looking at his appearance one last time on the mirror before stepping out. "I have great news. The motorcycle company finally decides to keep you for at least another year. I guess they has spent a lot of cost on making the advertisement so they don't want to redo it," Hiroshi excitedly gives him a great news. "And the tea company finally agrees to sign the contract tomorrow," Hiroshi adds more good news. Takeshi smiles at his assistant so wide. "You really are the best," he flatters while shoulder hugs Hiroshi.
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Xiao Ping is so happy to read Takeshi's story. Finally, the storm has slowly subsided. The road ahead will definitely not going to be easy to walk through, but at least the sun starts to shine on them.
"Xiao Ping, Han Han, I'm leaving," A Lin's voice drags Xiao Ping focus from the chat. She is only about to reply A Lin but then she find that A Lin is approaching a guy who sits on a motorcycle outside the cafe. Xiao Ping immediately turns her head to Han Han, catches his jealous yet helpless expression. When Han Han realizes Xiao Ping is looking at him, he quickly makes him self busy with his phone, but the tips of his ears grow red.
"I'm sorry. It's all because of me," Xiao Ping says in low voice after approaching Han Han. The latter shakes his head. "I think she is signaling me that she is not interested on me," he says sadly. "No way. She is definitely jealous," Xiao Ping denies him. "How can she be jealous ? I did nothing..."
"Nothing ? You drove me home many times " Xiao Ping cuts him almost shouting. "But I did it because you need to be .."
"And when did you protect her ?" Xiao Ping snaps. "Well.. she has always been independent, she never needs protect.." Han Han stops his sentence then furrows his eyebrows. "Do you think she wants me to protect her ?"
Xiao Ping answers him with rolling her eyes. "She has a motorcycle, and why do you think she let that guy picked her up ?" she adds.
"Because.. she likes him," Han Han answers sadly. Xiao Ping sighs. "It is not necessarily that. Maybe she just wants to tell you that she is available to be driven home," Xiao Ping answers her own question. "You think so.. ?" Han Han asks. There is a sparkle of hope in his eyes. "We never know when you never try," Xiao Ping answers diplomatically.
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"I'm leaving," A Lin says goodbye as walking toward the door. "A.. A Lin.. wait!" Han Han stops her then quickly approaches her. A Lin turns her body facing Han Han. "Yes ?" she asks.
"Is your motorcycle broke ?" Han Han finally utters the first thing that came out of his mind. "No," A Lin answers. "Oh.. I thought it is.. because.. you are picked up by.. a friend," Han Han says his reason. There is a vivid disappointment on his face. "It's because we need to do a project together and it happens that the cafe is in his way to the area, so he offered to pick me up," A Lin casually explains to Han Han while waving to her friend outside to signal to wait for a while. "Is there any problem ?" she then asks.
"N.. No..," Han Han is stammered. "But maybe I can drive you home someday," he quickly adds. A Lin frowns and squints her eyes at once. "You know.. you are worse than Yu Jin," she says in irritated. "What.. ?!"
"At least Yu Jin has a firm attitude. He didn't give me wrong impression toward his feeling. He didn't give me false hope. But you..." A Lin looks at Han Han in disgust, "You're an opportunist" With that A Lin leaves Han Han alone, standing speechless still figuring out what happened few seconds ago.
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"She really is jealous to me," Xiao Ping says full of regret. Han Han sighs. "I guess she just being misunderstood. I mean about me protecting you," Han Han speaks his mind. "She thought you like me," Xiao Ping adds. Han Han nods in despair. "I should talk to her," Xiao Ping speaks her mind. She needs to be responsible to cause Han Han this trouble. Han Han shakes his head. "I have to be a man and clear this up," he says.
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It has been two hours Han Han sat on his motorcycle in front of a house. Vapor comes out of his nose every time he breathes. Tonight definitely a cold night. When finally another motorcycle stops in front of the house and A Lin steps down of it, taking of her helmet and saying thank you to her friend, Han Han approaches her, making A Lin jumps out of surprised.
"Geez.. What are you doing here ?" A Lin shouts to let her surprised out. Instead of answering, Han Han stretches his hand in front of A Lin, asking her to shake it. "What is this ?" A Lin asks in confused, but shakes his hand anyway.
"Hi.. My name is Jiang Wu Han, 20 years old, originally from Tainan but now moves to Taipei to study. And I like you, A Lin."