Nipponjin

“Taxi”, yelled Sophia while waving her hand in the air. She had only visited New York once, but she did notice one thing, taxi’s were a lot cheaper. “Wher tuu?” asked the taxi driver. He meant to ask ‘where to?’, but when he spoke in came out in engrish. (Engrish- a form of the English language. When Japanese people speak English they tend to speak with a different accent. They has have trouble pronouncing l’s and often substitute them for r’s)
“Um...Syaoran High School.” replied Sophia hesitantly not really sure if he knew where the high school was.
“Okay, okay. I take yuu there. My daughter goes there, she smart. Yuu going to the graduation ceremony?”
“Yes. My friend attends Syaoran. She visited for a while in America that’s how we know each other.”
“Rearry? Don’t worry I take yuu there.”
“Arigato Gosaimashita”
There rest of the trip she spent listening to the taxi driver rambling on about whatever he felt like.

Pulling up to the school reminded her of a Japanese drama she once watched. Following the crowd ahead not knowing where else to go she made her way into the gym, took her seat, and awaited the beginning of the ceremony. The Japanese graduation ceremony was a lot different than the one she attended in the USA. After the ceremony she found Banna outside.
“Banna-chan” yelled Sophia from across the way. If everyone there didn’t already know she was foreign then they do now.
“Oh my gosh, Sophie is that you. I can’t believe you’re here. You didn’t tell me you were coming.” squealed Banna.
“Yeah well you didn’t tell my your English was getting better. And who is this. Your introducing skills suck.” replied Sophia.
“My bad, I almost forgot. Sophie this is Ichimasu Yuta-chan. He’s in his second year, and in art club with me. Kanajo wa Beauregard Sophia des. Kanajo wa Americajin.” introduced Banna.
“Hi Sophie, I’m Yuta. I think Banna forgets sometimes that I speak fluent English.” assured Yuta, still a little puzzled at the way Banna and Sohpie spoke to each other. He had visited America, but never actually saw people speak to each other that way.
“And you speak English well too. At least a lot better than most Americans.” replied Sophie.
“Oh my gosh....Zakura-chan” screamed one of the graduates. Sophie, Banna, and Yuta looked towards the squeal to find a bunch of fan girls surrounding a young man in his 20's. He had medium straight black hair, standing at 6'2" in black leather pant and a form fitting Led Zeppelin t-shirt. Sophie could understand why so many girls wanted to be near him, and touch him. He was melt in your mouth yummy.
“YUTA!” yelled the young man before walking over to meet Yuta, “You could have tried to save me just now you know.”
“I think I’d rather not interfere. So, Aniki why are you here?” asked Yuta. So they’re brothers, thought Sophie. (Aniki means older brother in Japanese)
“I’m free for the next couple of days, so I figured you could skip school or something to hang out with me.”replied Zakura with a bored unamused expression worn on his face.
“Ah..Sorry I almost forgot. Sophie, Banna this is my older brother Zakura. Zakura these are my friends Banna and Sophie.” announced Yuta gesturing to the appropriate people.”I hope Sophie you’ll consider me a friend that is.”
“Any friend of Banna’s is a friend of mine.” replied Sophie.
“How quaint.”commented Zakura scoffing. As if it’s that easy for someone to trust a stranger, he thought.
“Jerk, I was being sincere. Even if I’m friends with your brother doesn’t necessarily mean I’ll be nice to you. So don’t think I’ll just let stupid comments like that go without at least saying something. For Yuta I’m sure I can manage barely civil with you, until you can prove you deserve otherwise.” retorted Sophie, “Sorry Yuta, Banna I better go now. I still need to check in at the hotel. Banna give me a call in a bit so we can hang out, and give my number to Yuta in case he needs it.” Sophie made her way to the exit not wanting to stay around that jerk any longer, dialing for a cab and walking simultaneously.
“Aniki, please try to be a little nicer. Sorry, Banna.” said Yuta offering Banna an apologetic smile.
“It’s okay, It wasn’t all Zakura-san’s fault. Sophie is a little stubborn, and mouthy sometimes. Call me later, so we can hang out or something. I better go, my mom’s expecting me home for the big celebration dinner.” replied Banna before turning to bow to Zakura, “It was nice to meet you Zakura-san.”
“Aniki I really wish you could be nicer. You don’t have to like Sophie, but you have to like Banna. Because well...”
“Please don’t tell me you like her, Oh GOD YOU DO!! I don’t know you” replied Zakura somewhat playfully, “Let’s go” And with that Yuta and Zakura made their way through the crowd of fan girls, and towards the car waiting for them.

Sophie arrived at the hotel she was staying in, and went directly to her room for a shower after checking in. After her shower she toweled herself off, and went in search for clothes. She decided on some hip-hugging jeans with holes in the knees, black form fitting cami, and a leopard print blazer. And to top it off she placed her black flats by the door for when she left. I can’t believe that guy, seriously. I thought the Japanese were supposed to be more polite than Americans. Besides it’s common courtesy. What the Fuck!, thought Sophie.
“RINNGGGG!!!??!?!?!”, Sophie laid her brush on the counter and ran towards the phone.
“Hello”
“Hey, Soph. It’s Banna. Yuta wants to hang tonight. Are you up for it?”questioned Banna.
“Sure, as long as his jerk of a brother isn’t there”
“No, he won’t be coming. As if his company would allow that, fans girls would maul him to death before he could make it to his car. Besides I think Yuta said he had to be up early for an interview or something.”
“His life, so not important...so where are we going?”
“There’s a coffee shop across the street from your hotel. Meet us there.”
“Okay see you then.” replied Sophie.
“Oh and Sophie. Don’t say anything about Zakura unless it’s nice. I like Yuta, and well be civil.”
“I won’t say anything. And he provoked me and you know it.”
“Uh huh”said Banna in disbelief.
“I’ll be down a minute or two” said Sophie before hanging up the phone. Sophie made her way to the bathroom where she finished applying her make-up, then walked out the door stepping into her black flats along the way.

When Sophie entered the shop she noticed it was of the American down homey style coffee shop. Plush warm toned couches and chairs, and the slight hum of American Jazz. Ray Charles, “Over the Rainbow”, was currently playing. She saw Banna and Yuta already sitting at one of the couches, but at separate corners. It was obvious they liked each other, a complete stranger could see that, why weren’t they trying harder. I must talk to Banna about this later, though Sophie. Sophie approached the two, “Hey, Yuta can you scoot to the center please? I like sitting on the edge.” asked Sophie.
“Uh, sure?” said Yuta in confusion and nervousness. That’ll teach you two to be awkward, thought Sophie.
“So watcha talkin bout?”
“Nothing much really,” said Banna, as if I’d tell you we were talking about you and Zakura, “So how is everyone in the states?”
“Lizzy is doing good. She got a scholarship to this art college in Ohio, so she’s going to major in Fashion Design there. Nick is going to take over the family business, so he’s study at the community college in business. I’m studying foreign languages at the community college, because that’s all I can afford. But you already know that. Mom’s learning Japanese, FINALLY. I’m teaching her what I know. Baby steps. Let’s see. Jerome is touring with some Korean hip-hop artist right now as a back dancer. Luc is currently studying abroad in France, and from his last letter has a new boyfriend. Alex started dating this guy right after graduation, is now married to him, and pregnant. Christopher is now Christina and is undergoing hormone therapy for his sex change.” replied Sophie matter of factly.
“Wow,”said Banna shaking her head in confirmation, “So...pretty much the same as usual.”
“Pretty much”
“How can you say that?”asked Yuta dumbstruck.
Sophie and Banna laughed at that, then proceed to tell Yuta about their different escapades. Including the water fountain mishap, the New Year’s pukefest, and Saint Pat’s day. They even mentioned ‘that one time no one talks about’, but never actually went into detail about what happened that time. Yuta decided to take everything in stride, and convinced himself that the America he visited when he was five, was completely different from the America these two lived in. The night continued for hours, the three of them telling their own stories of life and hardships, laughing here and there through out the night. Leaving the coffee shop, Banna told Sophie, “I have exams tomorrow, I’ll call you tomorrow night. We can work something out for the day after. Do you think you can make your way around town tomorrow?”
“I think I’ll manage” replied Sophie.
“See ya”
“Later”, replied Sophie before turning to head towards her hotel as Yuta and Banna headed to catch the train.
After arriving back at her hotel room Sophie stripped herself of clothing and jumped into the shower. Then settled into bed, and shortly after falling asleep slipping into a dream. It was Christmas, snow falling all around. Sophie left her hotel room walking across the street to the coffee shop. She reached for the door handle, missing because the door was already open. She moved to walk inside realizing someone was blocking the way. She looked up to meet Zakura’s eyes. But this Zakura was different from the one she knew. She was attracted to this Zakura. “oh look at that. It’s a mistletoe.” Zakura told her looking up, “I guess that means we have to kiss.” And he was somewhat charming too. Zakura leaned down to Sophie’s level, coming closer and closer to her lips when, Sophie woke up. She shook her head, and rubbed to sleep from her eyes. “What a nightmare” she said to herself before getting out of bed, dressing herself, and heading across the street for coffee. The line was long, but worth the wait. The coffee here was the best in a 5 block radius. Sophie was next, when she heard a noise from the back of the line. Zakura bust in with his security surrounding him, and he cut right in the front of the line. Most people didn’t care because he was famous, and those who did certainly didn’t say anything. “Iza, seriously, I...”started Zakura.
“Did you know it’s rude to cut?” asked Sophie
“Oh it’s okay we don’t mind.” replied some fans girls in line behind her.
“Oh you don’t well then, by all means...get behind me Zakura.”spat Sophie, seriously this guy is annoying.
Zakura’s manager, Iza, went on ordering ignoring Sophie. When he was finished ordering her turned around and said, “You should respect your elders, and refer to him as Zakura-san, Zakura-sama, or Zakura-senpai.”


Sophie laughed at that, which warranted a look from the rest of the coffee shop.”Look when he does something to deserve respect then, and only then will I give it.” replied Sophie. Sophie knew she was being rude even for American standards, but seriously who did this guy think he was.
“That’ll be 1200 yen.”said the man behind the counter.
“I really can’t believe you people are just going to let him cut.” yelled Sophie storming out of the coffee shop. “I’ll just get my cappuccino somewhere else.” she said to herself. Settling for the stand at the corner. After which she
headed back to hotel room for a shower, and proper clothing instead of her morning sweats.

Shortly after Sophie stormed out of the coffee shop, Zakura and Iza left with their coffees. “Iza did you really have to do that. Why couldn’t we just stand in line like everyone else?” asked Zakura.
“Because waiting to long in line could result in you being mauled and security is low today, since you don’t have much going on today.” assured Iza.
“Still...you could have been nicer to her. Not that she really deserves it, but still.”
“Her...stupid Yankee needs to learn her place. American’s think they know everything.”
(Yankee in Japan is like a hooligan, someone who cause mischief.)
“She’s actually part-Japanese. And if you hate Americans so much perhaps you shouldn’t go into a American owned coffee shop.”



“What makes you think that”
“Something about the way she carries herself, a little headstrong, pride, and confidence mixed together. Besides if you look at her eyes, you can tell.”
“Sure, whatever,” replied Iza uninterested, “hurry up or we’re never walking in public again. We need to be at the station by 10am.”

Sophie turned on the tv while she brushed her teeth. The tv was tuned to a talk show called, “Ohayo, Gozaimashita Tokyo!” (Which means Good Morning, Tokyo! In Japanese.) Zakura was on it, which pissed Sophie off to no end. “So Mr. Zakura how are you?”asked the host in Japanese.
“Good. For the most part. I had a little run in at the coffee shop today.” replied Zakura also in Japanese.
“Oh, really?”
“Yeah, my manager made me cut in line for security reasons. Plus he’s a tool. But anyways. When he did that he pissed off some girl next in line. Where most people would keep quite about it, just ignore it. She didn’t. She started yelling at us about it. I felt bad of course, and she blamed me. She was really headstrong, and confidant. My type actually. She was so mad, she left without getting anything. It’s a shame she didn’t stay longer, or I would have asked for her number. Though I doubt she would have wanted it, I don’t think she liked me too much.”
“Even the famous Zakura has trouble with the ladies.”
And with that Sophie shut the tv off. The nerve, did he actually mean that though. He was a completely different person on television, probably a service to the fans. Also another way to keep his job, but still...he seemed sincere, she thought to herself. She let the thoughts fade away and continued with her morning routines to make herself presentable. After applying her make-up she headed downstairs to catch the bus to the harajuku district. She paid the driver, then walked towards the back of the bus, stopping along the way when her eyes caught sight a familiar face. Yuta, she waved to him and gave him a smile. Then she noticed who was in disguise next to him, Zakura, why is he always popping up everywhere? Am I being stalked?, she asked herself.

Oh my GOD, I really hope no one notices me. Although it’s nice to be normal for once. And even though I’m not technically be normal at the moment, what with the disguise and all, I still feel a little more relaxed. And...what’s she doing here? And FUCK she looks good. Zakura’s inner thoughts haunted him as he looked Sophie up and down. She was wearing a plaid skirt, knee high panty hose, chucks, and a form fitted tee. And damn did she look good. Wait, why am I thinking this about her? I mean so what if she is my type. Doesn’t make a difference, the who no girlfriend rule stands in my way, besides she HATES me. Not that I did mush to earn points in the ‘let’s have sex department. Yeah so ignore the throbbing pain in my...forget it. Ignore means no talking or thinking about it.
Zakura was trying to forget how Sophie was turning him on, by doing nothing out of the ordinary, but was being extremely unsuccessful. He closed his eyes, shook his head, then opened his eyes again. Except the view this time was a lot different to the one he had before. The middle aged man between Sophie and Zakura was now reaching to grope her. He couldn’t possibly be thinking to...and HELL NO! Zakura came from behind the man, grabbing his hand in a swift motion, leaning close to his ear to whisper. “Don’t even think about it. She’s out of your league. Even in your luckiest of dreams, your chances will probably still be zero.”
Sophie turned around at the sight of Zakura threatening the man behind her. She wasn’t really sure what for, sure she was creep`ed out by the man and felt a little relieved by the gesture, but was he being helpful or violent. Needless to say the man was sufficiently scared shit-less, and wouldn’t dream of molesting another women again in his lifetime. Everyone on the bus was pretending they didn’t see anything at all, that is until a young woman in her mid-late twenty’s said, “Hey doesn’t he look like that singer, oh what’s his name, Zakura.”
“Oh My God, I think your right.”
“Do you think that’s really Zakura?”
“It can’t be, what would he be doing riding a bus?”
Hearing the murmurs of the people around him Zakura thought it would be best if he got off the bus. “Yuta let’s get off.” he whispered to his brother, checking Sophie out one last time before stepping off at the next stop. Sophie swiftly followed, I should thank him for what ever it was he did back there, she thought.

Zakura and Yuta made haste down the street avoiding contact with as many as possible. The streets were crowded and Zakura had no intention of letting people maul him to death. Why is he walking so fast?, thought Sophie speeding up. It was as if they were playing cat and mouse or something. Every time she sped up, he also sped up. She chased after him for almost a block before catching up to him. Grabbing his arm she said, “Seriously, you don’t need to walk so fast..” whipping him around disheveling his disguise exposing his true face. Reporters swarmed around the three of them asking all kinds of obscene questions like:
“Is she your lover?”
“Are you three arguing because of a love triangle?”

Without answering Zakura guided Yuta in the direction he was heading in, grabbing Sophie by the wrist dragging her along at a quick pace. “Where are we going?” demanded Sophie.
“You exposed me so now you’ll deal. And in case you haven’t noticed the cameras, we’re trying to find a safe haven. Is that okay with you?” spat Zakura with an annoyed tone in his voice. Noticing the coffee house from earlier and last night she pulled him in the direction of the hotel.
“Follow me”
Before Zakura could protest he was being dragged across the street towards a hotel.
“Hey Kamenashi-san, here’s 2000 yen keep the reporters out.” demanded Sophie giving the doorman the money.
Sophie dragged Zakura to the elevator, as Yuta trailed close behind. Getting into the elevator she made sure no one else entered, and pressed the sixth floor button, the door closing shortly after.
“You want safe haven, my room is on the sixth floor. Don’t like it find something yourself” she snapped.
To her surprised Zakura simply responded with, “Thank you”
“Whatever, it’s the least I could do. After whatever it was you did on the bus, there’s no way you were threatening the man over spilled milk.”
The elevator opened with a dig, and Sophie quickly led them to her hotel room. It would be a disaster if someone else noticed them. Opening her hotel room door, she led them inside shutting the door behind her. “Make yourself at home” she told them taking off her shoes, and plopping down on her bed.
“Being around you is exhausting” she told Zakura.
“This coming from the girl who snaps at everyone and everything”
“Not everyone and everything, just those who deserve it.”
“I suppose I’m one of those who deserve it”
“Only some of the time. Listen, sorry about earlier. But you know you should have clarified the situation. And also now that I’m thinking, you shouldn’t listen to everything your manager says. He’s not very bright.”
“He’s actually rather brilliant. He’s pulled so much shit for me, the simple thought could make your head spin.”
“Whatever”
Zakura decided it would be best to keep quiet, since arguing with her would never end. And sat in a chair located at the corner of the room, and read her book entitled “Orgasmic Nights”. It was one of Sophie’s trashy romance novels. Zakura flipped the book to the book marked place and began reading, “General Vanguard swept Elisa off her feet, carrying her in his arms to his bedroom. I intend to make sweet love to you tonight, he said taking her mouth into his. Possessing her very soul in a simple kiss, his hands exploring every inch of her. His hand moving to cup her breast, teasing her nipple with his thumb. Then moving his hand over her torso towards the auburn triangle in her pelvic region, dipping his fingers between her lips. She moaned against his touch, making noises that set his manhood afire.” Zakura coughed at the pure corniness of the book, setting back down at the table. Giving in to just watching Yuta and Sophie ramble on about mindless things. Sophie laughed at something Yuta has said, throwing her head back, her hair tossing about. There was something about her smile, and laughter that made him want to smile contagiously. He was obviously attracted to her, he wasn’t going to attempt to deny that. But no matter how bad he wanted her, he couldn’t have her. She wasn’t the type of girl to go for a one night stand, and pretend nothing happened the next. Wanting to cling, and not wanting to be that kind of girl would create inner turmoil so she wouldn’t allow herself that kind of one night satisfaction. He knew that much for sure.
“So Yuta is your brother always so quite?”
“Yes, unless he’s around you. Then he’s obnoxious.”
Zakura flipped them off, and headed towards the door.
“They’ve probably cleared out by now, it’s been a couple of hours, we should go Yuta.” said Zakura motioning for the door. I need to get out of here and clear me head, he thought.
“Alright. Thanks Soph.”
“No prob, Yuta. Zakura?”
“Yes” replied Zakura.
“Thanks. I really mean it.”
“Your welcome” he replied. His body ached, he wanted to sweep her of her feet, and possess her at that moment. I really shouldn’t have read that stupid book.
Zakura followed Yuta out the door, Sophie watched them leave, and the door close behind them. Sighing she stretched out on her bed, relaxing into it. The way he said, Your Welcome, made him sound almost elegant. Shaking her head, she walked to the table in the corner, picked up her book and began reading where she left off. “General Vanguard....”
“RINNGGGG!!!!”
Setting her book aside she picked up the phone answering, “Hello”
“Hey, it’s Banna.”
“Hey what’s up?”
“Not much. So there’s this contest tomorrow I want to enter. Feel like joining?”
“What’s it for?”
“It’s a singing competetion. And your voice is much better than mine. Plus you get on tv and stuff.”
“Sure. Why not? What else is there to do” she replied hanging up the phone after agreeing on a time to meet up with Banna. What the hell was she saying? What else is there to do? HELLO, she was in Japan. And why had she agreed to it in the first place. It’s not like she wanted on tv. Giving up on trying to figure herself out, she changed into her Superman pj’s, and slid into her dream world.

Zakura arrived back at his apartment extremely exhausted. Yuta decided to surf the net a little while longer, chatting on AIM with Banna while Zakura made some food. After eating he headed for the shower, then to bed.

Zakura awoke in, well someplace weird. I fell asleep in my bed, so...I must be dreaming? He thought trying to make sense of what was going on. In front of him was Sophie dressed as Elisa from “Orgasmic Nights”. Weird. I’m never touching one of those novels again. Oh well, since it’s a dream. Why not make the most of it? He rushed over to her sweeping her into his arms, and headed for his bed undressing them as he went. Laying her upon the bed, he brushed the hair from her face with the back of his hand. “Sophie, you are truly a masterpiece.” ugh, even my dialogue is corny. This better end good.
“Zakura” moaned Sophie at the contact of their bare skin.
He took in the sight of her tousled hair, nipples hard in excitement, and her legs spread and inviting. He took his time kissing her all over, before moving lower to take her into his mouth. She tasted better than any women he had ever been with, and that’s saying a lot. He was a celebrity after all. Zakura flicked his tongue against her clit, making her gasp and moan with his every touch. He laughed, the vibrations from his voice, making her come all to soon. Breathing deeply she grabbed his head, pulling his mouth to meet hers. And as their lips touched...

Zakura woke up to a pillow being thrown at his face by his manager Iza.
“Iza, if you wake me up from a dream that good again, I might just kill you.” slurred Zakura still not quite awake yet.
“Hurry up, get in the shower. We have a full schedule today. And after the stunt you pulled yesterday. We have a lot of making up to do.” ordered Iza.
Zakura stumbled out of bed, stepping into the shower turning the cold water on tending to his unfulfilled needs. And it didn’t even end good, he told himself. His was defiantly going to be in a bad mood for the rest of the day.