Below are the 4 most recent journal entries recorded in vyvien lee's LiveJournal:

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009
10:35 am	Furious Fact All my stories titles start with the same alphabets. This story is another work from me when I was in secondary school. Kind of different from what I've written. Watched too much drama lately... Return to vyvienlee.blogspot.com for my Blog. Thanks! ___________________________________________________________________________________ It was my first time leaving home. I remembered the last time when I planned to leave home, I had no guts to step out of my home. But now, it’s different. I can’t stand her anymore! I hated her so much and I thought I could take her brain and smash it into pieces. She’s the one who ditched me and made me do things I dislike. She treated me like- like a machine! She was just my stepmother. I ought to tell you that she made my life miserable and she is the one who caused my mum to commit suicide. I don’t understand my dad. Why would he ever marry an old hag? It was my dad’s fault. Not only that he has an affair with her but treated my mum like rubbish – too smelly to get near her. I couldn’t believe him that he had left me with that old hag here while he opened a company branch in Japan! He left the main company, here in Buckingham, to her. She treated me badly when I thought I could gain some experience if I work in my dad’s company after I got my degree. Did she think I can work all day and night? That was insane. She even bullied me at home. So I’m working the whole day, everyday, non-stop. Today she fired me when she knew I was slacking at the nearest coffee shop. I ought to think I suffer more than the tribe families that I once watched on National Geographic Channel. I sighed as I walked towards the bus station, wondering where to go. I flipped open my cell phone and I thought I should call my friend, Ethan. He’s a friendly person and I thought he would let me stay in his house. “Hello? Jones residence,” somebody answered his house phone. “May I speak to Ethan, please?” I asked politely. “Speaking… Who is it…?” he replied sleepily. “Ethan, it’s me, Sam. Listen, can I stay in your house few days? Really sorry if I’m bothering you…” “Sam? Samantha Squires? Oh… you’re not bothering me. Why on earth does a rich girl like you need to stay over in my house?” he asked curiously. “Don’t ask. It sucks to be me. So can I stay over?” I asked again when he didn’t answer. “Sure you can, of course. Okay, we’ll talk later after you’ve come over. Do you need me to tell you my house address?” “Thanks. No, I remembered your address clearly. I’ll be there as soon as possible! See you later, bye.” I smiled and flipped close my cell phone. After a 15 minutes-long journey by bus (not to mention waiting the bus for half an hour), I was finally be greeted by the same face who sat beside me in class five years ago. “Leading a rough life?” he teased sheepishly. He then let me in and I blurted out everything about my worst life I was leading these years and he listened to me very well. He understood and happily let me stay overnight in his guest room. A few days later, when I was reading the classified section of the newspaper to look for a job, Ethan turned on the television and watched the news. “Hey, Sam! Look at this!” he said surprisingly, tugging at my sleeve. I put down the newspaper and stared at the television screen. It was dad and that old hag. They were actually crying and pleading for me to come home! Unbelievable! “Maybe you should go home, your parents are really worried about you…” he said. I snatched the remote control and turned off the television quickly. Then I read the newspaper angrily. A week later, someone rang the door bell at ten in the morning. I opened the door and there stood my dad and my step mum. How could that be possible? Nobody actually knew I’m here! Wait… Nobody except Ethan! How could he done this to me? I quickly slammed the door but my dad knocked the door down. I traced back a few steps and quickly ran to my room. Luckily, they were not fast enough and I locked my room door. A few knocks on the door can be loudly heard. “Go home! I don’t want to see you again!” I shrieked at the top of my voice. Not long after that, I heard someone was crying and sniffing. “Hey, Ethan here. Sorry Sam but I’m the one that contacted them. I couldn’t bear to become the middle person here. It’s for your own good. What I hope best for my friend here is reunite with her family,” a familiar voice explained. “Shut up! I don’t want to listen to your craps!” I shouted back and cover my ears with a pillow. “I’m sorry, Sam! I really do! I- I shouldn’t have forced you to do all the work… I…” a female voice pleaded and I heard someone was blowing his/her nose. “Love, you should have tell me your problems. I myself couldn’t believe it when I heard you running away from home because of your step mum treated you so badly. Please, Sam, open the door and we can discuss this…” a man’s voice explained slowly and I heard the door knob making unease sound. I guessed someone was trying to knock down the door. “Here, let me…” a young man’s voice said and I heard some clinging sound. Ethan, no! If you’re going to do that I’m going to hate you forever! The door knob clicked and the door was swung open. At the same time, I managed to open the windows and sat at the edge of one of it. “NO!” when I turned to look, that old hag had an even uglier face. Her tears had washed away the mascara and eye shadows on her eyes that her cheeks were drawn black lines. Ethan was busy keeping his keys into his pocket while my dad ran to me as fast as possible. “Stop… or I’ll jump!” I warned him and he quickly stopped at his tracks. “Dear, listen! Come home with us! Your step mum knew she was wrong… She promised to treat you nicely from now onwards, right? Ali, say something!” my dad said hesitantly. “Yes… yes, I will! Please, Sam! I was wrong, please forgive me!” she pleaded and knelt down. “I don’t have such a notorious stepmother! Alicia Stone, you knew very well that whatever happened to my mum is because of you! Off you go, I don’t want to see you again!” I shouted at her as my tears began to fall to my cheeks at the mention of my late mother. She cried even louder this time. “Dear, please, forgive her. Please give her another chance… I’m sure you’re going to be treated differently from now onwards-“ “Dad, please! I can’t stand this anymore! You disappointed me… I can’t believe you had an affair with her and throw mum into the dumps! I hate you! I hate all of you!” “Stop this instance! Didn’t you listen to what I’ve said? I’m the one that brought them here. Scold me and not them.” Ethan finally said, walking forward to face me. “Ethan, I thank you for your wonderful hospitality but this is my family business so-“ “So discuss it at home! Why do you even bother shouting at each other at the top of your voice? If this continues, it won’t possibly end!” “I… You’re right. I… I’m sorry dad, m… mum…” I whispered after such an embarrassing moment happened to me. Both of them stood up and squeezed me. I saw Ethan smiling at me and gave me the thumbs-up. I smiled back at him and we left his house. Secretly, in my mind, I thanked him for what he had done. (Comment on this)
10:32 am	Sick Strike This is my another work from my secondary school days... Thanks for reading. Kindly return to vyvienlee.blogspot.com for my Blog. Thanks! ________________________________________________________________________________ It was half-past six in the morning and I was feeling extremely cold. As I thought the air-conditioner was switched on too cold, I was only able to wrap myself with the comforter. Being a ‘couch potato’ myself, I was too lazy to get up from my bed. However, I couldn’t stand up today to get ready for school. As my legs were too weak to support me, I did not move a muscle. As my alarm clock rang, I gave the snooze button a gentle tap. Not long after that, someone banged on my bedroom door. “T-E-R-R-A! Young lady, you better wake up now and eat your breakfast! You’re getting late for school!” shrieked a familiar voice behind the door. Listening to that, I turned myself to face the wall and took my pillow to cover my ears. I heard the door-knob turned and the sound of the door closing. My mum glared at me when I turned to face her. She started pulling my comforter until she realized I had a pale face. “Hey, Terra, are you okay?” she asked with a concerned look. When she was about to touch my forehead, I quickly slapped away her hand and sat up. “Yes, I’m fine. I didn’t get enough sleep, that’s all,” I said. She was showing me the same look as I tried to change the subject. “Mum, I can’t get ready here if you’re still obsessed with my face. Let me change my clothes and I’ll eat breakfast.” I explained and she calmed down a bit. I quickly changed my clothes and went downstairs for breakfast. Since my dad went to office early, he can’t send me to school. “You can ride the bicycle to school, can’t you?” my mum asked suddenly, as I was gulping down the porridge. I nodded. I can’t skip school today! Today is a very important day for me. The trial exam has started and they were beginning with the Spanish test. What was bad about it was that I didn’t tell my mum about it. Although the main exam is more important, this exam is equally important. If I can score with flying colours, I can apply for scholarship! I hurried to the garage and pulled out the bike. There was approximately fifteen minutes left before the exam started. Without hesitating, I sat on the bike and cycled to school. I reached the school just in time and I threw my bicycle at the school entrance. I rushed up the stairs and sat on my seat, ‘pronto’. I was suffering by then. I didn’t realize how hard it can be to write with my weak hand. It had been obvious to everyone that I was sick. My face became ‘as white as sheet’ and my lips were getting paler. Even after the test was over, I was still on my seat, dozing off. A hand tapped my shoulder and I was forced to wake up. It was Carol, my best mate. “Terrie… I think you ought to go home and rest. You don’t look well today,” she said. “Let us ring your mum. You don’t want your mum to worry about you, do you?” she continued and I froze. “No! Don’t! Never ever tell her I’m sick! She- she does not know about the exam!” I pushed her away and supported myself by leaning against a table. “Okay, okay. Just calm down. Let us go to the cafeteria,” she said and pulled my hand to support me. Suddenly, I fell down and everything went black. “Let me send her home,” I heard someone’s voice before I was unconscious. I woke up in a different atmosphere. I widened my eyes to look at the surrounding. I saw somebody walking to and fro from one corner to the other. I sat up and scratched my head. This was not my room. The windows had beautifully decorated tinted-glass. The furnishing looked cozy and luxurious. It had soothing and calming effect on me. If I compare this room to my room, mine was a total disaster. Anyway, as I looked around again, that somebody approached me. “You’ve finally wake up. I was worried sick,” he said, holding my hands. When my hands were released, I rubbed my eyes and looked at him. He was… him! Marvin… he was the person that I fall in love with, for two years. He had everything people wanted. He had looks, brain and wealth. And now he was so caring. “Thanks… where are we?” I asked. “In my room. At first I thought of sending you to the sick bay but the person in-charge is not there. Since your friend doesn’t want me to send you home, so I had no choice but to let you rest on my bed,” he explained. I was in his room? On his bed? I must be dreaming… I could smell his scent now, I loved it. He sat on his bed and said, “Oh, I called your mum though. I guessed she isn’t very happy that you’re in a boy’s house.” I was so devastated when I heard that two sentences. I was sure that mum will kill me when I reach home. “By the way, your class teacher said that your exam will be postponed until you’re well again.” For a while, I thought I was just dreaming. When I rubbed my eyes again, I could really sense that he was blushing. “Hey… maybe you and I… could go out on a date, after the examinations…?” he hesitated. Now only that I understand why on earth he was blushing. “Sure… why not?” I answered delightedly. Oh my god, I can’t wait to tell Carol. Maybe I was love-sick. I could feel the energy bursting out when he said that sentence. “Really? Thanks. I’ll send you home. Come with me,” he said and I followed him to the front gate. He escorted me to a luxurious Mercedes-Benz car. His chauffeur grinned at me and I smiled in return. “Thanks for everything,” I said and I sat on the back seat, beside Marvin. Today must be my lucky day. Well, almost. I’ll get my lecture from mum when I reach home.
10:29 am	Familiar Face Hi. Another one. Link back through my website for others. Thanks. Kindly return to vyvienlee.blogspot.com for my Blog. Thanks! __________________________________________________________________________________ As I walked into the room he looked at me with rage in his eyes. He was standing next to the piano, holding a few scores in his right hand. As I walked across the room, I noticed that he was staring at me. Without hesitation, I picked up my choir lyrics and turned to look at him. “Do I know you? Why are you staring at me?” I asked to make sure. “If you must know, you’re interfering with my piano practice,” he answered. “I’m sorry. Hi, I’m Janice. Nice to meet you,” I replied, trying to be nice to him. It won’t harm me just to know him as a friend, right? But he did not answer me. He sat on his seat and put both hands on the keys. Then he continuously glanced at me and the music room door. I understood him; he wanted me to leave the room that very instant. I quickly stepped out of the room. As usual, I went into the classroom to have a chat with my friends during recess since I can barely do so when teachers are in the class. Both my friends were reading a magazine. I quickly snatched it from them. “Hey…!” they yelled. “You girls should not bring magazines to school, right?” I asked and looked at the page they were reading. It was an article about the boy in the music room whom I had seen not long ago. There was a picture attached to the article which showed the boy, dressed in formal clothes, playing the piano. “Elle, do you know who that is in the picture?” I asked, pointing at the picture. “I will tell you if you promise not to confiscate my magazine,” she replied. This was a hard bargain as a prefect, but… I finally nodded. She breathed in before continuing. “Do you know Kelvin from the next class? He won third place in the National Classical Music Competition. This article tells us about his playing skills. ‘Although he won third place in the competition, all the judges claim that his skills were still not enough for him to continue his dream to become a professional pianist’.” Elle read a part of the article. “Have you heard him play before? I too realized that his technical skills were excellent but the songs he played had no emotion, no feelings at all,” said Kelly, another friend. I gave Elle her magazine back when the teacher came in. After extra-curricular activity with the Choir Club, I walked home. As I walked pass a playground, I saw Kelvin tearing up papers and throwing them into the rubbish bin. I ran to him and picked up a piece that had fallen on the ground. It was one of the scores that I saw him holding this morning. Worried, I stopped him and he turned to look at me. There were tears filled his eyes. “Wh- what’s wrong?” I asked, holding his left shoulder. “Let go!” he yelled and swing his hand. His elbow jabbed my stomach and his fish hit my ear. That jerk, he didn’t even say sorry but just walked away. As I rubbed my aching ear, I realized that my earring was missing. The next morning, I went into the next class to confront him. “Are… are you Jan… something. J- Jane?” a person asked me. I turned to look at Chris. Looking at him made me remember an embarrassing past. I remembered when I used to go to the same tuition class with him. He was so smart and cute-looking that I fell in love with him. There was once when I confessed my feelings toward him but he rejected me. “Sorry, I don’t think this is the right time to have a girlfriend. I prefer to focus on my studies and the upcoming examination,” I remembered him saying that to reject me. “No, I’m not Jane, my name is Janice. Hey Chris, It’s been a while since we last met.” I replied. “Do you have any idea where Kelvin is?” I asked him after surveying the class; Kelvin was not in the class. He shook his head vigorously. Since he didn’t know Kelvin’s whereabouts, I left a package that I had brought for Kelvin on his table. Not long after that, Kelvin entered my class during recess. “Are you showing your good deeds at me by collecting these?!” he asked as he approached me. His hands were holding the contents of the package. “For your information, I don’t know that you ACTUALLY wanted to throw the scores away because I really wasted my time trying to retrieve all of the pages. As if it is not enough I even lost my earring, but you lectured me as well!” I shouted at him and stormed to the cafeteria. Passing by the same playground, I saw him idling in between the swings. Curious, I approached him and said, “ I’m so sorry if you’re upset about what happened between us this morning and yesterday-“ “I will try to find it later, okay?” he said before I could finish my sentence. “Find? Find what?” I asked him back. “Your earring…” he replied. But the way he looked for objects was funny. After waiting for some time on one of the swings, I noticed that he didn’t move a muscle. He was still idling at the same spot, doing nothing. “You don’t need to look for it. My earring is so small that you would hardly notice it in such a large field,” I said, convincing him to stop. “Yesterday I tried to look for it but as expected, I couldn’t…” “I’ve found it!” he said and put the earring in my open palm, smiling. He sat on the other swing and offered me a can drink. “If you must know, this is my favourite earring. I can’t believe you can find it back so fast!” I said, trying to start a conversation. “Well, the method I used is the actual method to find four leaf clovers,” He replied and stood up. “You have to look across the field to find what you’re looking for.” He walked a few steps forward and knelt down. Without me noticing, he put a four leaf clover on my palm. I was impressed. Standing still in the middle of a place can find the lost items. “Thank you, I will keep it in a safe place,” I said, smiling at him. He sat on the swing again and said, “I’m sorry for scolding you this morning… most of my friends told me that I play the piano like a machine. I can’t improve at all.” He looked at his can drink. “Playing the piano became a phobia to me… I can’t stand it, so I tore up all the scores. I made a serious decision that shocked my whole family. “And what was that?” I asked, after listening to his long story. “I’m going to London to learn under a better piano teacher.” I was petrified after hearing that. A serious decision can be made in a blink of an eye. He must be rich. “After listening to your story, I felt the urge to listen the beautiful music played by you.” “Re- really? I promised you then. When I’m able to play the piano well, I’ll let you listen. Wait for my return.” That sentence was still ringing in my ears even though six months passed. It was a mathematics lesson when a school staff entered my class and asked for me to see her. She handed me an envelope. “I checked the content to make sure it safe. I do so because this envelope doesn’t have the sender’s name,” she said and walked away. I stared at the envelope and pulled out the contents. It was a ticket to the annual National Piano Competition. It made me smile because I would finally get to listen to him play after waiting for such a long period. I entered the giant hall and sat on one of the seats after school. I watched him play the piano when it was his turn to perform. I cried as he played the piano as graceful as a swan. I finally realized that he could play very well. It was such a wonderful music, ‘Rain Drop’ composed by Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin. After the competition was over, I ran to his preparatory room but it was empty. Without hesitation, I went to the usual playground. But he was not there either. I wanted him to know that I wanted to see the smile that was carved on his lips. No, I was lying to myself. I missed him… By then, I heard a twig break. “I knew it, you would surely be here!” I turned to look at Kelvin, smiling at me. I went to buy your favourite items because I wanted to give them to you. But when I went back to the hall, you were gone.” He continued. “You knew I was there all along?” I asked. “Of course! Not only in the hall but here too… I thought you knew that I’m an expert at finding things?” he replied. I could see him smile again. Tears started to pour down my cheeks. “Janice, it’s okay. You don’t have to cry…” he said, leaned over me and kissed my cheek. I blushed. “I… I love you…!” he said with a petite voice. “I’ve loved you ever since I saw you for the first time!” he continued and I was confused. “But… why were you so angry with me when I entered the music room?” I asked him. “Do you have any idea who ‘Kawaii’ is?” he asked and I thought about it. Wait a minute! That name is the name I gave my childhood friend! “How… do you know that childish name? I gave it to my childhood friend because he was so cute with glasses on. That word meant cute in Japanese…” I answered back. “You still don’t get it, do you?” he sighed. “I’m angry at you because you had forgotten me, ‘Kawaii’ here, in front of you!” he paused and continued, “You didn’t recognize me even when I was at the same tuition class with you. When you confessed your feelings to Chris, I was beside him!” “B- but… how come?” I was lost. God, please help me. “I’m his friend. Well, was actually. I was hoping that you will love me back… I was so happy that you begged me not to leave when I’m moving ten years ago.” He hid his face under his hands. I pulled away his hands and apologized. “I… I love you too.” I replied and he hugged me. Both of us paused for a moment and he kissed my lips.
Monday, September 28th, 2009
10:41 pm	Anarchy Anticipation Hi, thanks for viewing my short stories... For my other creations, please find the link in my webby~ Or kindly return to vyvienlee.blogspot.com for my Blog. Thanks! ________________________________________________________________________________ I was excited when I saw him walking towards me. I smiled at him as he was coming nearer. He finally noticed me! Did he actually want to talk to me? The answer is no. He was walking towards his best mate, whom sat behind me. I felt embarrassed because of my sheepish grin. I hoped he didn’t notice that ugly sight of mine.     I didn’t think someone like him would like a foreigner like me. This was my final semester anyway, why would I even bother falling in love? Back at home, I was so sad to leave my family and friends behind for a year to earn my 2+1 degree in graphic designing. I was so happy that I can further my studies in Japan! Just in a blink of an eye, a year had almost over. After that I’m going to live same, old life in a ‘whole year summer’ country.     After November, the festive celebration of the incoming Christmas Day can be seen at all streets. Thus, I spent my last moment along Christmas on those streets.     “Jesse, quickly decide now. So are you going to the Christmas Eve Party or not?” Narumi, my best mate, asked.     “Hmm… most probably I’m not going… because that day I have to pack my luggage…” I replied sadly.     “Oh, right. I almost forget that you’re flying back to Malaysia on 25th of December. That means you have to finish knitting your scarf before Christmas Day! Well, if you want to give that to Keiichi.”     “I… I guessed you’re right.”     I didn’t know why I would fall for that guy. I mean, okay. Maybe because Keiichi is smart, cute and popular. The problem is; we’re in different class. That’s why we seldom talk to each other. Even Miyuki, one of my best mates here fancied him. Well, I didn’t thought of giving up, though. My last hope lies upon on my knitting. I was knitting a scarf for him for winter and I almost successfully knit one after few days of restless nights.     After a long day at class, I thought of going home to finish up my knitting. Suddenly, I bumped into somebody.     “Oh, sorry!” I apologized. I was shocked to see Sasaki.     “Yes?!” he said, giving me a cold stare. I could feel the shivers in my spine.     “Ex… Excuse me…” I replied, almost cried.     After he and his friends walked away, I could hear one of his friend said, “Sasaki, you scared her seriously.”     Another friend said, “Sure do! His face full of ghostly features!”     “What did you say?! I’m in a bad mood today…” he replied. I still didn’t know how to face Sasaki. He looked very insincere at all. Although we’re in the same class, I still not used to talk to him. I couldn’t believe a guy like himself can be friend with Keiichi. To be friends with a top student like Keiichi looked almost impossible.     “Eh, wait a minute…” I said as I thought something is amiss. Sucks, I left my knitting bag in the class! “Hey, you girls walk first, okay? I left my stuff in class…” I quickly went back upstairs to retrieve it. Sigh, another flight of stairs… I’m pretty sure I’ll loss some weight if I kept forgetting things the next time.     As I opened the classroom door, I saw Sasaki plucking out my knitting needle, causing the thread to be plucked out slowly. I screamed as I saw that. I thought I only needed another night to complete the scarf. Guessed I’ll add another 2 nights to repair that damage Sasaki created. Thanks a lot.     “Eh, these are your stuff, Jesse? Sorry, sorry!” he replied and handed me the bag. I took out the scarf and almost cried to see the damage…     “Hey, Sasaki!” someone said behind me as I was standing in front of the door.     “Oh, hey, Keiichi,” Sasaki replied, while I was still so focused on my scarf. “Are you ready to go?” “Sorry, I’ve got to go to the library awhile,” he replied. Hey, wait. Keiichi was behind me?! “Eh, you are…” he paused and I looked at him. He really was Keiichi! My cheeks started to feel hot… “…Jesse, right? You’re the person in-charge of Executive for your class same as me, right?” he asked, giving his glasses a push.     “Ha…? Y- yes!” I hesitated. Oh my god, why can’t my heart stop pounding so fast? I hate it when it happens…     “Yeah, so you go home first okay?” he asked Sasaki while I was still blushing, staring blankly at my scarf.     “Oh, okay… See you tomorrow then…” Sasaki replied and Keiichi left. I can’t help blushing even though Keiichi already left but I think I needed to stop it. I could feel Sasaki staring at me.     “Jesse, it really hurt if you get a scarf… plus if not made by someone you like, right?” he said and I looked at him while retracing his sentence. Maybe what he said is true, but… This time I couldn’t hold them back. Droplets of tears started falling down my cheeks. Hey, my scarf is quite useful! As a handkerchief I mean. There’s no turning back, I covered my face with the scarf. After a few seconds, Sasaki pulled my hand hard, really hard.     “Quickly come with me!” he shouted.     “Eh, what?” I quickly held back my tears as I saw his astonished face. But I obeyed his order and followed him. We went out of campus, into the town centre, and into a shop. Not just any shop, but a boutique store.     “If you wanted a scarf…” he said, picking up a scarf of chequered black and white, “…this might what Keiichi likes.” I looked at it. What now? He wanted me to buy this scarf as a gift to Keiichi?     “Or this… hey, this looks pretty good!” he picked up a scarf of rainbow colours and gave it to me. As I browsed the shop a little while, “Look at me! This one is pretty interesting, huh? Why don’t you buy this one?” he said again from a corner. I saw a scarf of tiger’s stripes hanging around his neck. He wanted it for himself, is it? Whatever. I checked my purse to see if I had enough money, and voila! How come I can even forget about this? My parents didn’t mail me any money anymore since I’m going back to Malaysia next week.     “Hey, I… I didn’t bring much money today, so… let’s buy this next time.” I explained. I don’t think there’s going to be a next time. Unless if I don’t eat lunch…     “Oh, okay. If you really wanted to knit the scarf yourself, why don’t you do so after you’re really coupling with him?” I was at shocked when he said that. He’s not that bad, after all. After we left the shop, I quickly stopped him from walking the opposite direction.     “Hey, not there! Walk this way! I have to walk this way if I wanted to go home…”     “Huh? Why? I thought the hostel was that way…?” he asked curiously.     “Well, there was once I walked past that road, I saw loads of beautiful lit lights. I love to see them again.” I walked to that particular house and the lights were beautifully lit to a merry blinking white under the silver snow… Simply brilliant. I’ll never get to see this in Malaysia. Not in a tropical rain forest, whole-year-summer country.     “Wow…!” he said, staring blankly at the house. Why does he have to follow me?     “B- beautiful, isn’t it?” I asked as he continued to look at that very house. “I’m going to fly back to Malaysia soon. So I wanted to keep memories of this wonderful place before I regret it.” After a few seconds, he turned to look in my eye. I’m starting to feel shy…     “Hey, I knew a place is as beautiful as this.”     “What, really?” I asked, my eyes brighten, a lot. He smirked and pulled my hand again.     “Come with me! You’re going to love it!”     “A beautiful place…?” I was surprised. I didn’t seem to find any other place as merry as this. Don’t tell me that he’s going to bring me to a love hotel? Noooooooo! Mum, help me!     “Hey, look!” he said as he stopped, I looked at the direction he was looking at. Surprisingly merry the decoration of lights, even brighter than the house I’ve shown him. It looked as if a whole bunch of stars in the universe emerge together to twinkle in front of me… I’ve never seen such beautiful Christmas decoration ever! I wished I had a camera with me to capture this one and only beautiful moment in Japan… The marvellous scenery, his wonderful smile… it’s perfect.     “Wow, it’s beautiful, really!” I said surprisingly.     “What I said is true, right? So you should praise me, shouldn’t you?” he said happily.     At that particular moment, I thought I started got attracted to him… After the sight-seeing, I walked with him until we reached the subway.     “Be careful, yeah?” he said as we came into a halt.     “Thanks for walking me until the station…”     “No problem, bye!” he waved happily before disappearing as I was walking down the subway stairs. He really surprised me. I would never expect him to act that way. Maybe he’s not that bad, after all…!     The next morning, I sat in my classroom staring blankly at my pencil case since my class lecturer called in sick and couldn’t teach the class. Thanks to that, the whole class was in havoc. Suddenly, a figure approached me and I turned to look at Miyuki.     “Oh, good morning!” I said, surprised to see she left her boyfriend to talk to me. Yeah, she’s taken so she has no choice but to give up Keiichi. How nice for not to be enemies because we admire the same person.     To my astonishment, she gasped and pointed at the window while saying, “Hey, look at this! Down there, out of the window!” I looked at the direction of her hand and saw something sparkling. It’s more of something shiny that caught my eyes. Apparently, a few students were putting Christmas decorations on the bushes and trees.     And one of them is Sasaki.     A few of my classmates came by to look at the students too, and laughed.     “What are they hanging on the plants? Ha! Ha! Ha!”     “Are they putting lights on the trees?”     Wait… Don’t tell me that he wanted to decorate the trees like what we saw around the house last evening? I giggled at his act of craziness.     “What kind of stupid work they’re doing?” Nanami stammered suddenly, feeling annoyed. “The final exam is coming and they still got time to fool around…!” She walked away angrily. I looked at her sadly… maybe before this, I could think like this as well.     The clouds darkened as the clock showed 3 o’clock in the evening. As I walked past the campus fields, I saw they were still decorating the trees with light bulbs.     “Hey, what if I put this light bulb there?” I heard Sasaki asked his friend beside him as I approached them.     “Wait, wait. I’ve got one with me…”     “Eh, she’s Jesse, right? The foreigner student?” someone said that and Sasaki quickly turned around.     “Hi, Jesse!” he said happily when I reached him.     “What’s with you? Will the campus’ lecturers mind if you do this?” I asked curiously.     “Not at all, Keiichi asked the lecturers’ opinion. He told them that we wanted to make the campus compound to be more beautiful and a better atmosphere to study in. He said that, seriously.” He explained while hanging another light bulb on the tree. “Oh yeah, is it true that you’ll be happy when you look at things that sparkle and shines like this?” he smiled. I just looked at him blankly. “I… I wanted to help. C-can I?” I asked him suddenly and my cheeks started to heat up. He stared at me surprisingly and he smiled a really wide smile.     I enjoyed the moment very much. We hanged loads of light bulbs and decorations on the trees and bushes. Sasaki even joked about using the decorations as earrings.     There’s this moment when I was asked to hold a box of light bulbs that I got cut by a broken light bulb in the box by accident. He should’ve put on the cover of the box before giving it to me.     “What happened?”     “Jesse, you hurt your hand!”     “Its okay, no big deal…” I said, forcing a smile while I covered my hand with the other.     Suddenly Sasaki came out from nowhere and shouted at me, “What do you mean by ‘no big deal’? You’re bleeding!” He held my arm suddenly and it caused me to have a dilemma.     “I’m bringing her to get treatment. So, can you please help to clean up the things?” he said to a friend of his before he walked me into the campus. He led me into the infirmary and he waited for me outside while I’m getting my treatment. He turned to stare at me when I came out of the room.     “Are you okay?” he asked, his eyes full of concern.     “Yeah, the cut is not that deep anyway…” I replied, nodding at my bandaged hand. He let out a sigh of relief. I stared at his smile unconsciously… Maybe I should – “Thank you so much, Sa– Sasaki!” His eyes widened in disbelief. “Everyone call you by your name, right?”     “Oh, yeah, they do. Sasaki…” For a moment we felt totally silent. I was speechless. I just couldn’t look at him at all. What I was capable of was staring at the floor.     “Hey, Kagayama!” shouted someone as he was approaching behind Sasaki.     “What’s up, Keiichi?” Sasaki replied when he turned to look at the owner of the voice that shouted his family name.     “Are you serious? You’re working on the lights until this hour and not going home yet?” He asked surprisingly. “Oh, fancy meeting you here, Jesse,” he turned to look at me.     “Aha…! You’re here at this hour too?” I just didn’t know what to reply. I felt so surprised to bum into him suddenly.     “Yeah, I’m staying back to do a bit studying in the library,” he gave me a smirk.     “Oh, wow, really? You’re really hardworking. Ha! Ha!”     “Hey, I’ll head home first. You don’t really want me to interfere, do you?” Sasaki’s voice budged in suddenly.     “What? Eh!” I said, surprised. Why are you leaving me alone here with your friend? Don’t you have anything to say to him? Wait! “Sasaki… I’m so sorry. I’ll take my leave.” I apologized to Keiichi and ran to catch up with Sasaki. “Sasaki, wait!” He turned and gave me a sleepy look.     “What do you think you’re doing, going after me like that? I gave you a chance to be alone with him, didn’t I?” he replied with a sigh.     “W– what? Really…? Aha ha…” I was so stupid! I didn’t realize he gave me a chance like that. What am I doing, really…? Why…? I looked out at the window after receiving the final examination results. Quietly I stared at the sparkling decoration clinging at the plants at the campus compound, while other students discussed their results themselves. The walkway was full of students looking up their names on the notice board when they could go home from campus for the day.     “Is that you, Jesse? What are you doing standing here all alone?” asked Sasaki as he passed by. “Hi. Look at that. They’re really beautiful if you look at them from above.” I explained, pointing at the plants.     “What, really?” He looked at the direction I’m pointing. “You’re right! It’s really beautiful.”     “But if we turn on the lights, surely it will look perfect!” I suggested proudly.     “Of course I thought about that… but the lecturers disallow us to turn it on. Maybe because about how hazardous the electric is that will harm us…”     “You got a point…” I sounded rather depressed.     After a few seconds of silence, “Hey, let’s turn on the lights.” What? You wanted to disregard the lecturer’s warning? He looked at my disbelief look and smiled. “Okay, let’s go!” He cheered happily and held my hand. We were practically running downstairs and running towards some bushes. He was so silly! But it was really fun doing this. We had to hide from anyone passing by the bushes and snuck to place the lightings around the bushes, and around the trees.     As we were managing to coil the lights around the plants, Sasaki broke the silence. “So, are you going to attend the Christmas Eve party?” I turned to stare at him. He wanted me to go?     “Oh, about that… I don’t think I can turn up that day… I have to pack my luggage and get ready…” I explained sadly.     “But the year-end celebration is on the 24th…”     “Yeah…” Last day of campus in Japan…     “So, have you bought a gift for Keiichi?”     “What…? I– I haven’t bought any yet…” Why on earth did I forget about purchasing a gift to be presented to Keiichi? “I grew up with him. Since middle school we’re very close friends. He really is a nice guy…” After awhile managing the wires that were stuck at some branches, we finally coiled all necessary lights around the plants. “Victory!” We looked at each other and smiled.     “Let’s turn on the lights…!” I suggested eagerly.     “Okay!” He plucked the extension wire on the wall and connected both wires. As he did so, all the lights started blinking under a limelight. The plants really were attractive. I stared at the plants, bewildered. Looking at them made me feel so joyful. Any sad thoughts vanished from my mind.     “Wow, it’s amazing!”     “Hooray!” he shouted back. Then both of us laughed. We sat against the wall, enjoying the scenery of little blinking lights around the campus’s plants.     “It’s really beautiful…”     “Yeah… Really worth the effort.”     “Aha…!” I turned to look at him happily. But as I saw his face, I couldn’t understand suddenly he felt all gloomy. He was staring straight at me in the eyes. As I returned his gaze, my heart beat increased rapidly. He scooted to me, gave my hand a squeeze, before moving his lips to touch mine…     After awhile, he released me, turned away and looked guilty. “I’m… so sorry. I wasn’t myself just now. Forget about it, yeah?” he said, staring at the floor. I turned away from him quickly. What the hell was he doing? Kissed me suddenly, and asked me to forget what happened just now?     I pushed him hard at the side, then stood up and walked away. Away from him. I didn’t even want to look back. Jerk. I hate you! I hate you, Sasaki! What I could occupy my mind with was receive my degree, and get the hell out of here… Ring! The phone interrupted me when I was packing my files and textbooks into a cardboard box.     “Hello, Jesse? Narumi here!” The voice of a cheerful girl came out from the receiver. “I call to inform you about the Christmas Eve Party. All of us thought of changing the date of the party. If we held it on 20th, can you come along? We can organize a farewell party to you at the same time. You have to come, yeah?”     I sighed happily and said, “Sure…” I’m going to miss you guys… 20th came by so quickly. I was in the city of Tokyo, for the last few days to celebrate Christmas, and also my leaving Japan.     “Alright. As to bid our Malaysian friend, Jesse, farewell, let’s give her flowers.” Aki said, taking hold of the microphone.     Quite a lot of us cried as I received flowers from them. Some of us took photo together, and some of us tried to make each other smile again. But I felt down again as I scanned the attendants in the room. Sasaki… He didn’t come? It’s almost time for the year-end celebration, not even his shadow can be seen…     “Thank you so much for coming, everyone!” Aki’s voice boomed the amplifiers as the party ended.     “I’m so grateful, especially when you guys organize this party just for me! I really am!” I told Narumi as a whole gang of us were walking home.     “About that… If you wanted to say thank you, you should direct your thanks to Sasaki. He’s the one who gave the ideas about organizing parties.” What, Sasaki did? “He planned all the parties himself on last semester break. He even booked the room in the restaurant and called us there.” She explained as we reached the subway.     Sasaki… At an instant a face with a wonderful smile carved on it came into my mind, the very same person who enjoyed the scenery of bright lights with me that night.     “Is it true that you’ll be happy when you look at things that sparkle and shines like this?” his voice rang through my ears, the very same voice that spoke to me the other day…     The thought of when he kissed my lips that evening flashed at an instant in my mind. “Forget about it, yeah?” But… I couldn’t forget you. “24th of December, the road was full of sparkling, new Christmas decoration and many of us crowd the city for gifts…” the voice from the radio said. I dressed up neatly, ready to head outdoor when I was supposed to get ready for tomorrow’s flight… With me, a paper bag I held, I went out to the crowded city of Tokyo.     When I reached there, I saw Sasaki standing by the bushes, uncoiling the wires of the Christmas lights around the plants and putting them back into the box.     “Sasaki…?” I called him and he immediately stopped.     He turned around at an instant. “Jesse.”     “I went to your house just now, but your mum informed me that you’re here…” He looked at me gloomily, silent.     “What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to get ready for your flight tomorrow?” He asked, turning away. “Have you given anything to Keiichi?” He asked me again, without looking at me. I shoved the paper bag at his face. He stared at it, surprised.     “What’s this?” he asked, still staring at it.     “This is for you, your present…”     “I think you’re giving the present to the wrong person!” he said, pushing the bag away.     “No…! I – I like you…” I confessed. It’s done. It’s over. His eyes widened and for awhile I thought he was turned into a stone. Too shocked to move at all…     “Your kiss the other day… I could never forget about that. Because I really didn’t want to forget this valuable memory…” I explained, tears started to prick my eyes.     He used a hand to rub his forehead. “Can you… stop saying something as stupid as this…?” Instantly I frowned and my tears stopped. “Because you’ll make me… harder to let go of you…!” I was happy to hear that. But my tears started to flow down my cheeks and I threw myself under his arms.     Maybe this Snowy Christmas is the last for me here… But no matter when I will return, my feelings towards you will always sparkle and blink brightly. Always.     We kissed under the brightly lit Christmas decorations of Tokyo.